Alex Ellem

Alex joined Hall & Wilcox as a graduate in the Property & Projects team, with an early ambition to work in the front‑end energy space. They were drawn to the firm by both the strength of the energy practice and the people within it, including senior practitioners Paul O’Donnell, John O’Kane and Catie Moore, who were well regarded for their work in the energy sector.

What stood out most, however, was the firm’s culture. ‘Hall & Wilcox was a place that genuinely prioritised the mental health and wellbeing of its lawyers,’ Alex recalls. ‘At the time, that wasn’t something you saw often in law firms, even small things like providing breakfast felt progressive.’

A defining moment in Alex’s career came while working on a tender for the newly re‑established SEC. Through that process, they gained a deep appreciation for the SEC’s mission and long‑term ambition.

‘The tender made me realise how impressive the organisation was and how strong its goals were,’ they said. ‘It was a rare opportunity to be part of something meaningful at a very early stage.’

When the opportunity arose to join the SEC, supported by significant seed funding, Alex made the move in‑house, becoming one of the organisation’s first employees. Since then, the SEC has grown rapidly to almost 200 staff.

Working in‑house has brought a completely different pace and breadth of work. ‘No two days look the same,’ Alex explains. ‘I’m no longer pigeonholed into one area of law, for better or worse, and that variety has been one of the most rewarding parts of the role.’

Alex says the in‑house environment suits them well, with a long‑term aspiration of one day becoming general counsel of an energy company.

At the core of Alex’s career choices is a deep passion for renewable energy. ‘It’s the thing that’s going to change the world the most in the next 20 years,’ they say. ‘Being part of that transition, something so significant and long‑lasting, is incredibly motivating.’

Reflecting on their career journey, Alex credits the advice of Hall & Wilcox Partner Catie Moore as particularly influential.

‘Take care of yourself and your health. The workload can easily monopolise your time if you let it,’ they recalled. ‘That advice has stayed with me.’

Despite moving on from private practice, Alex remains closely connected to the people they worked with at Hall & Wilcox. One standout memory is a first‑year lawyers’ trip to Sydney, which brought together junior lawyers from across offices.

‘It was fun, messy and unforgettable, and it definitely worked in cementing bonds. Those friendships are still there today.’

Another fond memory was being invited by John O’Kane to the Collingwood box, a small moment that reflected the warmth and generosity of the people they worked with.

From private practice beginnings at Hall & Wilcox to helping shape Australia’s modern energy landscape, Alex’s journey is one grounded in purpose, people and impact. With strong foundations built early in their career, they continue to contribute to one of the most important transitions of our time.

This article was published in May 2026.