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ET CETERA ISSUE 2 2026

ISSUE TWO 2026

ET CETERA Alumni in the Law

INTRODUCTION Et Cetera is the flagship publication of the Deakin Law Students' Society (DLSS). It seeks to reflect the Deakin Law School zeitgeist of the time, and resonates with the interests of Deakin Law students. It aims to provoke thoughtful discussion on issues relevant to our readers as students, future legal professionals and citizens of the world. This edition explores the diverse journeys of Deakin Law alumni and the many opportunities a law degree can offer. We encourage you to engage with these reflections, consider the possibilities that lie beyond your studies, and reflect on how your own skills, experiences and aspirations might shape your journey in the law and beyond.

EDITORIAL Diya Matthew Sithmi Pathiraja Vicky Lu Grace Rooney Priyanka Sharma

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Editor in Chief Editor and Design Editor and Design Editor and Design Contributing Writer

CONTRIBUTORS Lewis Grimm Naomi Ghabrial Sophia Rasch Maria Di Battista Chrissa Karouzakis Sally Crocker We extend our deepest gratitude to Ashurst Perkins Coie, Clayton Utz, Cornwalls, HFW, Jones Day and Kennedys whose generous sponsorship and continued support of the DLSS have made this publication possible.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the DLSS is founded, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. We recognise their continued connection to the land and waters. We pay our respects to Wurundjeri Elders past and present and extend this respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elders and people from other communities.

ABOUT THE DEAKIN LAW STUDENTS' SOCIETY The DLSS is one of Deakin University’s oldest and largest student societies. We are a student-run organisation which aims to assist Deakin law students in making the most of their time at law school. Across our portfolios, we work to provide a range of events and services to assist you at every stage of your degree. Whether you want to improve your grades or make new friends, the DLSS is your one-stop shop for all things law at Deakin. For more information you can find the DLSS on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, or via our website.

DISCLAIMER This publication is provided free of charge by the Deakin Law Students’ Society. Any opinions expressed in this publication are not to be held as those of the DLSS, Deakin Law School or Deakin University. The DLSS, Deakin Law School and Deakin University do not necessarily endorse these opinions; they belong solely to the authors.

COPYRIGHT This publication is subject to copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this publication may, in any form or by any means (electronic or otherwise) be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any process, without prior written consent from the DLSS.

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD SAMANTHA PAULIUK 2026 President It is my great pleasure, on behalf of the Deakin Law Students'Society, to introduce Et Cetera: Alumni in the Law. One of the greatest strengths of the Deakin Law community is the remarkable calibre of its people. Our students are driven, adaptable, and committed to making meaningful contributions within their communities, professions and beyond. That commitment does not end at graduation. It evolves into careers that are as diverse as they are inspiring, and it is those journeys that this edition seeks to celebrate. The transition from university to professional life is rarely straightforward. Careers are built through growth, challenges, lessons, and decisions that often cannot be anticipated at university. The reflections in these pages offer an honest insight into these experiences, highlighting the resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning that underpin professional success. As President of the Deakin Law Students' Society, I have the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented and ambitious law students in the country. Everyday, I see individuals who are passionate about learning, committed to serving others, and eager to embrace new challenges. Reading the reflections of our alumni, it is impossible not to recognise those same qualities. Their stories remind us that every career is unique, shaped not only by achievements, but by perseverance, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities. This edition also stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the Deakin Law community. Our alumni remain an integral part of that community, generously sharing their experiences to support those following in their footsteps. Their willingness to reflect on their journeys, offer practical advice, and celebrate both successes and setbacks embodies the collaborative spirit that defines Deakin Law. To each of our contributors, thank you for sharing your experiences so openly. Your insights provide not only guidance, but reassurance that there is no single path to success, and that some of the most rewarding careers are those shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to continual growth. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the DLSS Communications team, led by Diya Matthew and supported by her dedicated officers, whose hard work and commitment have made this publication possible. I hope you enjoy reading this edition and find inspiration in the journeys shared throughout these pages, perhaps even seeing reflections

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of your own aspirations and future within these stories.

