June Ahern is Wolters Kluwer’s Legal Content Editor, specifically tasked with editing content covering all aspects of company law and bankruptcy & insolvency. Having been with Wolters Kluwer since July 2019, June comes from several boutique law firms where she gained experience in commercial law, litigation, property, family law, criminal law, wills & estates, and immigration.
We sat down with June to learn more about her background and why she stays at Wolters Kluwer.
You come from a legal background. What made you decide to move from practice and join Wolters Kluwer?
I actually started my career in IT before pivoting to Law. For me, Wolters Kluwer provided the perfect blend of technology and legal intel where I could utilise my IT skills to some degree. However, one of the main motivating factors for joining Wolters Kluwer is my love of writing and research. My role at Wolters Kluwer as content editor allows me to fully immerse myself in all aspects of my practice areas – to an extent which may not be possible in practice.
What are some of your biggest motivators at work?
My biggest motivators at Wolters Kluwer are the sense of trust, responsibility, independence and autonomy which I have over my work. I am left to manage my practice areas – Company Law and Bankruptcy & Insolvency – as I see fit. This means managing my time very effectively and ensuring that I focus on the key priorities. I work best when I am given this independence. However, my manager and the organisation at large is always there to support me, so that I can reach out at any time if need be. For me, it’s the perfect balance for how I like to work.
What makes our company different from others you’ve worked for?
I know it may sound like a cliché, but it is definitely the people at Wolters Kluwer which makes our organisation stand out. Everyone is so welcoming, supportive and always willing to help out. We have fostered wonderful relationships within the legal team in which I work, built on collaboration and sharing ideas. There is definitely a lack of ego-centricity at Wolters Kluwer which is such a refreshing change in today’s fast-paced corporate world.
What qualities do people need to have to be successful here?
I feel that collaboration and team work are essential in order to fit in at Wolters Kluwer. We are a “people” organisation which fosters supportive work in order to get things done. If you can work cooperatively with others, ask questions, accept challenges and always bring a sense of curiosity to work, you will do well at Wolters Kluwer.
What work are you most proud of? And why?
There are a number of things to be proud of. However, what stands out for me is the direct interaction which I have had with our clients – whether that be via conducting presentations and webinars where we take a deep-dive into our content, or whether it is attending conferences, events and seminars. I always love engaging directly with our clients, in order to more fully understand their needs and how we can assist.
I am also grateful to have been provided with the opportunity to speak at several events on the important topics of AI, ESG and law reform, and how our organisation is adapting to these important changes.
What values are important to you? How do you experience those values here at WK?
For me, the values which I look for most in an organisation are respect, collaboration, team work, the ability to ask questions and be heard and a sense of autonomy over my work. I feel that Wolters Kluwer embraces those values in full. There is a sense of trust in this organisation and an important balance between being supported in our work but also been fostered with a sense of responsibility, ownership and autonomy in managing our individual practice areas.
How satisfied are you with your opportunity to learn and grow in our organisation?
Wolters Kluwer certainly does encourage learning and growth. We have access to an expansive library of online learning courses. However, beyond that there is the opportunity to attend legal conferences and events. I have been fortunate to attend the ALLA conference in Hobart, and the Legal Counsel Summit in Sydney, where I led an interesting round-table discussion on ESG. These opportunities have really helped me to grow and build confidence. It comes down to putting yourself out there a little, talking to the right people and being comfortable in your abilities.
What do you think encourages employees to stay at this company?
Longevity is certainly something which Wolters Kluwer can be proud of. We have employees who have passed their 25th, 30th and even 35th anniversaries with the organisation. I feel that speaks largely to the culture at Wolters Kluwer and the trust which the organisation places in their employees. I also feel that the flexibility for most employees – with a healthy balance between time in the office and working from home – has encouraged employees to enjoy a long tenure with our organisation, particularly as work-life balance becomes so important.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new starter, what would it be?
I think the best piece of advice I can impart on a new joiner to Wolters Kluwer is to get to know as many people as you can within the organisation – including those outside your immediate team. Ask questions, don’t be afraid to speak up and bring a sense of curiosity to work. Building those important relationships in the early days of your career will open doors and help you to grow and progress your career at our organisation. It is certainly something which Wolters Kluwer encourages. Good luck!