Nicky Friedman
Senior Associate and National Coordinator, Pro bono and Community Programs
Melbourne
Nicky.Friedman@aar.com.au
The appointment of Nicky Friedman as the firm's new pro bono coordinator was an easy decision to make. Not only does Nicky possess a good knowledge of the firm, but she has built an impressive resume working in the area of social justice.
Between two stints at Allens Arthur Robinson, Nicky has worked in policy for the Victorian Women's Trust, the Victorian Law Reform Commission (the VLRC) and the Victorian Department of Justice.
Included in this work is her involvement in a VLRC project on the criminal justice system's handling of sex offences, which precipitated her move to the Department of Justice to help the State Government implement policies stemming from that report.
'Quite early in my career I realised that the law is an effective instrument for social change. As lawyers we have the capacity to redress disadvantage and injustice.'
Nicky was appointed Allens' pro bono coordinator in July 2007. The position called for an Allens lawyer or senior associate with a background in social justice to take the role. Nicky applied for the position because it drew together her interests in social justice and the law and because she believed that she could make a contribution to the position.
Nicky is now working on secondment from her position as a senior associate in Allens' Employment Law department. She will oversee the work of the four part-time pro bono coordinators who are situated in Allens' Australian offices.
She said it was her goal to continue building on the firm's already impressive pro bono practice and to make sure the work reflects the social justice priorities of both the firm and the community. She would also like the program to be cohesive and to make informed and strategic decisions.
Nicky completed her law degree at Monash University before doing her articles at Arthur Robinson & Hedderwicks (which merged in 2001 with Allen Allen & Hemsley to form Allens Arthur Robinson) in 1991. She left the following year to work in the social justice area and to have children.
She rejoined the firm in 2005 to find that, while the culture was still the same, many other things had changed.
'Back then, it was a Melbourne practice and they were just introducing PCs into the firm,' she said.
Another part of the firm that had changed was the widening of flexible work practices offered by the firm. When she rejoined in 2005, Nicky decided to work three days a week to give her time to look after her three children. She is now working four days a week in her new role.
'It's a very exciting place to work. Our clients include many of Australia's largest companies which means we get to work on major transactions and significant litigation. We also have great people here and a great relationship with the community.'
Nicky says work/life balance is difficult, but she achieves it by being organised, focused and by using the administrative support services the firm offers to get work done. Away from work, Nicky enjoys exercise, socialising, reading and travel.
'Work is only one part of life.'
