Her story

Laura is a Partner at Cooper Grace Ward 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 support clients to achieve success by managing and improving their property assets in a variety of ways, from protecting inter-generational family wealth to delivering property projects for businesses.

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

Inclusive.

Challenging.

Rewarding.

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

The challenge continues to be finding / investing in initiatives that deliver diversity of thought – not simply diversity of people. We need to keep working on how we unlock and encourage the benefits of diverse thinking, rather than limit diversity to superficial things like filling quotas. Having an inclusive environment and a culture that celebrates inclusivity are the first steps - I think as an industry we have made terrific inroads in these areas over the last 5-10 years particularly. The next step is to really foster that openness to listen to and implement the different approaches that come from having a diverse pool of people. We can look to peer industries like tech, to see how real diversity of thought can deliver better business outcomes.

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What was your main driver to enter the legal industry?

I have always loved problem solving and helping people. The two go hand in hand in the law and so it was the natural course for me.

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