Associate profile – Rebecca Salib
Building is in Rebecca Salib’s blood. Having started her career in psychology, Rebecca brings a unique human perspective to her approach to construction law.
We take a moment to find out more about Rebecca and what lights her up.
- Tell me a little about yourself. What’s your background and why did you decide to study law?
I started my career as a psychologist, and that experience still deeply informs the way I approach law — particularly in contract negotiations and dispute resolution. Understanding people, what drives them, and how they communicate has been invaluable in navigating complex litigation and negotiations. I came to construction law through a personal connection — my grandfather was a residential builder, and I grew up watching the built environment take shape around me. That early exposure gave me a lasting appreciation for the industry, and ultimately led me to combine my interest in human behaviour with my interest in how things are built.
2. What are your passions? What lights you up?
I’m passionate about understanding people – what motivates them, how they make decisions and how relationships shape outcomes. That comes from my background as a psychologist and has carried through into my legal work today. I’m really energised when I see that our work has a meaningful impact on a client’s business. Outside of law, I love being out in nature – it helps me reset and experience the first built environment that we all exist in. It also helps me connect with my faith.
3. What do you enjoy about role?
I love the variety and working closely with the clients. No two days or two hours are the same—one moment I’m in a strategy meeting or helping a client navigate a complex issue and the next I’m knee deep in a contract review. I also really enjoy working alongside a team that values collaboration and thinking creatively to solve problems. The clients are practical, knowledgeable and solutions-focused and this helps us navigate the legal complexities toward great workable outcomes.
4. Do you have a particular specialisation? If so, what is it about that area you find interesting?
Construction Law of course! It’s a specialised field where law intersects with design, infrastructure, and social impact, which makes it both challenging and rewarding.
5. What’s your biggest learning or the most unexpected thing about your work life so far?
How important communication is to your various stakeholders. We often focus so much on getting the legal answer right, but the real value is in how you explain it and deliver it. Clients want clarity, not complexity. That was a big mindset shift for me early in my career.
6. What are the biggest challenges you face?
Managing competing deadlines while keeping it all moving in the right direction. The pace can be intense, and there’s a lot of context-switching. I’ve had to get really intentional about time management and prioritisation—both for my own wellbeing and to ensure I’m delivering high-quality work.
7. What do you enjoy the most about working at Vincent Young?
The people that make Vincent Young what it is. There’s a genuine sense of support and shared purpose here where were all playing our collective parts as a team to produce great work for our clients. I witness my colleagues do it with integrity and great care – for the clients and each other. That makes all the difference.
8. What do you aspire to in life/your career?
I want to keep growing—as a lawyer and as a leader. I’m passionate about creating space for others to thrive, so long-term, I’d love to be in a position where I’m mentoring the next generation and helping to shape a more inclusive and innovative legal profession.
9. If you were to give other budding lawyers one piece of advice, what would it be?
Stay curious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit when you don’t know something—that’s how you learn. Also, remember that law is a people profession—your relationships and how you communicate are just as important as your legal knowledge.