Sheryl Smith
Perth
Summary
Qualified lawyer with 6+ years' experience working within commercial law, property law, estate planning and criminal law. Ability to independently handle multiple projects simultaneously within conflicting timeframes. Strong written and oral communication skills, takes initiative and works well autonomously. Demonstrated ability to navigate complex legal issues while maintaining strong relationships with clients.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Lawyer (Commercial, Property & Projects)
Department of Communities
03.2024 - Current
- Drafting construction contracts, leases, deeds of variation, deeds of novation, and other commercial documents as required.
- Independently meeting with and advising internal clients on a variety of complex commercial and property matters.
- Assisting construction team in regularly updating standard contracts to ensure fitness for purpose and compliance with latest legal updates.
- Researching, analysing and applying legal principles to provide practical, timely advice.
- Developing strong relationships with various stakeholders including external panel firms, internal clients, other teams within the Department, and other government departments.
Policy Officer (Strategic Housing Policy)
Department of Communities
06.2023 - 03.2024
- Engaged in the intergovernmental relations team, working with different jurisdictions and progressing agreements between Commonwealth and State relating to strategic housing policy.
- Identifying key evidence to support topic-specific negotiation positions, drafting position papers to inform negotiation team.
- Researching and reviewing existing policies and procedures to gain firm understanding of current conditions and State priorities.
- Locating and reviewing legislative documents, data and literature, preparing spreadsheets, analyzing implications and sharing findings.
- Drafting briefing notes, summary papers and technical documents outlining strategic position and recommended actions.
- Facilitating communication and relationship development between internal and external stakeholders.
Commercial Lawyer
Pacer Legal
11.2018 - 06.2023
- Vastly involved in commercial work including drafting lease agreements, partnership agreements, business sale agreements, contracts of sale and share farming agreements.
- Estate planning including preparation of Wills, trust variations and providing succession planning advice.
- Property law and conveyancing work including land transfers, caveats, lost title applications and family farm exemption applications.
- Conducting research, analysing case law and legal principles, evaluating client's position based on findings and preparing written advice to clients.
- Responsible for conducting own files including meeting with clients, taking instructions, liaising and negotiating with third parties, invoicing files and meeting monthly billable targets.
- Acting as instructing solicitor and appearing on behalf of clients in the Magistrates Court, District Court and Supreme Court.
Law Clerk
Kate King Legal
06.2017 - 11.2018
- Drafting and reviewing court documents including submissions, proofs of evidence, affidavits and subpoenas, and drafting correspondence to clients.
- Compiling briefs, memos and summaries.
- Attending client meetings and court appearances.
- Researching case law and legislation.
- Responsible for meeting with clients and obtaining confidential instructions.
- Handling sensitive and confidential disclosure.
- Administrative tasks including diary management, invoicing, using Leap and OneDrive, liaising with clients, courts and other legal professionals.
Volunteer Information and Referral Consultant
Citizens Advice Bureau
05.2016 - 06.2017
- Demonstrating initiative by researching and providing legal information and referrals.
- Assisting clients with various legal issues and providing relevant referrals.
- Booking legal appointments using online booking system.
- Supporting solicitors and working as a team to ensure smooth operations.
- Recording daily transactions and statistics using online program.
Temporary Legal Secretary
Gunning Young Barristers And Solicitors
10.2016 - 11.2016
- 4 shifts per week while temporarily filling in for secretary on leave.
- Responsible for managing digital and physical client files, the solicitor's online diary and all telephone and email correspondence.
- Reading various documents including transcripts, statements of material facts and criminal records to summarise clients' legal positions.
- Liaising with courts, government departments, prisons, clients and their families over the phone and in person.
- Drafting and sending letters to courts on behalf of clients.
- Handling court documents including affidavits, appeal notices and paginated briefs.
- Booking client appointments and prison visits.
Student Mentor - UniReady
Curtin University
04.2015 - 12.2015
- Responsible for mentoring students in the UniReady program once or twice a week.
- Teaching one-on-one and group classes.
- Areas of teaching included English and written skills.
- Mentoring students online using the Collaborate program.
- Marking students' work and providing constructive feedback.
Education
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice -
The College of Law
09.2018
Bachelor of Laws -
Curtin University
08.2017
Exchange Program -
Ghent University
07.2015
Bachelor of Commerce -
Curtin University
07.2013
Skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- High attention to detail
- Leadership and teamwork
- Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
- Time management
- Goal oriented and results driven
Qualification
Supreme Court of Western Australia
- Admission date: 02/11/2018
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Lawyer (Commercial, Property & Projects)
Department of Communities
03.2024 - Current
Policy Officer (Strategic Housing Policy)
Department of Communities
06.2023 - 03.2024
Commercial Lawyer
Pacer Legal
11.2018 - 06.2023
Law Clerk
Kate King Legal
06.2017 - 11.2018
Temporary Legal Secretary
Gunning Young Barristers And Solicitors
10.2016 - 11.2016
Volunteer Information and Referral Consultant
Citizens Advice Bureau
05.2016 - 06.2017
Student Mentor - UniReady
Curtin University
04.2015 - 12.2015
Bachelor of Laws -
Curtin University
Exchange Program -
Ghent University
Bachelor of Commerce -
Curtin University
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice -
The College of Law
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