Coleman Greig is excited to announce that Caroline Hutchinson, Principal Director, has been awarded the title of Honorary Fellow of the University by Western Sydney University (WSU).
Honorary awards are bestowed upon individuals who have contributed to the advancement of knowledge or the betterment of society and who have achieved eminence in their field of endeavour at local, state, national or international level.
Caroline is an Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation and Head of Coleman Greig’s Litigation & Employment Law teams.
A lawyer for more than 30 years, Caroline has substantial knowledge and skills in commercial litigation and alternate dispute resolution. She has been recognised as a two-time Finalist in the inaugural Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards and twice as a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards.
The Firm’s CEO, Ashley Lamb, said, “The Board and staff at Coleman Greig are thrilled that Caroline has been recognised by Western Sydney University. The honorary fellowship is a testament to Caroline’s commitment to the firm and legal industry, Western Sydney and continuing learning.”
Caroline is a non-executive Director and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Passionate about the development of lawyers and an advocate in the profession, Caroline has been a member of the Litigation Law and Practice Committee of the Law Society of NSW since 2014. She was appointed to the Society’s List of Independent Solicitors for the purpose of executing Search Orders in 2019.
Caroline is the Ambassador for Coleman Greig’s Women in Business Forum which connects professional women and senior female executives. She has also been involved in WSU’s Women of the West awards for a number of years, partnering to host the annual event as part of the Forum and sitting on the selection panel.
She was a non-executive Director of WSU Enterprises P/L (WSUE) for six years. WSUE oversees The College (an alternative pathways program for students). It is also responsible for the International College and other WSU projects providing education to people in streams outside the traditional university structure.
She has been a key driver in supporting the Law School at various events through a range of initiatives, including the Coleman Greig Cadetship Program and an annual excellence award. She has also served as the community member of the selection committee for WSU’s Alumni Awards three times.
Caroline said “My primary focus in partnering with the university has been supporting women and people experiencing disadvantage, particularly in Greater Western Sydney.”
Caroline was presented with Honorary Fellow of the University award at a ceremony on 31 October 2023 at WSU’s Parramatta South Campus. She was honoured to give attendees the Occasional Address.
Talking to the graduands, Caroline stated that the times she finds most satisfying, are those where she’s able to give back, to contribute, to help out, whether in or outside of the workplace. She urged the graduates to “find a charity, a cause, a community group…Gift them your skills, your time, your energy – and you will definitely feel the rewards.”
She concluded by thanking WSU for the honour and said, “It has been my privilege to serve the clients and staff of Coleman Greig Lawyers, to serve the legal profession, to serve the community in which I work and live and to serve Western Sydney University.”
Congratulations Caroline on this enormous achievement and thank you for your contributions to the legal sector and community!
