Kate Jackson Maynes, partner at King & Wood Mallesons, tells Australasian Lawyer about the weirdest case she has worked on, and how it involved interpretive dance.
What made you decide to become a lawyer?
I can’t remember why I decided to become a lawyer….what’s kept me in the profession is the amazing people I work with and the passion I have for law.
How long have you worked at King & Wood Mallesons and what brought you to this position?
I have been at
KWM for 15 years. As I said previously, it’s the amazing people that I work with and the passion I have for law.
What’s the strangest case you’ve ever worked on/been involved with?
When I worked in Dispute Resolution, I acted for a client where the ‘other side’ decided to give their evidence through interpretive dance….
If you could invite three people for dinner, dead or alive and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
Hillary Clinton, Kathryn Hepburn, and Jane Austin. A mixture of politics and culture.
You’re based in Sydney – where’s the best place to go for a drink and/or dinner after work?
I recently went to The Barber Shop – that was great. However, as a mother of two children under 4 years of age, I’m probably not the best person to ask, as I don’t get out that much!
What’s the best piece of advice (work or personal) you’ve ever been given?
Say yes to everything – even if you don’t think you have the right skills for it, say yes anyway.
Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of work?
Game of Thrones…
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t a lawyer, I would be…
A ballerina – I’ve always loved ballet.
What do you think will be single biggest issue facing the legal space in Australia in 2015?
Keeping ahead of the way in which digital disruption will impact legal firms. And, the way we interact with our clients.
If you had Tony Abbott’s job for one day, what would you do?
Change the government’s approach to refugees & asylum seekers, and legalise gay marriage.
What do you love about your job?
It’s always challenging.
What would you change about your job right now if you could?
I’d make it easier to juggle the ‘work life / family’ combination.
