Meet our people

The following staff profiles provide more information on what it's like to work at DLA Phillips Fox.

Cathryn Prowse Lawyer, Insurance                                                        Melbourne

I am a fourth year lawyer, practicing in the insurance litigation and dispute resolution team, specialising in professional indemnity and general commercial litigation. The majority of the matters that I handle, via instructions from insurers, involve professionals, such as financial advisors, valuers, dentists and real estate agents who are being sued for things like negligence, breach of contract or misrepresentation.

I also run a busy disciplinary practice where I am engaged by the Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria to commence panel hearings into the professional conduct of registered practitioners and prosecute offences relating to advertising and unregistered practices. At the same time I always seem to have an eclectic mix of pro-bono files on the go which have routinely taken me into interesting and sometimes unchartered territory.  

One of the most rewarding things about coming to work is being part of a talented and supportive team, working on files that I am passionate about. Life as a litigator is often chaotic, but successfully navigating your way around the various obstacles is, on reflection, the satisfying part. Additionally, in my disciplinary practice, achieving a positive outcome for a complainant is always rewarding.

In a sense I have been able to steer the direction of my career development with the support of my supervisors. I am continually encouraged to expand my horizons and take on new challenges. DLA Phillips Fox provides excellent in-house formal training (both legal and general) by way of seminars and continuing legal education. However, invaluable development is also achieved through working closely with talented individuals.

Josh Henderson Lawyer, Technology, Media and Commercial       Brisbane

I completed my articles in January 2006 and have worked as a lawyer since then with my only other career of note being a Christmas elf at Harrods.  

I joined DLA Phillips Fox in May 2007 and work in the Technology Media and Commercial (TMC) practice group. I wanted to gain experience in IP disputes and was attracted to DLA Phillips Fox because it has a great reputation in the Brisbane market.  I met Philip Byrnes, Tony Conaghan and Ben Coogan and felt that I would fit in well with the team. 

My work is in the area of IP litigation. This covers a broad spectrum of IP disputes, particularly in relation to patents, trade marks, copyright and designs. 

I think the most rewarding aspect of this type of work is when you get it right and score a great result for your client. The work is interesting and challenging but the firm has a fun culture too which means there are plenty of great social functions to enjoy.

At this stage of my career, developing my skills, such as communication and legal skills, is the number one priority.  Working in a team that has a wealth of experience, like the TMC team, means that you are always honing your skills and developing as a lawyer.  The firm has also supported me in completing a masters of law, which I finished in November 2007.