The AJ Park principal talks taking on a leadership role in a time of rapid change
For Kate Giddens, changes and challenges, whether by choice or coincidence, teach the most important lessons. The AJ Park principal was presented with a leadership opportunity during a time of quick change, and she has embraced the growth and resilience it built in her.
Earlier this week, Giddens shared the story of her unique start in law; in the second part of this interview, she discusses why the profession needs to lean into cross-disciplinary approach, and what she’s anticipating in the coming year.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in the last year or so and what advice can you give fellow lawyers about it?
Earlier this year I stepped into a team co-leader role during a period of rapid change. On reflection it really is true that growth and opportunities happen following change, and I am proud of my personal growth, resilience, and positive leadership of our fantastic team over the past year. The past year has also been hugely rewarding with a significant positive shift in team engagement.
Sometimes changes or challenges (chosen or not) created the most valuable experiences and lessons and prepared us for the next opportunities. It can be easy to see the negative in change but focusing on what you can control, including your own mindset is key.
What should the profession focus more on?
A big opportunity for the legal profession is embracing a cross-disciplinary approach. Clients rarely come to us with neatly boxed IP issues, they come with business problems, ideas to protect, deals to navigate, and risks to manage. That’s where collaboration becomes important.
At AJ Park, we’re fortunate to be a full-service IP firm with approachable people who enjoy working together. It’s great to be able to pull in our commercial, litigation or patent teams, who all specialise in IP, to help respond to client needs. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful that seamless approach can be. Clients feel the difference when they don’t need to shop around for fragmented advice.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
As your career grows, so does your ability to make a broader impact. Not just through the technical work you do, but through the way you support your team and shape relationships. This year, I’m looking forward to continuing that growth. As I step into my role as principal, I now lead a full team, and I see it as an opportunity to foster the kind of culture I value - one built on positivity, resilience, and shared ambition.
I'm also excited to deepen my relationships with clients. I really enjoy the chances to visit clients, to talk things over in person, whether it’s a deep dive into an issue, or holistic assessment of the strategy. This is the best way to keep up with clients’ and learn more about their business and goals.
There’s so much potential right now. This year is about stepping into that possibility, expanding what I can influence, and helping others do the same.
