Gary Lou - Sydney University
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Gary Lou - Sydney University
7.00 am
My alarm goes off, and I wake up quickly to get ready for the day. I usually like to do a quick 5-minute exercise routine; I tend to find that it makes me more energetic and productive for the rest of the day. After getting dressed for work and eating breakfast, I make my way to the bus stop to catch the bus to the office.
8.30 am
On arrival, I quickly greet my team. I check my emails to see whether any further actions are required on the tasks I worked on yesterday. I meet with other clerks to grab a coffee on Level 9 from our in-house barista. Not only is the coffee free, but there are so many options, all of which are delicious, and the barista is super-friendly too.
9.30 am
Today, we have a weekly team meeting where we catch up on our capacities, current matters, projects we are working on, and also share anything interesting we've done in our spare time this week. It's not only a good way to learn about how the team operates and how we as clerks can help, but it's also a wonderful opportunity to bond and have a bit of a laugh together.
10.30 am
As part of our clerkship training, we have the opportunity to meet the executives and partners of the firm. It is really inspirational to hear about their journeys and experiences, and it's a great way to gain a better understanding of the firm's history and achievements. Learning more about the firm's future plans, goals and innovations motivates us and makes me really excited for what is to come.
12.30 pm
This is our usual time for lunch. I head downstairs with some of the other clerks to grab some food at MLC Centre. It's a great time to mingle and catch up with the cohort.
1.30 pm
After lunch, I meet with my Clerkship Innovation Project group to share ideas and discuss our progress. Every year, the clerkship cohort participates in the Innovation Project, where we pitch an idea that helps solve a business challenge for the firm. This really encourages us to think entrepreneurially and allows us to think of ways to use interdisciplinary skills to help improve the firm.
3.00 pm
My supervising lawyer comes to my desk with a task for me to complete in the afternoon. It involves reviewing our client’s draft Data Retention Policy document to ensure that it complies with Australia's privacy regulatory landscape and each state's and territory’s relevant legislation. Ashurst has a robust database that is super-accessible and easy to navigate. By combining this with the Federal Register of Legislation, I learned not only how to draft related clauses professionally, but also so much about privacy law and how we can help clients avoid the legal issues that might arise.
4.00 pm
My team invites me to attend a meeting with Counsel to discuss the evidence strategy for litigation and how to respond to the opposing parties’ potential arguments. It is incredible to see just how talented and experienced the team members are with their different thought processes, as they hypothesise on how the court proceedings will play out. It inspires me to think more deeply on behalf of the client to ensure we can provide them the best value and outcome.
5.00 pm
I send my draft Data Retention Policy document and update my supervising lawyer on my findings. Then, the partners come over and ask if we want to join them for after-work drinks. It is really great to see how friendly and welcoming the team is; they are always thinking of ways to gather and socialise.
6.00 pm
After socialising, I head home. I take some time to unwind and spend the evening with my family.
10.30 pm
It’s time to get some sleep! Every day is different, and I cannot wait to see which matters I'll be working on and the events I'll be participating in tomorrow.