I have also spent much time working on a multimillion dollar
matter at the head office of one of our largest clients, as well as
working closely with its employees to prepare extensive witness
statements.
One of the greatest things about Cornwall Stodart, and indeed
what attracted me to the firm, is the culture. It is truly a team
environment. Whether you are a legal assistant, first-year lawyer
or partner, everyone is treated equally and everybody is
approachable - regardless of seniority. All staff members have a
wealth of knowledge to share and are always pleased to do so. It is
simply a fun, mentally stimulating and professional environment,
and one where everyone is encouraged and given the opportunity to
thrive.
During my articles, I rotated through four practice groups and,
within each group, I was exposed to all our areas of practice. For
example, during my Corporate & Commercial rotation, I undertook
work in all our industry teams - Employment & Industrial
Relations, Construction, Healthcare and Intellectual Property.
Similarly, in Commercial Litigation, as well as working on general
litigious matters, I was also involved in work for our
Reconstruction & Insolvency, Debt Collection Management and
Insurance teams. I also participated in the business development
practice of the firm and learned how we market our services and
expertise.
Cornwall Stodart's social networking group, Young Business
People (YBP), gives young lawyers the opportunity
to meet and interact with young people from other organisations and
industries - in a fun, social environment. The YBP events
throughout the year not only allowed me to develop and broaden my
business contacts and networks, but also helped me gain a better
understanding of our clients and their work.
Many of our lawyers are also actively involved in, or members
of, various professional groups such as the LIV Young Lawyers
Group, Business Chicks, Fuel Transport Group, IWIRC and Industrial
Relations Society of Victoria. As an articled clerk, and even now
as a lawyer, Cornwall Stodart encouraged me - as it encourages all
staff - to be involved in these organisations and similar groups as
part of my professional development.
Our social committee, which all our graduates and young lawyers
are members of, also holds monthly firm events such as karaoke and
trivia nights, winery tours and dinners. As well as commando
training once a week, the firm has its own netball and cricket
teams, and all staff are able to participate. To me, this confirms
that Cornwall Stodart actively encourages a healthy and balanced
lifestyle.
Suffice to say there is never a dull moment, with plenty of
social and professional events, as well as sporting activities for
all employees throughout the year!
The opportunity to work with different professional staff across
all groups and undertake a range of work meant that my transition
from an articled clerk to a first year lawyer was an instinctively
natural process. While I was thrilled to be joining the Commercial
Litigation group, I maintained strong relationships with members of
all practice groups and an awareness of the work they carried out.
My professional development as a young litigator is continuously
reviewed and renewed as a result of the intimate mentoring I
receive from senior practitioners within the firm.
While many firms promise the right culture, real work and
opportunities, I can say with confidence that Cornwall Stodart
delivers on each.