AMY DUGAN

Solicitor

I started at Colin Biggers & Paisley in 2019 as a paralegal in the insurance team. At the time I was in my first semester of studying law having already completed an economics degree. I am now a graduate and am rotating in the Pro Bono and Responsible Business, Insurance and Construction teams.

For me, the culture is what sets Colin Biggers & Paisley apart from other law practices. Everyone here is incredibly passionate about their work and also highly supportive. I know that the people I work with have a genuine interest in my career and want to help me be the best lawyer that I can be. Colin Biggers & Paisley has also given me the opportunity to work on a range of really interesting and diverse matters from the very start of my career which has enabled me to develop and grow my legal skills.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to begin my career in such a fantastic grad program. The opportunity to rotate through three different practice areas has allowed me to work in very different areas of law and to learn from senior lawyers who are experts in their field. During my time as a grad, I have also had the opportunity to spend one rotation working with the Pro Bono and Responsible Business Team.

As part of my rotation in the Pro Bono and Responsible Business Team, I was on secondment to Marrickville Legal Centre three days per week which gave me the opportunity to interact with clients immediately and to spend a lot of time in Court. As part of the team, I saw firsthand the wonderful work that the CBP Foundation does in the community and to work on a wide variety of pro bono matters helping women, children and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders access the justice system.

It is very clear to me that the values which Colin Biggers & Paisley promote of respect, balance, loyalty and integrity are not just concepts that the practice advertises - they are a part of the culture and are evident in their priorities. Colin Biggers & Paisley is the perfect size in that it is large enough to offer its grads the opportunity to learn from experts and to work on a wide variety of really interesting matters while still being supportive and not expecting grads to work excessively long hours or to manage unbearable workloads.

BETHANY BURKE

SOLICITOR

I joined Colin Biggers & Paisley in 2019 as a paralegal in the Class Actions and Disputes and Investigations team. In 2022 I began the Graduate Program and completed my first rotation in the Insurance Group.

Colin Biggers & Paisley provides a highly interactive learning environment, which upholds its core values of balance, respect, loyalty and integrity. The practice has supported my professional development by engaging me on cases that are challenging and interesting. The partners and leaders at the practice are approachable, and constantly encourage opportunities to collaborate with them. The people and the culture are absolutely incredible, and this separates Colin Biggers & Paisley from other firms.

The Graduate Program so far has given me several opportunities to grow my skill set and experience. I have been able to engage with more partners and learn about their practice and expertise. One experience that I have enjoyed as a graduate is the interaction with the other offices, and being able to collaborate with a team based in Melbourne. The team being split in Sydney and Melbourne has increased the variety of matters I have worked on, and I have learnt about different jurisdictions.

Each team I have rotated in has greeted me with enthusiasm and support. I have appreciated the advice many senior lawyers have readily given, whether it be about career or maintaining wellbeing. The practice ensures that the workload is manageable and encourages me to participate in other commitments, such as social netball. The Graduate Program goes beyond teaching you essential legal skills, by providing sessions that cater to wholistic learning.

The other graduates and I have been afforded the opportunity to come together and fundraise for RizeUp by planning a graduate fundraiser. It has been an incredible experience to learn about this charity and assist them within our community.

One of the things that have been a highlight so far at Colin Biggers & Paisley, is the work and collaboration with Women's Legal Services. With the support of our pro bono team, I work on Victim Services applications and assist women who are in dire need. I was recently able to assist in a matter where we successfully applied for a $10,000 recognition payment for an assault victim. To be able to work so closely and partake in the matters have been a highly rewarding experience.

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