Emilie Foden
Tell us your career story…
I started out as a litigation lawyer at a corporate/commercial law firm in Adelaide, but soon stepped away from the dark side and moved into the corporate transactions team. I then spent a couple of years in Aberdeen, Scotland, braving the cold and working mainly in M&A relating to the oil and gas sector, learning how to ‘put a kilt’ on English law contracts. Following my stint overseas, I decided Melbourne was the place to be and started at Hall & Wilcox in the corporate team, working closely with the infamous James Morvell / John Hutchinson duo and Jacqui Barrett in the franchising practice. I was very lucky to be in such a great team at H&W – we had a lot of fun, while working on many interesting and challenging matters. I reached a point where I decided private practice may not have been for me, so, armed with my franchising expertise, I headed in-house at Australia Post. About three years ago, I transitioned out of the legal team and work in the Post Office Network team of the business as a Manager – Regional Network Partnerships Development and Advisory.
A typical day at work for me is...
Two days are never the same – I can be dealing with anything from managing complex compliance issues or disputes within our Licensed Post Office Network (franchise network), providing guidance on strategic change or new product/process rollouts that may impact our Licensees, running development sessions with Area Managers/Network Managers, drafting Senate inquiry submissions, working closely with both internal and external legal teams or advising Senior Management on the regulatory impacts of the Franchising Code of Conduct.
The thing that makes me get out of bed and go to work each morning is …
my team, they’re a pretty fun bunch.
I’m also passionate about …
good wine, great food and running (a lockdown hobby that has somehow stuck)!
The best bit of advice given to me was …
being personable matters to clients. There are lots of great technical lawyers but taking a genuine interest in the client and their motivations/interests can help you to build a stronger working relationship and become a trusted advisor.
The best part of my role is …
seeing my advice and guidance turn into positive change within Australia Post and our franchise network – it is rewarding to be involved in matters from start to finish and see the impact you’ve had on a business over time.
My most memorable Hall & Wilcox moment was …
there are so many (but my lips are sealed). Meeting one of my best friends, Michelle – fellow H&W alumni, has got to be up there!
This article was published in September 2022.