The Laws of Australia , Thomson Reuters’ legal encyclopaedia, is edited by a team of legally trained editors here in our Pyrmont, Sydney office. Today we talk to Legal Editor Adam Dallas about his legal studies, work background, and experiences working on The Laws of Australia.

How long have you worked at The Laws of Australia?

Adam: I joined TLA in October 2005. I’m part of the furniture you could say!

What was your background before joining The Laws of Australia team?

Adam: I was into taxidermy and collecting shells before TLA. Seriously, I was a paralegal at Blake Dawson Waldron for nearly three years. It was my first job in Sydney. I am originally from Tasmania and I studied law in Hobart. My scar from my second head operation has faded quite a bit; you’d never know I was Tasmanian.

What was your favourite subject at law school? Why?

Adam: I’d say criminal law and media law. The latter was a new subject when I was studying so it would be much more evolved now. Criminal law has always been fascinating to me as I’m interested in human behavior.

What do you enjoy most about working at The Laws of Australia?

Adam: The great people and the diversity of subjects. I think working as a Legal Editor is in some ways a logical extension of writing essays at university, in that you are presenting ideas on the page and researching different areas of law.

What interesting facts have you learnt as an editor?

Adam: Too many. Being in the team for many years it is hard to narrow that down. But criminal law usually involves stupid people doing stupid things, which never fail to amuse me.

What is the most interesting Subtitle you have worked on?

Adam: I’ve been working on 34.2 “Aviation”  for a number of months and even though it might sound about as fun as going to the dentist for a root canal, it’s actually quite interesting. In recent times, that’s the Subtitle I have spent the most time on. Other than that, I’d say criminal sentencing and evidence.

What other interests do you have outside of The Laws of Australia?

Adam: Movies are my main interest, as well as music (hard rock). I love British comedy, reading, travelling and catching up with chums. I also love Arnie, and the Carlton Football Club.

How do you like to unwind after a day at work?

Adam: I like to watch the lights change at traffic lights. A beer at a local “thriving” establishment. (More “local” than “thriving”!) I’ve gotten back into the gym recently and I enjoy bringing out my inner Arnie. Also, good company and a good laugh win every time.   

For more information about The Laws of Australia click here.