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‘You have to be in it to win it’: Q&A with a 30 Under 30 judge
Here, Cornwalls partner Glenn Hughes – who himself is an award-winning lawyer – reflects on what he finds difficult about judging award programs, what judges are looking for, and what he doesn’t like seeing in submissions!
Cornwalls
Glenn Hughes – who won the Mentor of the Year category at the 2021 Partner of the Year Awards – has been a member of the judging panel for the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards for the past three years. Over this time, he has helped recognise promising young legal talent across Australia. Recently, he discussed the judging process with his firm ahead of this year’s awards ceremony, which will be held at The Star on 7 March 2024.
Professional life is now more competitive than it has ever been (and that’s a rather ironic statement to make in an interview about judging awards solely open to lawyers!), and we often become so distracted with achieving the next goal that we forget to stop and celebrate successes. That’s such a shame, as there are successes and optimistic stories all around us. Awards programs are great as they provide us with an opportunity to pause, reflect upon achievements and recognise hard work. I love being part of that positive process, particularly for deserving junior lawyers who may otherwise go unnoticed.
What is the most difficult part of the judging process?
I think a lot of people would be surprised by how much work goes into judging!
The criteria for the 30 Under 30 Awards are well established, so I generally know what to expect. However, each application (including all relevant supporting materials) is different and needs to be reviewed carefully and fairly. I feel that I have a duty of care to ensure that each applicant’s submission is handled with fairness and integrity and, importantly, with a level of consistency. That means the judging process takes time, not only to review each application but also to go back and re-review each application so that earlier ones are judged to the same standard as the later ones. Balancing this process while also fulfilling my day job ends up being a juggle!
What do you look for when judging applications?
As I mentioned earlier, I know what to expect, so I’m always looking out for something unique – the “x factor”, so to speak.
Generally speaking, I’m not looking for the applicant who has worked on the biggest deal or works for the most prestigious law firm. Rather, I’m looking for the applicant who shows the most potential, both in terms of becoming a future leader and their overall contribution to the legal profession. I’m therefore looking for the applicant who can demonstrate that they go above and beyond their job title – the applicant who exudes passion, drive, initiative, and innovative thinking.
Some of the most memorable applications I have judged have been where an applicant has had a great story to tell, which often demonstrates a specific skill or knowledge base – sometimes unrelated to law – and the applicant has used that skill/knowledge to add value to their firm, enhance the client experience and/or develop their personal brand.
Finally, just answering the question is boring for a judge! There needs to be an interesting story woven into the answer. Facts and figures by themselves are bland and meaningless – often, when I see a random fact or superlative thrown into an application, I ask myself, “they have included this point, but what does that mean for the story they are telling?”
Is there anything that you don’t like to see in applications?
I don’t like applications that obviously are overstated or aren’t accurate. I’ve seen many applications from very junior lawyers that state that they “led a billion-dollar transaction” – obviously, such a statement is rubbish, as I suspect the lead partner on the relevant matter would agree! Personally, I respect applications that are humble and honest, even if this means admitting challenges and struggles.
I think some applicants feel the size of the matters they have had the privilege of working on will get them across the line. However, “success by association” isn’t the silver bullet. Ultimately, the 30 Under 30 Awards are granted to individuals – I, therefore, want to know about each applicant and what they personally have done to go above and beyond, whether that applicant works at an international firm completing front-page deals or a suburban firm working on small local matters.
What advice do you give to young lawyers who wish to be recognised in the future?
You have to be in it to win it!
Awards are a great opportunity to boost your profile as well as seek recognition and validation for your work. Of course, not everyone can win or be a finalist, but unless you apply, you’ll never grasp the opportunity.
Even if you don’t make the finals, don’t be disheartened – applying for an award is an opportunity to self-reflect and probe into your strengths and weaknesses. You can use the process as a way of pinpointing the areas where you need to grow, so you not only become a better practitioner but you also increase your chances of becoming a finalist/winner next year.
My advice is just go for it!
