Interview: Law Society Council Member Tyler Greatrex

Solicitor, Palisade Corporate

Why did you decide to run for the Law Society Council?

I have always considered that one aspect that makes a lawyer a good lawyer is their ability to be able to balance their time effectively and use their spare time to give back where they can. As a Junior Lawyer I considered it important to be able to join the Council in an effort to give back to an industry that has already provided me with boundless opportunities.

You are working in litigation. What drew you to this area of practice?

Throughout my degree I worked for a busy Family Law firm and developed a love for litigation and being able to advocate for a client in court and achieve a successful outcome. I found myself in Commercial Litigation in April 2022 and haven’t looked back since.

Before the law, you were with the Australian Army. What was that experience like?

The Australian Army helped me develop a work ethic which has held me in good stead in law. Additionally, it forced me to grow up pretty quickly and view situations objectively, which as it turns out, is also another good trait to have for my career in law.

What motivated you to move into law after the Army?

My move into law following the Army was not immediate and initially I had attempted several times to join the Western Australian Police, DFES and the Department of Justice (Corrective Services). However, the injury that I sustained while in the Army made this difficult. At 26 I decided that I needed to make a plan and stick to it so that I could have a life I would be proud of and that would give me unlimited opportunities to give back to society and help those who are unable to help themselves. I enrolled myself to begin my law degree and completed it full time while working full time in order to achieve a goal I had set for myself to be admitted before my 30th birthday. I was admitted 2 months before my 30th.

You are an advisory board member with Fortuna Foundation, what does this involve?

Fortuna Foundation is a new NFP which was born from an AFR Top 100 Accounting practice known as Fortuna Advisory Group. They initially started a philanthropic project called ‘Positive Spin’ that would allow the homeless in Perth to be able to access a special purpose van, custom fitted with washing machines and dryers, so that they could frequently wash their clothes. Following the success of the Positive Spin project, Fortuna Foundation was born to expand on their ability to give back to the Perth community. I sit on the board to help advise on matters of Strategy & Growth, Sustainability, and Corporate Governance.

Is there anything you wish you had known when you first entered the profession?

Nothing comes to mind. I’ve always approached everything I’ve done with a view that if I work hard, the opportunities I seek will become attainable. I always knew that the legal profession was either going to be a good experience or a bad experience depending on how hard I was prepared to work and on what I was prepared to give. I am happy to say that the last 4 years have been an amazing experience for me.

Is there anything you would like to change about the legal profession?

I think the legal profession has made leaps and bounds in how it has developed over the years to support and encourage its junior lawyers. I would like to see that continue to develop and hopefully be a part of that in my time on Council.

Do you have a favourite part of Brief ?

I do always enjoy reading the articles that are published in Brief as well as the Judgments. It serves as a quick overview (or recap) on what would ordinarily be some lengthier reading.

Lawyers are known to work long hours, how do you manage to balance your work and personal life?

What’s a personal life? I’m kidding. Palisade Corporate is big on making sure that its lawyers have an appropriate balance between work and personal life because they know that a burnt out lawyer is no good to anyone. Personally, I must confess that sometimes I do find it hard to switch off but that’s where I am grateful of the support not only offered by my firm but by my partner (girlfriend – not law firm partner), Megan.

Do you have any wellbeing tips?

1. Don’t be afraid to speak to someone if you are feeling overwhelmed;

2. There is no shame in seeking professional help so that you can be the best you on offer to your work colleagues and your clients and your family;

3. Always make time to do at least one thing you love each week; and

4. Remember to remain grateful for the little things and that tough times will always pass.

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