2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
CAREERS GUIDE
2018
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Welcome Editor’s Note President’s Welcome
Working Internationally 2 3
Application Tips & Tricks Writing the Perfect Cover Letter Sample Cover Letter Preparing a Stellar Resume Sample Resume Acing the Interview Interviews Jobs for Young Lawyers Compared ANU GDLP
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14
Private Law Clerkship & Graduate Application Dates18 Employment after graduation 19 Allens Linklaters 20 Ashurst 22 Baker McKenzie 24 Clayton Utz 26 Herbert Smith Freehills 28 Jones Day 30 King & Wood Mallesons 32 K&L Gates 35 MinterEllison 36 Strategy& 39 Fox Sports Legal Counsel 40 Mission Australia Legal Counsel 41 Personal Injury Paralegal 42
American Association for the Advancement of Science Managing Associate, Office of the Firmwide Managing Partner, Linklaters LLP Life as a Dual-Admitted Lawyer Extraordinary Chambers, Courts of Cambodia National Intern at the UNAA
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Community Legal Careers Legal Aid ACT Women’s Legal Centre Kimberley Community Legal Services Youth Law Centre Canberra Community Law
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The Courts Experiences of a Barrister Tipstaff in NSW Land & Environment Court Associate in the ACT Magistrates’ Court
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Contents
Public Law ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Attorney-General’s Department Australian Government Solicitor Department of Communications and the Arts
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Acknowledgements Published by ANU Law Students’ Society’s exclusive printing partner
All images included are royalty free or are produced with permission from the author.
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Editor’s Note Sammy Woodforde (Careers Director), Rocky Lagudi (Vice President Careers) and Georgie Quinn (Careers Director)
Dear ANU Law Students,
On behalf of the ANU Law Students’ Society, we warmly welcome you to the 2018 King & Wood Mallesons Careers Guide. Rocky Lagudi Vice President (Careers) This year, the Careers Portfolio has made ANU Law Students’ Society it our goal to provide you with the most comprehensive array of insights possible. The aim of this year’s publication is to illustrate DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this the wonderfully diverse opportunities publication do not necessarily reflect those available to all of you, with success possible of the editors or the Australian National no matter where your interests lie. In this University Law Students’ Society.Best efforts particular edition, we have included authors have been made to ensure all information in both currently at law school alongside those this publication is correct as at March 2018 who are already professionals. We want but is subject to change without notice.This to highlight that success does not solely information is merely advisory and should occur after your studies, with a plethora of not be relied upon as being professional opportunities available during your time as advice. This publication is distributed free a student. All you need to do is grasp them! of charge with the understanding that the authors, editors and any persons related to We would like to acknowledge our sponsors, this publication are not responsible for the for without your enduring support this Guide results of their actions or omissions on the simply would not have been possible. basis of any information provided in this In particular, thank you to King & Wood publication. Mallesons for partnering with us for the 2018 Careers Guide. We would also like to thank all of our authors for this year’s publication. It has been nothing but inspiring to learn about your experiences, and extremely rewarding to see your willingness to share your knowledge. Without a doubt, I know that all of our readers will be similarly inspired by your contributions, and encouraged to pursue their passions with the same vigour that you all have.
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If you wish to discuss anything at all Careers related, please do not hesitate to contact me at lsscareers@anu.edu.au.
To our readers, we hope that this guide encourages and inspires you to pursue your passion in the law, no matter where you are on your law journey.
Welcome to the 2018 Careers Guide, proudly sponsored by King & Wood Mallesons. This Guide has been carefully crafted to expose you to a variety of careers and jobs for when you finish at ANU. I hope that you find the 2018 Careers Guide a valuable resource that assists you with discovering your path in life. As President, I am very excited for you to read this Guide and hope that it assists you with making decisions about your future. I encourage you to use it as a resource that you refer back to when applying for job applications. I also strongly encourage you to attend our Careers events during the year. These include the Careers Fair and later the Clerkship Information Evening. At these events try to talk to current or recent clerks and graduates of these firms, so you can get the best indication of whether a certain firm is the right fit for you. The pages of this Guide will show you fantastic opportunities at leading Australian and international law firms. The Guide should also serve to help you consider your options, allay any worries you may have about the application process, and encourage you to seek out more information on a particular firm or field.
A law degree from the Australian National University is incredibly valuable and opens many doors to a wide range of professions and fields. It goes without saying, but it is impossible for any careers guide to cover all the options that are available to you after you graduate. We do, however, believe that this Guide provides a strong starting point for you, and we hope that you find it useful! I would like to thank the Careers portfolio for all their hard work to put this Guide together. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their ongoing support with the ANU Law Students Society. Finally, to you, good luck! I hope this Guide assists you with navigate the dreaded question of “what to do next?”. I wish you the absolute best and hope success comes your way.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
President’s Welcome
Best wishes, Suchara Fernando President ANU Law Students’ Society lss@anu.edu.au
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
APPLICATION TIPS AND TRICKS
At ANU LSS, we understand that the prospect of a career in law can be daunting. From writing the perfect cover letter and resume, to perfecting the art of networking, it can all seem a little overwhelming. The following resources have been put together by successful ANU students to help you kick start your legal career. In the legal field, the selection process can involve a number of steps. Generally, you will be required to submit a written application and undertake at least one interview. A written application will often include a resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for a position, as well as a written response answering a series of questions addressing your alignment with corporate values and your life beyond law school. It is common practice for law firms to further assess candidates in the form of psychometric testing or networking events.
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Writing the Perfect Cover Letter by Jessica Elliott Jess is a final year LLB/Arts student from Sydney. She has recently completed a clerkship at King & Wood Mallesons and is the incoming Tipstaff to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW.
1. Why is a cover letter important? (And why you should include one even if one isn’t expressly required) • It is your first introduction as a candidate to the organisation. • Demonstrates why you are a good fit for the position and the organisation • Highlights your career ambitions and how you can uniquely contribute to the organisation • First test of your communication skills 2. Structure: Cover letters should look like a formal business letter. Have a look online for templates if you are unsure. One style for example is: • • •
Upper right corner include the date, followed by your name, address, phone number and email address. Below this, aligned to the left include the name of the contact person, their position and the name of the organisation. Where possible begin the letter with Dear [name of contact person]. Where you can’t find the name of the relevant person, it is acceptable to use “Dear [Recruitment Team etc.].
Sign off the letter formally. Inserting a digital signature at the end of the letter looks professional. 3. Tailoring your cover letter to the specific job application: It it is essential that the cover letter directly addresses the job criteria and specific organisation. Even if you have a generic cover letter, make sure to tweak it to target each specific job and organisation. Some jobs won’t have clear criteria (e.g. many clerkships or tipstaff/associate positions). Instead think generally about what skills are required (e.g. ability to work in a team, client-centricity, commercial awareness) and target your letter accordingly.
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4. Do your research: Being able to show why you want to work for that particular organisation (or judge) demonstrates a genuine interest and appreciation for the job. Be as specific as possible. For example, ‘I want to work under [insert leading lawyer]’ or ‘I aspire to work for [organisation] as a leader in [X] as indicated by […]’. It may sometimes be hard to distinguish between organisations. For example, if applying for clerkships many firms may appear almost identical. To tailor your cover letter it may be helpful to: • Look closely at the organisation’s websites (e.g. specialisations, recent news, pro bono) • Research the organisation in the media (e.g. Google News, Australian Financial Review, Lawyers Weekly) • Mention any contact you have had with current employees of the organisation (e.g. at career fairs). 5. Be persuasive: • Identify standout points on your CV (e.g. relevant work experience, leadership roles, and extracurricular involvements). Use these strong standouts to show how you meet the criteria. • Provide evidence to back up criteria. For example, instead of ‘I work well in a team’, it is more persuasive to write, ‘I have demonstrated my team-work capacity as [position] where I [activity]’… • Enumerating reasons is helpful and compelling. For example, ‘I believe I am an ideal candidate for three reasons. First… Second… Finally…’. 6. Writing style: • Be concise! A cover letter should generally fit comfortably onto one page. • Make it easy to read. Concision and plain writing is a desired skill. For example, short sentences and clear paragraphing. • Be meticulous about spelling, grammar and punctuation.
This material was kindly provided by ANU Careers
Even if the content of your resume doesn’t change significantly from one application to the next, your cover letter definitely needs to be modified for each job or opportunity you are applying for. A cover letter should accompany your resume and is an important part of the application process, whether you are applying for an advertised position or contacting employers directly for non-advertised opportunities. A cover letter allows you to introduce yourself, demonstrate your motivation for the position and highlight key skills and experience relevant to the position. It is good practice to provide a cover letter at all times, even if one has not been requested. Frank Ashbury 27 Appleby Rd Chapman ACT 2611 041234567 frank.ashbury@gmail.com Mr James Smith Mr James Smith Graduate Recruitment Manager Graduate Recruitment Manager ABC Bank ABC Bank 210 Bourke St 210 Bourke St Sydney NSW 2001
Frank Ashbury 27 Appleby Rd Chapman ACT 2611 041234567 frank.ashbury@gmail.com
Sydney NSW 2001
16 April 2017 16 April 2017
Dear Mr Smith Dear Mr Smith
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Sample Cover Letter
After speaking to Jason Williams at the Tertiaryat to Work careers fair to in Canberra last week, Ifair wishin to apply for a graduate position in After speaking to Jason Williams the Tertiary Work careers Canberra last week, the investment banking stream with ABC Bank. My interest in investment banking has grown over the last several years, particularly I wish to apply for a graduate position in the investment banking stream with ABC Bank. My after my summer internship experience at WeInvest last year.
I am currently in my final year of a B. Commerce/B. Laws degree at Australian National University (ANU) and I hold a distinction average. I have been an active member of the Finance and Banking Society (FINSOC) at ANU and the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) for the past two years. I developed strong analytical skills through my research into the deregulation of East-Asia’s financial sector in the past five years. I enhanced my strong communication skills as a volunteer guide at the National Museum and my teamwork skills in my part-time retail assistant role at David Jones. My organisational skills have been further developed in my position as paralegal with the commercial law firm Smith & Partners. I enjoy playing rugby and as a rugby coach for under 14s, I used initiative and my problem-solving ability in running local competitions. ABC Bank’s global outlook and recent expansion into East-Asian markets appeal to both my legal and commerce backgrounds. I would enjoy contributing to ABC Bank’s growth in deregulated markets overseas, as well as in the domestic sector. I would also welcome the opportunity to learn from experienced staff in the mentoring program within ABC Bank’s graduate program. Thank you for your time in this matter. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further with you and can be contacted on 0412 345 678. Yours sincerely Frank Ashbury frank.ashbury@gmail.com
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Preparing a Stellar Resume by Tony Zhang Tony is in his final year of a Law/Commerce degree. He recently completed a Clerkship in a law firm in Sydney and was the LSS Vice-President (Competitions) in 2017.
