For the past 16 years, solicitor Louise Prychidczuk has built a legal career unlike most others.
Louise bypassed city life to practise in Weipa, one of Queensland’s most remote communities, often as the only private practitioner.
Drawing on experience across a range of legal matters, Louise spoke with host Georgia Athanasellis on the latest episode of The Callover about life in Far North Queensland, the challenges of practising remotely, and why more lawyers should consider a regional career.
What’s life like in Weipa?
Louise says remote practice comes with logistical challenges, from technology issues to delays in obtaining basic supplies, but the lifestyle more than compensates.
“It’s colourful, it’s relaxed, which I love,” she said.
“I’ve forgotten what it’s like to commute. Those sorts of things have a really nice touch to them and we spend a lot of time together as a family, which I think has been really beneficial as I’ve been growing my children.”
What sort of legal matters cross your desk?
Louise describes her work as “mum and dad law” – helping ordinary people navigate the legal issues that arise throughout life.
“The bulk of my practice is conveyancing because that’s an area that I really enjoy helping people through the process,” she said.
“But I do a mixed bag. I do a lot of commercial work. There’s a fair bit of criminal work that still comes my way, the normal traffic stuff as well.
“So it is a bit varied, but very much mum and dad stuff, whatever would happen for them when they buy their house, when they make their will, when their 18-year-old gets booked for drink driving. Those are the things that I do.”
Is it difficult managing conflicts of interest in a tight-knit community?
Louise says the issue was challenging when she first arrived in Weipa but became easier with experience, mentorship and professional guidance.
“I will definitely remove myself from any matters where I feel that it would cause an issue,” she said.
“Where I think the conflict can be managed, I do so with complete openness and transparency with clients.”
While some matters can be managed safely, she says she is quick to refer clients elsewhere when necessary.
“I’ve got such a network now that I just refer people off to other wonderful solicitors that I’ve built relationships with.”
What advice would you give lawyers concerned about practising remotely without support?
Louise says one of the biggest lessons from her career is the importance of building a strong professional network.
In the early days of practice, she relied heavily on mentors, colleagues and Queensland Law Society guidance.
“I was very, very lucky that I had a lovely mentor who I had worked with for a long time, and he offered all kinds of levels of support to me to make sure that I was okay, make sure that I knew what I was doing.”
Today, technology has made it much easier to remain connected.
“Sometimes it’s just a quick text to a friend,” she said.
“…I’ll just reach out and say, ‘Listen, I need to pick your brains for 10 minutes’.”
At what stage of a legal career should someone consider moving to a remote community?
Louise says the answer depends largely on the level of supervision available.
“If you’re choosing a regional setting where you’re going into a small or boutique firm in a small town, if you’ve got available supports, be that by the principal or some senior staff in that in a little practice, then I think if you went at the three to five-year mark, you’d be fine,” she said.
“I definitely think that’s very achievable if you’ve got that oversight.”
The key, she says, is knowing what support structures are available before making the move.
Would you encourage other lawyers to practise in remote Queensland?
“Absolutely. I was discussing this in a meeting… I’m quite passionate about retaining good-quality professionals in the regions and in remote areas.”
She believes regional practice can provide broader experiences and greater responsibility earlier in a lawyer’s career than many city-based roles.
“I have had an amazing career and been exposed to some of the most unique areas of law by virtue of the fact that I’ve placed myself in Far North Queensland,” she said.
“…Even if someone doesn’t think they want to do it permanently, that exposure for a couple of years can make you a well-rounded lawyer.”
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