Position profile: lawyer – banking and finance
Breanna Slattery, Associate, Minter Ellison
Industry area: lawyer – banking and finance
How did you get to where you are today?
I graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Management) in 2003 and a Bachelor of Law (honours) in 2005. Following this, I obtained a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Society of South Australia, which enabled me to be admitted as a solicitor and barrister of the Supreme Court of South Australia in December of 2005.
I commenced employment at Minter Ellison as a general law clerk in June 2005 and joined the corporate team later that year in October. I was promoted to Associate in January 2008.
Since joining the corporate team at Minter Ellison, I have principally practiced in the area of equity capital markets, acting for Australian and international clients, in industries ranging from manufacturing to mining, and oil and gas.
My practice in corporate and commercial law also includes acquisitions, due diligence audits, contract reviewing and drafting, joint ventures, statutory compliance and board and shareholder meetings. I recently spent time in China conducting due diligence for a number of initial public offerings.
What does a typical day involve for you?
In my role at Minter Ellison, I have exposure to a diverse range of clients and matters which means every day is exciting and different. The work I do requires me to undertake a range of tasks and therefore each day presents different challenges and opportunities to learn.
My mornings usually consist of a meeting with my colleagues and/or supervising partner to discuss current client work. Often my days also involve attending client meetings, drafting contracts and letters of advice to clients, or reviewing and analysing agreements and other documents.
What interpersonal skills are essential for your role?
In order to deliver legal services, the most important interpersonal skill is excellent communication. This skill is required for building relationships with current and potential clients. It is also important for lawyers to be able to engage in active listening and to empathise with clients.
What sort of person is good in this role and type of organisation?
People who would enjoy this sort of role and would succeed in an organisation similar to Minter Ellison are people who pay attention to detail, possess effective communication skills, are organised, able to prioritise and delegate. They would also need to enjoy a challenge!
What do you find the most rewarding about your current role?
I find client satisfaction and success the most rewarding part of my role.
I also find my participation in Minter Ellison’s pro bono legal service program very rewarding. This involves Minter Ellison lawyers providing free legal advice to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.
What do most people find challenging/difficult about a role like this?
Some people would find the large volume of work and the urgency at which legal advice is required the most challenging aspect of a role such as mine. However these challenges can be overcome if you are organised and work hard.
What were you looking for in an employer when you took your current role?
I was looking for a role with a recognised and well-respected law firm, in which I could obtain broad experience and work with a diverse group of clients. I was particularly interested in joining the Minter Ellison team because it is a supportive firm with a great culture.
What types of benefits are essential to attract good people?
In addition to competitive remuneration, I believe the keys to attracting good people today are to provide people with a supportive working culture, to offer flexible work arrangements in addition to professional development and networking opportunities, and to promote and encourage a work-life balance.
What other jobs and career paths could you consider in the future?
I really enjoy my work in the corporate team at Minter Ellison and I am keen to advance my practice at Minter Ellison. However, it is common for experienced corporate lawyers to move from private practice to work as in-house legal counsel for a company and to move into management and take on directorships.
How do you keep up to date?
I keep abreast of news in the legal industry by reading daily newspapers as well as targeted business magazines and journals which contain industry-specific news. I also receive regular e-mails and magazines containing updates about recent changes and developments to legislation and case law. I enjoy reading daily e-mails from mining and oil and gas industry publications, as well as daily updates about Australian Stock Exchange trading each day.
Are you considering any study or professional development in the future?
I regard professional development as being very important to any industry, but particularly to my role as a lawyer at Minter Ellison. I attend Law Society professional development seminars and I am currently studying Mandarin to assist me in my dealings with Chinese clients.
Are you involved with any professional associations?
I am a member of the Law Society of South Australia, and my firm is a member of Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association and AMPLA, the Resources and Energy Law Association. Those memberships are important for the development of my professional and industry knowledge.
I am also a member of the New Lawyers Committee, the University of Adelaide Commerce Alumni Committee and the Finsia Young Finance Professionals group, which provide great networking opportunities.
What are your tips for success to potential banking and finance lawyers?
Work hard and diligently, learn from those in higher positions, network, effectively communicate and always act with integrity.