Emilie Fary’s Secrets to Longevity and Success at Baker McKenzie

In this episode of A-PTV, Zelman Ainsworth interviews Emilie Fary, a seasoned lawyer from Baker McKenzie. Emilie, who has 17 years of experience in the legal industry and is a mother of three teenagers, shares her insights on managing a demanding career and family life. She admits that some weeks she feels she’s excelling in both areas, while other weeks are more challenging. Emilie emphasizes the importance of support, particularly when her children were younger, and acknowledges the role of flexible work arrangements in her success.

Longevity at Baker McKenzie

Emilie has spent her entire legal career at Baker McKenzie, a rarity in today’s job market where lawyers frequently move between firms. She attributes her long tenure to the firm’s supportive culture, enjoyable work environment, and strong team dynamics. Emilie highlights the importance of reassessing job offers to understand what is working and what can be improved in one’s current role. She values the camaraderie and banter at Baker McKenzie, which makes the workplace enjoyable and fulfilling.

The Changing Legal Industry

Discussing trends in the legal industry, Emilie notes that while there is always movement among younger lawyers seeking to advance their careers, the perceived increase in job-hopping might be generational. She points out that post-COVID, there is a trend of people moving overseas or exploring different career opportunities. Despite technological advancements and the introduction of AI tools for document drafting, Emilie believes that the nuanced understanding and negotiation skills of experienced lawyers cannot be replaced by technology.

Gender Equality and Innovation

Gender equality remains a significant issue in corporate Australia. Emilie acknowledges the progress made in larger firms like Baker McKenzie, which have better compliance and standards. However, she notes that there is still work to be done to achieve true gender equality at the principal level. Emilie suggests that the traditional partnership model in law firms needs to evolve to accommodate the demands of modern life, such as offering part-time partnerships to allow for better work-life balance.

Free Legal Advice for Landlords and Tenants

Emilie offers valuable advice for both landlords and tenants. She stresses the importance of involving lawyers early in the negotiation process, particularly during the heads of agreement stage, to ensure all critical terms are addressed. Emilie also highlights the significance of addressing make-good obligations at the beginning of a lease, as these can be costly and time-consuming if left until the end. Additionally, she advises tenants to use their option renewal as leverage to negotiate better terms and emphasizes the importance of clear communication and maintaining a positive relationship between landlords and tenants.

Emilie’s practical insights and extensive experience in the legal industry provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in retail and property law. Her commitment to innovation, gender equality, and effective client management underscores her success and the value she brings to her clients at Baker McKenzie.