DIRECTOR’S FOREWORD DIYA MATTHEW 2026 Director of Communications A law degree can open doors far beyond the traditional legal profession. The skills developed through studying law can become the foundation for careers across diverse industries and professional settings, and the journey beyond law school is rarely linear. As the legal profession evolves, so too do the ways a law degree can be applied. This edition of Et Cetera, Alumni in the Law, explores these journeys through reflections from Deakin Law alumni. Their stories offer insight into the transition from study to practice, navigating a career in law, and the experiences and opportunities a law degree can offer. I sincerely thank all our contributors for generously sharing their experiences, insights, and advice. Their stories offer valuable perspectives and inspiration to current students and recent graduates as they navigate their own journeys beyond law school. As I reflect on my year as Communications Director, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Deakin Law Students’ Society through our publications, blogs, firm spotlights, and broader communications. It has been an honour to help deliver the vision of the Society and create content that informs, connects, and represents our law student community. Serving as a Director and representing Deakin law students has been a privilege and one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience. This edition, and the work of the Communications Portfolio throughout 2026, would not have been possible without the dedication of my officers, Sithmi, Vicky, and Grace. Their care, creativity, and commitment have been instrumental in bringing this publication together. I am incredibly grateful for the time and energy they have devoted to supporting Deakin Law students through our communications initiatives and fostering meaningful connections within our community. It has been an immense privilege to lead such a talented team, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. My sincere thanks also go to our sponsors, Ashurst Perkins Coie, Clayton Utz, Cornwalls, HFW, Jones Day and Kennedys whose generosity and continued support of the Deakin Law Students’ Society have made this publication possible. Finally, whether you are beginning your studies, preparing to enter the profession, or considering where your career may take you next, I hope these stories inspire you to approach your journey with confidence and an open mind. There is no single way to build a career, and your law degree is only the beginning of what is possible. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Et Cetera.

OFFICERS’ FOREWORD SITHMI PATHIRAJA, VICKY LU AND GRACE ROONEY 2026 Communications Officers As university students, we often feel unclear about what future direction we could take in the endless career paths available in the legal industry. This edition of Et Cetera, Alumni in the Law, delves into career paths and the legal industry from the perspective of legal graduates, offering thoughtful advice from Deakin Alumni to current students. Hearing from professionals who once stood in our position provides a number of imperative insights, namely that there is no fixed route to achieving a rewarding career. This publication provides invaluable insights into the legal industry to current Deakin Law students, with the hope of inspiring students as to the number of different pathways they can take to enjoy a fulfilling career after graduation. We would like to extend our gratitude to each of the contributors who have kindly shared their time, experiences and guidance with us for this edition of Et Cetera. It was our privilege as officers working with and hearing about each individual’s journey within the legal industry, from their relatable experiences as Deakin Law students to the diverse and successful careers they have since built. We are incredibly grateful

for

the

opportunity

their

stories

and

accomplishments. We would also like to acknowledge and thank our Director of Communications, Diya, for her constant support, passion and dedication in bringing this edition of Et Cetera together. Her leadership and vision have guided us throughout the past year. As we reflect on our time as the 2026 Communications Officers, it has been an incredible and extremely valuable experience. We are truly honoured to be in this role, helping to connect, inform and engage our readers. We are proud of what we have accomplished and every experience has taught us something new. Finally, a heartfelt thanks to our readers for your continued support and engagement. We hope to see you continue to be part of our community and we will always welcome your

feedback, thoughts and contributions.

CONTENTS 01

AIMING HIGHER BY lewis grimm

IN CONVERSATION WITH SOPHIA RAScH

Turns out, theRE IS NO RIGHT WAY TO BECOME A LAWYER

THE TRANSITION fROM DEAKIN LECTURE HALLS TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION

BY NAOMI GHABRIAL

BY CHRISSA KAROUZAKIS

In Conversation with MARIA DI BATTISTA

IN CONVERSATION WITH SALLY CROCKER

AIMING HIGHER

L E W I S G R I M M | PARTNER, JONES DAY When I joined Deakin Law School in 1993, I was part of only the second intake of law students. At the time, Deakin was still trying to establish itself. I remember being asked during clerkship interviews whether I was studying at Melbourne or Monash, as though there were only two law schools in Victoria. One comment from around that time has stayed with me. A former high school classmate said, “We have a saying at our law school. You go to Deakin if you want High Distinctions, but you come here if you want a job.” What was meant as an insult became my motivation - I was not going to let somebody else define my future. If people thought Deakin graduates couldn’t compete, then one day I would practise law in New York, the financial capital of the world.

Looking back more than three decades later, I realise that almost everything worthwhile in my career began with a challenge I wasn't sure I could overcome. Ironically, my first lesson came after I graduated. Like many young lawyers, I thought I knew far more than I actually did. One of my first assignments involved preparing advice on a complex restructuring. My supervising partner dismantled my first draft, then my second and then my third. Eventually I found myself sitting alone in my office wondering whether I had chosen the wrong profession. At the time, it felt devastating. In hindsight, it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I realised that excellence in the law is earned, not assumed. Clients expect far more than technical competence: they trust us with some of the most important decisions their businesses would ever make. More importantly, I learnt that criticism is only destructive if you stop learning from it. That experience also led me to finance law, a practice area I have never regretted choosing.

