INTERVIEWS: Construction & Infrastructure Award finalists – 30 Under 30 Law Awards

6月 12, 2020

Taylor Root is proud to be the principal partner in the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Law Awards. Daniel Hogan, Associate Director at Taylor Root, had the opportunity to speak to this year’s finalists in the Construction & Infrastructure category.

This award recognises a lawyer who has advised on complex matters while having to navigate the ever-changing construction and infrastructure industry.

This year there were ten finalists. Here are the first five finalists and their thoughts on what these awards mean to them, their successes in their career and their role in their chosen practice area in the Australian legal industry.

Brienna Anderson – Dentons

What does it mean to you to be nominated for a 30 Under 30 Award?

It makes me feel really proud that I have been recognised amongst my peers, and that notwithstanding that I have taken a few years to find myself in construction and infrastructure law, that I have been recognised.

Your biggest achievements in your career to date?

One of my biggest achievements is running a number of hearings in the local court and NCAT on my own with a successful result. Additionally, anytime I feel like I have made a big achievement every time I assist a client with a successful litigation outcome, or finalising a lengthy contract negotiation on terms favourable to the client.

What made you choose your practice area?

In truth, I did not choose it, but it chose me! Might sound cliché but I had an interesting journey to find myself in the Construction and Infrastructure space. Having initially commenced my career in predominantly insurance litigation, it was an extremely difficult task changing areas where I suffered many rejections merely on the basis of my experience. However, I feel extremely lucky to have been given a chance by my former firm, Chambers Russell Lawyers who opened my eyes to a different area of law which I was extremely lucky to enjoy. My journey now with Dentons was a further slight adjustment, now practising in both litigation and transactional matters, and I am forever grateful that they have given me the opportunity to continue to grow and learn more about Construction and Infrastructure Law.

What advice would you have for students or current graduates wanting to pursue a career in law?

I would say that do not feel pressured to take the ‘ordinary’ route of clerkships and graduate positions. If these opportunities to do eventuate for you, do not worry and persevere. Everyone has their own journey and you ultimately find your calling in the end.

Caitlyn Read – Ashurst

What does it mean to you to be nominated for a 30 Under 30 Award?

It is an honour to be recognised and is a testament to the great clients I am privileged to work with and the incredible support I receive from my family, friends and mentors.

Your biggest achievements in your career to date?

In my first year as an associate I had the opportunity to work on my first big infrastructure project from its first draft contract right through to financial close. This was definitely a career highlight for me. Reaching my first big close as part of a team was a memorable achievement and was an amazing experience to have as a junior lawyer.

What made you choose your practice area?

I received a great job opportunity while studying at university and the role was in the construction and infrastructure team. I went into the role with very limited knowledge about construction projects and wasn’t sure what to expect. I really enjoyed the work and found both the area of law and the projects to be interesting and challenging. In particular, I really liked that something tangible would result from the work we were doing. I quickly realised it was the area of law I wanted to pursue a career in.

What advice would you have for students or current graduates wanting to pursue a career in law?

I would encourage students and graduates to approach a career in law with an open mind as to where it might lead and a willingness to take on new opportunities and challenges when they arise.

Dan Trevanion – Clyde & Co

What does it mean to you to be nominated for a 30 Under 30 Award?

I’m proud to be nominated. Each of the matters I work on involves a broader team, of which I contribute my part. Being nominated is recognition for the team I am working with and the quality of clients we are fortunate to be trusted to represent.

Your biggest achievements in your career to date?

The best is yet to come. My focus right now is on developing the right skills so that I am ready to take on the biggest challenges in our industry. The future is much more compelling than rehashing the past.

What made you choose your practice area?

I want to work on the most complex and meaningful matters. The growing trend is that these matters are international, whether that be the subject matter, jurisdiction or  parties. Working internationally, particularly in Indonesia, is a goal of mine. Indonesia had a target of A$500 billion-worth of infrastructure in 2019, and there’s more to come. I chose construction and major projects because it is an industry that is exposed to the trends that I’ve seen and aligns with where I want to be working in a few years.

What advice would you have for students or current graduates wanting to pursue a career in law?

Law is a multi-disciplinary profession. We apply our legal analysis to various subject matters, for instance banking, construction or crime. Students or recent graduates should come to the profession with an expertise or interest outside of the law. That expertise or interest will make you more attractive to employers. More importantly, it will guide you to workplaces that suit you.

Jessie Jagger – MinterEllison

What does it mean to you to be nominated for a 30 Under 30 Award?

It is additional recognition of all of the extra hard work that I have put in over the course of the last year. I have gained lots of varied experience and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the fantastic team at Minter Ellison as well as the legal and project teams at CPB Contractors.

Your biggest achievements in your career to date?

During my secondment at CPB Contractors, I spent three months in the front end team and then was asked to spend three months in the back end team. This was validation that I could do both sides of the role. I had positive feedback from both the legal team and the projects team at CPB Contractors, which was raised with the partners at Minter Ellison and the firm won further work from the relationship.

What made you choose your practice area?

Earlier in my career I worked at Queensland Building and Construction Commission, which was an in-house role at a statutory regulator dealing with building prosecutions. I enjoyed this role and whilst I enjoyed criminal law, I really enjoy having the full overview of a project from A to Z and I always wanted to get involved with larger commercial construction projects.

What advice would you have for students or current graduates wanting to pursue a career in law?

If you really want to become a lawyer, then you have to be persistent. Don’t worry if someone gets a clerkship before you or has better grades – be persistent. Also, be kind to the people around you, especially more junior and administrative staff.

Katherine Agapitos – Clayton Utz

What does it mean to you to be nominated for a 30 Under 30 Award?

I am exceptionally honoured to be nominated for the award. To me, it is recognition for diligence and professional balance, and for all who continually support me. Inspiration to keep making a positive impact on the careers of others.

Your biggest achievements in your career to date?

It would have to be being promoted to Senior Associate at only 4 years PQE.

What made you choose your practice area?

One of the unique aspects of major projects and construction as a practice area is that the work you do translates into a tangible outcome which in a lot of cases benefits the entire community. Whether it be a motorway, a bridge, a tunnel, a telecommunications network – I have always loved the idea that when you work on a major project, eventually you actually start to see it and even experience it operating in real time.

What advice would you have for students or current graduates wanting to pursue a career in law?

Now is probably one of the most competitive times to be starting your career as a lawyer. To get the edge, I always recommend putting your hand up for as many opportunities as you can that come your way. Give as many things as possible a go, especially in your earlier years, as you may surprise yourself with what skills you may need later on in your career.

If you would like to have a conversation about the Construction & Infrastructure Legal Sector in terms of hiring into your team or about your next career move, please contact Daniel Hogan, Associate Director | Corporate & Commercial | Taylor Root Australia.