Job Satisfaction at Henry Davis York

I am the solicitor in charge of the day to day management of a number of separate matters.

Although quite junior, I have been granted a significant level of responsibility. This has both pros and cons, in that responsibility often requires supervision as well.

Day to day responsibilities include liaising with barristers, lawyers and clients, attending Court, taking instructions and drafting advices.

One of several mid-level (2-3 years PAE) lawyers in the firm's property, environment and major projects practice. My role is to assist the partners and senior associates with the preparation, negotiation and finalisation of property agreements, such as contracts for the sale or purchase of major commercial and industrial assets (e.g. shopping centres and commercial office towers), leases, development agreements, compulsory acquisition documents for major infrastructure projects, memorandums of understanding, and project delivery agreements. I also advise clients in relation to their property law queries and act for clients in pre-litigation property disputes (e.g. tenancy disputes). I am not required to attend court for any matters, although I have previously been given the opportunity (and have) done so.

I'm fortunate to be in contact with major clients on a daily basis, undertaking meaningful work on matters that are of huge importance to our clients.

Presently seconded to the client. I assist in process and the development of matters (incl. conducting case summaries, evidentiary analyses, chronologies).

As a grad, I am given a lot of autonomy and responsibility. I have my own matters and am encouraged to attempt tasks I have not done before. I am provided with ongoing feedback so I know that I am on track. I work daily with partners, senior associates and lawyers. I attend court for directions hearings (unsupervised), draft letters and advices, liaise with the client and other lawyers. I find the work to be varied and meaningful.

Varies greatly depending on the work that comes in, ranging from general company secretarial tasks to assisting on M&A deals.

I have had access to great work with a significant amount of responsibility, even at a junior (graduate) level.

Research, preparing law reform submissions, conferring with clients, coordinating legal clinics, preparing internal and external communications.

I have been given a varied range of work and responsibilities, and no day is ever the same. They expect a lot, but they will always ensure that you have the tools and abilities to perform the task.