Fatimah El-Kordi began her career with Legal Aid NSW in the Civil Law Division. She then stumbled into insurance law and has now opened her own firm, Kor Legal. After recently winning Best Graduating Masters Student in the Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Commercial Litigation, we spoke to Fatimah about her career and advice she has for people looking to follow a similar path.

Congratulations again on being recognised as a best graduating student. What was your favourite part of postgraduate study?

My favourite part of postgraduate study would have to be the practical aspect of this course. I really enjoyed each and every assessment as I was able to challenge myself, reflect on my learning, and apply it to my current job.

Do you have a lecturer you want to shout out?

I can't choose one, so I will have to shout out Darrell Kake and Anthony Kauffman who were great lecturers in the program.

What was your first job in law? What led you to your current role?

I worked as a Legal Support Officer, while also completing my Practical Legal Training with Legal Aid NSW in the Civil Law Division. I really enjoyed the variety of work in civil litigation, and knew that I wanted to be a litigator, even though I had previously thought otherwise. I then happened to stumble into insurance as a law graduate and haven’t looked back since.

Where do you work now, and what is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

I very recently started my own law firm, Kor Legal. It is rewarding seeing that my clients feel reassured and confident in the advice and representation that I provide.

How have your studies helped with what you do at work? Has it helped progress your career?

Completing my studies cemented the foundations of Commercial Litigation and reaffirmed what I do daily. Being challenged with practical questions, allows you to assess how you might deal with legal issues, and whether there may be a better approach. It has definitely helped progress my career and given me the confidence to start my own law firm to better service my clients.

Was there a particular subject you found helpful to your current practice?

I predominantly work in Insurance Litigation, and I found that completing the Insurance Disputes subject in the Masters really allowed me to analyse my strengths and weaknesses in that area of law. Attaining a HD in Insurance gave me a great sense of accomplishment and has given me that extra boost of confidence when advising clients on complex insurance claims.

What advice would you have for lawyers looking to move into commercial litigation?

Be organised ! Write things down twice - electronically and on paper. You never know when your computer might decide to accidentally remove important dates from your diary.

I would also say to be kind and courteous of your colleagues, it will make your job in litigation more pleasant and rewarding. Your attitude is important when dealing with the other party, and you wouldn’t want a poor attitude to get in the way of a favourable settlement for your client.

Related Resources

Learn more about the Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Commercial Litigation

Top end litigator wins best graduating student in Commercial Litigation

Meet Best Graduating Student in Commercial Litigation, Dominique Mayo