HWLE Lawyers

7:30AM

The commute to work begins! Whilst on the bus I love to listen to music and scroll through LinkedIn for any news updates or articles my colleagues have shared. 137 lawyers from our firm have been recognised as 'Best Lawyers' in Australia, and my practice group head was named one of the Lawyers of the Year!

8:00AM

I like to arrive in the city early so I can get a coffee. I sometimes meet people from other firms as it is a great way to network and stay connected with my friends from uni. Today I met some of the other grads from HWLE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8:20AM

I arrive at the office and make my way to Level 20 where I am greeted with stunning views of the Swan River. I go into the kitchen area to put my lunch away and whilst doing this I bump into a few colleagues, so we catch up about the Easter long weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8:30AM

I begin my day by checking my emails. I like to set an agenda which prioritises attending to urgent matters and client queries.

 

The partners have just included me in two new matters; an extension of lease and pro bono property matter. I get started on the preliminary work by reviewing documents the clients have sent us and arranging times with the partners to discuss the next steps. 

 

Our firm is also participating in the Law Access Walk for Justice next month, so I make sure to sign up for that too!

 

 

 

 

 

10:00AM

I sit in on a client meeting with an associate in my team regarding a deed of works and lease for our client who acts for the landlord. The associate goes through the comments and variations with the client, and I take down any notes and changes the client wants to make. Meeting clients face to face is always such a rewarding experience. I love that at HWLE juniors can meet with clients too.

 

It is normally around this time that I would get coffee with some juniors in the firm, however today the associate and I had coffee with the client. It was a great way to get to know everyone better as we will all be working closely together over the next few months. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 11:30AM

One of the partners brings donuts for the whole team to share for morning tea!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12:15PM

I have a meeting with a partner in my team to discuss a pro bono matter. It concerns an elderly client, a question about the existence of a trust and a dispute over family property. I enjoy working on pro bono matters as it is very rewarding to help these types of clients whilst getting my head around interesting property law concepts at the same time.

12:30PM

Everyday most of the grads grab lunch together to discuss our days and give each other much needed life updates. It's great to hear about what's going on in other practice areas of the firm too. We normally sit outside and soak up the sun and fresh air.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the grads also opt to use the gym in our building during lunch time as we have great classes and end-of-trip facilities. I decide to opt out today as I have volleyball this evening.

1:30PM

I get back to my desk and draft an initial email to our pro bono client for the partner to review, whilst concurrently reviewing the residential tenancy agreement, referral summary and statement of agreed facts to see if we need to query anything with the client.    

2:15PM

Part of being a grad means we participate in outside run! This involves delivering court documents to chambers, going to Landgate and making other deliveries to client offices around the CBD. It’s a great way to keep moving throughout the day and stretch our legs! The other grad and I grab a chai latte on the way back to get us through the rest of the afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3:00PM

I start reviewing client materials for another property partner in my team regarding an extension of lease for our client. Since I will be drafting this document, I have a look at some past examples my colleagues have done to get an idea of what is expected. I love at HWLE that juniors can work directly with partners on matters. It is so rewarding working on a wide variety of deals from start to finish with partners and learning the lifecycle of transactions. I also enjoy how tangible working in the property team is - a lot of our clients have major properties all over Perth that I walk or drive past most days. It's nice to see your hard work pay off.

3:50PM

Since I am new to the property team, some of my colleagues run training sessions on 'property basics' that we will be dealing with throughout our rotation. I take the time to review the material from last week as I missed the in-person training session due to a College of Law exam.  

It is great to know as a junior at the firm that everyone in the team is invested in our learning. I am so grateful that the seniors in our team are willing to take the time to help us understand new concepts without throwing us in the deep end. The training and mentorship are great and very valuable.

4:45PM

Before I leave work, I always check that my time sheets are submitted for the day. I also send out emails to the colleagues I've done work for that day to give them a progress status report on where I am up to on their tasks. Communication is key.

