WORKING AS AN EMPLOYMENT WORKING AS AN EMPLOYMENT LAWYER LAWYER

Alexandra Gonos works at Deakin University in Employment and Workplace Relations Law

Why did you choose to study law?

Originally, at University, I was set on Family Law and being a Family Lawyer While studying, I worked as a Paralegal at Community Legal Centres and at a boutique law firm specialising in family law Family law came with its sets of challenges, including the emotional toll it can have on practitioners

In my penultimate year, I did a clerkship and rotated through broad areas of property, commercial, and litigation law, doing roughly three months in each area After having experienced commercial litigation, I decided I wanted to be a litigator. I didn’t know which area I wanted to practice but I was placed in commercial litigation to get a broad range of experience.

In my Graduate year and in my first year as a practising lawyer. I was engaged in very broad aspects of commercial litigation, including defamation law, insurance, and employment law

In 2019, I moved to the United States of America with my husband to support him for his job

I started working at an Employment Law Trial Firm in Boston and came to the realisation that this was the area I was passionate about I came back to Melbourne and have specialised in Employment Law ever since I like this area of the law as it is very diverse with a range of issues to work on, including discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment, adverse action and unfair dismissals

It’s a very dynamic area of the law, yet still complex, and very exciting!

What is your favourite thing about the legal field?

I love the challenges that this profession can bring I love being able to problem solve and understand a unique set of facts I also enjoy understanding each parties’ interests, and developing strategies to get the best outcome for the client

As a whole, the legal field is made up of very passionate professionals who really want to make a difference People get to use their skills to advocate and get fair and just outcomes

What I didn’t realise at University is that there are so many lawyers in policy who are making a real difference in the law, reflecting society’s values and advocating for change where it matters

What did your journey into law look like?

I studied a double degree at Monash University in Law and Performing Arts I did two clerkships in my penultimate year; one at Hunt and Hunt Lawyers, and the other at Marshalls and Dent where I did Media and Entertainment Law

After my graduate year at Hunt and Hunt, I moved to the USA and after coming back, I specialised in Employment Law’ I like working at Deakin University as opposed to private practice as it suits my professional and lifestyle values better It’s still challenging, but also has great work-life balance In addition, you only have one client which means you can have a deep understanding of the one organisation

What is the most rewarding part of being a lawyer?

The most rewarding part of being a lawyer is being able to make a difference and get the best outcome for all parties

Whilst I act for employers in my career (not employees), I always try to get the best outcome for everyone It's always important to remember that we spend a lot of our time at work, therefore, we want staff members to feel physically and mentally safe, feel respected and protected when they come to work.

Do you have any advice for future lawyers?

It’s okay to not know what you want to do You’re not supposed to know Take it slow, and be open to learning and making a difference

It’s great to get experience in different areas of the law so you can find out what you like and don’t like It’s okay not to know just yet.

It’s also good to put yourself out there and get involved Volunteer at Community Legal Centres and law firms Ask barristers if you can shadow them until you finally get a “ yes ” response, gain paralegal work, join your law society

Get as much down on your CV as possible I was heavily involved in the Young Lawyers Law Institute of Victoria and was able to become involved in law reform which I haven’t been able to do at Deakin, which is great All of this experience helps you become a wellrounded individual which makes you very attractive to future employers It also gives you great insight into what you love and what you ' re passionate about