The director highlighted the value of quality versus quantity time
Alice Chapman’s 2024 was off to a great start when she was welcomed to the board at WRMK Lawyers in April alongside Chloe Davenport. In this interview conducted shortly after she joined the firm’s leadership, Chapman discusses the challenge of working in a different office from much of her team members and why quality time is so important both at work and at play.
What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?
I think for me it was initially due to my family experience (there are quite a few lawyers and judges in my family). But ultimately, I’ve always loved solving problems. The challenges associated with analysing, considering and advising continue to excite me and it is still one of my favourite parts of the job.
As a new member of the WRMK Lawyers board, what part of the new role have you been most excited about?
It is exciting to have a seat at the governance table – I’m particularly keen to further the work already under way that ensures that our governance decisions are shaped by our strategic values. I believe this will help ensure an ever-increasing sense of wellbeing for both staff and directors.
You are also leading the firm’s rural law team – what was the biggest challenge you encountered in that role? Alternatively, what was the most memorable matter you tackled in the role?
A lot of our rural team members are based in a different office to me. At times that is challenging, but I think ensuring that I am there at least once a week, prioritising regular communication, celebrating success together and recognising that office cultures can be both unique and cohesive has meant that the experience is a really positive one.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned in the past year and what advice can you give fellow lawyers about it?
For me as a mum and a lawyer, it is that common theme of work/family balance. My biggest lessons have been that for both of these roles, quality time is more valuable and important than the quantity of time. I’m lucky enough to work part time so I’m committed to working really hard when I’m working and being a present mum and wife when I’m not.
I’ve learnt to be upfront and transparent about my availability and commitments which helps to avoid misunderstandings and manage expectations. Lots of my clients don’t notice that I work part time but when it is important for them to know I try to communicate that well.
What should the profession focus more on?
Prioritising both lawyer and legal staff wellbeing. This is obviously a really nuanced aspect of our work, but I think de-stigmatising mental wellness and walking the walk will help us all.
What are the challenges you expect in your practice, and in the business of law in general, going forward? What challenges are particularly pressing in the country’s legal industry?
I think adapting to rapid technological advances will be a huge challenge for our industry. It is intimidating but so important.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
Directorship-wise, listening, learning and hopefully a little bit of influencing – it’s exciting!
If you weren’t in law, what do you think you’d be doing as a career?
I think I’d keep a rural flavour…maybe a “farm to table” farmers’ market and café – local, seasonal, sustainable and delicious!
