Becoming partner at 33 years of age, Connell joined the firm in Melbourne in 1999 as an articled clerk after a two-year stint lecturing in law at the University of Melbourne.

When she completed her articles, Connell began working in the firm’s insurance group, before rotating through other divisions. She has principally worked on issues regarding personal injury, property damage and policy, and more recently, has diversified her practice to include local government. She was promoted to associate in 2004.

Connell’s previous pro bono work has received attention, particularly her involvement in the Heather Osland case, which was the subject of an episode of the ABC television’s Australian Story.

Connell’s work on behalf of the Multiple Sclerosis Society is also commendable. In the last four years she has raised approximately $25,000 for the organisation through two bicycle fundraising trips — one involving a 500 kilometre ride through rural southern China, the other 450 kilometre through Sri Lanka. Later in 2007, Connell will also be cycling from Vietnam to Thailand through Cambodia, to raise further funds for the organisation.