Sydney, 24 October 2017: Clayton Utz special counsel Jennifer Harris has been recognised for the second year running at the 2017 Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards, taking out the Special Counsel of the Year award. Jennifer was named Mentor of the Year at the 2016 Awards.
Jennifer is a special counsel in the Clayton Utz national Real Estate practice group. Her professional achievements include being a core member of the legal advisory team on landmark projects such as the $3.4 billion revitalisation of the Darling Harbour precinct, the $2 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment and iconic development projects for Liverpool City Council. Jennifer is also a keen advocate for her team's growing involvement and expertise in emerging industry sectors such as urban renewal, precinct developments and social and affordable housing.
In addition to her commitment to clients and her team, Jennifer is deeply committed to helping others through her pro bono work, and as a mentor.
Jennifer provides pro bono legal advice to Stanford House, a supported accommodation service for people living with HIV who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. She also volunteers her time to mentor young lawyers through the NSW Law Society Women's Mentoring Program and through various programs at Clayton Utz.
Jennifer said she was delighted to receive the Special Counsel of the Year accolade. "I love the work I do and the team I work with. We do fantastic, ground-breaking work with our clients on landmark projects which are already changing the way people work and live in the region, and it's wonderful to have these efforts recognised by the industry," she said.
"This award, and my accolade last year, mean a lot to me. I've met many incredible people and had numerous professional development opportunities through these awards and I am grateful for that."
Jennifer was among 18 individuals recognised at the Women in Law Awards for their professional and personal achievements, and their dedication to advancing women in the legal services industry.
Seven other Clayton Utz lawyers were finalists in other award categories:
Kate Jordan - Executive of the Year
Kylie de Oliveira, Julie Levis - Dealmaker of the Year
Mary Still - Mentor of the Year
Karen Ingram - Partner of the Year
Kate Casellas - Special Counsel of the Year
Lara Solomons - Young Gun of the Year
Clayton Utz was also shortlisted for the Diversity Law Firm of the Year Award.