Legally Different®

An International Career Leap // James Cooper - Legal Adviser to Papua New Guinea's Department of Health

Episode Summary

James Cooper, an Australian qualified lawyer, began his legal career on the corporate path working in Melbourne when it soon became apparent to him that the traditional ladder was not for him, so (long story short, of course) he took a "leap of faith" and now specialises in international development and policy. This leap had international reach which has resulted in James living and working in a number of countries including; the Solomon Islands, Sierra Leone and Papua New Guinea where he is currently based.

Episode Notes

James Cooper, an Australian qualified lawyer, began his legal career on the corporate path working  in Melbourne when it soon became apparent to him that the traditional ladder was not for him, so (long story short, of course) he took a "leap of faith" and now specialises in international development and policy. This leap had international reach which has resulted in James living and working in a number of countries including;  the Solomon Islands, Sierra Leone and to his current role as legal advisor to  Papua New Guinea's National Department of Health. James' work has chiefly centred around law reform.

James attributes his opportunities to the Oxford Policy Fellowship which works in partnership with governments of low and middle income countries to support  policy reform.

James' episode cover shows him wearing a traditional Sierra Leoneon "lappa" jacket made, which is proudly wore during his time there.

In this episode we get into:-

• James' path into law and early working career in Melbourne;
• The pivot period resulting in a fellowship based  in the Solomon Islands;
• The Oxford Policy Fellowship;
• Returning to Melbourne to undertake a masters;
• Working on health law reform in Sierra Leone;
• James' current position as legal adviser to  Papua New Guinea's National Department of Health;
  • What James does and typical projects he works on;
  • How the 'pandemic' has altered the focus of his work  - assisting with P&G's response  i.e. legalities around border closures.
• Personal insights of living / working in Papua New Guinea.
• What James would tell his younger self if he could chat to him.
• Why James is Legally Different.

CONTACT INFO + LINKS

You can find out more about The Oxford Policy Fellowship here.

You can connect with James via LinkedIn here. 

Legally Different:-

• Instagram:@legallydifferent 
• Email: hello@legallydifferent.com

Thank you for tuning in!

Lauren