That’s why, for Harmers Workplace Lawyers and executive counsel and team leader Amy Zhang, being nominated in five categories at the upcoming 30 Under 30 Awards, is so special.

“I am extremely honoured and humbled to have been named as a finalist in five categories, particularly given the high calibre of the other finalists,” Ms Zhang told Lawyers Weekly.

“It is fantastic to get that level of recognition and it is a testament to the varied, complex, innovative and interesting matters that I get to work on for my corporate and individual clients, which I am very grateful for.”

Ms Zhang – who received nominations in the Pro Bono, Workplace, Health and Safety, Financial Services, Employment and Workplace Relations, and Taxation categories – said that being nominated for such awards is not just a reflection of one’s personal achievements, but it is also reflective of one’s firm and team.

“It is equally true to say that one’s firm and team play an important role in facilitating personal branding and vocational direction,” she mused.

“I am incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work on, and be entrusted with, some extremely complex, cutting-edge and high-calibre matters from early on in my legal career, and I am extremely grateful to my firm, mentors and work colleagues for the opportunities and support throughout the years.”

Putting one’s hand up for awards in the legal profession is a great way to reflect on what one has achieved, Ms Zhang noted, “which doesn’t always happen given the pace of legal practice”.

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“More importantly, it is a chance to have your achievements recognised on a larger scale, by the legal industry and legal peers,” she advised.

“It is also a good way to build and market your personal brand as a leading young practitioner in your field, and to promote your firm and team by association, and it is useful for client attraction and business development purposes.”

This is particularly true for emerging leaders in the legal profession, Ms Zhang said: “There is no reason why other young/junior lawyers should be afraid to put themselves forward for legal awards.”

“There is nothing to lose and plenty to gain” – particularly against the backdrop of the global coronavirus pandemic,” she explained.

“Win or lose, young lawyers who put themselves forward for legal awards and are nominated will get immediate industry recognition, and will build and promote their personal profile and brand as a young up-and-coming practitioner in their field of expertise.

“In the current pandemic climate, where it is difficult to network in the traditional way, putting yourself forward in this way and building your personal brand is another way to approach networking and business development.”

Personal branding is, in this sense, fundamental for junior and younger lawyers coming through the ranks, Ms Zhang concluded.

“Now more than ever, it is important to develop your personal brand (within your firm and externally) and expand your network and industry reach, whether that is through academic contributions, volunteering and community engagement, or simply putting up your hand to work on an interesting client matter,” she said.

“It is never too early to start thinking about that and to consider the direction you want to take your career, and to take proactive steps to facilitate that.”

This year, Lawyers Weekly launches the first-ever 30 Under 30 Live Broadcast Awards and you are invited to be a part of this epic event. 

We will continue to recognise the achievements of talented professionals in 2020 — despite not being able to gather physically. Our live broadcast will be held on Friday, 29 May at 7pm AEST. Registrations are free! Register now to be a part of 30 Under 30 Awards virtual ballroom.