Ms Robyn Campbell

Ms Robyn Campbell is an example of a Monash Law graduate who pursued ‘an alternative career’, rather than becoming a legal practitioner. She has had a long and fulfilling career in Human Resources/People Management, largely in law-related organisations, in the public sector, consulting, and university environments.

Ms Campbell graduated from Monash University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Linguistics) and then in 1979 with a Bachelor of Laws. She later went on to complete a Master of Business Administration degree, part-time, at R.M.I.T. University graduating in 1988, in the early days of that degree’s popularity.  It was also a time when Human Resources/People Management was gaining professional momentum and recognition, gradually elevating to more senior and ultimately executive management levels in organisations.

Recruited to Clayton Utz Melbourne in late 1989 as its first Human Resources (HR) Manager by the first female Managing Partner of a major firm, Catherine Walter, it was also unusual for an HR Manager in a law firm to hold a law degree. Much less so these days. Together they enhanced the contribution of the HR function to the firm and to the senior management team of the firm. Growth was fast, exciting and substantial.  Over the next 12 years, Ms Campbell worked with excellent Managing Partners, senior managers, firm partners and staff, building organisational success through people, emphasising the importance of developing people to their full potential and maintaining significant retention rates. When the firm became a large national practice, Ms Campbell was appointed the first National HR Director.

After her time at Clayton Utz, Ms Campbell joined Melbourne Law School, as Executive Director External Relations, working on a range of initiatives and projects impacting students, staff and alumni, and enjoying life on campus again.

Ms Campbell has mentored law students, law graduates and young solicitors for as long as she has been working, both informally and in formal programs. She has particularly enjoyed assisting both local and overseas students to gain employment, and subsequently promotion.

Until recently Ms Campbell conducted her own HR consultancy business for many years. Her work related to both individuals and organisational clients, largely law-related but also in broader industries.  She has spent time as a Director, including at Firbank Grammar and the Monash Law School Foundation. For many years she was the external nominee on the Marriott Support Services’ Nominations Committee. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Australian Human Resources Institute and Victorian Women Lawyers. She is also a member of Melbourne Football Club and attends as many games as possible.

Ms Campbell has always found her Law degree incredibly useful in her work and life, and takes great pride in being a Monash Law graduate.