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‘You are always learning as a lawyer’
Young lawyers should take every opportunity they can to challenge themselves, according to this rising star.
Lauren Croft
Madison Blacklock is a lawyer at Maurice Blackburn and winner of the Rising Star of the Year – Private Practice category at the recent Australian Law Awards.
“I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and appreciation, particularly to my firm, Maurice Blackburn lawyers, and my colleagues. The opportunities and guidance I have received in my two years of practice is incomparable. In addition, our legal assistants and paralegals are extremely talented at Maurice Blackburn, and do so much behind the scenes to support us lawyers and our clients. To be surrounded by such a great team is truly a blessing, and a large credit to my success as a lawyer so far,” she said.
“I felt very honoured to be nominated twice. To be nominated for an award such as this does not happen often, and I felt I owed it to myself and those who nominated me to enter a submission. I also think it’s important to take all opportunities that come your way, and to put yourself out there, particularly as a new lawyer.”
Ms Blacklock credits a lot of her successes to the Maurice Blackburn team — and said that more young lawyers need better mentors and guidance early on.
“I know that I have been very lucky to receive the guidance that I have so far in my career. I know that a lot of young lawyers out there aren’t so lucky, and it can be a very daunting world,” she added.
“I often hear of new lawyers leaving the profession and this is really disappointing. Because of this, I think private practice more broadly needs to really invest time, effort, and energy into their young lawyers, and I think more focus can be placed in this space.”
As such, Ms Blacklock advised those entering the profession to challenge themselves and “say yes” to any and all opportunities.
“I would advise all young lawyers to say yes to opportunities that take you out of your comfort zone. You don’t grow if you don’t challenge yourself, and it is okay to get things wrong. I would also say that above all, prioritise your clients because they are the most important people in the equation,” she said.
“Lastly, you get out what you put in, so always do your best no matter what you’re working on. Health is also very important, and you should always maintain a healthy work/life balance.”
Opening herself up to opportunities has allowed Ms Blacklock to be involved in a number of notable cases so far, which have positively impacted her career to date.
“I was asked to be a part of the legal team for two of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers’ biggest social justice matters, Love v The Commonwealth; Thoms v The Commonwealth [2020] HCA 3. These were two High Court matters regarding Aboriginal Australians and we secured recognition that Indigenous Australian cannot be considered aliens under the Constitution,” she said.
“I worked as a junior instructing solicitor on these matters. To be involved in cases challenging such important issues was so rewarding in many ways. I think my willingness to take on challenges, and help my colleagues wherever possible, contributed to my involvement in this case.”
And moving forward, Ms Blacklock said that she hopes to impart wisdom to other young lawyers as she moves through her career.
“I love that you are always learning as a lawyer. You work with people from all walks of life, which requires you to learn and understand many different circumstances. I also feel very humbled when clients entrust me with their legal matters, and I take that job very seriously,” she said.
“In five years, I hope to be in a position where I can provide the quality of guidance I have received to other young or new lawyers. I think the first few years of practice are extremely important, and can set you up for the rest of your career. Because of this, helping others navigate through the earlier years of their career is something I hope I can do.”
Lauren Croft
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.
