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.
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