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What happens when a fourth-generation lawyer walks away from big-firm life and builds one of the most recognisable legal brands in Australia - using coffee, clarity, and a deep command of corporate law?

In this episode of The Ryan Tan Show, I sit down with James d’Apice - founder and principal of Gravamen, and creator of the viral series Coffee and a Case Note - to explore how he’s modernising the legal profession while remaining anchored in serious commercial expertise.

A seasoned commercial litigator, James specialises in shareholder and co-owner disputes, oppression proceedings, and equity claims under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) - representing clients in complex matters that often determine control, value, and the future of their businesses. His ability to translate that technical depth into plain English has made Coffee and a Case Note a national phenomenon - a masterclass in accessible, human-centred legal storytelling.

At Gravamen, James applies the same rigour to his practice as he does to his content. The firm’s focus on high-stakes disputes and tailored strategic advice attracts founders, directors, and investors navigating breakdowns in trust and governance. Beyond the courtroom, his Values in Action initiative donates at least $1,000 each month to organisations addressing inequality, wealth disparity, and environmental sustainability - embedding social responsibility into the DNA of the firm.

From litigation strategy and corporate governance to communication and ethics, James shares how discipline, authenticity, and courage can redefine what modern legal leadership looks like.

💡 What You’ll Learn

☕ How Coffee and a Case Note evolved from a one-minute experiment into a national legal micro-brand

📱 Why short-form storytelling and platforms like TikTok are transforming professional credibility and client trust

💸 The economics of charging your rate - and why underpricing erodes both respect and results

⚖️ Lessons from shareholder and oppression disputes - how to recognise, prevent, and resolve co-owner conflicts before they escalate

💼 How Gravamen’s Values in Action program turns principle into policy - proving profit and purpose can coexist

🚀 The blueprint for building a high-value boutique practice grounded in focus, integrity, and client alignment

🌍 Why the next generation of lawyers will need as much fluency in communication and ethics as they do in law

🔗 Connect with James d’Apice

🌐 Website: gravamen.com.au

☕ Watch: Coffee and a Case Note on YouTube

📱 TikTok: @coffeeandacasenote

💼 LinkedIn: James d’Apice

📸 Instagram: @coffeeandacasenote

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