By Jayden Asmus
The Law Society’s Emerging Lawyers Conference on 20 March 2026 was my first external CPD experience since being admitted as a lawyer in 2025. I was unsure what exactly to expect going into the conference. I questioned whether I would learn anything new, and whether the conference would broaden and contextualise my perspective as an early career lawyer.
The conference provided an opportunity to extend our learning beyond the confines of our often-siloed daily practice, and explore a range of topical issues, relevant to our experience as early career lawyers.
The diversity and breadth of topics delivered by unique and inspiring perspectives continuously challenged my understanding of what it means to be a successful lawyer, practising in such an impactful profession. The keynote presenters made me question how I considered the rule of law, truth and integrity (concepts I previously considered to be ‘simple’ unchanging notions), and emphasised the power of being a strong negotiator, both within the legal profession and beyond.
Rabia Saddique’s inspiring keynote resonated strongly with me, particularly how she contested the notion that a strong negotiator achieves the desired outcome ‘at all costs’. Rather, a successful negotiator is able to achieve a positive outcome, while not compromising their ethics, professionalism and sustainability in the legal profession. It was frequently acknowledged by the presenters that the legal profession in WA is small, meaning reputation is currency, and difficult to repair. This was a timely reminder to not compromise our personal values and ethics while trying to ‘prove ourselves’ as strong advocates in the early stages of our career.
I admired how the presenters at the conference acknowledged the varied demands faced by lawyers (particularly emerging lawyers), both in a professional and personal context. The panel discussion addressing burnout, boundaries and ‘being human’ provided a poignant (and often overlooked) perspective regarding the importance of prioritising a sustainable, fulfilling career, as opposed to a short-lived career fuelled by a lack of self-respect or understanding of our own mental wellbeing and boundaries.
While the conference did not present a ‘solution’ to issues regarding burnout and stress in the legal profession, the practical tips regarding communicating boundaries and understanding our own internal needs will stand us in good stead for long, fulfilling careers.
A common theme reflected throughout the conference was how the ‘imposter syndrome’ that often comes ‘part and parcel’ with being an early career lawyer is hard to avoid, much less overcome.
The experiences shared by the esteemed, accomplished presenters (including judicial officers, politicians, senior legal practitioners and business development experts) emphasised the notion that a career in law is a career in learning. That is, we have never truly mastered our practice in law and should embrace the opportunities for growth and be kind ourselves when we make mistakes. As many of the presenters rejoiced, ‘the world will not end’ when a mistake is made. The sooner this becomes apparent, the more resilient we become.
At times, the conference encouraged me to reflect on how I want to be remembered in the legal profession, and to truly appreciate the sheer privilege of contributing to the legal profession. While many of the attendees at the conference shared similar characteristics, what really resonated with me as I departed was how my individual career and pathway will not (and should not) mimic anyone else. Rather, my career choices should reflect my uniqueness and passions.
Being afforded opportunities to come together (beyond the often-siloed confines of working in a particular legal industry) and explore relatable issues, demonstrates the importance of maintaining connections and a sense of community within the legal profession, particularly as early career lawyers.
I look forward to future Law Society events as my career progresses.
