Sam Willett

• My first taste of the being within a law firm and how teamwork, determination and passion can help drive the best outcomes.

My role at Hentys Lawyers was initially a shock to the system. After being within the hospitality industry for all my working life, to finally be in the opportune position to gain legal industry experience, it was a steep learning curve. However, I have taken this opportunity firmly and gained great knowledge of both the legal system and the employment law sector.

Daily tasks that I have been completing involves case file management using Affinity, file notes and managing a busy inbox. Additionally, I have written letters to clients in regard to gaining instructions and to give advice. This role of being an assistant greatly improved my capabilities to multi-task and handle case files that are needed for meetings or for face-to-face conferences.

• The Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative focuses on potential miscarriages of justice that has occurred in the Australian Criminal Justice System.

Through this placement I had to work with my senior staff by completing and organising documentation that would allow more successful and cohesive knowledge of the case at hand

Additionally with report and file organising, I had multiple opportunities to make personal contact with potential clients who were seeking representation in their matters, believing that they were apart of a potential miscarriage of justice.

It was important or us to always keep face and support our clients, which involved having regular phone calls, professional meetings and even attending court in support of their cases.

Moving from a Volunteer to Sessional Academic gave me greater responsibilities, revolving around teaching new interns how to do handovers or how to investigate certain aspects in matters.