Commercial Litigation is not "Suits"

Commercial litigation is often seen as fast-paced courtroom work. In practice, it is structured, technical and often repetitive, with moments of high pressure and significant responsibility.In this episode, Queensland commercial litigator and accredited mediator Antoni Berardone explains how litigation actually works, from the early stages of a dispute through to resolution. He outlines the roles of solicitors and barristers, what lawyers spend most of their time doing, and why many matters never reach trial.The conversation also explores mediation, how it differs from litigation, and why it is often a preferred pathway for resolving disputes.A key theme is the gap between academic success and professional effectiveness. Antoni explains what skills matter in practice, how pressure shows up in legal work, and why burnout is common in this area of law.There is also a practical discussion on AI in legal practice, including the risks of relying on inaccurate outputs and how it is already affecting client expectations.This episode is useful if you are: • considering studying law • exploring litigation as a career path • unsure how legal work differs from what is shown in media • wanting a realistic understanding of pressure and progression in lawListen for a grounded explanation of how commercial litigation actually works and what the career involves beyond the surface.Real jobs. Real insight. No Gloss.If this conversation prompted you to think differently about your own career path, explore more episodes or learn how Curated Careers can support your next step.