April 2025: Jo Draper is a partner in our Project Finance and Development Practice in Melbourne, Australia. She looks back at her career and reflects on what she wished she had known, and shares her advice for the next generation of lawyers.

Being part of a startup
The Firm was a brand new, challenger brand in Australia. But each of us as founding partners brought our own brand and our own clients. Now we're a market leader and an established presence here. But we're still growing, which is exciting. It's the best of both worlds.

You need to start building your relationships as a junior lawyer
When I started out in my career, I concentrated on being really good at my job and being an exceptional technical lawyer. But now I see that I could have done more to build relationships, both with clients and within my own team. Learning how to network and build your own professional relationships is extremely valuable.

I've grown and changed as a leader
The Firm has invested in me as a leader, which I appreciate. The leadership training I have benefited from has really changed how I approach leading a team. When the new Executive Committee came on board in 2023, my insight into change management was extremely helpful. I could see the "why" as well as the "how" of the new leadership team's approach, and I understood how it would strengthen our business.

Remember, this job is a marathon, not a sprint
I do a demanding, fulfilling, challenging job. When I had young children, I decided to step back a bit from my practice and enjoy those early years with the children. That decision extended to working part-time for 14 years, during which I was made a partner. I am now back to working full-time with two teenage children. As your life changes, you can rebalance your professional and personal lives. 

Your career objectives will change over time
That's something I tell associates—usually female associates—who are working out how to find their own equilibrium, especially when starting a family. Knowing that you can and should make medium-term decisions as well as keeping an eye on your long-term goals is ultimately empowering.

You can't be a good lawyer if you all think the same
A variety of experiences makes for a better team. It's better for our clients, because it means they get better legal solutions. It also makes for a better, more stimulating team dynamic. If everyone had the same perspectives and background, we would only get a narrow range of ideas.

Mentors can be from different walks of life
I have some mentors outside of the Firm and outside of law, who have been really trusted sounding boards for me. It's also very helpful to have someone inside the Firm, who understands the culture and nuances of working here specifically. 

Sometimes you need someone to nudge you in the right direction
During my early career, I moved into an in-house role as a way to rebalance my life, but it wasn't fulfilling me. It was a mentor who encouraged me to return to private practice. A good mentor can help shine a light on the right path for you, but they're not there to reassure you. You still need to be independent and make your own decisions.