Fleur Katsmartin on the power of authenticity and humility for in-house lawyers

In this episode of Legal Human, Fleur Katsmartin, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Royal Melbourne Hospital, reflects on her journey to becoming an authentic lawyer. Fleur discusses the challenges of starting her career in a large law firm, where she felt pressure to conform to a traditional idea of what a lawyer "should" be. Recognising that this approach was unsustainable, she embraced her individuality, emphasising that legal services are fundamentally human services, best delivered authentically. Fleur also explores the transition from law-firm practice to excelling as an in-house lawyer. She highlights the importance of curiosity, humility and empathy, as well as the significant mindset shift required to embrace having “skin in the game.” This includes becoming comfortable with errors and measuring success by how quickly and effectively they are addressed. While acknowledging the demands of in-house practice, Fleur explains how it offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. Her insights provide valuable guidance for those seeking to thrive in this rewarding but challenging environment. Listen now to discover Fleur’s candid reflections on authenticity, adaptability, and the art of being a human lawyer.