Norton Rose Fulbright boosts arbitration capability in Sydney

White & Case takes aim at Magic Circle... What Advice would you give aspiring lawyers?

Norton Rose Fulbright boosts arbitration capability in Sydney

A senior hire for Norton Rose Fulbright in Sydney means added strength for the firm’s international commercial arbitration practice.

Andrew Battisson has joined from Allen & Overy where he was a partner based in Singapore. He has considerable experience in international commercial and investment treaty arbitration, with a particular focus on disputes in the finance, energy, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors.

Wayne Spanner, NRF managing partner for Australia, says that Battisson is joining at a key time for the arbitration practice.

“This year has seen the firm take on a number of substantial litigation matters across a range of sectors, which is broadening both our experience and offering to local and global clients. Building out our international arbitration offering with the inclusion of a highly experienced partner of Andrew’s quality will further strengthen the firm’s investment in this important practice.”

White & Case takes aim at Magic Circle
White & Case has ramped up its focus on the Magic Circle with a change of leadership in London.

Its executive partner in the city Oliver Brettle, a former Ashurst partner, is stepping down to concentrate on the firm’s 2020 strategy with several global aims including bolstering the firm’s strength against the Magic Circle.

The firm’s US-based chair Hugh Verrier personally tasked Brettle with the key executive committee role.

Brettle has held the London role for a decade and will be succeeded by US securities partner Melissa Butler.

What Advice would you give aspiring lawyers?
Those just starting out in the legal profession should learn as much as they can from seasoned lawyers and a new survey reveals the key questions to ask.

Robert Half Recruitment asked lawyers in the US and Canada for their tips for college students considering a law degree.

"Law school requires significant dedication and resources, but the rewards of an attorney career can be numerous, including the ability to conduct challenging work, effect change and earn above average compensation," said Jamy Sullivan, executive director of Robert Half Legal. "To help determine whether law school will be a good fit, prospective students should thoroughly research programs and job opportunities in practice areas that interest them."

How many of these would you agree with?
1. "Take time and interview people in the profession before making a decision."
2. "Shadow a lawyer first."
3. "Take a year off between college and law school to work at a law firm before embarking on school."
4. "Have a clear idea of what you intend to do with the degree."
5. "Map out the first 10 years of the career. Work back 10 years out from law school and figure out what value law school provides in terms of access to roles, skills and return on investment."
6. "Go to law school in a geographic area you would like to practice in."
7. "Be open to different applications of the degree."
8. "Don't do it for the money."
9. "Consider how long it will take to pay back your student loans."
Lawyers also emphasized the importance of developing key skills and experience during law school to prepare for a legal career:
10. "Learn to think critically."
11. "Try to concentrate on courses that relate to business, because part of the challenge in the practice of law is how to run a business."
12. "Don't get involved if you don't enjoy reading."
13. "Get a more scientific, technical background as opposed to a general arts background."
14. "Keep your options wide open, don't focus on one area of law."
15. "Be prepared for a marathon and take advantage of internships."
16. "Focus on a writing course so you stand out more when you become a lawyer."
17. "Get involved in the community, help people and network."
18. "Be realistic in your expectations."
19. "Treat law school like a job; spend the hours you would spend at work."
20. "Find your passion, because you have to enjoy what you are doing."
21. "Grades are important, but so is life balance. It is important to have a balance beyond legal skills."
22. "It's a good education. You can use it for a lot of different things even if you are not a lawyer."
23. "Be ready to work long hours, study hard, never give up and stay at the top of the class."
24. "Pick an area of law that you love working in."
25. "Don't give up, even when there seems to be no end in sight, when it gets to be too overwhelming."
 

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