This article was written by James Song Year 11 Queensland Academy of Science, Maths & Technology
8 April 2026 – 17 April 2026
Skills & Experiences Gained
During my five days at W & G Lawyers, I was immersed in the fast-paced world of legal practice. The range of hands-on experiences I gained went far beyond what any classroom could offer:
Professional Communication: Interacting with supervisors and solicitors to manage task assignments.
Collaborative Work: Partnering with solicitors Grace and Jialin on legal matters.
LEAP System: Navigating the LEAP legal practice management system for research and case management.
Evidence Selection: Choosing legal precedents to support divorce case applications.
SOP Drafting: Writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sole divorce applications.
Visa Eligibility Assessment: Evaluating client visa eligibility and preparing supporting documents.
Writing Promotional Content: Contributing to articles promoting W & G Lawyers for community events.
Cybersecurity Training: Completing a course on data protection in legal practice.
LPN Request Forms: Assisting in the processing of Legal Practitioners Number forms.
Court Document Review: Summarizing and reviewing court documents.
Researching Property Law: Investigating property law cases related to duty of care between buyers and builders.
Shattering Assumptions: What Law Actually Looks Like
Before stepping into the office, my picture of a lawyer was shaped by what most of us know — courtroom dramas, sharp suits, and dramatic closing arguments. The reality? Far more nuanced, and honestly, far more impressive.
What I witnessed was a profession built on discipline, continuous learning, and genuine dedication to people. Solicitors aren’t just experts applying existing knowledge — they are constantly venturing into unfamiliar areas of law, adapting and growing with each new case. Whether drafting affidavits, managing complex disputes, or conducting conflict checks, I saw firsthand the quiet, unglamorous work that upholds justice every day.
This experience deepened my passion for law. There’s something profoundly noble about dedicating a career to ensuring fairness, peace, and resolution during some of the most difficult moments of people’s lives. Each day left me more inspired than the last.
What Drives Me Toward Law
I’ve known for a long time that law is my path — particularly criminal and corporate law. But this internship helped me articulate why with much greater clarity.
Law isn’t just a profession — it’s the invisible architecture of society. It governs how businesses operate, how families navigate separation, how justice is delivered, and how individuals are protected. Growing up surrounded by entrepreneurs and exposed to the corporate world, I witnessed firsthand how systemic injustices can be embedded within business structures and governmental processes. That exposure lit a fire in me. I want to be the person who challenges those structures and stands up for clients who deserve better.
This internship was my first real step toward that future, and I’m deeply grateful — not just to W & G Lawyers, but also to the support system at QASMT that made it possible. My career guidance officer was consistently available, proactive, and ready with every document, form, and resource I needed. Never underestimate the power of a school that genuinely invests in your future — and never underestimate your own power to ask for that support.
A Message to My Fellow High School Students
If you’re wondering whether a work experience placement is worth pursuing — it absolutely is. And the most important thing I want you to know is this:
No one is going to hand this to you. You have to go and get it yourself.
The students who land meaningful internships aren’t necessarily the most talented or connected — they’re the ones who take initiative. They send the first email. They book the appointment. They follow up. They make it easy for the adults around them to say yes. This mindset will serve you well not just in landing an internship but throughout your entire career.
Step One: Own Your Initiative
Don’t wait for your teacher to suggest it. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Identify the industry you’re curious about, research organisations, and reach out. A short, genuine message expressing your interest is all it takes to start a conversation. People respect young individuals who show initiative — it signals maturity, drive, and character.
You are not bothering anyone. You are showing them who you are.
Step Two: Bring Your School Into the Process — Early
Once you’ve made contact with a potential organisation, your next step is to involve your school. This isn’t optional — it’s essential. Here’s why: your school provides insurance, formal agreements, and legal protections that make the placement safe and legitimate. Without your school’s involvement, you are unprotected, and the organisation may not be able to host you.
The earlier you speak to your Career Guidance Officer, the smoother the entire process will be. Be organised, be responsive, and make it easy for everyone around you. When you show up prepared and proactive, people go the extra mile for you.
Think of it this way: your initiative gets you the opportunity; your school’s support makes it official.
The Step-by-Step Process
Here’s how to get your placement formalised — follow this and you’ll be well ahead of most:
Confirm your school’s work experience program: Schools like QASMT have dedicated frameworks to support students. Use them.
Meet with your Career Guidance Officer: Show up in person, demonstrate your commitment, and ask what’s needed.
Complete the Work Experience Agreement: Your school provides forms to outline the work, duration, and safety considerations.
Get all signatures: Principal, parents, and the host organisation — do this yourself.
Provide requested documents to the organisation: Ensure prompt delivery of required forms like insurance certificates.
A legally binding agreement is formalised between your school and the workplace, ensuring protection for all parties.
Show up ready, give everything, and make them glad they said yes.
How to Land the Internship in the First Place
Getting your foot in the door is often the hardest part, but it’s more achievable than you think. Here’s how:
Leverage your connections: Your parents, relatives, and family friends may already have links to professionals in your field of interest.
Reach out directly: Find an organisation you admire, contact them directly, and send a well-crafted message expressing your interest.
Ask your school: Career Guidance Officers have relationships with local businesses and professionals. Ask them what’s available.
Expand your network: Don’t hesitate to ask friends or family for introductions. Most people are happy to help motivated young people connect with the right opportunities.
Final Reflection
This internship reminded me that every great career begins with a courageous step — the willingness to put yourself forward before you feel ready.
But here’s what I also learned: the students who succeed are the ones who make themselves easy to support. They communicate clearly. They follow through. They respect other people’s time. They contribute to a room, not just take up space. When you operate this way, your school wants to advocate for you, professionals want to mentor you, and organisations want to keep you.
Be the student who reaches out first. Be the student who has their paperwork ready. Be the student who shows up with a good attitude and a genuine desire to learn. That student will always find opportunities — in law, in business, or in whatever field calls to them.
The legal profession — and every other profession — is waiting for the next generation of passionate, principled, and proactive leaders. Maybe that’s you.
Go and prove it.
James Song | Year 11 | Queensland Academy of Science, Maths & Technology | Legal Intern at W & G Lawyers
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Disclaimer
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice under Australian law. For advice specific to your situation, please contact W & G Lawyers. For further details, please click here to view our disclaimer.