8.10 AM
Transitioning to full-time work as a clerk can be a shock to the system coming straight out of uni exams so I like to enjoy some quiet time in the morning. I get off the train early at Town Hall station and take a longer walk to work. There are so many cafes along the way to trial which has the ultimate best coffee or croissant. Today I skip the coffee and head straight to work in time for K&L Gates’ Breakfast and Barista program.
8.30 AM
I arrive at the office and head up to the kitchen to meet up with my fellow clerks and grab some coffee and breakfast. The breakfast program is a great way to meet new faces in the firm who you wouldn’t normally come across.
8.45 AM
This morning in Insurance Litigation, my supervisor has a directions hearing at 9.30 am so I check the NSW Supreme Court website to find which courtroom we are in. I print off a couple key documents, and we are on our way.
9.15 AM
I accompany my supervisor to Court where we greet the barrister who is assisting on the case. Court is running a bit behind, so I get the great experience of sitting in and listening to the matters heard before us. When it is our turn, I take notes for my supervisor.
10.00 AM
Back at the office, I prepare a draft email for my supervisor outlining the results of the directions hearing in preparation to update our client.
10.30 PM
I am tasked by Special Counsel to prepare a memo investigating how advocate’s immunity operates within the scope of their client’s case.
12.00 PM
I head upstairs to the training rooms to meet up with my fellow clerks for a session to get to know how Pro Bono operates within the firm and what we need to do if we want to get involved. There’s an opportunity for people of all skill levels to participate.
1.00 PM
Lunchtime! Wintergarden and Australia Square are convenient options for lunch but today we opt to sit a Circular Quay and admire the view whilst eating. Our central location means plenty of lunch options.
2.00 PM
I wrap up my memo for Special Counsel and send it off in an email for review.
2.30 PM
I print and prepare a tabbed Brief to Counsel for a new matter the team is working on. Printing is a great break from screens and a chance to move around. Today I succeed with only one paper jam - a success!
3.45 PM
The Brief I prepared has been checked over and is ready to be delivered to Chambers so I walk up to Philip Street and deliver it.
4.30 PM
I sit in on a call with my supervisor and take notes as they gather information for witness preparation. As the Litigation team covers many areas of law, the cases are often very interesting, and listening in is a great opportunity to learn.
5.15 PM
Time to wrap up for the day and send those last emails. I say my goodbyes to the team and head home to relax after another great day of the clerkship.
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