Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?  

A few years back when our legal team was smaller, one of our lawyers let us know he was moving back to private practice. While we were understanding of his decision and sad to see him move on, it meant we were also faced with an immediate resourcing gap at a busy time. On learning more about the membership-style structure of the firm he was joining, I suggested that we look to engage our trusted former colleague to provide legal helpdesk extension services on an interim basis. It was a low-cost solution that eased the pressure of re-hiring immediately and our former colleague was able to upskill his new team to service our needs with minimal instruction from our side. We have since utilised this additional resource on several occasions during busy periods or when multiple team members are taking leave. 

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?  

We are a dynamic and dedicated in-house team that provides support to the business across a range of core activities, including documenting and structuring a diverse range of client engagements, distribution agreements with insurers and underwriters, participating in new business opportunities, advising the M&A function, and managing a national litigation practice. During my five years at Gallagher, my role has expanded to include strategic project work with a regulatory focus, such as assisting with Gallagher’s adoption of the 2022 NIBA Code, providing submissions to government in respect of the Quality of Advice Review, and more recently, implementing changes associated with expansion of the UCT regime. I feel extremely lucky to work with my team at Gallagher – they are an incredibly supportive, positive, and inspiring bunch. 

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?  

I am really passionate about keeping girls engaged in competitive sport for as long as possible. It has been reported that by 15 years of age more than 50% of girls have quit all forms of sport. I have been involved with a number of women’s sporting teams, and I can see the benefits for young girls in terms of improving fitness, building confidence and transferable skills, and also creating healthy outlets. It is wonderful that girls now have the opportunity to pursue a wider range of sports that have not always been open to women due to gender stereotypes, such as rowing, rugby, and soccer. Like many others no doubt, I think the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and The Matilda’s performance was an unforgettable turning point in Australian sport that has highlighted the power of accessible female role models. It is important to continue this conversation and encourage young women to stay active. Gallagher is a big supporter of women’s sport and this year we were announced as the official partner of women’s rugby and the women’s 2025 Rugby World Cup, which is very exciting.