The Piddington Society

Lawyers on TikTok: Ethics, Influence and the New Front Door to the Profession

Tiktok lawyers' Mel Storey, David Gale and Alison Cusack will present a one hour CPD exploring how the profession is evolving and how platforms like TikTok are being used to engage, educate and in some cases, challenge traditional perceptions of lawyers.

Topics will include: 

• whether social media is becoming a de facto first point of contact for legal information, and what that means for access to justice

• how lawyers navigate the line between general legal information and legal advice in a fast-moving, public forum

• the ethical and professional risks associated with publishing legal content, including confidentiality, accuracy and unintended client relationships

• reputational considerations, including how content may be perceived by clients, courts and the profession over time

• the role of lawyers in responding to misinformation and whether the profession has a responsibility to be more visible online

• how social media is reshaping public expectations of lawyers, including accessibility, tone and trust

• the tension between personal brand and professional identity, particularly for early-career practitioners

• how social media can be used for a career guidance, mentoring and support

Speakers:

Mel Storey is a lawyer, mentor and content creator working at the intersection of law, leadership and modern career design. She has practised across private practice and in-house roles, most recently as Head of Legal for the Asia-Pacific region at a global technology marketplace.

Recognised by the Queensland Law Society as In-House Lawyer of the Year and named in Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30, Mel stepped away from traditional practice to focus on broader impact, creativity and career innovation within the profession.

Through Counsel Media and her mentoring platform Career Big Sis, Mel supports lawyers to navigate and reshape their careers. Her writing, workshops and digital resources have reached thousands across Australia and globally, alongside her podcast and online presence, where she shares practical insights into building a sustainable and meaningful legal career.

David Gale is the founder and director of Gale Family Law, a Melbourne-based firm specialising in family law matters for professionals, executives and business owners. 

An Accredited Specialist in Family Law, he is also a collaborative lawyer and accredited mediator. Admitted to practice in 2014, David established his firm to offer a more client-focused, solutions-driven alternative to traditional legal services, with an emphasis on resolving disputes efficiently and avoiding unnecessary litigation.

Alison Cusack is the founder and principal lawyer of Cusack & Co, a boutique firm focused on delivering practical, values-driven legal solutions to the maritime and commercial sectors. A first class honours graduate of Victoria University, she was admitted to practice in 2012 and began her career as in-house corporate counsel with ANL. Alison established her firm in 2018 to offer a more flexible, commercially focused approach, helping clients resolve immediate issues while managing long-term risk.

A recognised leader in the maritime community, Alison is a former President of WISTA Australia and has served on the committee of MLAANZ, as well as contributing to MMIF. She has also lectured at master’s level in business and company law.