Meet Ben Pertich
Ben is a Lawyer in the Banking & Finance team, Melbourne.
"Having a strong sense of community at work is important across any industry, but I think that it is particularly relevant in corporate law. Maddocks prioritises the health and wellbeing of its community, and I think that is paramount in the legal profession. There are countless initiatives, committees and events that are designed to let work be a place where you are comfortable being yourself."
Tell us about your time as a seasonal clerk at Maddocks. What teams did you rotate through, and how did the program support your development as a lawyer?
As a seasonal clerk, I rotated through both the Real Estate (Development) and Commercial (Banking & Finance) teams. I was involved in real work early on and trusted to contribute meaningfully from the outset. What stood out most was the approachability of everyone I worked with, which made it easy to ask questions and learn quickly. Throughout the program, it was clear that people were genuinely invested in helping me get the most out of my clerkship, often going out of their way to take the time to teach, explain and provide guidance.
Which practice areas have you experienced as a Graduate? What did you learn from those rotations?
I rotated through Real Estate (Development and Property) and Commercial (Banking & Finance, Corporate & Private Clients, and Tax & Structuring). This gave me a broad exposure to a diverse range of clients, across both the public and private sectors, and to work that was both advisory and transactional in nature. This breadth helped me build technical capability, while also developing experience working with different stakeholders - something that sits at the core of every lawyer’s role.
What’s one skill or lesson that has helped you grow most as a junior lawyer at Maddocks?
Once I realised that Maddocks was a workplace where I felt comfortable and supported, I was able to let curiosity drive my work. A strong legal acumen develops naturally when you are genuinely interested in the law and the practice area you are working in. Having the space and encouragement to explore areas of law that genuinely interest me has been key to my development as a junior lawyer.
What matters to you at Maddocks?
Having a strong sense of community at work is important across any industry, but I think that it is particularly relevant in corporate law. Maddocks prioritises the health and wellbeing of its community, and I think that is paramount in the legal profession. There are countless initiatives, committees and events that are designed to let work be a place where you are comfortable being yourself.
What advice would you give a potential seasonal clerk?
My (cliché) advice to potential clerks is to be yourself. The program is designed for you to determine whether you connect with the firm’s work and culture, and so your time will be most valuable if you seek to make real connections with people and deepen your understanding of the law. Make the most out of each opportunity you are given and always ask questions.
Since finishing the Maddocks Graduate Program, how has your career evolved?
I have since settled into the Banking & Finance team and couldn’t be happier. The team is really supportive of its juniors and I feel like the transition has been seamless. I look forward to developing my practice as a banking and finance professional but am also very grateful to have spent my last year among 13 fellow graduates who will become lifelong friends.
We offer a great place to Do What Matters to you.
By joining our clerkship and graduate programs at Maddocks, you gain first-hand experience working on interesting, often high-profile matters, for a range of clients.