Tell us about your journey to becoming a partner at W+K

My journey to partner has possibly been one of the most unorthodox ones, which is what makes it special. My human rights lawyering path has included roles in community legal centres, advising United Nations peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Liberia, and more recently as CEO of Economic Justice Australia. Combining this broad human rights experience with law firm pro bono leadership roles has meant that I come to partnership bringing together diverse relationships and perspectives.

What made you decide to become a lawyer

I’ve always felt motivated to do something about injustice. Seeing the film “Cry Freedom” about apartheid South Africa at school really started me down the social justice path. As I didn’t know any lawyers, I don’t think I had any real idea of what a lawyer actually did and actually felt quite lost at law school until I started volunteering at a community legal centre and saw the practical difference that legal knowledge made.

How do you see your role in pro bono and community making an impact? 

By using my most recent experience as a trusted advisor to Government Ministers and Departments on the impact of laws, policies and practices on the people who are least able to advocate for themselves, to support the change-making work of our pro bono and community partners. The impact is ultimately a fairer system for everyone.

What do you think is a major issue facing your area of law?

Human rights laws and frameworks are only as effective as the cultures that respect and genuinely give effect to the ideals on which they are based. There are challenges with building a human rights culture at a time when there is so much misinformation and polarisation. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to use my platform as partner to contribute to the conversation, to help build a stronger human rights culture in Australia.

What’s the best piece of advice (work or personal) you’ve been given?

When you’re not in a good headspace, and need to make big decisions, create a table with 3 columns: 1) the decision to be made, 2) the decision you’re thinking of making and 3) what the most confident version of yourself would do – then just do #3.

What do you enjoy most about working at W+K?

The excellent people I work with throughout the firm, the supportive leadership and the opportunity to exercise leadership on a whole variety of issues I care about.

What do you get up to outside of law?

Photos, cats, the ocean – and photos of cats and the ocean.

Complete this sentence – if I wasn’t a lawyer, I would be…

A music teacher (I auditioned and got into the Conservatorium of Music before making the snap decision to do law).