This is Allens

I advise clients on the full gamut of cyber incident preparedness and response, as well as complex data governance and AI projects, privacy and Spam Act compliance and associated investigations. That requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements as well as the practicalities and commercial reality of how organisations use their data in practice. I love the problem solving aspects of my work.

Cyber incidents are now impacting everyone, both at an organisational and individual level. In helping clients to prepare for a potential cyber incident - by putting governance settings and playbooks in place, setting up arrangements with forensic advisers in advance and understanding regulatory requirements - we can limit the impact on our client's business, individuals and the community more broadly.

When we work on cyber incidents, we're often dealing with people in crisis. It's important to recognise that people are stressed, haven't had much sleep, are working to tight deadlines, and could be facing demanding stakeholders. As we navigate cyber incidents alongside our clients it's important to acknowledge we're all human; we can't and shouldn't work through a crisis without feeling.

Good client service means listening to our clients and understanding what works for them. As legal advisers we aren't always giving them the answers they want to hear, but we help them work through their problems and deliver for their internal stakeholders in the way that helps them achieve their objectives. Every client has their own way of working, and it's our job to adapt to them, whether that means an email, a phone call, detailed formal advice or a list of dot points. We collaborate with our clients in the same way we collaborate internally.

That sense of collaboration is deeply embedded in how we work at Allens. I spent my second graduate rotation at Linklaters in London and, despite assuring everyone I'd be back in a year, I ended up staying for four. When I returned, what really struck me was how familiar Allens felt. Even after years away, it felt like home - because of the shared culture, the continuity in relationships, and the warm welcome I received when I came back.

Our collaborative culture is what enables us to support each other and give our clients the best possible experience. Everyone is willing to give their time to help, whether it's workshopping a complex piece of advice or stepping in to share the load during busy times. That makes it a great work environment, not only because it reduces pressure and stress, but because it means we're always learning from each other. Our clients know they're getting the best of our firm - if someone isn’t the expert on a topic, they’ll bring in the colleague who is. That’s what sets our firm apart.