6.00 AM

I wake up to the familiar chime of my iPhone alarm, ready to start the day.

A good morning routine is essential, so I begin by hydrating, making my bed, and doing some early stretching and ab work. After that, I make my breakfast, get dressed, and head to the train station to make my way into the office.

8.30 AM

I arrive at the office around 8:30 AM every morning and come in five days a week, as I believe this is the best way to learn and grow. Being in the office consistently helps me build relationships and trust with my colleagues, which in turn boosts my confidence and supports my professional development. It also provides a clear separation between work and personal life, which is imperative for a sustainable career in the profession.

Once I settle at my desk, I set myself up and look through my notebook to review my to-do list. I ensure that I cross-check this list with any new emails that have come in to effectively plan my morning.

9.00 AM

Now that I have set out my day, I begin working on a pre-mediation advice that needs to be completed by the end of the week. This is my first attempt at such a task; however, I am lucky to be part of a supportive team with great legal minds who are available to assist me. As I navigate the liability section of the advice, I make sure to seek help on specific points that I am unsure about, as this is one of the best ways to learn.

11.30 AM

Throughout the morning, I remain flexible and prepared to shift my focus to any urgent matters that may come up. Working in a team that manages a large volume of litigious matters, there are always unexpected tasks that require immediate attention.

I notice an email has come in from a senior team member, requesting that I urgently draft subpoenas to produce to a list of treating medical practitioners involved in a personal injury matter. I take a moment to note and save my progress on the current advice before switching my attention to drafting the subpoenas. When drafting a subpoena, keen attention to detail is needed, as it is imperative that the matter and recipient information are correct. This ensures that the subpoena can be properly filed, served, and complied with.

1.00 PM

The afternoon arrives, and I can feel my stomach beginning to rumble. For my lunch break, I head down to the café on the ground floor of the office building. Since I have been going to this café every day, I have built a rapport with the lovely baristas there. A single glance from me is all it takes for them to know that I’ve come for my double espresso! When I arrive, I give a single tap of my card, and my coffee is ready to collect. I enjoy this caffeine hit along with the lunch I brought from home.

2.00 PM

After lunch, I head back to my desk and continue working on my to-do list. Thanks to the caffeine, I tackle a medical and financial chronology. I really enjoy drafting chronologies because they allow me to critically think about the essential details of a particular matter and convey the relevant information in a concise and easy-to-understand way.

For the medical chronology, I extract key facts regarding the plaintiff’s medical history from their treatment records and expert medical evidence. In preparing the financial chronology, I review the plaintiff’s individual tax returns and notices of assessment to determine their taxable income and calculate their net weekly earnings. This information is crucial for assessing damages and for drafting a quantum assessment to provide to our client.

5.00 PM

As the workday comes to an end, I take a moment to review the tasks I’ve completed and finish up anything outstanding. I also take the time to prepare my to-do list for the following day, which I find to be an invaluable habit. It helps provide mental clarity, boosts productivity, and improves both decision-making and time management.

5.30 PM

I say goodbye to my colleagues, some of whom are still hard at work. As I make my way down the building elevator to start my journey home, I remind myself of how great it is to work at such a supportive firm with passionate colleagues who foster a culture of continuous growth and learning. As I walk through Martin Place and make my way to Wynyard Station, I take notice of the Christmas markets and the aroma of the fresh food being sold. I also take time to stop and marvel at the giant Christmas tree that has been constructed. These are some of the perks of working in the heart of Sydney!

7.30 PM

When I arrive home, I eat dinner and head straight out the door to the gym. Outside of external work commitments, I find it vital to get some daily exercise—it is a non-negotiable for me! Today is shoulders and arms day, which I always look forward to. I also incorporate some cardio on the treadmill, as the work of a lawyer can lead to a sedentary lifestyle; it’s important to get moving and stay active.

10.00 PM

After hitting the gym, I have a light snack, shower, and get ready for bed. I also make time for some leisurely reading outside of work. Currently, I’m reading Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, a great book on the art of negotiation—an imperative skill for any litigator.

Finally, it’s lights out, and I get some much-needed rest to attack tomorrow head-on.

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