Rejections can be redirections, according to one of the panellists on the upcoming Better Call Sarah event for QLS student members and law students.
The second BCS event – featuring panellists Erin Walford, Corporate Counsel for Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd, and Simon Playford, Senior Legal Counsel at the Heart Foundation – will be held on Wednesday, 7 August, at Law Society House.
It will again be hosted by Future Leaders Committee Immediate Past President Sarah Plasto and aimed at young lawyers to help shape their futures and connect with industry insiders.
Sarah Plasto will play host again.
The panellists will share advice from their own journeys to the law and answer questions from the audience.
Erin told Proctor that she was “incredibly grateful after a series of rejections, to jump wholeheartedly into firm-life as an articled clerk”.
“I had relocated from Central Queensland to study Law and Business at QUT and my first role was with a boutique commercial and insurance practice in Brisbane. I still don’t know how I landed the role,” she said.
“Leading up to that role, I learnt that rejections can be a redirection, not to take things personally, and to develop really thick skin.
“What really stood out to me in the first year of practice, and still does, is that there are no short cuts. No substitute for hard work or continuous learning. Your work is your reputation, everything you do builds or impacts that, and only you are in control of that reputation.”
Erin said was thrilled to join Sarah and the QLS team at the upcoming BCS event.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work in both private practice and in-house, and I’d love to share my experiences in the hope that it helps law students see different career paths in law (and in business),” she said.
“There’s no one pathway in law, or business, and sometimes it’s about changing your environment and not your profession. I think the BCS event is a fantastic chance for law students to ask questions of the profession, seek out mentors, and better understand the industry they’re about to join.
“I hope students take away confidence that law is a wonderful profession, an understanding that there’s no one pathway for everyone, and that events like BCS are so important to help build your community in law.”
Tilé Imo at the inaugural April event.
Sarah is also excited to be returning to the couch, after the inaugural event in April with panellists Caxton Legal Centre Associate Director Tilé Imo and lawyer/educator Venetia Brown.
“I am thrilled to be asked to return for a second Better Call Sarah. The response to the first event was wonderfully positive, with so many law students connecting with the panel members, industry contacts who attended and with other like-minded law students,” she said.
“I was not surprised by the reception of the first event. I think the Queensland Law Society did a wonderful job identifying a need in the market for panel-type events, where the panellists are so accessible and available to the cohort both before and after.
“We sought out panellists who are comfortable sharing the good, the bad and the amazing about their journeys (stumbles and all). The more we share the truth of our stories, the more law students will be comfortable as they walk their own path.
“The new panel will bring a fresh, and diverse perspective to the practice of law. I am passionate about highlighting the avenues into the law, and finding your own unique way to thrive in the profession and I think Simon and Erin are amazing role models for exactly that.
“They are both well known for their genuine warmth, and amazing story tellers that will hopefully allow law students to connect in to their journeys.”
Simon said joining the panel was a “no-brainer”.
“It’s a fantastic event that brings together lawyers from all walks of life to share stories, advice, and a few laughs,” he said. “It’s a great way for me to share my experience and journey in the law so far to (hopefully!) support the next generation of legal professionals.
“I hope attendees leave feeling inspired and energised. Whether it’s a nugget of wisdom, a new perspective, or simply the reassurance that they’re not alone in their journey, I want everyone to walk away with something valuable and uplifting.”
You can register for the 5.30pm event here.
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