Here you are, in your final years of law school, and you’re sitting at your computer wondering whether your resume is good enough to get you a job. Well don’t worry, I’ve got a few tips to help you and hopefully relieve your stress. TIP #1 Keep Content Relevant Essential categories that should be in your resume include your personal details, education history, employment history and achievements/skills. When writing about your personal details, include your name, address, phone number, email, Linkedin link etc. Your education history should include, your Uni and high school history. Make sure you include your degree and expected graduation date. Be precise when you write about your employment history. Don’t be general in your descriptions. Prioritise writing about the specific achievements and goals you accomplished rather than the tasks you did. To stand out, you may want to place your legal experience above your employment history. Having an ‘interests’ category can also help you stand out as it demonstrates that you have a balanced life outside of law. Finally, actually place your references in your resume, rather than writing ‘available upon request’. TIP #2 Keep It Simple and Make It Aesthetic Your resume should be 2 pages max. Employers read thousands of resumes so make sure yours is pleasing to the eyes. White space is your friend so don’t clutter your resume with text. Use precise dot points and generous line spacing. A simple font like Times New Roman in size 11 or 12 is preferred. Make sure you have clear headings that stand out. I would also suggest placing the most relevant information first in your resume. You need to try to grab the attention of the reader in the first quarter of your resume.
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TIP #3 Tailor to Your Audience It’s easy to tailor make a cover letter, but not necessarily a resume. The first step is to spend time researching a firm and what they value. Most firms often have a few categories they value most. For example, if a firm values leadership and teamwork, you can focus on these attributes when describing your achievements in your employment history. Remember to also ask recruiters, at career fairs, what they are looking for in a successful candidate and then write about them in your resume. You should be making adjustments to each resume you send. TIP #4 Double Check, then Triple Check Make sure you triple check that there are no spelling or grammatical errors and formatting is consistent. Further, make sure there are no tracked changes. When firms see these errors, no matter how well written and impressive you are, they are highly likely to just ignore you. This problem is 100% avoidable, so make sure it doesn’t happen to you. TIP #5 Don’t Give Up! Finally, remember, rejection is normal so don’t give up. Keep working hard and putting yourself out there. Everyone is in the same boat, so don’t panic, and persevere.
This material was kindly provided by ANU Careers
Frank Ashbury
27 Appleby Rd Chapman ACT 2611 0412 345 678 frank.ashbury@gmail.com OBJECTIVE Driven and energetic, I am seeking to start my career in investment banking by using my strong communication and problem-solving skills and further developing my leadership skills in a graduate position with a leading multinational investment bank. EDUCATION 2016 – expected completion 2019 Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce, Australian National University Distinction average. 2017 Semester Exchange to University of Amsterdam 2015 Narrabundah College, ACT. ATAR: 98.2 SKILLS SUMMARY Communication · Developed strong oral communication skills through my role as Community Volunteer with Oxfam Australia, presenting Oxfam’s work at community groups and schools, tailoring my language to different audiences. · Further developed written communication skills by drafting legal documents in my work as paralegal with Smith and Partners. [Continue skills summary below] PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE March 2015 – present Paralegal, Smith & Partners, commercial law firm, ACT · Drafting legal documents · Trial preparation, including interviewing clients
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Sample Resume
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Mar 2017 – present Committee member, Finance & Banking Society (FINSOC) – ANU Branch · Contribute to regular committee meetings and decision making on terms of reference and priorities and FINSOC events. [Continue experience below] VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE 2017 – present Learning Community Ambassador, Global Challenges Learning Community OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS 2016 ANU College of Business & Economics Undergraduate Merit Award PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS 2016 – present Student member, Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) REFEREES Sam Smith, Partner Supervisor Smith & Partners, Commercial law firm, ACT 02 6123 4567 sam.smith@smithandpartners.com.au
Tracey Johnson, Finance Analyst Supervisor WeInvest Pty. Ltd. 02 6123 7890 tracey.johnson@weinvest.com.au
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
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Acing the Interview by Rebecca Lucas Rebecca graduated at the end of 2017 with First Class Honours. During her time at ANU she worked part time with the APS and as a law clerk with a leading Canberra-based firm. Rebecca completed two clerkships, one in Melbourne and one in Canberra, and was also the 2016-17 World Bank Fellow. Since leaving ANU she has started work as an Associate at the Federal Court of Australia.
So, you made it to the interview. Congratulations! Celebrate that achievement for many will not have made it to this stage. There is no formulaic approach that should be adopted for every interview, for it depends on the position. However, preparing ahead is always important. Consider the questions that might be asked. While these will vary depending on the interviewer, the following questions often arise in some form:
Secondly, in relation to transport, for most interviews the location will be unfamiliar. Give yourselves plenty of time to find your location and, if you have the opportunity, do a dry run to figure out the bus times, walking distance or car route. Nothing will stress you out more than running late. Just in case, have the contact number of your interviewer so that, should something go awry, you are able to get in contact.
• “Tell us something about yourself that we cannot read in your application.” • “Why do you want to work for us?” This often arises in clerkship interviews and it is important to be able to differentiate and explain why one firm over another. • “Why do you think you would be a good fit?” • “Can you tell me about a time where you demonstrated….” It is useful in preparing for this question to consider the potential employer’s motto or values as they may inform the focus of this question.
Finally, in the interview be calm. It is a nerveracking experience, but try to be confident and do not let the questions confuse you. Ask if you need a question to be repeated, want to clarify a question being asked or would like a moment to consider a question. Seeking time or clarification is better than bumbling through and not giving an articulate answer and it shows self-assuredness. Answer questions truthfully and allow your experience, whether professional or extracurricular, to inform your answers.
While these questions are good practice, it is useful just to do a quick internet search. You Remember, if you have made it through to the interview you have the qualifications will be able to find a plethora of questions. for the job. What the interview is ultimately The preparation for the interview should about is your potential employer assessing not end with the interview questions. It also your fit with their team. Be yourself and be should involve preparing your interview genuine. Good luck! attire and your transportation. First, attire, and it should go without saying, but dress appropriately. Consider the position and what is appropriate. Prepare ahead so there is not a mad rush on the day. Also make sure it is comfortable. For example, girls, while the allure of heels for an interview is clear, make sure you can walk! There is nothing worse than tripping through the interview door.
This material was kindly provided by ANU Careers
When you are invited to an interview, the likelihood of you being the successful candidate have improved significantly since you first lodged your application.The employer will want to meet you in order to find out why you really want to work for their organisation. They also want to see if you will fit into the culture of the organisation by getting a sense of how well you could work with their staff and clients. However, interviews are a two-way discussion, and your opportunity to also ask questions of the organisation and to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
Types of questions Similar to written applications, employers look for the answer to three main questions: 1. Can you do the job? 2. Motivation for the role and organisation 3. Do you fit into the culture of the organisation?
Interviews can be conducted using a variety of formats. Find out as much information about the format of the interview to help prepare. Some organisations may opt to use only one interview; others will have a series of interviews, involving different staff members before making their decision.
General questions: You need to modify each answer to link it back to the industry, organisation and the role itself. Be prepared to answer questions about why you’ve applied for the job, what you know about the organisation and why you feel you would be a good fit for the role. Situational/hypothetical: These questions allow the employer to look at your ability to analyse a problem, think quickly and provide practical solutions to the problem. The employer is also interested in the thinking and reasoning process that you go through in tackling the hypothetical scenario. Sector knowledge: You may need to demonstrate your level of knowledge about a technical issue relevant to the role/industry sector. Ensure that you are up-to-date and aware of key issues. Behavioural/competency-based. These questions aim to find out about your past behaviours to help predict future performance. They can often take the form of “Tell me about a time when you…”
Making a great impression First impressions can have a significant influence on interview success. The interviewers may have already started forming an impression of you from the moment that you enquired about the job. Looking and acting professionally and engaging in conversation with whoever you meet before, during and after the interview is an ideal opportunity to make a positive impression. Communicating during the interview Body language is one of the most important aspects of communicating in an interview. Here are a few tips to remember: • firm handshakes with everyone you meet or are introduced to will help convey confidence • maintain eye contact with all interviewers and remember to smile • sitting up straight will help convey your interest • vary your tone of voice where appropriate when communicating • avoid crossing your arms, or blocking communication as this may come across as being defensive.
They will ask questions to help them determine answers. When responding, draw on examples from your university experience, previous employment, volunteer work and extracurricular activities.The following types of questions are likely to be asked:
Asking questions It is essential that you prepare questions in advance of the interview to ask the employer, as this is a great opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for the job. Some questions may even come to mind while you’re at the interview. Your questions should reflect your knowledge of the position as well as the organisation. Do not ask questions that can easily be answered by looking at the employer’s website. Instead, take the opportunity to demonstrate that you have done your research.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Interviews
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Jobs for Young Lawyers Compared: Expectations, Applications and Pro-Tips by James Barrett
If you want to practice law and enjoy legal scholarship, you’re surely curious about one or more of the following jobs. I’ve experienced each and I’ve discussed them with lawyers of all seniorities, who have also experienced some or all of these jobs. Here’s my perspective on what to expect, the realistic requirements for applicants, and pro-tips. My core advice: look beyond big law school names and investigate your options by talking to a wide range of practitioners and mentors. Commercial Law I clerked with Herbert Smith Freehills in 2015-16. HSF is rightly a perennial chart-topper. But I can say that some ‘mid-tier’ firms are better regarded by practitioners than some ‘top-tier’ firms (ie the old ‘Big Six’ and overseas-based firms). I must leave you to discover which ones. Large commercial firms provide the best support and training, so you can learn and practice good habits immediately. You will have decent client exposure and brief top barristers. Your matters will make the news. The trade-off is that you will often work long hours, have less direct responsibility early on, and your freedom to choose when to do an associateship or masters degree will be more limited. But these are fair compromises for job security in a top firm. I recommend applying for clerkships at least a couple of firms; wiser to have a dabble than to pass up the opportunity and regret it later. In NSW you can choose one clerkship, but it will almost certainly lead to a graduate role. Realistic requirements: At least a distinction average, plus extracurricular and work experience evidencing social and commercial aptitude.
