Meet Rishi Chhugani

How did the Maddocks Clerkship set you up for success?

With very limited legal experience before starting at Maddocks, the supportive culture and variety of work I experienced during the clerkship program helped build my confidence in and understanding of a legal career. It helped build a strong relationship with my fellow clerks and everyone else in the firm which continued through to the graduate program.

What teams did you rotate through as a Clerk?

During my clerkship, I had the opportunity to rotate through the Technology, Media and Telecommunications and Corporate teams. Beginning my legal career at the firm, I understood that I wanted to be a transactional lawyer, but was not sure of which area to pursue.

Both teams provided me with valuable insights and exposure into a number of different areas. I was able to build relationships with excellent lawyers within the firm who invested time into making sure my experience as a clerk was maximised. My experience as a summer clerk acted as an invaluable launch point for my position as a graduate at Maddocks.

What teams have you worked with as a Graduate?

After my excellent time as a summer clerk, I decided to rotate as a graduate in those teams. I also had the opportunity to rotate through the Real Estate team, which I thoroughly enjoyed. While all teams were front-end transactional teams, I came to appreciate the vast differences and associated approaches that come with different subject matters and varying clientele.

What’s the best thing about working at Maddocks?

The way Maddocks enables you to discover your own path, while providing just the right amount of guidance to help you along the way. The ability to choose 2 rotations during your clerkship and 3 rotations during the Graduate program enables you to try different areas of law that you may be interested in, and also try areas that you have no idea about.

With the variety of work that each practice team does at Maddocks, it is easy to get exposure to areas that, while they sit under a similar more general umbrella, are largely different. This is one of the best experiences at Maddocks as it enables you to try different things and find your niche at your own pace.

What advice would you give a potential Summer Clerk?

Be yourself. Maddocks has chosen you because of your positive attitude, passions and curiosity. Keep an open mind, be proactive, and take every opportunity to meet someone new and try something different.

What’s the most valuable career lesson you’ve learned at Maddocks so far?

One of the most valuable lessons I have learnt at Maddocks is the importance of communication. Throughout university, you are taught to be independent and meet deadlines as prescribed. However, the culture and value of stewardship at Maddocks has promoted that independence whilst demonstrating the benefits that come from asking for help (even if you think the question is silly, it’s not) and communicating when you think you might not be able to meet a deadline (more often than not, it’s fine).