See You Later, 2025: What Fisk Taught Us About Heart-Centered Law

See You Later, 2025: What Fisk Taught Us About Heart-Centered Law

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

December 26, 2025

As we prepare to say “See You Later Mate” to 2025, many of us are looking for a bit of "Gal Pal O’Clock" energy offered up in the Australian comedy Fisk.  The Season 3 finale wasn't just about the quirky chaos of Gruber & Associates; it was a masterclass in embracing growth and the (sometimes messy) evolution of our professional lives.  Without spoiling the heartwarming pivots Helen and her colleagues make, there is a specific thread in the episode that struck a chord with me. It’s a list of attributes one should look for in quality legal counsel. But as I reflected on them, I realized they aren't just for lawyers—they are the gold standard for any partnership we enter into, whether in business, health, or creative endeavors.

The Power of the "Good Listener"

In a world that prizes the "loudest voice in the room," Helen Tudor-Fisk reminds us that the most effective advocate is often the one who says the least at the start.  A professional who listens isn't just waiting for their turn to speak; they are gathering the nuances of your situation that a generic template would miss.  This is why I start my client meetings with the question “what is your goal, what do you want to accomplish with your estate plan”.  Knowing the goal allows me to select the right legal tools to build a bridge to that outcome, rather than just handing you a stack of papers

The Art of the Tailored Plan

While Helen wears the exact same suit day in and day out, working with a cookie-cutter approach for everyone is not ideal.  There is no one-size-fits-all in law, just as there isn't in life.  Quality counsel looks at your specific variables—your family dynamics, your fears, and your long-term goals—to build a roadmap that actually fits your life, rather than forcing your life to fit a legal box.

The Requirement of "Heart"

Perhaps the most "un-lawyerly" trait on the list is also the most vital: having a heart. We often mistake stoicism for professionalism. But as we saw this season, empathy doesn't make a person weak or less "sharp"—it makes them more invested. When your counsel cares about the outcome as a human being, the quality of the work reaches a different level entirely.  With my clients I commonly say “I’m not just a lawyer; I’m a parent. I know firsthand that preserving family harmony isn't just a 'nice to have'—it’s often the primary goal.” I encourage my clients to view their plan through the eyes of their children: Will this document help them heal, or will it add to their grief?

As we head into 2026, let’s look for partners who offer more than just a billable hour. Let's look for the folks we’d invite to Gal Pal O’Clock: the listeners, the tailors, and the empaths. 

Remember that a blog is not legal advice; it is meant to spark thought and reflection.  It is best to seek legal counsel from an attorney in your home state that is crafted for your specific situation.  If you enjoyed this post, consider sharing it on your favorite social media platform.  Be well, and thanks for reading!