UCD Careers Network’s Post

One for the law students in my network - 👩🏻💻 A unique opportunity within a firm environment, and love the initial focus on digital and innovation - really setting graduates up to think differently about legal practice💡 Law Squared #LegalCareers #LawStudents #GraduateProgram

As we welcome a new generation of lawyers into the profession, there's an emerging challenge that law schools didn’t prepare them for—the art of soft skills. In a recent Southren Soundbites conversation, Elisabeth and Kelly discussed how many young lawyers, who spent much of their education online due to COVID, are entering the workforce without the face-to-face learning experiences that typically foster crucial interpersonal skills. These aren't just nice-to-have—they’re essential for thriving in a law firm environment. The Reality: Senior lawyers often assume that new hires have these skills, but that's not always the case. The organic, lived experiences that shape a lawyer’s ability to communicate, network build, and seek mentorship are simply different when learned online. The Solution: It’s time to bridge the gap. Senior lawyers and firm leaders need to proactively guide these young professionals, while young lawyers must take initiative to seek out mentorship and actively develop the skills they missed in virtual classrooms. At Southren Group Inc., we’re here to support both new lawyers and law firms in navigating this new landscape. Let’s equip the next generation with the tools they need to succeed—not just in their technical legal skills, but in their day-to-day professional interactions. #LawFirmLeadership #LegalTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment #SouthrenGroup #MentorshipMatters

One of the things I’ve always found striking about the Australian legal profession is the pace of progression through the ranks, particularly in private practice. In a lot of firms, lawyers are reaching senior associate level before they hit the 5PAE mark, and I can think of a lot of examples of junior lawyers I met in my first few years in Australia who are now Special Counsel or Partners in their firms. As a result, lawyers quickly end up in positions where they’re making purchasing decisions. For in-house lawyers this extends to the external law firms they engage for different matters. Can you guess what I’m getting at here? Today’s grads could be tomorrow’s clients. If you don’t treat them like sh*t and make them want to quit the profession that is. If you can’t be a decent human being because it’s the right thing to do, then do it because it’s good for business. I had a message from the head of the legal team at one of Australia’s most recognisable organisations the other week saying a former colleague who’d made life pretty difficult for them was keen to ‘catch up and hear how things are going’. This lawyer recently won an industry reward so I suggested that they send a picture of them collecting the award with the message ‘this is how it’s going. No need to catch up’. I think they’re more diplomatic than me though so probably sent a much more gracious response. #lawyers #inhousecounsel #legalindustry

As a law graduate, how do you decide whether a practice area is for you? If there are two areas you are deciding between, one where you like the people more, and the other where you like the work more, what should you choose? Here are my tips for helping you with making this important decision: 1. Check your 3Cs, people, project and prospects. Consider structure of team (big/small), personality mix of team members (introvert/extrovert), working styles/expectations. Also consider scale of work, whether the work is specialised within the practice area and whether it aligns with your career aspirations. 2. If there are two practice areas you might be a fit for, prioritise the one where you love the work more. People may come and go, but the work itself does not change materially. Ask in your heart whether you like the work or see it as something you would make time to learn more and explore further - and follow your gut. 3. Express your interest in settling in a practice area with the relevant partner(s) or senior lawyer(s). Knowing whether the interest is reciprocated (and gaining a general awareness of business needs) will help you make the best case forward and make an informed decision. And there will still be a lot of things outside of your control, but rest assured in the comfort that you've given it your very best shot. I would love to hear what led you to choose your current practice areas? What did you wish you knew when you were a law graduate? Please share in the comments below! P.S. Many thanks to Billy Koutzas and the The College of Law Australia for the opportunity to participate in the annual Careers Academy event last week where I delved into how early career lawyers can find the right practice area for them with Michael Tangonan. If you attended, let me know how you found it! #graduates #clerks #earlycareerlawyers #practicearea #career #law #paralegals

As we welcome a new generation of lawyers into the profession, there's an emerging challenge that law schools didn’t prepare them for—the art of soft skills. In a recent Southren Soundbites conversation, Elisabeth and Kelly discussed how many young lawyers, who spent much of their education online due to COVID, are entering the workforce without the face-to-face learning experiences that typically foster crucial interpersonal skills. These aren't just nice-to-have—they’re essential for thriving in a law firm environment. The Reality: Senior lawyers often assume that new hires have these skills, but that's not always the case. The organic, lived experiences that shape a lawyer’s ability to communicate, network build, and seek mentorship are simply different when learned online. The Solution: It’s time to bridge the gap. Senior lawyers and firm leaders need to proactively guide these young professionals, while young lawyers must take initiative to seek out mentorship and actively develop the skills they missed in virtual classrooms. At Southren Group Inc., we’re here to support both new lawyers and law firms in navigating this new landscape. Let’s equip the next generation with the tools they need to succeed—not just in their technical legal skills, but in their day-to-day professional interactions. #LawFirmLeadership #LegalTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment #SouthrenGroup #MentorshipMatters

