What is your job about?
I am employed by Wilson/Ryan/Grose (W/R/G) Lawyers in Townsville, specialising in various areas of law, including commercial, planning and environment, family, wills and estate, litigation, and employment. As a graduate law clerk, my role primarily involves working in a small workgroup of commercial litigation. Although I did not study commercial law during my university studies, the principles learned in other subjects such as contract law, family law, company law, torts, and advocacy have equipped me with the necessary skills to perform my daily tasks. Commercial litigation requires a broad knowledge of legal principles, which means I am constantly engaged in research and learning on the go. On any given day, my responsibilities may include reviewing contracts, drafting demand letters or court documents, attending client appointments, and conducting legal research. As a graduate law clerk, all my work is supervised and must receive approval before being sent or further acted upon. During my time at the firm, I have had exposure to mediations, court hearings, briefing counsel, and filing court documents.
What is your background?
I was born and raised in Townsville. I completed high school in 2017 and started my university studies at James Cook University the following year. Initially, I pursued a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Laws, with a major in accounting. However, I soon realised that numbers were not my strong suit. I subsequently switched to the management major and found my passion.
During my studies, I volunteered at the North Queensland Women’s Legal Service, where I discovered a passion for family law and assisting vulnerable clients. Towards the end of my degree, I began working for a local Barrister-at-Law specialising in family law and commercial litigation. Through these experiences, I gained insights into the inner workings of being a lawyer and the personal toll that the profession can take if a healthy work-life balance is not maintained. Additionally, I developed strong relationships with my colleagues, establishing early alliances within the legal profession that I believe will continue to benefit me in the years to come.
Under the guidance of my boss, the barrister, I applied for the graduate law clerk role with W/R/G Lawyers at the end of 2022. After a trial period in the commercial litigation team, I accepted a position shortly thereafter.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
I was the first person in my immediate family to attend university, and the first in my extended family to study law. I firmly believe that there is no specific "background" that uniquely prepares someone for a career in the legal profession. If you enjoy reading extensively, engaging in communication, problem-solving, and consuming multiple cups of coffee per day, I assure you that you can succeed in this job.
What is the coolest thing about your job?
The "coolest" aspect of my job is the opportunity to interact with individuals from various industries and apply my skillset to help resolve disputes in unfamiliar sectors.
What are the limitations of your job?
Like any new graduate role, there are limitations that affect my responsibilities and tasks. For the next two (2) years, I am under strict supervision, and all my work must be reviewed by a partner before being shared with clients or submitted to the court. Additionally, given the breadth of commercial litigation, extensive research is often necessary, which can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Three pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...