Lander & Rogers

Why did you choose Lander & Rogers?

I was initially drawn to Landers because of the consistently positive things I had heard about the firm’s culture and the strong reputation of its practice groups. During my clerkship, I was given engaging and varied work, and from the outset I felt comfortable and genuinely supported. It was clear that the team wanted me to succeed and enjoy my clerkship experience.
The supportive environment, combined with the firm’s clear commitment to ongoing learning, professional development, and career progression, made Landers a place where I could see myself working long term. I was therefore incredibly excited to be offered the opportunity to return as a graduate. I chose to begin my legal career at Landers because it offers the ideal balance of challenge and support, and because I felt the firm truly invests in its people. I am confident that starting my career at Landers will enable me to grow into a stronger lawyer.

What was your first six months like?

My first six months felt like a very steep learning curve in learning how to best manage my time, tasks, and work life balance. While the initial months were the most demanding and, at times, exhausting, they were also the most rewarding. This period pushed me well outside my comfort zone and led to important professional development, as I grew greater confidence in my abilities, and a stronger understanding of how to work efficiently in a such a fast‑paced environment. I also feel this period was what brought the graduate cohort closer together, as we were learning together and supporting each other through the trials and tribulations.

 

Can you describe a typical workday?

Every day is honestly very different! My current rotation in the Workplace Relations and Safety team is quite busy with a fantastic variety of work, so I am often working on different matters and with different people each day. I often start my day by going through my workload and prioritising the most urgent tasks. Currently I am reviewing relevant documents provided by a client and working to compile a chronology of key events. I am also involved in drafting a case summary for a client who has had a recent decision handed down in the Fair Work Commission. There is also plenty of opportunity as a graduate or a clerk to attend Court or the Commission to observe and take notes, these are some of my favourite days and provide invaluable learning experiences!

That's your favourite thing about your job?

The people at Landers are what truly make this role as rewarding and enjoyable as it is. From day one, I have felt incredibly supported by those around me, particularly the graduate cohort, who are not only highly capable but also genuinely kind, collaborative, and encouraging. Having a cohort who are willing to share their experiences, celebrate each other’s wins, and support one another through challenges has made the transition into practice both enjoyable and reassuring. Beyond the graduate cohort, the wider team at Landers fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where questions are encouraged, feedback is constructive, and everyone is invested in each other’s success. It is this sense of connection and support that makes coming to work each day so fulfilling.

One bit of comfort that I want to offer anyone reading this is:

You don’t need a 'typical' legal background or existing connections in the industry to succeed. Our graduate cohort comes from a wide range of backgrounds, with many having taken different pathways into law or worked full‑time alongside their degrees to support themselves. This diversity of experience is genuinely embraced and seen as a strength. There is no single mould or expected background at Landers, as the firm encourages diversity and appreciates enthusiasm, work ethic, and a willingness to learn.

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

1. Give everything a go, even if you think you won't like it! I found myself surprised at what areas of law I really enjoyed and wouldn't have known without giving it a go.
2. One bad grade isn't the end of the world! It is so easy to be hard on yourself after not receiving marks you were hoping for, however these are the opportunities to learn and grow from.
3. Find a study routine that works for you. Everyone is different, so routines that work for your friends might not work for you! Whether it be studying from home, from a library, or a cafe, do whatever you need to do to feel productive.

Can you describe a typical workday?

My day starts around 8:30am. I will check my emails, grab a coffee either with colleagues from the coffee shop or from the kitchen, and plan out my day before diving into tasks. Sometimes my tasks will come in throughout the day, other times I will have tasks in advance with a particular deadline. These tasks could range from working with a junior lawyer on a matter, doing a first draft for a senior associate or doing research for a partner. Some days, there may also be a Learning & Development session organised by the practice group with internal or external presenters. During lunchtime, depending on who's in the office, I see people from various practice groups. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the firm organises catering for a 'Connection Lunch', which is a big draw for people to come into the office. In the afternoon, I sometimes also have a cup of tea and biscuits with the team in the kitchen. Then by 5-6pm, I finalise my time entries for the day and head home.

