Tia Konczak

Legal Counsel

AtkinsRéalis

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Her story

Tia is the Legal Counsel at AtkinsRéalis.

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

I dedicate myself to uplifting others, whether young and aspiring lawyers, colleagues, or those in my personal life, by mentoring them and sharing my journey to demonstrate that success comes in many forms and to never let anyone put you down, no matter what comments you may encounter, whether about your age, looks, history or gender. I focus on breaking the traditional mold, showing that diverse pathways are just as valuable as conventional routes, whether starting in-house, or transitioning between private practice and in-house roles. Everyone's story has unseen chapters, and we should honour what people have overcome to reach where they are today. I always wanted to go in-house straight from university but, even for experience, I never had the luxury of pursuing a traditional clerkship due to the demands of supporting myself through university. I worked up to four jobs while studying full-time while at one point, completing six law subjects across two respective trimesters due to cross-institutional studies. My mission is to inspire confidence and resilience, proving that background or circumstances do not define one’s potential and that we should have fluidity in moving between the two pathways. Coming from a family with no legal connections, I work hard to make my mum proud, as she has shown incredible strength in rebuilding her life. This fuels my passion for advocating that everyone’s unique journey deserves recognition and respect, especially as we never know someone’s full story or what someone may have had to go through to be where they are today. I’m committed to fostering an inclusive legal community, encouraging adaptability, and demonstrating that all experiences, regardless of age or background, can bring something meaningful to the table. Above all, I strive to inspire others to embrace their paths and succeed on their terms.

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

Opportunity, empowerment, and perspective.

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

Developing truly diverse thinking within the legal industry requires a further cultural shift that embraces and values non-traditional pathways, varied experiences, and diverse perspectives. It starts with recognizing that excellence in law isn’t confined to a single route or background. By fostering an environment where individuals from different walks of life are encouraged and supported, we can open doors for innovation and creativity. This means rethinking recruitment and development processes to focus less on rigid benchmarks and more on potential, adaptability, and unique contributions. Leaders need to dismantle biases about age, experience, or the strict requirement of specific career paths. We also need to bridge the perceived divide between private practice and in-house roles. Both sectors bring valuable insights and skills that, when shared and acknowledged, can enrich the profession as a whole. Promoting fluidity between these areas can encourage lawyers to embrace new challenges and bring fresh perspectives to their work. It’s about showing, not just saying, that every pathway and every voice matters. When we celebrate the richness of diverse thinking, we cultivate a legal 

What was your main driver to enter the legal industry?

My main driver to enter the legal industry was a combination of passion, purpose, and a deep desire to make my mum proud. She has always been my greatest inspiration. Her strength in rebuilding her life with my brother and myself, after being left with nothing abruptly, taught me resilience and the importance of helping those in need, even when there’s no personal gain. I wanted to show her that, no matter where we come from, we can rise above our circumstances and be a source of strength for each other. Plus, she always loved the idea of having a lawyer in the family, and I couldn’t resist giving her that dream! From a young age, I was also fascinated by the power of the law - the way it intertwines with every aspect of life and serves as a tool for advocacy, and progress. In high school, my legal studies classes cemented my path. I loved exploring the complexities of the law, and later, the blend of commerciality and legal acumen captivated me. Understanding how businesses work and the legal frameworks that support them showed me how much influence the law has, as the law puts us into everything, it is the ultimate backstage pass of society. It allows you to see behind the curtain, influence outcomes, and advocate for change where it’s needed most. For me, the law is not just a career but a means to be a powerhouse for those who need a voice. It’s about standing strong for others, ensuring their stories are heard, and making a meaningful impact, whether for my mum and brother, clients, or anyone else who needs support. As one of my favourite quotes says, "Lawyers are the swords of the century, words are their weapons." That belief continues to fuel my journey every day.

Tia Konczak

Legal Counsel

AtkinsRéalis

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