Where it all began

The idea of formalising a network for HR professionals working in the legal sector began in around 2010 when law firm human resources professionals came together to provide input into the development of a new modern award covering law firm employees.  It became obvious that human resources professionals benefited greatly from connecting and sharing ideas.  

HRMinds was launched in May 2012 as a membership association run by a board of member representatives.  Our offering incorporates regular professional development seminars, social networking events and scholarship support.  

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Our Board Members

Shaneen Argall
President

Shaneen joined the Board of HR Minds in 2018 to follow her passion for helping HR professionals to flourish and realise their full potential.  Shaneen is the Director of Human Resources at Arnold Bloch Leibler, overseeing the function across the firm’s two offices in Melbourne and Sydney.  She has over 25 years of experience in employee relations and human resources roles. 

Her career began in employee relations in the higher education sector working in universities and as an employee relations advocate for a national employer association.  She went on to hold a number of executive HR positions across business consulting, engineering and law firms where she has spent 15 years in leadership roles.  Shaneen holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations and a Masters of Labour Law and Relations.

Alissa Anderson
Deputy President

Katrina Hofinger
Hon Secretary 

Katrina is a People & Development Manager at King & Wood Mallesons in Melbourne. She has held numerous roles across the firm during her 10+ years in legal and professional services. As a self-motivated, results driven and trusted advisor to the business, she partners with leaders across the legal, support and shared services function providing strategic and operational HR/ER advice and support, enabling the firm to meet its strategic priorities and deliver exceptional client service.

Mark Enright
Treasurer

Anna Sparkes
Board Member

Anna is the Chief People Officer at Gilbert + Tobin, leading a team of talented HR professionals. Anna has extensive experience in HR, having worked in a number of roles relating to culture, change, transformation and ER. 

Anna’s career started in banking, where she had experience in banking, restructuring, M+A and Corporate Finance.  Anna is passionate about bringing new, innovative ideas to recruit, engage, motivate and retain diverse, talented people.  Anna has a BEc, Masters in Applied Finance and is a graduate of the AICD.

Neil Donovan
Board Member

Neil Donovan is a HR Manager at Herbert Smith Freehills and has been in the legal industry since 2004. Neil started his career in Learning & Development before moving into HR generalist roles. Neil enjoys helping others thrive in the workplace through learning and coaching opportunities and is passionate about driving culture.

He has been involved in youth community work and partnered with some indigenous support organisations. Neil holds a B Comm (HR/IR), is an accredited coach, and is MSCEIT, LSI and MBTI accredited.  

Sam Turner
Board Member

Sam Turner is an influential global people, inclusion and cultural reform leader with 25+years’ experience across the financial services, technology, higher education, arts, community, and natural resources sectors. Sam is known as an innovator, a strategic thinker, and someone who is passionate about community and the power of positive change.

Sam is the Chief People Officer at Allens, a leading Australian law firm. She is the previous Chief of Staff for Microsoft Asia, and previously served as the Head of Inclusion & Diversity for the Westpac Group. Sam has held senior commercial roles at Microsoft, Westpac, NAB,BHP, and Deloitte.

Sam worked as an independent consultant alongside Elizabeth Broderick, and the Australian Human Rights Commission in their highly respected and public reviews of workplace culture. Sam’s focus is specifically on gender and race equality, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and cultural transformation. She recently co-led the Australian Music Review into sexual harm and harassment.

Sam was the winner of the 2016 Women of Influence Awards and was named one of Australia’s Outstanding 50 LGBTIQ leaders in the Deloitte/Google 2018 list and is a Churchill Fellow. She is the Chair of The Aurora Group, one of Australia’s largest not for profit LGBTIQ+ Foundations.

Sam holds an Honours degree in Commerce, and a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology.

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