Finding my home in an unlikely place - tax law
When I was studying law at university, I didn’t expect to one day specialise in tax law. But I’ll share with you how I got here, how much I enjoy it and why I now can’t imagine doing anything else.
I joined JWS as a casual clerk/paralegal in January 2019, assisting the tax team with a large matter. I was then delighted in March to be offered the chance to join that year’s graduate program. I recall a whirlwind few days of cancelling dinner plans to go up to Sydney for a few days of training and introductions to JWS and its offerings nation-wide.
My initial period at JWS was a time of knuckling down with the rest of the team to get the job done – which suited me perfectly, as I was still fairly wide-eyed coming out of university. I was working with some excellent partners and senior lawyers and admired their work ethic and dedication, always putting the client first but also never failing to take the time to make me and the other juniors feel truly a part of the team.
JWS also had a robust social culture, which I was quickly discovering. There were Friday night drinks, bowling (both lawn and ten pin), fun runs and other events, but it was possibly more so just the lunchtime catch-ups that I enjoyed the most. The connections made in that formative time have proven to be lasting, and one of the reasons I am so enjoying my time at JWS.
As time progressed, I was gaining broad experience, working with exceptional lawyers across a wide array of matters. I felt an affinity with my colleagues whom I had great respect for and was glad to settle into the tax team.
Examples of tax disputes that I have worked on include a number of audits of a large multi-national and related federal court proceedings, an R&D tax incentive dispute and a payroll tax dispute before the NSW Supreme Court. On the advice side, examples include income tax and duty advice for a court appointed administrator for a deceased estate with significant assets, various mergers and acquisitions. I have also advised on superannuation guarantee issues, payroll tax, land tax and other land-related taxes.
We have a strong emphasis on continuing learning within the team and at JWS in general. One example of this is fortnightly training sessions where a member of the team will present on a recent case or topic. These sessions are invaluable opportunities to learn from each other and exchange comments and observations.
I also work with lawyers across JWS’ offices. There have been a number of opportunities to travel up to different offices and it is always good to catch up with my colleagues interstate.
There have been a number of opportunities to travel up to different offices and it is always good to catch up with my colleagues interstate.
I have recently commenced my Masters of Tax at Melbourne University with the full support and strong recommendation of the senior lawyers in the team. It is a fantastic opportunity to develop and expand my skills in tax.
I am excited for the years ahead at JWS and continuing to grow and learn as a lawyer.