Graduate program / general comments:
I completed a graduate rotation at TurksLegal in the commercial disputes and transactions team from January to March 2013. Subsequent to my rotation I was offered a full time role in the group which I happily accepted. I recently transferred to our Melbourne office and have continued my practice with the same level of support and encouragement that I received in Sydney. It is fantastic having an employer that is flexible and willing to make changes for my benefit.
My role/what I enjoy about the job:
During my time at TurksLegal I have never dealt with the same matter twice, whether it is the type of client, type of matter, fact scenario, advice given or strategy followed. Examples of matters that have crossed my desk include challenging the decision of a liquidator in the Supreme Court, recovering funds for a landlord against a tenant who has failed to pay rent, enforcing a security interest, commencing bankruptcy proceedings in the Federal Circuit Court, preparing an advice on terms and conditions of trade, advising a trustee in bankruptcy whether a creditor has a caveatable interest, and freezing the assets of a company to stop a director engaging in phoenix activity to the detriment of creditors. Working on different matters keeps me interested, engaged, and makes me a better lawyer.
The second aspect of my job that really appeals to me is the great mix of clients that I speak with on a day to day basis. I am largely motivated by the fact that I have come to know many of the clients I work for, and I want to be able to support them in a way that compliments their business goals. The more I speak with them and understand their objectives, the better my focus and my ability to deliver results.
Training:
The varying nature of my work means that I am constantly receiving ongoing training. Importantly, I have a myriad of highly experienced senior associates and partners that I can approach and bounce ideas off. Although we are a hard working group, every person makes time for my questions. I genuinely feel as though I have a strong support network across both the Sydney and Melbourne offices. I also receive external development though client events and seminars, by attending events run by groups such as IWIRC Victoria (an insolvency networking group for female lawyers) and presenting on topical issues internally and to clients. I will also shortly be commencing the insolvency education program which is a professional qualification for insolvency specialists. TurksLegal is very supportive of my professional development both on a day to day level and through additional channels such as these.