Alice Watson encourages her fellow lawyers to invest in their own development
For Alice Watson, law is “not just about outcomes and decisions”. The WRP Legal & Advisory associate has always loved the personal aspect of law that enables her to help people solve their problems.
In this interview, Watson discusses the profession’s need for adaptability, healthy competition for a good cause, and advocating for better work-life balance.
What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?
I initially started a Bachelor of Advanced Economics as I really enjoyed problem solving, but soon found out that things like just equations were not for me. I wanted to find a degree that had problem solving at its core but was also focused on working with people to help provide solutions to them. Working in law combines that – it’s not just about outcomes and decisions there’s also a personal element to it.
I love the combination of skills that you use in law, it’s not just about legal analysis. It’s about negotiation, strategy, collaborating and business development. It’s really stimulating to utilise such a broad range of skills each day.
What is going on at the organisation? Are there any new programs and initiatives that you’re particularly interested in?
WRP always looks for exciting and different ways to both support charity initiatives and encourage active lifestyles amongst staff members. Last year, we participated in the City to Bay fundraiser for charity the.next.step.aus. It was a terrific way to raise money for a great cause, encourage team building and getting active – with a little bit of healthy competition amongst the firm.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in the last year or so?
I am very proud to have been promoted to an associate.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned in the past year and what advice can you give fellow lawyers about it?
You need to invest in your own development, set goals and work towards them. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback, or to be more involved in matters. Having an inquisitive and proactive attitude towards work goes a long way.
What should the profession focus more on?
I think the profession has come a long way but there should be more initiatives put in place to support lawyers and encourage a realistic work-life balance. I also think we need to focus on how we adapt and manage technological advances and the use of AI in our work.
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?
I think the biggest challenge in our practice and in the legal industry widely is the reluctance and resistance towards change. Being able to adapt and deal with changes, particularly around the impact of technology and how this is used in our industry.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
I’m excited to run the Gold Coast Marathon for a third time this year and hopefully run a PB. It’s always around EOFY so a nice little motivation as we go into a busy time of year.
If you weren’t in law, what do you think you’d be doing as a career?
I would’ve been an interior designer working in New York.
