Her story

Alannah is a Paralegal at McInnes Wilson Lawyers.

Without mentioning your job title, how would you describe what it is you do now (whether at home, work, in the community, etc.)?

I assist people who have been injured as a result of medical negligence, primarily related to obstetric care. Working in the birth trauma space means I am working with women and children who have been injured, and I help them by progressing a claim for compensation for their injuries.

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What are the first three words you think of when you hear the word ‘diversity’?

Inclusivity, perspective and opportunity.

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What do you think it will take to develop truly diverse thinking within the legal industry?

There should be a focus on encouraging diversity across all levels and facets of the legal industry, including private practice, the bar, the bench, government and students. Creating better systems to overcome the barriers to entry would encourage more diverse students into the legal profession, having a flow-on effect in future years. There also needs to be a significant mindset shift, with a desire to learn from other perspectives being a vital component of diverse thinking.

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What was your main driver to enter the legal industry?

As cliché as it may sound, I have a genuine passion for helping people. I felt that working in the legal industry was an effective way to help, as the law has a tangible impact on so many people. The law is a mechanism for change, and I’ve always wanted to be a part of that.

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