Expanding your horizons: a career in the regions

Most of us attended a law school or university in Sydney (or its surrounds). As such, many of us have been sold the narrative that working in the legal profession as young lawyer requires working in big buildings and long commutes into the city. And for some young lawyers, that is the goal.

However, not all young lawyers feel the same and that’s okay because there is something more to working in the legal profession than working behind a desk in a big office. The benefit of working in regional, rural and remote areas is that you are able to have a work/life balance that gives back to your community and makes you feel rewarded in the career you have chosen.

Like most of us, I started my career in the legal industry working in a firm in the greater Sydney area. Although my work felt rewarding, working full time with the tiresome commute every day, coupled with the rising cost of living, made me wonder whether I could truly ever possess a balance between life and work. I felt like I was burning out and wondered if this is the reality of working in the legal profession as a young lawyer.

When I put my hat in the ring for a junior lawyer role at a small firm on the beautiful far south coast, I questioned whether this was the right choice for me. In typical lawyer fashion, I weighed up the risks of the potential move – I did not have family or friends nearby (they were at least a 3 hour or a 200 kms drive away), I had never lived in the region before, I might not be close to a 24-hour Kmart (I know I’m not the only one who loves Kmart) and I would be up-ending my life to move hours away from where I lived at the time.

I took a leap of faith and took up a lawyer position in a regional area, not really knowing what to expect. I often questioned whether I was really doing this. But what I didn’t really expect to get from this experience was to truly find my path as a young lawyer.

Working as a lawyer in a regional area has genuinely transformed my journey as a legal practitioner. I have experienced firsthand collegiality within the legal profession. I am passionate about my work and helping the people in my community.

Now, it is only a ten-minute commute to my home where I can see the ocean and I can walk my dog down to the beach (which is a real bonus). I am more involved in my local community than I’ve ever been before. I have met new people and made new friends and although it does not open 24-hours, I am still close to a Kmart store.

I strongly encourage other young lawyers who are looking to have more of a work life balance, give back to their community and feel empowered in their career, to make the change and work in a regional, rural and remote area. As young lawyers, I think we are sometimes susceptible to feeling like we are stuck on a certain path. But, if you’re looking for change, regional practice might be right for you.