Experience almost always trumps a university degree.
Founder and Principal of PCL Lawyers, Glenn Duker has cultivated expertise in many different areas of the law since entering the field in 1995. With 20+ years of experience as a lawyer and solicitor in Melbourne, Australia, Glenn has been able to share his knowledge with others. With Glenn Duker’s vast knowledge of business law and commercial litigation, he has become the professional choice for countless individuals and companies who have needed advice on managing a business and dispute resolution.
Glenn Duker has always had a passion for the law. He excelled at debating, academia, and sports while attending Mentone Grammar School in Melbourne. Glenn furthered his education as he attended the University of Melbourne. He completed his major in politics and found that he had developed his passion for law. Once he graduated, Glenn entered the legal profession in the mid-1990s.
Starting his career with Maddock Lonie Chisholm, Glenn Duker gained experience in property litigation and working with commercial and local governments during this time. It wasn’t long before Glenn discovered he had an entrepreneurial drive. During his entrepreneurial journey, Glenn Duker has discovered crucial lessons to help a business be successful. Glenn understands that it takes time to grow a successful business. Glenn had founded organizations earlier in his career and founded PCL Lawyers in Melbourne. At PCL Lawyers, Glenn helps with matters that include business, commercial, employment, will and testament, probate, and trademark legal matters.
Glenn Duker has learned the importance of developing a keen eye for detail, being organised, and having a great set of systems to train lawyers. Glenn Duker’s goal has been to create a workplace where lawyers and other staff members can thrive while enjoying the challenges that come along with the work they do.
“Once I started practising law, I learned quickly that in the real world, every day was an ‘exam,’ applying legal principles to real-life scenarios in order to help solve real-world problems.”
Not only is Glenn Duker a dedicated lawyer, but Glenn has also dedicated himself to religion. Although he is an analytical person by nature, Glenn has learned that in order to receive a God-given miracle, you must have pure faith. Glenn had experienced his own miracle at the age of eighteen and after years of questioning, he knew wholly that salvation was real. For over thirty years, Glenn has given himself fully to the teachings of God. He has taken many trips around the world to help spread the word of God and perform baptisms.
A man of many talents, Glenn has proven time again the strength of his passions. He has put so much time and work into every aspect of his life, making him a trusted lawyer and person.
Where did the idea for PCL Lawyers come from?
PCL Lawyers represents the areas of law in which the firm was founded: property, commercial and litigation. It is an anachronism. The firm is essentially one that advises businesses about a broad range of legal issues but now also offers advice in relation to family law issues.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
A typical workday will involve management of the part of the firm for which I am responsible as Managing Partner. I do meet with clients, particularly when a case is complex, but a good part of my day is spent striving to help the firm functions at its optimum level.
How do you bring ideas to life?
All ideas start with a concept. The methodology can be built out from there.
What’s one trend that excites you?
That several of the old paradigms about practising law are changing. The internet has undoubtedly made research easier (although there is a range in the quality of the information available). Delivery of advice is faster now. I like that. It’s easier for the client.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Rising early and seizing the day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be conservative. Almost everything takes longer than you think.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Experience almost always trumps a university degree.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Work hard and keep going. Never give up. So many people want to take time off to waste a lot of time in my view on unproductive spectator sports. There are 24 hours in a day. Use them wisely.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Having a passion for marketing and working hard to offer incredible value for money.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Trying to push growth too fast. I have learned the value of systems and patience – and of taking a longer-term view.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Someone should bring half and half milk to Australia! It’s great and goes well with drip coffee. Combined, it is still fewer calories than a latte!
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
On coaching. I believe in it because it holds a person to account in completing important tasks rather than just being “busy” doing any old thing.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Reminders on my iPhone are great. It is great for setting alerts when things come up on the go.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The Bible. I am a spirit-filled Christian. The Bible holds the secrets to eternal life and how to have a relationship with God.
What is your favorite quote?
It’s nice to be important but it’s important to be nice.
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Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.