Meet MEJ’s Kirsty Kwan: from law clerk to solicitor
Kirsty Kwan says she’s found her calling at Maliganis Edwards Johnson, where she combines her love of learning with a genuine passion for helping people navigate some of the most challenging times in their lives.
As a solicitor specialising in workplace injury law, Kirsty is part of Partner Kirsten Leitch’s dynamic team. Her detail-oriented nature and gift for making complex legal concepts accessible to clients from all walks of life, has made her a natural fit for the demanding yet rewarding world of personal injury law.
“The greatest satisfaction comes from explaining a legal concept to a client and giving them the tools to make a decision with an understanding of the options available to them,” says Kirsty.
Kirsty’s journey with MEJ began in 2021 when she started as a law clerk while completing her studies. After spending a year with the firm, she graduated from the Australian National University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, and gained admission to legal practice in 2023. The transition from law clerk to solicitor has been significant, but Kirsty hasn’t looked back.
When asked what makes MEJ different as a law firm, Kirsty highlights the freedom that comes with the firm’s approach to client service, and ensuring each client is given the attention they deserve.
“There are no ‘billable’ hour targets to meet, which means I’m not restricted in what I spend my time on,” she explains. “I can simply spend the time on files where it is needed.”
Kirsty is particularly grateful for the mentorship she receives from her colleagues, working alongside Kirsten Leitch, Svetlana Todoroski, and Suzanne Sharwood.
“The opportunity to learn under Kirsten, Svetlana and Suzanne was the biggest reason I wanted to start my legal career at this firm,” she says.
“They’re all brilliant, and very generous with their time when it comes to mentoring me, and helping me further my knowledge and career. I consider myself lucky – not all law firms are like that.”
For anyone studying law or hoping to pursue a career in the field, Kirsty has some practical advice:
“Customer service is key. It is not always possible to get a job at a law firm, but working as a receptionist, or any job in retail or hospitality where you are communicating with people and helping them find what they need is invaluable experience.”
Originally from Melbourne, Kirsty made the move to Canberra in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the Capital. She considers herself a southsider but is quick to point out that everywhere in Canberra is pretty great. Her love for the city extends to its dining scene – she enjoys going out for dinner, or getting a takeaway roast duck to enjoy at home with her partner.
When she’s not in the office, Kirsty is an avid knitter – she recently made a forest green vest for her partner using a pattern found at a local Vinnies store. Her other hobbies include playing Dungeons and Dragons, and she shares her home with Nora, a tabby cat she describes as “not very brave, not very smart, but very sweet.”
Want to work with Kirsty and the personal injury team? Don’t delay. Contact MEJ for a FREE consultation here.
