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LinkedIn favourite Jason Feng delivers practical guides for early career lawyers

Published:
27 Feb 2022
News
LinkedIn favourite Jason Feng delivers practical guides for early career lawyers

Jason Feng knows all too well the growing pains of life as an early career lawyer. As an Associate for Pinsent Masons with seven years experience in the law, he found himself helping new lawyers master the practical, day to day skills you don’t learn in law school. This spurred him to start posting his practical tips on LinkedIn - and with hundreds of reactions and comments to his posts, he has become the go-to for down-to-earth advice on every day legal work. 

We spoke to Jason about his latest initiative, practisinglaw.com.au, which provides practical step-by-step guides, like File Management for Junior Lawyers, or answers to FAQs. It’s an entirely free service that Jason contributes to the legal community. 

 

What inspired you to create practisinglaw.com.au? What does the site provide, and how can junior lawyers benefit? 

Like many lawyers, I felt there was a massive learning curve in the first few years of my career. Law school helps us start to think like lawyers, but it didn’t really prepare us for what it was like to work in a legal team or for day-to-day tasks. Meanwhile, it can be pretty stressful to learn on the job because we figure things out through making mistakes, but there’s also pressure to be mistake-free.

Now that I’ve been working for a few years, I’m in a position where I’m still learning, but can also pass on practical tips to newer lawyers in a relatable way. So I created a website to share the how-to guides and resources that I wish I had access to when I started. On www.practisinglaw.com.au, junior lawyers can find: 

  • short-form FAQs dealing with common workplace situations;
  • longer-form articles on topics like career development, skills for modern legal teams (e.g. project management), productivity tips and work/life balance; and
  • templates / resources / examples that can be applied to our everyday work.

 

Your Linkedin posts have become incredibly popular. What caused you to start posting tips for junior lawyers on linkedin? What are the key aspects of your most popular posts? 

I was always curious about Linkedin. It seemed like everyone needed to have a profile, but nobody really used it because most lawyers didn’t find the content on it helpful. (I guess it was all the ‘honoured and humbled’ style posts).

When Covid lockdown started, I found myself doing virtual graduate training at my firm and thought I might as well try uploading some of the tips on Linkedin in case other junior lawyers who were working remotely would find it helpful. Turns out it was pretty useful and it’s just been gradually growing ever since. 

I’ve had chats with many new lawyers and what resonates most with them is that:

  • there are always step-by-step actions that they can take after reading my posts (instead of vague ‘sounds-good’ advice like “find a mentor” or “build your network”); and
  • I’m not some sort of ‘super lawyer’ – I’ve made mistakes and shared what I’ve learned in a way that’s simple to understand and easy to follow.

 

How have lawyers responded to your linkedin posts and practisinglaw.com.au? 

The response has been really positive. I’m really grateful because most of the career advice for juniors is written by super successful lawyers with 10+ years of experience. So I really didn’t know what people would think about the things I was sharing.

The best part has been all the people who have reached out to have a chat with me. The law students and newer lawyers have been really open with the issues that they’re facing so I can make sure I’m actually giving helpful advice. Quite a few experienced lawyers from around the world have offered to chip in with creating content or to collaborate because they’re passionate about helping junior lawyers as well.

It’s created some really cool opportunities for me to do more mentoring and training – which I never would have been able to if I didn’t start writing about this.

 

Where do you work now, and what does it involve?

Right now I’m working as a construction and projects lawyer at Pinsent Masons. In a nutshell, my job is to help construction companies deliver projects on time, within budget and of a high quality – without taking on unreasonable risks.

I’d say a lot of my work involves learning about how things are built, thinking about all of the different things that can realistically happen in a project, and reaching commercially sensible agreements on who should be responsible if those things happen.

On any given day, I could be helping companies bid for new projects, trying to minimise disputes, helping commercial teams understand their contracts or giving advice on how to deal with surprises from a legal perspective (like Covid!).

My clients (i.e. commercial and project managers, engineers, consultants, etc) are all trained to think really practically. So to keep up, I need to really understand what they’re doing and the real life consequences of any issue or solution.

 

What's the top piece of advice you wish a senior lawyer had told you in your first year of practising law?

As junior lawyers, we should create opportunities to play to our strengths and design our careers the way that we’d like. 

When I started out, I definitely wasn’t proactive enough in getting involved in the interesting projects or trying to be known for things that I was excited about. I kind of just did the work that I was given and hoped that my career would somehow work out that way. My focus was to just fix up all the areas I was weak in (whether that was networking, or attention to detail, or dealing with disputes) instead of leveraging what I was good at.

Now I can see how easy it actually is for new lawyers to start becoming the ‘tech expert’, ‘BD person’ or whatever else they’re interested in from day 1. And it’s probably the best way to actually build self-confidence and create a more sustainable legal career. 

