L-R: Tania Milovanovic, Robert Starke and Kate Grimmond from Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers. Photo: George Tsotsos.
Those who love the legal profession are spoiled for choice in Canberra, with fantastic career opportunities available in both the public and private sectors.
But a good job with great conditions and an enviable culture can be hard to find, regardless of your industry. Competition is tough, and securing a permanent role with a law firm, business or the internal legal section of a government department can be difficult.
For lawyers, law students, administration officers or simply those who love law, there is another option though. A secondment offers the opportunity to join a law firm, and then be contracted to a federal government department or private company requiring your expertise for a specific period of time.
The team at Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers is passionate about the widespread advantages of secondments for professionals and the organisations that engage them.
Led by their Corporate and Commercial partner and CBR Brave head coach, Robert Starke, offering secondment roles is a natural extension of Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers, which has already been supplying contract lawyers and paralegals to government, corporates and not-for-profits for years.
“There is a high level of demand to supply Commonwealth government agencies and private corporations with quality secondees, and we are well placed to meet these market demands,” says Rob.
“Although our secondees primarily work at client sites, they definitely benefit from Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers’ support and excellent reputation. They can use their experience working with us to stabilise their work circumstances, solidify their career ambitions and, in certain instances, launch their careers.”
Tania Milovanovic is a Senior Manager at Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers and joined after almost a decade in the recruitment industry and five years in the public service. She says the benefits of secondments are fantastic for both contractors and organisations.
“Our clients get the very best staff who are supported by an established and respected law firm. They’re able to tap into a range of skillsets when they are needed most, without the risk or responsibility of hiring permanently.
“Secondees can further develop their skills, extend their networks, and experience the organisational culture first hand. My role is to make sure our clients get the people they need, and our people are placed in roles that suit their skills and experience.”
Tania says it’s not just experienced lawyers who are being placed on secondment, but also law students, graduates, paralegals and administration staff.
“Meyer Vandenberg has a very strong network, and are frequently approached by candidates who are truly passionate about their respective professional fields. Whether they are associate lawyers, graduates, students, or admin staff – these people are highly ambitious and very excited about secondment opportunities.”
Kate Grimmond is an Administration Officer at Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers and was previously a secondee herself.
“I was on secondment for almost two years, and it was my first time in the public service. I learned so much about the processes and procedures – it was a really great learning curve.
“When I was asked to join Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers it was the perfect fit for me. I really enjoy helping junior lawyers secure secondments that give them great exposure and help them decide what legal area they want to specialise in.
“For anyone thinking about doing a secondment, I would say go for it! It gave me such a great experience and I met so many new people. And for businesses thinking of engaging secondees they should know we have an amazing team who make us extremely proud when they’re out there. Secondments give everyone the flexibility they’re seeking, and it’s really a win-win situation for all.”
To learn more about secondments or securing a secondee for your organisation or department, visit Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers or call (02) 6279 4444.
Original Article published by Rachel Ziv on The RiotACT.
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