About 40 new solicitors attended the Queensland Law Society (QLS) Welcome to the Profession Drinks at Leonards Bar & Bistro, Brisbane last week.
Members of the Future Leaders Committee (FLC) were also at the event, including FLC President Sarah Plasto who welcomed guests, as did event partner Bianca Davies from Law Staff.
QLS President Chloé Kopilović congratulated the attendees on their admission.
“I am honoured to be here this evening to celebrate with you as you commence your legal careers,” she said.
“Building relationships and connections in the law is critical, especially in the early part of our careers. Having colleagues and friends in the law doesn’t just help our mental health and wellbeing – it also helps us achieve better outcomes for our clients.
“I know that many of you may have completed your law degree online. Of course, whilst the advances in technology give us more flexibility, the one thing it’s taken away is our ability to forge friendships and connections as you might have done on campus.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is, as our next generation of lawyers, that you take the opportunity to really build collegiality with your friends and colleagues in law. As it’s likely you’ve missed out on this during recent years with COVID, your opportunity to start forging relationships starts right here this evening.”
Ms Kopilović said early career lawyers – those with five years or less post-admission experience, or practitioners aged 35 years or younger – made up more than 35 per cent of the Queensland solicitors’ branch.
“That’s all of you – and it’s a huge slice of the pie,” she said.
“As early career lawyers, you are critical in our profession. You bring a fresh perspective, new ideas and innovations and this contributes to driving change and ultimately positive outcomes for clients and stakeholders in the justice system.
“I am sure you have feelings of excitement and trepidation at getting your career started – I had those feelings too – and I still get them now as new challenges arise. But please remember there’s a very welcoming community of lawyers – especially our own Future Leaders Committee – who are here to support and help you as you navigate your legal career.
“Throughout your journey as a solicitor, it’s important to remember that the spirit of collegiality is alive and well in our profession – and that means you are never alone.
“I hope 2023/24, your first year, is your best yet and I look forward to seeing each of you progress into the best lawyers you can be – and I know you’ll grow to love the profession as much as I do.”
Following on from the popular Career Moves section, we have introduced a section called Admissions. We are looking to celebrate all newly admitted solicitors and congratulate them on this significant achievement. Please email details to proctor@qls.com.au. Ensure you include some details of your current role, along with a quality head-and-shoulders image.
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