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Pro-tip: The most common advice for choosing a firm is to go with your gut, but the individual teams you are placed in will dictate your day-to-day feelings. Teams vary in personality and change over time, so firms with enduring reputations for skill, integrity and friendliness are the best bet.
Government Solicitors’ Offices Each government typically has a go-to statutory law firm led by highly respected solicitors and counsel. Australian Government Solicitor is the Commonwealth version. It is now part of the AttorneyGeneral’s Department, but remains dedicated to legal practice. It has offices in each capital city. I worked in the large Canberra office for two years during my JD and GDLP. Government solicitors are typically part of the public service, or offer similar conditions. But they are otherwise similar to commercial firms. They generally have excellent reputations for integrity and skill. The workload is typically less demanding than at commercial firms. The main downside is that these offices naturally have less resources to support and train you. Government solicitors work on the full spectrum of cases the government is involved in. Much of your work will therefore be interesting and rewarding. However, you must value rule of law and representative government, because you may also work on controversial, sad or distressing matters. Realistic requirements: These firms attract lots of elite talent, but the range of graduates is wide. A solid credit average with some excellent results or experience would be viewed positively. Pro-tip: Government solicitors often have lateral openings for junior lawyers who did an associateship or similar after graduating. This is excellent for those who don’t secure a graduate role.
Associateships Associates, or Tipstaves, work with a judge for a year or more. Associateships are highly regarded and surprisingly accessible. They are often cited as the best year of one’s career. If you also secure a job in a graduate program you can usually defer it or take up an associateship after it is complete. First, choose your ideal court. The Federal Court is popular with ANU graduates and widely considered best for an associateship. Federal Court associates are exposed to both trials and appeals in an array of areas and travel regularly. They help run the chambers like their own little practice, due to the nature of the court’s internal workings. The salary is also far greater than for supreme court tipstaves. As for High Court associateships, they are rarely available straight out of university, and besides, you will get more out of one after a few years of prior experience. Then, make a ‘shortlist’ of judges to apply to. This is crucial. It is an unwritten rule that one accepts the first offer they are given (so long as they genuinely like the judge). Moreover, the type of experience you have will heavily depend on your judge. A number of factors drew me to my judge: they are universally praised as funny, kind, brilliant and efficient; their associates have lots of responsibility; they have a very broad practice; they previously worked as a partner, barrister and judge; and they are quite senior despite their relative youth. Few judges will meet all of your own preferred characteristics, but if you investigate thoroughly you will find more success both in your applications and the associateship itself.
Realistic requirements: At least a distinction average with an expectation of first class honours, plus excellent extra-curricular and/or legal work experience. Pro-tip: The application dates advertised by judges are a guide. Associates can be chosen earlier depending on needs and recommendations. I interviewed with a (then) Federal Court justice in my penultimate year. I was unsuccessful then, but their honour recommended me on to my current Judge. I sent an application early and got the job. Send your own in early and update it if need be. Tutoring Elite graduates can tutor subjects for a university as a side-job. Tutoring offers unique insight into subject areas and the university experience generally. There is decent autonomy, although there may be some factors outside your control. Helping keen and friendly students is rewarding. Of course, if you tutor up to 100 students there will be someone with a chip on their shoulder come SELT time. But overall, young tutors are very well received.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
James is an ANU graduate and lawyer. He is currently an Associate to a Justice of the Federal Court of Australia.
Realistic requirements: Elite transcript and perhaps previous tutoring experience. Pro-tip: Enquire well in advance with the head of school or course convener.
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Have I made it? What is success as a lawyer? by Tracey Mylecharane, Lecturer, ANU School of Legal Practice If I were to ask you right now ‘what does success as a lawyer mean to you?’ – what would you say? Glamour, a large six-figure salary, high profile cases, making partner, Harvey Specter and Tom Ford suits or Christian Louboutin heels … It can be easy to lose perspective and become caught up in the hype associated with lawyers and legal practice, especially with all the glitzy television drama these days about being a lawyer and the high-flying lifestyle that comes with it (I am thinking along the lines of shows such as ‘Suits’ and ‘The Good Wife’). I can tell you, with total confidence and from the heart, that success has nothing to do with glamour, salary packages or designer outfits. Success is about understanding your values as a person, being clear on your responsibilities and duties as a lawyer (to the court, to your client, and to your opponents) and then living by your values and discharging your obligations to the best of your ability – Every. Single. Day. It’s challenging. It’s hard work. It can be exhausting and frustrating, and even overwhelming. But it’s rewarding, fulfilling and at the end of the day knowing that you have contributed to society in such a meaningful way – could you ask for anything more? I am often asked by students ‘what does it take to be a successful lawyer’. My answer is always the same. Grit. Determination. Hard work. Integrity and Compassion. It’s about so much more than your academic transcript or your well-developed CV. It’s about the sort of person you are, the sort of person you want to be, your commitment to helping others and your ability to trust yourself and be true to your values. Without this you will almost inevitably fall short. Several years ago, I acted for clients (husband and wife) who had been to many lawyers before me. It wasn’t a big case in terms of my practice, but it was big to the clients – it was their livelihood being impacted. I agreed to act for them. I trusted my instincts. They needed help and I couldn’t in all good conscience turn them away. We worked hard and ended up settling the matter without going to hearing, on terms
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favourable to the clients such that they didn’t lose anything and were able to move forward with their lives. They came to see me after the matter was over and told me that they were almost at the point of losing all hope, just before they came to our firm – that not only had we settled the matter for them on terms that they regarded a success, but that they would never forget how we treated them with such kindness and respect, despite their limited financial means. It resonated with me then, and it still does today. As a lawyer, we are in a position of privilege in that we can have a profound impact on the lives of people who genuinely need our help. Practicing the law is about so much more than glamour and prestige. It’s about people, their livelihoods and their liberty, and the role that we play in preserving that. Here’s my advice on how to become a successful lawyer: > Know your values, and know yourself – in times of uncertainty or doubt, be guided by your values and trust in yourself. You won’t regret it. > Find a mentor – someone who you admire and respect. Watch what they do, and how they do it. Pay attention to how they conduct themselves and how they treat people, especially their opponents. If you do this you will be well on your way. > Choose carefully – understand the values and reputation of a firm/workplace before you apply/agree to work there. If the firm’s values don’t align with your own, keep looking. > Work hard and learn from your mistakes – you won’t get it right every time. That’s ok. Learn from your mistakes, be committed and don’t give up. > Treat people well – you don’t have to be embroiled in conflict to be a good lawyer. Even in contested litigation matters, you can fight fair without being disrespectful and rude to your opponent. In a criminal law trial, you don’t have to demoralise the other side to make your point. The way you treat people will inform your reputation and it will follow you throughout your career. Remember that. Don’t lose sight of who you are or what the practice of law is about – don’t become caught up in the hype and notion of glamour. Be true to yourself. It will serve you well. At the end of the day, that’s what life, not just legal practice, is all about.
legalpractice.anu.edu.au/gdlp
PRIVATE LAW ‘Private law’ is a descriptor that covers a massive part of the legal sector, and in many more ways than one may think at first glance. In private law careers, there is a lot of room to move and a lot of different focuses people can take. Smaller and Boutique firms, and Sole Practitioners Working at a smaller or boutique firm provides opportunities to develop skills beyond simply application of the law. This includes working more closely with partners or managing staff, and being exposed much earlier on in your career to clients and the business development side of the law. The sky’s the limit when it comes to what a firm may specialize in. Large Commercial Firms The most well-trodden path for a private law career, large commercial firms often operate in the national and international market. There is a large variety of practice groups and industries these firms work in, but they are often given more complex work from large sophisticated clients. Large commercial firms also provide the chance for excellent training and a wide set of skill development. In House Counsel Many large companies over a wide variety of industries will have their own in house legal teams. This includes banks, not for profits, mining companies and technology companies, as well as many more. There are often opportunities for new graduates to start in these teams at a junior level. Working in house provides an insight into how the law interacts with business needs. It also provides scope for practitioners to work in a wide variety of areas based on business needs and the industry. New Law In addition to these structures, ‘new law’ models for firms are also gaining market traction. These models vary, but generally involve more flexibility for the individual lawyer and an opportunity to develop your practice in dynamic ways. Many of these models place lawyers on secondment in house with clients, affording practitioners the benefits of private practice, increased flexibility and control, and an in house experience.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Clerkship Application Dates QLD: Monday 26 Feb Applications for clerkships open Monday 26 March Applications for clerkships close at 9am AEST Monday 14 May Offers for vacation clerkships can be made by participating firms Tuesday 15 May Offers for vacation clerkships must be accepted or declined by 5pm AEST ACT/NSW: Monday 18 June Applications for summer clerkships open Sunday 15 July Applications for summer clerkships close at 11:59pm Wednesday 26 Sept Offers for summer clerkships can be made. Friday 28 Sept Offers for summer clerkships must be accepted or declined by 5.00pm VIC: Monday 9 July Sunday 12 August Thursday 18 October
Applications open no earlier than 9am Applications close at 11:59pm Offers for summer clerkships can be made from 10am
Graduate Application Dates QLD: Monday 6 August Applications for graduate positions open Monday 13 August Applications for graduate positions close at 9am AEST Monday 17 September Offers for graduate positions can be made by participating firms Tuesday 18 September Offers for graduate positions must be accepted or declined by 5pm AEST ACT/NSW: Monday 5 March Applications for graduate positions open Sunday 15 April Applications for graduate positions close at 5pm Monday 7 May Interviews for graduate positions commence Friday 8 June Offers for graduate positions can be made Monday 18 June Offers for graduate positions must be accepted or declined by 5.00pm VIC: Friday 10 August Applications open at 9am Sunday 26 August Applications close at 11:59pm Tuesday 7 August Priority offers made from 10am, until 12pm Wednesday 8 August Monday 8 October Market offers made from 10am
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by Tara Peramatukorn Tara graduated from ANU in 2017 and is a graduate lawyer at Squire Patton Boggs.
