Shervin Tambrchi has learned to embrace the bizarre along with the opportunities of running a regional law firm.
Director at Absolute Law in Cairns, Shervin was one of four lawyers who qualified to receive a Queensland Law Society 25-year membership pin at the Celebrate Recognise Socialise event last night.
“Over the years I have been involved in some very interesting and sometimes truly bizarre matters whereby I probably would not have had such experiences if I was working in a capital city,” he said.
“I did legal studies in high school and enjoyed the subject, however I really did not know exactly what it was going to be like until I started working and realised how varied the work and clients can be.”
Shervin said the 25-year pin presentation was “a reflection of how blessed I have been to be able to do something that I enjoy for 25 years”.
“The day that you do this job for the money is the day you should retire.”
Amanda Millyard, Director/Principal at Millyard Family Lawyers, who was unable to attend due to work commitments, said having “a stable career doing work that I enjoyed” initially attracted her to the profession, along with “reading, research, analysing principles of law and having the opportunity to look after people’s interests in a meaningful way”.
Amanda Millyard also celebrated the milestone.
As a regional lawyer, she enjoys “the collegiality and civility of the local profession” and receiving the pin has meant a lot to Amanda who reflected on what it means to have been part of the profession.
“It certainly gives pause for thought, starting with ‘Has it really been that long?’. And, following with thoughts of being very grateful to the people in my life or who I have met along the way who have supported me to reach this milestone in my career,” she said.
“I am glad I have the opportunity to thank firstly my family (in whose footsteps I followed in having a legal career) and then to thank all my friends and legal colleagues over these – oh gosh, I have to say the word – many years who have mentored and/or supported me with their time and/or friendship and then to thank the wonderful people I currently work with.”
District Court Judge Morzone KC gave the toast.
Melinda Foley of Parisi Foley Law, who received her pin on the night, said she was first attracted to law “because of the intellectual challenge and my love of the written word!”.
“Since practising I most love hearing people’s stories and being able to help them in times of crisis,” she said.
Melinda agrees with Shervin’s assessment of regional lawyering about the variety of work that is available.
“Whilst I work principally in employment and disputes, I act across a wide range of different industries and for lots of different types of clients, from individuals to large corporations,” she said.
“I have had great exposure over my career to all types of dispute resolution – from Anton Pillar Orders and Mareva Injunctions to the more commonplace mediations and trials. Acting in the regions allows you exposure to great work and direct client contact, which is very rewarding.”
Receiving the 25-year pin gave her the “opportunity to reflect on my time in the profession and appreciate the great opportunities I have had and the enormous help I have had along the way – both from my family but also all of my colleagues and work mates”.
“It’s been an amazing journey to date and I’m looking forward to continuing for many more years.”
Another 25-year recipient was Michael Laycock (Preston Law).
His Honour Judge Dean Morzone KC gave the toast to the profession to complete the evening.
The CRS event followed the inaugural QLS Connect event.
QLS CEO Matt Dunn at the QLS Connect event.
The CPD event, worth two points, featured sessions on the Anti-money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024 and artificial intelligence.
Terri Mottershead spoke about AI.
Presenters included QLS CEO Matt Dunn; Centre for Legal Innovation Executive Director Terri Mottershead, who is chairing the Generative AI in Legal Practice Joint Working Group and QLS Innovative Committee Chair; and QLS Ethics Solicitor Shane Budden.
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