Perth, 28 July 2015: Clayton Utz Perth real estate lawyer Clare van Drunen's professional excellence and outstanding contribution to the property industry saw her named the Stan Perron Young Achiever of the Year at the Property Council of Australia (WA division) Future Directions Young Achiever Awards 2015. The Awards were held last Friday evening in Perth.
The Future Directions Young Achiever Awards recognise young property professionals for the quality of their involvement in the workplace and industry. The Stan Perron Young Achiever of the Year Award is open to young property professionals aged between 26 and 35. It is named for Australian philanthropist and businessman Lloyd Stanley Perron AM, in honour of his contribution to Western Australia's property industry.
Clare was one of three finalists for the Award, selected from over 30 nominees through a highly competitive process. Clare is the first point of contact for several market-leading clients, advising them on a diverse range of property law related matters for assets held locally, nationally and internationally. The Clayton Utz Perth Real Estate team is seeing a large amount of Asian investment in Western Australia and Clare is at the forefront of that work. Clare also provides pro bono legal advice to a range of charities and NGOs.
Clare said she was delighted to win the Award. "I developed an interest in property law as a graduate lawyer, and it soon became a passion. Joining Clayton Utz's Real Estate team in Perth last year was a great opportunity for me professionally. As a firm with a strong reputation in the property industry and in pro bono, Clayton Utz has enabled me to gain exposure to and take a leadership role on complex property matters for many different clients," she said.
"One area in which I'm particularly interested in playing a leading role is in facilitating Asian investment into the real estate sector here in WA. The Federal government's recent White Paper on developing Northern Australia highlights the enormous potential for inbound investment to contribute to our economic growth."
Clare said that in time, she also hoped to see a more diverse property industry. Clare is a member of the Property Council WA division's inaugural Women in Property Committee, and a mentor through the University of Western Australia's Women in Law Mentoring Scheme.
"The property industry in WA attracts so many talented professionals who are making an important contribution to the industry's growth and reputation. It needs another generation of talented property lawyers to be emerging. I'd also like to see more women get involved in the industry and make their mark. A more diverse industry can only be a good thing," she said.
Perth Real Estate partner Simon Taskunas said he was proud to see Clare recognised for her industry contribution. "Clare is an integral member of our team here in Perth, led by me and partner Mary Pringle. She reflects the standards of professional excellence, client service and industry leadership we're committed to. We congratulate her on this achievement."