In October 2017 I joined the banking industry where I worked at a large branch in Dunedin Central, Moray Place, as the Assistant Manager. My daily routine involved working closely with the frontline staff to ensure both staff and customers felt valued. As an Otago local I was proud to value and care for Westpac’s customers as if they were our family and friends. I also played a large part in the operating rhythm of the branch; ensuring ATMs were fully operational, the queue was kept to a minimum, staff were managed accordingly and many other administrative activities to ensure the branch operated as business as usual. Compliance and risk were also at the forefront of my role and I took pride in ensuring the branch and our staff excelled in that sphere.

Having taken a step back from a solicitor role while living in Ireland I returned to New Zealand to recommence my career as a commercial and property solicitor. Working with the commercial team at Webb Farry I expanded my knowledge in tax law, estate planning, subdivisions, residential and commercial conveyancing and trust law.

As a secretary to an equity partner, senior associate and associate I assisted with the clerical and settlement tasks on a variety of real estate files. I gained a wealth of knowledge of Irish property law, and developed my skill set in areas such as communication, computer software, time management and team work. In my final few months with MHC I relocated to the insurance litigation department where I assisted with preparing court documents and maintaining files.

During my first two years post-admission I practiced as a private-client solicitor in Timaru, New Zealand focusing on areas such as residential and commercial leasing and conveyancing, trust formation and administration, wills and enduring powers of attorney, subdivisions, and company formation, maintenance and dissolution. I worked under three of the firm's directors on both simple and complex transactions, over time building my own client base. I met with clients on a regular basis and had great joy in often exceeding clients' expectations. With a keen interest in property law I became the firm's representative on the South Canterbury Property Lawyer's Group, meeting on a monthly basis to discuss both local and national issues in property law. The experience I gained at RSM Law covered a wide range of the law and was invaluable to my development as a solicitor.