Lander & Rogers

What's your job about?

Lander & Rogers is an Australian law firm that specialises in a variety of practice areas, including corporate law, insurance law, family law and property law.

As a graduate in a rotational program, my day really depends on what team I'm in. Generally, I can get work from a variety of people in the team - anyone that needs a helping hand - which is a fantastic opportunity to get a comprehensive understanding of the different work and issues that come up in a practice group. My days are always different; they can involve going to client meetings to take instructions or chat about next steps, negotiations with opposing parties, court hearings, drafting letters and documents or researching niche or nuanced areas of the law. Recently, I had the opportunity to work on marketing material regarding COVID-19 and how it, as well as all the government regulations, affects the workplace. It was fantastic to see my research work be presented in one beautiful and professional package and promoted heavily on socials.

Lander & Rogers maintains a truly supportive environment, and everyone is always friendly and willing to help. I'm never in the dark and can approach a friendly face whenever I need to.

What's your background?

I grew up in Western Sydney and had a pretty average upbringing: public school, tutoring, selective high school and then university.

During my first couple of years at uni, I tutored primary and high school students, which I absolutely loved doing. After that I started my first job in the legal industry at a boutique law firm specialising in conveyancing. The firm had a sole director/solicitor so I had a lot of room to learn and grow my skills, as well as opportunities to innovate. Since then, I've held a few different positions in different organisations, including an associateship, before starting as a graduate at Lander & Rogers in March 2021.

I had thought for a few years that I wanted to be a family lawyer. However, the true benefit of a rotational program was made clear to me as I realised that family law in private practice is not where I want to be.

One bit of comfort that I want to offer anyone reading this is:

Don't stress if you struggle to find your feet when starting out. I found my first year of uni to be a bit overwhelming and was disappointed when I felt that I was underperforming compared to my friends. I can assure you that, if you take a moment to reassess, put in the work and keep your spirits high, things will get better.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes - I truly believe that anyone who has strong critical thinking skills and an ability to read carefully and process information would be able to do the same job that I do. Law school certainly helped me to refine these characteristics and to grow accustomed to the type of language used in the legal industry. I think that with time and experience in the field, these skills will naturally develop even further. Although, it is important to note that there is a significant amount of duties that come with being a lawyer and, for that reason, it is important that lawyers have adequate training through a university course.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

I love the drive to produce high-quality work for clients. While this can be a stressor, particularly when the work has an impending deadline, I thrive off the adrenaline to bunker down and get the work done and get it polished so that it is presentable and easily digestible. Ultimately, I view the legal field as a client-driven, professional services industry.

What are the limitations of your job?

I'll be completely transparent - Lander & Rogers fosters an incredible environment and I have very rarely been under pressure. I have only worked extra hours on evenings or weekends on a few occasions, and usually as a service to myself to ease my workload during typical business hours. Speaking from past experiences, I would say that one of the biggest limitations in the legal field can be the politics (i.e. power dynamics, cliques, etc.) however, I do not believe that is unique to the legal field and this is not something that I have experienced at Lander & Rogers.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. Enjoy your time and go easy on yourself. If that means allowing yourself to stay in bed and binge Netflix - so be it! However, if you do choose to have that lazy day, balance it with experiences; meet up with friends, explore your neighbourhood and then explore the world.
2. Don't cave to the pressure of taking the same path as your peers. Everyone has their own journey and things will happen for you with time. There is no need to fit a mould of the perfect, career-driven student.
3. Invest positive energy into the learning process - it can truly be fun!

What's your job about?

Graduate lawyers at Lander & Rogers rotate through four of the firm's practice areas. After the morning coffee ritual to get the day started, the rest of the day varies depending on which team you are in at the time. One of the best things about Lander & Rogers is the diverse range of work each practice area undertakes, and the high level of responsibility you are given as a graduate lawyer.

Generally, during my rotations I would conduct research tasks, draft and review contracts, liaise directly with our clients and other parties, and draft letters of advice. My rotations through the different teams have also afforded me the opportunity to work with amazing lawyers who always took the time to provide feedback and advice to help develop my skills as a legal practitioner.

On joining Lander & Rogers I joined the Social Committee, and attend monthly meetings to help prepare for any upcoming social events at the firm. This has been a great way of meeting other people and expanding my role from pure legal work.

What's your background?

I was born in Albania and moved to Melbourne at the age of five. I grew up in the northern suburbs, went to primary school in Reservoir and high school in Bundoora. I studied a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor at Melbourne University.

Throughout my studies I worked in hospitality and played competitive soccer. I only started working in a casual role in the legal industry towards the end of my law degree. I was concerned I would have to stop playing once I started full-time work; however, this hasn't been the case and Lander & Rogers has been supportive in me balancing both work and sporting commitments.

I joined Lander & Rogers as a graduate in 2021 after completing the first-ever virtual clerkship in 2020, and am now in my second year at the firm. As a grad I rotated through the Corporate, Insurance Law & Litigation, Compensation Law and Real Estate & Property teams and will decide on which team I settle in soon!

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes. While it is a competitive area of professional services, there are now more opportunities than ever to become a lawyer. Hiring practices have changed and are always evolving to ensure everyone applying for roles is given an equal chance regardless of their background. Key skills and characteristics I have seen in a lot of great lawyers are a personal drive to continuously improve and learn, the ability to openly communicate with others and having a healthy dose of empathy.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

My favourite thing about my job is the people I work with at Lander & Rogers. Since joining, the people I've met have been incredibly supportive in my learning and have exposed me to a broad range of mentally stimulating and factually interesting tasks. This has included working on a litigation matter that went before the Supreme Court for a claim in a novel area of law, coronial inquests, agreements for property developments that you can physically see being made, and advising our sporting body clients.

What are the limitations of your job?

As a lawyer, the work can be mentally demanding and a common problem in the legal industry is the risk of burn-out. However, during my time at Lander & Rogers, the leadership, committees and people within the different teams have always provided a broad range of support and services to ensure we are focusing on our mental and physical health.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

After deciding to leave my international holiday for after I graduated, which was then postponed by COVID, my biggest advice is to go on exchange or travel as soon as you can. Professionally, find a mentor who works in an area you are interested in and build a relationship with them. There have been many difficult times when the calming words of someone who has been there before have helped me. Finally, take time out at points throughout the year to reflect on and appreciate what you have achieved. Even if they are small, every win helps you stay grounded and motivated.