Joshua Robbins

6.15 AM

I awaken to the sound and sunrise-simulated light of my Zaria Alarm Clock Diffuser. This has been an elite purchase and one that helps me get up and stay up without pressing snooze. 

6.30 AM

I start my day with breakfast. Today's menu consists of dry, overcooked scrambled eggs with some gluten-free toast. Although I haven't nailed the texture, it does the trick. I then guzzle down some water, pack my lunch, and head to the shower before I begin my commute to work.

7.30 AM

On my commute to the office, I start listening to my favourite podcast. However, I find that I cannot retain any information as I am still in the groggy phase from waking up. I switch to music.

8.20 AM

I arrive at work. This is a little earlier than the time we are required to be in the office. I use this extra time to log on to my computer, check my to-do list and complete some office administration tasks such as checking my emails. My inbox includes K&L Gates graduate induction training information, correspondence between my co-workers and clients that took place overnight, and a firm-wide email providing an update on the K&L Gates monthly fitness challenge (I am losing). I look at my calendar and today's agenda is jam-packed.

8.45 AM

I grab a coffee with my colleagues at our local café. This is a great opportunity to build relationships and get to know your colleagues. 

9.00 AM

One of my fellow graduates, Harrison Langsford, has come to my desk to discuss the upcoming office Easter egg hunt. The annual hunt is organised by the graduates. Harrison and I come to an agreement with how we will host the event on the day and celebrate with a high-five to mark the occasion.

9.30 AM

My Supervising Partner, Michael Hain, called me into his office. 

Michael has invited me to be on a call with a large international client looking at securing a commercial lease in Perth. Throughout the call, I am transcribing the conversation to eventually consolidate it into a file note. After the call, Michael instructs me to review the client's 'Request for Financial Proposal' (RFP) document (essentially a lessee's proposal to lease containing their ideal key terms to be included within the lease), cross reference the clauses mentioned in the RFP with the clauses in the proposed lease, and make any additional amendments whilst tracking my changes. I continue on this task for the next hour and a half before I begin preparing for a property settlement later today. With the help of my mentor and first-year lawyer, Mikhail Safarudin, I will be a small cog in the process of assisting an asset management client in acquiring a Perth property.

10.30 AM

Settlement preparation begins. The settlement has been months in the making and I am both excited and nervous about what is to come. I have read up on the matter, reviewed all relevant documentation, and triple-checked the 'settlement checklist' provided by my team to ensure I am well prepared. Settlement begins in an hour, so Mikhail and I further our preparation by printing all counterparts for documents that need to be distributed to the other parties during settlement.

11.15 AM

With all the relevant documentation, equipment and liquid energy (coffee), Mikhail and I head to the offices of where the settlement will occur. Settlement is scheduled for 11.30 am. Wish us luck! 

12.00 PM

After a tense ordeal, the settlement has finally been completed. Mikhail and I breathe a sigh of relief! Post-settlement, we message our colleague, Senior Associate Nicola Lane, notifying her that settlement was successfully completed. Nicola immediately informs our client and the property's local council of this.

12.30 PM

Today we have Michael Suttner, Senior Associate from the Melbourne office visiting us. We enjoy his company over lunch at our favourite Thai restaurant.

1.30 PM

I have been assigned a task involving the review of a lease for potentially onerous terms and conditions. I understand the background of the matter thanks to the team copying me into all correspondence on the matter. Being cc'd in the correspondence allows me to read up on the matter, but also provides the opportunity to be proactive and highlight any issues that might require drafting an email for the Senior Associate to send off.

3.30 PM

I finish the day working on a matter involving Modern Slavery. Michael Hain is the Perth office lead for the global ethical supply chain and modern slavery group. In Australia, this group focuses on assisting clients with legal responses to modern slavery under the Australian Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth). Currently, we are preparing for a modern slavery training presentation for one of our infrastructure construction clients. 

5.00 PM

It is time to pack up and leave the office for footy training. I check in with the rest of my team to see if anyone else needs anything from me this evening before I head off. Though the usual time to leave is around 5.15 pm, K&L Gates has accommodated my sporting commitments in a way that allows me to leave early and make training on time. As I get increasingly busy, I tend to start work earlier in the day or have a shorter lunch to ensure that I give myself the best chance to complete all tasks required of me but also make training on time. Juggling both football and full-time work is not easy, but it is certainly made easier with the flexibility K&L Gates provides. 

5.30 PM

Training commences. By the end of the session, I am absolutely exhausted. I have an ice bath (if dipping my toe in for 3 seconds counts), have a quick shower and head home for dinner. 

8.00 PM

On the menu tonight is a mouth-watering tin tuna and packaged rice combination – drizzled with some spicy mayonnaise and with a side of salad. After dinner, I try to do some study for my upcoming Practical Learning Training assessment. 

10.00 PM

Time to unwind and hit the hay. I dim the lights, get off my phone and attempt a light read of one of my favourite books.

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