This is Allens

I didn't necessarily think I'd end up practising law - I was probably always more enamoured by business - but M&A has turned out to be the perfect fit.

I remember my first interview at Allens well. The partners who interviewed me, with whom I still work closely, were focused on building the leading private equity practice in the market and sold me quickly on their vision for it. Roll forward a few years and the next phase of our growth story excites me just as much.

My first transaction at the firm was for a then-small hospitality business and its private equity owner. I've gone on to work with both of them across a range of transactions and recently advised on the exit of what is now the second largest outfit of its kind in the country. Supporting clients to grow businesses like that is so rewarding. It was a full circle moment for me.  

The investment landscape in Australia continues to evolve at pace and private capital is a major driver of that. It's an exciting time to be a lawyer in the space and have the opportunity to work with sponsors and management teams as they shape our markets through often novel M&A transactions.

I've been the beneficiary of some remarkable mentors among the partnership here - both at Allens and our alliance partner Linklaters in London - as well as plenty of good fortune along the way. I'm enormously grateful for that and paying it forward with the people in my team is a real priority.