Twenty-one.
It’s a number that holds a lot of meaning for me right now.
Because 21 years ago, I took a leap of faith. I chose to study law, despite a careers adviser telling me to pick a different path. Despite a voice of self-doubt that whispered maybe it wasn’t for me. I took the chance anyway.
And today, I’m celebrating 21 years since being admitted to legal practice.
So, I’ve decided to mark the occasion with 21 reflections — not just on my career, but on the moments, choices and people that have helped shape the journey so far.
21. At 18, I finished VCE, and by 23, I was admitted as a lawyer.
20. I began a double degree in Law and Commerce at La Trobe University, in the very first year the law program was offered there.
19. I was awarded a five-year, fully funded scholarship — something I’m still incredibly grateful for.
18. While studying, I worked nights as a secretary at Maddocks Lawyers in their corporate team.
17. I completed Honours in competition law in my final year.
16. I was lucky enough to be offered articles at Clayton Utz.
15. I had always planned to be a corporate lawyer specialising in marketing law — but so had most of my articles group. I was placed in construction instead.
14. I worked on major construction projects, including the Anaconda arbitration, Royal Children’s Hospital, and CityLink.
13. After a stint in competition law, I realised I actually enjoyed construction. Life had made the decision for me — and I’m glad it did.
12. At 26, I had my first child. By 28, I had two. Many people told me I couldn’t do both — be a mum and have a career. I kept going anyway.
11. In 2010, I became Burbank’s first in-house legal counsel.
10. In 2012, I took on the same role at Carlisle Homes.
9. In 2013, I completed a Diploma in Construction Law and was appointed Deputy Chair of the HIA IR & Legal Committee.
8. In 2014, I married Fred — a loving and supportive stepdad to Alisha and Bianca (since they were five and three respectively), and my biggest supporter in both life and career.
7. In 2015, my third child arrived, and I worked part-time.
6. In 2018, I moved to Simonds Group as General Counsel and Company Secretary.
5. That same year, my son was diagnosed with autism. He was effectively non-verbal at the time. I stepped away from full-time work to focus on therapy with him five days a week.
4. In 2019, I founded Spectrum Lawyers and Consultants — a way to keep contributing to the industry I love, while supporting my family on our own terms.
3. In 2020, Maria joined Spectrum. We were growing and moved into our first shared office space.
2. By 2022, Hannah had come on board. Then came Rosemary in 2024, followed by Rebecca, Alyssa, Alisha, Kelly — and now in 2025, Grace. With each new team member, we’ve grown into something more than I ever expected.
1. Now, looking back, I realise I never needed to have it all figured out at 18. Life had its own way of working things out.
Being placed in a construction team I hadn’t asked for led me to a career I genuinely love. Wanting to work closer to home opened doors into the residential construction space. The teams at Burbank, Carlisle, and Simonds gave me insight, experience and growth.
And when life changed again — when my son needed me more than ever — the people around me encouraged me to build something new. Something flexible. Something of my own.
I’m proud of what Spectrum has become. And even more proud of the people who make it what it is — our team, our clients, and our community.
It’s been 21 years in the making. And I’m just getting started.