My children’s school put on a beautiful Art Show this weekend.  Artwork by children from Prep to Year 6 was curated and presented with as much care as if they were Archibald finalists.  I am so grateful to the P & C, the dedicated art teacher and a committed group of very artistic parents who made this possible.

I firmly believe that the future belongs to creatives.  When I have been to open days for prospective schools for my kids, I always want to see their Art Department.  The question many people put to me in response is whether my children, my husband or myself are particularly “arty”.  I would not say any of us are but we all need to be creative.

As part of today’s art  installation, the children were all asked to write a sentence as to why they love art.  The answers varied (“I like getting messy” was probably my favourite!) but there was a consistent theme that the kids appreciated time to do whatever they wanted.  In a world that is governed by rules, routines and guidelines, the children treasured time to do their own thing.

A lawyer championing the arts may sound like a paradox.  Aren’t we supposed to uphold all the rules of society?

While of course we have to adhere to the law and ensure that the proper procedures are always followed, the way in which we assist people in negotiating legal challenges has always been bespoke.  Each factual situation and certainly every one of our clients is unique.  It takes a fresh approach every time.

Our firm is part of a growing group of “digital disruptors” in law and in many other industries and professions.  We are always looking for new ways to deliver legal services that are both excellent and cost effective.  That takes creativity and new ways of thinking.

Solving some of the world’s most pressing problems such as climate change, drug use, displaced peoples and family breakdown will take innovative solutions.

Engineers, scientists, teachers, tradies, artists and even lawyers – we all need to challenge ourselves regularly to be a little more creative.