Siena Monterosso

Siena Monterosso is an Associate in our restructuring team. Based in Perth, she has been with the firm since joining as a graduate in 2023. We caught up with Siena to find out what it's like to work at Norton Rose Fulbright, her Restructuring experience, and how partner support has played an integral role in her development as a lawyer.

1. Could you please give us a quick overview of the Restructuring practice in Perth, the types of clients you typically work with and the range of matters that you regularly work on?

The Perth Restructuring practice primarily acts for international and Australian financial institutions, insolvency firms and practitioners. The team advises on cross-border and domestic restructurings all aspects of corporate insolvencies, securities enforcement strategy and financial services litigation.  

From the outset, I have expressed a particular interest in litigious work, and I am often down at court dealing with contentious applications, interlocutory disputes and attending mediations. 

2. What keeps you at NRFA?

Without a doubt, the people. The members of the Restructuring team, the Perth office, and the national team, have quickly become my close friends. I can honestly say that I have found my ‘people’ and can bring my true self to work every day– which makes all the difference when working in a legal environment which can, at times, be demanding. I feel privileged to work at international commercial firm where I can comfortably eat lunch with staff members of all positions and talk about the latest developments in the law and ‘Married at First Sight’ alike!  

3. What makes the NRFA Restructuring team in Perth (and more broadly) stand out?

I’ve already talked about the culture of this team and the firm, which is second to none. Perhaps even more important for me as a junior lawyer at the beginning of my career is the fact that the practice is nationally renowned and market leading. Jeff Black, Kellie Link, Nick White and Chris McLeod have each worked exclusively in the insolvency space for many years. Their combined experience includes matters that prick the ears of any WA restructuring lawyer. As a junior, I know that I am receiving top tier training and exposure to challenging, interesting and highly sought after work. 

4. How would you describe Jeff’s and Kellie’s management style?

Jeff and Kellie are great leaders who oversee a busy and dynamic team. Both have both helped me grow exponentially as a lawyer and commercial adviser. 

Jeff is incredibly patient and genuinely interested in your views as to the best way to resolve a matter. Jeff believes in autonomy and a flat team structure – allowing me to take responsibility for all stages of a file (with his supervision). Jeff’s knowledge in the insolvency world is overwhelming – he has done it all and always knows the answer to a complicated question (in Australian law or otherwise!). 

Kellie has been at the firm since she commenced as a graduate in 2013 and is a phenomenal mentor. Working with a partner who has been in your shoes and understands the importance of good training is hard to come by! Kellie consistently takes the time to walk me through complicated issues and takes a ‘hands-on’ approach to my training and development. They say ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ – Kellie’s journey is a huge motivation for me personally. 

Both Jeff and Kellie have really invested in me as a junior member of the team. They are committed to continually upskilling me, and finding work that lends to my interests and challenges me. We regularly talk about my goals, the work that I find rewarding and potential opportunities for growth. 

5. What’s something that a prospective candidate doing their due diligence on the team is unlikely be able to find out via their network or the website?

The team believes strongly in business development and encourages team members of all levels to build strong relationships with restructuring professionals. Irrespective of your level of experience, you will have the opportunity to regularly attend networking events, join associations and catch up with restructuring practitioners. Your ability to build relationships with existing contacts, and to form new contacts, will be important to your success in the team. This practice has really helped me to develop my interpersonal skills, increased my industry knowledge and ‘put a face’ to a name with our clients. 

Oh, and the team’s annual ‘away day’ is infamous firmwide – in the past, it has included competitive car racing, trips to Rottnest, and wine tours. This is an event that I look forward to each year and serves as a reminder of Jeff and Kellie’s appreciation for the work that we do and embodies the team culture more broadly. 

Our Perth team is hiring!

Our restructuring team in Perth is currently hiring. Please click through the relevant link to find out more:

Senior Associate - Perth
Associate – Perth