We’re proud to celebrate an amazing milestone achieved by one of our team members. Teneille has officially become a Solicitor! With her practising certificate having arrived at the office last week, we took the opportunity to sit Teneille down and ask about her journey to this point.
Teneille, what got you into studying Law?
Growing up I loved to read and write in school and was a bit of a history nerd. I always knew I wanted to go into tertiary education after high school but had no idea what exactly I wanted to study. So, I took a gap year to work and figure it out.
I wanted to study Psychology and wanted to study another degree alongside it. A discussion I had with my moving counsel Oliver (who was a couple of years into his law degree at the time) whilst in my gap year helped me pick law as my other degree. I told him my strongest interests, and he recommended it. And now here I am!
I ended up swapping my Psychology degree to Politics after one year (my sisters Psychology PhD left too big a shoe to fill) but kept Law all the way! I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, and am so pleased with how everything has turned out.
Tell us about your law school journey.
I studied at University of Canterbury, spending 5 and a half years at UC as I juggled studying two degrees and swapping around my majors to suit my goals and interests. My favourite part about Uni was the social element, but of course the learning was fun too - I swear!
I only have two papers left to complete my Politics degree. I reached a point when juggling Uni, Profs, and working part time where I just wanted to give it a rest and dive into the legal field. I swear I’ll get to those two Politics papers and finish that degree one day…
What has surprised you so far working in a law firm?
One thing I have found super impressive is the sheer volume of matters people can be working across whilst still knowing their client and where the matter is sitting at off the top of their head.
Another thing I have found surprising is the variety of work in the area that I am in. No day is the same - Life Law, Relationship Property and Litigation is far from monotonous.
What advice would I give people who want to study law?
I would advise people to jump in and do it! It is challenging – but it doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems. Enjoy the ride.
What did Admission Day look like for you?
My Admission Day definitely began with a few nerves! My moving counsel and I headed to the court for the ceremony, and my parents came to over to Christchurch from Greymouth for it.
The ceremony itself was short and sweet. Our moving counsel moved each candidate, we got admitted and presented a short address to the court. After, we signed the roll of barristers and solicitors and got some pictures.
After my admission I went out for a nice dinner with my family, and then my friends joined for a fun evening of celebrations.
I really enjoyed admission day, it felt more personal than graduating university. It was special having my parents there and family watching over the live stream.
What special people do you have to thank from over the years?
So many!
Most specifically my parents for their support, I wouldn’t be doing what I am today without them. My moving counsel for all his guidance over the years, my partner who I completed my LLB alongside, and the rest of my family and friends.
I also wish to extend a thank you to Godfreys Law and its directors for the support and guidance I have received so far. The friendly workplace culture I have experienced and commitment to training has made the beginning of my legal career a very positive experience.
So, Teneille, where to from here?
I am looking forward to continuing to gain knowledge and experience in the legal realms that I am currently working in. I am very lucky to be gaining experience over many areas of Life Law, Relationship Property and Litigation, so lots of learning to be had! I am looking forward to being able to contribute to positive outcomes for clients.
Congratulations Teneille. Your career is just taking off, and we cannot wait to watch you grow.
Real People. Real Solutions.
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