Karen Iles

Karen Iles is the Director and Principal Solicitor at Violet Co Legal & Consulting, a firm she founded to create positive social impact through a combination of legal and consulting services. With extensive experience in both the private and for-purpose sectors, Karen has led significant projects for renowned organisations such as KPMG Australia, Amnesty International Australia, and Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers. Her work focuses on providing legal advice and advocacy for women and First Nations people, particularly in areas related to equality, respect, and non-discrimination. Karen's career spans roles in corporate social responsibility and management consulting, notably at Tata Consultancy Services and Coffey International Development. Her leadership encompasses advisory and directorial positions, including her tenure as a Non-Executive Director for Our Watch and the National Justice Project. Her contributions extend to academia, where she serves as an Adjunct Professor of Practice at the University of Newcastle. A Dharug Aboriginal woman, Karen is deeply committed to advancing gender equality and racial justice, supported by her extensive background in workplace law, inclusion, and governance. Her academic credentials are robust, from a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney to a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. Karen's commitment to her community and her unique heritage is evident in her role with various boards and committees, including Women's Legal Service NSW and the Law Society of NSW's Employment Law Committee. She continues to influence both the legal profession and broader community through her work at Violet Co and beyond.