I need to preface this article by saying that getting into corporate law is not easy. It is difficult to get in during the clerkship/grad rounds, and even harder after that. But it is possible. Application Process I began applying for corporate law jobs about a month before my graduation in July. I searched through a variety of websites every day, including Seek, Beyond Law and Legal Vitae. I also signed up to certain firms’ career pages to receive notifications of new job listings. Some days there would be nothing I was interested in, and other days I would ready myself to send out three applications. I was very set on getting into corporate law, so I was quite selective during the application process. I encourage you to be as well. But if you are still unsure as to what you want to do, browsing those pages is a good way to expose yourself to the variety of jobs out there.
From Paralegal to Graduate I accepted employment at a corporate law firm as a paralegal in the International Dispute Resolution team. I have found it to be an exhilarating journey in which I am constantly busy and work alongside peers who I call my friends. Before long, I was promoted to a law graduate position. Whilst it is rare to achieve it outside of the traditional process, it is possible. If you are in the midst of the panic of the post-grad job hunt, my biggest reminder would be that you can still be productive. Focus on yourself and developing those passions you have beyond the professional whilst you still have time. In the month prior to getting my job, I signed up to a coding class and went travelling. Once you start working, you will probably never get time like that back. So pause and appreciate it amongst all the chaos. Know that you will make it in time. Good luck!
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
The Search For Employment After Graduation
Interview Within a month of beginning my job search, I was called by three firms for a first round interview for a paralegal position. Amidst the excitement of finally obtaining an interview, remember what you want from this role. For instance, it was important to me to join a firm which could see me growing alongside them. I made sure to discuss this in every interview so I could form clear expectations. My other tips would be to prepare in advance and to be clear on what strengths you can bring when you start. The impression I got from these interviews was that whilst firms would provide mentoring and training, they were looking for someone who could hit the ground running immediately. You should also be prepared for very short timelines. As an example, I was offered an interview two days after submitting my application, and my first and second round interviews occurred on the same day.
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Great change is here.
Are you ready? At Allens, we’re focused on advancing our industry through equipping our people with the skills and experience they need to be the lawyers of the future. We’re ready to define tomorrow. Are you? With us, you’ll be more than a lawyer. Our people are technical experts, but they’re also trusted business advisers who think bigger, more broadly and more strategically. Together, we solve complex legal challenges, and collaborate across practice areas and disciplines to guide our clients. We work across borders too, thanks to our alliance with Linklaters. This strategic partnership opens up worlds of opportunity for our business and our people, including rotations in Linklaters London, Hong Kong and Singapore for our graduate lawyers. In a rapidly changing world, we seek opportunities to innovate, embracing creative thinking, new approaches and emerging technology. And we don’t just use them to benefit ourselves and our clients. We believe strongly in driving positive change to do right by our community too. Our teams are open, inclusive and encouraging, giving you the chance to learn and grow, but your development will be down to you. You’ll have the flexibility to drive your career, and we’ll recognise your achievements and hard work as you progress through the firm. Are you ready to begin?
Clerkship program A clerkship with Allens is the first step in a rewarding legal career. The program will give you invaluable insight into our work and culture. With support from a buddy and development supervisor, you’ll work on real matters for real clients and be involved in projects.
Graduate program
Will you make great change happen? Clerkship > Programs run from three to ten weeks > Available at our Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney offices > Ongoing support and buddy system
Comprising two 12-month placements in different practices, our graduate program offers exposure to stimulating legal challenges. In each rotation, you’ll gain a depth of experience that comes from seeing matters through. However, at Allens we don’t work in silos so you won’t be limited to working with one partner or by your practice areas. Working with different teams and leading organisations, you’ll grow a solid skills base and develop the agility needed to thrive in our ever-changing world.
> Exposure to one or two practice groups
Early careers at Allens provide highly tailored training through the Allens Academy. Developed in partnership with the Australian National University, our Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice will help you transition from law graduate to legal expert and trusted business adviser.
> A 12-month legal seminar series (Cornerstone Program)
Allens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP.
Graduate program > Two 12-month rotations in your areas of interest > Secondment options in London or Asia via our alliance with Linklaters > Ongoing supervision, coaching and mentoring > Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (via Allens Academy)
Find out more at allens.com.au/yourcareer 16774D
Will Brown – Summer Clerk 2017/18 One of Allens 2017/18 Summer Clerks and Australian National University JD student Will Brown shares his clerkship experience in a feature with Lawyers Weekly. Having spent the best part of five years studying at the ANU, it felt like the right time to make the move from the nation’s capital to the place most commonly mistaken for the nation’s capital, Sydney. After several brief glimpses into life at Allens, it was with much excitement that I awaited the start of my Summer Clerkship. I could picture it – exciting work, new colleagues, and Christmas functions to boot. I did not, however, foresee a trip to the Sydney Children’s Hospital, an advanced screening of Jumanji, losing to a rival firm in soccer (controversially and in wet weather…) and karaoke on a Thursday night somewhere in Surry Hills. Trying to imagine life inside a commercial law firm is quite difficult. Most of the work is confidential and each person’s experience and perspective differs greatly. I had always thought - or at least hoped - that I would fit in and that I would be given a chance to use my skills not just commercially, but in the context of helping other people too. After several days of training and exploring the less travelled parts of Microsoft Word, we were let loose onto the floors to join the teams for our first rotation. For me, this was Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT). Here, I was met with genuine warmth and excitement. The arrival of clerks, I was told, meant it was almost Christmas. In the weeks since, I have had the privilege to work on largescale service agreements in addition to novation deeds, licences, advice on cryptocurrencies and even the issue of zero-ratings and net neutrality. It has been a process of constant learning, navigating new laws and trying to anticipate the regulation of new and exciting concepts.
Ready for great change?
By the same token (couldn’t help myself), I have also worked on a number of Allens Accelerate matters. Accelerate works with aspiring entrepreneurs in the embryonic stages of starting their own companies, many of which could have a big impact on a number of sectors in the coming years. What has really rounded out my experience has been the chance to work on pro bono matters. While clients are always grateful for receiving advice, there is something really rewarding when you can make a difference for a client that would not ordinarily be in a position to access legal services. Allens has a strong commitment to pro bono work and clerks are encouraged to get involved from day one. Aside from having front-row seats for a senior colleague’s rendition of Geri Halliwell’s It's Raining Men, the highlight of my Allens experience has been the people. There is a genuine team spirit among the clerks and it has been a pleasure getting to know so many interesting people from all over the country. Special thanks must go to the entire TMT and People & Development teams, without whom my experience would not have been as seamless and enjoyable as it has been. In the last few weeks, a sense of confidence has been instilled in me by the lawyers I work alongside. Despite having complex matters to attend to before Christmas, they have all taken the time to explain new concepts to me and give me detailed feedback on their work. Particular thanks must go to Ian McGill, my supervising partner. No matter how busy he has been, Ian has set aside time to review my work and provide feedback which has allowed me to increase the standard of my work immeasurably. His approachability has allowed me to ask questions and to work with confidence, without fear of making mistakes while I learn. I am also grateful to Connie Ye and Alice Williams who have also been formally involved in mentoring me during this process. Next up is Mergers and Acquisitions in 2018, and I can’t wait to get started.
Find out how to apply via allens.com.au/yourcareer Allens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP.
MOVE YOUR MIND
Graduates in Law
Aim beyond pure legal knowledge. Beyond commercial advice. Be known for something more: a clarity of thought and an instinct for problem solving that can influence governments and leading businesses the world over. Join us and we’ll help you enrich and expand your worldview, grow your skills and influence new ways of thinking. In other words, we’ll help you move minds.
Begin now at careers.ashurst.com Connect with us on
ASHURST At Ashurst, you won’t just be learning from the past or from specifics. You will also be developing the instincts to tackle the most complex issues in international law and building an understanding of each client’s business. We want a broad range of minds, all united by a common set of strengths.
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WE’LL HELP MOVE MINDS
CURIOUS?
Internationalism is part of the fabric of our firm. It’s not just how many offices we have in how many countries. It’s how closely, how seamlessly and how naturally all of those offices work together.
The best way to understand what it feels like to work here is to actually work here! Every year, we hold clerkships in each of our offices to give you an intensive experience of our culture and the kind of work we do.
Pick up the phone. Send off an email. In the world’s largest financial and business centres across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the USA, there are Ashurst lawyers who’ll answer you – swiftly, efficiently, skilfully.
SO WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN?
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More access to intellectually demanding, multijurisdictional work. Great international mobility and secondment opportunities. Most of all: collaborations. Across the firm, you will find the same engaging culture wherever you are based.
3,050 people
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OUR STRENGTHS We’re renowned for helping our clients navigate through a complex and constantly evolving global landscape. With 25 offices across the world’s leading financial and resource centres in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and the USA, we operate at the cutting edge of the financial, resources and infrastructure, corporate and new economy markets. We tackle diverse areas of law, including finance, M&A, disputes and competition. In each, we offer advice that’s as commercially astute as it is technically accurate.
We work hard to make sure they’re as useful and as stimulating as possible. You’ll spend time in our departments, where you’ll work with a supervising partner, a lawyer and a buddy who’ll get you involved in real work.
STARTING YOUR CAREER As a firm, everything we do is characterised by a pursuit of insight, understanding and clarity. We share our clients’ ambitions and we cut to the heart of their issues with speed and clarity, whether we’re working locally or globally. As a graduate, you’ll benefit from a tailored rotation plan, in-house PLT and global firm structured aQ training to help develop the highest standards of technical legal expertise, industry know-how and business and legal skills.
APPLY What you say in your application is up to you: but be sure to express your personality and tell us why you want to be a commercial lawyer – and why you’d like to join Ashurst in particular. We need people with a rare kind of mindset: an openness to the way you work, an agility to the way you think, and a strong desire to keep evolving as a professional.
partners
To start moving your mind, begin now at ashurst.com/careers
Your journey to a world-class career begins here
Baker McKenzie is Australia’s first global law firm. We’ve been developing global lawyers in Australia for more than 50 years – each started out as a law student, just like you. Become a world-class lawyer. Join the firm that was born global.
www.bakermckenzie.com/australia#careers
Find us at @BakersAUS
Find us on Facebook
Ready to explore our world? Angelique Wanner +61 2 8922 5596 angelique.wanner@bakermckenzie.com
A DAY IN THE LIFE Julian McMahon
Junior Associate, Sydney International Clerk, Tokyo Joining the truly global firm It is difficult for law students, with minimal-to-no first-hand experience of working in a big corporate law firm, to gain an accurate sense of what working in a law firm is really like. During the run-up to the clerkship application period, buzzwords are common across the promos - the word 'global' being chief among them. With so many firms, it is often unclear if or how clerks and graduates can have international experiences. Baker McKenzie stood out as a firm with genuine, immediate global connectedness for juniors: the offer of undertaking an international clerkship was a clear demonstration of real overseas opportunities. My plane touched down at Haneda Airport on a frosty early February morning. I was met at the arrival gate by a fastidiously uniformed driver who could have passed for an airline pilot: epaulettes, cap, white gloves. He chauffeured me to a comfortable, conveniently-located, Tokyo-sized apartment close to the office. Baker McKenzie's Tokyo office is located in Roppongi, a bustling central business district, home to the Japanese headquarters of many major international companies, and to numerous embassies and luxury hotels. The office is situated next to world-class cultural institutions, renowned bars and restaurants, and places of significant historical importance. This proximity made it easy to explore some of the city's major highlights and points of attraction.
