Can you provide an overview of your career journey so far?
I started working as a legal secretary after I had completed my Bachelor of Arts (English Literature) and whilst I was finishing my Master of Nursing and had started my Juris Doctor (postgraduate law). Towards the end of my law degree, I started doing more hands-on work with files, which I really enjoyed, particularly litigation matters. After being admitted as a solicitor in early 2011, I worked in several different firms, practising mainly in insolvency and commercial litigation. In 2021, I was called to the bar, and I have been working as a barrister ever since. I no longer hold my nursing registration but have been heavily involved with St John Ambulance NSW in a volunteer capacity since Year 9 and am currently the State Youth Program Coordinator (Operations), a role that sits within NSW's State Youth Team, who are responsible for the development and delivery of programmes, social events, and policies for cadets and youth in NSW.
What inspired you to pursue this career path?
Certainly, by late high school, I knew I wanted to get into law. I really enjoyed advocacy and analysing problems - and I wasn't afraid of public speaking, as I'm sure my former teachers will tell you! There are lots of different areas of law; my focus remains primarily insolvency / commercial litigation with a niche area of trade credit insurance. I do a lot of work with corporations or liquidators / external administrators, often trying to piece together why a company failed if it can be salvaged, and how creditors can get paid. For me, the rule of law plays an important part in the structure of society, and I see my role as helping to ensure that it is maintained. I also see each matter as a problem-solving exercise and there is definitely a measure of satisfaction in helping to find, or advocating for, a solution. My volunteering with St John lets me meet new people and give back to the community, including helping young people develop as leaders. It is very rewarding, and I am honoured to have been admitted into the Order of St John in recognition of my service.
What are your future aspirations?
At this stage, I am focused on building my barristerial experience in a variety of Court matters and working with different senior counsel to expand my learning. I have written a number of published articles/presentations on insolvency and will continue in that space. One day, likely many years from now, I'm sure there will be a PhD, but whether on law or literature or both or neither remains to be seen!
What advice can you give to our Hills Originals?
Be yourself - embrace your nerdiness/oddities/passions. They're likely where your biggest successes and greatest happiness will be found. Make time for yourself - there will always be another task at work or study that you could stay back and do, but you need to allow time for relaxation and family/friends. I am very strict about not working on holidays when on leave. It's important that I give myself time to recharge properly so that I can enjoy my non-work life and come back refreshed.
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