Youthful attorney Elle Belekas named finalist in the Law Culture of NSW Awards

Congratulations on getting named finalist in the Regulation Culture of NSW Awards in the group ‘Early Occupation Attorney of the 12 months.’ How does it feel to be recognised?

I truly feel very humbled to acquire this recognition. It is an remarkable honour and a testomony to all the aid and steerage that I have received from so numerous excellent mentors to date. I frequently come to feel so encouraged by my peers and consumers, and I am inspired by the prospect of staying ready to make a constructive contribution to the occupation.

What encouraged you to get into the lawful occupation?

I understood that I wished to pursue a job in the legal career from a really younger age. My knowledge in debating and general public-speaking more than a lot of decades, involvement in the NSW Law Society’s Mock Demo competitiveness as equally a competitor and team coach, as well as my passion for creating, fostered my enthusiasm for viewing complex issues from diverse views. These ordeals coupled with my fascination for the impression of the legislation in each day, useful contexts cumulatively underpinned my aspiration to examine legislation. 

My enthusiasm for a authorized profession elevated as I progressed as a result of my Law and Commerce levels. All through my time at university, I was included in numerous capabilities competitions such as mooting as both of those a competitor and choose, as well as shopper interviewing as a director of the level of competition. These opportunities more enabled me to recognise the enjoyment that I acquire from problem-resolving and doing exercises important wondering notably beneath time force. By means of my position as an editor of the College of New South Wales Regulation Journal, I also developed a potent curiosity in authorized jurisprudence.

Through my reports, I made a enthusiasm for raising the accessibility of the legislation, which led to my involvement in different outreach applications, through which I had the prospect to communicate with students at educational institutions across regional NSW about their simple authorized legal rights. These experiences all confirmed to me that I had built the right decision in pursuing a legal career.

Notify us a tiny little bit about your legal occupation so much.

I commenced working in legislation firms from my very first 12 months of university, as I was immediately driven to blend my academic experiments with hands-on, sensible experience. This enabled me to obtain five years’ lawful practical experience prior to being formally admitted into the career in June this year.

Prior to graduating, I experienced worked in a little business, substantial corporate corporations, as effectively as in-house with the general counsel of just one of the world’s premier philanthropic organisations. Through these ordeals, I was in a position to guide with matters throughout different fields, which include company and commercial law, administrative legislation and dispute resolution for clients throughout assorted industries.

From pretty early on, I was afforded options to workout autonomy and accountability, but to also function collaboratively with my colleagues and purchasers in regard of big-scale lawful jobs. I am at present a lawyer at MinterEllison, where by I commenced my entire-time job since completing my college research.

Does your Greek heritage affect your work in any way?

I feel that my Greek heritage has subconsciously specified me a further appreciation for variety, inclusivity and a powerful work ethic. My grandfather, who arrived in Australia from Agrinio in Greece at only 16 years of age, has been a good position product to me and has usually emphasised the price of tough operate and training.

My early exposure to Greek as a 2nd language fostered my broader curiosity in overseas languages and cultures. I have now subsequently also carried out years of analyze in Latin and French.

What do you love the most about your get the job done? What are your foreseeable future options?

I extensively delight in the rapidly-paced and intellectually stimulating nature of authorized perform. Each and every lawful trouble has its possess nuances there is hardly ever ever a very clear-reduce resolution or path forward, and this would make the get the job done all the extra intriguing. I love being challenged and wondering strategically to navigate advanced difficulties and to contribute to developing commercially strong options. Currently being in a position to aid clients to access a optimistic outcome is very rewarding. I am also fortunate more than enough to do the job in a extremely collegiate, collaborative atmosphere and to be surrounded by like-minded and supportive people.

As for long term strategies, I will proceed to observe the journey and be guided by the assistance of my friends and mentors together the way. I will continue to keep demanding myself and striving to make a valuable contribution to the authorized profession and neighborhood.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

If you are anyone who is fascinated in pursuing a vocation in the authorized profession, by no means undervalue the value in speaking with other individuals within the lawful local community. There are so several excellent persons within the profession who would be very willing to present their insights and guidance.