Alumni Profile: Nick Blackmore
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Degrees: Law/Science 1999 Current Position: Senior Associate, Corrs Chambers Westgarth Lawyers Nick joined Corrs Chambers Westgarth straight from university and now advises a wide range of clients on information technology, communications, privacy, spam and intellectual property law. He's currently undertaking a Masters of e-Law at Melbourne. What does your work at Corrs involve?I advise on legal issues, and negotiate and draft agreements, relating to information technology. It’s a really broad range of work, from drafting software licence agreements to advising on privacy and spam law to disputes about copyright ownership. |
What does a standard day at the office entail for you?
There isn’t really a standard day because the work is dictated by whatever the clients are asking for. But I often spend most of the day reviewing documents, drafting agreements or advice, meeting with clients and, of course, answering dozens of emails. Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and doing marketing and client development work is also an important part of most days.
What’s the most difficult decision you have had to make in your career?
I’m very fortunate in that I arrived at Corrs straight from University and have loved it from the word go. Along the way there have been opportunities to take other paths – academia and working in London were two that appealed to me at various stages – but it wasn’t too difficult to decide to stay at Corrs as I still find my work here challenging and stimulating.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
Strangely enough, I enjoy drafting contracts. There’s something about the challenge of taking a complex commercial transaction and expressing it clearly and concisely that really appeals to me. Some people meditate to achieve inner peace, I draft.
What inspires you about your job and life in general?
I am chiefly inspired by the intellectual challenge of my work. After seven years here, I am still developing my abilities and learning new things.
What is the most stressful or difficult aspect of your job?
Clients often require us to meet tight deadlines, and, like buses, several always come at once. But because the work we do is usually based around transactions, the high stress periods usually only last for a few weeks before things start to return to normal.
What led you to return to post-graduate study at the University of Melbourne?
When I was an undergraduate there were no law subjects offered which dealt with information technology law, so the Masters is really the first chance I’ve had to sit down and study information technology law with any degree of academic rigour. It’s also quite nice to experience the facilities of the new law school – a bit of a change compared to the old quadrangle.
What led you to be working at a major law firm?
I realised pretty early in my studies that I had an affinity for commercial law and I chose to go to Corrs because it offered me a chance to experience a wide range of areas of commercial law before deciding that information technology law was for me. Another benefit of a large firm is the support network available. I have been able to work with and learn from a lot of very talented people here.
What are your strongest memories of University life while you were studying at University of Melbourne?
I was very involved in the debating society and many of my fondest memories of University are of the friends I made through the society and the various intervarsity competitions in which I took part. And, of course, I have great memories of many hours spent (wasted?) over beer, nachos and pool at the Clyde.
What do you like to do in your spare time – hobbies etc?
My enthusiasm for information technology extends into my spare time. I spend an unhealthy amount of time in front of various computers and video game consoles. I am also a mad keen fan of just about all team sports, and have even been known to play from time to time. I am also a keen participant in trivia nights, as it allows me to harness the astonishing amount of useless information my mind has accumulated over the years.
Do you have any advice about life/career after study to pass on to current students?
Choose a career that you have a natural interest in. Marks are important to employers, but more important is a genuine enthusiasm to do the job.