Several years later, I achieved that goal when I moved to New York. Only a week after arriving, the world changed with the attacks of 11 September 2001. The timing was disastrous. The economy was struggling, opportunities for foreign lawyers quickly disappeared and, despite qualifying for the New York Bar and doing work I was immensely proud of, I eventually had to return to Australia because there simply wasn’t a permanent role available. Returning to Australia felt like failure. What I didn’t appreciate then was that careers are rarely linear. When I later returned to New York to complete my admission formalities, I caught up with former colleagues who unexpectedly invited me back. One closed door had eventually led to another opening. That lesson has stayed with me ever since. Failure is often temporary unless you decide it is permanent. The next lesson was one I learnt the hard way. I loved practising in New York, but I was working unsustainable hours. My health deteriorated to the point that I was admitted to intensive care twice within six months with potentially life-threatening infections. My wife said something that changed my perspective forever. “I signed up for you to work hard. I didn’t sign up to be a widow.” It was obvious something had to change. Around that time, I interviewed at Jones Day. I still remember walking out of the interview and telling my wife, “These are people I could enjoy having a beer with.” Nineteen years later, it remains one of the best career decisions I have made. I have had the privilege of advising clients on complex cross-border financing transactions across New York, London and Australia while helping build our finance practice alongside outstanding colleagues. When I was younger, success meant working on prestigious transactions. Later, success meant becoming a partner.

Today, I measure success very differently. It's no longer about the deals I've done or the titles I've held. It's about the people and institutions that will be stronger because I was there. The transactions matter, but they eventually blur together. The people never do. The colleagues you mentor. The clients who continue to trust you. The teams you help build. Looking back, some of the achievements I value most have nothing to do with individual deals. They involve helping build our finance practice and creating opportunities for younger lawyers long after the transaction itself has been forgotten. It has also been deeply rewarding to watch Deakin itself evolve. The law school that was once viewed as an outsider is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading law schools, and one of the great pleasures of the past three decades has been watching Deakin graduates prove those old assumptions wrong, both in Australia and internationally. Most recently, I have had the opportunity to reinvent myself twice. First by moving to London and qualifying in England and Wales, and then by returning to Melbourne after more than twenty years overseas. Every move required me to become a beginner again, teaching me that curiosity is one of the most valuable qualities a lawyer can possess.

Starting again professionally is never comfortable. Growth rarely is. If there is one piece of advice I would leave today’s Deakin students, it is this: don’t let anyone else write your script. Throughout your career, there will always be people prepared to tell you that you studied at the wrong university, that your ambitions are unrealistic or that you have missed your opportunity. They may be wrong. Don't let their expectations become your limits. The moments that have defined my career have almost always begun with uncertainty, failure or discomfort. The challenge that seems impossible today often becomes the story you are most grateful to tell tomorrow. None of this would have been possible without extraordinary mentors, supportive colleagues and, above all, an incredibly patient family who believed in me even when I occasionally doubted myself. If this article persuades even one Deakin student to aim higher than they thought possible, then it will have served its purpose.

In conversation with

SOPHIA RASCH

H F W A s so c i at e (Insurance) | 2020 G r a d u at e Written by Priyanka Sharma

From nervously waiting at the law camp bus stop to working on complex multi-jurisdictional insurance matters at HFW, Sophia Rasch’s legal journey is a testament to the power of saying yes to the unknown. In this interview, Sophia walks us through the defining moments of her time at Deakin, the unpredictable turns of her early career, and the lessons she now shares with the next generation of aspiring lawyers. Sophia knew from a young age that she wanted to become a lawyer. When a scholarship offer from Deakin University arrived on the same day as her ATAR results, the decision was easy. Starting university without knowing anyone, Sophia’s first bold step came when she boarded the bus to Deakin Law Camp alone. There, she met a group of girls at the bus stop who would go on to become lifelong friends. That single decision didn’t just help her find a support network; it also immersed her in the Deakin Law Students’ Society (DLSS) and exposed her to moots, professional development events, and opportunities that reaffirmed her desire to work in law. "That introduction into the DLSS really opened up a lot of opportunities, I had more exposure to things like moots, Meet the Professionals, and other events where you could really start to visualise your future. It helped me realise, 'Yes, I’ve made the right choice. I do want to become a lawyer.'

Her involvement in the DLSS and Deakin’s Student Ambassador program were integral parts of Sophia’s university experience. She was an Activities Officer, then Activities Director, and eventually joined the Australian Law Students' Association (ALSA) as the conference coordinator for the 2019 ALSA National Conference. “It taught me so much, event planning, leadership, community building, and gave me friendships that have lasted well beyond graduation.” Sophia credits her experience with Vis Moot as a turning point in her development as a future lawyer. The competition sharpened her skills in legal research, writing, and advocacy, while also giving her a taste of high-pressure teamwork. “I learned so much about teamwork, legal reasoning, and how to handle different personalities under pressure,” she reflects. That same experience also opened a critical door, through her involvement in Vis Moot, she connected with an assistant coach who helped her land a paralegal role at a top-tier firm. “Everything is so interconnected. It kickstarted my career, and now I try to pay that forward by helping others access similar opportunities.”

