Meet Anjali Bethune, a lawyer in our Corporate and M&A team in Melbourne. Ali has a diverse practice that includes acquisitions, sales, governance, restructuring, and private client work. She is also actively involved in pro bono initiatives to support charitable organisations and drive positive change. Read more about her practice below.
Can you tell us more about the working style within the commercial team at ABL?
As junior lawyers in ABL’s commercial team, we are encouraged to work across numerous areas and with different partners – to become what we call a ‘generalist specialist’. This means that every day is varied, and the work is always diverse.
My practice is general commercial and corporate law, which includes acquisitions, sales, governance issues, and restructuring, but also private client work, which involves wealth management, succession planning, business succession and control, strategic planning and the structuring and implementation of appropriate business and investment vehicles. I am also fortunate to work on matters involving philanthropy and charitable giving, including the establishment of special purpose philanthropic entities and private and public ancillary funds, and with various not-for-profits and charities active in the poverty alleviation, housing, education, environmental, health promotion, cultural and arts sectors.
How has your career at ABL shaped your professional growth, and what sets it apart from other firms?
Even from my clerkship experience at ABL, the ability to work so closely with the partners and senior lawyers is what drew me to the firm. Working alongside the partners and senior associates has provided me with the opportunity to learn and develop my skills as a lawyer.
From the outset, I have had direct client contact and have been emboldened to take carriage of new tasks and responsibilities. In addition, the open door policy means that I have always felt comfortable to reach out for assistance when needed. This is an environment in which my growth as a lawyer is actively encouraged and supported.
Can you tell us about your involvement in pro bono work at ABL?
ABL encourages staff to become involved in the pro bono and charity practice from day one. For me, this has meant that I have assisted on a number of public interest matters with ABL’s public interest team. Integrating my commercial practice with pro bono work, I’ve helped charity clients with complex transactions, ensuring they operate under efficient commercial structures and meet governance requirements.
This experience has provided me with a broader perspective of the impact of our work as lawyers – the matters are not only professionally rewarding, enabling me to enhance and develop my professional skills, but also personally significant and fulfilling, allowing me to work directly with those who are at the forefront of driving positive change in the community.
