Shannon Whyte encourages lawyers to lean on those around them and to do things to relax
Shannon Whyte grew up being “naturally argumentative” and a “go-to problem solver” – traits she has since parlayed into a career at iCLAW Culliney Partners. Having joined the firm on its 2017 inception as a law clerk, Whyte relishes the opportunity to have grown with the firm since her student days.
Whyte was recently elevated to the role of senior solicitor, and has enjoyed the rewards of working on matters involving “boring” property law over the years. However, she, like many lawyers, struggled with isolation when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and pushed the world into lockdown. Thus, she encourages lawyers to not feel pressured into being always available, and to value work/life balance.
In this interview, Whyte talks being iCLAW Culliney’s first part-time employee, wanting to mentor graduate lawyers and being eager to expand her network.
What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?
I have always been interested in the law and passionate about helping people. Growing up, I was naturally quite argumentative, and the go-to problem solver as I got older. After nearly choosing a teaching degree, I opted to pursue law and explore this career path. I saw law as a tool that would allow me to help others. In my last year of study, I met [managing partners] Aasha [Foley] and Owen [Culliney], and they took me on as a law clerk at iCLAW.
The best part of the job has to be the people you meet, both socially and professionally, and the ability to work with clients and assist them in achieving their goals. I have a lot of flexibility and variety in my role at iCLAW, so I am grateful for that.
What is the most memorable case you've taken on/been involved in?
The most memorable matter I have worked on has to be a large settlement for a property developer client where, as a team, we settled 100 units in one day. The preparation in advance and our team effort on the day make up one of the most adrenaline-filled and satisfying experiences for me; moreover, it was a good result all around. Property law, as boring as it can appear, can also be one of the most rewarding areas of law.
I also work on relationship property matters. We had one issue that involved quite threatening and difficult behaviour from an ex-partner. After negotiating the separation of assets, debts and associated matters, we had a very emotional but happy client on settlement. Results and client feedback are rewarding parts of the job.
What is going on at the firm? Are there any new programs and initiatives that you’re particularly interested in?
We are looking at introducing a graduate program to take on at least one new graduate lawyer a year. I am particularly interested in working with our new graduates and helping them transition from study into the law.
I am also a committee member of the Waikato New Lawyers Association, where we plan monthly events for new lawyers in the Waikato region. Some of our events involve university students, where new lawyers and university students are able to socialise in an informal setting so students can gain valuable insight and advice from new lawyers in the profession. Bridging the gap between the study of law and the practice of law is something I am particularly passionate about and want to contribute to as much as possible.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in the last year or so?
Professionally, I am proud of the recent acknowledgement and promotion to senior solicitor at iCLAW. I commenced work with iCLAW as a student and was the firm’s first part-time employee when iCLAW opened its doors in 2017, and it has been a huge incentive to me to have grown with the firm to date.
I am also proud of the team at iCLAW and the way we adapted to working from home during the lockdown last year. It was a smooth transition setup-wise, and we quickly moved to regular team and client meetings over Zoom. Technology really is a wonderful thing.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned in the past year and what advice can you give fellow lawyers about it?
Working through the feelings of isolation and managing the expectations of being available 24/7 was a struggle. Given the recent events in the last year, my main piece of advice would be, don’t give in to those feelings of isolation and feel like you need to be available to your networks 24/7. Lean on those around you, go for an evening walk or run, do a yoga class – and don’t feel guilty about it. Work/life balance is essential – something we hear all too often – but I think the lockdown reminded us all of the importance of balance.
What should the profession and law firms focus more on?
Supporting graduate lawyers, and introducing and integrating them into the profession.
What are the challenges you expect in your practice, and in the business of law in general, going forward? What challenges are particularly pressing in the country’s legal industry?
We continually update processes with increasing administration and compliance, such as the anti-money laundering requirements and the recent Trust Act changes. It is important we educate the community and our clients on why we do things, and why such things are important.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
I am excited about progression, taking on a senior role, and expanding my network.
