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Partner profile: Justin Senescall
Every fortnight we ask a law firm partner a series of rapid-fire questions about their career. This fortnight: Truman Hoyle's Justin Senescall.
Digital
Which firm are you with?
When did you join that firm?
July 2012.
When were you made a partner of that firm?
I was made a partner in July 2012.
Which firm were you at most recently?
K&L Gates (formerly Middletons).
What practice group are you with?
Intellectual property.
What has been the most significant change to your practice area during your career?
Technology. Companies such as Microsoft have huge intellectual property portfolios and it is often those intangible assets that give businesses an edge over competitors. It is fascinating to see how the law is changing, or not changing in some cases, to accommodate such technologies. For instance, smartphones were not anticipated when the Copyright Act was enacted in 1968 and many of the protections we took for granted are really under challenge!
What has been a major career highlight for you?
Becoming a key advisor to many well-known musicians and creative types (particularly considering I am not musically or creatively gifted). Truman Hoyle’s new Cooperation Agreement with international knowledge economy firm Bird & Bird is also an exciting prospect for someone relatively new to partnership life.
What do you like about being a lawyer?
Empowering clients by providing them with information. As well, my area of the law has enabled me to meet and be inspired by many incredibly creative people in enormously diverse fields of endeavor.
What do you find challenging?
The ‘fast forward’ style of practice of law that technology has provided us. For example, receiving phone calls to check that I have received an email and/or text message (10 minutes after the former has been sent). I was speaking to a barrister the other day who has recently retired, he liked the turnaround time of handwritten letters sent by snail mail!
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
[I enjoy] racing cars (on race tracks!). I am currently finalising sponsors to enable me to enter an annual race called Targa Tasmania that I first got asked to race in 10 years ago. I declined the offer twice because of Master’s subjects I was enrolled in at the time and have regretted not participating ever since. When I am not risking my life, I enjoy travelling and catching up with friends.