 

What's your favourite thing about your job?

My favourite part of the job is being able to work on legal dealings and disputes affecting ordinary people. For example, if our client is a large retailer, they have employees who are affected by the work we do. There is great sense of responsibility to ensure I do right by our client and their ongoing relationship with the ordinary people they are connected to. This empowers me to learn more and to experience more.

 

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

A major challenge was the initial learning required when entering a new practice area. However, speaking with my buddy and supervisor helped me get my bearings and directed me to useful resources. While working on tasks, learning to present my thoughts to my instructor has been crucial for allowing the instructing lawyer to guide my direction and for giving me feedback.

 

One bit of comfort that I want to offer anyone reading this is:

Clerkships aren't the only pathway. I had only one clerkship (that was not with Landers) and for which I was not able to get a graduate position. Now, I am a graduate in the Brisbane office. Looking from the other side of the hump that is getting my first law job out of university, I can see there is a wealth of possible legal careers, ranging from small to large firms, from private practice to community legal centres, the courts and in-house, and there are so many different pathways to these positions. Each is different from each other, and each provides a unique experience that can be highly valued in other positions. During each step you pick up valuable experience that can help propel you forwards to the next step, and learn more about yourself and the type of work you want to be doing. It's not easy at the start, but keep trying, and once you get that first position to kickstart your legal career, the world becomes your oyster.

 

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

1. Practical legal experience: These are vital to putting yourself in the best position for jobs after university, and are also the most exciting learning opportunities. Opportunities range from university units to volunteering and part-time paid positions. If you don't know where to start, the university might have some opportunities that they offer to students or assist students in getting as their first legal experience.
2. Mentors: University mentoring programs are a great place to build a long-lasting network connection that you can maintain and grow as you move from study to clerkships and to the workplace. With your university being the connection point, it can also be easier to talk about things that you might not be able to talk with a colleague about.
3. Travel: Travelling abroad is a fun and highly valuable opportunity to build personal character. University opportunities (e.g. study trips or exchanges) help reduce the planning needed, but make sure you have the appropriate units and time available. I also highly recommend travelling during the rare and valuable break between finishing university and starting work.

Why did you choose Lander & Rogers?

Lander & Rogers is a firm that struck the right balance between high quality legal work and a "people first" culture. Everyone I met during the interview process all spoke with authenticity and clearly lived out the firm values. For me, it was critical to find an employer where I could grow as a lawyer whilst being part of a supportive and grounded team. It was clear that Landers emphasised not only technical excellence, but also collaboration, wellbeing and individuality.

 

What were your first six months like?

My first six months were mostly exciting and a bit challenging. We had the opportunity to travel down to the head office in Melbourne and get to know the grads from all the offices, which was a positive way to commence the programme. After that, I was involved in meaningful and complex work early on, but I was also given support and guidance from instructing lawyers. For anyone starting out there is a steep learning curve, new systems, new areas of law, new expectations. However, at Landers I never felt like I was doing it alone and I am particularly thankful to my peers in my cohort! The lawyers in the teams I have rotated through always made time for questions and walked me through unfamiliar tasks. Looking back, the first few months were formative as I learned how to think like a lawyer, build confidence, and find a rhythm.

 

Can you describe a typical workday?

A typical day varies, but it usually starts with checking emails and prioritising the day’s deadlines. I like to write out my "to do" list and prioritise from there. I’ll often spend the mornings picking up anything urgent that needs attention (emails or anything I can address quickly) before grabbing a coffee around 9:30 with the other grads! My favourite part of the day! I am often asked to review or draft documents, prepare research notes and put together counsel briefs. I have also been pulled into client calls, team check‑ins, and I have had the opportunity to attend court (depending on the matters and timing), all of which generally occur later in the day. The afternoon is usually a mix of finishing off tasks from the day. However, no two days have been the same, and that variety is something I really enjoy.

