Our Team
The Violet Co team embody our values; passion for social justice, kindness and a commitment to working in a relational and respectful way. Our team are experienced and bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the advice and support we provide our clients.
Karen Iles, Director & Principal Solicitor
Karen’s professional experience is a blend of private and for-purpose sector. Her career has included leading corporate social responsibility, consulting, in-house legal and large scale transformation projects for businesses and organisations such as KPMG Australia, Amnesty International Australia, Tata Consultancy Services, Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers, Coffey International Development and two Trade Unions. Karen has more than 20 years experience as a non-executive director on not-for-profit boards.
Qualifications and professional memberships
Solicitor
Certified Mediator (NSW Law Society)
Grad Cert Applied Law (Dispute Resolution)
Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts (Women’s Studies)
Background
Karen was born and raised on Darkinjung land and now lives on both Darkinjung and Gadigal Land, Australia. Karen is a Dharug Aboriginal diyin (woman) and has family connections to the Gunanday (Rainbow River) area of Dyarubbin (the River - the Hawkesbury River). Karen has Scottish and English heritage and is hopeful of an Independent Scotland one day!
Alicia Snijders, Senior Solicitor
Alicia has more than a decade of experience in law and corporate social responsibility, including at leading multinational and domestic law firms. Her legal practice focuses on corporate and commercial law for charities, not-for-profits, social enterprises and other purpose-driven organisations, advising on corporate structuring, governance, regulatory compliance and operations. Alicia is also a passionate advocate for systemic reform in responses to sexual violence. Drawing on her own lived experience, she is committed to contributing to legal and cultural change that better protects and empowers survivors.
Qualifications and professional memberships
Solicitor (Australian qualified)
Not-for-Profit Regulatory Compliance (Governance Institute of Australia)
“The Accidental Company Secretary” (Governance Institute of Australia)
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts (Communications and Cultural Studies)
Background
Alicia was born in Canada and raised between Alberta’s wide horizons and Western Australia’s white sand beaches. She now lives and works in Yuin country on the south coast of New South Wales. Outside her legal practice, Alicia is a trained breathwork facilitator with a strong interest in nervous system health and burnout prevention. She feels most at home on, in or near the ocean.
Lanah Maruff, Executive Business Partner
Lanah brings over 15 years of strategic and administrative expertise, having optimised processes and improved stakeholder experiences across diverse sectors, including aviation, arts, tech, media, and philanthropy. Her work in philanthropy sparked her passion for exploring the potential of social enterprises and partnerships in driving positive social change. With a strong focus on community and a background with both national and international brands, Lanah is committed to enhancing the experiences of those pursuing justice.
Qualifications and credentials
Design Thinking for Innovation certification, RMIT
Executive Certificate in Event Management, University of Technology Sydney
Bachelor of Business in Public Relations, Queensland University of Technology
Background
Lanah was born and raised on the lands of the Kabi Kabi, in a small town of fewer than 600 residents. After leaving the green, serene surroundings of “the farm”, she lived in Brisbane (Turrbal) and Sydney (Gadigal) and travelled extensively. Now residing in Mulubinba Newcastle, Lanah enjoys the coastal lifestyle, fully embracing the local rhythm while supporting the local arts and activist scenes.
Simon Robinson, Chief Operations Officer (Occasional)
Simon is a passionate advocate, leader and project management expert, who has been supporting Violet Co’s operations since its inception. He is an accomplished Payments Industry Program Director, strategic delivery expert and positive stakeholder manager, with extensive knowledge establishing and leading large, diverse teams, and co-ordinating strategic Program Delivery frameworks.
Sybil Williams, Brand & Marketing Partner
Senior brand, marketing and communications advisor and founder of Atomic Tangerine, Sybil Williams has more than 20 years’ experience working with founders, executives and boards across financial services, telecommunications, the arts, not-for-profits and social enterprise.
As a strategic partner to Violet Co, she supports the firm’s brand, profile and communications strategy, contributing to thought leadership, speaking and strategic engagement initiatives.