Damon Laffin

Since graduating, my journey has been a dynamic mix of professional growth, education, and personal milestones. I launched and ran the Young Lawyer Podcast for over two years, providing junior lawyers and law students with insights from senior legal professionals while also building invaluable connections. Over four years, I gained hands-on experience in litigation, dispute resolution, and business across two different firms. I further expanded my expertise by completing a Master of Applied Law (specialising in Commercial Litigation). On a personal level, I’ve been fortunate to grow my family—with one young boy, another on the way, and getting engaged. In August 2024, I took the leap to establish Odyssey Legal, and it's been incredible to see it grow into a recognised and reputable firm. The journey has been a challenging yet rewarding balance of learning, building, and evolving—both in business and in life.

Before starting my law degree, I began working as a law clerk at a generalist firm, gaining hands-on experience in criminal law, conveyancing, and domestic violence matters. At the time, I was living in Central Queensland, and choosing to study at CQU was a practical decision—it provided easy access to resources and allowed me to balance work and study effectively. This early exposure to legal practice gave me a strong foundation and a real-world understanding of the law before I even stepped into university.

Running a law firm is more than just practicing law—it’s about building and managing an entire business. From sales and marketing to attract the right clients, to client acquisition and relationship management to ensure trust and retention, every aspect plays a crucial role in growth. Then there’s the legal work itself—delivering high-quality advice and representation—while also handling accounting, financial management, and compliance to keep the business running smoothly. Networking is another essential piece, forging relationships with other professionals, referral partners, and industry leaders to expand opportunities. Balancing all these moving parts requires strategic thinking, adaptability, and a strong vision for the firm’s future.