I’ve always been interested in a lot of different things. After starting my career as a journalist I moved into PR, then returned to university to study law. I worked as a solicitor for a while, then passed the Bar exam and practised as a barrister for 5 years before joining Parks Victoria as Senior Legal Counsel.
It was the variety of practice areas that attracted me to the public sector. In private practice, it’s not often you’d find one role that lets you work across litigation, contract management, investigations, Crown land leasing and licensing. In my current role, I get to do all that and more.
The most satisfying aspect of my work is the opportunity to add real value to the organisation. I’ve also been surprised by how much time I spend out of the office, travelling for training or to visit sites that relate to legal work I’m involved in. The knowledge I’ve accumulated in my role has also meant I’ve become something of a de facto specialist in parks, which is very satisfying.
Working in the public sector requires a different mindset to private practice. Instead of servicing clients, I think of myself as a partner in the organisation, identifying risk more broadly, and contributing a tangible benefit. I find it extremely rewarding.
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