“Everything is so interconnected. It kickstarted my career, and now I try to pay that forward by helping others access similar opportunities.” 4

Sophia’s involvement in Deakin’s legal community cemented her passion for commercial law, even when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her final year, shifting her clerkship experience online, Sophia had already been working as a paralegal, giving her valuable insight into practice despite the challenges. After graduating, she stayed in her role as an eDiscovery consultant and completed her PLT part-time before landing a graduate role at a different firm . Despite not expecting to work in banking and finance, she joined the team and gave it her best. Ultimately, she realised that her passion lay in litigation. “Litigation suits me. I love problem-solving, structure, and applying the law to real problems. Transactional work just didn’t energise me the same way.. After gaining experience in front-end legal work, Sophia transitioned to a boutique firm, where she became deeply involved in commercial disputes for small to medium-sized businesses. Working in a lean team meant she was quickly thrown into hands-on litigation. She recalls how closely she worked with senior lawyers from the start. “It was just me and the partner working on the matters. I was the junior drafting the documents, managing client communication, and getting everything ready for sign-off.” As rewarding as it was, the work came with a heavy emotional load. Many of their clients were small business owners, particularly in the construction sector, facing serious financial strain. “You’re not dealing with in-house counsel. You’re speaking directly to people who built their businesses over decades and are now at risk of losing everything. That stress sits with you. Some lawyers thrive on that closeness, but for me, it became overwhelming.”

The nature of the client base combined with the type of the work and the cultural dynamics in certain industries prompted her to step back and reflect on her long-term path in law. “At one point, I honestly wasn’t sure if I still wanted to be a lawyer. I’d seen both the frontend and litigation sides and started to question if I was suited to the client-facing part of the job.” Looking for a fresh start, she explored other opportunities within litigation and eventually joined HFW in its Insurance team. Despite not having worked in insurance law before, the move proved to be a strong fit. “I had no insurance background, but the partners recognised my litigation experience and saw it was transferable.” The firm’s culture, international reach, and office size in Melbourne offered the best of both worlds. “We’re global, but still personal. You feel respected and supported, and it feels like a team.” Today, Sophia works on complex insurance matters involving supply chain finance, trade credit, and commodity disputes across multiple jurisdictions. Her prior litigation experience translated seamlessly into insurance work, which she describes as misunderstood.

“Insurance policies are just fancy contracts. Once you understand that, it becomes fascinating. A lot of insurance related disputes are really misrepresentation or negligence cases, all the things we learn about at uni.” Now part of HFW’s clerkship and graduate recruitment, Sophia sees firsthand what makes a strong candidate. She encourages students to focus on genuine connection, not rehearsed interactions.

“Every detour taught me something. And now, I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Sophia’s story is one of resilience, selfawareness, and embracing the unexpected. “When I didn’t get the rotations I wanted, I made my own. Every detour taught me something. And now, I’m exactly where I want to be.” Her advice to students and young lawyers is clear: stay open-minded, take risks, and never let a single ‘no’ define your worth. “It’s your career. Shape it the way that works for you.”

“Prepared questions are great, but listen to the answers. Engage with the person, not just the opportunity. Being confident is good. Acting like you know everything is not. No one expects you to be perfect. Just show that you’re willing to learn.” Having experienced burnout, Sophia is now protective of her work-life balance. “Law used to be my personality, and that’s dangerous. Your job should not define your selfworth. There will be bad days, even in a job you love. That’s why you need something else that brings you happiness.” She encourages boundaries early.

junior

lawyers

create

“If there’s no deadline, log off. Make plans. Go to the movies. You’ll be a better lawyer for it.” She also emphasises the importance of understanding what kind of legal environment suits you best. “Whether it’s a top-tier firm with prestige and longer hours or a boutique firm with more worklife balance, find the right fit for you.”

It’s your career. Shape it the way that works for you.

