1. What drew you to this firm?

I first became aware of HopgoodGanim while I was undertaking work experience at other law firms in Brisbane. HopgoodGanim appeared to have a good reputation in the marketplace and represented a number of notable clients, particularly in the energy and resources sector.

Even more appealing was the vibrant workplace culture which became evident during my initial interview. Having previously worked at multiple top-tier firms in Brisbane, I was aware of the importance that workplace culture plays in making for a productive and healthy working environment. HopgoodGanim had, by far, the healthiest workplace culture that I had experienced.

2. What areas have you worked in?

During my time at HopgoodGanim I have worked in the Corporate Advisory and Governance, Planning and Environment and Litigation and Dispute Resolution sections of the firm.

3. What type of work have you done in each of these areas?

In addition to participating in all aspects of client management, examples of work which I have done are (but not limited to):

• Drafting court documents (including pleadings, submissions and affidavits);
• Conducting detailed research into areas such as ASIC directors duties, the application of planning schemes to large-scale developments and judicial review of administrative decisions of government;
• Participating in meetings with counsel and experts;
• Drafting correspondence to clients, counsel, experts, solicitors and Judges; and
• Attending Court to instruct counsel.

4. What clients have you done work for?

The majority of the clients I have done work for are corporations operating in the energy and resources sector. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Mineralogy Pty Ltd – a resources company with mining tenements over the largest deposit of magnetite iron ore in the world.
• Waratah Coal Pty Ltd – a resources company with the largest coal tenements in Queensland’s Galilee Basin and the developer of the China First Coal Project.
• Professor Clive F. Palmer – well known mining magnate, philanthropist and politician.

5. Have you had much client contact?

Yes, I have had a tremendous amount of client contact. From participating in physical meetings, conference calls and inter-state travel, there is no aspect of client management which I have not had involvement with.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

Yes, I am completely responsible for all of the tasks assigned to me (subject of course to approval by Partners and Senior Associates).

7. What type of training have you undertaken at the firm?

In addition to the standard clerk and graduate training, I participate in HopgoodGanim’s internal seminars which are held every second Tuesday. These seminars are aimed at addressing various aspects of the law and practice management relevant to my role as a solicitor.

The firm has also been very supportive in sponsoring my attendance at external seminars, including those held by the Queensland Law Society.

8. What hours do you generally work? What is expected?

HopgoodGanim sets a daily billable target of 5.5 hours for each practitioner. In my experience, this is both a realistic and sensible target. It is realistic in the sense that it is a sustainable target which allows practitioners the ability to produce fees while maintaining a work-life balance. The target is also sensible in that it is not so high that practitioners are encouraged to overbill on matters.

9. How have you received feedback about your performance?

I have received feedback through a variety of channels, both formal and informal. Formally, every practitioner within the firm is afforded the opportunity to receive feedback and review their performance at reviews held at the end of every financial year.

However, more importantly, feedback is continually given to me by Partners and Senior Associates who supervise my work. I find this feedback to be constructive on a day-to-day basis. It also affords me the opportunity to develop professionally at regular intervals as opposed to once annually.

10. How would you describe the culture and working environment within the firm?

Having experienced work in top-tier firms I can confidently say that the culture and working environment at HopgoodGanim is second to none. The Partners demonstrate a genuine commitment to all employees and actively promote the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. I cannot emphasise the importance that this attitude and the resulting culture plays in making for a healthy and productive working environment.

11. What do you like most about working for the firm?

Aside from the incredible workplace culture, I thoroughly enjoy the level of responsibility I am given and the opportunities I have to make meaningful and valuable contributions to the conduct of the matters on which I work.

12. What tips would you give to someone applying to your firm?

I would recommend taking a moment to consider what is really important in a workplace and what milestones you would like to achieve during the early stages of your career. If you raise these considerations in your interview, I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by what HopgoodGanim has to offer.