Sierra Legal is pleased to announce that Kate Landells has joined the firm as Special Counsel.

Kate is a highly experienced corporate and commercial lawyer who specialises in mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, capital raising, takeovers, restructuring and general commercial law.

To get to know Kate a little better, we put her in the hotseat for a quick Q&A:

1. What excites you most about joining Sierra Legal?

Joining Sierra Legal excites me because their vision of constantly innovating legal services is music to my ears. I love the idea of being part of a team that not only prioritises client satisfaction but also values the growth and well-being of its staff. This holistic approach is what sets Sierra Legal apart, and I can't wait to contribute to and thrive within such a forward-thinking firm.

2. Tell us about your career journey - what led you to specialise in corporate and commercial law? 

My parents started our family plumbing business the year I was born, so I grew up with a deep appreciation for the highs and lows of business ownership. Business and legal studies were always my favourite subjects in school, so I knew early on that I wanted to study law at university. Initially, I envisioned a career as a property lawyer, but during my first year out of university, I was fortuitously assigned to a rotation in a corporate and commercial team. I enjoyed it so much that I never left this area of law! What I love most about being a corporate and commercial lawyer is getting to know my clients' businesses and playing apart (albeit small!) in their key business milestones.

3. What’s one legal challenge businesses often underestimate?

While not strictly a legal challenge (though it can morph into one!), underestimating the value of planning is a classic error. Whether for expected or unexpected events, planning early and regularly taking a reflective look at your business is crucial. Think of it as your business's regular check-up – catching issues early means they can be addressed more swiftly and with fewer headaches, which can often eliminate roadblocks to key business milestones such as growth, succession and exit.

4. If you weren’t in the legal industry, what career path do you think you might have pursued?

As a young child, I dreamed of becoming the first female Prime Minister of Australia, but I figured out early on that I prefer solving problems over creating them! By Year 7, I had my sights set on becoming a lawyer, and I can't imagine doing anything else – mainly because my hidden creative and sporting talents are still hiding!

5. If you could give one piece of career advice to junior lawyers, what would it be?

I always tell junior lawyers to carry a pen and notepad everywhere (or, you know, the digital equivalent!). The first couple of years out of university are like being a sponge – soak up everything by observing your peers and learning on the job. So, take notes, and when you hit a wall of confusion, either ask questions or consult the all-knowing Google to boost your knowledge!

6. What’s a fun fact about you that people might not expect?

I'm a pop music trivia maestro – I can name that tune faster than you can say "Oops!... I Did It Again"!

7. When you’re not advising on M&A deals and reviewing contracts, how do you spend your time? 

As a mother of two, my weeks are a whirlwind of coordinating our kids social and sporting calendars and ferrying them here and there. When I'm not juggling their schedules and lives, I love going for long runs to clear my mind and stay fit. It's my way of recharging and finding balance amidst the hustle and bustle of parenting and work.

8. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 

A few former colleagues of mine were disciples of Stephen Covey and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and recommended reading it. Whilst I’m not as passionate about the book as they are, something that stood out to me was how important “Quadrant II” is in time management - it's the place where you focus on planning, prevention, and personal growth, ensuring you don't end up in a last-minute panic- the "work smarter, not harder" quadrant, where future you will thank present you for being so proactive!

9. Favourite place to visit and why? 

I would have to say Yarrawonga on the Murray River. I’ve been visiting since I was a baby, and my parents have had a holiday house up there for decades. It’s a great spot to unplug from daily life and enjoy the sunshine, water and rural lifestyle.

10. Describe yourself in three words.

I always hate this question! I would say – caring, driven, well-organised.

Welcome to the team, Kate!