Kristdel, can you tell us what first inspired you to pursue a career in law, and specifically, family law? My pursuit of a legal career was born from a deeply rooted sense of justice, not just in the adversarial courtroom tradition, but in those everyday human moments where someone simply needs to be seen, heard, or protected. Law, for me, was never about prestige; it was about purpose. I was always attuned to fairness and driven to create structure and clarity in moments of chaos. It became increasingly apparent that the law offered a framework through which I could meaningfully serve people during times of immense vulnerability. Family law, in particular, called to me because it is one of the few areas of law that directly impacts the day-today lives of individuals, especially children. I have seen firsthand how the breakdown of relationships does not happen in isolation. It ripples across financial security, housing, parenting, identity, and mental health. Family law engages with those complexities in a deeply personal way. It demands both legal excellence and emotional intelligence. Our role as family lawyers is not simply to advise on the division of assets or the allocation of parenting time; it is to ensure that decisions are grounded in accurate, balanced information and that the human cost of litigation is always considered. Whether I am assisting separated parents in crafting a co-parenting arrangement that reduces conflict or helping someone retain access to their family home or companion animal, the work we do shapes futures. This field carries immense responsibility, and that responsibility is what continues to inspire me every day. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them? In hindsight, the early years of practice felt deceptively smooth, largely because I lacked the self-awareness to recognise the scope of what I did not yet know. Law school had equipped me with legal reasoning, but not with the interpersonal and emotional intelligence necessary to navigate the unpredictable terrain of family disputes. Working in family law is unlike any other jurisdiction; there is no clear binary of right and wrong, and the stakes are heartbreakingly personal. I frequently experienced imposter syndrome. I would agonise over whether I had cited the correct authority or drafted the most persuasive affidavit, questioning whether I belonged in the room. It felt like a series of first dates where you walk around hoping you do not have spinach in your teeth, except there is no mirror, and the stakes are someone’s children, home, and safety. The most difficult challenge, however, was learning how to manage emotional boundaries. As family lawyers, we are not just exposed to trauma—we are immersed in it. In the early years, I was not taught how to recognise the signs of vicarious trauma or burnout in myself or my colleagues. At that time, discussions around lawyer wellbeing were almost taboo. Through years of experience, and necessity, I developed strategies to preserve my emotional stamina. I learnt to compartmentalise without becoming desensitised, built a peer support network, and sought out supervision and debriefing. I prioritised self-reflection and developed clear boundaries with clients while still holding space for their emotional experience. These practices are not just self-preserving; they are essential to being a clear, effective advocate. Looking back, is there a case or client that has had a lasting impact on your approach to law? There are countless matters that have left an imprint on me, but one particular case significantly reframed my understanding of justice within the family law system. AUSTRALIA FAMILY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 19
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk3Mzkz