Her story

Chris is the Director and Principal Lawyer at Extension Legal.

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

I help people navigate some of the most personal and complex decisions of their lives with clarity and compassion. I also work alongside other lawyers, sharing my expertise so they can deliver exceptional outcomes for their clients. At the heart of what I do is education - whether it’s mentoring the next generation of lawyers or simplifying legal concepts so clients feel informed and empowered.

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

Representation. Inclusion. Opportunity.

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

We need to stop treating diversity as a box-ticking exercise and start embedding it into the DNA of our profession. That means:- leadership that reflects the communities we serve;- policies that prioritise diversity and ESG principles- embedding psychological safety into workplaces; - actively addressing systemic issues like unconscious bias and outdated measures of “success,” and - workplaces where flexibility and inclusion are non-negotiable. The legal industry has been dominated for too long by outdated models of power and success; if we want fresh thinking, we need fresh voices. True diversity of thought will only happen when we dismantle the structural barriers that limit who gets a seat at the table, and create an environment where different perspectives aren’t just welcomed but are essential. Our profession prides itself on analytical rigor, yet true innovation only happens when we embrace different perspectives. Diverse thinking flourishes when inclusion is intentional, not performative, and when every voice is empowered to contribute without fear of judgment or exclusion.

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What was your main driver to enter the legal industry?

To be honest, it was a decision made when I was young and without a lot of thought. But as my career has progressed, I’ve become increasingly fascinated by the power of law to shape lives and communities. For me, now, being a lawyer is not about prestige - it is about making a real difference for people during pivotal moments. Over time, that passion has grown into something bigger: helping other lawyers thrive, because when we lift each other up, the whole profession becomes stronger and more human.

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