Juris Doctor Careers Panel & Networking Series – Autumn 2025

Consultant - KPMG
UTS JD 2021-2024

Ashley Bate is a Consultant at KPMG Australia, providing in tax advisory and compliance services in its Enterprise division which is focused on mid-market businesses and private clients. 

As a recently admitted lawyer to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Ashley holds a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Marketing) from the University of Technology Sydney. He has a strong interest in the evolving relationship between technology, businesses, and the law, and how these fields shape Australia’s regulatory and commercial landscape.

Legal Counsel, Gadens
UTS JD GCPLP (2019-2021)

Gemma completed her Juris Doctor and Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice at UTS in 2021 and was part of the Brennan Justice Program while undertaking her studies

Her legal career commenced in-house at PwC before moving to Gadens where she is now legal counsel. Gemma’s role focuses on advising the firm in relation to dispute resolution and litigation; client and supplier agreements, relationships and disputes; solicitors duties and obligations; ethics and practice management.

Prior to embarking on her legal journey, Gemma completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences while working in childcare. 

Associate, Supreme Court of NSW
UTS JD 2015-2018

John Lepouris is a legal professional, entrepreneur, and former local government representative with a diverse background spanning law, business, and public service. He holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of La Verne, California and a Juris Doctor from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

With a strong foundation in the hospitality industry, John has successfully operated his own restaurant café, combining business acumen with a passion for customer service. His commitment to community engagement led him to serve as a councillor on North Sydney Council. 

For the past two years, John has worked as a Judges associate in the NSW Supreme Court, gaining invaluable experience in the judicial system. Having spent his formative years in Athens and Paris, he brings a global perspective to his work. Now based in Sydney, he continues to apply his multidisciplinary expertise to both legal and business ventures.

Senior Associate Allens
JD 2015-2017

Rosie is a Senior Associate in the Competition, Consumer and Regulatory team at Allens. Rosie advises clients across a range of industries and acts on merger clearance applications, cartel investigations, ACCC enforcement investigations and other regulatory matters, and general advisory matters.

Prior to joining Allens, Rosie was a Senior Associate at Webb Henderson, where she acted for the ACCC and for private clients in ACCC enforcement proceedings, mergers and investigations.