Local lawyers Athena Cains and Vanessa Flowers balance the day-to-day juggle of leading the Canberra branch of national law firm, McInnes Wilson Lawyers.
Tell us about your career path. What led you to where you are now?
AC: “When I was younger, I dreamed of being a public servant and making a difference to the lives of Australians. I knew to do that, I needed to move to Canberra, so I left Brisbane in 2000 for a graduate position with the Department of Defence. About four years later, I was ready to try my hand at a firm and joined the Australian Government Solicitor’s litigation team. I absolutely loved the work I did at AGS. After having three kids in less than two years, I took a break and was a stay-at-home mum, which I also loved!
“Coming back into the workforce, I knew I had to have a job where I could look my kids in the eye every day and tell them I was making a difference.
“I was lucky enough to get my dream job at McInnes Wilson in 2016. I was promoted to partner a year after and became an equity partner in 2019. Today, I am the managing partner of the Canberra office and on the firm’s management committee. It’s certainly not where I thought I would be when I rocked up to Russell in February 2000, that’s for sure!”
VF: “My dad was a lawyer and when I was young, I would spend Saturdays with him at the office whilst he met with clients to sign their wills, exchange contracts, or prepare for court. I would take over the spare office and pretend to take calls, make file notes, and type ‘important letters’ (which were usually lists to Santa).
“I was fortunate enough to work as a Tipstaff for Justice Hislop of the New South Wales Supreme Court straight out of university. Working with Judge helped me realise that you can never stop learning or challenging yourself. From there I have practised in boutique law firms, large national firms and in-house in both public and private environments.”
Tell us about your organisation and your role within it.
VF: “I recently joined McInnes Wilson Lawyers as the Commercial Principal for both Commonwealth and Private clients in Canberra. My practice includes all things commercial, including contracts and transactional matters, property, procurement, and probity.
“We are a full-service law firm with experience across a range of sectors. The firm was established in 1975 and we have offices based in Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Southport (QLD) and Maroochydore (QLD).”
What is the most rewarding part of your job? And the most challenging?
VF: “The most rewarding part of the job is being able to help clients achieve their overall objectives for a project that will have long lasting benefits for them and the wider community. I also enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories on how they have come to be where they are today over a coffee.”
AC: “The most challenging part is the juggle. I have three young teenagers all at home who need me. I also have a challenging job and a team and firm who need me. Striking the balance is a daily struggle, however I wouldn’t change it. I want to look back at my life when I’m 90 and know I kicked as hard as I could and left no stone unturned.”
Describe to us a typical day at work.
AC: “Ideally, I would go to the gym, then come home and get dressed and be in the office by 8.30am. I achieve that about 20 per cent of the time. No day is the same, but that’s leadership for you.”
To find out more about McInnes Wilson Lawyers, visit www.mcw.com.au/contact/canberra-office or call 6185 7777.
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