David Nadilo, Junior Solicitor, Banking and Finance, Perth

It's hard to believe I've been at Mallesons two years. Although I don't feel any different from when I finished uni, it's only when I stop and reflect that I realise how much I've learnt during this period. I attribute this to the time and effort the firm has invested in my legal and personal development so far. Whether it has been through acquiring new legal skills during our Practical Legal Training course or by attending firm held seminars on relevant and interesting legal topics, the firm has really assisted in my transition from law graduate to junior solicitor.

I settled in Banking & Finance in February after two six month rotations in each of the Banking & Finance and Insolvency Litigation teams. My interest in finance law developed firstly, at university as finance was my second degree, and then by rotating through the Banking & Finance team. Although I always thought I'd become a finance lawyer, many solicitors in our team weren't as sure and have said to me that they never thought they'd be suited to finance law - I guess this illustrates the importance of approaching your rotations (no matter what group they may be in) with an open mind.

Since settling, I've been exposed to a variety of different deals - ranging from large project and property financing deals where we've usually acted for the lenders to smaller (albeit just as complicated) financing matters. Each matter is different which means that I've been learning new skills daily. During both rotations, I've been impressed with how my supervisors have taken the time to explain a matter's background before asking me to perform a task. It's amazing how much easier it is to do a good job when you have great instructions and an understanding of the matter!

My current team is full of colourful personalities (such as: a drummer, a singer, avid sports fans (me), theatre fans, solicitors from overseas) which makes work very enjoyable. Our team is also famous in the Perth centre for implementing (some time ago) "Cakeday Friday" which involves one person per week cooking a selection of baked goods for Friday morning tea. I think most of the other teams are jealous. Equally as entertaining, are the firm's many social events which are run by the terrific social club and rival any good university event.

Here's to the next year being as enjoyable as the last two.