Barry Nilsson – Early career skills that matter

While strong foundational skills are important, we place equal emphasis on the attributes that support success, including:

• clear and concise communication, paired with a positive and professional attitude
• strong research and analytical capabilities
• a willingness to actively seek, take on, and implement constructive feedback
• a strong work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement
• well-developed organisational skills.

Mentorship and career pathways

We take pride in our structured mentoring program, whereby all staff are paired with a mentor when they commence. Through this program, mentees are offered guidance in developing practical skills and an understanding of life at BN.

There are multiple career pathways for insurance lawyers at BN. Our clerkship program is a great stepping stone to ongoing roles, including law clerk and graduate positions, and provides the opportunity to experience BN, our insurance practice, and our culture. We also have a structured graduate program to aid career progression through dedicated mentorship, continuous professional development, and a supportive and flexible environment. We also offer internships via CareerTrackers, which provides internship opportunities for First Nations university students. You can explore all current opportunities, our workplace culture, and the benefits of joining our team on our website. We also share job openings via LinkedIn.

We are dedicated to continuous learning so that our people can reach their maximum potential. Our development opportunities include a structured CLE program, as well as study assistance to our staff in the form of financial assistance and study leave.  

‘During the BN graduate program, I received incredible mentorship, guidance, and training. I had the opportunity to work alongside accomplished lawyers across a wide range of complex matters which provided a great start to my legal career. I was continually supported through the year with ongoing training and learning opportunities, alongside genuine wellbeing support. I feel lucky to have started my career in such a supportive environment.’
– Lexi Blackburn, 2025 Graduate

Leadership Insights for the Next Generation of Leaders

At BN, we are grounded in our core values which underpin how we view leadership. Effective leaders are those who are transparent, respectful, and consistent across all interactions, building trust and enduring relationships. They prioritise collaboration over internal competition, building teams defined by accountability and shared success. As expectations evolve, the next generation must engage meaningfully with technology while delivering a positive social impact – supported by strong professional judgement, ethics, and a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.

Career Path Stories

‘I commenced at BN in my penultimate year of university as a Vacation Clerk in November 2023, undertaking a clerkship in a variety of insurance practice areas. I was fortunate to be offered the position of Law Clerk following my successful completion of that clerkship, which allowed me to gain significant and insightful experience while completing the remainder of my university studies. BN was incredibly flexible during this period especially towards the end of my degree and whilst I was undertaking my Practical Legal Training. I then completed my Practical Legal Training whilst working up until my admission as a solicitor in August of 2025. Since my admission, I have been exposed to several different practice areas within insurance law, as well as being afforded numerous opportunities to challenge myself and accelerate my career, let alone working alongside the best practitioners in the field. I am also privileged to take part in BN’s pro bono program to allow myself to give back to the wider legal community.’
– William Heddle, Solicitor, Hobart

‘I undertook a vacation clerkship at BN at the start of my final year of university in 2023. In 2024, I commenced the graduate program in the Brisbane office, completing rotations in family law and general liability insurance, as well as undertaking a pro bono secondment with RAILS. Having grown up in Brisbane, I decided to relocate to Sydney to experience something new, and BN was highly supportive in facilitating this transition by securing me a role within a general liability team in the Sydney office. I moved to Sydney at the start of 2025 and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience to date. In my current role, I work across a range of personal injury, property damage and professional negligence matters spanning the NSW, ACT, and NT jurisdictions, including involvement in a significant matter which provided me with the opportunity to travel to Canberra to instruct counsel.’ 
– Phoebe Evans, Solicitor, Sydney

‘I commenced at BN in my final year of university as a Law Clerk in September 2023, working across the personal injury and institutional liability sub-teams in the broader liability practice. In January 2024, I commenced the graduate program at BN and ultimately settled in the financial lines team. During the graduate program, I also completed my Practical Legal Training and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria in November 2024. Since my admission, I have gained exposure to a broad range of practice areas within insurance law, with a particular focus on professional indemnity, statutory liability, employment practices liability, as well as experience with health professionals on regulatory and disciplinary matters. Through working across the areas, I have developed experience in managing complex legal issues, which has strengthened my analytical and advocacy skills, while also enabling me to develop a well-rounded understanding of insurance litigation and dispute resolution practice.’
– Natalia Rettich, Solicitor, Melbourne