Maria Hakim
Sydney,Australia
Summary
I am a graduate of the Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Medical Science from the University of Technology Sydney, with professional experience in employment law, legal research, litigation support and legal administration. My work across legal practice and research environments has developed strong capabilities in regulatory analysis, policy interpretation, and translating complex legal frameworks into practical outcomes.
Most recently, I am working as a Graduate at Hamilton Locke in employment law, where I gained direct exposure to the regulatory frameworks governing Australian workplaces. In this role, I assisted with interpreting employment legislation, modern awards, and workplace policies, and supported matters relating to employer obligations and employee entitlements. This experience strengthened my understanding of how legislative and regulatory frameworks operate in practice and how policy settings influence organisational behaviour, compliance strategies, and workplace governance. Working in employment law also provided insight into emerging issues surrounding changes in workplace relations correlating with social and legal progression.
Alongside this, my work as a Legal Research Assistant at 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers strengthened my ability to conduct complex legal research and produce clear, evidence-based analysis to support legal and policy decision-making.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Lawyer
Hamilton Locke
Sydney, NSW
2024.09 - Current
- Drafted legal documents and contracts for various client transactions.
- Conducted legal research to support case strategies and arguments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address complex legal issues.
- Developed compliance programs to ensure adherence to regulations and laws.
- Reviewed and analysed contracts to identify potential risks and liabilities.
- Prepared due diligence reports.
- Drafted pleadings for use in court proceedings.
- Explained technical aspects of legal matters in an understandable manner to non-lawyers.
- Assisted on advice of termination matters and other employment related disputes.
- Reviewed and drafted legal documents, such as employment contracts.
LEGAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT
12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers
Sydney, NSW
2023.10 - 2024.10
- Locating authoritative and relevant legal precedent to assess probable outcomes and potential arguments for barristers
- Proof reading submissions
- Conducting legal research to assist with submissions
- Opening matters and generating fee agreements
PARALEGAL
Fern Lawyers Pty Ltd
Sydney, NSW
2022.04 - 2023.10
- Progressing over 80 matters with the Managing Director
- Drafting pleadings and liaising with barristers
- Communicating with clients and simplifying legal concepts
- Drafting Statement of Claims, particulars, and other legal documents complying with court orders
- Managing discovery requests and collating evidence
- Preparing briefing material for Counsel
- Recording client's statement and incorporating to legal documents
- Organising briefing material for mediations
- Ensuring compliance with court orders
- Progressing, implementing, and improving operations within the institutional abuse practice
INTERN
Australian Academy of Law (AAL)
2022.03 - 2022.06
- Collaborated with judges, lawyers and other legal experts
- Assisted with refining and improving the AAL website and internal functions
- Regulated and participated in AAL board meetings amongst other AAL members consisting of prominent judges
- Provided strategy and feedback at the end of my tenure for future AAL interns
UTS EQUITY AMBASSADOR
University Of Technology Sydney
2022.01 - 2022.06
- Created lesson plans and tasks for students to complete, engaging their critical thinking and literacy skills
- Exercised communication skills in mentoring students on planning academic and career goals
INTERN/RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Heart Research Institute (HRI)
2020.02 - 2021.02
- Collaborated with the HRI Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling team for the publication of a meta-analysis
- Analysed data and demonstrated lab findings in graphs and research papers for publication and/or team presentations
- Developed adaptable task management and prioritisation skills to meet deadlines
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Siren
2019.09 - 2020.12
- Worked in a fast-paced team environment to promptly and professionally assist customers with their needs
- Developed task prioritisation skills to juggle store management tasks
- Worked closely with the store manager to solve problems and handle customer concerns
STUDENT PLACEMENT
Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH)
2018.10 - 2018.12
- Independently oversaw inpatients and outpatients for Holter Monitor and ECG readings
- Handled private and confidential information in compliance with hospital policies and procedures
Education
Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Medical Science -
University of Technology Sydney
Sydney, NSW01.2025
Bachelor of Echocardiography -
Central Queensland University
Sydney, NSW01.2018
Skills
- Legal drafting
- Compliance program development
- Legal research
- Contract analysis
- Due diligence
- Case management
Extracurricular Activities
Addressing the limitations of financial support for non-government employees during the Covid-19 pandemic, 2022, Labour Law Down Under, Mural Cells: Potential Therapeutic Targets to Bridge Cardiovascular Disease and Neurodegeneration, 2021, PubMed, Mama I See You, 2019, Resource Publications, Coptic Orthodox Community Outreach Service (COCOS), 2016 - Current, Oz Harvest Hamper Hero, 2022, Half Marathon for Black Dog Foundation, 2020, Kenya Missionary Trip with St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church, 2019, UTS UN Marketing Executive, 2021, UTS Justice Brennan Program Participant, 2021 - Current, UTS Allens Neota Law Tech Challenge for Social Justice Entrant, 2022
Timeline
Graduate Lawyer
Hamilton Locke
2024.09 - Current
LEGAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT
12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers
2023.10 - 2024.10
PARALEGAL
Fern Lawyers Pty Ltd
2022.04 - 2023.10
INTERN
Australian Academy of Law (AAL)
2022.03 - 2022.06
UTS EQUITY AMBASSADOR
University Of Technology Sydney
2022.01 - 2022.06
INTERN/RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Heart Research Institute (HRI)
2020.02 - 2021.02
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Siren
2019.09 - 2020.12
STUDENT PLACEMENT
Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH)
2018.10 - 2018.12
Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Medical Science -
University of Technology Sydney
Bachelor of Echocardiography -
Central Queensland University