This is Allens

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be an IP lawyer; I was attracted by the intersection of law with creativity and innovation. An introduction by one of my high school teachers to a leading IP lawyer cemented my choice, and led me to study Arts / Law at the University of Sydney.

Along the path to partnership, there have been some pivotal moments – from being a fresh-faced graduate lawyer visiting Japanese clients for a significant patent proceeding, to my secondment with Linklaters in London. These experiences expanded my perspective, and honed my skills in both litigious and transactional IP work, instilling an appreciation for the value that true collaboration across the firm can deliver to clients.

My time with Linklaters helped to forge really strong connections that now benefit our mutual clients and enhance the way we're thinking about emerging issues like AI. With IP law having such a strong international dimension, there's a lot of value we can offer clients when we harness the expertise and insights of the global network.

The impact of AI is one of those topics us IP 'nerds' are really into, especially with regard to how our current legal frameworks can or cannot work with the new challenges it brings. But, in a way, as a legal practitioner, you are always operating in that space – trying to figure out how new technologies can work with existing legal frameworks and how to drive changes to keep up. I can remember being at uni when social media first launched – that felt like a big change. AI is clearly going to be momentous in terms of its impact, but I feel that as IP lawyers, we are well equipped to deal with change and help our clients navigate it.

Thirteen years after joining Allens, my expectations for a career in IP have been completely surpassed. The collaborative nature, energy and spirit of innovation that all of our colleagues bring to their jobs is really infectious – it makes work fun and ensures every day is different.

As I join the partnership, the firm is achieving its 40:40:20 gender target. Allens has always struck me as a firm that supports diversity and is a leader in the legal profession. Throughout my career, I've been influenced by many strong female leaders who thrived in their roles, which they each approached in their own way. Their impact was empowering, and meant I never had to consider that being a female from a minority background might hold me back – it never crossed my mind.