What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and when did you first realise this was the path you wanted to take?

I have always been intrigued by the way that law shapes the many dimensions of our lives and wanted to better understand it. My curiosity, along with strong encouragement from my parents led me down my BCom/LLB and as time passed at school, my interest in commercial law grew and I eventually ended up on this path.

Can you share something interesting about yourself that people might not expect or know about you?

Prior to embarking on my tertiary education at the University of Auckland, I was a tank commander in the Singapore Army when completing my national service which was pretty cool.

What advice would you give to someone considering a clerkship at Chapman Tripp?

Apply now and approach the clerkship process with an open mind and eagerness to learn. A clerkship at Chapman Tripp represents an invaluable learning opportunity which I found to be thoroughly enriching and gave me a new perspective on the legal profession. I found myself pursuing my legal studies afterwards with renewed motivation and an appreciation for what was taught.

How would you describe the work culture at Chapman Tripp, and in what ways has the firm supported your wellness and development?

Work culture at Chapman Tripp is incredibly collaborative, inclusive, and supportive. From the beginning, you feel like part of the team. There is consistent engagement from everyone and a strong emphasis on learning and professional growth. Besides that, Chapman Tripp has generous wellbeing perks, including a wellbeing card for wellness expenses given to every employee.

What were some of your favourite papers in law school, and how did they prepare you for your role as a solicitor?

Some of my favourite papers included Law and Society, Contract Law, Secured Credit and Competition Law. As a solicitor at a commercial firm like Chapman Tripp, in terms of substance, Contract Law was most relevant generally and Secured Credit for my practice area specifically. But as a whole, my main takeaways were in skills developed such as a strong foundation in critical thinking and legal analysis.

What was the most challenging part of your transition from law school to practicing law, and how did you overcome it?

One of the more challenging parts of the transition was the move from theoretical knowledge to practical application. At school, the emphasis is on application of black letter law and legal principles in essays or problem questions which are often quite lengthy. In practice, there is an added commercial element that calls for quick and practical solutions where succinctness is preferred.

Describe a typical day in your life as a junior solicitor. What are some of the tasks you find most rewarding or challenging?

As a junior, every single day is different, and every new matter provides an opportunity to learn from my many learned colleagues and pick up new skills along the way. Drafting legal documents is both challenging in terms of the precision and attention to detail required and intensely rewarding especially the feeling of accomplishment when clauses are tied in well together.

Who has been the most influential mentor or figure in your legal career so far, and what valuable lesson did they impart?

My most influential mentor has been my supervising partner since my winter clerkship days till now. The most valuable lesson he imparted is to be adaptable and tenacious.

What skills do you believe are essential for a junior solicitor to succeed and thrive in the legal profession?

Essential skills include an attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to think on your feet. But the key to thrive and succeed is adopting a growth mindset and striving for continuous learning often though setbacks. Moreover, in a fast-paced profession like law, it is beneficial to learn through observation and through osmosis from the people around.

How do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance as a junior solicitor, and what strategies have you found most effective?

Setting boundaries and prioritising time for personal activities has helped me in maintaining a sustainable work-life balance. Chapman Tripp’s flexibility and support in this regard has also helped me juggle my responsibilities effectively. I found that being able to pursue my hobbies and keep healthy has enabled me to perform better at work.