I lead a group of teams around the country advocating for people harmed through no fault of their own, providing mentorship and support so we can improve access to justice for all.

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Inclusion, Equity, Representation.

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Developing truly diverse thinking within the legal industry requires a multifaceted approach involving changes in education, recruitment practices, workplace culture, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Education and Training: Universities need to incorporate diversity and inclusion training into their curriculum to educate future lawyers about the importance of diverse perspectives in legal practice. This education should encompass understanding biases, cultural competence, and the impact of diversity on legal outcomes.

Recruitment and Hiring Practices: Law firms and legal departments should implement inclusive recruitment strategies to attract diverse talent. This involves actively seeking candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, implementing blind hiring practices to reduce bias, and providing equal opportunities for advancement.

Mentorship and Support: Establishing mentorship programs that pair junior lawyers with experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds can provide support and guidance for career advancement. Additionally, fostering a supportive work environment where all employees feel valued and included is crucial for retaining diverse talent.

Promotion of Diversity in Leadership: Encouraging diversity in leadership positions within law firms and legal organisations is essential for driving cultural change. Having diverse leadership not only sets an example but also ensures that decision-making processes incorporate a variety of perspectives.

Client Representation and Advocacy: Law firms should prioritise diverse representation among their clients and advocate for diversity and inclusion in legal matters. This includes providing pro bono services to underrepresented communities and actively participating in diversity initiatives within the legal profession.

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I knew from a young age that I wanted a career that allowed me to help people, this was heavily influenced by my parents who instilled values of compassion and empathy in me. Growing up in a small coastal town involved family holidays to various cities where we would always visit the local court and sit in the back of a court room watching whatever matters were listed for the day. Looking back now it is seems like such an odd thing to do, but I loved it! This peaked my interest in law. My desire to help people and practice law saw me land in a firm that has social justice at it’s heart.

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