Emma Reilly is a highly regarded partner in our Canberra office. She acts in defence of professional indemnity and personal injury insurance claims and workplace and industrial law matters for employers and Government. Emma’s clients include most major insurers including the 5 licenced ACT workers compensation insurers. Emma oversees the Canberra based debt recovery and property teams.

Why did you become a lawyer?

I always saw myself working in an office in some capacity. I enjoyed business studies and economics at school and so studied accounting and law. During university I was aiming for a tax law position with one of the big 5 accounting firms, which I was offered. While still studying and quite by accident I started work as a paralegal in insurance litigation. I loved litigation, including the problem solving involved in reviewing a matter and working out the likely end point to the dispute and the evidence required to get there. Negotiation and drafting are my strengths and becoming a lawyer seemed to fit well with those skills. I changed my path and accepted a graduate role in insurance litigation. I am very happy that I did!

Why Moray & Agnew?

The collaborative culture of teamwork, hard work and technical excellence at all levels attracted me to Moray & Agnew and is a big part of my commitment to the firm. As a young lawyer, I didn’t want to be in an environment where the partners brought in the work and took all the credit. I valued being able to work with reference to my individual strengths rather than being forced to fit a mould. As a partner I enjoy mentoring and ensuring that everyone has client contact, job satisfaction and the opportunity to succeed. I love that we all have the freedom and flexibility to pursue lateral business development ideas. I feel very supported by the other partners and genuinely enjoy my job.

What do you enjoy outside work?

Spending time with family and friends, particularly at the beach and on holidays, walking and hiking, running, reading novels, playing tennis and snow skiing. I very much enjoy contributing to the Canberra community via my Board roles with Roundabout Canberra and MusicACT. I volunteer at Roundabout Canberra with my daughter which is a fantastic way to spend quality time together.

Three words that sum you up

Emphatic, energetic and (hopefully) effective.