Diving Into the Legal World - Internship Experience at Murfett Legal

27 Oct 2021

I have had the privilege of interning at Murfett Legal in their Litigation team for the past three months. This experience has provided me with an insight into real legal practice and has given me the opportunity to build a foundation for a successful career in the law. Coming into this placement, I had no previous experience in a professional legal environment and wanted to use this experience to take the skills I have learnt during my studies into the real world. However, I never predicted just how far my skills would be tested and the amount I would learn.

During my internship, I have conducted legal research, drafted documents, sat in on client calls and assisted with discovery. No two days have been the same, and I have been exposed to a wide variety of matters. One of my biggest takeaways from this experience has been seeing how different areas of the law can interact in one matter. In law school, areas of the law are taught as separate units, such as property, trusts, and contract, and you are taught and tested on that area alone. However, in practice one matter can have issues from multiple areas of law going on at the same time, all which must be addressed. Additionally, in law school all your assignments and exams have a reasonable answer that you can get marks for, but in the real world there is rarely a clearly correct answer to your client’s legal issue. I have learnt the importance of understanding both sides of a legal issue to be able to properly weigh up the strength of a client’s argument, and in doing so I have had a great opportunity to develop my legal research skills.

I have really enjoyed the supportive team culture here at Murfett Legal. My colleagues were always more than willing to talk through legal principles with me or guide me where I was unsure what to do. I was taught many handy tips and tricks that have helped me to streamline my work and ensure that I work efficiently and productively. I have also enjoyed listening in on calls, seeing how the different lawyers would conduct themselves with clients or other parties. After the call, I would discuss with the lawyer their thoughts and what they considered next steps. While at times I would feel like I did not know enough, my colleagues would always reassure and guide me when I had questions or didn’t understand something. I learned that it is never a bad thing to ask for help when you need it, as a unique perspective may be what you need to resolve an issue. I also appreciated how I was able to be involved in the firm culture, such as invitations to professional seminars and social events, and I always felt included.
 
Through this experience I have gained deeper insight into the legal industry, and I have developed a much better understanding of the day-to-day activities of a lawyer. I have also made long-term connections which I hope to continue long into my career.

I am delighted that I will be continuing at Murfett Legal as a law clerk. It has been such a rewarding experience, and I would recommend this experience to other law students looking to challenge themselves and step into the legal world. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself, as you will never know who you will meet or what you can learn.
 
For further information or assistance contact Murfett Legal on +61 8 9388 3100.
 
Note: The above is a summary for general information purposes only. It is not intended to be comprehensive or constitute legal advice. You should seek formal legal or other professional advice in relation to your particular circumstances before relying on the content of this article.
 
Author:      Savannah Seth (Law Clerk)
Email:        [email protected]
 
 
Murfett Legal is a leading law firm in WA, providing services in litigation, corporate and commercial, employment and workplace relations, insolvency, debt collection, business restructuring, Wills & estates, property, leasing, settlements, liquor licensing and intellectual property.