3 minute read
THE ROAD TO BECOMING A FAMILY LAWYER
Evonne Bethavas in conversation with Megan Sanidad
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What has your experience working in family law been like?
Working as a family lawyer is different every day. It’s a unique area of the law such that you find yourself navigating the law whilst trying to manage some of the most difficult times in people’s lives. I moved to family law from tax law because I wanted more of a “ people” aspect to my practice. It was a difficult and risky move, but I’m so glad I did it because I genuinely look forward to going to work every day.
I started practising family law at a specialist boutique family law firm. This was overwhelming at first and to b\e completely raw with you: I asked myself, “What the hell am I doing?!” almost every day for the first few months! Part of me wanted to return to tax which was familiar and comfortable. A wise fellow family law colleague at another firm told me to have faith and stick it out…and I did. Being thrown in the deep end was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. I thereafter moved to a larger mid-tier firm before moving to my current position as an Associate at Barbayannis Lawyers. In my experience as a family lawyer, not only do you have the opportunity to help people, but you see them grow from the moment they first step through your doors to when they’re feeling stronger and back on their feet at the conclusion of their matter. I’m always humbled by clients’ strength by the end and seeing them develop makes it all worth it.
What advice would you give to law students wanting to enter family law?
Family law is dynamic and it’s important to understand other areas of law such as tax, property and estates – I personally enjoy this challenge. Put it this way – there is never a dull moment in family law!
First piece of advice: Buy the Family Law Handbook! Reading this was a saviour when I moved from tax to family law.
Secondly: Start early! Expose yourself to family law at university by volunteering at a community legal centre. The Springvale Monash Legal Service is where I started in my first year of law. The opportunity to solve problems in the midst of society will teach you life-long personal and career lessons.
Thirdly: Being a lawyer is an honour. It’s important to be real and down to earth with your clients. For example, there’s no point using fancy legalise for the sake of it if your client doesn’t understand your advice. Be mindful of who you ’re communicating to. Not only that – your client needs to trust you and feel comfortable. After all, they’re providing you with their most sensitive information and the last thing they want is all ego.
Fourthly: Soft skills are important. Complete some psychology or mindset training. Having this background can be the difference between swiftly settling a matter and proceeding to a trial.
Finally: Communication and presenting skills aren’t negotiable. I undertook television presenting workshops which is great practice for those who wish to do your own court appearances.
Have you always been interested in family law? Did you work in any other areas prior to family law? If so, what made you switch?
During university, I thought I wanted to be a criminal or human rights lawyer (don’t we all!).
However, I have a Commerce/Law background, so I wanted to explore the commercial aspect. I started as a Graduate at a top-tier professional services firm in their Tax & Legal team. The experience was incredible. It taught me to have a strong work ethic and provided me with solid commercial and tax knowledge which I’ve brought into my family law practice.
However, I really missed personally dealing with clients. I found myself content, but not exhilarated by the work. There also wasn’t enough incourt action. What I’d say is don’t be afraid to explore – your first job doesn’t have to be your final destination. Even the job after the first job might not be the perfect fit. Remember, it’s a step closer to where you want to be.
Don’t settle. If you ’re not happy, find the courage to make the move. I know how difficult that is, but you won’t look back. There were people telling me at the time that I was crazy to move from my role in tax, but I simply decided to fight for what I truly wanted and for my ultimate career fulfilment.
