Her story

Kathryn is a Partner at Clayton Utz.

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Without mentioning your job title, how would you describe what it is you do now (whether at home, work, in the community, etc.)?

I specialise in environment and planning law. I work on approvals strategies and environmental assessments for major infrastructure and resources projects, help clients manage environmental incidents and advise on a range of legislative and policy issues.

What are the first three words you think of when you hear the word ‘diversity’?

Ideas, individuality, variety.

What do you think it will take to develop truly diverse thinking within the legal industry?

As lawyers our job is to find solutions. The best solutions are developed through diversity in thinking, experience, relationships and perspective.Clients demanding better and more innovative solutions will drive the need for truly diverse thinking.

What was your main driver to enter the legal industry?

Total ignorance. I had a vague notion that I wanted to combine environmental science with accountability, and studied science and law. Fortunately with the support of a number of mentors, project teams and clients, I found what I wanted to do.