Learning and development
Grow with us
We invest in our team’s learning and development and provide our people with a range of strategies and programs to help them reach their individual career potential. This includes development opportunities, support and guidance across all workgroups and experience levels.
Career progression is a journey we take together, and it means different things to different people. Your career development expectations are important to us, so we hold regular formal and informal development meetings to keep your progress on track.
Our team-based culture allows each individual to contribute to the success of our clients and the success of our firm. Let’s strive for excellence together.
Learning & development
Induction and onboarding
We invest time and resources into ensuring each of our team members understands the culture, systems and processes that make our organisation tick. New team members undergo a comprehensive induction program throughout their first four weeks, which is followed up with quizzes and ongoing informal discussions with their team leader and trainer.
We are committed to ensuring our new team members understand the business and their role within the bigger picture of the firm.
Technical excellence
Cooper Grace Ward’s focus on technical excellence is manifested across a range of professional development activities that take place at many levels within the firm. This includes:
- an extensive internal continuing professional development (CPD) platform
- support for graduates undertaking PLT
- facilitation of government training
- professional development at the practice team level.
Structured leadership development
Leaders and aspiring leaders, particularly partners and prospective partners, receive the opportunity to undergo training to prepare them for leadership roles. This includes learning and development in people management competencies. This structured program, which is available to associates through to partners, is called Engage Learning.
Access to external seminars, programs and tertiary assistance
Team members wishing to attend external seminars, training programs and study are able to apply on a needs basis. Cooper Grace Ward will often contribute towards the cost of work related tertiary courses or other formal learning undertaken by team members seeking to gain additional educational, technical or similar qualifications if there is a direct and demonstrable benefit to the firm.
Formal mentoring program
Our team members have the opportunity to take part in the firm’s formal mentoring program as either a mentor or mentee. This provides a structured channel for the sharing of skills and expertise across the firm.
We believe success starts with people, and we strive to support and nurture our people to thrive.
What to expect
Partners
Partners at Cooper Grace Ward benefit from a collegiate culture with a focus on technical excellence. Our independence means that decisions are made within these walls, and the opinions of each partner are valued highly.
We invest in training and professional development, with a particular focus on leadership development for partners.
Lawyers
Our lawyers work on a broad range of matters with an impressive client mix including listed companies, private companies, MMEs, individuals, governments and government-owned corporations.
We’re committed to the continuing professional development of our team and offer comprehensive training and support to lawyers at all experience levels, including support for Practical Legal Training programs.
With reasonable chargeable hours expectations, flexible work options and a strong focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainability, our team members enjoy coming to work each day and are highly engaged to deliver top outcomes for our clients.
Legal support
Our legal professionals could not produce the outstanding results they do without the support of our dedicated paralegals, law clerks, administrative assistants and word processing assistants.
Team members who provide legal support work closely with our lawyers and gain exposure to a wide variety of client matters, legal research and administrative work.
Business advisory and Corporate services
Our dedicated business professionals provide services to the whole firm across the areas of finance, information technology, marketing and business development, office services and catering, and people and culture.
Each member of our team takes part in decision making processes and plays a vital role in the success of the business. Cooper Grace Ward recognises the value these professionals add to our team and provide development opportunities here also.
Hear what our team have to say
What do you like about your job?
At Cooper Grace Ward, we work as a cohesive team to help our clients navigate complex and challenging interactions with revenue authorities. Fletch Heinemann, one of our Partners, shares his insights and experiences in this area.
