Newly minted lawyers start their first day in practice like a blank sheet of paper. It is the beginning of many chapters to come; a career dedicated to serving their clients and to advocating and upholding the rule of law. 

When the book is complete, the paragraphs in that story won’t solely be the product of their own work. There will be the contributions to a lawyer’s life-long learning from their contemporaries, supervisors, mentors and in a profession that values respect and courtesy, even by their opponents.

For my term this year as President of the Law Society, I am committed to delivering quality support to help solicitors thrive at every stage of their careers. I’m delighted to share details of initiatives for early career lawyers and those on the cusp of entering the law.

At this time of year, NSW Young Lawyers is usually gearing up for its Mid-Year Assembly, but in 2025 there’s an exciting change. Registrations will soon open for the 2025 NSW Young Lawyers Professional Development Day, taking place on Saturday, 26 July 2025 at the Mercure Sydney.

The event offers a valuable opportunity for NSW practitioners in their first five years of practice or up to 36 years of age, to come together for a dynamic program of professional development and networking, culminating in a gala dinner.  

The day will feature a range of panel discussions and presentations from subject matter experts and experienced members of the profession. Topics will include harnessing the power of communication, mastering court etiquette and procedure, exploring the power of GenAI, career development, productivity tools and building mental flexibility.

Attendees can earn up to five CPD points and enhance essential skills and knowledge to navigate their first years of practice with confidence, laying the foundations for a strong and prosperous legal career. Places are limited. Keep an eye on your inbox for an invitation shortly.

Securing that first role in a law firm or a graduate government position can often be preceded by a clerkship – a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in legal practice. 

Clerkships are more than just one way of fulfilling a requirement for completing practical legal training – they're a chance to apply your learning, build professional networks, and gain insight into life in the law. 

The Law Society of NSW Clerkship Recruitment Program supports final or penultimate year students to learn the tools necessary for professional growth and career advancement. It also provides meaningful opportunities to connect with legal professionals who can help shape and guide their careers. Applications for clerkship positions with participating employers open through our Law Student Portal next Wednesday 11 June.

I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the lawyers from more than two dozen firms, who participate in this program. Not only are they are offering later year law students an unforgettable experience, they’re helping to enrich and strengthen the future of the profession.

You can help write the first chapter of a thriving career. If your firm is interested in taking part in the Clerkship Recruitment Program, more details are available here.

Jennifer Ball, President, Law Society of NSW