TURNS OUT, THERE IS NO RIGHT‌ RIGHT WAY ‌W AY TO BECOME A LAWYER TURNS OUT, THERE IS NO RIGHT

WAY TO BECOME A LAWYER

NAOMI GHABRIAL | ASSOCIATE, KENNEDYS If you read my firm biography or LinkedIn profile, my career probably looks reasonably deliberate. I studied a Bachelor of Laws/Science at Deakin, worked in the community legal sector, began my postadmission career in-house and later moved into private practice. I am now an Associate at Kennedys, working across aviation, marine, transport and complex liability disputes. Presented in that order, it almost sounds as though I had a plan. I did not. When I was studying law, I assumed that a successful legal career followed a fairly predictable path: achieve the right marks, secure the right clerkship, obtain a graduate role, choose a practice area and steadily progress from there. Meanwhile, I was completing my degrees, without any real expectation that I would one day be working on disputes involving aircrafts, vessels, damaged cargo, engineering evidence and international conventions. There is a well-known saying that comparison is the thief of joy. For law students and junior lawyers, I think comparison can also be the thief of perspective. Law school has a way of making every decision feel significant. Someone has better marks. Someone has secured a clerkship. Someone already knows exactly which area of law they want to practise in. Someone appears to have mapped out the next ten years of their career before you have worked out what you are doing next semester. The problem is that you are often comparing the uncertainty of your own experience with the polished version of somebody else’s. Legal careers rarely develop as neatly as they appear on a firm profile or LinkedIn page. People change practice areas, move between private practice and in-house roles, return to law after time away, discover areas of practice they did not know existed and sometimes realise that the opportunity they worked very hard to obtain is not actually the right one for them That is not necessarily failure. It is information. During university, I worked in the community legal sector and was exposed to matters involving social security, tenancy and access to justice. After completing my practical legal training and being admitted, I commenced my legal career in-house at an energy company.

I later moved into private practice and insurance litigation. At the time, those moves did not necessarily feel like part of one coherent career path. Looking back, however, each role taught me something different. Community legal work taught me the importance of making legal information understandable and practical. Working in-house gave me insight into the way businesses receive and use legal advice. Moving into private practice taught me how to manage litigation, work with experts, assess competing evidence and advise clients where there is rarely a perfect answer. One of the most useful things I have learned is that very little experience is wasted. My science degree did not lead me into a scientific profession, but it continues to be useful in ways I did not anticipate. Much of my current work requires me to engage with evidence from engineers, medical practitioners, surveyors, accountants and other experts. A lawyer does not need to become the expert. However, we do need to understand enough to ask the right questions, identify weaknesses in the evidence and explain complicated material clearly. That process is one of the aspects of legal practice I enjoy most. A file may involve thousands of pages of documents, highly technical evidence and several competing versions of events. The lawyer’s role is to work out what actually matters, where the risk lies and what the client should do next. That is also one of the biggest differences between studying law and practising it. At university, legal problems are usually presented in a contained format. You are given a set of facts, asked to identify the relevant law and expected to reach a reasoned conclusion. In practice, the facts are often incomplete. Documents may be missing. Witnesses may disagree. The law may be uncertain, or the legally strongest argument may not be the most commercially sensible course. The task is not simply to identify every possible legal issue. It is to exercise judgment. Good legal advice should help a client make a decision. That means understanding the client’s objectives, assessing risk and explaining the available options clearly. It also means recognising when an issue is legally interesting but commercially unimportant.

The ability to write clearly is therefore one of the most valuable skills a lawyer can develop.

At university, there can be a temptation to think that complicated language sounds more sophisticated. In practice, clarity is harder and far more useful. A client should not need a law degree to understand the advice they are receiving. Reliability is just as important. Early in your career, you will not always be the person in the room with the most experience. You can, however, be prepared, curious and dependable. You can take ownership of a task, ask questions when something is unclear and follow through on what you have said you will do. Those habits may sound basic, but they build trust. Trust is what leads to greater responsibility, stronger working relationships and more interesting work. It is also important to accept that becoming a lawyer does not mean you will immediately feel like one. The transition from university to practice can be uncomfortable. You move from being assessed on your ability to produce your own answer to working as part of a team, dealing with real clients and making decisions with real consequences. You will not know everything. You will make mistakes. You will receive feedback on work you thought was finished and discover that it was only the first draft. That is part of the process. The best junior lawyers are not necessarily those who never need help. They are the ones who are willing to learn, who respond well to feedback and who become slightly better each time they perform a task. For current students and graduates, my advice is not to place too much pressure on finding the perfect first role. Your first legal job matters, but it does not define your entire career. Nor does missing out on a particular clerkship, graduate program or opportunity. Speak to people working in areas you know little about. Be open to roles that do not fit the picture you originally had in mind. Pay attention to the type of work you enjoy, the skills you want to develop and the people from whom you can learn. Most importantly, do not mistake somebody else’s path for a timetable you are required to follow. There will always be someone whose career appears to be progressing more quickly, confidently or more neatly than yours. Let their path show you what is possible but remember that you are usually seeing the edited version. A legal career is built over many decisions, not determined by one. Mine has not been linear, but that has been one of its greatest strengths.

