Overview
Interview
Can you tell us about your time at Deakin? Is there anything you especially remember?
The friendships that I formed were the best part of my experience at Deakin. My best friendships were all formed there.
What has been your journey since finishing your course?
I worked in various legal roles in Australia for eight years before taking the California bar exam and moving to the US. Although I relocated to the US with the intent of becoming a US litigator my journey has taken me to unexpected places. After practicing in the US I realised that there was a huge gap in the legal market and as such, for the last eight years I have built up a niche practice for the firm which focuses on assisting companies to expand into new markets. I am now qualified in Australia, New Zealand, the US and soon to be the UK (I just passed the bar exam there). I have assisted over 300 companies to take their business global.
What has been the biggest influence on your career?
Watching other inspirational entrepreneurs and female leaders in their own journeys.
Have you always wanted to pursue the kind of career you have embarked on? If so, when and how did you realise?
No. I followed a journey and this is where it led me. I realised that this is what I wanted to do once I saw the opportunity and realised that the part of legal practice that I am most passionate about is watching the growth of companies and the journey that they each go through when they expand internationally and move from being a local success story to a global one.
What advice would you give graduates wanting to pursue a similar profession?
Take risks! There are many different ways to use your degree and practice law these days and many of them no longer involve the traditional law firm path. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. What is the worst that could happen? You always have a well-respected degree to fall back on.
What do you believe Deakin University has shown you/given you as a person?
Attending Deakin taught me that it does not matter where you start out. What matters is what you make of the opportunities that are presented to you and the impression that you leave on people along the way. Kindness matters and you reap what you sew!
What are your passions outside your work?
I am a passionate advocate for surrogacy rights in Australia. Having had two children via surrogate here in the US I am actively advocating for change in this area of law in Australia so that it is more accessible for families there.
Is there any advice you would give to a person who is starting out in your career?
Work hard, learn all that you can and find a great mentor.
What is something that amazes you?
Resilience and the human spirit. There are so many amazing people around the world that are doing truly inspiring and great things. If you don’t get out there and travel you will never find out.