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Burch&Co is made up of brilliant, caring and unique individuals. Each member of the team brings their own perspective and passions to their role. Collectively, we are united in our human-centred approach to law.
The Meet the Team series aims to shine a light on the wonderful humans that make up Burch&Co. In this instalment, get to know Nicholas, a paralegal within our Commercial team.
What made you want to get into practising law?
Earlier on in life my nanna told anyone that would listen that one day there would be a lawyer in the family. That was probably before I even knew what a lawyer was, but I think that’s when the seed was planted. I remember her being incredibly proud when I enrolled in my law degree and it’s probably my most cherished memory of her.
Which area of law interests you most?
Data privacy isn’t an area I thought much about before starting at Burch&Co, but I’ve quickly found it to be pretty fascinating. Whether we are working with a startup to form good habits of data collection and retention, or working with established businesses to make sure they comply with ever-changing laws and regulations, working in this space is always satisfying. As an aspiring engineer, I find some of the technical aspects of data privacy and cybersecurity super interesting.
What do you do day to day?
No two days are the same at Burch&Co. Whether we’re working in wills and estates, or in the wonderful world of startups, we are constantly tailoring our services to each client’s needs. Personally, I’m tasked with doing all I can to make the rest of the team’s job as smooth as possible.
On any given day I could find myself preparing and formatting documents, drafting email communications, or conducting legal research, all in an effort to ensure that clients are responded to in a well-informed manner within a reasonable time.
More recently, I’ve been taking part in client meetings to form meaningful relationships with the people we work with, and this has made the work that much more fulfilling.
What do you love most about working at Burch&Co?
The first thing that springs to mind is the feeling that my leaders sincerely want to see me become the best version of myself, not out of any selfish need, but because they have taken a genuine interest in my development. While I do think I am intrinsically motivated to work hard and improve myself, it is that much easier when your leaders genuinely want you to succeed for yourself.
I also appreciate the like-minded but unique group of people that I get to work with every day. The team is made up of people that I hope to be like one day, professionally and personally, and so, as a very junior member of the firm, I am spoiled for choice when it comes to mentor figures. I get to say that I feel supported in the law, and as a fiercely competitive and adversarial area by nature, this is something that I value highly.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I’m the youngest of four siblings, and from that I’ve been lucky enough to become an uncle pretty early in my life. I love going to watch my nieces and nephews play sport, and I’m always available to look after them during the week to give my siblings a night off. Otherwise, my partner and I support Carlton as best we can on the weekends, usually after playing our own softball, netball, or basketball.
How has Burch&Co supported your development throughout your early career?
It really ties into what I love about working here, but the frequency of feedback and availability of mentors, collaborative environment, and diverse areas of work are what I believe have helped to develop me professionally.
The team aspect and effort to put forth competent and useful work in a timely manner, has helped me to form what I think are good, healthy habits. More specifically, there’s a strong emphasis on self-improvement, confidence, and working outside of your comfort zone to keep developing as a person and as a legal professional.
Author: Nicholas D’Orazio, Paralegal, Commercial Team
