As a graduate of the College’s Profs Programme, can you comment on how you found the programme?

Really helpful – the programme is a bridge between what you learn at University and the real world – it’s a great introduction to practising as a lawyer.

Were the lecturers helpful?
Yes they were – and very approachable. I still keep in touch Ali Wallis who taught me while I was there.

Was the progamme useful and  have applied your learning since?

Yes it was. Studying to be a lawyer is different to practising as one. While a lot of what moulds you is on the job learning, Profs gives you a “heads up” on what you can expect. You’ll soon learn that being a lawyer isn’t just about litigation and case law.  

Since then, where has your career taken you? (In other words, what roles and route did you take to go from College of Law to your current role?)

I practiced at a firm called Corban Revell Lawyers doing Commercial and Employment law. After that, I joined the in-house world and became a lawyer at South Pacific Pictures which makes television shows like Shortland Street, Westside and 800 Words.

In your current role, what would you regard as a highlight? What’s the most challenging aspect?

Being in-house, you get to see how different people think and approach the same problem. You get to become exposed to perspectives (and learn priorities) from teams like publicity, accounts, writers, development and producers.  It’s great to be able to observe and be in close proximity to all of this when delivering legal advice because it’s important to understand the business/ your client you are dealing with. And because of this, it can sometimes be challenging to deliver advice that not everyone wants to hear.   

What advice would you give for new and aspiring lawyers inspired by your role and achievements?

If possible, try and get experience doing all types of law at the beginning. That way, you can be exposed to the different sets of skills a particular area of law requires from you and you’ll be able to see what best suits your personality type. For example, it’s important to be empathetic if you want to do family and employment law work as ultimately, you’re dealing with a relationship breakdown. Tax law by comparison, would require a different set of skills. Once you figure out which area fits your personality type, talk to people more senior than you and ask them for advice to help you map out your career path.