In this episode, we sit down with James Kanabar and Virosh Poologasundram, partners at Allens, to explore what it takes to build a successful career in investment funds law and why the practice continues to evolve alongside the broader private capital market.
Drawing on decades of experience advising leading fund managers, institutional investors and private capital clients, James and Virosh offer a candid insight into the realities of life as investment funds lawyers. They explain how the practice has changed over time, the growing importance of access funds, and why the breadth of the work continues to make the area both intellectually challenging and professionally rewarding.
What stands out throughout the conversation, however, is not just their technical expertise but their approach to developing people. They speak openly about mentorship, creating opportunities for junior lawyers, and the qualities they believe distinguish those who go on to build exceptional careers. Curiosity, commercial judgement and the confidence to ask questions all emerge as recurring themes.
The discussion also explores the role of international experience in shaping legal careers. Both James and Virosh reflect on the opportunities they have had to study and work overseas, how those experiences broadened their perspectives, and why building relationships across jurisdictions has had a lasting impact on their professional development.
A significant part of the conversation focuses on the future of the profession. From the growing role of AI in legal practice to changing client expectations, they discuss how lawyers can embrace new technologies while continuing to develop the judgement, communication skills and commercial awareness that clients value most.
Alongside these broader themes, James and Virosh share personal reflections on their own career journeys, what has kept them motivated throughout their time in the profession, and why the people you work with can have as much influence on your career as the work itself. Their advice is thoughtful, practical and grounded in years of experience working with sophisticated clients on complex matters.
It is an engaging and insightful conversation about investment funds law, mentorship, leadership and building a fulfilling legal career.
Watch the full episode.
