Building brand by leveraging diversity of thought: Simon Ball

1 min

Tell us a little about your story, how did you get to where you are today?

I originally studied Civil and Environmental Engineering at UTS and was employed as a trainee engineer working in the quarry side of a construction company. Once I graduated, I completed my above ground mine certificate, which led me to managing a quarry on the Central Coast of NSW.

So how did you go from quarry to law firm?

While managing the quarry, I became interested in the planning approvals side of things. I also got sick of lawyers always telling me what to do – so I decided to go ahead and become one myself! I started studying law and worked part time in the Department of Mineral Resources as a policy officer while I finished my studies. 

And how did you come to MinterEllison?

I applied for a summer clerkship at MinterEllison – I must have been the oldest summer clerk ever. After my clerkship, I went back to the Department, finished my studies and, although I was offered a grad role with the firm, I stayed with the Department as a solicitor. Then the Department relocated to rural NSW. I was still in contact with one of the MinterEllison partners I'd worked with during my clerkship and he offered me a full time job.

Has the breath of your experienced improved your practice of law?

Absolutely – I love my role as it combines my engineering, government, and legal experience into one. I think there's a real value in having industry experience and in having experience outside of law. It helps you understand different perspectives and tailor your advice to find the best solutions.

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https://www.minterellison.com/articles/building-brand-by-leveraging-diversity-of-thought-simon-ball

Point of View: insights into key issues and challenges facing business today.

In this series of interviews with MinterEllison partners we hear their perspective on key areas of interest to our clients and the business community.