June 2015 | Michelle Bennett Senior Associate from Allens
I became a lawyer because …
I really enjoyed studying law at university and found it an interesting and intellectually challenging discipline, that I hoped would also be reflected in a career as a lawyer. This has certainly been the case for me. Also, I am interested in justice and like that as a lawyer there are a number of ways to contribute to society through promoting justice.
A key mentor who influenced my career is …
Tracey Lochhead, a partner at Linklaters. She taught me to really believe in myself and that I could take my career where I wanted it to go. I am also fortunate to have had a number of key mentors at all stages of my career to encourage, challenge and support me, both before I moved overseas and now at Allens.
I am really proud of …
Living in London for three years where I worked at Linklaters (Allens' alliance partner) on some amazing transactions alongside many fabulous trips skiing, hiking, sailing and exploring Europe and Northern Africa.
Before I started at Allens …
I was holidaying in Sri Lanka and India, and before that I was working in London.
You can have it all …
But first you need to work out what you want. I think there are so many opportunities to embrace but everyone's "all" is different and that's a good thing. You might not have your all at all times but things have a way of working out.
One of the key legal initiatives I am involved in …
training our junior lawyers. I think that sharing knowledge and investing in people's training and development is really important so I'm looking forward to the upcoming seminars with our new graduates and lawyers.
If I wasn’t a lawyer …
My partner and I would probably move to Timor-Leste to do grass-roots community development work.
The best advice I ever received was ...
Don’t underestimate yourself – we are all more capable than we realise and sometimes you just need to give it a go to see that.
I am extremely grateful for …
The support and kindness of my family and friends.
Outside of the law …
I've been enjoying the outdoor Australian lifestyle by swimming and cycling – it's great to have a real summer for the first time in a few years! Also, being new to Melbourne, I am loving the food and wine scene here.
