General Counsel
Name: Jennifer Tyler
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: I can't recall exact details (it was a while ago!) but from memory, mostly humanities-based subjects (extension english, maths, general studies etc)
Favourite: I've always loved words and languages
Further study: University
where and what: BALLB (hons) Macquarie University, College of Law, Certificate in International Commercial Arbitration at UNSW and I'm just about to start a Governance course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors
"The nerd in me secretly enjoys the governance aspect of my role- setting up systems and processes to ensure the business can function efficiently and lawfully”
THE INSIDE SCOOP…
What does a General Manager actually do? I head up the in-house legal team at Richard Crookes Constructions. I'm responsible for the day to day management of legal issues within the organisation.
What does a day in your life at work look like? There is no typical day! My day consists of triaging and then responding to legal issues as they arise. It's a fast paced job but I absolutely love it.
What's the best part of your job? I love a lot about my job. I enjoy the broad scope of my role and that every day is different. I get to assist the business to achieve its goals which is incredibly satisfying. I also get to see the tangible result of what our business does so well every day, in the buildings that we build. The nerd in me secretly enjoys the governance aspect of my role- setting up systems and processes to ensure the business can function efficiently and lawfully, as well as educating employees about regulatory changes. That being said, my favourite part of my role is dealing with great people, every day.
What made you realise construction could be for you? My first real legal job in private practice was in the building and construction division of a mid tier firm in Sydney. I absolutely loved working on the construction projects and, in particular, loved working with construction clients.
Who has inspired you in your career? I was very lucky to work for an amazing General Counsel when I first moved into an in-house role in a leading construction company, from private practice. She was incredibly intelligent and commercial in her approach. I learned so much from her - she was supportive and generous with her time. She really inspired me on so many levels and we still catch up regularly today.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? I had no intention of working in the construction industry when I was in high school ... so I would tell my high school self to get a job in the construction industry! The industry offers amazing career opportunities and you'll get to work with seriously talented people.
What's something that surprised you about working in construction? The breadth of talent, the amount of innovative thinking, the awesome people and the amount of opportunities to grow and develop.
Jennifer is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school.
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