How did you start down this career path?

I have always held a deep sense of right and wrong, which for me, brings with it a passion for justice and helping those who aren't able to assist themselves.

The law path really started in high school. I was heavily engaged in theatre and performing arts with small dreams of finding success and fulfilment down that road. I felt though that I had more to offer the world at large, and a good brain that I should put to use for something serious and meaningful. My competing interests were in psychology and crime - who doesn't love a good episode of Criminal Minds? My high school legal studies class took a trip to a murder trial in the Supreme Court, and I was hooked. Decision made, I wanted to wear that wig and sway a jury to make the best choice possible for the accused, and society as a whole.

I ultimately went to university to study Law and Psychology. The two in conjunction oriented themselves well to criminal law, but more so, I discovered, to family law.

It is such a complex area that touches all facets of life and the legal world. A good family lawyer becomes a jack of all legal trades, as well as a sophisticated negotiator and experienced counsellor. What a way to flex my mental muscles, as well as accomplish some serious good along the way.

I practiced for a period of time and deeply enjoyed the work I did. As some, if not most, family lawyers will tell you though, it is a role that asks for a lot. At the end of the day, along with all the pressures that come with the job, I couldn’t stomach asking mums and dads to pay their rent into my trust account, for what is in my mind an essential service. There had to be a better way for me to contribute to our community, with the skills and drive I had behind me.

What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?

I believe that the work we do is incredibly meaningful. Having someone available to help guide you through separation, which is complex enough on its own without adding the actual legality into the mix, is essential for the prospects of a positive future.

Every member of a community, no matter how small, is a pillar. Every separation ricochets through a community, in one way or another. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I believe it takes one to keep you on track when your world has turned upside down. To me, it is an implied responsibility of those who have the power and wherewithal to step in and keep those in need standing tall, keep them moving forward. If one falls, eventually we all do.

At JustFund, we strive to fundamentally improve the separation process, not only for our clients but for our fellow lawyers. We act as an understanding ear to an applicant who is scared and lost. We work quickly to get answers for lawyers who are overworked and stretched thin. And, most importantly, we make sure everyone gets paid so that the real work can get done.

I am so proud to be a part of what we do. The good karma is overflowing!

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

I like to treat every client like a dear friend. I often get asked in the office "Did you know that person?" when I get off the phone. The answer is usually no, I don't. But I know what they're going through. I know what I would say to a friend who needed to vent, to breathe, and to feel lighter.

Genuine empathy can take energy and time, but it is rewarding by threefold when you can hear the stress and chaos leave the voice of a client. I want every interaction with our clients to end with an action plan and a sigh of relief.

How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?

I am part of an experienced in-house team of family lawyers, so we share learnings and insights every day, stay current with CPD, do our own reading and, attend industry conferences throughout the year.

We also engage with multiple lawyers across the country on a daily basis, so we are reviewing many topical issues for a wide range of family law cases.

Also, one advantage of being inhouse is that we don't have billable targets to reach, meaning we can spend more of our time focusing not only on client service, but also on education and research.

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

Stepping into JustFund has been simultaneously the biggest and the best challenge I have faced to date.

I have had to engage in significant personal and professional growth in this role, every day.

A start up is ever changing, usually at a rapid pace. That change is accelerated when the service is essential, in demand, and the clients you serve are often in desperate circumstances.

By far the most important skills I have developed are fluidity and a big picture view. Most challenges can be overcome with a willingness to change your angle, and the knowledge of where you want to land at the end of the day. There are, actually, many roads to Rome.

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

In the next 5 years, I want to have strengthened and expanded our community involvement and contributions, to weave us into the fabric of a functional and flowing section of society. That community includes not only our clients, but our lawyers too.

JustFund has such potential to create a significant shift in the family law world, for the better. We have unique insight into the gaps in the current systems, and an even more unique power to fill those spaces and raise everyone up to a place of competence and confidence.

About JustFund

JustFund is a mission-driven, social lender that provides an innovative and flexible line of credit to pay legal bills, so that Australians can access legal representation when going through a marital divorce or separation. Its innovative and flexible legal funding model enables lawyers to focus on getting results and grow their practice versus chasing payments. JustFund works with over 600 accredited family lawyers nationwide to help more Australians achieve a fair and equitable distribution of relationship assets and empowers them to start rebuilding their lives for a more secure financial future.