Dual honour for Central Coast consultant

Kayla Seton of Central Coast firm Seton Family Lawyers has taken two accolades at the Women in Law Awards 2024.

Seton, who is People and Culture Consultant at the law firm, was named HR Professional of the Year and also took out the coveted Excellence Award – the top honour of the night.

The Women in Law Awards, attended by more than 800 legal industry members at Crown Melbourne, celebrated the exceptional women shaping the profession’s future.

Presenter of the award said Seton’s recognition reflected her dedication to creating a workplace culture that supported her team, the firm’s clients and the broader community.

“My husband and I took the opportunity to start a law firm where we could empower legal professionals who were not thought of as a key performance indicator or a billable hour; they were people first,” Seton said.

“My mission is to create a supportive and inclusive culture where our team, their families, and our clients thrive together.”

She said her approach to recruitment prioritised character, soft skills and alignment with the firm’s values over traditional credentials, creating a diverse and dynamic team.

Her progressive thinking extends to the Ironbark Initiative, launched in 2023, which addresses the mental health challenges unique to family law professionals.

The program offers financial resources and dedicated time for employees to prioritise their wellbeing – challenging the traditional norms of the legal industry.

“It was important to me to create a program that supports mental health and sets an example in our industry,” Seton said.

Solicitor Director Michael Seton highlighted her strengths.

“Kayla’s strategies and unwavering commitment to our team’s wellbeing have strengthened every aspect of our firm,” he said.

“Her work sets a powerful precedent for what’s possible in the legal profession.”