Alumni Spotlight - Theo Kapodistrias

Favourite Memory from legal Prac
Legal Prac feels like a blur! One highlight (as strange as this sounds) was a tour of the prison. It was interesting to see the environment and get exposure to a place you’ve only ever heard about.

Career Journey & Highlights

It’s been an interesting 11 year period. I started working at an inhouse lawyer from day one. I commenced my legal career in the Legal and Risk team at the University of Tasmania and was there for about 6 years. Then I was appointed as the first General Counsel of UpGuard (global cyber security SaaS) and got to set up the legal department. After that, I went to Tourism Tasmania as their Legal and Commercial Manager until the call of the tech industry was answered when I became the first General Counsel for Evergen (energy management SaaS company). This was an awesome role that sadly concluded upon its successful acquisition and my role become redundant. Now, I’m the Senior Legal Counsel for Gentrack – a utilities billing SaaS company.

In addition, I have a consultancy as a speaker, coach, MC and author. I published my first book ‘A Way With Words’ in June 2024.

Current Role

As Senior Legal Counsel at Gentrack, my role is a mix of strategic and operational legal work that is commercially focused to support the business. From a strategic perspective, I’ve advised on major transactions and investment arrangements, created internal procedures for legal matter intake and guidance tools. The business as usual work involves drafting, reviewing and negotiating a range of agreements and legal advisory work across a broad range of areas including commercial, privacy, intellectual property, corporate governance and dispute resolution.

In my consultancy, I get the opportunity to go to events and speak on stage. I’ve had a few legal conferences lately where I’ve been able to share my tips on effective communication. I have some more exciting events lined up including as the MC for a major conference in the next few weeks.

Words of advice for those unsure about commencing the TLPC?

You get an amazing opportunity to meet, connect and learn from legal practitioners across the state. Use this opportunity wisely. Be bold and have a conversation with them, connect on LinkedIn and find out more about what they’re doing and how they got there, particularly if it’s something you’re interested in doing.

What would you tell your 2014 self?

You don’t need to compare yourself to other people. Your career journey is your own and what you’re doing is rewarding and exciting.

Is there anything you would do differently?

Nope! I’ve loved every opportunity I’ve taken and the ability to have a global career while staying in Tasmania has been awesome. I was afraid about commencing my career as an in-house lawyer as it was against the grain at the time but it is possible with the right support and networks.