Jessica Giovanelli loves that her toddler is becoming "a great negotiator"
When she first began practising law, Jessica Giovanelli developed a fondness for litigation and disputes after she realised that she enjoyed developing lateral arguments and incorporating “rhetorical flourish”.
The Moulis Legal special counsel also got into international trade law because it was “an interesting experiment in global law with ‘teeth’.” She’s also excited for the firm’s venture into “the legal side of blockchain”.
In this December 2022 interview, Giovanelli talks Moulis Legal being the first Australian law firm to offer NFTs, working in the Australian Sanctions Office and how she’d defend the Frankenstein monster.
What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?
I’ve always been interested in how things can be done better and more fairly in society, I like systems and details, and I value relationships and people. Law seemed a great way to combine all these!
During my studies, I became fascinated by international trade law for two main reasons. Firstly, it seemed like an interesting experiment in global law with “teeth”. I was intrigued by the idea that governments had agreed internationally binding rules and could end up with trade measures being imposed against them if they didn’t comply. Secondly, because of the promise of development through trade and the idea that by leveling the playing field, everyone could have an opportunity to benefit from trading in what they were good at.
When I started practising, I discovered how much I liked litigation and disputes. I like finding lateral arguments and mastering the procedure and process which can sometimes be a lot more decisive than you’d expect. And of course, you can add rhetorical flourish that would be a bit over the top in drier work products like advice.
What is going on at the organisation? Are there any new programs and initiatives that you’re particularly interested in?
I’m really excited to be joining Moulis Legal, a firm which is so well-regarded in commercial and international law and so highly ranked in its handling of trade-related matters. The firm’s WTO and trade rules practice is expanding rapidly, in line with the rapid development and disruption of the trade and investment system itself. It’s a great opportunity to use my experience to achieve optimal outcomes for our clients at the corporate and government levels.
What tech-related initiatives adopted by the organisation, if any, are you most excited about?
Moulis Legal has a “special interest” in technology law, including the legal side of blockchain, and has become the first Australian law firm to offer non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to be redeemed for legal services – which has largely been made possible by my tech-savvy new colleague, Graeme Fearon.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in the last year or so?
My proudest accomplishment has been parenting my two-year old son – he’s becoming a great negotiator! It’s been a life lesson in making time for things that are slow but important. I’m also proud to have taken the plunge and taken up a new opportunity at a time when I’m balancing other demands.
At a professional level, I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to work in the Australian Sanctions Office earlier this year, and to have learned the intricacies of the Australian sanctions regime at a time when it is really relevant.
What should the profession focus more on?
I’m really impressed with how Moulis Legal is focused on people, positive experiences and pursuing excellence rather than slavishly seeking purely financial outcomes. It makes for a more pleasant and balanced work environment, and a real sense of achievement.
What are the challenges you expect in your practice, and in the business of law in general, going forward? What challenges are particularly pressing in the country’s legal industry?
Work life balance is such an important objective for the profession, whether in public or private practice. Law does attract high achievers, and a challenge for the industry is to seek to ensure that professional expectations and systems facilitate people achieving highly without burning out.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
I am thrilled to be able to use my skills and expertise in a new way, and to work with different clients. In the past, I worked in a small torts-focused firm, and I really enjoy taking a client focused approach to help people achieve their goals.
If you had to defend a fictional antagonist/villain in court, who would you pick, and why?
My book club has just finished reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I think there is enough ambiguity about the Monster’s culpability, and enough pathos and contrition to allow an argument that he didn’t choose the murderous ice fiend life, the murderous ice fiend life chose him.
