What My First Six Weeks at Safewill Legal Have Been Like

Starting somewhere new always comes with questions. What will the work actually be like? Will the quality of legal practice be what you’re used to? Will you feel supported? And will the role help you grow in the right ways?

Six weeks into joining Safewill Legal, I can honestly say the experience has been different to what I expected - in a very good way.

Onboarding That Sets You Up Properly 

One of the first things that stood out to me was the onboarding. It has probably been the most comprehensive onboarding process I’ve had at any firm. From the beginning, there was a clear structure around how I would get up to speed, and I felt genuinely supported through that process. The combination of modern tools, practical training, and close mentoring helped me build confidence quickly and get up to speed faster than I expected. I also had plenty of support in the areas where I needed more guidance, which made the whole experience feel thoughtful, practical, and very well designed.

What I appreciated most was that the training translated into practice straight away. The work here does test you. You need to think on the spot and respond clearly, often with less time than you might have in a traditional firm setting. But that has actually sharpened my skills. It has made me more confident in how I structure calls, how I communicate advice, and how I work through issues in real time.

Complex Work, Broad Exposure

The breadth of work has also expanded my knowledge quickly. Before joining, I had been more focused on higher net worth clients. Here, I’m working with a much wider range of people and circumstances, and that has been incredibly valuable. I’ve also had exposure to matters across almost every state and territory, which has pushed me to broaden my understanding of estate planning issues in different jurisdictions. That kind of variety has been one of the most rewarding parts of the role so far.

Something I think is important to say clearly is that the standard of legal work here is no different to what you’d expect from a traditional firm. The quality of work is exactly what I would expect, and the lawyers around me are smart, experienced, and come from very strong backgrounds. What feels different is not the legal rigour - it’s the way the work is delivered. It feels like a more modern way of practising, with the right tools and systems in place to support both lawyers and clients.

Real Ownership 

I’ve also really enjoyed the level of ownership I have over my work. In previous roles, it was sometimes more a case of being handed instructions and then drafting from there. At Safewill Legal, I’m often the first lawyer the client speaks with, which means I get a much more complete picture of their circumstances from the outset. I enjoy that end-to-end responsibility. It makes the work feel more engaging, and it gives me more ownership over my matters.

Even in my first month, I felt comfortable raising ideas for improving precedents and legal documents, and those suggestions were welcomed. That openness has made a strong impression on me. There is a real sense that if you have a good idea, you can raise it. You are not just here to do the work in front of you - you are encouraged to contribute to making the practice better.

Genuine Growth

Another thing that has stood out is how much I’ve grown already. I feel more confident in client conversations, more structured in the way I work, and more aware of how to help clients understand the value of the legal advice they are receiving. That has been satisfying in itself, but even more than that, I’ve found it rewarding to see clients genuinely take that advice on board and feel more at ease because of it.

That human side of the work has probably been the most meaningful part of the role. Estate planning often intersects with really personal, emotional, and sometimes difficult life circumstances. In just these first six weeks, I’ve had moments where I felt I was able to give someone clarity and reassurance at a time when they really needed it. That matters. It is a reminder that good legal advice can have a real impact, not just as a technical service, but as something that helps people feel informed, supported, and more in control.

Modern Practice, Strong Standards

What has surprised me most is that this role still feels every bit as much like legal practice as any traditional firm I’ve worked in - but with better systems, more accessibility, and a more modern way of working. Legal judgment still matters. Strong standards still matter. But technology is used in a way that helps lawyers work more effectively, and that changes the day-to-day experience for the better.

Six weeks in, I feel supported, challenged, and genuinely happy with the move. For lawyers considering something different, Safewill Legal has shown me that you do not have to choose between quality legal work and a more modern, forward-thinking environment. You can have both here.

Open roles

To learn more about current opportunities at Safewill Legal, you can contact Emily directly using the chat feature on the right.