8.00 AM

When I arrive at the office, I like to start by putting my lunch in the fridge, filling up my water bottle and getting a piece of fruit from our fruit basket.

Then I log on to my computer and begin going through my emails. I like to use my first hour of the morning to send out any work that had been approved by the supervising lawyer overnight and categorise new tasks. 

9.00 AM

Once my emails are categorised and everyone has arrived, it’s coffee time. Sometimes we head out for a walk to our favourite local café, D.O.P, or we use the fancy coffee machine in our staff kitchen.

9.30 AM

When I return to my desk, I start working through my to-do list for the day. Today, I need to draft a series of update advice letters, submissions to the Personal Injury Commission, and subpoenas.

In my team, our clients require updates on all files we hold every three months. This means there is a constant stream of advice work, keeping me busy and exposing me to various sets of facts and legal issues. 

10.30 AM

One of the associates on my team is heading to the ACT court for a listing hearing, and I will be going along to gain some experience and exposure to the court environment.  To prepare, I read through some of our previous advice and confirm the instructions provided by our client.. After that, I put on my blazer and walk to court with my colleague.

While at court, I take file notes and help my colleague with any support they need. This may involve liaising with our barrister or seeking further instruction from our client.  

11.30 AM

When we are back from court, I finalise my file note from the court hearing, diarise any important dates and attend to any imminent tasks that may have arisen. Today, I need to confirm counsel’s availability for the hearing dates we have been assigned and then inform our client that counsel has been locked in.

12.00 PM

Now that I am back at my desk, I continue working through my emails and to-do list. I’ve also received a few pieces of work back from an associate on my team with their changes in mark up. This is a great way to see what the lawyer liked, where I went wrong and ultimately, how I can improve.  Once I have made any necessary changes, I am responsible for sending the work out, w hether to a medical practice, the claimant’s solicitor, or directly to our client.

1.00 PM

I often bring a packed lunch to the office and sit in the staff kitchen. It’s a nice break from my desk and allows me to socialise with my colleagues.

2.00 PM

This afternoon I need to draft some submissions for the Personal Injury Commission for a lawyer based in the Sydney office. Before I get started, I will give the lawyer a call to discuss the approach and strategy she would like me to take with these submissions.

Although my team is split across three offices, I can always get help and ask questions. We have an open-door policy that extends to all members of our team, from paralegals to our partner.

5.15 PM

Before I finish off for the day, I will check my to-do list and emails to ensure any urgent tasks have been completed.

Then, because today is Tuesday, it’s time for run club. Every second Tuesday, our office organises a run/jog/walk club open to all staff members.  We run from our office down to Lake Burley Griffith, and today will be doing a loop before heading back to the office. It’s such a great way to finish the day by getting in some exercise and socialising.

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