Mark Fenlon: Qld Young Lawyer of the Year

Mark Fenlon, a solicitor for Boulton Cleary & Kern Lawyers, has been awarded The President’s Award for Young Lawyer of the Year for 2007 by the Queensland Law Society.

Mark, a former first year representative for the James Cook University Law Students’ Society and JCULSS representative to the Australian Law Students’ Association, graduated from JCU’s School of Law in 2002. He is now making a name for himself as a litigation lawyer with Townsville firm, Boulton Cleary and Kern.

The award recognises both outstanding contributions to the community and legal profession, and it is in Mark’s work in the community sector that he has made the most impact.

Mark is a National Director for Junior Chamber International (JCI) Australia, an organization comprising of young leaders, entrepreneurs and community members. Past members of JCI include Bill Clinton and Prince Albert of Monaco.

Whilst a member of JCI Mackay, Mark assisted in organising the Red Shield Appeal in Mackay. He also assisted in the Clean Up Australia Day Campaign both in Mackay and Thuringowa. As a member of the organisation Mark was involved in many fundraising and humanitarian efforts, including sending medical aid to Paraguay after a shopping centre fire killed 374 people. Mark has also raised money for the leukaemia foundation by participating in Shave for a Cure.

Mark spends one night a month working at the Townsville Community Legal Service, ensuring that people who are unable to afford a solicitor gain access to justice.

“We see such a variety of cases. People come to us with criminal charges, drink driving charges, neighbourhood dispute problems and a myriad of other legal problems. We give them legal advice and try to solve their problems, in some cases referring them to specialist solicitors, however, if it’s something that can be fixed quickly, we will assist them as much as we can” Mark said.

When Mark was at James Cook University, he did not envision being a solicitor working in a firm. “When I was studying, I thought I would work as an in-house legal advisor, going over leases and contracts. But when I started going to Court, I found that I was far more interested in litigation.”

“It’s fascinating and challenging and keeps you on your toes,” Mark said.

“I enjoy the pressure of litigation and being in front of a judge or a Magistrate. I like getting something complicated across the line.”

“.I am very competitive and I like to win”

Mark now specialises in commercial and building and construction litigation. He said the key to a good court appearance is preparation.

“If you are well prepared, you’ll appear to be more credible even if your case is not so strong.”

Mark’s advice to the budding lawyers at JCU is to keep an open mind and get as much experience as possible in a variety of areas of the law until you find your niche.