Dear LinkedIn Community, 📌Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey that my BA-LLB degree has paved for me. It's not just a piece of paper on my hand; it's evidence of the transformative power of education and determination.   📌Allow me to share with you how this degree has been more than just an academic achievement but a guiding light in my career as an advocate. From that very moment, I knew it wasn't going to be easy but it was a challenge I gladly embraced. Each course, each assignment, and each lecture fuelled my passion for the law and deepened my understanding of its intricacies. 📌But beyond the textbooks and the lectures, my journey taught me invaluable life lessons. 📝It taught me the importance of  -critical thinking -effective communication, and  -empathy skills that are indispensable in the legal profession. 📌It instilled in me a sense of discipline and resilience, traits that have been instrumental in overcoming obstacles along the way. 📌As I reflect on my journey, I realize that it has inspired me to advocate for justice, to champion the rights of the marginalized, and to make a meaningful impact in the world. 📌Today, as I stand in the position of a new chapter in my career as an advocate, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that my BA-LLB degree has afforded me. 📌It has opened doors to  -prestigious law firms,  -allowed me to work on groundbreaking cases, and  -connected me with mentors who have guided me every step of the way. 📌It has taught me that success is not measured by the accolades we receive or the titles we hold, but by the lives, we touch and the positive change we bring about. 📌To all the aspiring lawyers out there, I urge you to  -Believe in yourself,  -stay true to your principles, and  -never underestimate the power of education to transform lives. 📌The journey has been challenging, but the rewards have been immeasurable. Here's to the power of education, the pursuit of justice, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.📝✔ #degree #lawyer #educationalexcellence #transformativeexperience #advocateforchange #prevention #journeyofgrowth #justicesystem #legalmatters #trendingposts #postoftheday #challengeyourself #digitalbusiness #healthcoaches

Recently, I took the incredible opportunity to attend the Baker McKenzie virtual insight event brought by Dan M. & Young Professionals on the 14/11/24. During this event, I heard from Natalie Graham & Sophie Jones. Natalie is an employment associate for Baker McKenzie whilst Sophia is a graduate recruitment & development coordinator for Baker McKenzie. Natalie explained in an easily understandable manner: ● What law is. ● What the role of a lawyer entails. ● The differences between barristers & solicitors. ● The role of commercial lawyers. ● The hierachy of solicitors. ● The difference between City & City Law Firms. ● Who Baker McKenzie is. ● How Baker Mckenzie started. ● What Departments can be found within Baker McKenzie. ● Life as a lawyer at Baker McKenzie. Whereas, Sophie detailed Baker MacKenzie's programmes aimed at students in Y12: the Beginnings at Baker McKenzie programme & the Future at Baker McKenzie programme. My Key Takeaways include: 📍"Be yourself" = people can see through any facades/unauthenticity. 📍"Be confident & ask questions" = "there's never a silly one." 📍Ensure you do your research = find out all you can. 📍Embrace every opportunity = insight is invaluble. 📍Always demonstrate a sense of enthusiasm for what you are doing. 📍Always try to understand & demonstrate a firm/organisation's values if you are intending to submit a successful application. 📍Committment & dedication are essential when aiming to meet cliemt demand. 📍Learning is continuous, there is no finished point. Many thanks to Dan M., Baker McKenzie & Young Professionals for the amazing opportunity as well as both Natalie & Sophie for speaking. I look forward to expanding my knowledge & skills with more events like these in the near future 💫

A great start for a formidable career in law.

I’m delighted to share that I received a scholarship to the inaugural cohort of General Counsel (GC) University, an online executive education course from Berkeley Law Executive Education. Unlike any other courses currently available, GC University was designed by leading general counsel from world-class companies. I’m looking forward to gaining invaluable insights into the tools and techniques GCs use to effectively serve their organizations, leveraging behavioral science to master interpersonal dynamics within internal teams and external counsel relationships, and learning how to manage critical issues and navigate crisis events. #BerkeleyLaw #ContinuedLegalEducation #GCUniversity #Lawyer #GeneralCounsel #BusinessLaw #ProfessionalDevelopment #RepresentationMatters

ICYMI | good law sh*t if you are like us...popping onto any social media platform can be all-consuming with negativity. we are highlighting and sharing positivity. ICYMI **************** --Oregon’s Bar Exam Alternative Could Gain Momentum. A Bloomberg Law article by Robert W. Brown highlights how Oregon’s apprenticeship alternative appears poised in the near term to strengthen real-world lawyering skills—skills that recently surveyed lawyers are finding lacking among new practitioners. --The Maryland Supreme Court brought the standard for determining the need for bar exam accommodations into conformance with the ADA. The matter proceeded to the state high court, where Mr. Chavis argued that Maryland should adopt ADA-related guidance regarding accommodating high-stakes tests. The majority weighed in favor of Chavis, reversing the board’s decision. We are inspired by Steve Klepper and his client, Mr. Chavis, who took on this fight. This decision will benefit future #lawyers who need accommodations. Got some 💜 good news to share? Let us know. #stage