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In this week’s episode of the Happy Lawyer Happy Life podcast, I was with solicitor Rachel Ravell. Rachel is currently working on a Government project here in Brisbane but is another wonderful example of how your legal career can take you in many varied directions.

Rachel grew up in regional Queensland and credits her decision to study law to an interest in the arts and humanities. Early in her degree, she took a part-time job transcribing records of interview in criminal proceedings which fast led to her obtaining her first role at the DPP and the rest is somewhat history.

Rachel spent many years working in the DPP, climbing the ranks before a family tragedy led her to rethink her direction.

I loved this conversation and learning about how Rachel has managed many challenges that life likes to throw at us but has kept a positive attitude along the way. She also shared with us her vision for her future in law and an exciting idea she has to launch a boutique practice. Rachel is another great example that there are many ways to be a lawyer and many paths to success.

In this interview Rachel Ravell and I also chatted about-

• If Rachel was not a lawyer she would have done something creative, like events planning or opening a cafe!
• Rachel’s early life in Queensland.
• Rachel’s decision to study law, but her ‘gap year’ in South Dakota USA and her highlight in joining a Marching Band!
• Rachel has recently joined the “law-chestra” and shares what she enjoys about the camaraderie and creativity!
• Rachel studied her law degree at UQ and started her legal career at the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
• Her experience of working with the DPP and her biggest learnings.
• Rachel completed an associateship for 12 months with Justice Julie Dick and her perspective of this invaluable time.
• Rachel returned to work at the DPP as a legal officer in Toowoomba.
• What is involved in being a DPP legal officer, working with crown prosecutors and drafting indictments.
• The contrast of work environment from Maroochydore (Sunshine Coast) DPP and Brisbane city.
• After a difficult family event, Rachel took a side step away from the law. She shares how she came to this decision after becoming aware of her own burnout in her role.
• Rachel’s tips on how to deal with burn out.
• Rachel became an in-house prosecutor at the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)- not something I knew existed until this interview!
• Rachels’s perspective on motherhood as a working mum working in the law
• After maternity leave, Rachel moved into the Department of Housing and Public Work where she is currently working on a policy project- anothr great niche law job I had not heard of before!
• Rachel’s perspective on the traditional markers of success.
• Rachel’s advice and tips for those coming into the legal profession.
• Rachel is part of The Club and her perspective of this group.
• Rachel’s Happiness Tip.

Sit back and enjoy this interview with Rachel Ravell.

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Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa Rayward at the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life’ knowledge centre-  A community for lawyers who want to make the best out of their life in and outside of the law.   

Listen to last week’s episode here