Getting to Know Senior Associate - Katherine O’Brien

What were you doing before Sierra Legal?

Working in corporate law for a top-tier law firm. Before I entered the law, I worked in banking as a business analyst and product manager.

What do you do with your time when you aren’t advising on M&A deals and reviewing contracts?

I love escaping to the ocean, especially to scuba dive. When I’m not dealing with a transaction, you might find me underwater exploring a shipwreck or photographing marine life. Above water, I enjoy pilates and yoga as well as creative writing.

What was your first job?

My first job was at the local supermarket. I used to work the checkout and also behind the deli counter. When it was quiet we would “face up” the shelves (bring the stock to the front). I was really good at facing up the tins of tuna!

What was the first thing you bought with your own money?

A portable TV. It was sort of like a Gameboy, but it had a tiny TV screen and a big arial you had to pull out. Reception wasn’t always the greatest, and the resolution was not so good either, but I thought it was pretty special. I didn’t actually end up actually using it much though due to the aforementioned reception and resolution issues.

What was the last book you read?

“The Happiest Man on Earth” by Eddie Jaku - an amazing story of survival which emphasises the importance of kindness.

Favourite place?

Either the Great Blue Hole in Belize or Fish Rock Cave off the coast of South West Rocks in New South Wales. Fish Rock Cave is an ocean cave which runs 125 metres underwater through a rock in the ocean. Its inhabitants include grey nurse sharks, turtles, crayfish, and bull rays.

Favourite food?

I will eat most things but favourites include sashimi, shellfish, Mexican, and, of course,  chocolate.

Least favourite food?

I’m not very fussy but liquorice gets a firm “no” from me.

Best advice you have received?

I’m still deciding on that. I like the approach taken by the Minimalists, for example the following minimal maxims:

• The most effective way to declutter is to leave the junk at the store
• Our memories are not in our things; our memories are inside us
• The right thing to do is rarely the easy thing to do