Meet Julia Vinckx

How did the Maddocks Clerkship set you up for success?

The clerkship set me up for success as it gave me an entry point into legal work, and developed my practical legal skills and communication skills. It assisted my transition from a legal secretary to a junior lawyer.

How has your career developed during your time at Maddocks?

My career development and progression has been slightly different to those of my graduate cohort. I initially started studying law in 2015 and was successful in landing a role with Maddocks as a legal secretary. During my time with Maddocks I completed an associate degree in legal practice (conveyancing) and then went on to complete a Bachelor of Laws with the full support of the Maddocks Partners.

In my penultimate year of study, I applied for, and was invited to complete the Maddocks Summer Clerkship program and returned as a casual paralegal. In 2023 I graduated, completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) and was admitted with my cohort as a lawyer.

The graduate year at Maddocks provided me a solid grounding in the practical and technical legal skills required to be a successful lawyer. The graduate program allowed me to explore three practice areas, work with excellent lawyers, and ultimately decide the next step in my legal career.

What teams did you rotate through as a Clerk?

As a clerk, I rotated through the Privacy team and the Disputes Resolution and Litigation team. Working with these teams gave me an insight into the different nature of litigation and privacy work and allowed me to meet and work with a wide range of people.

What teams have you worked with as a Graduate?

As a graduate, I have worked with the Property team, Privacy team and the Commercial Law teams.

During these rotations, I was involved in a variety of public law related work, including:

• assisting with drafting and negotiating Commonwealth leases,
• assisting with drafting privacy impact assessments, privacy advices, and attending privacy workshops, and
• assisting with drafting ICT contracts for software procurements and renegotiating existing contracts for our Commonwealth and Territory clients.

What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned during your time at Maddocks?

The most valuable lesson I have learned as a graduate is to ask more questions. Be critical of each task you are given and question everything.

The best thing about working at Maddocks?

The best thing about working with Maddocks is the accessibility of senior lawyers and ability to work with a mentor during the early years of my career. This is invaluable.

What advice would you give a potential seasonal clerk?

Enjoy the experience. Ask lots of questions and know that you are in a supportive and collaborative environment. Make time to engage with and collaborate with others and attend the social events.