What sparked your interest to become a Personal Injury Lawyer?
During high school, I was particularly interested in medicine, but knew my strengths were in writing, reading, and preparing arguments. My desire to study law came about when I was in year 10 debating class. As I started VCE, I became interested in human rights, politics, and law reform. Throughout law school, my university encouraged students to undertake clerkships and pursue commercial law career pathways. However, I felt a strong inclination towards areas of law that were closely connected to individuals and their stories. After exploring various fields, I had the opportunity to work with a personal injury lawyer in Melbourne. This experience solidified my interest in personal injury law, as I felt that it offered a unique blend of my interests in medicine, social work, and legal advocacy. I haven’t looked back!
What specific aspects of this field captivated you the most?
Personal injury law resonated with me on multiple levels. The opportunity to work closely with clients, understanding their unique circumstances and advocating for their rights, was particularly compelling. Each case presents its own set of challenges which keeps the work dynamic and engaging. Despite the emotional toll that can accompany this work, the satisfaction of helping clients obtain the compensation they deserve makes it incredibly rewarding. Coming from a rural background, I’m passionate about increasing the accessibility of the legal system, and I feel that this area of law gives you the opportunity to engage with hard working Australians who may not know they have legal rights to compensation.
Your dedication to making a difference in the lives of your clients is commendable. How did you secure your position at Arnold Dallas McPherson?
After completing my initial placement, I was eager to gain further experience in personal injury law. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I proactively reached out to several firms, expressing my interest in longer placements. Arnold Dallas McPherson in Bendigo was one of the firms I contacted, and I was fortunate enough to receive a prompt response from one of the partners. On face value, I was particularly interested in ADM due to their presence in both regional and metropolitan Victoria. However, from the moment I had my first interview, I could see that the firm also shared my personal values and desire to help people, which I consider very important. Following the interview process, I was offered a part-time position, which I eagerly accepted.
In June 2022, I relocated to the Melbourne branch of ADM where I continued to work as a paralegal on a part-time basis. I graduated from my law degree in May 2023 and commenced Supervised Legal Training full-time. My training year was exciting. I was lucky enough to work with the partners on various matters, which meant that I gained insight into many different areas of personal injury law. I was admitted to practice in May 2024 and offered a position as a lawyer.
As you embark on your career in personal injury law, what are your aspirations for the future?
My primary aspiration is to continue making a positive impact in the lives of individuals affected by injury. I look forward to further honing my skills and knowledge in this field and learning how to be the best advocate for my clients. I’m also looking forward to continuing with my Masters’ Degree in Health and Medical Law to stay in the study rhythm. Each day presents new opportunities for growth and learning, and I am excited to embrace the challenges ahead.