The Transition: From Deakin Lecture Halls to the Legal Profession CHRISSA KAROUZAKIS | WORKPLACE AND CLASS ACTION LAWYER AT ADERO LAW The Transition: From Deakin Lecture Halls to the Legal Profession When I started my Bachelor of Laws/Arts at Deakin, I knew almost nothing about how the legal profession actually worked. I didn't understand the importance of networking, connections, or hands-on experience, and I genuinely didn't know what a "clerkship" was until I joined the Deakin Law Students' Society (DLSS). Law school teaches you the doctrine and the core legal skills, but it doesn't always teach you how to actually break into the profession, or how many different directions a law degree can take you. Looking back now, as a junior lawyer working in class actions, I wanted to share what helped me bridge that gap, in the hope it makes the transition from student to practitioner feel a little less daunting for those coming after me.

Finding My Feet I graduated from Deakin with a Bachelor of Laws/Arts in 2025, but my real legal education started years earlier, through the experiences I built alongside my degree. I was a student ambassador, a legal mentor, and an active member of DLSS (including a year on committee, where I actually helped interview alumni for this very magazine). I volunteered one day a week as a paralegal at a community legal centre, worked as a legal research assistant, and eventually became a paralegal in class actions at Maurice Blackburn, before moving into a law clerk role at Shine Lawyers. Today, I'm working as a workplace law and class action lawyer at Adero Law. None of that happened because I had a master plan. It happened because I said yes to opportunities and kept building on each experience.

Get Legal Experience Early, Even If It Feels Impossible One of the most frustrating parts of law school is realising that even paralegal roles often want "experience," which feels like a catch-22 when you're just starting out. My advice is to apply to community legal centres. They are consistently looking for law students, and the work you'll do there, drafting memoranda, speaking with clients, and liaising with senior professionals, is genuinely valuable, practical experience that firms respect.

Get Involved at University Almost ever y inter viewer I've had has asked about my involvement at Deakin. Firms want people who contribute beyond their grades. Whether it's becoming a student ambassador, a mentor, or joining a society like DLSS, this involvement gives you something real to talk about in inter views and helps you build the soft skills that law school doesn't formally teach.

Networking Matters More Than You Think The legal profession is small, and it is far more interconnected than you'd expect. Across three different firms, I've consistently found mutual former colleagues and shared connections with senior lawyers at each new workplace. Reputation follows you, so it's worth investing in how people remember working with you, because you genuinely never know where a connection might lead.

Find Something That Makes You Stand Out With more law graduates than available roles, and AI increasingly taking on junior-level tasks, differentiation matters. During my time at Deakin, I contributed to a journal article on competition law and public health, which is now searchable on Google Scholar, and it's been a great talking point in inter views. I'm also a fiction writer, and inter viewers have consistently found that interesting too. Your point of difference doesn't need to be legal; it just needs to be genuinely yours.

You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don't Take As a younger law student, I constantly compared myself to peers who already seemed to have it all figured out, working paralegal roles at big firms, seemingly effortlessly. Meanwhile, I hadn't even applied to a single firm myself. I felt too much like an imposter, telling myself I wasn't "good enough" to even tr y. Looking back, that was the real mistake. Ever yone feels this way at some point, ever yone believes there's someone more qualified standing just ahead of them in the queue. But the truth is, ever y student with a paralegal job during law school is there because they tried, and kept tr ying, and said yes to ever y opportunity in front of them. So take the opportunities when they come. If a senior lawyer offers to grab a coffee, go. If a paralegal role looks perfect for you, apply anyway, even if you feel underqualified.

“Don’t let a chance slip by simply because you never put yourself in the running”

Yo u D o n ' t N e e d t o H a v e I t A l l F i g u r e d Out So many students feel pressure to have a clear plan, but almost no one actually does. A law degree can lead to far more than solicitor work, and there are countless practice areas within the profession itself. Tr y not to compare your path to your peers’. For what it's worth, I never completed a clerkship, and I'm now working as a junior lawyer on highprofile class actions. If you keep showing up and

“Wherever you are in your own journey, know that the uncertainty you’re feeling now is not a sign you’re behind, it’s simply part of the process”

putting in the work, someone will eventually give you a chance. I'd also encourage you not to overlook the connections made during PLT; I met close friends and found valuable mentors during that period who I still lean on today!

The Transition From Study to Practice Moving from student to practising lawyer is daunting, even when you've done the groundwork. I had prior experience as a class action paralegal and law c l e r k b e f o r e s t a r t i n g a s a l a w y e r, a n d t h e s h i f t s t i l l f e l t s i g n i f i c a n t . S u d d e n l y the stakes, e xpectations, and responsibilities are real, and that adjustment takes time regardless of your background.

Imposter Syndrome Is Almost Universal Nearly ever y junior lawyer I know has felt it. What helps is finding a genuine mentor in the profession and building a support network of people going t h r o u g h t h e s a m e e x p e r i e n c e . L a w s c h o o l c a n b e s u r p r i s i n g l y l o n e l y, a n d I didn't for m close friendships at university until I joined DLSS. Having a group of law friends who understand the specific pressures of this profession, in a way that others sometimes can't, makes an enor mous difference.

