Ever wanted to practise law Down Under?

Ever condsidered swapping the rain and gloom for the blue skies and beaches of Oz? Increasingly, UK's graduates are making the transition down under in the persuit of a better lifestyle, cheaper property and great career prospects - the legal sector being no exception. 

One UK lawyer, Rebecca Melling, who works at the Perth office of Clayton Utz, tells Law and More about her new antipodean life and the motives behind her move...

Could to tell us a bit about your background and training in the UK?

I studied law with South East Asian law at the University of Nottingham, which involved a year studying at the National University of Singapore. I then attended Nottingham Law School before starting a training contract in the London office of Richards Butler, now known as Reed Smith Richards Butler. In England we undertake a 2 year training contract and I gained experience in corporate, media and technology, shipping litigation and commercial litigation.

I qualified in the commercial litigation department where I worked for another 3 years. I was involved in a variety of commercial disputes acting for large corporates, insurance companies, accountancy firms and financial service companies. The work included contractual disputes, professional negligence and also regulatory investigations.

What made you move to Australia!?

I was ready for a change having worked in London for over 5 years, and it seemed like the right time to move. I had been to Australia before during my time in Singapore and really enjoyed it and had also heard good things about the law firms in Australia from Australian colleagues working in London and also from English friends who had recently moved to Perth. There is also no denying that the good weather and beach lifestyle was a major attraction!

How are you finding life and work down under?

Life is great. Australia is an amazing country and I have been making the most of holidays and weekends to visit as many places as possible and make the most of the great weather and outdoors lifestyle. The processes at work are very similar to where I was working before so that aspect has not changed much. Clayton Utz is a very professional firm and the quality of work is comparable. The work can sometimes be more interesting and involve less administration, maybe because some of the cases are not as large as those I was working on in the UK. I generally find working in Perth much more relaxed both within the office and when dealing with clients.

How has your work/life balance changed since moving?

I certainly get out of the office earlier in Perth! However, people do tend to start work earlier here than in London and so finish earlier as a general rule. The weather also helps as when you finish work on a warm evening you can go down to the beach or the park or just sit out in your garden which makes a big difference. It is easier to relax once you are away from the office. My commute is also easier, cheaper and less stressful.

Any regrets? Anything that you miss?

I don't have any regrets so far! The most difficult thing about relocating is that you miss your friends and family. You realise how far away Australia is when you can't nip back for a night out with your mates or for more monumental things like someone's wedding or when someone has a baby.

What does your typical day look like and what was it like before your move?

A typical day is very similar. As I said before, the day to day running of the office is pretty much the same as in London and the work is very similar. The main difference in my work is the emphasis on energy and resources related work in Perth. The other major difference is the view out of my window of the beautiful Swan River in the sunshine rather than the invariably grey sky over Aldgate tube station!

What do you think are the main benefits of moving to an Australian law firm?

I think you get a good mix of quality work with good prospects but in a more relaxed environment.

There are, obviously, a large number of law firms operating in the Australia. What skills or areas of expertise should a lawyer, ideally, be proficient in should they be considering leaving the grey skies behind?

 If you have a good knowledge of your area of practice at home you should be OK in Australia- although you do have to learn the differences. For example, court procedure is slightly different in WA to in England and that can take some getting used to (although often things are very similar but just called different names). Also, in Perth, a knowledge of energy and resources related work would be extremely helpful, although not essential.

Is there a good support system set up for those wishing to make the move? Are there any specific packages or incentives designed for potential candidates?

Clayton Utz was extremely helpful in assisting with my relocation. They arranged my visa and provided support and financial assistance in relation to shipping over my belongings. I was also supported with accommodation on arrival, which was very kindly extended as it took longer to find somewhere to live than expected. The most frustrating aspect of relocating I have found is that as an English solicitor you are required to study and undertake some exams so that you can re-qualify as a solicitor in Australia. However, Clayton Utz has been very understanding about this and has again provided assistance.

How often do you get to visit friends and family back at home?

I have only been here 4 months but we have already had a few visitors who have come to stay with us or other friends here so we have got to catch up with people in Perth which has been great. I think people see it as a good excuse to come and visit when you are based here. I have booked a trip home in August for my brother's wedding. However, if he hadn't been getting married I'm not sure I would have gone home this year anyway.

How often do you get to travel with your job and do you feel you have had any extra opportunities or privileges awarded to you which wouldn’t necessarily have been readily or quickly available if you practiced back at home?

I haven't had an opportunity to travel with work yet. However, it sounds like people do travel quite often to the East coast for one reason or another. I wouldn't say you get any extra privileges although Friday night drinks every week are much appreciated as was my Easter egg this year!

For more information about Clayton Utz and opportunites visit: www.claytonutz.com