To succeed in law, networking and establishing a future client base are crucial. This involves building relationships within your industry to gain insights, access opportunities, and establish a solid industry reputation. You’ll hear from a panel of senior female practitioners who’ll offer valuable tips on what has worked for them in their successful careers. 

Presenters

Ms. Alex Hammerton, Senior Associate, MinterEllison
Alexandria is a lawyer in the Projects, Infrastructure and Construction group at MinterEllison, where she has broad experience in both front end (including contract drafting and legislative review) and back end matters (including litigation, expert determinations and security of payment adjudications). Alexandria commenced as a graduate lawyer with top tier commercial firm MinterEllison in 2015, and completed rotations in the Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions, Tax and Projects, Infrastructure and Construction teams as part of the graduate program. Alexandria was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in October 2015 and to the High Court of Australia in November 2015.


Ms. Suzy Cairney, Partner, Sparke Helmore Lawyers
Suzy Cairney is a projects and commercial lawyer with particular experience in project development and operational contracts in the ports, civil construction and resources sectors. She has experience both in Australia and overseas, and has advised government clients, principals, developers, contractors and operators on a wide range of major infrastructure projects. Suzy has previously worked in-house as a European Counsel for an international port operator in Belgium, as Corporate Counsel for a Queensland water GOC and as in-house counsel to support the feasibility stage of a major new coal project for one of Australia's largest miners. Known for her practical common sense approach and commerciality, Suzy understands the drivers behind getting the deal done.


Ms. Elly Manoe, Senior Lawyer, Coutts Lawyers & Conveyances
Elly joined the Coutts team in August 2021 working as a Lawyer within our Personal Injury & Criminal Law teams, based in our Wollongong office. Her commitment to client services saw her progress into the role of a Senior Lawyer in July 2022. Elly brings with her a wealth of knowledge and is passionate about the areas of law in which she practices. She prides herself on providing a high level of service to all of her clients. From entering the workforce at a young age in a family-owned business, Elly’s strength is customer service. Elly has a strong work ethic and has always progressed through to management roles; excelling when working to deadlines in a high paced environment. Ensuring clear and appropriate advice is provided to her clients is a main focus for Elly. She advocates for her client both inside and outside of the courtroom. Her attention to detail and remarkable ability to multi-task across all matters within the firm results in her continually achieving outstanding results for her clients. Elly is a member of the Rotary Club in Wollongong, Golden Key International Honour Society, and is also Vice President of the Wollongong Law Society. She was a finalist in the 2023 Lawyers Weekly: 30 Under 30 Awards and was awarded winner for the 2022 IWIB Young Businesswoman of the year award. Outside the office, Elly is interested in health and fitness and is an ambassador for a fitness business, spreading positivity around health & wellbeing and encouraging people on their own journeys. She is also musically talented and plays guitar & piano.


Ms. Justine Anderson, Associate, Carroll & O’Dea
Justine Anderson is a civil litigation lawyer focusing on medical litigation and her practice includes gynaecological and obstetric cases, wrongful birth, cases involving pulmonary embolism, sepsis, adverse surgical outcomes and coronial inquires. Justine is the President of the Women Lawyers Association of NSW Involved since 2016, Justine is the Immediate past Chair of the Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers Diversity Group which aims to advance diversity and inclusion within the firm. Prior to joining Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers she worked in a number pathology laboratories and private hospitals, providing her with a unique set of problem solving skills when approaching medical and other legal matters.

Women in Law: Key Skills to Success

Being a woman in law can have it challenges and knowing the skills to success are key to forwarding your career. Join this line-up of passionate, highly skilled and trained women lawyers as they share their insights on three major areas aimed at boosting your career and practice.