6.15 AM
I am finally up and awake - after hitting the snooze button a few too many times! I head to the gym for a workout as I find it's a great way to wake up and start the day. I know I won't be as motivated after a busy work day.
8.30 AM
After a quick train ride, I start the work day by using the end-of-trip facilities provided by our building management. It's an excellent way to refresh yourself after a morning gym session.
I am then onto the day's first mission - finding coffee. I join the queue of coffee lovers at the cafe in the building's foyer. Having secured a large cappuccino, I make my way up to my desk.
I joined Baker McKenzie in November 2020 as a seasonal clerk in the Corporate Markets team. I was fortunate to return to the Firm as a paralegal in 2021 while completing my Bachelor of Laws/Commerce degree at Monash University. Throughout 2021, I undertook paralegal work within the Funds, Dispute Resolution and Energy Resources Infrastructure and Corporate (ERC) teams.
I began my current position as a graduate in March 2022 and am currently undertaking the first of my three rotations, returning to the Corporate Markets team.
8.45 AM
On the way to my desk, I run into a few graduates. We catch up about the weekend and discuss our plans for dinner and drinks on Friday after work. Following my chat with the grads, I settle into my desk.
I share an office with my buddy, who also works within the Corporate Markets team. He checks in to see what I am working on and whether I need any assistance with any of my ongoing matters. My buddy is a junior associate who was in my position as a graduate last year. It is great to chat with someone who has undertaken the same journey as me.
I check my inbox and look through the emails that have come in overnight. I begin to draft a list of my key matters and tasks for the day. One of the more significant matters I am working on involves a large international media company. One of the emails that I received overnight is from a colleague in Baker McKenzie's London office. She has asked us to review an agreement prepared by their team from an Australian law perspective. One of my favourite parts of working at an international law firm is working on cross-jurisdictional matters alongside my colleagues from one of Baker McKenzie's 70+ offices worldwide.
9.30 AM
After completing my review of the agreement, I turn my mind to a Pro Bono matter I am currently engaged in. A team of us are currently assisting a charity with licensing requirements for a raffle that they are hoping to run to support First Nations entrepreneurship.
I thoroughly enjoy assisting in Pro Bono matters as it gives me a chance to work outside my traditional practice area. It also gives me a chance to work with colleagues from other areas of the Firm to support our Pro Bono clients who are making such a positive contribution to the community.
11.00 AM
After wrapping up work on our advice for our Pro Bono client, I join our weekly team meeting. Our team meeting is a great way to catch up with colleagues from the broader Transactional Practice Group (comprised of our Corporate Markets, Funds, and ERIC teams). These weekly meetings provide an excellent opportunity to understand what people within the broader team are working on and understand the exciting and diverse matters my colleagues are currently engaged in.
11.30 AM
Following our team meeting, I return to my desk and begin work on one of the more significant matters I am currently working on. We are assisting a large Australian company prepare part of its business for sale. This is a complicated matter that involves teams of specialist lawyers across many of our practice groups. The Corporate Markets team is taking a lead role in the matter, and I am assisting with some of the coordinating and matter management components. It is rewarding to be trusted to liaise directly with the client and other key stakeholders in such a large and complex matter.
12.30 PM
Just before lunch, I join a quick meeting with the partner and senior lawyers involved in the management of the sale process for a brief progress meeting. We use this time to outline priorities for the coming week and allocate roles and responsibilities. We identify key risks and challenges and brainstorm how we can work to avoid any hurdles in progressing the company to sale. It is great to have such close contact with partners and senior lawyers.
1.00 PM
It's lunchtime! All of the graduates are having lunch downstairs, so I grab my lunch and head down to join them. It is nice to take a break from work and chat about what everyone has planned for the remainder of the week. Before I return to my desk, I am on the search for coffee once more. I am looking for a bit of a walk, so I head to one of my favourite cafes down Little Bourke Street.
2.00 PM
I return to the office, the second coffee of the day in tow, and join a professional development session run by senior lawyers in the Firm. Baker McKenzie runs a series of professional development sessions on a wide range of topics. These sessions help us upskill as junior lawyers and undertake a deep dive into specific areas of the law. Today's session is on executing documents and covers how to ensure agreements and deeds comply with state and federal legislation and are signed correctly.
3.30 PM
I return to my desk and join a meeting with my supervising partner and three other partners, including two from the Sydney office. We are discussing how to advise a large company in buying a significant stake in another company. It is a complicated matter and reasonably urgent. I am asked to prepare a summary of the target company's business to assist in progressing the advice.
4.00 PM
I dive straight into researching the matter. It is an exciting company and operates in a fast-paced industry. I work to produce a summary of the target company and send this to the partners for review. I am excited to be involved in this task - and am keen to see how the client receives the advice and whether they progress to acquiring the company.
5.30 PM
I finish off my pressing matters and ensure my inbox is under control. I send off a few small emails to update team members on the status of specific tasks and transactions. I make a list of anything that I need to complete the following day, tidy up my desk and pack my bag.
6.00 PM
After work, I head out to a Thai-fusion restaurant in the city. I have a group of friends from university who all work in the legal industry who are based in the city. It is always lovely to catch up and hear about their experiences as junior legal professionals over some pad thai and roti!
8.30 PM
It is time to head home. Once I am home, I repack my bag for the following day and catch up on my audiobook as I wind down for a good night's sleep.
Thinking of experiencing life as a Baker McKenzie Graduate? Sign up to Prosple Australia to receive job alerts for Baker McKenzie