Interview: Law Society Council Member Kellie Woods Special Counsel at Dentons Australia Ltd Interviewed by Thomas Camp, Junior Council Member, Law Society of Western Australia,
Why did you decide to run for the Law Society Council? I decided to run for the Law Society Council to contribute more to the legal profession and positively engage with other members of the profession in a way that I have not done previously. Being part of the Law Society Council will allow me to contribute more towards the advancement and promotion of continuing professional development and legal education and the maintenance of legal professional standards and practice.
You have done further study for a Certification of Advanced Insolvency, what inspired you to do that? Insolvency is an area of law that has interested me all of my career. I decided to complete the ARITA course because I wanted to advance my insolvency knowledge and develop key relationships in the insolvency profession.
Do you have any reflections on the closure of Kott Gunning after more than a 100 years of operation? Kott Gunning had a long established history and a well-regarded reputation in the legal profession in Western Australia. Kott Gunning’s closure is unfortunate.
Your primary practice in litigation and disputes is in a number of areas, what led you to litigation practice?
in professionalism and Court etiquette. I would like to change how young lawyers are educated in this regard.
I had the opportunity to complete litigation work experience with John Park whilst I was at University, which I thoroughly enjoyed. That work experience led to me enjoying Civil Procedure at University and obtaining very good grades, so I decided that dispute resolution and litigation was for me. I am also the kind of person that is motivated by a “challenge”.
Do you have a favourite part of Brief?
Since you began practice, what change in law/legal profession has been the most positive? The most positive change in the legal profession since I began practice is that the profession in the last 5 to 10 years has become more flexible. There is a recognition by many members of the profession, including the Judiciary, that lawyers have lives outside of work. Professional commitments and deadlines can still be achieved without lawyers sacrificing personal well-being and commitments.
We can assure your clients in the unfortunate situation of them passing away before their much loved
6 | BRIEF APRIL 2022
Lawyers are known to work long hours, how do you manage to balance your work and personal life? It can sometimes be challenging to manage work and personal life, particularly in litigation practice with Court deadlines to be met or where often urgent matters arise. I am very lucky that I have an excellent personal support network and work in a flexible work environment at Dentons in a collaborative and supportive team environment.
Do you have any wellbeing tips? Stay active and try to always make time for yourself and family.
Is there anything you would like to change about the legal profession? In my experience, over the last 10 years, in litigation practice there has been a decline
Bequests Help Save Cats’ Lives For nearly 60 years, Cat Haven has relied on the generosity of West Australians bequests and donations to keep our doors open for cats in need. We are WA’s premier cat welfare organisation taking in over 8,000 cats a year and rehoming close to 90%.
The Brief magazine has good quality articles, which are always detailed and thorough.
companion cat we will rehome it in a similar home as to the one it has come from via our Cat Custodians Program. All we ask is they remember us in their estate after providing for family and friends. For further information please go to our website www.cathaven.com.au or call CEO 9442 3600 for a brochure.
Please Donate, Adopt Foster, Bequeath, Volunteer
