What’s your job about?
I work as a law clerk in Lane Neave’s Queenstown Commercial Property team. Our team covers a variety of property related matters, from trusts to commercial leases and everything in between.
My day-to-day tasks often include reviewing sale and purchase documents, assisting with settlements, drafting wills, drafting company resolutions, and researching property related legal issues.
What’s your background?
I grew up in Rotorua and moved to Wellington for university. After my third year, I did a summer clerkship at a small criminal defence law firm in Rotorua. In my penultimate year of study, I did a summer clerkship at Lane Neave in Queenstown. The experience involved working across both the Commercial Property and Resource Management teams.
Both of my clerkship opportunities gave me some super invaluable experience. Having experienced legal work across a range of areas, I felt better informed to decide which area to pursue.
I have now completed my degrees and having recently finished up with my Professional Studies Course, am now in the process of applying to be admitted as a Solicitor.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Anyone who has completed a law degree could do my job. The great thing about studying law is the broad, transferable skills you gain. A law degree teaches you how to think, not what to think – a crucial skill when it comes to working in law. Beyond that, a diversity of backgrounds and skills are welcomed and even necessary to tailor services to individual needs, as no two clients are the same.
What’s the coolest thing about your job?
With fewer than 15 people in the Queenstown office, I have been able to work closely with a smaller team. It has also meant that I have been able to work on a more diverse range of matters than perhaps I would have in a larger office.
I would also be lying if I didn’t say that the location and healthy work-life balance that Lane Neave encourages are major drawcards to my job!
What are the limitations of your job?
As with any job, working in a law firm can certainly feel overwhelming at times. Although taking initiative is great and necessary in most instances, get comfortable with asking questions and seeking advice if you find yourself in need of it. You will likely find that people are more than happy to help!
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student?