Five minutes with Caitlin McKenna

Caitlin McKenna, graduate in our commercial team, has worked with Cooper Grace Ward for more than two years. We asked her to tell us in her own words what life at Cooper Grace Ward is like, and a few of her past experiences and favourite things.

1. What made you decide to become a lawyer?

I have always enjoyed problem solving and found the intricacies of language fascinating. I thought a career in law would be challenging, rewarding and unlikely to become monotonous. So far, it hasn’t disappointed!

2. How long have you worked at Cooper Grace Ward for and what brought you to that position?

I have been with CGW for 2.5 years, having started as a research clerk in 2016 while I was still at university. I first encountered CGW at a careers expo and was struck by how friendly and genuine everyone was.

3. If you could invite three people for dinner, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

Janet Albrechtsen – for her sensible and insightful analysis of current affairs.
Russel Howcroft – I bet he’d have heaps of entertaining stories about the most brilliant (and terrible) advertising ideas he’s come across over the course of his career. We could also pick apart TV ads after dinner, Gruen style.
Julie Andrews – I’d ask her to sing the Sound of Music soundtrack at least three times. Besides that, she seems like a genuinely lovely and interesting person who would be good company.

4. Where is the best place in Brisbane to go for a drink or dinner after work?

My favourites are Verve (for atmospheric, underground Italian) and Happy Boy (for delicious Chinese). I’m also a fan of The Florist which often has free canapés on Friday evenings!

5. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.

6. Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of work? 

I enjoy playing tennis and netball, reading the newspaper and historical fiction, and watching American late night talk shows. I also follow The Bachelor religiously.

7. Complete this sentence: If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be…

An accountant (as I also have a degree in accounting), or my childhood dream: a professional taste tester.

8. What do you think will be single biggest issue facing the legal space in Australia in 2018?

Currently, I think the biggest issue (which has been a problem for a while now) is politicians not having the courage to make decisions that may be unpopular in the short term but will be in the country’s long term interests.

9. What do you love about your job?

I love how helpful and friendly everyone in my team is. I also enjoy making sense of, and finding solutions in, our complex tax laws.

10. Something you might not know about me is that …

I once performed in Notre-Dame Cathedral as part of a choir. The acoustics and atmosphere were incredible!