As a regional firm, our office handles a wide variety of legal services for the local community (and further abroad). I tend to do most of my work in local government law, environmental planning law and criminal law.
By LSJ Team -
One in five NSW-based law firms is in the country, according to the 2013 Profile of the Solicitors of NSW, prepared by Urbis for the Law Society of NSW. And almost 13 per cent of NSW solicitors live and work in rural NSW, down slightly as a percentage from 1994 but up by almost 1400 practitioners over that time.
For young solicitors, the opportunities can be greater in smaller firms, where they are exposed to a wider range of matters and clients. NSW Young Lawyers has recently established a network to sell the benefits of working in regional and rural NSW. In this article, four members of NSW Young Lawyers tell what they love about working in regional areas.
PAUL BRAZIER, Solicitor at McPhee Kelshaw in the Blue Mountains
Best part about your job?
Spontaneous hugs from clients.
Why regional?
I work in Springwood in the Blue Mountains. I have lived in the area practically all my life and never really wanted to leave. One of the drawbacks that young lawyers face is that they can become pigeon-holed into a particular area of law early in their career. Practising in a regional area has allowed me to experience a rich variety of what the profession has to offer. If and when the time comes, I’ll be better placed to choose a field in which to specialise and in which I know that I’ll enjoy practising. I think Australia’s best known lawyer, Banjo Patterson, said it best in Clancy of the Overflow. Nineteenth century romantic notions of the outback aside, the quality (and quantity) of life is truly fantastic outside NSW’s metropolitan centres.
How did you land your position?
Nothing too fancy, just a short phone call. My advice would be to start networking as early as possible with people who are already working in the profession.
What attributes do you need for your job?
To understand your clients’ needs and communicate the law to them in a way they’ll understand. In two words: people skills.
What advice do you have for lawyers and law students who want to practise in a regional or rural area?
You’ll probably start practising law under the supervision of someone who has been practising law for longer than you’ve been alive. Listen, learn, and don’t be afraid to continuously remind them of this fact. Always remember that in a smaller community your most important asset is your reputation and word-of-mouth is the most effective form of advertising. You will inevitably have to make eye contact with your clients when you’re out grocery shopping. Bear in mind that the party on the other side of a bitter neighbourhood dispute will probably end up moving in next door to you. Conduct yourself accordingly. Above all, be friendly to court staff.
ELIZABETH LEHMANN, Solicitor and practice leader of the Griffith office of the Aboriginal Legal Service
As part of my job I conference clients, visit clients in jail, engage in plea negotiations with the prosecution, and prepare written submissions in more complex matters. Sometimes, I provide over-the-phone assistance and legal advice to clients who have been arrested as part of the Custody Notification Scheme.
Best part about your job?
Every day is different and the issues affecting every client are different. On any given day there could be three people in custody wanting to apply for bail, two hearings, a conviction appeal – anything. The best part of my job is the advocacy. I enjoy appearing in court and like the satisfaction that comes with knowing my client feels their voice has been heard
Why regional?
I wanted to get good advocacy experience and welcomed the change from city life. It is a fast way to get experience. I am in court pretty much every day. By working in rural areas, I have been able to get insight into the unique issues that affect people in these areas. For example, many of our clients are not suitable for certain sentencing options because of a lack of resources, and there is a lack of rehabilitation facilities and lack of public transport.
How did you land your position?
I saw it advertised on the internet and applied. A couple of weeks later, I was in Dubbo doing an interview for a position as a junior solicitor. I got the job and stayed in Dubbo for 12 months before accepting a promotion to come to Griffith.
What attributes do you need for your job?
Some days are tough. Sometimes the content of the work is confronting or complex, the workload can be overwhelming, and sometimes clients feel disheartened. It requires tenacity and a good work ethic to keep going. Often the issues I deal with are not only legal but personal and social, such as homelessness, mental health, low self-esteem, and illiteracy.
What advice do you have for lawyers and law students who want to practise in a regional or rural area?
Go for it! Apply … NOW!
CASSANDRA BANKS, Solicitor for a sole practitioner at Susan Green Legal Practice in Coffs Harbour
I predominantly work in the areas of family law, including property matters and care and protection. I also do some work in the areas of mental health, guardianship matters, wills, estates, and conveyancing.
Best part about your job?
It’s a good feeling to see someone leave my office feeling as though they are more in control, they have a better understanding of what is happening, and that there is a solution to their problem.
Why regional?
I was born in Bathurst, then I moved to Coffs Harbour and I spent five years in Armidale studying. I appreciate the regional setting and love living on the coast. I prefer the calmer and more relaxed lifestyle of Coffs Harbour compared with the bigger cities around Australia.
How did you land your position?
I have found that in regional and rural areas a lot of jobs and practical legal training positions are advertised by word of mouth. The best, from my observations and experience, is to approach local firms personally. There is no harm in asking.
Benefits of practising in a regional or rural area?
You are often exposed to a much greater variety of law than if you worked in the city.
I have also found that, right from day one, you have a much more “hands on” role with client files and you learn a lot more on the job.
What advice do you have for lawyers and law students who want to practise in a regional or rural area?
Join the regional law society, attend young lawyers events in your area, attend networking opportunities. Fortunately/unfortunately, it often comes down to who you know. Talk to people, compromise, negotiate, and network, network, network. You never know where an opportunity may be lurking, just waiting to be discovered!
SALLY DAVIES, Solicitor at MLJ Lawyers in Newcastle
My firm predominantly handles commercial and employment law matters, which includes policy and procedure development.
Best part about your job?
As clichéd as it sounds, I find immense value in being able to help people. There’s a great feeling of satisfaction when you are able to find a solution to someone’s legal problem. Also, having worked in the areas of wills, estates and property for five years, employment and commercial law is a new arena for me, so I’m appreciating the challenge of delving into fresh territory. I am very lucky because my firm has a supportive culture, with a big emphasis on training.
Why regional?
I’m a born and bred Novocastrian and love living in Newcastle. I adore the lifestyle, the laid-back attitude and the warmth of the people. I wasn’t interested in pursuing the corporate Sydney life. A regional firm generally equates to a smaller, general practice, which provides you with an opportunity to gain experience in a variety of legal areas.
I have also found that regional and rural practitioners are quite collegiate, which assists in creating a sense of being part of a profession.
How did you land your position?
A friend mentioned to my (now) boss that I was seeking work, and also that I am an amateur playwright. This sparked my boss’s interest and he took me on board to use my English skills to assist in the preparation and editing of policies and procedures. While I was there, his employed solicitor left the firm, so I was offered a position.
What attributes do you need for your job?
Patience, flexibility to practice in a variety of areas, and a willingness to learn. Good communication skills are also a must, as you deal with clients from all walks of life.
What advice do you have for lawyers and law students who want to practise in a regional or rural area?
Keep your mind open to different areas of practice. It really isn’t until you work that you get a proper feel for what it entails, and you can be pleasantly surprised. Don’t refuse an opportunity just because it isn’t exactly what you had in mind. Most solicitor positions are not advertised and come about via contacts, word of mouth and work experience. My best advice is to build a network of contacts.
