National recognition for young Port of Newcastle leader
- May 14, 2020
- 2 min read
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.
