What's your job about?
Graduate lawyers at Lander & Rogers rotate through four of the firm's practice areas. After the morning coffee ritual to get the day started, the rest of the day varies depending on which team you are in at the time. One of the best things about Lander & Rogers is the diverse range of work each practice area undertakes, and the high level of responsibility you are given as a graduate lawyer.
Generally, during my rotations, I would conduct research tasks, draft and review contracts, liaise directly with our clients and other parties, and draft letters of advice. My rotations through the different teams have also afforded me the opportunity to work with amazing lawyers who always took the time to provide feedback and advice to help develop my skills as a legal practitioner.
On joining Lander & Rogers I joined the Social Committee, and attend monthly meetings to help prepare for any upcoming social events at the firm. This has been a great way of meeting other people and expanding my role from pure legal work.
What's your background?
I was born in Albania and moved to Melbourne at the age of five. I grew up in the northern suburbs, went to primary school in Reservoir and high school in Bundoora. I studied a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor at Melbourne University.
Throughout my studies, I worked in hospitality and played competitive soccer. I only started working in a casual role in the legal industry towards the end of my law degree. I was concerned I would have to stop playing once I started full-time work; however, this hasn't been the case and Lander & Rogers has been supportive in me balancing both work and sporting commitments.
I joined Lander & Rogers as a graduate in 2021 after completing the first-ever virtual clerkship in 2020, and am now in my second year at the firm. As a grad I rotated through the Corporate, Insurance Law & Litigation, Compensation Law and Real Estate & Property teams and will decide on which team I settle in soon!
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes. While it is a competitive area of professional services, there are now more opportunities than ever to become a lawyer. Hiring practices have changed and are always evolving to ensure everyone applying for roles is given an equal chance regardless of their background. Key skills and characteristics I have seen in a lot of great lawyers are a personal drive to continuously improve and learn, the ability to openly communicate with others and having a healthy dose of empathy.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
My favourite thing about my job is the people I work with at Lander & Rogers. Since joining, the people I've met have been incredibly supportive in my learning and have exposed me to a broad range of mentally stimulating and factually interesting tasks. This has included working on a litigation matter that went before the Supreme Court for a claim in a novel area of law, coronial inquests, agreements for property developments that you can physically see being made, and advising our sporting body clients.
What are the limitations of your job?
As a lawyer, the work can be mentally demanding and a common problem in the legal industry is the risk of burn-out. However, during my time at Lander & Rogers, the leadership, committees and people within the different teams have always provided a broad range of support and services to ensure we are focusing on our mental and physical health.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...
After deciding to leave my international holiday for after I graduated, which was then postponed by COVID, my biggest advice is to go on exchange or travel as soon as you can. Professionally, find a mentor who works in an area you are interested in and build a relationship with them. There have been many difficult times when the calming words of someone who has been there before have helped me. Finally, take time out at points throughout the year to reflect on and appreciate what you have achieved. Even if they are small, every win helps you stay grounded and motivated.