Past secondees: where are they now?
Dan Creasey, DLA Piper
Dan Creasey
When did you do your PILCH secondment?
I was seconded to PILCH in late 2004 for 4 months from Corrs Chambers Westgarth where I was a first/second year lawyer.
What are you doing now?
I was recently appointed Asia Pacific Pro Bono Manager for DLA Piper. I have been with DLA Piper for close to 5 years. Prior to this appointment, I was the Pro Bono Coordinator for the Melbourne office for 4 years and at the same time, I was a Senior Associate in the Litigation & Regulatory Team, practising mainly in professional indemnity litigation. Prior to coming to DLA Piper, I spent close to 2 years with Victoria Legal Aid working as a Duty Lawyer at the Western Suburbs Regional Office of VLA.
How did your PILCH secondment contribute to your development as a lawyer?
Firstly, and most importantly in my view, the secondment provided me with a valuable insight into the critical importance of pro bono work in this State and the significant contribution it makes to a range of people and organisations. Secondly, my secondment broadened my outlook on the legal industry and different practice areas. The secondment also broadened my skill set, particularly in relation to handling a large volume of matters, client contact, drafting, legal and factual analysis and managing various relationships. Before coming to PILCH, my experience was limited to working for a large commercial firm in my capacity as a graduate and summer clerk. The secondment therefore played a crucial role in my development as a lawyer.
How did your PILCH secondment contribute to your development as a pro bono coordinator?
The secondment provided me with an extensive overview of the key pro bono relationships and networks that exist across Victoria and Australia. In particular, I gained a very valuable insight into the pro bono practices of many large and medium sized law firms. This knowledge not only enabled me to move into the pro bono coordinator role more smoothly, it enabled me to concentrate on new initiatives and projects that the firm was not already involved in. Quite aside from that knowledge, my secondment instilled in me an enthusiasm and passion towards providing high quality pro bono legal services that has hopefully rubbed off on some of my colleagues at DLA Piper.
What did you most enjoy about your secondment to PILCH?
I enjoyed so many things - the interesting and diverse range of matters, working with a large range of people and organisations (ie: firms, community legal centres, not-for-profit organisations, government departments, individuals), utilising a different skill set and working alongside a very passionate and committed bunch of people. Finally, it would be remiss of me to not mention that I enjoyed a break from billables!
Rosannah Healy, Allens
When did you do your PILCH secondment?
At the time of my secondment I was a third year lawyer at Allens.
What are you doing now?
I am now a fourth year lawyer in the Competition team at Allens.
How did your PILCH secondment contribute to your development as a lawyer?
Although I've always had the opportunity to do pro bono work alongside my commercial practice, the range of referrals that came across my desk at PILCH gave me much greater insight into areas of unmet legal need and also into areas of law that I wouldn't necessarily come across in my field. It was also an opportunity to implement my organisation, research and file management skills in a very practical setting and at a much greater pace! This was because the number of files allocated to me at any one time at PILCH was much higher than the number of files I would work on as part of my commercial practice at Allens, and sometimes urgent referrals at PILCH would be over and done with in an afternoon! The exposure to a different working environment and the opportunity to interact with many clients, barristers and lawyers from other firms was also a great opportunity from the perspective of my development as a commercial lawyer.
What did you most enjoy about your secondment to PILCH?
I enjoyed meeting and working with the team at PILCH, including the secondees from other firms and companies and the university volunteers - it's a great organisation. I also enjoyed the opportunity to interact with a large number of barristers and legal professionals on a wide range of files.
Sophie McNamara, Russell Kennedy
When did you do your secondment to PILCH?
I was seconded to PILCH in February 2010. I had just joined Russell Kennedy as their first full time pro bono solicitor.
What are you doing now?
I am nearing my third year as a pro bono solicitor with Russell Kennedy. My main areas of practice include litigation, administrative law, human rights and migration.
How did your PILCH secondment contribute to your development as a lawyer?
My time at PILCH exposed me to the overwhelming need for pro bono legal assistance for refugees and asylum seekers which led to my being registered as a migration agent when I returned to Russell Kennedy. The majority of my clients are refugees or asylum seekers.
How did your PILCH secondment contribute to your development as a pro bono coordinator?
The secondment was a wonderful opportunity for me to be immersed in community and pro bono work. I was able to bring knowledge back to the firm about areas of need in the community. This knowledge assisted in the development of our pro bono program. I also gained experience and contacts which have assisted the firm in working with its' high needs clients.
What did you most enjoy about your secondment to PILCH?
My secondment to PILCH was an extremely positive experience. I was mentored by staff that had great passion for their work and the interests of their clients. The most rewarding aspect of my secondment has been the relationships I built within the community and pro bono sector, which continue to be both professionally and personally enriching.