Allison Langford wants to help foster gender parity in senior leadership positions
Allison Langford started 2024 off with a bang when she officially ascended to the role of joint managing principal at McInnes Wilson Lawyers alongside Mark Woolley.
Langford has been at the firm for more than three decades, during which she was mentored by McInnes Wilson’s co-founders. As she steps into the firm’s executive leadership, Langford is eager to make her mark – particularly when it comes to supporting McInnes Wilson’s commitment to diversity and gender parity at the top.
In this interview, Langford shares what she learned from former managing principal Paul Tully, the challenge posed by cybersecurity, and honouring the past while keeping a face towards the future.
How did you react when you found out that you were going to be a managing principal at the firm?
I feel a very strong connection with and passion for the firm, having commenced here over 30 years ago under the mentorship of the co-founders of the firm, Peter McInnes and John Wilson. I therefore feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have the trust of the principals to be part of the executive leadership of McInnes Wilson. I look forward to the opportunity to be part of a team guiding the direction and continued success of the firm.
What part of this new role are you most excited about?
I am excited about a vision for the firm that recognises and respects our history but has a face firmly to the future of being a leader of innovative solutions for our clients and is committed to providing an environment for our talented people to thrive.
You’re succeeding Paul Tully, who was in the role for over 25 years – what in your opinion is the most important thing you have learned through his leadership?
Paul’s 25 years of leadership have seen the firm evolve into a successful full-service firm providing legal services nationally. He has achieved this through his commitment to drive exceptional service to our clients and the development of our people.
His leadership values that I aspire to include his commitment and loyalty to the firm and to its people and clients, as well as his courage in decision-making.
What are some challenges you anticipate facing as you commence in this role?
Law firms are not immune from the current pressures experienced by many Australian businesses. Cybersecurity and retention of talent looms as one of the most important challenges for all businesses to manage.
What’s your overall vision for McInnes Wilson?
McInnes Wilson has always had a strong and supportive culture which allowed us to grow our practice. I would like to see McInnes Wilson as the firm of choice for anyone seeking a career in law. I would like McInnes Wilson to be the firm of choice for anyone seeking legal services.
What are you hoping to be known for in your tenure as a managing principal?
I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to strengthen the firm’s commitment to fostering diversity and gender parity in senior leadership positions within the firm.