Parallels between Sydney & Tokyo The similarity in feeling between the Sydney and Tokyo office was striking. I was welcomed as warmly by the Japanese office as I had been by the Sydney office at the commencement of the summer clerkship. The working environment was far removed from the stereotype of Japanese law firms: warrens of overworked drones. My supervising partner in Tokyo was very generous with his time from the beginning, and ensured that I met everyone in the practice group and many others within the office. On my first day I spent time with the managing partner - also an Australian - who shared some wisdom gleaned from his time living and working in Japan. I spent my international clerkship assisting the taxation team, which I had nominated as my preferred practice group. It was fascinating to see Japanese-based lawyers dealing with complex, international legal issues within the context of a different jurisdiction. The team in the Tokyo office actively involved me in their matters and were responsive in providing guidance and feedback, which was very helpful when engaging with new and sometimes unfamiliar concepts. I assisted colleagues in providing advice about recent amendments to Japanese consumption tax laws. These amendments closely resembled the then-incoming changes to Australian GST laws, and provided me with an insight into how Australians would soon be complying to similar changes. Other interesting experiences included: accompanying a senior tax advisor to a matter being heard before the Tokyo High Court; assisting a team member with a presentation for an upcoming conference; and conducting research into ongoing changes to international taxation arrangements.
Forging regional relationships It is thanks to Baker McKenzie that I was able to have such an extraordinary experience at an early stage of my legal career, doing meaningful work on the other side of the planet in another jurisdiction. A chance to meet new people and to develop real professional connections at an international level.
STAY TRUE.
Staying true to your direction is what defines Clayton Utz. We’ve built a culture that’s unlike any other law firm, but don’t just take our word for it. A good lawyer needs compelling evidence so meet our people and judge for yourself. claytonutz.com/graduates
Academic brilliance certainly counts, but graduates who thrive here have something extra – a natural passion for connecting with people and a strong sense of self. That’s what staying true is all about. If you have these qualities, Clayton Utz is for you.
CLERKSHIP PROGRAM If you’re a law student in your penultimate year, our Clerkship Programs will expose you to the fast pace of a full-service commercial law firm and show you the law in action. You’ll be working under the guidance of some of the sharpest legal minds in Australia, on challenging, complex and high-profile transactions and matters. You’ll be mentored by partners and lawyers who are leaders in their fields, in a firm where individuality is embraced and innovation actively encouraged.
GRADUATE PROGRAM It’s not just about wearing a suit. There’s always a gap between theory and practice, and post-university prospects can be daunting. How do you make the leap to working in the industry?
That’s where we come in. Once you’ve completed your studies, our national Graduate Program gives you the perfect foundation for your legal career. Our 2.5 week orientation program is designed to ensure that you’ll hit the ground running. It consists of PLT+, local training and a national orientation week in Sydney. Our rotations will help you discover different areas and find the right fit. From day one you’ll be working on complex and sophisticated legal issues, and with our innovative learning and development approach, you’ll get the support to become the best you can be.
You’ll get… • Three rotations of six months in our national practice groups • continuing legal education programs and professional development support • mentoring from some of the best lawyers in the country • a buddy who’ll give you the inside information
• the chance to participate in our Community Connect and Pro Bono programs and really give back
• meaningful performance feedback so you know you’re on • social and sporting activities, because we know it’s not the right track all work and no play.
We hire most of our Graduates from our Clerkship Programs. Occasionally, additional opportunities may arise. These opportunities will be listed on our website.
SEE OUR WORLD THROUGH OUR EYES BE A PART OF EVERYTHING
GRADUATE CAREERS IN LAW Join our outstanding graduate program with a law degree and potential to succeed, and experience real responsibility, a flexible career path and an innovative, collaborative environment to help you thrive.
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OFFICES GLOBALLY
Join us as a Herbert Smith Freehills graduate with your degree behind you, but a world of opportunity in front of you. Don't just experience it, be a part of everything. SEARCH HSF GRADUATES AUSTRALIA FOR MORE
MOST INNOVATIVE INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM FT ASIA-PACIFIC INNOVATIVE LAWYERS AWARDS 2016
BE A PART OF EVERYTHING Join us as a Herbert Smith Freehills Vacation Clerk and you’ll do more than just experience life at a leading law firm, you’ll be a part of everything we have to offer.
Everything about us
With 27 offices around the world, we can show you exactly what a world class law firm has to offer, giving you the chance to work as part of an international team, on high-profile matters, for some of the most significant organisations in the market. Our focus is on the future: the future needs of existing and new clients, the future of the legal profession and investing in our future lawyers. That’s why we aim to attract the best talent from a broad range of backgrounds, ensuring we are optimising our position as a progressive, forward thinking professional services business. At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll be given the opportunity to develop the skills you need to help solve our clients’ most complex challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways.
What we look for
We recruit people with the desire and ability to be exceptional, commercial lawyers. This means that we look for more than just a great academic record and strong technical aptitude. We seek people who are curious, empathetic and understand the importance of building relationships with clients and colleagues. We also look for an international mind-set and a desire to work within our global network, not just one office. Complex cross-border deals. A market-leading Disputes division. Worldwide reach. If you’re ready to be a part of it all, we’re looking forward to hearing from you.
HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM
Clerkship program
There’s nothing more important than finding a role and an organisation that’s right for you and there’s no better way to really get to know our profession than gaining practical, hands-on experience. Our vacation clerkships will immerse you in our business, networks and the international world of law. We encourage students to participate in our vacation clerkship program and we fill the majority of our graduate positions through this program. As a vacation clerk, you will be given extensive training on all aspects of the firm, drafting and research skills. Current lawyers and partners will speak to you about what they do and the nature of work in each part of the firm. You’ll attend workshops and presentations that will give you an insight into the depth and breadth of our practice areas and international reach. You’ll be invited to a range of events giving you the opportunity to network with partners, associates and graduates, as well as with your fellow vacation clerks.
Joining us
We offer a range of summer and winter clerkships across our Australian offices. If you have queries about graduate or vacation clerk positions, please visit our website: careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads/ vacation-clerkships or contact one of our graduate recruitment team.
Key dates and deadlines SYDNEY Approximate number of positions
25-30
Clerkship programs
summer
Applications for all 2018/19 programs open
18 June 2018
Applications for all 2018/19 programs close
5 August 2018
Offers made
21 September 2018
Please note: An application should only be submitted to the office where you intend to start your career as a graduate. Multiple applications will not be considered.
Our global practice groups • Alternative Legal Services (ALT) • Competition, Regulation and Trade • Corporate • Dispute Resolution • Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety • Finance • Projects and Infrastructure • Real Estate
Contacts James Keane Graduate Recruitment Consultant T +61 2 9322 4313 james.keane@hsf.com
© Herbert Smith Freehills 2018 NOF176854_v6_advertorial_A4_Sydney /080218
WHO WE ARE Jones Day is a global powerhouse, with 43 offices and more than 2500 lawyers. The largest law firm in the United States and included among the 10 largest internationally, Jones Day is recognised as one of the world’s most elite law firms, ranking first in the US Law Firm Brand Index 2017 and holding approximately half of the Fortune 500, the Fortune Global 500 and the FT Global 500 as clients.
HOW WE’RE DIFFERENT What separates Jones Day from our competitors is our commitment to client service. This commitment, along with the Firm’s distinctive structure, ensures that lawyers work together collaboratively across offices and jurisdictions to gain the best outcome for the client. Teamwork, respect for and from colleagues, and shared credit are essential and form the Firm’s core values. Every facet of the Firm is structured to promote an environment that’s client-focused and team-oriented.
TRAINING AT JONES DAY Jones Day provides a non-rotational system. You will work with any partner or team across all departments throughout your home office and often assist partners and practice areas across our other Australian offices. Following your first 18–24 months gaining broad legal experience, you will be offered the opportunity to place with a practice of interest. Visit Jones Day’s website to identify the practice areas offered in each office.
You will: •
See deals and matters from beginning to end.
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Experience a range of practice areas.
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Receive more rounded and hands-on training, assisting with all aspects of a matter or transaction.
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Learn different styles and techniques from a range of partners and associates.
You won’t: •
Worry about the lottery of practice allocations.
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‘Belong’ to one partner.
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Drop an interesting case to move to another practice.
We provide full payment of PLT studies and support our lawyers with study leave. Our law graduates undertake a comprehensive learning and development program designed specifically to meet the needs of new lawyers.
THE WASHINGTON NEW LAWYERS ACADEMY Every new law graduate attends the Washington New Lawyers Academy during his or her first year. The New Lawyers Academy offers both training and an opportunity to forge relationships with other new lawyers across the Firm’s global network.
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Global Disputes • M&A • Private Equity Antitrust & Competition Law • Intellectual Property Energy • Environment • Labour & Employment Business Restructuring & Reorganisation Banking, Finance & Securities
#1 GLOBALLY FOR M&A
We have been ranked #1 globally for number of deals in the Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg M&A league tables for every single calendar quarter since year-end 2000.
WHITE & CASE LLP (241) SKADDEN ARPS SLATE MEAGHER & FLOM LLP (269) BAKER & McKENZIE LLP (270) CLIFFORD CHANCE LLP (276) HOGAN LOVELLS US LLP (278) ALLEN & OVERY LLP (285) DLA PIPER LLP (406) LATHAM & WATKINS LLP (415) KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP (465) JONES DAY (570)
#1
IN M&A BY NUMBER OF DEALS IN BLOOMBERG GLOBAL TABLES SINCE 2000
BLOOMBERG — GLOBAL
YEAR-END 2017 BASED ON NUMBER OF DEALS
WE ARE GROWING
Jones Day’s presence in Australia has doubled in size over the last three years, and we are committed to further growth within the Australian market. We continue to attract the industry’s most highly regarded and sought-after partners, whilst maintaining our focus on driving internal talent up through the ranks to partnership.
