Bethany Burke
Yowie Bay,NSW
Summary
A critical thinking lawyer with five years of experience working in private practice, who has a passion for the law reform. I am seeking a role that is justice orientated either in policy or legal affairs and continues the ethos of responsible business. I am well-versed in advocacy and legal research on discrete issues. I have working knowledge of NSW and Australian legislation, particularly in the planning & environment space. I am a adept at working effectively and quickly understanding new skills and areas.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Solicitor
Colin Biggers & Paisley
Sydney, NSW
02.2019 - Current
- I started at Colin Biggers & Paisley as a paralegal in the Insurance team. I worked under Michael Russel and Greg Skehan assisting in Class Actions (notably assisting in the Dick Smith, Spotless and RCR Tomlinson) and for insurers, with a focus on construction risk and professional indemnity.
- In my graduate year (2022), I rotated through the insurance, planning & environment and pro bono & responsible business teams, including a 5-month secondment to Marrickville Legal Centre (Criminal & Youth Legal Service teams).
- Since May 2023, I have worked as a Junior Solicitor in Planning and Environment under Todd Neal and Insurance (Professional Indemnity) under Paul Bannon. I assist in preparing pleadings, motions and briefs and research relevant laws, and regulations and prepare legal articles.
- I also continue my pro bono work by volunteering with Marrickville Legal Centre in their evening clinics and Women Legal Service by assisting vulnerable women with their Victim Service applications.
Dental Assistant / Receptionist
Burke Dental Surgery
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Provided chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including passing instruments to the dentist and holding suction devices.
- Greeted visitors and provided them with assistance in relation to their dental appointments and payment methods
Debating Coach & Adjudicator
Santa Sabina College
Strathfield, NSW
02.2016 - 10.2016
- Provided individual coaching sessions with students to help them improve their debating skills.
- Instructed students on the fundamentals of argument construction, persuasive speaking techniques, and to use contemporary events and affairs as examples in their arguments presented.
- Fostered an environment of open dialogue between debaters by encouraging respectful discourse during practice debates.
Education
Australian Practicing Certificate -
Law Society of New South Wales
Sydney NSW04.2024
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice -
College of Law
Sydney NSW06-2022
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at University of Notre Dame -
University of Notre Dame
Sydney, NSW11-2021
Bachelor of Medical Science (Physiology) at University of Sydney -
University of Sydney
Sydney NSW11-2018
Admission to Supreme Court of NSW -
Skills
- Legal document preparation and drafting
- Statutory interpretation and analysis of legislation
- Critical thinking and data analysis
- Client and community outreach
- Advocacy
- Strategic Planning
Co-curriculars
- Rec Club Indoor Netball, 2018-ongoing
- Colin Biggers & Paisley Social Committee
- Sylvania Netball Winter Season, 2004-2015, 2022-2023
- Notre Dame Law Competitions, 2020
- CSDA Debating & Public Speaking, 2010-2015
Awards
- CBP Pro Bono 50 hours +, 2022, 2023
- Introduction to Human International Law, 2021
- STOP COVID-19: Essentials for the prevention and control of the virus (KHLA), 2020
- Dean’s Letter of Commendation, 2019
- Certificate of Scanning Electron Microscope Training Preparation, 10/15/18
- Duke of Edinburgh – Gold, Silver, Bronze, 2015
- Sister Marcia Hall Memorial Prize for Integrity, 2013
- Rotary Award, 2012
Volunteer Experience
- Legal Centre Service (Marrickville & Redfern Legal Centre) in YLS and Victim Services, from 2023, current
- Women's Legal Centre, volunteer, from 2021, current
- Sylvania Netball Juniors Umpiring, 2023
- RizeUp CBP Graduate Fundraiser, 2022
- Variety Club- University of Sydney Society, 2018, 2019
- Tutoring & Mentoring (Maths, Biology), 2012, 2019
- Cambodia Work Family (CWF) Dental Clinic, 2016
- Edmund Rice Camps, 2015
- South Africa Immersion, 2014
- Central Australia Immersion, 2012
References
- Lily O'Brien, Legal Assistant at Colin Biggers & Paisley, contact details available upon request.
Additional references can be provided upon request.
Timeline
Solicitor
Colin Biggers & Paisley
02.2019 - Current
Debating Coach & Adjudicator
Santa Sabina College
02.2016 - 10.2016
Dental Assistant / Receptionist
Burke Dental Surgery
01.2015 - 01.2020
Australian Practicing Certificate -
Law Society of New South Wales
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice -
College of Law
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at University of Notre Dame -
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Medical Science (Physiology) at University of Sydney -
University of Sydney
Admission to Supreme Court of NSW -
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