DibbsBarker.

When did you join that firm? 

1989.

When were you made a partner of that firm? 

1997.

Which firm were you at most recently prior to this? 

I was at Clayton Utz for the first 18 months of my career.

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What practice group are you with? 

The deals team in the commercial group. I also lead my firm’s medical / pharmaceutical industry group, which draws lawyers from all our practice groups and is committed to the life sciences sector.

What has been the most significant change to your practice area during your career? 

The increased focus on effective governance in the wake of Enron/Worldcom/HIH/OneTel. This coincided with my return from maternity leave in 2003, so it felt like I was returning to a very different corporate landscape. It’s been fascinating to be part of the conversation about real versus perceived good governance as I’ve engaged with boards of various organisations.

What has been a major career highlight for you? 

Being appointed industry group leader when my firm established our medical / pharmaceutical industry group.

What do you like about being a lawyer? 

Working with clients over the long term as their business meets different challenges and opportunities; teaming up with colleagues and clients to find solutions — one of my favourite proverbs is: “As iron sharpens iron, so one mind sharpens another”. [I also really enjoy] helping young lawyers develop their potential.

What do you find challenging? 

Information overload — there is so much ‘stuff’ that you could take in and you have to focus on what really matters. 

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

[I enjoy] singing and playing electric guitar at my church, working in my garden, and family holidays at Narooma on the south coast of NSW.