Sep 2017 | Karli Evans | Maddocks

September 2017 | Karli Evans, Partner, Employment Safety & People, Maddocks 

I became a lawyer because …

... I wanted a career that was dynamic, collaborative, strategic and challenging - I definitely found this in the area of workplace relations, which is highly politicised and in a constant state of change.

I am really proud of …

… Having the opportunity to work on some of the most significant industrial relations cases handed down in Australia in recent years.

You can have it all …

… Some of the time. As a working mum in a highly competitive client-facing role, I understand the challenges of trying to achieve work-life balance.

I am extremely grateful for …

… The opportunity to work alongside and be inspired by great women in the law, such as our CEO at Maddocks, Michelle Dixon, and Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins.

A key mentor who influenced my career is …

… My first boss, Ian Prescott. He modelled integrity, good humour, resilience and taught me the importance of focusing on the bigger picture.

If I wasn’t a lawyer …

… I’d try my hand at something like foreign affairs, journalism or public relations.

Before I started at Maddocks …

… I was a Senior Associate at Herbert Smith Freehills for almost 10 years.

The best advice I ever received was ...

... From my late father. He told me to follow my heart, trust my instincts and take risks.

One of the key legal initiatives I am involved in …

… Is championing flexible work initiatives. Our ESP team recently won the 2016 ALPMA Lexis Nexis Thought Leadership Awards for our innovative, rigorous approach to implementing flexible work.

Outside of the law …

… I love spending time with my family and friends. I love the great outdoors and I’ll often be found down at the Tan or the beach with my husband and two young sons.

Last month’s sponsor spotlight

Alison Kennedy
Special Counsel
Clayton Utz

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