Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to pay tribute today to an outstanding lawyer who's been a positive influence on my life and on the lives of many lawyers and clerks. Katrina Rathie is a great businesswoman, a great lawyer and a pioneer. She recently retired from practice at King & Wood Mallesons after 35 years, including seven years as partner in charge of the Sydney office. Commencing practice in 1985, Katrina moved to New York in 1988, passed the bar and practised in the US until 1991. Returning to Sydney, she became a partner and established the firm's intellectual property practice, which now employs over 350 people.

Katrina developed a reputation for providing outstanding legal advice backed up by sound commercial judgement. She's been at the cutting edge of many leading cases, including representing the New South Wales government in connection with the Sydney Olympics, and was the architect of the world's first ambush marketing laws.

Katrina is recognised as a leader of the legal profession. Her many accolades include New South Wales Woman Lawyer of the Year, IP Partner of the Year and being inducted into the IP Hall of Fame. Katrina has also been recognised for her outstanding contributions to leadership in the law and the advancement of women and cultural diversity. She serves on a variety of boards, including the Starlight Foundation, New South Wales Rugby Union, the Waratahs rugby and Cranbrook School. She also serves on the advisory board of Media Diversity Australia, the Law Advisory Council of UNSW and the culture strategy committee of the University of Sydney.

I want to take this opportunity to send Katrina, Bruce and her whole family every good wish for the future. Congratulations on your outstanding professional achievements and your great mentoring of so many young people.