| We are different from other law firms:
- We're excellent communicators - we use only plain English
- We work together towards our common goals
- Our relationships are open and honest
- We only do what we do best
- We're very hands on - we're not academics
- Everybody takes responsibility for their own actions
- We are ambitious but not at the expense of our principles
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Difference #1 - We use only
plain English
Our clients hire us because we're experts in intellectual property.
Which means that they are unlikely to understand intellectual property
terms. Non-lawyers don't understand legal terms. So why use them?
Using legalese often leads to misunderstandings. Imagine doing business
with someone who only speaks a language you don't understand. How
much will you be able to communicate accurately?
So your work must be in plain English. Not politically correct crap,
not traditional legal rubbish, but plain English.
Difference #2 - We work together towards common goals
We have a 'no arseholes' policy.
Lawyers who think they're superior to clients or the other people
in the team are not welcome. Everyone is treated with respect. Because
when everyone works together, the result is better for the client.
And the most important person in your life will be your client.
If you can't control your temper, don't apply to us.
Difference #3 - Our relationships are open and honest
We are honest with our clients and also with each other.
If we genuinely put our clients' interests ahead of our own, we
have no choice but to be honest with them. Most clients appreciate
this. And they repay us with loyalty and are honest with us too.
We will also always be honest with you. Both good news and bad news.
You're an adult, so you will be given all relevant information and
trusted to make the right choice.
If you want to understand more about this policy, read Maverick
by Ricardo Semler.
Difference #4 - We only do what we do best
The professional practice rules don't allow us to use the word 'specialise', but you know what we mean. Founder Trevor Choy is the only Australian lawyer to have worked as a former advertising manager, and is therefore able to provide better advertising law advice to clients than any other lawyer in Melbourne. The federal government has recognised this and has recently appointed him to the Advisory Council on Intellectual Property. Choy Lawyers won the award for Best Intellectual Property law firm at the Australian Law Awards 2005, and has consistently been ranked in legal who's who directories from the beginning.
Honestly, we can only charge premium rates if we're darn good at
what we do (we compete with the megafirms). So why do anything that
might dilute our quality?
That's why our core work will always be intellectual property.
Difference #5 - We're very hands on - we're not just academics
Your academic results are only relevant to indicate that
you didn't fail.
In our opinion, the effort required to transform a C into an HD
is normally a waste of time because it is better spent working in
the business world and gaining valuable experience. This is because
most university subjects are too theoretical - in contract law,
you're not shown a single contract. The best lawyers are rarely
the students with the best results.
So when we have a furniture manufacturer client, we put on jeans
and visit the factory. We learn about the business, get covered
in sawdust, and end up being able to provide beautifully tailored
solutions to any legal problems.
Practical solutions that work for the client.
We want to know about your business experience. What have you done
that shows us you can understand our clients' businesses?
Difference #6 - Everybody takes responsibility for their
own actions
The buck does not stop with a partner. It stops with you.
You will be given plenty of responsibility as soon as you are ready
for it. Which means more interesting and challenging work. Unlike
firms which hide their junior lawyers from clients, you'll start
to meet them from day one. Because if you're going to do their work,
you can only do a good job if you know who they are.
But it means that you need to take responsibility for your own actions.
You're not a cog in the machine. Again, if you want to be a cog,
go elsewhere.
Difference #7 - We are ambitious, but not at the expense
of our principles
Our aim is to be the best intellectual property firm in
Australia.
According to many of our clients, we're already there.
But we know that we can be even better. By sticking to these principles,
we will build a terrific firm that will lead the market. If you
think you can stick to these principles too, we welcome your application.
Qualified lawyers
We currently have a vacancy for lawyers with at least 4 years'
post admission experience in intellectual property practice. Trade
mark attorneys preferred, but not essential. Please apply immediately.
Please email your resume and a covering letter to us at the email
address below.
Articled clerks and legal clerks
For articled and legal clerks, there are no deadlines,
we always welcome quality applications. Do not apply by email,
please post your resume to the address below.
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