It can be a bit daunting to overcome that initial self-doubt – I’ve tried breaking down the steps with a tech expert example here – but so worth it in the long run. If I can somehow become the guy that writes how-to guides for junior lawyers, then you can be anything you want.

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Graduate Certificate in Applied Law Guide

Looking to boost your legal career but not ready to dive into a Master of Laws (LLM)?
 
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Law might be the answer.
 
Offering a flexible and affordable way to upskill, the Graduate Certificate is a popular option for busy legal professionals looking to sharpen their skills or master a particular field.
 
Download this course guide to receive more information. 
5 reasons to complete your PLT even if unsure about law

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5 reasons to complete your PLT even if unsure about law

Whether you’re studying or have already completed your law degree, you may still be mulling over where you’d like your career to go. And that’s okay. But doing the PLT is a good idea regardless. Here’s why. 

How ESG will impact your area of practice in law

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How ESG will impact your area of practice in law

Four years ago, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles barely registered, even today many people are left asking – “what is ESG?”. In a nutshell ESG is a framework that is used to assess a businesses’ sustainability and ethical performance. ESG principles are an ever-growing part of doing business today. For those wanting to know more about ESG the College of Law will be holding a free ESG in Australia seminar Thursday 18th of May onsite at the College headquarters in Sydney and online. 

The future has never looked brighter: words from our CEO on the College’s big move

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The future has never looked brighter: words from our CEO on the College’s big move

After more than 50 years at St Leonards, The College of Law is moving into the heart of Sydney’s CBD in early 2022.

A Lawyer's Guide to Getting Published

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A Lawyer's Guide to Getting Published

Looking to enhance your area of legal expertise via publication? Academic journals have long been a popular option for lawyers to establish a strong reputation in their practice area.

Find purpose and fulfill your potential: How to decide which career path to pursue

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Find purpose and fulfill your potential: How to decide which career path to pursue

So how do you know what path to pursue when you don’t have a clue? Here are 6 strategies to help you find a career that’s right for you. 

Reclaiming your career after a career break

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Reclaiming your career after a career break

Insights explores the issue of when lawyers decide to take a temporary break from the law, and what both lawyers and employers can do help experienced legal professionals return to the profession.

From LLB to Parliament – Australia’s Politicians-Turned-Lawyers

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From LLB to Parliament – Australia’s Politicians-Turned-Lawyers

Australia’s recent change in leadership has set the nation’s eyes on Malcolm Turnbull. Over the coming weeks and months, the newly appointed 29th Prime Minister will reveal his mettle as a national leader.

From ballroom dancing to the law: Meet PLT alum Helena Angela Hanna

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From ballroom dancing to the law: Meet PLT alum Helena Angela Hanna

While completing her law degree and Practical Legal Training with the College of Law, Helena Hanna also kept up with her interests outside of studies. Learn more about Helena and her law degree experience.

How to merge your love of music with your legal career: Chelsea's story

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How to merge your love of music with your legal career: Chelsea's story

Learn how Chelsea Donoghue merged her lot of arts and law: How she managed her study while on world tours, what she loves most about her work at Sanicki Lawyers, and what’s next.

Graduates and prize winners recognised in June ceremony

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Graduates and prize winners recognised in June ceremony

Graduates and prize winners celebrated their achievements, received their awards and honours remotely due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions.

How AI is being used in Family Law

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How AI is being used in Family Law

To understand where legal AI use cases are showing up within family law, the College spoke with two highly experienced practitioners who have incorporated AI into their legal practice in different ways. Fiona Kirkman, principal at Kirkman Family Law, embraced ChatGPT early on in her practice, while Jenna Downy, solicitor at Family Law Matters, helped train LawY, an AI legal research assistant.

How to exit your job gracefully in law

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How to exit your job gracefully in law

For the 1 in 4 Australian lawyers considering leaving their job, the current job market is tipped in their favour. However, Australia’s legal profession is tight-knit and relatively small, so reputation matters. If you are leaving your role for fresh challenges, here are our top tips on how to exit your job gracefully in law, from the College of Law’s National Careers Advisors Ruth Beran and Susan Pincus.

Juggling full-time work, parenting and PLT possible through the College of Law, says Kerala Drew

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Juggling full-time work, parenting and PLT possible through the College of Law, says Kerala Drew

Kerala Drew found the path to qualifying as an Australian lawyer fraught with roadblocks. Learn how she landed her first job in law, what set her College of Law PLT experience apart from prior study, and what advice she might have for lawyers looking to join the Australian legal profession.

6 tips to build your brand and leave a lasting impression

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6 tips to build your brand and leave a lasting impression

Here are 6 tips to help you leave a lasting impression and showcase your worth. 

