Insight,

Guru in the Spotlight: Stephanie Puris

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Q. What area at KWM do work in and what is your specialisation?

A. I work in the Perth Dispute Resolution team and I specialise in general commercial litigation

Q. How long have you been with the firm for?

A. Over 10 years

Q. Why are you passionate about our Community Impact programme? 

A. I'm passionate about helping others. I feel as lawyers we are in a very privileged position in terms of our knowledge and skills, and I enjoying using those skills to assist others. The Community Impact program allows me to do this.

Q. What projects or programmes have you been involved in recently?

A. Last year, I assisted the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA to set up the Custody Notification Service.  This work involved preparing a comprehensive manual covering the police's power to detain or arrest a person (including their powers to search or conduct a forensic procedure) and the arrested person's rights in various circumstances.

Q. Why did you/do you get involved? What were/are your motivations? 

A. I'm passionate about helping others. I feel as lawyers we are in a very privileged position in terms of our knowledge and skills, and I enjoy using those skills to assist others. The Community Impact programme allows me to do this. The programme also provides great opportunities to progress skills which you might not get to for a while in a large firm. For example, you often have greater responsibility on matters, manage teams across various offices and have great contact with clients.

Q. What skills or experiences have you gained through this work?

A. Many! From technical legal expertise in areas outside of my usual practice (such as criminal law) through to project management and communication skills (especially plain English drafting).

Q. What tips do you have for others thinking about getting involved in the Community Impact programme?

A. Jump in! Reach out to your local coordinators and let them know you are interested in getting involved.

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