 

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

Hands down, it is the people. Working alongside talented colleagues who genuinely care about their work, and each other, makes a big difference. It is incredible working alongside people who care about each other as much as they care about the role.

I really enjoy the technical nature of the legal work, solving difficult problems to achieve a positive outcome for the client. There’s also the satisfaction of being able to make a meaningful impact for the client which is incredibly rewarding.

 

One bit of comfort that I want to offer anyone reading this is:

It’s normal to feel unsure when you’re starting out. The thing that matters is giving it a go and trying things. Don't be afraid to keep "getting it wrong". No one can expect you to know everything. Growth happens slowly and you learn so much through osmosis.

 

Three pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student…

1. Be yourself! Getting involved with groups that you are interested in is extremely important and the best way to learn what it is that you are interested in! Make time to explore your interests, build friendships, and enjoy the journey.
2. Ask questions! Asking for help isn’t a weakness. It's how you learn.
3. Enjoy University! Grades matter, but they’re not the whole story. Having a good rapport with your tutors and peers is super important! The people that you meet at university may be your colleagues one day!

What were your first six months like?

We kicked off the graduate year with an intensive week at PLT, followed by a national induction in Melbourne with grads from all three states. From day one, I felt a strong sense of connection with the cohort and gained a clear understanding of how the firm operates through sessions on each practice group and the broader workings of the firm.

By the time we arrived for our first day in the Sydney office, I genuinely felt like part of the Landers community. The firm has a unique way of making you feel welcome and at home immediately.

My first two rotations were in Family & Relationship Law (FARL) and General Insurance (GI). Both teams were intentional about giving me meaningful exposure—to court, clients and substantive legal work. I was in court on my second day and later worked hands‑on in a Public Inquiry, collaborating directly with senior lawyers and Counsel.

The firm also supports grads through a structured Graduate Learning & Development Program. In the first six months, we had one to two training sessions per fortnight covering topics such as AI, financial fundamentals of a law firm, court etiquette, briefing counsel and legal research. These sessions were great in helping bridge the gap between university learning and practical legal work.

Grads also support the Community Engagement team in organising pro bono initiatives. In the first six months we helped organised Walk for WAGEC, Walk for Justice and The Biggest Morning Tea.  

Those first six months were full of meeting my new colleagues, diving into interesting matters, attending court and mediations, training, and constantly learning.

 

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

 The people.

I am surrounded by colleagues who are down to earth, generous with their time, and genuinely invested in helping grads grow. I have never felt hesitant to ask for guidance or feedback as every senior I have approached has responded with enthusiasm and encouragement.

The culture of support has made a real difference in my confidence and eagerness to learn.

 

What was your interview process like?

I was interviewed by Monique Robb, partner in the FARL team, and Megan Thompson, Head of Talent Acquisition.

I was extremely nervous speaking with such senior members of the firm, but I was pleasantly surprised by how conversational and relaxed the interview felt. Monique and Megan were genuinely interested in who I was including my values, interests and what I enjoyed outside of work. It was clear they were looking for people who would thrive within the firm’s culture.

When I later met my grad cohort and colleagues, I could immediately see how intentional Landers is about hiring for cultural fit.

I was also kept informed at every stage of the process by the People team, which made the experience transparent and far less stressful.

 

One bit of comfort for anyone reading this

Leaving law school can feel daunting. After learning the basics of so many areas of law, it’s easy to feel like you are a master of none. That’s completely okay. Starting as a graduate doesn’t mean you’re expected to know everything, it’s the beginning of a new learning journey.

Be curious, ask questions and say yes to opportunities.

 

Three pieces of advice for my student‑self

 

1. Trust that things work out. A setback or low mark feels big in the moment, but when one door closes, another really does open.
2. Enjoy learning widely. Even if a subject doesn’t feel like “your thing”, the law is interconnected—you’ll see it again in practice.
3. Savour the flexibility. A day off or an early finish is a rarity once you start full time work. Use that time for the hobbies and moments you enjoy - guilt free!