6.00 AM

I used to be someone who hated early mornings, but over the last couple of months, that’s changed. The days of hitting snooze five times are officially behind me (mostly). Now I wake up earlier and enjoy the early morning routine, like heading off to pilates!

7.00 AM

I get ready and catch the train into work. I am loving the 50 cent fare, it's cheaper than my morning coffee! Sometimes I listen to construction podcasts on the way in. They are great way to break down complex construction concepts.

8.45 AM

I arrive at work and greet my colleagues. I have recently settled in the Construction and Infrastructure Team after completing my graduate rotations. One of the main reasons I chose to settle in this team is the diverse clients and range of projects we assist with. Every day brings new challenges which provides me with continuous opportunities for learning and growth within the team. I start by reviewing and responding to emails that require attention. This can include firm-wide updates, industry news, follow-ups from clients, or urgent deadlines. I then check my calendar for any appointments, update my to-do list and prepare for the day.

9.30 AM

At this point, it’s practically time for coffee, right? I mean, it's only been an hour, but who's counting? Depending on how busy the team is, we either head down to ground floor or take a quick stroll to grab a coffee and get some fresh air. It’s a great opportunity to catch up on both work and personal matters. Sometimes it's nice to step away from work and chat about something completely different.

10.00 AM

It's now time for a team meeting. Once a month our team has a meeting where we discuss team successes, ongoing matters, industry updates and plan for upcoming events. These meetings help to ensure the team remains proactive and is informed of any new developments. It's also a good chance for anyone to raise any interesting topics or concerns they may have.

10.30 AM

After the meeting, I often check in with the partners to discuss next steps for the matters that require attention. This often involves asking questions related to client material or seeking guidance on more complex legal issues. The direct interaction and involvement on matters with partners is another reason I chose to settle in this team. Learning directly from partners provides invaluable experience, particularly for someone like me who is early on in their career.

11.00 AM

It's time for a client meeting. Prior to the meeting I make sure to review the matter and ensure I have a detailed understanding of the concepts for discussion. This meeting addressed a building product dispute with the Queensland Building Construction Commission. After the meeting, I finalised my file note and discussed the next steps with the partner. I then review any relevant legislation, case law and client material to assist in drafting the letter. After reviewing the letter I send it to the partner to settle.

1.00 PM

Time for lunch! I usually head down to grab something with my colleagues and take a quick break to enjoy the sun.

2.00 PM

Back to my desk and time to start the next task on my to-do list. I have a brief meeting with the partner to discuss a contract review task. The contract is for one of our clients who acts as a contractor on various construction projects. Our role is to assess the contract, provided by the principal, and undertake a risk analysis. I spend my afternoon evaluating the contract for any onerous terms that could expose our client to any unnecessary risks on the project. It is interesting to see how the most minor amendments made to a contract can have adverse effects on our clients' rights.

5.00 PM

Now it's time to submit my time entries for the day. This process can be challenging, but I have learnt that consistency is key. Posting hours at the end of each day is extremely important as you never know when a client will request an updated fee estimate. After I have billed my time, I usually update my to-do list for the following day and send calendar appointments to any solicitors I need to catch up with the following day.

5.30 PM

Good thing I wrote this on a Friday, guess it’s time for after work drinks. We usually venture down to a local bar afterwards. It's always lovely to catch up with colleagues and is a great way to wind down.

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