Special counsel
Clayton Utz
Brisbane
An important person in my career
I have worked with some excellent lawyers who provided great guidance, particularly at the start of my career. These people gave me helpful feedback (both positive and negative!) and made a point of valuing my contribution, including to clients. This helped build my skills and confidence, setting me up for a successful career.
Advice I’d give to my 25-year-old self
Do not be afraid to take risks and try something different. There have been several times where I have left a job I was very happy with to take on a new and different opportunity, and each time it’s led to something really positive.
If I wasn’t a lawyer, I’d probably be…
A writer! I studied Creative Writing at university, which is quite unusual for a lawyer, but I think it has proved very beneficial throughout my career.
What’s next in ESG/sustainability law?
We’re increasingly seeing clients wanting a social licence to operate and both proponents and First Nations people wanting to achieve free, prior and informed consent in negotiations. This can be very challenging, particularly as Australian laws aren’t necessarily keeping up. We’re expecting to hear some proposals for law reform from the Australian Law Reform Commission in December, so it will be interesting to see how this issue progresses.
The most interesting place my job has taken me
I do a lot of negotiations with First Nations Australians and have the wonderful privilege of travelling on Country. This usually feels a world away from a law firm office!
Reference
“Amy Carseldine and I have been working closely with since she joined Clayton Utz. Amy brings a combination of technical expertise, strategic insight and a genuine commitment to building strong relationships with clients and First Nations stakeholders. Her ability to navigate complex native title and ESG issues, while fostering agreement making and long-term project success, sets her apart in the field. Amy is highly regarded by clients and colleagues alike for her professionalism, diligence, and collaborative approach. She is an asset to our team and the broader legal profession.” Stuart MacGregor, partner at Clayton Utz