7.00 AM
After my alarm starts beeping, I hop into the shower to wake myself up before getting ready for the day. Hall & Wilcox has a ‘dress for your day’ policy, which makes deciding what to wear so much easier. Today I will be attending a client meeting, so I pop on a ‘corporate’-style outfit and catch the train into the Perth CBD.
8.30 AM
I arrive at work and check into my flexi-desk. I am currently in the Private Clients team as a graduate. Before starting any work, I pop into the kitchen, grab a coffee and some breakfast. Hall & Wilcox offers different options for breakfast every morning, but my favourite are the blueberry muffins! I carry everything back to my desk and greet my other team members, including my mentor, Casey Bombara, and supervising partner, McLane Edinger, who have just arrived. I start my workday by scanning my emails, aiming to respond to any quick emails from my team members or co-workers and sending off any ‘settled’ emails to clients.
9.00 AM
This morning I am helping to research the rules of the Supreme Court relating to proceedings requiring a next friend or guardian. I am currently assisting on a Wills & Estates matter where our client is in dispute over who should administer the estate but requires assistance from their next friend. This isn’t a situation that is too common! Before long, I’ve located the relevant provisions and procedures required and I begin working on a quick memo to the lawyer who asked for my help.
10.00 AM
I am off to attend a client meeting with Special Counsel, Janene Bon, to discuss and witness the signing of a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Guardianship. On the way we talk about our weekends, hobbies and upcoming holidays! I find attending client meetings to be great experience that also helps to solidify my understanding of the law (especially when rotating into a new area), how it applies in practice, and how to manage and communicate with clients.
12.00 PM
I arrive back to the office just in time for lunch! On a rainy day like today I will often bring a packed lunch or stop by somewhere close. Today I am craving a toasted sandwich from The Palace Café!
I meet up with my fellow grads and we talk about our day, weekend plans and anything that pops into mind for about an hour before returning to work.
1.00 PM
My task this afternoon is to review a statement of claim that we have received on behalf of our clients and begin working on a “cheat sheet” setting out the specific claims made against each defendant in a defamation and tortious conspiracy matter. The statement of claim is approximately 56 pages long and will be vital in helping the Private Clients team to quickly identify any issues and respond to the plaintiff’s claims.
3.00 PM
The Private Clients team has a meeting today to catch up, discuss any ongoing cases and projects, business development opportunities and any other important topics. Hall & Wilcox has a hybrid-working policy and the team is often in and out of the office at different times, so it is a great chance to connect with everyone!
4.00 PM
After our meeting, I return to my desk and continue reviewing the statement of claim and “cheat sheet” I had started just after lunch. This takes me until the end of the day.
5.15 PM
Before wrapping up, I check in with my mentor and supervising partner and do another quick scan of my emails for anything that I might have missed throughout the day. I say goodbye to my team members before heading home, winding down and preparing for another different day tomorrow!
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