From the age of 12, Megan Patten knew she wanted to become a lawyer. However, less than two years after being admitted, she left legal practice. The realisation that she no longer wanted to be a lawyer, she says, was “like a bus hitting me”. (Content warning: this episode may be distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.) On this episode of the Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Australian Energy Regulator senior analyst Megan Patten about her lifelong desire to become a lawyer, the work she did once admitted, how and why she realised that she no longer wanted to work as a lawyer and the circumstances surrounding that epiphany. Ms Patten also details prioritising her health and wellbeing during that period of vocational discovery, re-evaluating her sense of self, what she now does for work and why she finds it so rewarding, whether she has regrets about her non-linear professional trajectory, and what other young lawyers can and should take away from her experiences. Help is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Each law society and bar association also has further contacts available on their respective websites. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Protégé: What life after law looks like