When I was in law school, public sector careers were not widely discussed or promoted, but working as a lawyer in government offers a whole world of opportunities, and the ability to forge a unique, non-traditional career path. As a lawyer in government, you have the opportunity not only to provide advice on what the law is, but to frame what the law should be.
I started my career in the public sector in a non-legal role, as a graduate in public transport franchise management. I had studied urban planning and social geography, and I initially decided against pursuing a legal career, to follow my interest in transport planning and policy. I soon realised that legal frameworks and processes are fundamental to how the public sector operates. I did my Articles while working in the Department of Infrastructure, as it was known then. I worked for six years in the not-for-profit sector at the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), and one year as Corporate Counsel to Metlink in an in-house role, but the majority of my legal career has been within government.
My work encompasses public, general and commercial law, as well as legislative and policy drafting. Every day is different, and I can never predict what issues will come across my desk! I find it rewarding to be able to influence policy settings through my role, and to contribute to changing social, economic and environmental outcomes for the better. I encourage anyone looking for varied subject matter and a unique career path to consider a legal career in the public sector.
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