What is your job about?

I work in the Resource Management team at Lane Neave. As a newly admitted solicitor, I assist the senior members of the team on a wide range of matters. Recently we have been preparing for a hearing in the Environment Court which has involved preparing legal submissions, evidence templates, drafting memos and putting together pleadings files. I have been lucky to be able to get involved in a variety of different matters and have learnt a lot in a short amount of time!

What’s your background?

I grew up and went to school in Auckland. At the end of school, I made the move to the South Island to begin studying at the University of Otago. I enjoyed spending time in Wanaka and Queenstown while at University and was fortunate enough to be offered a graduate role in the Lane Neave Queenstown office. 

I started at the beginning of 2020 and was in the office for about a month before we went into lockdown! Learning the ropes of a new job, beginning profs and going into lockdown was quite full-on, but Lane Neave was great on the communication front and checking in on how everything was going. 

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Absolutely; if you have completed or are near to completing your law degree, you would be able to do the same job. Even though I completed the Resource Management paper at University, it is such a large piece of legislation I realise now that we barely scratched the surface of it! I have learnt a lot from the senior members of my team and would go as far as to say I learn something new every day. I think important characteristics for the job include being willing to put the time and effort into learning concepts and ideas, enjoying challenging yourself, and being well-presented, solution-focused and strategic.

What’s the coolest thing about your job?

I personally think the coolest thing about my job is the tangibility aspect. I really enjoy being able to see the projects I am working on in the area that I live. Coming a close second would be being a part of a smaller team; the Resource Management team has six members. I believe that this has allowed me to learn a huge amount from the senior lawyers in such a short amount of time. It has also allowed me to work closely on matters with my supervising partner since the beginning which has been great for my development.

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

1. Before interviewing with a firm do some research on them first.  It will help you answer the questions asked in the interview if you have a background understanding of what they are about.
2. Be open to the idea of moving to a new town or city for the right job.
3. Research some common interview questions and practice your answers before you go to the interview.