Rachel Hooke, Partner
As a senior associate with FB Rice, I had an extremely busy practice, loved my work and felt that I was on a solid career path within the firm. So when my husband was offered a fabulous job opportunity in New Zealand I was delighted for him but was concerned about the options for my career.
Convinced that my option was to resign from the firm, I approached the head of my department Brett Lunn (now Managing Partner) to offer my resignation. I was staggered to learn that the partners were willing to trial a period of remote work from a home office in Wellington. When I spoke to Brett about the fact that the partnership had been generous in making this offer, his take on the situation was that it did not make sense to have me leave just because the firm couldn’t accommodate something as simple as moving to New Zealand.
Two years later and back to Sydney, my clients commented that it seemed as though I had never left. In fact there are some clients that probably don't even realise that I spent two years in New Zealand, particularly those I don't often meet face to face. One client who received numerous emails from me at 6am Sydney time (8am New Zealand time) commented that he simply thought I was an early riser.
The experience was tremendously rewarding, allowing me flexibility in my family life while continuing with my career. The partnership was very forward thinking and willing to go out on a limb to retain me as a permanent member of staff.
Managing Partner Brett Lunn says that retention of key staff was a motivator behind the agreement.
Rachel was promoted to Partner upon return to Sydney. | 