‘COLLABORATIVE, NOT COMPETITIVE’ CULTURE
Our One Firm Worldwide structure fosters teamwork and discourages competition among offices and lawyers.
Working at Jones Day Sarah Loewy – 2017 Graduate Since starting as a graduate six months ago, I have been really fortunate to work on a large litigation matter with a close-knit team of lawyers. My day generally consists of assisting the team with a variety of tasks, including conducting discovery, assisting in the preparation of witness interviews and affidavits, undertaking legal research, preparing materials for court hearings, and attending team meetings to discuss the progress of the matter. I take time out during the day to have lunch with colleagues in our break room overlooking Sydney Harbour, go to the gym with colleagues, or attend one of our regular New Lawyers Group training sessions. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to learn, so I always feel engaged. In addition to local training, Jones Day sends all graduates to Washington, D.C., for the New Lawyers Academy to support us in our development and encourage us in building relationships with international partners and our global cohort.
Paddy Clark – 2017 Summer Clerk My clerkship with Jones Day provided me with an incredible opportunity to experience real life inside a global law firm with a rapidly growing presence in Australia. A typical day during my clerkship involved completing legal research, drafting documents, attending meetings with clients and counsel, and accompanying lawyers to court. The lawyers I worked alongside always explained the broader context of the task I was doing, which made the work significantly more interesting for me and confirmed that I was making a meaningful contribution during my time with the Firm. The size of Jones Day’s Sydney Office has provided me with the very best of both worlds: great one-on-one experience with both senior lawyers and partners, plus work on nationally and internationally significant matters, thanks to the standing of the Firm globally. The other clerks and I formed a closeknit group and often shared lunches and drinks together after work, as well as being involved in the many social events included in Jones Day’s Clerkship Program.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT SydneyRecruiting@jonesday.com
We are redefining what a law firm can be. Working for some of the world’s most innovative organisations, our people go beyond the law. They are inventors, designers and pioneers – translating smart ideas into ground-breaking solutions. KWM is a launchpad for endless opportunities. We want to help you think differently about yourself and the possibilities of where a career in the law might take you. WE OFFER: • • • • •
Culture of innovation, collaboration and high performance Multiple career pathways where you can shape your future World-class training and coaching to unleash your full potential High impact work for the world’s leading organisations Relationships that last a lifetime
Download the KWM Become app today! Available from the App Store or Google play now.
Asia Pacific | Europe | North America | Middle East www.kwm.com
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KING & WOOD MALLESONS
As an elite international law firm headquartered in Asia, we are reshaping the legal market by challenging our people and our clients to think differently about what a law firm can be today, tomorrow and beyond. Exceeding the expectations of our clients is a key priority, and as such the world’s leading organisations turn to us to unlock their biggest opportunities and deliver solutions to their most vexing challenges. With ambitious thinking and innovation in our DNA, we partner with our clients to bring to life pioneering solutions which will help them to adapt, reinvent and grow. We believe innovation comes from giving our people room to grow, and as such actively encourage input and ideas at all levels of the firm. Our people are encouraged to think differently and shape their own career path, supported at every step of the way, with world-class training, coaching and hands-on experience. There is no ‘one size fits all’ career model, and we offer multiple opportunities for our lawyers to gain experience and thrive. At King & Wood Mallesons we provide you with the opportunities to reimagine the law to become what you want to be. Are you ready?
KEY STATISTICS: • Top 15 global brand* • 27 international offices; • One of the largest international legal networks in the Asia region with 500+ partners and more than 2000 lawyers; • Our clients range from a mix of global financial and corporate powerhouses through to new industry-makers and all levels of government • With an unmatched ability to practise Chinese, Hong Kong, Australian, English, US and a significant range of European laws under one integrated legal brand, we are connecting Asia to the world, and the world to Asia.
REGIONAL PRESENCE The King & Wood Mallesons network extends across the following regions: • Asia Pacific (Australia, Mainland China including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore) • Europe • Middle East • North America
You’ll be allocated a supervisor in each of your practice groups and you’ll work closely with the partners, senior associates and solicitors in that team. It’s a hands-on role, so you’ll not just be watching from the sidelines.
Seasonal Clerkship Program
Our people have the opportunity to get involved in the many social and sporting activities that go on in the firm as well as the broader community in which we live.
Applications open: 18 June 2018
Graduate Program
Applications close: 15 July 2018
We offer a unique training experience with multiple rotations and a comprehensive learning and development program for our graduates. We invest heavily in development to support graduates in fulfilling their potential.
OUR PROGRAMS
How to apply: Via our online application system at kwm.com/careers We offer clerkships so that you get a clear picture of what it’s like to be a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons. You’ll get to know our people, the way we like to work, our culture, practice areas, clients and more. We’ve designed a program to help you make the most of your time with us. During your clerkship, you’ll learn: • The day-to-day skills to get you started – taking instructions, meeting with clients, drafting memos and documents, managing your practice and professional relationships. • The core practice teams at King & Wood Mallesons – who they are, what they do, how they’re structured, the clients they work for, and of course, your role within them. • Our culture – working within your team, you’ll be exposed to (and encouraged) to get actively involved in the many activities and events that help create our unique culture. • Our people – you’ll find that people from every part of the business will help you along, sharing their knowledge, and ensuring you have everything you need to fit in, and do well. Your role Clerks usually work in one or two different practice groups, depending on the length of the clerkship.
*Source: 2017 Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index
What you’ll learn The program provides a practical business foundation for junior lawyers. You’ll receive: • Meaningful work covering a wide range of practice areas • Client contact and an in-depth understanding of how they operate in a commercial and regulatory environment • The opportunity to work with a range of partners, senior associates and solicitors in different practice groups • A practical understanding of areas of our legal practice • A comprehensive knowledge of the firm, our technology, our resources, our processes and, of course, the people you’ll work with. As part of the Graduate Program, we also offer a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course with the College of Law to our Australian Law graduates, ensuring that you meet the requirements for admission to legal practice. The program also promotes and supports the mobility of our staff across our offices by giving you the opportunity to apply to go on exchange in one of our interstate or overseas offices. Through this, you are able to access a greater choice and variety of destinations and on-the-job experience.
Asia Pacific | Europe | North America | Middle East www.kwm.com
Bonnie Robinson People & Development Coordinator, Canberra T +61 2 6217 6751 bonnie.robinson@au.kwm.com
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Clerkship Profile
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It is challenging to confine the experience of a summer clerk at KWM to just a few short paragraphs. If there is anything to take away from my attempt, it is that a clerkship with KWM is an enriching period of learning, community contribution and wonderful people. THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS:
IMOGEN FRANCIS Summer Clerk King & Wood Mallesons SUMMER CLERK INTAKE: 2017/18 AREAS OF ROTATION: Projects and Real Estate; Mergers and Acquisitions UNIVERSITY: Australian National University DEGREE: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Arts
work or around the firm. I was provided with regular constructive feedback from those I worked with, which assisted greatly in my learning. At each rotation, I was paired with a fantastic ‘buddy’, who was always happy to answer any question big or small, and chat (often over coffee) about work, KWM, and how I was finding the clerkship.
From the first stage, the process was about whether you as a potential employee, lawyer and person would be compatible with the team, and vice versa. The written questions were focused on you and your interests, and the interviews continued this trend. My two interviews were an exchange of ideas and experiences, not an interrogation. Pairing this with the Inside a Deal evening, where we were told of the Canberra office’s work and were given more of an opportunity to talk with the team, meant that I was left with a clear picture of KWM and its people.
PRO BONO AND COMMUNITY:
THE WORK:
With the clerkship running over December and January, there were plenty of events on. I was invited to attend end-of-year AGM and Christmas functions for groups that work with KWM throughout the year. There were also KWM seasonal celebrations, with practice group dinners and the office Christmas party, and it was fun to get to know everyone outside of work. Of course, in line with Canberra’s growing reputation as a coffee paradise, proposals to meet to discuss work, or just catch-up, over coffee were never far away.
Everyone went out of their way to make sure I was exposed to a variety of commercial work during the clerkship. During my first rotation, I was involved in tasks ranging from reviewing leases, attending video conferences with other officesand drafting notices. I also flexed my creative muscles in putting together a presentation for a grant application, as well as a factsheet on green industry innovation. In my second rotation, I was exposed to an array of government and corporate tasks. It was exciting to blend what I had studied to date with new areas of knowledge while I assisted in case research, exploring and summarising regulatory developments in the field and reviewing documents for legislative compliance (to name but a few tasks). THE CULTURE: The culture of the firm is one of the main aspects that sets it apart. From day one, the clerks were surrounded by people who were genuinely excited to meet and get to know us, and there was always someone to chat with at one of the regular officewide lunches or afternoon teas. It was clear that the firm itself has a culture of support and collaboration that extends within and between the different practice groups. THE SUPPORT: There was never a moment when I did not know who I could turn to for assistance with either my
Pro Bono work and community involvement is integral to KWM, and this was evident throughout the clerkship. The Sydney and Canberra clerks were able to get involved in a Change Challenge, looking at the issue of economic growth and social inclusion. In addition, I was able to get involved in the Pro Bono work the Canberra office does on a variety of matters, where I helped to update and edit a chapter of a legal advice guide. THE SOCIAL LIFE:
WHY I CHOSE KING & WOOD MALLESONS: KWM has established itself as a leading and innovative commercial firm in Australia and the broader Asia region. I was motivated by the strength and diversity of its commercial law practice on offer locally, whilst also having access to a global network. Additionally, the people I met during the clerkship application process, from those I chatted with at information sessions to the interviews themselves, impressed upon me the culture of inclusivity and passion for their work. WHO WOULD I RECOMMEND A KWM CLERKSHIP TO: Those who want to contextualise their studies with practical and exciting commercial experience, and who are interested in working alongside people who are passionate about, and talented at, what they do.
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GROW YOUR CAREER Looking for a law firm that is defined by its universal experience and unsurpassed commitment to client service? With approximately 2000 lawyers across 5 continents, you will be joining a team of passionate professionals who work across: • Corporate & Transactional • Labour, Employment and Workplace Safety • Energy, Infrastructure and Resources • Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Finance • Policy & Regulatory SYDNEY • Financial Services Clerkship applications open: • Real Estate 18 June 2018 • Intellectual Property Clerkship applications close: Join us and grow your career.
