AllyOne is a Platinum Sponsor for the upcoming ACC National Conference at the MCG in November. This year’s theme, "More Than a Lawyer," resonated with us as we believe in being more than a legal spend management platform!
Legal grounding provides a robust foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—skills that are invaluable in countless other fields. Whether in board roles, public service, or business, the ability to analyse complex issues and navigate challenging environments opens doors to a multitude of opportunities.
In the first of our series of articles, we've interviewed two leaders who began their careers in law and have since branched out into various fields. They shared insights on the key skills they retained from their legal training and how those skills have contributed to their success in new domains.
Roger Wilkins AO, BA Hons, LLB
Roger Wilkins AO exemplifies the theme "More Than a Lawyer" through his distinguished career in public service and private finance. Initially graduating from law, Roger quickly transitioned into key roles within the government, ultimately serving as Head of the NSW Cabinet Office and later as Secretary of the Federal Attorney-General’s Department. He served on the Executive of Citibank and chaired the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which leads global action to tackle money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing.
In what ways can a legal background enhance leadership in non-legal roles?
A legal background equips you with critical thinking and a structured approach to problem-solving, which are invaluable beyond the courtroom. In my career, whether working in public administration or with political leaders, the ability to analyse complex issues, foresee potential outcomes, and articulate clear, legally sound arguments has been essential. These skills are particularly helpful in shaping policies and negotiating across different interest groups.
Leadership often involves making decisions in uncertain or complex situations. A legal education teaches you how to dissect problems, understand the details, and develop reasoned solutions. It also trains you to assess risk and mitigate it—essential skills for any leadership role, particularly in public administration. Additionally, the ability to communicate effectively, whether in written or verbal form, is a crucial leadership skill that law instils from the start.
Can you share an example of a time when your legal expertise directly influenced a key policy or decision in your career?
A significant example would be the productivity reforms of the Hilmer agenda in the late 90s and early 2000’s which was a comprehensive attempt to deregulate and to bring in privatisation and corporatisation of government entities and importantly to improve and reform cooperation amongst the States and Commonwealth in terms of the delivery of services. This involved complex questions of constitutional law as well as practical methods of cooperating and sorting out problems between the states in areas as broad as mental health to electricity. Having a legal background was very helpful in providing frameworks for things like mutual recognition, corporatisation and cooperation in terms of the creation of federal entities.
What advice would you give to General Counsels (GCs) seeking a change in their career?
For GCs looking to transition, my advice is to focus on the transferable skills that a legal career has given you—skills such as strategic thinking, risk management, and decision-making under pressure. These are highly valued in roles beyond the legal realm, whether in corporate leadership, governance, or public policy. Don’t be afraid to leverage your expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments and resolving disputes, as these abilities are crucial in many sectors. Lastly, stay curious and adaptable. GCs are often well-positioned to move into broader business roles or public service, where legal knowledge combined with leadership can drive meaningful change.
What advice would you give to young lawyers considering a career in public service?
Public service offers an extraordinary opportunity to apply your legal skills in ways that impact society at large. My advice is to remain flexible and open to the diversity of experiences the public sector provides. You won’t always be working directly on legal matters, but the skills you acquire in law—like critical analysis, problem-solving, and negotiation—will make you a valuable asset in policy and governance. Never underestimate the broad applicability of legal training in shaping public policy and leadership.
Joanne Rees BA, LLB
Founder and CEO of LegalTech startup AllyOne and Legal resourcing company AllyGroup, Joanne has been a partner and managing partner in several Australian national legal firms, a senior consultant with ASIC, a senior partner at one of the Big 4 consulting firms, a non-executive director on a number of government and public boards, and CEO and Chairman of CAMAC.
How has your legal background equipped you to navigate the challenges of the startup world, particularly in the tech industry?
My legal background has been incredibly useful in navigating the complexities of the startup world. Startups, especially in tech, move fast, and you need to make decisions quickly while managing risk. My legal training taught me to assess risks thoroughly and make informed decisions even with incomplete information. Understanding contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory frameworks gives me an edge when structuring deals and managing compliance aspects.
How can legal professionals prepare themselves to be "more than a lawyer"?
It’s important to be open to learning beyond the law. To be more than a lawyer, you need to gain insights into areas like finance, strategy, and operations. Build relationships across various functions within your organization and seek opportunities to get involved in business decisions that go beyond just legal matters. Over time, developing a strong commercial acumen, understanding risk, and contributing to long-term strategy will set you apart and make you more valuable as a leader.
In what ways has your experience as a litigator influenced your approach to problem-solving in a business environment?
Litigation is all about thinking on your feet and anticipating outcomes. That experience taught me to approach business problems similarly—by looking at the long-term while managing immediate challenges. As a litigator, you learn to balance assertiveness with diplomacy, which is invaluable when negotiating deals or resolving conflicts in the startup space.
What advice would you offer to lawyers considering a transition into the startup or tech industry?
Be prepared to embrace uncertainty and flexibility. The startup world moves quickly, and it’s very different from the structured environment of a law firm. While your legal skills are valuable, you’ll need to adapt to a more fluid, less hierarchical nature. Learn as much as you can about the industry you’re entering, and don’t be afraid to explore areas outside your legal comfort zone. Trust the skills you’ve developed—your ability to think critically, negotiate, and solve problems will make you a great asset in any industry.
