The Wynn Williams lawyer also explains why lawyers must maintain a degree of separation in work
Getting involved in Model United Nations when she was in high school shaped Katrina Pfeifer’s future when it awakened an interest in law. She has since gone on to become a dispute resolution expert, practising with Wynn Williams as a recently promoted special counsel.
In this May interview, Pfeifer explains why lawyers need to set healthy emotional boundaries at work and talks her first solo appearance before the Employment Relations Authority.
What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?
I had always enjoyed reading and public speaking, and I liked the idea of a course of study that worked towards a particular job or profession. I also got involved with Model United Nations during high school, including attending The Hague International Model United Nations, which really sparked my interest in the law. This led to me taking Laws 101 and discovering that I really enjoyed it!
My favourite part of the job is helping people to solve their problems or making what can be a really difficult and stressful time in their lives easier to navigate.
What in your opinion has been the most memorable event of your career to date?
I would have to say my first solo appearance in the Employment Relations Authority. While I had appeared a number of times in a supporting capacity, there is something different about being the one in charge of advocating for your client. It was nerve-wracking and stressful, but also exciting and a really validating experience. I learned a lot and it really confirmed for me that this was what I wanted to do. An added bonus was that the member found in our favour!
What’s the biggest lesson you learned in your career and what advice can you give fellow lawyers about it?
One of the biggest lessons I have had to learn is how important it is to have healthy boundaries and maintain a degree of separation from your work. We frequently deal with people who are vulnerable and overwhelmed, and it can be easy to get personally invested in your clients and cases. However, when that happens it can result in a loss of perspective and objectivity, leading to you making decisions or embarking on strategies that may not actually be in your client’s best interests.
It also takes a significant toll on you emotionally. If you are personally invested then every time the outcome doesn’t go your way, it can feel like a personal failure. This isn’t a healthy or sustainable way to practice law and can easily lead to burn-out.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
Professionally, it would have to be stepping into a new role and seeing how our team grows. We have had some exciting recent developments with the merger with SBM Legal and I am excited to see what new opportunities and challenges this year will bring.
