In our final IWD blog for this year, meet Associate to the commercial litigation team, Kate Kenneally:

1. Why did you want to pursue a career in law? 

I had always enjoyed problem solving as a child and then as a young adult. Coupled with my love of reading and writing, it seemed like the natural fit.

2. Which women have influenced you and why? 

My grandma, Bear. Bear by name and by nature, she was unapologetically herself, always. She managed every situation she came across with humour, generosity and sharp wit, usually clad head to toe in leopard print.

3. What is the most memorable moment in your career so far? 

Preparing and copying a bundle for a hearing with only a flatbed scanner on 24 hours notice, only for the hearing to be adjourned due to judicial availability, was certainly a humbling moment!

4. If you could be any heroine for a day (from film, TV, books or otherwise), who would it be? 

That is such a hard question! There are so many inspirational characters in films and literature that have had a significant impact on me. I would have to pick my earliest memory of a character that inspired me, Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter. I remember reading the Philosopher's Stone as a child and it was the first time I had read a book where the girls were portrayed on equal footing to their male counterparts. I also wouldn’t mind being able to turn the odd person into a cat.

5. On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women starting out in their careers? 

Know your worth, work hard, learn from the highs and the lows and above all, enjoy it, you’ve worked for it!