The High Court of Australia s decision in Qantas Airways Limited v Transport Workers Union of Australia provides more certainty regarding the application of adverse action in the Fair Work ...
Frances Learmonth, Lawyer in our commercial team, has worked with Cooper Grace Ward for four and a half years. We asked her to tell us in her own words what life at Cooper Grace Ward is like, and a few of her past experiences and favourite things.
1. What made you decide to become a lawyer?
After I finished school I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do however, at the end of my second year of Uni, I completed a week’s work experience at CGW and found that I really enjoyed working in a law firm! Who would have thought?
2. How long have you worked at Cooper Grace Ward for and what brought you to that position?
I’ve been at CGW for four and a half years now. After completing my work experience, I then started as an admin assistant while at Uni before becoming a law clerk, graduate and now lawyer.
3. If you could invite three people for dinner, dead or alive who would they be and why?
Roger Federer – I really admire how gracious he has remained throughout all his success.
Richard Branson – I would love to hear how he started out and managed to overcome all the obstacles he would have faced. I suppose I could read his book, but it wouldn’t be the same.
David Attenborough – it would be interesting to hear about all the places he has travelled to.
4. You’re from Brisbane – where’s the best place to go for a drink or dinner after work?
A few drinks and some share plates on a Friday night are always great at Bar Pacino!
5. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
My grandfather always told me ‘never stop learning’. I’m in the tax team, so there is no risk of that not happening.
6. Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of work?
On weekends I love getting out of Brisbane and heading to the beach. I also love travelling – I just got back from NZ a few weeks ago so it might be time to start planning my next holiday!
7. Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t a lawyer, I would be…
An astronaut! Not really, an accountant most likely; I completed a double degree in law and accounting.
8. What do you think will be the single biggest issue facing the legal space in Australia in 2015?
Tough question… probably continuing to keep up with client expectations particularly in such a cost conscious market.
9. What do you love about your job?
I love the commercially-minded approach we take at CGW. Even if something is technically brilliant, if it achieves an unintended practical outcome we haven’t done a very good job for the client.
10. Something you might not know about me is that …
I’m originally from Rockhampton! I moved to Brisbane to start Uni after I finished school.
This publication is for information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice that is specific to your circumstances and not rely on this publication as legal advice. If there are any issues you would like us to advise you on arising from this publication, please let us know.
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