Sydney, 4 June 2018: Clayton Utz senior associate Lauree Coci and IP lawyer Sumer Dayal were recognised for their professional excellence and contributions to the legal profession and wider community at the sixth annual Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards in Sydney on 18 May.
Lauree, who specialises in dispute resolution, was a winner in the Pro Bono category, while Sumer took out an award for Intellectual Property (IP). The pair were among 30 winners selected from 150 lawyers shortlisted for awards across 15 practice areas.
Lauree co-ordinates Clayton Utz's Perth Pro Bono practice, overseeing the referral process for pro bono matters, and managing employee secondment programs with local community legal centres. In her own pro bono work, Lauree has provided recommendations to the Attorney-General's Department to help shape the proposed anti-modern slavery legislation. Lauree has also collaborated with the firm's FTS team to develop a due diligence product to help clients eradicate slavery-like practices from their supply chains.
On her award win, Lauree said: "I am equally passionate about commercial litigation and pro bono and my work in both areas has helped shape my legal practice. I am fortunate to work at a firm that is a leader in, and understands the importance of pro bono legal work, and with colleagues who support and encourage me to follow my passion in this area, as well as professionally. This award is a tribute to them."
Sumer also acknowledged his team in contributing to his award success. Sumer has built a strong practice in back-end IP dispute resolution and front-end technology contracts. His work highlights include protecting IP rights for members of the Aboriginal community in disputes and transactions, including representing the National Native Title Council in managing IP arrangements for the innovative National Cultural Flows Research Project, which aims to encourage the adoption of Indigenous water interests in Australia's water management regime within the Murray-Darling Basin.
Sumer said: "As young lawyers, we rely on the guidance and support of our friends and colleagues to navigate a challenging career path. This award reflects the collective contributions of the Clayton Utz IP and IT team on my career as a whole."
Both Sumer and Lauree are also dedicated to broader firm initiatives. Sumer is involved in Clayton Utz's Momentum network which drives the firm's diversity and inclusion initiatives, while Lauree is leading a business development pilot for junior Clayton Utz lawyers and is exploring ways to improve the firm's recruitment processes, as a firm Innovation Champion.