G i v e Yo u r s e l f P e r m i s s i o n t o B e J u n i o r Most firms genuinely understand that junior lawyers are still learning. They don't expect perfection, and they expect mistakes as part of the process. The best mindset isn't walking in tr ying to know ever ything; it's walking in ready to absorb as much as you can. Be open to learning from those more senior than you, stay curious, and the rest will follow with time. Looking back at my own journey, from a student who didn't know what a clerkship was, to inter viewing alumni for this exact magazine, to now working as a class action lawyer, I can say with confidence that the path rarely looks like a straight line.

IN CONVERSATION WITH

MARIA DI MARIA DI BATTISTA BATTISTA SENIOR ASSOCIATE AND BRANCH MANAGER AT CARBONE LAWYERS

For many students at Deakin Law School, the concept and path to becoming a lawyer can seem quite

After completing her law degree, it was through her PLT course at the College of Law, where she was provided the

rigid; in terms of securing a clerkship, graduating, completing Practical Legal Training (PLT) to officially becoming

opportunity to apply her legal knowledge in practical scenarios. The practical concepts not only boosted her confidence

admitted as a lawyer and practising.

but also enhanced her understanding of legal practice.

However, Deakin Law alumna Maria Di Battista, now a Branch Manager and Senior Associate at Carbone Lawyers, demonstrates that working as a professional in the law industry rarely

In the current day, many law students hold expectations to secure clerkships to ensure future work opportunities or feel the pressure to pursue a traditional

follows a generalised blueprint. From

graduate role, however Maria highlights

embracing unexpected opportunities to changing practice areas and redefining what success means, she has built a career defined by adaptability, enthusiasm and purpose.

that there is no singular pathway to success.

Reflecting on her law degree at Deakin University, Maria explained how she did not have a full grasp of how the legal industry operated or where her own career path would lead.

“ I t ’s n o t t h e b e a l l a n d e n d a l l . I t d o e s n’t m a t t e r w h e r e y o u ’ r e w o r k i n g f o r, y o u r r e p u t a t i o n eventually precedes you” “As long as you’re producing high quality work wherever you are, opportunities will come”

“ I w a s n’t e v e n c o n v i n c e d I w o u l d b e c o m e a s o l i c i t o r,” she says. 13

For Maria, the most defining and pivotal juncture in Maria’s career was when she made the decision to transition into plaintiff personal injur y law from insurance law. Whilst the change in practice areas can initially be a daunting process, Maria approached this change as an opportunity to grow, recognising that the fundamental legal skills and soft skills she had developed previously were considerably transferable and applicable in various practice areas.

“If you have those cornerstone legal skills, knowing where to find answers and understanding litigation processes, you can absolutely move between practice areas”

Currently,

Branch

Manager

and

Senior Associate at Carbone Lawyers, Maria leads a team of lawyers and support staff, whilst continuing to assist her own clientele; individuals who are experiencing some of the most challenging periods of their lives. Maria specialises in a diverse range of personal injuries matters, including WorkCover, TAC, Medical Negligence and Public Liability Claims.

Maria emphasises that law students should not feel “pigeonholed” by their first legal role or practice area.

For Maria, it is the opportunity to make a tangible difference that makes personal injur y law “the best practice area”

Instead, she recommends students maintain an open-mind when

“They’re relying on me. Knowing that gives me the extra motivation to keep going”

considering all avenues in the legal industr y, asking questions when unsure and embracing new opportunities, to be able to build a meaningful and fulfilling career within the law space.

Over the years, Maria’s understanding and definition of success has evolved considerably since graduating from university. As a law student, success was demonstrated from simply getting a solicitor position at a firm, or even just becoming admitted as a solicitor. 23 14

Maria acknowledges that lawyers can often become so focused on attaining the next big milestone, that past achievements are not recognised sufficiently. Currently for Maria, success is less about the official title but rather it is creating a career that is sustainable, engaging and rewarding. “Success is facilitating the life you want to lead, and if it allows you to do work that you’re proud to put your name to, then you’ve made it” As a branch manager, when hiring graduates and support staff, past experiences, internships or clerkships only hold space for one part of the criteria. Equally, she values organisation, curiosity and strong interpersonal skills, establishing the importance of empathy and genuine care when working in a client-facing industr y like personal injur y law. Contrar y to the common belief that ner vousness can negatively impact an inter view, in addition to appropriately researching and preparing for an inter view, Maria advises to simply embrace a certain level of ner ves that coincides with being recruited as it demonstrates a candidate’s genuine interest and care for a role.

