One of the region’s brightest young leaders has been recognised in the preeminent Lawyers Weekly magazine’s 30 under 30 awards.
Port of Newcastle Deputy General Counsel Gabriella Sainsbury was shortlisted in the Corporate Counsel (SME) category for her achievements, innovation and contribution to the legal industry.
Lawyers Weekly’s 30 Under 30 is Australia’s largest gathering of lawyers aged 30 and under in Australia. The awards program provides a platform for the rising stars working in the legal industry in Australia to showcase their hard work and celebrate the top-performing professionals of the year.
Port of Newcastle Chief Commercial Officer Simon Byrnes said Ms Sainsbury was an exceptional young lawyer deserving of recognition at such an esteemed level in the legal profession.
“Gabriella plays a pivotal role at Port of Newcastle providing strategic and commercial legal advice to the business in a complex commercial and legal operating environment,” Mr Byrnes said.
“Her pragmatic approach to problem solving and her open and collaborative leadership style make her a highly valuable asset in dealings with colleagues and external stakeholders alike. Port of Newcastle is fortunate to be able to nurture the talent of a true young leader in Gabriella. She has a bright future ahead and is highly deserving of this recognition,” Mr Byrnes said.
Amongst many professional achievements to date, spanning both external and in-house legal counsel, Gabriella has been a Board member of Newcastle University Sport (NuSport) for about seven years and currently holds the position of Deputy Chair.
Gabriella is also President of the University of Newcastle Sports Laureates Association and a member of the Hunter Hurricanes National League Women’s Squad competing in the women’s Australian Water Polo League.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor Commerce (Finance), Master of Laws (Commercial Transactions) and is a graduate from the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
The eighth annual 30 Under 30, run in partnership with principal partner Taylor Root, offers finalists and winners a range of experiences and opportunities that extend far beyond their winning moment.
Lawyers Weekly editor Emma Ryan said it had been the most hotly-contested year for the 30 Under 30 program since it began.
“The finalists are acting on some of the largest and most noteworthy deals the market has seen over the past 12 months,” Ms Ryan said.
“With such tough competition among them, I’d like to say a massive congratulations to all of those who have made the cut. The work you do is integral to the business of law and we look forward to celebrating your achievements on the night.”
The winners of the awards will be announced at the first-ever live broadcast awards on Friday 29 May.
About the 2020 Lawyers Weekly 30 under 30 awards
Lawyers Weekly have introduced a new approach to announcing 2020 finalists which aims to showcase their achievements and better tell their story. This year the magazine will feature 282 high-achieving legal professionals across 30 submission-based categories. Announcements will be made from Monday to Friday profiling each finalist through the Lawyers Weekly morning bulletin.
The winners of the awards will be announced at the first-ever live broadcast awards on Friday, 29 May. With MC Vince Sorrenti, this live talk-show-style event will include live interviews with finalists and winners direct from their homes, and our newly developed app will keep you connected with peers, industry leaders, colleagues and friends. We will continue to recognise the achievements of talented lawyers in 2020 — despite not being able to gather physically. To find out more or register, visit our website here.
Port of Newcastle
Port of Newcastle is a major Australian trade gateway handling 4,600 ship movements and 171 million tonnes of cargo each year. With its annual trade worth about $25 billion to the New South Wales economy, the Port enables businesses across the state to successfully compete in international markets. With a deepwater shipping channel operating at 50% of its capacity, significant port land available and enviable access to national rail and road infrastructure, Port of Newcastle is positioned to further underpin the prosperity of the Hunter, NSW and Australia. As custodians of the region’s critical asset, Port of Newcastle is diversifying its trade as it strives to create a safe, sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible Port that realises its potential.