 

5:00PM

Time to pack up and leave for the day. I catch one last glimpse of the Swan River from the reception before making my way to the bus to go home.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7:30PM

HWLE Indoor Beach Volleyball! The firm's social club has a volleyball team, and it is such a great way to meet other people in the firm and stay active. I go along with another grad in my team, and have so much fun! It is nice to see my colleagues outside a work context, and the energy from the team was great. It's a lovely way to finish off the day.

A Day in the Life

6:00AM

 

I used to be someone who hated early mornings, but over the last couple of months, that’s changed. The days of hitting snooze five times are officially behind me (mostly). Now I wake up earlier and enjoy the early morning routine, like heading off to pilates!

 

 

7:00AM

 

I get ready and catch the train into work. I am loving the 50 cent fare, it's cheaper than my morning coffee! Sometimes I listen to construction podcasts on the way in. They are great way to break down complex construction concepts.

 

8:45AM

 

I arrive at work and greet my colleagues. I have recently settled in the Construction and Infrastructure Team after completing my graduate rotations. One of the main reasons I chose to settle in this team is the diverse clients and range of projects we assist with. Every day brings new challenges which provides me with continuous opportunities for learning and growth within the team. I start by reviewing and responding to emails that require attention. This can include firm-wide updates, industry news, follow-ups from clients, or urgent deadlines. I then check my calendar for any appointments, update my to-do list and prepare for the day.

 

9:30AM

 

At this point, it’s practically time for coffee, right? I mean, it's only been an hour, but who's counting? Depending on how busy the team is, we either head down to ground floor or take a quick stroll to grab a coffee and get some fresh air. It’s a great opportunity to catch up on both work and personal matters. Sometimes it's nice to step away from work and chat about something completely different.

 

10:00AM

 

It's now time for a team meeting. Once a month our team has a meeting where we discuss team successes, ongoing matters, industry updates and plan for upcoming events. These meetings help to ensure the team remains proactive and is informed of any new developments. It's also a good chance for anyone to raise any interesting topics or concerns they may have.

 

 

10:30AM

 

After the meeting, I often check in with the partners to discuss next steps for the matters that require attention. This often involves asking questions related to client material or seeking guidance on more complex legal issues. The direct interaction and involvement on matters with partners is another reason I chose to settle in this team. Learning directly from partners provides invaluable experience, particularly for someone like me who is early on in their career.

 

11:00PM

 

It's time for a client meeting. Prior to the meeting I make sure to review the matter and ensure I have a detailed understanding of the concepts for discussion. This meeting addressed a building product dispute with the Queensland Building Construction Commission. After the meeting, I finalised my file note and discussed the next steps with the partner. I then review any relevant legislation, case law and client material to assist in drafting the letter. After reviewing the letter I send it to the partner to settle.

 

1:00PM

 

Time for lunch! I usually head down to grab something with my colleagues and take a quick break to enjoy the sun.

 

 

2:00PM

 

Back to my desk and time to start the next task on my to-do list. I have a brief meeting with the partner to discuss a contract review task. The contract is for one of our clients who acts as a contractor on various construction projects. Our role is to assess the contract, provided by the principal, and undertaken a risk analysis. I spend my afternoon evaluating the contract for any onerous terms that could expose our client to any unnecessary risks on the project. It is interesting to see how the most minor amendments made to a contract can have adverse effects on our clients' rights.

 

5:00PM

 

Now it's time to submit my time entries for the day. This process can be challenging, but I have learnt that consistency is key. Posting hours at the end of each day is extremely important as you never know when a client will request an updated fee estimate. After I have billed my time, I usually update my to-do list for the following day and send calendar appointments to any solicitors I need to catch up with the following day.

 

5:30PM

 

Good thing I wrote this on a Friday, guess it’s time for after work drinks. We usually venture down to a local bar afterwards. It's always lovely to catch up with colleagues and is a great way to wind down.

 

What's your job about?

I am a law graduate within the Construction and Infrastructure Team at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, Brisbane. My team provides advice to multiple stakeholders at all stages of construction and infrastructure related projects, which means we assist in contract negotiation, drafting and management. Additionally, we provide advice and representation where disputes arise at any stage during a project, which may include attendance at adjudications or commencing litigation.

