The Law Society and Young Lawyers Committee welcomed nearly 200 new and early-career practitioners to the annual Welcome to the Profession Breakfast on Friday, 17 April, held at The Westin Perth.
The event marked an important milestone for those beginning their legal careers, offering an opportunity to connect with peers, reflect on the journey so far, and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges of practice.
Delivering the keynote address, His Honour Justice Stephen Lemonis shared practical insights drawn from his own career, encouraging new practitioners to approach the profession with confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of purpose. While acknowledging that the early years of practice can be both exciting and daunting, His Honour reassured attendees that uncertainty and nervousness are a natural part of professional growth.
Justice Lemonis also invited new lawyers to think more broadly about how they define success. Rather than focusing solely on titles or positions, he emphasised the importance of integrity, fairness and the way lawyers contribute to their workplaces and the broader community. His remarks encouraged attendees to remain open to change, value their current experiences, and recognise that career paths are rarely linear.
A strong theme of the morning was the importance of community and culture within the profession. His Honour highlighted the role that new practitioners will play in shaping the future of legal practice, encouraging them to foster supportive, respectful relationships and to celebrate the achievements of their colleagues.
Importantly, he reminded attendees that this stage of their careers is not only about professional development, but also about building lasting connections.
“Now is an exciting time of your career… it’s a time of your career where you will make lifelong friends. Value it and be excited by it.”
The event highlighted the Law Society’s ongoing commitment to supporting practitioners at every stage of their careers.
The Law Society extends its congratulations to all new practitioners and looks forward to supporting them as they grow and contribute to the profession.
Thank you to our keynote speaker, Justice Lemonis, for his engaging and thoughtful address. A full image gallery will be available via the thank you email which will be sent to attendees shortly.
A special thanks to our principal sponsor, The College of Law, for its valued support.
