Kate Hynes

Healf of Legal and Business Affairs

Hoodlum

Geometric shapeGeometric shapeGeometric shapeGeometric shapeGeometric shapeGeometric shape

Her story

Kate is the Head of Legal and Business Affairs at Hoodlum.

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 creators (film makers, writers, game developers etc) take their craft to global audiences.

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

Not there yet.

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

Honestly, it doesn’t sound like hard a thing to achieve: we need people who come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, who are willing and able to contribute their thoughts and ideas. The challenge however, is we have a system that preferences homogeneity. Middle class white kids are invariably the most likely contenders for the legal profession. Our schools and our universities, simply by virtue of the need to systematise to survive, inadvertently encourage this homogeneity. Add in the disappearance of women during the child years, and suddenly you’ve got a bunch of middle class white guys giving all the opinions. So the “doesn’t sounds hard” thing, in fact requires systemic changes in the education system, and structure of working. Changes which are essential if, ultimately, the legal professional wishes to stay relevant.

What was your main driver to enter the legal industry?

Bulldog clips.I come from an old Brisbane legal family – my parents met as articled clerks at my grandfather’s law firm. As a young child I became fascinated with the accoutrements of legal practice – pink ribbon, bulldog clips, piles of paper: the trappings of my parents’ work at home. I used to play dress ups with my mother’s barrister wig. As I grew, this fascination evolved into a love and understanding of the language and concepts of law and justice. Things I am still fascinated by to this day.

Lynn Teo

Special Counsel

McCullough Robertson Lawyers

View profile

Corina Chen

Partner

Mullins

View profile

Jacqui Bayles

General Counsel and Company Secretary

Lactalis Australia

View profile

Melissa Miller

Partner

McCullough Robertson Lawyers

View profile

Allison Langford

Joint Managing Director/Principal

McInnes Wilson Lawyers

View profile

Paige Edwards

Special Counsel

McCullough Robertson Lawyers

View profile

Contribute to the rich tapestry of women in Australian law

This campaign is not just a reflection of the past; it's an invitation to join the celebration of women in law. We invite you to nominate other women within the legal industry to share their stories, anecdotes, and tributes. Together, let's honour their legacy and inspire future generations.

nominate a lawyer