I'm often asked to attend client meetings to understand our client's concerns and then prepare an advice or undertake other specific tasks such as reviewing a draft contract or providing advice regarding risks and suggested contractual departures. A practical example of this would be drafting a new clause to safeguard a client against an identified risk. 

Where my client is involved in a dispute, I will review the facts of the matter and provide advice on whether the client is likely to win or lose if the matter proceeded to court. This assists my client to understand the risks of litigation and to make an informed choice on whether they should attempt to settle the matter. All my work is supervised, and I am consistently provided excellent opportunities to grow.

What's your background?

I grew up on the Gold Coast and started my professional career as a registered nurse.  After some years, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in law - so I went back to university.  When I was in my final year of law, I attended a networking event where I met several employees from HWL Ebsworth Lawyers ('HWLE'), and I was pleased with how friendly and professional they were. Consequently, after the event, I applied for the HWLE Winter Clerkship Program. The Winter Clerkship allowed me to work at HWLE for three weeks.  During this time, I was able to learn about the culture of HWLE and I knew that it would be a fantastic place for me to grow as a professional.  After the Winter Clerkship, I was offered a place in the Graduate Program. The Graduate Program was a 12-month experience whereby I rotated through three practice areas. I enjoyed the diversity and challenge of Construction and Infrastructure the most, and I was delighted to accept a permanent position within the team at the completion of my Graduate Program.  I have been settled in the team for two weeks and I'm so grateful for the many opportunities I have been given. 

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Absolutely! In my view, the more perspectives we have in a workplace, the better. The key characteristics required for my job are being a good listener, having strong attention to detail, being a clear communicator (both oral and written) and problem-solving skills. The key process to performing well in my role is to understand what is being asked of you, work through a problem logically, and then provide a clear and concise answer. I can’t stress enough that these characteristics can be taught so if you have an interest, give it a go!

What's the coolest thing about your job?

Every day is different and interesting! I am always solving diverse problems and there is such a sense of satisfaction when I find the answer!

What are the limitations of your job?

My job can be hard. To provide advice, I often need to review voluminous documents which can be time consuming and stressful when there is a deadline. Also, it can be challenging to provide advice in very complex matters and I can feel quite drained by the end of those days. That being said, being interested in the work greatly assists in my motivation to undertake and face the challenges of my role. If I am having difficulties, I always have the support of my team

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. Be kind to yourself and remember to tackle a problem step-by-step!
2. Network, attend events and get involved in as much as possible within your dream industry.
3. Follow what interests you, not what anyone else says you should do.

From Notre Dame to Practice: Why Clerkships Are Worth Your Time!

As a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where I completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce from 2018 to 2022, I appreciate firsthand the transition from academic studies to legal practice. During my penultimate year at Notre Dame, I was fortunate to undertake clerkships, including one at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers (HWLE). These clerkships had a profound effect on my understanding of the practice of law and ultimately led me to accept a graduate role at HWLE. Now, as a second-year solicitor in their Property team, I can appreciate how invaluable those experiences were in preparing me for my career.

My clerkship at HWLE provided hands-on experience from day one. I was actively involved in a variety of tasks - for example, attending client meetings and settlements, drafting advice and agreements, and assisting with due diligence on property acquisitions. Beyond substantive legal work, I also gained insights into practice management through targeted training sessions, while social and networking events offered opportunities to connect with practitioners across the firm.

What stood out the most during my clerkship was the professional growth I experienced. Skills like legal drafting, effective communication, managing competing priorities, and adapting to unfamiliar challenges simply can't be developed through textbooks alone. The practical experience I gained during my time at HWLE also translated directly into my studies, giving me a clearer understanding of how legal principles operate in practice. It helped me approach assignments with a stronger appreciation for the commerciality behind the (fictional) clients' instructions.

A key part of that development was the exceptional support provided throughout the clerkship. At HWLE, every clerk is assigned both a Supervising Partner and a Mentor, who offer ongoing guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback. I found everyone I interacted with to be incredibly approachable and generous with their time - certainly putting to rest any stereotypes about law firms inspired by characters like Louis Litt from Suits! HWLE also places real value on work-life balance, which has made my transition into legal practice both sustainable and enjoyable.

