Serving the Canberra community for over 60 years, Snedden Hall & Gallop has three female Directors – Julia Bridgewater, Emily Shoemark and Amber Wang – in their leadership team.
Tell us about your journey in business.
Emily: I have always been interested in business and did a business degree with my law degree. While I always thought I would like to own or run a business, I never had any specific goals or plans to be an owner of a law firm. I have worked at SHG for 15 years, and over that time I have just naturally progressed to being a director and shareholder. I enjoy the business side of the firm, and am motivated by doing things smarter and more efficiently, and so over the years have become more and more focused on developing that side of the business.
Amber: I relocated to Canberra looking for a role within a firm that provided opportunity for advancement, and whose values resonated with my own.
Julia: SHG combines the values that are most important to me in business: Excellent professional advice and customer service with strong community values.
What strategies have you found most effective for networking?
Amber: Actively listen and be authentic.
Julia: Would I be happy to send my client to meet with this professional? Could we work together at a round table to solve the client’s problem most effectively? If the answer is yes, then it is much easier to build and maintain the relationships going forward.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry?
Julia: The juggle! I have learned to set boundaries and instead of multi-tasking, mono-tasking many times in a row each day.
Amber: Gender bias within the legal industry has improved dramatically over the years. SHG are proud to have a predominantly female board. As a parent, balancing the demands of caring and work responsibilities can be challenging, however, planning ahead and keeping up-to-date calendars and lists keep me on track.
Emily: Perception – I have had many meetings over my career where the client will look at and listen to the male in the room and not me, even if he is a paralegal or much more junior lawyer. I accept that I am likely not the right fit for them as their lawyer, and move on. Juggling kids with work often means work hours outside of usual office hours and missing networking and industry events. I am lucky to work with many businesses, so working early in the morning or at night often works well with other business owners, who have the same struggle. Our firm has always also been very supportive of flexible working and open to different ways of working.
Are there any industry issues you are advocating for?
Amber: In February 2020, the legislation governing claims for injuries sustained in ACT motor vehicle accidents changed. Since 2018, I have been involved in lobbying for changes to this new scheme, to ensure that those injured on ACT roads through no fault of their own, retain rights to appropriate common law compensation.
What do you see as the most significant trends in your industry?
Julia: AI technology could make the daily work of a lawyer unrecognisable in the next five years; it can’t replace bespoke advice tailored to a client’s own situation, but should allow people to focus on the problem solving rather than the repetitive tasks.
How does your business contribute to your local community?
Amber: We provide assistance to a number of not-for-profit organisations, and regularly fundraise for local charities. Our directors hold unpaid or pro bono positions, in addition to our usual duties, to help give back to our community. I am a director of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, and am involved in the ACT Law Society CTP reform subcommittee.
For over 20 years SHG has organised the ‘Be The Best You Can Be’ sports day, allowing hundreds of primary and high school children with physical or intellectual disabilities to have fun participating in modified sporting activities in a supportive environment.
To speak with Julia, Amber or Emily at SHG, call 02 6285 8000 or complete the contact form at shglawyers.com.au
