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In a legal market where competition is fierce and work-life balance is often an afterthought; Burch&Co is challenging the norm. Our graduate program isn’t just about legal training, it’s about investing in people, purpose, and potential. And no one captures that better than Nick D’Orazio, one of our current graduates, who recently reflected on his journey from work experience to becoming a key member of the firm.
Real Responsibility in a Boutique Environment
What sets Burch&Co’s graduate program apart? In short: genuine opportunity. From day one, graduates are immersed in the real work of the firm. Unlike in larger firms, where junior lawyers may be siloed or relegated to administrative support, our graduates are involved in legal matters from day one. “We’re not just a number here,” Nick says. “From my first day as a graduate, I was contributing to files, speaking with clients, and learning directly from senior lawyers. That hands-on exposure is something you don’t always get at larger firms.”
Graduates rotate through Commercial, Corporate, and Dispute Resolution & Litigation practice areas. This rotation model ensures that they build a solid foundation while also exploring their interests. For Nick, that meant discovering a passion for intellectual property and trademarks. “I’ve always been drawn to the creative side of the law,” he explains. “Helping clients protect what they’ve built whether it’s a brand or an idea is incredibly rewarding.”
A Program That Supports Career Progression
Burch&Co’s graduate intake may be small, but it’s intentional. This year, we welcomed three graduates, including one internal promotion from a paralegal role. Nick is a prime example. He first joined us in 2016 as a work experience student, returned in 2023 as paralegal whilst completing his law degree at Monash University, and is now thriving in the graduate program.
“Burch& Co believed in me early on,” he reflects. “That support and mentorship gave me the confidence to pursue a legal career and keep showing up with curiosity.”
The program is designed with long-term growth in mind. We cover the cost of Practical Legal Training (PLT) and provide a transparent pathway to continued employment. For Nick, his goal is clear: “I’d love to stay at Burch&Co, become an associate, and specialise in disputes. I see a future here.”
A Culture That Celebrates Balance and Belonging
Culture isn’t a buzzword at Burch&Co it’s a daily practice. Our graduates work standard hours (8:30am–5:30pm), and if long hours become the norm, leaders intervene to rebalance workloads. Nick highlights this as one of the reasons he chose Burch&Co.
“I knew I wanted to work somewhere that values people, not just output. I’ve never felt like I had to sacrifice my wellbeing to be seen as committed,” he says.
This emphasis on balance is complemented by tangible wellbeing initiatives: access to the Calm app, psychologist sessions, a buddy system, and additional study days to help graduates manage PLT requirements without burnout.
“Workplace culture was a big factor for me,” Nick explains. “At Burch&Co, it’s okay to be vulnerable. You’re supported, not judged.”
Mentorship and Soft Skill Development
Graduates are supported formally through induction programs, structured learning plans, and mentorship pairings but equally important are the informal opportunities to connect and grow. Nick underscores the importance of mentorship.
“Having someone in your corner makes all the difference. I’d tell any law student: find a mentor, be open to making mistakes, and choose a path that aligns with your values – not someone else’s expectations.”
Soft skills like communication, time management, and adaptability are built into the program through real-world challenges and continuous feedback. Graduates receive check-ins during each rotation to reflect on their progress and set development goals. The result? Confidence, competence, and clarity.
Tech-Savvy and Future-Ready
As the legal profession evolves, so must its graduates. At Burch&Co, we embrace legal tech and AI – not to replace people, but to empower them. Our graduates are introduced to our full tech stack, including tools that streamline research, drafting, and workflow. Nick sees the tech integration as a crucial part of legal training. “I use AI to help me distil large commentary into more digestible points,” he shares. “But we’re always cautious not to rely on it for anything client-facing. Confidentiality comes first.” He also acknowledges the growing concerns about how AI might impact junior roles. “It’s something I’ve thought a lot about. There’s no denying AI will change things, but there will always be a place for human judgment, especially when clients are trusting us with major decisions.”
Diversity, Inclusion, and a Human-First Approach
Burch&Co’s commitment to inclusion starts at recruitment. We don’t only hire from a shortlist of elite universities or favour applicants with legal legacies. We welcome candidates from all educational and socioeconomic backgrounds, and we actively work to foster psychological safety across the firm.
Nick reflects on the competitive nature of legal hiring and how Burch&Co stands apart. “It’s incredibly hard to break into the profession especially if you don’t have connections or come from a traditional background. What’s great about Burch&Co is that they see potential, not pedigree.”
This approach is backed by a formal Diversity & Inclusion policy, partnerships with training providers like Total Teams, and a workplace culture that celebrates different perspectives.
Social Impact Without Billables Pressure
Giving back to our community is part of our ethos. Through our Volunteer Policy, graduates can volunteer one day per month with values-aligned organisations and take part in pro bono initiatives without the concern of reaching individual billing targets. “Knowing I can do meaningful work and not be judged on numbers has been freeing,” says Nick. “It means I can focus on being the best lawyer I can be, not just the busiest.”
A Changing Client Landscape and the Skills to Match
Today’s clients expect more than legal knowledge, they want commercial understanding, transparency, and value. At Burch&Co, we expose our graduates to a wide client base, from startups to ASX-listed companies. They learn how to communicate clearly, price effectively, and deliver results that align with business goals. “We’re trained to think commercially,” Nick notes. “That’s going to be crucial as legal service models continue to evolve.”
Final Thoughts: Advice for Future Graduates
For students weighing up a career in a big firm versus a boutique one like Burch&Co, Nick offers practical advice: “Think about what kind of lawyer you want to be. If you want hands-on experience, real mentorship, and a workplace that sees you as a whole person, not just a CV, then a boutique firm can be a great fit. And don’t be afraid to choose your own path. Be vulnerable, ask for help, and back yourself.” At Burch&Co, we’re proud to back our graduates not just as future lawyers, but as future leaders. If you’re looking for more than just a job, our graduate program might be the place to start your journey.
Last updated: 04 June 2025
