ARITA Member Spotlight
Natasha Riach RITF
23/02/2026
With more than 25 years of experience in insolvency and restructuring, Natasha is a leading litigator and insolvency law specialist. Recognised in Doyle's Guide as '2022 Lawyer of the Year' in 'Best Lawyers' for Insolvency and Reorganisation in Adelaide, she is a senior legal adviser to Claims Funding Australia, providing funding and litigation support to claimants across Australia. She has a special interest in forensic investigations and the conduct of public examinations, and is an ARITA Fellow, a member of the Law Council of Australia Insolvency and Reconstruction Law Committee, and a member of the ARITA Board, the ARITA SA/NT Division Committee, ARITA Membership Committee and the ARITA Balance Committee. Find out more about Natasha in this edition of the ARITA Member Spotlight.
About you
How did you get into the profession?
I made a deliberate choice to change my practice area to insolvency after 5 years of legal practice in general civil and commercial litigation. My employer was supportive provided I did the ARITA [Insolvency Education] program, which was a great way to quickly upskill.
What’s the most satisfying appointment or assignment you’ve ever worked on and why?
Termite Resources was one of my most memorable administrations, as I was able to be very hands-on in the investigations and development of the case theory and ultimately the case contributed to the development of law on director duties.
What’s the biggest success you’ve had in your career?
I think my definition of success has changed over the years! Early on I would have said it was making partner before 30. Now I value being able to deliver high‑quality work that I enjoy in a supportive team environment and having developed strong, trusted relationships with both colleagues and clients.
What do you find the most rewarding or enjoyable aspect of your work?
In litigation funding, we get to help clients access justice and manage risk – the role is a great blend of complex legal analysis and commercial strategy, but the best part is working in close partnership with excellent legal and liquidator teams
Is there anyone who has inspired you along the way, either professionally or personally?
I’ve drawn inspiration from many people across my career - each has taught me something slightly different, and together they’ve helped shape my approach and values at work.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned in your career?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that change is inevitable - circumstances never stay static, so enjoy the positives of the here and now, and embrace what comes next – it’s an opportunity for growth and leadership.
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever been given?
When telling the client of a problem, have a solution to fix it!
If you could go back to the beginning of your career, is there anything you would do differently?
Probably being more active in seeking opportunities rather than being reactive.
About the profession
What’s the #1 skill you believe you need to be successful as an IP?
A commercial problem solver and creative strategist.
What do you think is the biggest opportunity for the profession?
It’s hard not to say AI – it’s already changing how we work on a daily basis.
What are the greatest challenges you face working in the profession?
Stress and time pressures will be ever present in the work we do, and the challenge is to find balance.
What do you think needs to change in terms of the regulatory environment?
The long-advocated root and branch review of Australia’s insolvency laws would be fantastic, but even implementation of the immediate reforms recommended in the PJC Inquiry would make a difference in the industry.
How can IPs shift the negative perception of the profession?
Communication goes a long way in improving transparency and educating the public on the important role IP’s play.
How did you first get involved with ARITA and what is the best thing about being an ARITA member?
I’ve had a long association with ARITA over many years, including as a workshop facilitator, SA/NT Committee member and now Board member. The best part has been the people I’ve met and connections I’ve formed along the way.
What is your number one piece of advice for business owners facing the prospect of insolvency?
Get good advice and act on it.
Looking back over your career, what are the biggest differences in how insolvency is practised now compared to when you started??
The level of regulation and urgency at which everything needs to be done.
You’re at a BBQ talking to another young person about to embark on their career. How would you sell them on the merits of working in the profession in one sentence?
You will work hard, gain skills that are transferrable to any business, never get bored and become an expert of sorts in many different industries.
Outside of work
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Tennis is a great outlet for me to de-stress, exercise and socialise.
What items are at the top of your bucket list?
Another trip to Africa – next time to see the Okavango Delta.
What might people who only know you from your professional capacity be surprised to find out about you?
I really don’t like public speaking that much – happy to give a work presentation or present a legal argument in Court but don’t invite me to give the wedding speech!