The program consists of a two-week exchange of early-career lawyers between offices, introducing them to work in the exchange office, whilst they do not undertake billable work for the firm. 

The initiative aids in building the network between firms, as well as fostering an exchange of best practice between firms on everything — from matter management to training. 

Meritas is a global alliance of independent law firms and includes six firms across Australia and New Zealand; SWAAB, Bennett & Philp Lawyers, DMAW Lawyers, Madgwicks, Williams & Hughes, and Martelli McKegg.

The program was first piloted prior to COVID in 2019, in an exchange between SWAAB in Sydney and Martelli McKegg in Auckland. 

Last month, the first official Fortnight Exchange took place between lawyers from DMAW Lawyers in Adelaide and Bennett & Philp in Brisbane.

Jessica Punch, a three-year post-qualified lawyer from DMAW Lawyers, took part in the program, swapping with Ezekiel Ting from Bennett & Philp.

Both explained they decided to work in smaller full-service commercial firms rather than national or international firms because they wanted a better work/life balance and are pleased it hasn’t meant they missed out on experiences such as this. 

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Ms Punch said the exchange offered a rare opportunity for a relatively junior lawyer to develop business development skills such as networking, it also opened her to some new practice areas.

“I’ve just reached the point where I’m starting to attend client functions and this gave me a chance to develop my networking skills without any partners present,” Ms Punch explained. 

“Towards the end, I also particularly appreciated the opportunity to work on a bankruptcy matter, which was new to me and extremely interesting.”

Mr Ting said that during the exchange, he was matched with a lawyer of similar experience and practice area at DMAW Lawyers, and he has already taken some of the learning around CPD training back to Bennett & Philp. 

“Adelaide is a great city, and I really enjoyed the wine and food, even sampling the wine from some of the vineyards on the weekend,” he said. 

The exchange also does not prevent lawyers from doing billing work from their own firms.

DMAW Lawyers’ principal Tom Dachs said the exchange had been designed to be minimally disruptive to clients and legal teams — it was the reward for performing lawyers — that was its primary purpose. 

“It helps our network firms learn from one another, and it also builds closer ties between the firms,” stated Mr Dachs.

“It has been such a success in motivating our lawyers that we will likely have an exchange every year.”

Bennett & Philp director Andrew Lambros noted the exchange of ideas to be a huge benefit of the program. He also noted that its design ensures it is not a burden on a smaller firm. 

The program has been very popular, and the Meritas network is now expanding internationally. 

“This works well for both sides and leaves the network with stronger personal ties that will lead to more referral work between offices in the future,” Mr Lambros said. “It’s a win from an HR, BD and practice perspective.”