Assistant general counsel | Chartered Accountants, Australia and New Zealand
Associate general counsel Asia | McKinsey & Company
Head of legal - corporate and energy | ENGIE - Australia and New Zealand
Executive director legal - project delivery | Sydney Metro
Governance specialist - disclosure and risk and audit committee | BHP
Senior specialist lawyer - corporate | Insurance Australia Group (IAG)
Senior legal counsel | Chartered Accountants, Australia and New Zealand
Associate general counsel/director | Capgemini
General counsel for New Zealand and senior legal counsel for Australia | HP
Associate general counsel, Asia Pacific privacy legal | Meta
Executive director legal - construction and major projects | Transport for NSW
Deputy general counsel, office of general counsel – defence legal | Australian Department of Defence
Head of legal - Australia and New Zeland | FIFA Women's World Cup Australia - New Zealand 2023
Associate general counsel | Autralian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Deputy general counsel | Services Australia - Commonwealth Government
Associate general counsel and board secretary | Deloitte
Vice president legal, minerals Australia and employee relations | BHP
General counsel - M&A, treasury and corporate services | The Lottery Corporation
Manager - corporate governance and compliance | Pacific National
Deputy general counsel | Port Authority of New South Wales
Senior legal counsel - Hunter Valley and Interstate | ARTC
Associate general counsel, real estate and core infrastructure equity | AMP
It was an honour to lead the research for The Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Rising Stars Australia 2022, the first edition after the imposed hiatus of the pandemic. The rising stars theme encapsulates a range of lawyers in a variety of industries, who are all doing incredible work in their field; this edition is an offshoot from our usual research in Australia, The GC Powerlist Australia, a publication which identifies the most senior in-house counsel within Australia. Interviews in this edition have touched upon the risks that counsel face in their industries, how up-and-coming lawyers give support to their legal functions, and challenges that they have overcome on their journeys.
In spite of the overall uncertainty of global and local markets following the Covid-19 pandemic, esteemed counsel in this publication were delighted to share their success in aiding their organisations to continue to thrive and grow. Caroline Corish, deputy general counsel at MUFG Bank, highlights the importance of flexibility in such uncertain markets, claiming that ‘the qualities and skills needed are flexibility, the ability to create an environment where inquisitiveness and willingness to learn are encouraged.’ Rising stars also highlight the importance of emotional intelligence and forming strong connections with, not only their legal team, but the wider business. Jessica Salvato, senior legal counsel at Scentre Group emphasised the importance of such connections, stating that ‘to be successful you need to have that deeper understanding of your company’s business, especially its commercial drivers and risk appetite, which are always pivoting and evolving.’
It is crucial to highlight the immense openness that in-house lawyers show in this edition when detailing the obstacles that they overcome to be in the position that they are today; their dedication to their roles and passion for the law is inspiring. Callum McNair, legal counsel at Adbri took inspiration from his parents, stating that ‘I saw through my parents’ commitment and hard work that although the hours are long, and family and personal time is often sacrificed, with commitment and dedication you can be successful and still give love and support to your family and friends.’ Comments like these, among others, touch on the importance of striking a work-life balance while progressing in the legal career, and the importance of having a support network, both of family and within their legal teams.
An overwhelming theme in this edition are the challenges that ESG pose, particularly relating to ‘climate change, indigenous engagement, water, human rights, and biodiversity,’ as stated by Jamie Stollery, vice president legal (disputes and regulatory) at BHP. The shift towards improvement in these areas has been immense, with numerous individuals featured in this publication contributing to such improvement. Sarah Friedrich, senior legal counsel at Pacific Nation, highlighted one of her most significant achievements being the implementation of ‘a Modern Slavery programme and action plan for the company,’ while Prachi Tygai, senior legal counsel, M&A, at Orica highlighted her efforts addressing climate change, particularly ‘mitigating our carbon footprint, and operating businesses in a sustainable manner and engaging with communities where the business operates.’
We would like to congratulate and thank all the in-house counsel featured in this edition on their incredible achievements in the legal industry, and on joining the list of hundreds of the most trusted, effective and innovative in-house lawyers across the globe. It was a pleasure to speak to all included and gain insight into the markets of Australia.
Elena Lewis | Lead Researcher – GC Powerlist Rising Stars Australia 2022
Francisco Faria e Castro | Lead Researcher – GC Powerlist Rising Stars Australia 2022
Sara Maggi | Research Analyst
