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In this episode, my best friend Melissa Nielsen, who is a partner at the Cairns firm Miller Harris Lawyers, joined me to talk about the great work she has been doing as a commercial and property lawyer. Melissa has been a partner for nearly five years at Miller Harris, which is a dynamic and prominent firm, and she has been leading the way in establishing charitable partnerships and advocating for flexible work practices. A happy lawyer, Melissa shares what Miller Harris has done to win the QLS Equity and Diversity Award for small/medium sized practices two years running.

We also talked about the need to build relationships with clients in a regional center like Cairns and the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere at her firm. Of course, promoting change in her firm as partner, being a commercial lawyer and raising three young children is no easy task, but Melissa explains how she manages to embrace her hectic lifestyle.

Since recording this episode life has been turned upside down, losing Melissa to brain cancer in June 2020.  A chat between to friends about life in the law has taken on a whole new meaning for many of us now as this episode captures the voice, laugh and life that has touched so many.

Melissa Nielsen and I also chatted about-

• The transactional and logical aspects about commercial law that Melissa enjoys
• Flexible working practices allowing for high retention rates and a happy workplace
• Advantages of being a partner in terms of advocating for change
• Building relationships with clients or solicitors through phone calls, not emails
• The unique qualities of working in a regional practice like Cairns
• How office morale can be boosted through a charitable partnership
• Looking outside your job to see how your skills can help you find a deeper connection
• Embracing a hectic lifestyle to manage raising three young children and work
• Why you should not be afraid to ask for help or in sharing a burden
• The importance of taking your holidays

Since recording this episode life has been turned upside down, losing Melissa to brain cancer in June 2020.  A chat between to friends about life in the law has taken on a whole new meaning for many of us now as this episode captures the voice, laugh and life that has touched so many.

HAPPY LAWYER HAPPY LIFE

Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa 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.