On 15 May 2025, we gathered to honour two extraordinary members of the Pearsons Lawyers team – Christine Kennedy and Karen Grigg – who this year celebrate an incredible 40 years of continuous service.
Joining Pearsons in 1985, Christine and Karen have each played a vital role in shaping not just the operations of the firm, but also its heart and culture. Their contribution stretches far beyond the job descriptions they’ve held – they are a steady presence, a source of knowledge, and pillars of support for both staff and clients.
A Look Back in Time
When Karen and Christine first walked through the doors of Pearsons:
-
Typewriters and carbon paper ruled the desks.
-
There were no computers, emails, or mobile phones — only paper files, cassette dictation, and fax machines.
-
Court documents were hand-delivered, face-to-face meetings were the norm, and reception desks housed massive phone systems.
In those early days, Pearsons operated solely out of its Glenroy office, with family law representing only a small part of the practice. Much has changed since then – but what has remained constant is the loyalty, adaptability, and excellence Karen and Christine have brought to their work.
Karen Grigg
Karen began her career as a settlement clerk, making daily trips into the city to complete settlements, lodge probate documents, and file court paperwork – rain, hail or shine. Her resilience and dedication were unmatched; she even held a second job as a nightclub door attendant during this time.
As the legal industry transformed, Karen seamlessly stepped into the role of receptionist and front-end administrator, continuing to deliver exceptional care to clients. Whether remembering personal details about clients or calmly managing the front desk after a car accident, Karen’s warmth, grace under pressure, and professionalism remain unwavering.
Christine Kennedy
Christine’s role has spanned nearly every facet of the firm – from receptionist and “girl Friday” to running branch offices, conveyancing, costing, and finance. Her stamina is legendary; she still begins work at 6am five days a week, often finishing at 4pm, without ever a word of complaint.
Christine is the glue that keeps the office thriving – keeping both people and plants alive and well. Her professional knowledge is second to none, and her generous spirit ensures everyone at Pearsons benefits from it. She’s always the first to offer help and the last to seek recognition.
More Than Just Colleagues
Over four decades, Karen and Christine have become more than employees – they’ve become part of the Pearsons family. They are respected not just within the firm, but across the broader legal community. Their consistent support of the entire Pearsons team, including directors Joe and Leanne, has helped build a workplace grounded in integrity, kindness, and community.
As Leanne shared on the evening, this journey has included life’s biggest milestones – birthdays, heartbreaks, weddings, births, and losses – all shared together. It was especially meaningful to have Karen and Christine’s families and friends with us to celebrate this milestone at the surprise dinner.
A Word from Christine
The morning after the event, Christine wrote:
“I did not get a chance to formally thank everyone last night after Peter’s speech, so I just wanted to quickly send this message to thank you all so so much for coming. I know how hard it is to go out after a full day of work, so to see so many of you attend was incredible. I am very grateful, and I’m sure Karen is too.
It is the wonderful people I’ve worked with over the 40 years that still brings me here today. I feel very humbled and supported.
A huge thank you to Leanne and Joe for putting on the event and inviting our families and friends – they felt honoured and loved meeting the people I work with.
Thanks to the organisers and to Kenny for taking photos. And wasn’t the food and service at McCracken fantastic?
Cheers to many more years… well, at least 7 more – Karen and I now have to beat Peter’s 47-year record!”
Thank You
Christine and Karen, your dedication has shaped Pearsons into the firm it is today. You’ve created a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. On behalf of everyone at Pearsons Lawyers – thank you, and congratulations.
Here’s to the next chapter.
