We are excited to share some wonderful news with you. Our principal solicitor, Carla Giles, has recently been featured in a Q&A for the Law Management Hub publication! 🎉
This Q&A sheds light on Carla’s passion for mentoring and provides invaluable strategies for strengthening mentoring programs and developing career pathways for staff. Let’s delve into some of the key insights from the article.
Q&A: Carla Giles – “I’m passionate about contributing to the growth and development of our junior solicitors who will go on to shape family law in the future.”
Carla’s Unique Journey into Law
Carla’s journey into law was anything but conventional. Raised in regional New South Wales, she battled severe epilepsy during her teens and early twenties, which delayed her university aspirations. However, with the support of her father, Carla eventually pursued law in her mid-twenties, studying part-time at night through the University of Sydney Law Extension Committee course. Her experience working in a law firm during the day fueled her passion for the legal profession.
The Path to Family Law
Despite initially focusing on international commercial arbitration, Carla’s career took a different turn when she joined a family law firm in regional NSW. This decision was serendipitous, given her personal experience with her parents’ high-conflict separation during her youth. Carla’s ability to empathise with clients going through similar situations made family law a natural fit for her.
The Role of People in Firm Success
“People are everything to me and everything to our firm,” Carla emphasises. The right staff not only shape the firm’s culture but also ensure clients receive personalised and consistent service throughout their family law journey. Recognising the importance of continuity, Carla has implemented strategies to retain top talent and create a supportive environment for her team.
Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent
Mentorship has been instrumental in Carla’s approach to developing her team. She personally mentors the firm’s junior solicitors, guiding them from the graduate level to fully competent lawyers who manage their own hearings. This investment in mentoring has not only developed skilled professionals but also fostered loyalty among staff, contributing significantly to the firm’s success.
Carla’s dedication to mentoring was recognised nationally when she received the Mentor of the Year award at the Australian Law Awards. For Carla, mentoring is a two-way street where she imparts legal knowledge and life experiences that contribute to the personal and professional growth of her mentees.
Practical Tips for Effective Mentoring
Carla offers some practical tips for law firm professionals looking to enhance their mentoring programs:
- Mentoring should be about adding value to the mentee’s life, not just benefiting the business.
- Mentorship should encompass both legal knowledge and personal development, including work-life balance and well-being.
- Consistency is key; mentors should regularly connect with mentees to build trust and provide ongoing support.
Challenges and Adaptations in Mentoring
Carla has adapted her mentoring style to accommodate diverse needs, including neurodiversity among her staff. This flexibility ensures that all team members receive the support they need to thrive professionally.
The Future of The Family Law Co.
Looking ahead, Carla plans to expand the firm’s service offerings while maintaining a boutique size that allows for personalised client service. She remains committed to mentoring her team through their personal and professional milestones, ensuring they flourish in their careers.
A Call to Action for Law Firms
Carla encourages law firms to prioritise formal mentorship programs to retain junior lawyers and support their professional growth. She believes this investment is crucial for the future sustainability of the legal profession, particularly in family law.
Conclusion
We are not just focused on practising law; we are committed to shaping the future of family law in Newcastle and beyond through mentorship and personal development. To read Carla’s full Q&A and learn more about her journey and insights, visit the Law Management Hub publication.
For more information on our services or to schedule a consultation with our team, visit our website at www.familylawco.com.au.
Let’s continue to build a brighter future for family law in Newcastle together 💼👩⚖️
