Alumni in Focus: Natalie Wade

Equality Lawyers is a law firm for people with disabilities, their families and supporters. The firm launched this year on 1 July and focuses on everyday disability rights legal issues including discrimination, NDIS appeals and general civil actions. 

If I could go back to my University days I would…
Be less stressed about work and enjoy the experience.

My most prized possession…
Is my Eco House. I built it last year and I am so in love with it.

I can’t get enough of…
Lazy Sunday mornings at home.

Something that makes you smile?
Trees in autumn when they make a golden mess on the footpaths.

Something you are grateful for?
My poodles and my partner, they make everyday life brighter.

If I could pursue a different career I would…
Open a book and coffee shop.

The most valuable lesson I have learned…
Is to take the time to work out who you are and what you offer the world, and then be that unapologetically.

I cannot get through the day without…
Coffee.

Three words your closest friends would use to describe you?
Passionate, determined and smart.

Your definition of success?
Being happy!

Favourite place to eat when in Adelaide?
Borsa Pasta Cucina. The linguine tutto mare is delicious!

My mother taught me…
To work hard, even at the boring stuff. Hard work adds up and leads to success.

Your career path in two sentences or less?
I found something I loved and was passionate about early on at uni. I worked really hard to become the best lawyer and disability rights advocate I could be before launching a law firm built on that passion.

Biggest career highlight?
Being a small part of a big law reform that changed the way people with complex communication disabilities give evidence in South Australian courts. They couldn’t give evidence before, it was incredible to have [the reform] become a reality.

2019 is the year I will…
Get to see if making your dreams come true is as cool in reality as it is in theory.

How do you relax?
By binge watching Australia dramas or spending time with family and friends.

When I get home the first thing I do is…
Make a fuss over the poodles.

The biggest risk I’ve taken…
Is opening Equality Lawyers, which involved me giving up my long term government job and really believing in myself and my skills.

A misconception about you?
That I never sleep. I have a stickling routine which sees me getting a good seven hours every night.