Grill'd and Koko Black's legal head talks the importance of handing over and letting go
Having a child is teaching Aimee Pomogacs the lesson of letting go when it comes to work. The Grill'd and Koko Black head of legal, who was named among Australasian Lawyer’s Elite Women for 2024, recently went on maternity leave – something she describes as both an accomplishment and a learning curve as she fought the battle of accepting that someone else would take the reins of her role.
In the first half of this interview, Pomogacs talks the importance of a thorough handover, and of closing one’s laptop to enjoy a well-earned break.
Although I wasn’t certain of my career path immediately after school, I knew the law interested me. My journey into law began when the university faculty approached me about transferring from Legal Studies to Law, given my strong academic performance. I took up the opportunity not really thinking too much about what the future would hold, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What I enjoy most about my role is the unpredictability of each day—the variety of issues that come across my desk constantly challenge me to think creatively, and problem solve in new ways.
The most memorable event of my career was being named Sole Legal Officer of the Year in 2023 by the Association of Corporate Counsel Australia. This recognition was a very proud career moment for me, being recognised by my industry peers amongst a group of highly deserving finalists.
Recognition through awards such as these is an important way to highlight the significant contribution lawyers make to businesses. In 2024 I was also honoured to be recognised as an Elite Woman by Australasian Lawyer. These are all such significant memorable achievements for me.
In the last year I have had a slightly different career challenge – going on maternity leave. This has been both an accomplishment (because having a baby is no small feat) and a steep learning curve for my career. In a Head of Legal role, I had to navigate the reality of what would happen while I was on maternity leave – being unable to rely on existing team members as I was the sole lawyer. I had to accept that someone new would come into the role and caretake for me while I was absent. Sounds simple enough however I think when you are so dedicated and entrenched in your role (which was a greenfield role when I commenced at the organisation), there is a real battle to ‘let go’ and allow someone else to take the reins, even if only temporarily.
My advice to other lawyers in the same situation is to remember that you don’t get this family time back and it goes fast! Be well prepared with a thorough handover and processes in place to make the transition as seamless as possible (I used a comprehensive matter and contract management system to help with this), and then close the laptop and enjoy the ‘break’ (disclaimer: I may not have completely taken my own advice here!).
