Chris Patten
Lawyer
Melbourne
Chris.Patten@aar.com.au
Lawyer Chris Patten's first introduction to Allens Arthur Robinson was a summer clerkship in 2001. Four years later, Chris joined Allens as an articled clerk and says it is the firm's reputation as leader in the field and the opportunity to work on 'complex, high profile transactions' that attracted him to Banking & Finance at Allens.
Chris has worked on a number of large transactions since he started in 2005 (such as acting for one of the financiers to the Melbourne Convention Centre Project and advising both corporate borrowers and major lenders on refinancing existing debt arrangements), but says it's the experience gained from working on smaller matters where the greatest professional growth has occurred.
'For juniors, I think one of the most important things is to gain confidence in your own work,' Chris says.
'If people think you're up to the task, you'll be handed challenging and interesting work.'
The benefit of working on smaller matters is receiving direct tuition from partners and having a lot more contact with clients than might otherwise occur working as part of a large team on a big commercial transaction, Chris says.
The transition from being an articled clerk in Corporate & Commercial to a Banking & Finance lawyer has been a 'steep learning curve', but the strong emphasis on workplace training at Allens has helped consolidate the skills and knowledge Chris brings to the role.
'Allens' Banking & Finance training program is unparalleled in Australia,' Chris says.
Banking & Finance holds three to four one-hour training sessions per week across the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane offices.
Chris says often the commercial and legal basis of a topic or transaction is explained - so a lawyer without a commerce degree won't be disadvantaged.
'It's recognised there's a lot of jargon in Banking & Finance and some pretty complex concepts.'
Chris says one of the great things about working at Allens is the open and friendly work culture and support of senior staff. Initiative is rewarded and there's always an interesting mix of matters to work on.
Graduates also have the opportunity to do a 12-month rotation with another department at Allens in Melbourne and pro bono work is encouraged. In addition to his work within the department, Chris helps the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation on an ongoing basis with its funding and licensing requirements and has recently started volunteering at the Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic.
But it's not all hard work and no play. Chris says while it's important to be conscientious, getting involved in Allens sporting and recreational activities is equally important.
'I've really enjoyed working at Allens and will continue to do so,' Chris says.
'It's got a great mix of stimulating work, friendly people and perks - such as gym membership. I think that lends itself to a good support network of friends within the firm, and not just your own peers because you get to meet other lawyers and staff and form great relationships.'
