Your career path?
Before applying to JWS’ seasonal clerk program, I did a stint in the workroom at JWS. This gave me insight into what working at the firm would be like. At that point, I wasn’t sure whether to pursue a career in finance or law. Nothing is ever set in stone in the long run, but doing the seasonal clerkship allowed me to confidently say that I would like to work in commercial law full time.
Why Johnson Winter Slattery?
I love the culture at Johnson Winter Slattery. It is not amorphous which may tend to be the case at large organisations. It's unpretentious and honest. There is a real sense of participation in an awesome cause rather than feeling like a cog in a machine. The people are incredibly talented and driven to deliver the best legal services, but are equally good-humoured, interesting, and approachable. I think this is because as the firm expanded, it has maintained its straightforward culture from its early days, and for me, this real sense of firm character makes working at JWS very enjoyable.
What practice areas have you worked across?
I have worked in Tax, Finance, and Corporate – M&A and ECM. Most recently, I’ve immersed myself in Funds Management, whilst still taking on some Corporate work. I have also had opportunities to work in other practice areas such as dispute resolution and IPT, but I chose to focus on those previously-mentioned areas.
What practice areas have you worked across?
Yes, I am taking on challenging work on a regular basis. I often have the responsibility of being the direct point of contact for our investment fund clients, and am expected to actively contribute during client meetings. Working closely with clients on a number of matters from start to finish is very rewarding and I’m invested in achieving the best outcomes for them; it really encourages me to develop good time and project management skills and accelerates my learning in that particular field.
Other opportunities?
In the twelve months between the summer clerkship and the beginning of the graduate program, I was on secondment to Blackmores for a couple of days every second month while also working as a casual clerk for JWS. I was mainly involved in managing the contracts database for Blackmores which was important because relevant people at the organisation needed to be notified when a contract was set to expire or needed to be renewed. This experience gave me deep insight into how a particular industry (i.e. health supplements) operates as well as what it is like working within an in-house legal team, all with the full support of the firm. Plus, Blackmores has a very leafy company HQ!
Work-life balance?
The firm is very encouraging when it comes to maintaining interests outside of work. As a result, I am able to find time to train in kung fu, play the piano for leisure, and spend quality time with friends and family, for instance.
What advice would you share with junior lawyers?
Don’t be afraid to think differently and question how something has been done, even if it has seemingly been done a certain way forever; a fresh perspective is valuable. Also, communicate your thoughts to your seniors (clients and lawyers) with confidence and back yourself when you have done the leg work and know that you are likely right about a legal issue. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be open to others’ opinions, have humility and admit when you do not know something.