Pauline Yacoub - A lifelong passion for law inspired by parents’ journey

How did you start down this career path?

As a young girl, I always aspired to become a lawyer. When I was in Year 7, our teacher asked us to write a letter to ourselves, to be opened when we turned 18. In that letter, I expressed my hope that I would be studying law. Looking back, it's amazing how clear that vision was; I was already drawn to advocating for others and making a real difference.

My parents immigrated to Australia from Lebanon and Armenia as teenagers. They had little access to formal education in their home countries and worked on my grandparents’ farm before arriving in Australia. Despite facing language barriers and many challenges, they prioritised education for my siblings and me, enrolling us in private schools, an opportunity they never had. Their sacrifices inspired me to help people who, like my parents, face barriers to accessing legal help. The law is only effective when it's accessible.

When I was 18, my father passed away just three days before my Torts exam in my first semester of law school. Despite the heartbreak of navigating grief while meeting academic demands, I found the strength to persevere, knowing these skills could one day help others.

I began my legal career as a legal assistant at a small boutique firm before volunteering at a criminal law practice, which sparked my interest in personal injury law. In 2018, I joined GMP Law as a Graduate Solicitor, where I’ve been proud to help members of my south-western Sydney community understand and fight for their rights in personal injury matters.

What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?

What inspires me most is the opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life. In my work, I see people whose lives have been upended by devastating events: accidents, abuse, or workplace incidents. These aren’t case numbers; they’re individuals who, through no fault of their own, are facing life-changing circumstances.

I strive not just to achieve results, but the right result for every client. That means understanding their story and navigating even the most complex cases with empathy and determination. Some outcomes can’t restore what was lost, but every client deserves to be heard, supported, and treated with care.

I’m also deeply inspired by my parents, who immigrated to Australia with limited English and built a better life through hard work and perseverance. If they had faced an accident, they wouldn’t have known where to turn. I want to ensure people like them have the same access to justice as anyone else.

It’s the people I represent—those enduring the hardest moments of their lives—who remind me why I do this work and drive me to make a meaningful impact every day.

What's your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?

My approach is rooted in honesty, compassion, and strong communication. Being a good lawyer means delivering both good and bad news clearly and compassionately. I'm upfront about legal and factual challenges clients face. While difficult, this fosters respect and trust. Clients appreciate transparency, even when the news isn't what they hoped for.

Managing expectations is crucial, and I do so with empathy. While the work is deeply personal for clients, it's equally important to provide honest legal advice. This means addressing weaknesses compassionately and focusing on solutions. By being forthright, I help clients set realistic expectations while showing I'm genuinely acting in their best interests.

What sets me apart is proactive communication, keeping clients informed every step of the way. It's about creating a partnership grounded in transparency and mutual respect.

How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?

I focus on continuous learning and peer collaboration to stay ahead of industry trends. Staying informed is a priority through conferences, webinars, and reading recent case law. The law constantly evolves, especially in areas like historic abuse claims.

Reading judgments is particularly valuable for understanding how the law is applied. I also share this knowledge with colleagues through in-house seminars, which refines my understanding and fosters valuable dialogue.

What is the toughest challenge you've faced in your role? How did you overcome it?

The toughest challenge involved a complex case with a highly emotional client severely impacted by an incident. Previously employed and independent, she was now unable to work, profoundly affecting her life. The case was complicated by conflicting evidence about her work capacity and injuries.

My client's expectations were grounded in reality, but didn't align with available evidence or the legal framework. No matter the outcome, we couldn't restore her previous position. Reconciling the legal process with personal loss is often the hardest part of this work.

I approached this with empathy, patience, and clear communication. I explained the legal system's limitations while acknowledging my own frustration on her behalf. I helped her understand that the opposing position wasn't personal; it was based on their interpretation of the law and evidence. I carefully managed expectations, explaining that monetary compensation was the only remedy available, and while inadequate, it was the best possible outcome.

We achieved a strong result given the circumstances. The key was compassion and helping her understand the law's limitations while respecting her experience. She expressed gratitude for my honesty, patience, and for creating a safe space to express her frustrations. She was deeply appreciative of both the outcome and the care provided throughout.

What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?

My main goal is to continue growing as a leader within my team while furthering my expertise in historic abuse claims. I'd also like to become an Accredited Specialist in personal injury law.

I'm passionate about mentoring junior associates and expanding my team. I find fulfilment in sharing knowledge and watching colleagues develop. I also hope to tackle increasingly challenging cases with both legal expertise and empathy.

Beyond legal work, I'm committed to the GMP Law’s growth and development. Long term, I want greater involvement in management and strategic direction, building skills for a senior leadership role. I'm excited to help shape the firm's future by working with senior leadership to build a strong, sustainable, client-focused practice.

About GMP Law

For over 35 years, GMP Law has been Australia’s leading personal injury specialists, standing by our clients through some of life’s most challenging moments. Our team boasts a proven track record of success, having secured over $4 billion in successful claims and over 25,000 victories for our clients. We pride ourselves on having a respected reputation for the care we provide and the fierce advocacy with which we fight for our clients. We set precedents in claims for medical negligence, institutional child abuse, public liability, motor vehicle accidents, TPD, dust disease, product liability, inheritance disputes and class actions.