April 2019 | Naomi Miller, Special Counsel, Wotton + Kearney
I became a lawyer because …
…I didn’t plan to be a lawyer. I had been working in policy for the Department of Justice, but thought I had better complete my articles, so went to then firm, Phillips Fox. I ended up staying there for about 14 years.
I am really proud of …
…those times when a colleague asks for my opinion about a difficult legal issue that they are grappling with or about litigation strategy. I love to share ideas, collaborate and guide.
You can have it all …
...only if you never sleep. I don’t think you should strive for “it all” by someone else’s measure. Just try to have a good balance of what makes you happy, healthy and motivated.
I am extremely grateful for …
…my parents, who help with school pickups and the inevitable juggle of being a working mum.
A key mentor who influenced my career is …
…I can’t choose just one. I have worked with a broad range of talented people, each of who offer a different perspective. There are usually one or two ‘difficult’ personalities in an office too, but they can show you how not to be.
If I wasn’t a lawyer …
...I would like to be a photographer, specialising in architectural and travel photography.
Before I started at Wotton + Kearney …
….I worked for ASIC in financial services enforcement.
The best advice I ever received was ...
….given to me by Ron Salter, doyen of the insurance industry, who encouraged me to have confidence in my abilities and expertise.
One of the key legal initiatives I am involved in …
...is the self represented litigant service through Justice Connect at the Federal Court. As volunteer lawyers, we offer assistance to self represented litigants who face bankruptcy proceedings, or have general protections claims in the employment list.
Outside of the law …
…I am doing my best to make the most of Melbourne’s independent music scene, watching my kids paddle out into the waves at Nippers, or going to art exhibitions.
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