‘Be humbled by your work’ – Meg Liberatore’s advice for aspiring family lawyers

Meg Liberatore began her career in a general practice firm and quickly found her passion in family law. She has since gone on to win the Paul & Paul Lawyers Sandra Paul Memorial Prize - Best Graduating Masters Student in Family Law.

We spoke with Meg about her experience in the Master of Applied Law (Family Law), her career to date and advice she has for lawyers looking to get into family law.

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

The best part about postgraduate study for me was being able to apply what I was learning in the course to my day-to-day practice as a family lawyer. This unique experience allowed me to directly apply what I was learning during the course to my cases at work. All the same, I was able to utilise my knowledge and experience acquired from practice with my studies.

It was also great to connect and build relationships with like-minded family lawyers throughout the course, whether it be the course lecturers or the students.

Do you have a lecturer you want to shout out?

I would love to express my appreciation for Selina Nikoloudakis. I really admired her dedication to the profession and her empathetic approach.

I was also in total awe of Cath Devine; her intelligence and confidence in her abilities is something I really aspire towards.

Each of Selina and Cath's approaches to teaching were different, but they both really resonated with me and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from them both.

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

I started my journey in law as a Legal Receptionist at Christopher William Legal. Due to the small size and the nature of the firm, I gained a very hands-on introduction to the law; getting a taste of various different areas including property law, civil and commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and wills and estates. I then moved into the role of Paralegal, and, following my admission to the legal profession, Solicitor. I will forever be grateful for the invaluable experience and exposure I received during my time at Christopher William Legal.

Upon realising that my passion lay family law, I made the leap to a family law firm in the Melbourne CBD, Aston Legal Group.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

I now work as a Lawyer at Aston Legal Group. My work here includes family law litigation (in relation to both property parenting related matters), intervention order work and the preparation of pre and post nuptial agreements. The most rewarding aspect of my role is being able to make a positive impact in people's lives during a really difficult time for them. The separation process and the Court system can be stressful for a client to navigate, and I pride myself on being able to provide clients with sensible and practical advice to bring them to a resolution of their legal issues. The feeling of knowing you have assisted your client to reach a settlement or achieve a favourable outcome for them is so inherently rewarding.

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

As a new lawyer, it can be overwhelming to realise how much there is to learn. It is easy to doubt yourself and worry about where you should even begin. What I have learned, is that a good lawyer never stops learning. There is always more to learn. Undertaking the Masters of Applied Law (Family Law) was a way for me to upskill myself and set myself apart from the rest. From a mindset perspective, it has helped me to gain confidence in my abilities. From a skillset perspective, I have broadened my knowledge and skills as a family lawyer tremendously.

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

Advanced Property, Maintenance and Child Support was a key subject for me as it allowed me to acquire a detailed proficiency in the more complex aspects of financial and property related matters. I also found the Advocacy subject incredibly useful as I was able to apply my knowledge gained from the subject to my court and mediation work where I appear as an advocate for my clients.

What advice would you have for lawyers looking to move into family law?

1. Continue learning and never stop. Read the Family Law Act 1975 cover to cover. Keep up with case law and subscribe to receive alerts and notifications from the Court about recent decisions. Enrol in courses, engage in continuing professional development and continue to expand your knowledge.

2. Choose your employer wisely. It is vital to your progression that you are surrounded by colleagues who will support you and mentor you.

3. Build rapport with opposing solicitors and barristers. You can be courteous to the opposing lawyer while still being a zealous advocate for your client. Find your style. Maintaining a positive reputation within the profession is paramount.

4. Be humbled by your work. Appreciate the privileged position you are in to make a positive impact in a client's life. Seize every opportunity to apply your unique knowledge and skillset to assist someone in need of your advice and guidance.