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Partner Profile: Michael Kohn
We ask a law firm partner a series of rapid-fire questions about their career. This time: Michael Kohn from Cornwall Stodart.
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Partner Profile: Michael Kohn
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Which firm are you with?
Cornwall Stodart
When did you join that firm?
1 July 2009
When were you made a partner of that firm?
1 July 2012
Which firm were you at most recently prior to this?
Before joining Cornwall Stodart I was studying full-time to become a lawyer. In a previous life I was the head of Forensic Accounting in Melbourne and the joint-head of Private Clients at one of the top four accounting firms in Australia.
What practice group are you with?
I’m the Head of our Revenue Law team, which sits within our Corporate & Commercial group.
What has been a major career highlight for you?
Transitioning from accounting into legal practice has been a highlight for me – particularly because this transition is relatively recent and I’m enjoying the swift development of my legal career. I must confess, this progression has been both affirming and exciting.
What do you like about being a lawyer?
Being involved in the intricacies of the law appeals to me. Lawyers are like doctors – we specialise in an area of the law in the same way that a doctor specialises in understanding a particular part of the human body. Similarly, both fields are complex and they don’t have the mathematical precision of some other disciplines – there can be grey areas and more than one possible solution to a problem. These factors, and the role of the law in facilitating the function of society, intrigue me.
What do you find challenging?
Conveying to clients how the law actually operates and demonstrating that the law is not necessarily as inept as some might think, but in fact makes a great deal of common sense. Also, clients don’t always understand that lawyers are fallible and can sometimes ‘get it wrong’ – where the boundaries of the law are unclear, lawyers can’t be expected to produce perfect results every time.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I am currently developing a television and a film treatment, and writing scripts for both. My son works in the media industry and one day we hope to see our work on the small and big screens.
