What drew you to Hall & Wilcox?

At first instance, I was drawn to Hall & Wilcox because of the ‘blind’ application process. Hall & Wilcox was setting an example to the legal industry by removing simple prejudice that graduates feel when they are applying for graduate roles. Removing information such as your name, university and high school made you feel like your application was taken seriously and as it stood.  

In addition, I was drawn to Hall & Wilcox because I sensed that this was a firm that was ‘on the move’, particularly, in Perth. The Perth office is only two years old. Therefore, it was, and still is, a time of immense growth and opportunity. I wanted to be a part of the Hall & Wilcox brand of ‘Smarter Law’ and a firm that prided itself on its people and one that was constantly evolving.

What areas did you work in as a Graduate?

I worked in the in the Insurance WA practice group. However, Graduates are now able to work in the Employment practice group too! I have been fortunate enough to have had exposure to multiple areas of Insurance law. To date, I have worked in workers’ compensation, motor vehicle claims, property damage recovery matters, medical negligence and public liability. I have also assisted other practice areas from across Australia by carrying out tasks from Perth.

What type of work did you do as a Graduate?

The work you are given s a Graduate at Hall & Wilcox is interesting and challenging. From the beginning, I was given opportunity to consolidate the skills I obtained at university, such as, becoming proficient in drafting and research. However, from the outset, I have also been given the opportunity to draft legal opinions, pleadings and attend Court on various matters.   

As a Graduate, did you have much client contact?

I have had regular contact with clients by email, telephone and in person. The partners and senior lawyers take every occasion to introduce you to clients - it doesn’t take long to get to know them and it’s great being able to build rapport with them from early on!  

As a Graduate, were you given much responsibility?

I found that I was given responsibility since day one, but only responsibility that matched my experience and level. It’s important to realise that at Hall & Wilcox the culture is not one where you arrive as a Graduate and are thrown into the deep end. As you continue throughout your year, your responsibility expands - it’s very much an incremental journey. By the time I reached the latter part of the year, I was responsible for having full conduct of matters (under supervision) and adhering to court and advice deadlines. However, you will never feel like you’re on your own. My experience was that partners, special counsel and senior lawyers take the mentorship of juniors very seriously and while I had responsibility I had an incredible support system.

What type of training have you undertaken at the firm?

As a Graduate in Perth, you are included in the national graduate program. This means that you participate in multiple learning and development sessions with the graduates from all of the office across Australia. In addition, there are multiple opportunities to attend training sessions within the firm and outside of the firm. Generally, I have found the training comprehensive and catered to my level. 

As a Graduate, what hours did you generally work? What was expected?

The expectation is that you work enough hours to ensure that the task is done. You are not encouraged or expected to be working late into the night. Generally, I worked 8.00 am until 6.00 pm and ensured that I was balanced across all aspects of my life.

As a Graduate, did you received feedback about your performance?

Yes, I received regular feedback about my performance. I met with my partner on a monthly basis. It was a nice opportunity to ‘check in’ with each other and for me to canvass ways to improve and grow. I would regularly talk to the lawyers around me about how I could improve my performance on tasks and they would always be willing to have the conversation.

How would you describe the culture and working environment at Hall & Wilcox?

To me, the culture of Hall & Wilcox is one of growth, inclusion and positivity. My colleagues and I constantly looking at ways we can evolve, whether that be performing our work in a better way or finding a way that we can improve one another’s day. The people here respect each other and the work environment is positive and energetic.     

What do you like most about working at Hall & Wilcox?

I like that you are constantly challenged. The work is stimulating and there is every opportunity to learn, improve and become a better lawyer. However, for me, working at Hall & Wilcox is about the small things. I love arriving at work in the morning each day and being greeted by my colleagues in the kitchen or at my desk. Mostly, I love that people are constantly checking in with each other, asking each other how they are going and what else they might be able to do to help. The people are the centre of the firm.    

What tips would you give to someone applying for a Graduate role at Hall & Wilcox?

Be yourself. Show that you are confident, energised and looking forward to beginning your career. Work out what you can bring to Hall & Wilcox.