Meet our people

The following staff profiles provide more information on what it's like to work at DLA Phillips Fox.

Kirsty Galbraith Lawyer, Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety Melbourne

I joined DLA Phillips Fox as a summer clerk in 2006. At that time, the firm had recently joined the exclusive alliance with DLA Piper. Excited about the prospect of joining a global team, I commenced articles in 2008. In 2009, I was permanently placed as a lawyer in the Workplace Relations Employment and Safety team.

What attracted me to DLA Phillips Fox was the culture of the firm and our people. From the very first interview I felt the firm embraced my individuality, sense of fun and cared about experiences I had outside of academic life. When I was recruited, while my intellectual ability was an important factor, the firm seemed just as interested in my teamwork, leadership and communication skills. It was just as much about what the firm could offer me, as was what I could potentially offer the firm.

With our global focus comes the need for international awareness. What was common amongst my articles group and the year above us was that the majority had extensively travelled/lived overseas prior to commencing articles and many spoke different languages. I feel that awareness of not only the commercial realm, but the domestic sphere in which an overseas client works in is important.

The work I have been exposed to as a junior lawyer of the firm has been challenging, varied and exciting and I have often had the opportunity to work autonomously on client matters. However, I always feel adequately supervised and supported by the more senior practitioners and partners. Further, if I ever feel like there is an area in my working life I need to improve, there are always opportunities available to undertake courses internally or externally.

Pro bono is a very important aspect of a lawyer’s professional responsibility and professional development. I like that our highly structured pro bono program offers all lawyers within the firm a chance to help those less fortunate than themselves access to legal advice, in a number of different arenas eg Prisoner Legal Service, Homeless Persons Legal Clinic, Koonung Mental Health Clinic. I have found it personally very rewarding and enjoy the opportunity to experience areas of law outside of commercial law.

Natalie Larnder Lawyer, Intellectual Property, Litigation and Dispute Resolution Auckland

I started with DLA Phillips Fox as a graduate in 2007.  I've always been interested in advocacy and court based work and was therefore excited to be placed in the litigation and dispute resolution team.  

Over the last two and a half years, I have worked on a large range of matters including employment disputes, insolvency litigation (bankruptcies, liquidations and receiverships), property, construction and intellectual property matters.  From day one I really appreciated that I was constantly challenged and given the opportunity to work on real work while at the same time being supported and encouraged.  

I have recently taken over the management and coordination of the trade marks portfolio in our Auckland office.  This is a great opportunity - I get to work on an interesting range of intellectual property matters, have direct client contact and be a first point of contact for solicitors throughout the international DLA network.  Being involved in international matters and supported by a global network is one of the great things about my job.

Above all, the best thing about DLA Phillips Fox is its people!  The culture of the firm is professional yet relaxed.  I am a member of the Auckland office's social club committee and play netball and touch rugby for the firm.  It's great to have the opportunity to get to know your colleagues away from the office.

Paul Lamb Lawyer, Property, Infrastructure and             Development Melbourne

I first worked for DLA Phillips Fox as a part-time paralegal before being offered the chance to do my articles at the firm.  While working as a paralegal, I appreciated that everyone had time for me and was willing to help me learn.  At the same time, they were willing to give me a decent amount of space for my own initiative. I enjoyed the range of work I was able to do, and when I was offered the chance to do my articles here, I was happy to accept.

The work that I've done has given me the kind of experience that only a large law firm can provide.  Working on complex matters for large clients, you are required to produce high-quality work, and at the same time you're given good supervision and feedback when you need it.  This has really helped to develop my technical legal skills. 

At the same time, I've had the chance to work on my own pro bono files and to pursue an area of law that I'm really interested in, and hopefully the skills developed here will stand me in good stead for the future.

As a recent graduate, I haven't just been stuck working on the smallest part of a big file, but have been given the opportunity to do real work, including meeting with clients, drafting advices and heading to court.

DLA Phillips Fox recently announced its international secondments and placements policy ("Global Opportunities") and a few people have headed off to DLA Piper offices overseas.  Like most staff, I'm looking forward to seeing how that works and think it's a real incentive to stay on. 

Most importantly, I get along well with the people I work with.

Rachel Jacqueline Lawyer, Intellectual Property & Technology         Sydney

I joined DLA Phillips Fox as part of the Summer Clerk Program in 2005 which provided me with a solid mentoring and training foundation and then continued at the firm as a paralegal. Then, after a 6 month stint travelling the world, I started back as a graduate in May 2007. The last two years have been action packed, with my skills and experiences multiplying everyday.

As one of only a few junior lawyers in my specialised group I am constantly challenged and exposed to great career opportunities. I know that I am actually making a difference.  These opportunities really allow me to carve out my strengths as a lawyer. For example, I have been on secondment and gained  invaluable insight into one of our client's business needs.

We often work with other solicitors in the international DLA network which gives me a global perspective. Being exposed to international matters and supported by a global network of lawyers is one of the best things about the work I do.
 
I was attracted by DLA Phillips Fox's culture, its people and the opportunity to gain experience with excellent lawyers on quality work.  The culture of the firm is one where we like a good laugh, which makes coming to work enjoyable. It's great to be able to work with people who I respect and admire and who I consider to be friends as well as colleagues.

The culture also values excellence and integrity, which are also very important to being a good lawyer. I also really appreciate being acknowledged for my improvements and contribution.