And for current law students, Maria’s advice is simple but honest. She understands that the legal profession is demanding, and how it is inevitable for students to experience setbacks. However, she encourages students to view ever y obstacle, whether minor or considerable, as an opportunity to grow rather than a reason to give up.

“ Yo u h a v e t o w o r k f o r i t . B u t i f y o u c a n s e e t h e d i ff i c u l t t i m e s a s a lear ning cur ve, they’re shaping you into a better lawyer” Ultimately, Maria’s career journey and advice demonstrates that success in the legal industr y is not required to be linear. But rather, it is built and developed through adaptability, determination and openness to navigate new challenges and finding the practice area that is the right fit for you.

In conversation with‌ with

SALLY CROCKER‌ CROCKER Lawyer at Perisic Lawyer s | 2023 Graduate Sally Crocker, a family lawyer at Perisic Lawyers, shared her experience at Deakin University and discussed her journey from paralegal to law graduate and now lawyer. With five years of experience in family law, she offered insights on the profession, reflected on her career and provided advice for students considering a future in family law. Sally’s journey into family law was not a straightforward one. After initially missing out on clerkship opportunities, she worked as a casual paralegal before securing a graduate role at a mid-tier firm in Melbourne. She later joined a boutique law firm in Geelong, where her experience, together with her involvement in the Deakin Law Clinic, led to her current role at Perisic Lawyers.

One of the greatest attractions of family law, Sally noted, is that “no [two] days are the same.” The variety of clients, legal issues and personal circumstances means every matter presents a different challenge.

“ You need to be in an environment that's really warm and welcoming and supportive”

Her interest in family law began while studying the Family Law unit at Deakin. Sally credited the unit’s practical first assignment, which involved drafting initiating documents, inspiring her to apply for the Deakin Family Law Clinic. The experience gave her valuable exposure to the realities of legal practice and helped develop skills that extended well beyond the classroom. “It’s very different to what you just learned in theory in the actual classes,” she said, highlighting the importance of practical experience in preparing students for practice. 16

“I certainly couldn't do a job or be in an area of law where I was doing the same thing every day,” she explained, emphasising that the diversity of cases she is involved in keeps the work engaging. “It’s nice to do something different every day.” For Sally, one of the most rewarding aspects of family law is helping people, particularly children, navigate difficult circumstances and reach outcomes that are fair, equitable, and in their best interests. “It’s certainly a career where I can leave, feeling like I've helped people and children especially, which is huge for me,” she said, underscoring the sense of purpose she finds in her work. At the same time, she acknowledged the challenging nature of the content of family law. Clients are often experiencing one of the most difficult periods of their lives, making empathy and understanding essential qualities for practitioners to assist their clients. “I always hear barristers and judges say that there’s never a winner in family law and that’s right,” she observed, reinforcing the emotional complexity of the work.

“It’s certainly a career where I can leave, feeling like I've helped people and children especially, which is huge for me” Much of family law is highly client-focused. Alongside appearing in court and preparing legal documents, Sally explained that much of her day is spent meeting with clients, providing advice and helping them work towards practical resolutions.

Despite the rewards, Sally cautioned that family law is also one of the most challenging areas of legal practice. She encouraged aspiring practitioners to be aware of the risk of vicarious trauma and the emotional toll the work can take. “There are some really good days that are really rewarding but also some days that are really, really hard,” she acknowledged, highlighting the realities of working in the field. To manage these challenges and maintain her wellbeing, Sally emphasised the importance of having a strong support network, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and working in a supportive workplace, particularly during periods of heavy workloads and tight deadlines. “Being in family law, you need to be in an environment that's really warm and welcoming and supportive because without that, it would be very, very, very difficult.” she added, emphasising the role workplace culture plays in supporting practitioner wellbeing.

Reflecting on her own career, Sally credits her legal assistant and paralegal experience with giving her the practical foundation she needed to succeed as a lawyer, recognising that she wouldn’t be the lawyer she is today without the skills and experience she gained in these early roles. She encouraged students to seek opportunities that allow them to experience the profession firsthand before deciding on a practice area. “Get a feel for the area whether it’s through a clerkship or a voluntary placement,” she advised, encouraging students to explore the realities of legal practice beyond the classroom. Her final piece of advice to students centred on maintaining a healthy work-life balance throughout their legal career.

“Get a feel for the area whether it’s through a clerkship or a voluntary placement” She also recommended reading family law cases published on websites like the Family Law Section to help students determine whether family law suits their interests, and encouraged speaking with practitioners to gain a broader understanding of the profession before committing to the field. “Annual leave or taking some time off just for general wellness is really important,” she said, encouraging future lawyers to prioritise their wellbeing alongside their professional development.

“Annual leave or taking some time off just for general wellness is really important”

ISSUE TWO AUGUST 2026