Rose Clayton started in the Gadens Graduate Program (Grads@Gadens) in February 2019 and has been working in the Family & Relationship Law Team. Here is a day in the life of a graduate in the Gadens Graduate Program.
Describe a typical day at Gadens
The day usually starts with a team morning coffee run together. Right from the start, I was included in this morning ritual, and it’s been a great way to get to know my colleagues outside of the office environment.
My days vary a lot, and I don’t think I have ever had two days the same!
Some days I will be writing an Affidavit the whole day, which is slower work and requires detailed planning and multiple drafts. Whereas others, I will be picking up and finishing multiple tasks, which is much quicker and fast-paced. These include writing memos to counsel, writing letters, organising discovery or completing research. There are also days where we are in Court all day and more often than not these days turn out a lot different from what you thought they would.
What has been the highlight since starting in Gadens Graduate Program
As I had completed my Practical Legal Training before commencing my grad year, and was admitted at the start of the year, I have been able to undertake work and make appearances which I ordinarily would not have been able to do if I hadn’t been admitted first. A highlight has definitely been being able to make appearances in Court. Although they have been short, it has allowed my confidence to grow in speaking in Court, which is something I really enjoy.
Another highlight has been the social aspects of Gadens. At the mid-year function the grad team won best dressed for our circus themed costumes, and I was involved in the Gadens mixed netball team which were runners up at the Winneke cup (inter-firm tournament).
What was the one thing about Gadens that made you apply for a graduate role?
What really appealed to me about Gadens was the wide range of practice areas the firm has. My goal in commencing my legal career was to ensure I had a broad range of experiences before I began to form a specialised interest. I think this is incredibly important for new lawyers.
What also appealed to me as an admitted lawyer during the graduate year, was how this afforded me more experiences and allowed me to ‘hit the ground running’.
Is working in a law firm what you expected?
Working at Gadens has exceeded my expectations.
Before I started, I remembered giving myself a pep talk, saying that I will have moments when I would feel lost or completely out of my depth, purely by virtue of being a new baby lawyer. However, the level of support afforded to me has meant I have never felt completely overwhelmed or lost, as there has always been someone to turn to for support.
Gadens partner Jodylee Bartal reflects on what it has meant to have Rose in their team
“Graduates, such as Rose, are not administrative assistants! Rose is taking carriage of files, under supervision, of course. There has been plenty of opportunity for client contact, and interactions with a range of other experts such as barristers, accountants, valuers and psychologists.
All our graduates are invited to do appearances if they feel comfortable, starting with divorce applications and subpoena hearings. Close supervision and mentoring with an appropriate amount of autonomy is what we strive for”.
Interested in joining the Grads@Gadens program? Applications close on 30 August 2019 for opportunities in 2020.
