Could you tell us a bit about your significant successes in your role? 

I support the legal operations at Chartered Accountants ANZ. As a key educational provider in the accounting and finance industry, my role at Chartered Accountants ANZ is broad, and involves the provision of not only legal but also strategic advice to the business. Successes worth highlighting during my time in the role include: helping the business to (i) navigate the rapidly changing regulatory environment, across six jurisdictions, during the global pandemic; and (ii) deliver the new CA Program, a well-regarded program in Australia and New Zealand’s accounting and finance industry. 

In your opinion, what are the qualities and skills needed to form a strong legal team? 

A unified vision, talent and resilience. As a non-revenue generating unit, it is important for the legal team to show value. Where deadlines are tight and resources are limited, prioritising, problem solving and having the emotional intelligence to navigate difficult scenarios are key. This requires a cohesive, reliable and resilient legal team, sharing the same vision and pulling in one direction. 

What challenges have you overcome to get to the position you are in today? 

 Like many other corporate lawyers, I have had my fair share of working in private equity teams of big city law firms in my earlier career. Aside from the usual challenges associated with this experience, I have overcome one particular personal challenge – I have moved not one but two countries, and worked hard to ensure I excel in the roles that I am fortunate to be in.  Re-establishing yourself in a new country, each time, can be a challenging experience, not to mention navigating different legal jurisdictions and learning the intricacies of each. However, every challenge is also an opportunity in disguise. Through this unique experience, I have gained an in-depth knowledge of commercial law in Australia and New Zealand, and can face any challenge with resilience, and an adaptive and open mind. With the added bonus of being bilingual and dual qualified, finding my niche and carving out my own success naturally followed suit.