15 July 2018
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Watch our brand video. /klgateslaw
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sgamec #minter
Graduates who join MinterEllison have the opportunity to change the game when it comes to their future and career. graduates.minterellison.com MinterEllison minterellisongraduates minterellison
Key Dates Applications open 18 June 2018 Applications close 5pm 15 July 2018 Offers made 26 September 2018
Lines of Business 1. Capital Markets & Corporate 2. Risk, Regulatory, Insurance & Controversy 3. Infrastructure, Construction & Property 4. Consulting Solutions
Graduate and clerkship launch program For details on our clerkship dates and durations: graduates.minterellison.com
You should consider a career at MinterEllison if: Your passion for excellence leads you
to winning solutions Building relationships excites you – you see yourself partnering with clients to truly understand their needs You’re looking for a firm with a clear strategy You want to feel empowered and be part of a high performing team Collaboration and inclusiveness are principles you value You’re a game changer – you think outside the box and embrace new ideas
About the MinterEllison graduate and clerkship launch program
What makes MinterEllison a Game Changer?
The MinterEllison graduate and clerkship launch program is critical to our firm for three reasons. First, the market has changed, companies don’t recognise borders the same way they used to neither should your career. Secondly we know that graduates entering the job market today have unique career expectations – and we have listened. Lastly the future of legal practice is moving very quickly and we need to be agile to ensure we continue grow as a firm and that our talented people are able to future proof their career
At MinterEllison our aspiration is to be our clients’ best partner. Last year, MinterEllison introduced a new internal structure whereby the firm operates under four Lines of Business. This unique and market facing structure provides opportunity for greater collaboration across the firm and ensures that we are able seamlessly service clients with our solutions-based approach.
Prior to the launch program we will work closely with candidates to identify areas of the law that they are passionate about to ensure that they are able to get exposure to any practice areas within our Lines of Business that match their interests and that fit with their career goals. Throughout the launch program successful candidates get the opportunity for real life work experience, a supervising partner, career mentor, and a buddy. The launch program will be filled with challenging and exciting work, support and mentorship, as well as professional and personal growth – all the while having the opportunity to develop new networks and friendships. Candidates who complete a launch program often take on the opportunity to continue with MinterEllison in a flexible role throughout their final year of study. Following the launch program, MinterEllison graduates are able to fast-track their full time career in a Line of Business that aligns with their career objectives. MinterEllison’s agile program also provides the flexibility for graduates to move between practice areas and Lines of Business while they are looking for the area of law that they wish to pursue.
This operating model also encourages a broad career path for our people, with increased opportunities to work across multiple practice areas our lawyers have the opportunity to develop a breadth of skills that will future proof their career. MinterEllison lives and breathes the mantra of Innovate, Collaborate, and Inspire, we think beyond the law and apply a commercial approach and creative thinking to some of the region’s most high-profile transactions, projects and disputes.
Your contact Gill Morphett gill.morphett@minterellison.com Level 3, 25 National Circuit Forrest Canberra 2603
Describe a successful MinterEllison candidate At MinterEllison we are not looking for people to fit a mould, academics are just one piece of the puzzle, we recognise the strength that diversity can bring to a team. Work experience, extra-curricular activities, sporting participation, music and travel are all important to us. At MinterEllison we want you to bring your whole self to work, individual strengths and diversity is what build our teams up to be the successes they are. For MinterEllison, an outstanding applicant will know their application inside and out and be confident in their responses. They need to have thought about their own business acumen and be able to provide real life examples to the questions they are presented with. A strong applicant has a desire to get to know not just the business, but also the people at the firm, why there are there, and what they enjoy about MinterEllison. Cultural fit is an important element in deciding on a career path for both the applicant and MinterEllison.
What can a successful candidate expect at MinterEllison?
How does the firm support continuous personal and professional growth?
Be more than just a technically excellent lawyer
At MinterEllison, your ongoing professional development is key to being our clients’ best partner. We have a distinctive learning culture, where all of our people are encouraged to be their own career architect – learning through experience, exposure to others and program participation.
MinterEllison is committed to providing you with the tools to become not just a qualified lawyer, but also empowering you to be a technical thinker and a truly commercial advisor, enabling you to utilise your business acumen every time you interact with clients.
Achieve early success through fast tracked career opportunities At MinterEllison we understand that our people are our greatest asset. We have invested heavily in understanding how best to capitalise on the unique and diverse range of expertise that our people bring to the firm.
Become your clients’ best partner MinterEllison lives and breathes the mantra of our clients’ best partner, through the relationship driven approach to the way we work. By placing you outside the office you will have genuine opportunities to work hand in glove with clients where you will build enduring relationships both locally and internationally.
Create innovative solutions for clients With our solution focus, we understand that all of our clients have a unique business and to solve their problems in real time we need to be innovative in everything that we do. You will be challenged to think outside the box by a firm that embraces new ideas.
Gain broad exposure through a flexible graduate program We are committed to ensuring that you have the all the information you need to make the right decision about where to focus your career. Our program is designed to give you the critical experiences necessary to become a well-rounded lawyer.
During your career with us you will be exposed to great work, with top-class clients whilst being surrounded by supportive teams who are experts in their fields. This experience and exposure provides you with a fantastic opportunity to continue to develop yourself and others throughout your career. Our milestone programs target Graduates, Associates and Senior Associates. All programs offer current thought leadership, focused capability development and networking. Our learning offer is tailored to ensure our people realise their potential, think like leaders and take responsibility for building their own careers. All development is focused around our MinterEllison career framework and development guides.
What is the firm’s position on diversity and inclusion? We believe diversity is about creating a high-performance culture that values individual contribution, teamwork, innovation and productivity regardless of background, ethnicity, disability, gender, faith, sexual orientation or family structures. Diversity and inclusiveness are at the core of our values and we firmly believe our people should be able to bring their whole self to work. We are committed to leveraging the advantage of a diverse and inclusive workforce and actively promote an inclusive work culture through our Empower Program, our Pride Respect & Inclusion at MinterEllison (PRiME) network as well as numerous internal training sessions and related resources.
Real Challenges. Real People. Real Impact. As a high performing student, we encourage you to consider strategy consulting as a career option. Why strategy consulting?
Strategy consulting will give you a chance to gain significant responsibility and rapidly progress your career. Our consultants work directly with business and government leaders to help solve some of their toughest challenges. Working in strategy consulting provides exceptional opportunities to: • Learn about multiple industries and functions • Apply hypothesis driven thinking to challenging business problems • Work in team environments with colleagues committed to your development • Travel to interesting locations throughout Australia and the world • Be exposed to senior government and company leaders • See your recommendations drive tangible outcomes
What are we looking for?
We don’t look for any one degree or background – it’s our diversity which helps us solve clients’ most complex challenges. Instead we look for talented, driven people with the ability to: • Gather, interpret and present data in a thorough and structured way • Consistently drive performance • Act before being told what to do • Communicate clearly and succinctly
Why Strategy&?
Strategy& is PwC’s strategy consulting team. We bring together high performing consultant teams and collaboratively develop insights to support senior stakeholders and solve our clients’ biggest problems. As a member of our team you will you will be trusted with genuine responsibility, have the opportunity to build your capabilities and learn from some of the best. In recent years our graduates have advanced the discussion of gender equality at the G20, presented to CEOs of ASX200 companies and supported national healthcare reform.
Next steps
Applications for graduate positions will open 19th February and close 4th March. We will hold a campus presentation at the Allan Barton Forum (CBE) on Wednesday, 28th February from 3-5PM. Visit https://www.strategyand.pwc.com/au/careers or download our interview preparation app (search: Case Study on the app store) to learn more about our application process.
© 2018 PwC. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Legal Counsel at FOX SPORTS Australia by Chris Chynoweth Chris Chynoweth graduated from ANU in 2013. After spending a few years working in private practice in Sydney, Chris now works as an in-house commercial lawyer at FOX SPORTS Australia, Australia’s leading sports broadcaster.
What was your journey from ANU law student to working in-house? During my degree at ANU, I did a summer clerkship at King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) in the intellectual property and corporate M&A teams. After the clerkship, I was fortunate enough to be offered a graduate role at KWM which I started in February 2013. I had only completed my degree with my final exam (Evidence) the Friday before! I spent three years at KWM, spending some time in the corporate M&A and banking teams, before specialising in the competition and regulatory team. I was given great opportunities at the firm, including in-house secondments at recognisable brands, Woolworths and Tabcorp. I loved in-house, and I love sport, so when the role at FOX SPORTS came up in January 2016, I jumped at the opportunity and was lucky enough to get the gig! Working in-house is fantastic for independence and direct relationships with commercial clients. What are the most important skills in working inhouse? I think the three main skills for working in-house are the following: •
•
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Attention to detail – as lawyers, we are often the goalkeepers for both legal and commercial risks, and as a result, it is important for us to be thoroughly across the detail of contracts, regulatory developments and the business objectives so that we are best placed to advise the business. Attention to detail is where lawyers can really demonstrate their value – catching a dodgy invoice which doesn’t look quite right or drafting a clause broad enough to give us flexibility to pursue other opportunities in future, are crucial value-adds. Clear communication skills – this works both ways, we need to be crystal clear in our advice or questions so that the business fully understands what you are trying to achieve. Equally, we need to get clarity from the instructions of the business, and this means having to tease out more detail and testing answers that don’t sound as comprehensive or accurate as they should be – this helps you to do your job better and assess risk.
•
Know your business – ultimately, the role of an inhouse commercial lawyer is to permit a business to pursue its objectives and strategy in a legally compliant manner with a full understanding of legal, regulatory and commercial risk. To do this effectively, you need to understand what makes the business tick and what’s important.
What does your typical day at work look like? One of the best things about my job is that there is no “typical” day. A day at FOX SPORTS can varying depending on what sports we are showing or what business projects are firing at the time. As an example, one day this week was spent negotiating with the ACMA on the finer details of the new gambling advertising regulations, advising our digital product business on the privacy law changes in the European Union and negotiating the sale of our NRL match broadcasts to an overseas broadcaster. It is a wonderfully broad role, covering a variety of disciplines and parts of the business. What do you recommend to students who want to work in-house? I think there a few ways to become an in-house lawyer and there is no best way to do it. However, two things that really worked for me were: •
•
Identifying the areas of law and business that I wanted to work on at an early stage in my career (note - it’s very hard to know until you actually start practicing, so don’t stress during uni!); and Developing a strong technical foundation in the areas of law that are required for that desired role – this is so you become more attractive to the company, but also so that you can hit the ground running with more independence when you start.