When commercial acumen meets common courtesy: Ankurpreet’s LPMC story

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When commercial acumen meets common courtesy: Ankurpreet’s LPMC story

Ankurpreet Singh was thrust into a costly commercial conflict, which made him determine to pursue a legal career. To make his dream a reality, he enrolled in the College of Law’s LPMC – where he bolstered his business competence and confidence.

How to get into Wills & Estates with Rick Christie

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How to get into Wills & Estates with Rick Christie

Rick Christie, owner of ChristieLaw and committee member of STEP NSW, had always been attracted to the personal side of wills and estates. Insights spoke to Rick about how he came to specialise in wills and estates, what advice he might have for lawyers looking to move into the area, and what role industry organisation STEP can play for lawyers keen to become specialists.

Legal Practice Management Course Queensland - Course Guide

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Legal Practice Management Course Queensland - Course Guide

Download the QLD Legal Practice Management Course Guide to learn how our program can prepare you to manage a law firm or take on a leadership role within an established practice.

Legal Practice Management Course Western Australia - Course Guide

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Legal Practice Management Course Western Australia - Course Guide

Download the WA Legal Practice Management Course Guide to learn how our course can help you meet the requirements for a Principal Practising Certificate and successfully manage a legal practice.

Graduate spotlight: Stella Richards on how the shift from health to law was like ‘learning a new language’

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Graduate spotlight: Stella Richards on how the shift from health to law was like ‘learning a new language’

Since completing her Practical Legal Training (PLT) at the College in 2023, Stella Richards has been a valued part of the commercial team at leading Australian law firm Russell Kennedy. But she started out in a different field entirely. Stella’s story shows that hard work, determination and a good deal of courage can lead you to your perfect career – even if you change direction once or twice along the way.

The differences between law school and legal practice

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The differences between law school and legal practice

Discover the key differences between law school and real-world legal practice, including handling complex cases, simplifying legal jargon, managing tight deadlines, and developing essential soft skills.

New Resolution Institute and The College of Law partnership to maximise skills and experience

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New Resolution Institute and The College of Law partnership to maximise skills and experience

Resolution Institute and The College of Law are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership aimed at establishing a symbiotic cooperation which will maximise the resources of both organisations through mutual collaboration and the sharing of expertise and efforts in education and training.

Navigating Age Discrimination In The Law With Tile Imo

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Navigating Age Discrimination In The Law With Tile Imo

Bias and age-based discrimination remains an issue in the workforce, despite legal protections. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of age bias claims with Tilé Imo, Associate Director of Caxton Legal Centre. We explore the evolving legal landscape, effective strategies for litigating age discrimination cases, and the emerging trends that lawyers need to be aware of to best serve their clients.

Major changes ahead with the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 in progress

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Major changes ahead with the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 in progress

Major changes are coming that will impact the family law system and the way practitioners operate in Australia. The Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 is currently under debate in parliament and after its third reading, it is now under review with the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee. The College of Law will provide legal training support when the Family Law Amendment Bill commences, but in the meantime, we spoke with College of Law adjunct lecturer Kathryn Kearley to find out about the most important changes.  

Graduates, prize winners honoured at the Winter 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony

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Graduates, prize winners honoured at the Winter 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony

The College of Law recognised over 200 graduates of its Postgraduate Specialisation Programs at the 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony on 1 August. These awards included the Master of Laws (Applied Law), Master of Applied Law (Family Law), Graduate Diplomas of Applied Law and Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Practice (FDRP).

How to get a government job in law: everything you need to know

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How to get a government job in law: everything you need to know

Embarking on a legal career in local, state, or federal government can be an exciting move. There are many pathways for development, a broad range of practice areas, and often a healthy work-life balance. These roles are highly rewarding, and highly competitive, the College of Law tells you everything you need to know about landing a government job in law.

The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

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The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

We talk to the College of Law’s Adrian Deans, Academic Policy & Quality, James Crittenden, Head of Short Courses and CPD, and Lewis Patrick, Chief Academic Officer, about some of the pragmatic impacts of the Queen’s passing on the law and Australian legal profession.

3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

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3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

Parting ways in a relationship is never easy, and family lawyers are generally the first professional separating couples encounter when they end a relationship. For all of these reasons Angela Harbinson created The Separation Guide, which aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful.

Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

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Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

Starting a business is never easy. What step should you take first? How do you negotiate the ins and outs of your legal requirements if you’re not a lawyer? Even for a seasoned lawyer these steps are complicated…And what if you also face unique cultural considerations and complexities?

Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

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Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

There’s no doubt the legal sector can be an intense work environment. Thanks to heavy caseloads and fierce competition, lawyers and other legal professionals are facing stress, anxiety and burnout on a concerning scale. But according to executive transition coach and CEO at Lucent Global, Ellie Scarf, it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s one tool that can help you manage a plethora of professional challenges. That tool? Self-awareness.

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