Growing up in the coastal town of Kiama and later attending high school in Noosa, Paris never imagined a future in the legal world. After finishing school, she naturally gravitated toward hospitality and events – a space where her natural, people-focused personality thrived. 

Working in venues such as Meet the Greek and the iconic Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay, she developed a strong foundation in service, problem-solving, and adaptability – skills that would later prove invaluable. Her first real encounter with the legal system came during a difficult personal chapter in her life. When her relationship with her daughter’s father broke down, Paris found herself navigating a complex and overwhelming process. Unfortunately, her experience with her lawyer at the time was disheartening – she was struck by how emotionally disconnected the process felt.  

“She kept telling me, ‘You need to keep the emotion out of this and make your affidavit purely about facts.’ But that felt impossible – it was my only chance to speak to the judge in writing. I remember thinking, surely I could do a better job.”  

That spark of determination stayed with her. Motivated by the idea that legal support could be delivered with more empathy and understanding, Paris enrolled in a Law degree at the University of Wollongong. Around that time, she met Deb, the Director of Carter Ferguson Solicitors, who offered her a role as a Legal Administrator while she studied part-time.  

Life, however, had other plans. Paris met her current partner, and together they welcomed two children. She chose to defer her studies, but her career at Carter Ferguson continued to grow.  

Over nearly a decade, Paris has progressed from Legal Administrator to Paralegal, then into Accounts, and today serves as the Office Manager for Carter Ferguson’s five offices across the South Coast.  

“When I first walked in here over 9 years ago, I immediately felt welcome,” she says. “Everyone was approachable, there was no ego, no hierarchy – just real people. Having a leader like Deb, who is so genuine and purpose-driven, made all the difference.”  

Her role is as dynamic as it is demanding, everything from HR, office management and marketing to operations, finance, and even acting as Deb’s PA, providing executive support. But for Paris, variety is exactly what keeps her engaged.  

“I love a challenge, and I like to be constantly busy,” she says. “I travel between offices each month, sit down face-to-face with the team, and have those chats that keep us connected. Whether it’s sorting out billing, updating policies and procedures, planning a team celebration, or having a chat with someone who needs support – I like knowing I can make a difference. I also make sure birthdays and work anniversaries are celebrated because it is important we show people how valued they are.”  

While she’s not practising law, the principles that initially drew Paris to the profession remain close to her heart. The people-first mindset she cultivated in hospitality remains central to her work today.  

“I love hearing people’s stories and perspectives. A lot of people think the legal industry is cold or clinical, but it’s really about people. Yes, the law is part of the conversation, the framework, but at the end of the day we are all human. Connecting on that level – listening, understanding, and figuring out how to help is what actually drives outcomes.”  

As for the future, Paris is open-minded about whether she will return to her degree once her children are older. But for now, she is proud of the career she has built and the culture she helps foster at Carter Ferguson.  

“We don’t bring all of our personal lives into work, but we’re comfortable enough to share parts of ourselves. That way, everyone sees each other not just as colleagues, but as people. And for me, that’s the right kind of workplace – it’s what creates a healthy culture.”  

Paris’s journey is a reminder that careers don’t have to follow a straight line. By trusting her instincts, leaning on her strengths, and carrying transferable skills from one industry to another, she has carved out a meaningful and successful path in a field she never expected to enter. Her story encourages others to think beyond the boundaries of their current industry and to pursue the passions and interests the truly resonate with them – because often, the skills you already have are exactly what you need to make the leap.