Joanna Gu, Lawyer, Melbourne, shares her career journey, hints and tips.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your time so far at MinterEllison?

I was raised in Auckland, New Zealand, and moved to Melbourne to pursue my Juris Doctorate. I commenced in the winter of 2022 as a clerk. Initially, my plans were to head overseas after completing my JD. However, the stimulating work and the incredible people I met during my clerkship at Minters swayed me to stay and begin my legal career here. Fast forward to 2023, I started my graduate role at the firm. The diversity of people I’ve worked with and both the breadth and calibre of legal work I’ve been exposed to have been remarkable.

You’ve recently done a clerkship with us, how was that process and any advice for future clerks?

Firstly, recognise that everyone in the firm is invested in your success, and that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. You’ll find a supportive network of mentors ready to guide you, and it’s comforting to remember that even the most senior lawyers began their journeys much like you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, no matter how trivial they may seem, and seize every opportunity for casual interaction, such as coffee catch-ups. These moments provide a valuable platform for informal learning and networking. Stay open-minded about the diversity of work you’ll be exposed to and the wide range of backgrounds of the people you’ll meet. Remember that your clerkship is not just an opportunity to grow and network, but also a platform to contribute and effect change. Embrace it, and enjoy the journey!

What was it that attracted you to MinterEllison?

I first rotated through the Finance Solutions team. I found it to be an exceptional starting point. It offered me a deep dive into various financial sectors, such as property finance, corporate finance, and structured finance. It was especially beneficial for us as junior lawyers, as it provided an opportunity to learn through osmosis. I was actively involved in meetings, client-facing work, and fundamental skills training sessions led by experienced senior team members. I am currently in my second rotation in the firm’s innovative Competition, Climate and Technology (CCT) team. This multifaceted team at Minters collaborates with both private and public sector clients across a range of industries. Working within this team has broadened my exposure to diverse types of work. This includes providing strategic advice, drafting and negotiating agreements, and contributing to pro bono projects. The variety keeps me engaged and ensures that every day is different, presenting new challenges and learning opportunities.

Have you had the opportunity to participate in any of the firms internal networks or committees?

I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in several of the firm’s internal networks and committees, which have greatly enriched my experience as a graduate at the firm. EMBRACE, led by a national committee of employees from all firm areas, assists in progressing our cultural diversity strategy. Its key objectives are to celebrate cultural diversity, provide educational opportunities for increased cultural awareness, foster a supportive network for culturally diverse employees, and create opportunities for client connections. A standout moment was organising the national Embrace panel, where we invited Western Bulldogs’ player, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, to discuss fostering cultural diversity in the workplace.

I’m also part of the firm’s WISE network (Women, Support, Inclusion, Equality), which focuses on facilitating education and engagement on gender issues within the firm and the wider community. Since joining WISE, I’ve been paired with a mentor for regular coffee catch-ups, which offers a fantastic support system and an opportunity to discuss both professional and personal development.

What surprised you the most about the firm?

What took me by surprise about Minters was its prioritisation of individuality over conformity, a standout characteristic in the typically high-pressure legal sector. This unique approach was a breath of fresh air amid the intense competition prevalent in the field of law. This celebration of individuality has instilled in me the confidence to find and utilise my distinct voice. I’ve been heartened by the encouragement to openly discuss my interests and aspirations with my supervisors, partners and colleagues. Such open dialogue has been instrumental in enabling me to express my interest in specific areas of law. Instead of trying to fit into us into a cookie-cutter mould, Minters have urged me to embrace and bring my authentic self to work. This has empowered me to find my voice and contribute my unique perspectives to the firm.