Another benefit of clerkships is the exposure they provide to different areas of law. It's a great opportunity to explore what practice areas interest you and, just as importantly, what might not be the right fit. The theory you learn at university often looks quite different in practice, and seeing that firsthand is beneficial. For me, the experience confirmed my interest in Property law, and that clarity played a big part in my decision when it came time to choose the practice areas for my time as a graduate.

It's understandable that the clerkship application process can feel time-consuming and overwhelming during your well-earned break after exams. However, the effort is worthwhile - not only for the opportunity to secure a clerkship but also for the professional skills and connections you develop along the way. HWLE, like many firms, uses clerkships as the primary pathway into its graduate program. That said, if you don't secure a clerkship or decide it's not the right path for you, there are many other ways to build a successful legal career.

I strongly encourage you to consider applying for a clerkship - the experience will challenge you, help you grow, and open doors as you take the first steps in your legal career. 

What's your job about?

I work as a Law Graduate in the General Insurance team. Our team primarily acts for insurers (and their insureds) in litigated and non-litigated claims including personal injury, public liability, property damage and professional indemnity claims. In my role, I have day-to-day conduct over a full file load. My tasks include drafting court documents, reviewing evidence (including documents provided by our client, by way of discovery or under subpoena), drafting written letters of advice to clients, corresponding with other parties to proceedings and appearing in court hearings. Junior lawyers in our team are tasked with having their "finger on the pulse" of all their matters as they are often best placed to assess the prospects of any legal claim. Providing this information in a coherent and persuasive manner is crucial in advising our clients about various strategies for claim resolution.

I find our work so interesting due to the variety of the subject matter and the people-based nature of each file. As an insurance litigator, you will alternate between acting for a school, a government department, a builder, an accountant, an owners corporation or a local council. Our work deals with real-life problems, so constructing a cohesive argument on behalf of your client requires real-world thinking.

What's your background?

I always had an eye on a career in the law: I am not sure if it was due to my stubborn and argumentative tendencies, my hatred of maths and science or my lifelong desire to wear a wig to work every day - before the Court did away with them!! After school I enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws at Monash University and throughout my degree I worked at a suburban law practice. My clerkship at HWL Ebsworth in 2022 was my first proper experience at a large, national firm. I completed other clerkships during my final year of study, but the combination of HWLE's diverse and high-calibre clientele, its supportive environment and its genuine commitment to mentoring and developing juniors drew me back for my graduate year in 2024. I haven’t looked back since!

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Absolutely. My job tackles real-life problems and requires real-world thinking. Whilst there is an obvious pre-requisite of a law degree, an insurance litigator would no doubt benefit from a wide range of experiences - no particular background is needed to succeed. That being said, in a high-volume litigation team, you need a strong work ethic and, in our team, a good attitude and willingness to engage with your peers is crucial to meeting the vibe test!

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The coolest thing about being an insurance litigator is the opportunity to step into the boxing ring. Some lawyers will never get the chance to see the inside of a courtroom - I could never be one of them. In our jurisdiction, you are faced with scenarios where your arguments will be put up against your opponents; be this at mediation, interlocutory hearings or even at trial. Competitive by nature, I relish this challenge and the strategic thinking that litigious work brings.

What are the limitations of your job?

My job requires a high level of organisation. You are simultaneously working on upwards of 30-40 files, each with their own unique facts and procedural issues. You need to be a master at using your diary to stay on top of everything, and that's before you even get to the legal work!

There are times where you work late hours, but it is not a daily event. On the spectrum of commercial lawyers, I would say our team facilitates a good work-life balance.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. Take it easy on yourself. There is always an unavoidable level of anxiety about what your future holds in such a competitive industry. The reality is, as long as you apply yourself to your studies and have a good attitude, the people that succeed are the ones that can manage stress (whether this be on exam day, a clerkship interview or managing your workload in a job) better than others. So don't sweat the small things.
2. Enjoy the ride. Working full-time is fun, but it comes with responsibility. So, in between all of the study days, live your life.
3. Keep an open mind. Your life can change fast. Don’t try and predict the future, just put one foot in front of the other and see where it takes you.