Antony's legal odyssey: a lawyer's adventure from Sydney to London

Antony's story isn't your typical lawyer's story. It's a tale of dragons, dreams and daring choices. From Australia to Europe and Asia, this inspiring life journey illustrates how venturing off the beaten path can take you further than you ever imagined.

Can you walk us through your journey as a lawyer from Australia to London?

My career began in Australia as a commercial litigation lawyer, steering me into defamation law, and igniting my interest in emerging practice areas.

Early on, I wanted to wander beyond Australia. After completing my Master of Laws at UNSW, specialising in telecoms, media, and technology, I embarked on a seven-year stint in Hong Kong, followed by an enriching five-year adventure in London. When the time came to educate my twin sons, I put my London life on hold, returning with my family to Australia for 12 years.

In 2018, London called again. With my sons pursuing studies in the US, my wife and I decided to head back to the Northern hemisphere to be closer to them and pick up where we left off.

How did you come across LOD and how has been your experience so far?

When I got back to the UK, I engaged in freelance legal counselling while I settled in. Once I realised London would be more than just a quick stop, I figured, 'Why not try something new?' That's when the idea of diving into in-house work hit me, and it was just the right fit at the right time, to be honest.

I stumbled upon LOD searching for positions online. The website caught my eye, it was simple and clear, and prompted me to reach out. The induction process was pleasantly straightforward and professional, and the communication extremely easy.

Working with LOD has been fantastic. After showcasing my skills through a technical test, I swiftly progressed, landing an engagement interview within two weeks. This led to an exciting position advising an international telecoms company on various commercial and regulatory matters.

That's the beauty of LOD – they don't just match you with any job opening. They seem to have a knack for finding the ideal role tailored to your unique skills, personality, and aspirations.

Moving from private practice to in-house work, how do you find the transition?

I find in-house work deeply satisfying. I enjoy the investment and continuity in the projects. In contrast, the constant demand for client acquisition, pricing intricacies, and navigating political challenges in private practice often proved exhausting. Excelling in law doesn't always mean excelling in business development, which is now a significant aspect in private practice.

While I appreciated both realms, the all-consuming nature of the firm life and the perpetual pursuit of the "next big thing" can take a toll. When I was with a global firm, I saw pressures that lead to personal struggles, ranging from health issues to strained relationships. Success can sometimes come at significant personal costs.

In-house work offers a work-life balance that's hard to imagine while in private practice. Suddenly, you realise all that you've been missing out on—your passions, quality family time, and the joy of traveling do not have to be sacrificed.

Speaking of travel, how are you making the most of having Europe at your doorstep?

First and foremost, I’m truly embracing my new home in London. London is a melting pot of experiences - from top-notch restaurants, West-End theatres, and world-class parks to unparalleled intellectual hubs.

London is also a fantastic hub for exploring Europe, which I do as often as possible. It’s a huge plus compared to life in Australia.

Being of Croatian descent, moving to Europe gave me the opportunity to explore my heritage and reconnect with my roots. My father fled Croatia after WWII and while the Iron Curtain existed, I did not get the chance to visit growing up. I can now visit often and plan to retire there with my wife.

Additionally, frequent visits to destinations like New York, Boston, and the Middle East (all within 7 hours of London) add to the appeal of international living.

What advice would you give to professionals considering an international career or a shift in their professional journey?

When I was very young, I told myself: “life is going to be an adventure”. I wanted to slay dragons.

Of course, there were fears - but I've learned that tackling what scares you most often leads to the best outcomes. After living in Australia, Hong Kong, and London, I can't recommend enough taking opportunities to extend yourself and explore roads less travelled.

Change is not easy, especially in the early days, but I’ve found those challenges always turned out to be rewarding. Mostly, they helped me build confidence and resilience. Switching environments forced me to ask myself, "What do I really want?" It's a chance to reset goals and ambitions.

Plus, moving abroad is easier now with UK visas up to 35 years old. You might even discover that you’re entitled to a European visa and be able to explore your heritage, just like I did.

Even if you're not into wild adventures, London has a lot to offer lawyers—especially if you find the right fit. For me, LOD played a key role in matching me with a great company, and I'm thrilled with the results.

Ready for a new adventure? We could be your perfect ally! Find more information on working with LOD here.