What would be one piece of Careers advice that you wished you received whilst you were at law school? Try anything that interests you! ANU College of Law is a fantastic place and provides such a great education and so many opportunities. I think through trying different things, you get a better idea of what you really like. So if you want to see what studying at Alabama is like, apply for the program (if it’s still going). If you’re interested in an area of law, offer to help a lecturer with some research. A side effect of this is it also helps build out a CV which can be invaluable in telling your story.
by Judy Tomas Judy Tomas is Head of Legal, Housing at Mission Australia, a leading Australia non for profit. She has been a temporary lawyer for 28 years focusing on real estate, finance and commercial law. She has recently completed a Master of Law Media and Journalism to make sense of the new world of publication. She is a married mother of two with an insatiable curiosity.
My legal career was meant to be temporary. That was my thought upon graduating from law school. Now 28 years on, I am still in my temporary career, although now I finally have to concede it might just be permanent. Like most graduates in my day, I started my career in a law firm and saw that my road lay in the traditional path to partnership. I was always drawn to the more black letter law subjects such as contracts and property and that is where my journey started. Back in those days, there was no internet and no real alternatives to private practice. I secured a graduate position with a medium sized commercial law firm in the city and started working for two partners in the property group. The reasoning behind that was that property gave graduates not just legal skills but also practice management skills with high file volumes, direct client contact and deadlines to manage. Organisation was key, a skill I have carried with me to other areas of practice. I was excited by the challenge of moving towards partnership and did just that after seven years in practice, two of which were spent as a senior associate. For me the key to that journey was finding the right mentors who provided support and advice when needed. I am grateful to my mentors to this day and look for ways to pay that mentorship forward. It is very hard to get where you want to go without someone on the inside believing in you. That said, it is up to each individual to make the most of each opportunity and to bring value beyond mere legal output to each position. I spent the next four years as a partner building my practice. After that time I finally gave myself permission to try something new – in house. My first stint in-house was with the Accor Hotel Group working on hotel and timeshare developments. It was a real eye opener after eleven years of being in private practice and there were a few things to get used to – my clients were now right outside my front door, I was no longer fee producing but a cost centre and had to constantly prove my worth and my bevy of legal expert colleagues in the next office were no longer there. In that environment I learned how to be responsive, nimble, resourceful and to communicate effectively with an array of stakeholders who are not legally trained. I did however miss being at the coalface of transactions and felt that I should at least try top tier practice. So, I did, first at Herbert Smith Freehills and then at King Wood Mallesons. As a senior associate, I worked on high profile property transactions with partners who were eminent in their field and it was a real joy. Coming to the top tier as a senior lawyer meant I had a team working under me with great depth.
Paradoxically, this meant that I had more time to be a parent, knowing I could make up the time in the evening to ensure the client’s needs were always met. Despite the top range work and prolific matters, I felt something was still not fulfilled, my mission, perhaps. I felt the need to give back and to use my skills to help people in need. I therefore set my sights on the not for profit sector, which wasn’t easy as not too many charities needed a property lawyer. However, the opportunity came up for me to undertake a temporary project with Mission Australia which I jumped at. You see the temporary theme here. When I joined, the Mission Australia legal team was undergoing restructure under the watchful eye of its new General Counsel. To supplement my property skills, I had picked up financing law and general commercial skills which were key to landing the position of Head of Legal, Housing which I now occupy. In that role I am responsible for leading a team to provide legal support to Mission Australia’s community housing business. Within that business, we provide social and affordable housing to people in need, managing about 3,000 tenancies in NSW, TAS, Vic and Qld and partner with government and non-government organisations to provide supported accommodation solutions. The business is a perfect fit for my property development, tenancy law and finance law skills.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Finding my Mission: Working for Mission Australia
I also provide legal support to various other parts of Mission Australia’s businesses which operate nationally including community and social services, youth services, aged care and early childhood services. This means that the work is varied and each day is different. In this fast paced legal environment I have to be able to switch quickly from one area of law to another and from one jurisdiction to another. This has allowed me to hone and develop new business and strategic thinking skills as an in-house lawyer, we tended to be consulted earlier in the process. There is therefore more opportunity to shape and influence a project in its early stages in this environment. To maximise these opportunities, I plan to start an MBA later in the year, to supplement my existing Master of Laws. The move from working for a profit making enterprise to a values based organisation took a bit of getting used to. However, we are seeing the NFP sector grow in sophistication with Governments demanding more from the efficiency and governance perspectives. This means that business skills are increasingly sought after by the sector. Passion for a cause will get you some of the way, but if you can also bring solid business skills, then you will be on the road to fulfilling your mission.
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Student Snapshot: Personal Injury Paralegal by Rebecca Young Rebecca is in her fifth and final year of a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts (German/Middle East and Central Asian Studies). In addition to her studies, she currently works in Canberra as a paralegal at Blumers Lawyers, a firm specialising in personal injury litigation.
What is your favourite part about working as a personal injury paralegal? I really enjoy being able to work so closely with the clients. I’ve found that sometimes during my studies, it’s easy to feel really distant from ordinary people who are involved in the legal process because you’re knee-deep in a textbook or trying to wrap your head around the facts of an abstract case. Because of that, I’ve found it a really refreshing and also a very educational experience to come from several years at university back into the ‘real world’ working with people again. The ability to work so closely with the client also makes personal injury a really rewarding area of the law to work in. Despite the often-difficult circumstances of how our clients come to us, the work that we do is rewarding as it can help them to achieve justice for the injury or injuries they have suffered. It’s a nice feeling to know that you can play a part in helping someone gain compensation, and achieve a settlement that can help them to resume or rebuild their lives, particularly when their injury has been incurred through no fault of their own. What are the most important skills in working as a personal injury paralegal? A lot of my day-to-day work involves reading through documents related to the client and their circumstances. Therefore the ability to discern what is important and summarise that information into a concise and logical format is crucial. The ability to deduce relevant information is also really important when it comes to drafting court documents, which is another big part of my job. Additionally, because the work we do involves working so closely with the client, empathy is also really important. The situations our clients are in can be very distressing for them, and the ability to understand that and help them through the legal process is hugely important.
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What are the differences between working for a personal injury firm as opposed to other private law areas? Personal injury litigation is quite diverse. The matters we work on vary from workers compensation claims, to public liability, motor vehicle accidents and medical negligence. This means that no two days are the same, and also keeps things interesting as each of these areas of litigation have their own legislation and procedure. The diversity of personal injury litigation is something I think makes this area of the law stand out, and is also one of the things I enjoy most about this area of the law. What is one thing that law school doesn’t teach you when working in the field of law? A lot of the practical skills involved in working in the legal profession, such as drafting court documents, aren’t taught at law school, and instead are skills that I have learnt through practical, real-life experience. In my workplace there’s a really good team environment. It’s common practice to continuously work closely with each other, particularly on court documents such as pleadings, meaning that everyone is constantly learning from each other and improving the work of the firm collectively. At law school it can often seem that you are a one-person team, but in practicality, my experience is that the very opposite is true in the workplace!
WORKING INTERNATIONALLY To many law students, the prospect of working internationally is attractive. Within this section of the guide, we consider both careers that have spanned overseas as well as domestic work in other jurisdictions. International Law presents a diverse range of career options in both the public and private sectors, often requiring the involvement of both international organisations and government bodies. Those interested in using their law degree internationally can do so in a number of ways, such as secondments, lateral hiring or through a graduate position. Although it is possible to work overseas without qualifying for that country’s jurisdiction, most careers, particularly those in domestic law, will require a similar admission procedure to the GDLP for a lawyer to practice.
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American Association for the Advancement of Science by Jessica Wyndham Graduating from ANU with a BA (Hons.)/LLB (Hons.) in 2000, Jessica worked for regional and international human rights organizations before moving to the United States in 2005 where she is currently Director of the Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her professional interests span the integration of human rights in science education, to innovative applications of science and technology to document human rights violations. If not playing with her 16-month old daughter, Jessica would be pursuing her love of photography, singing, and triathlons.
What was your journey from ANU law student to working in the American Association for the Advancement of Science? When I finished law school I took a brief break, living with family in Argentina, and while I was there the opportunity arose to apply for a UN Volunteer position in Ecuador. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was looking for a Spanish-speaking lawyer with knowledge of National Human Rights Institutions who could bring a global perspective to local challenges. Apparently, I fit the bill and I worked in Ecuador for two years helping to strengthen the local Ombudsman’s Office. I returned to Australia after that time and practiced law for two years. Having worked in human rights, I knew that the only area of law that would interest me at the time was employment/discrimination law and that is what I focused on, but the big law firm culture was not for me after the rough-and-ready work in Ecuador. After less than two years I transitioned to some human rights consultancy jobs (through the Asia Pacific Forum) before moving to the United States, first to work at the Brookings Institution as Legal Adviser in their Project on Internal Displacement, and then to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) where I have been for over 10 years and am Director of the Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program. What drew you to work in human rights law? Humans can be infuriating, they can fail to contribute positively to their society and, some, can be rotten members of our society. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that all human beings have inalienable rights, the protection of which should be the duty of us all. As Mahatma Ghandi put it, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” My entrée into human rights work was my history honours thesis which focused on the social, political and legal context for the death penalty in the United States between 1972 and 1987. In doing my research and discussing it, particularly with conservative family members, I honed my arguments for why protecting the rights of persons subject to the death penalty, even those who could be proven to have committed the crime of which they were accused (which not all could or can), was a valuable use of my time. That experience has served me well in the 20+ years that have since passed as I have entered into debates whether about the death penalty, terrorists in interrogations, or the relative merits of the UN human rights system.
What’s your favourite part about working in AAAS? My colleagues. Some people work best alone and some people work best as part of a team. My team, from my staff, to my colleagues in the organisation and my collaborators in the scientific and human rights communities, are what get me up in the morning (them and my 16-month old daughter). I have the great privilege of working with smart, dedicated, socially minded, intellectually curious and disciplinarily diverse individuals. Housed in the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific membership organization, I engage with sociologists, psychologists, statisticians, mathematicians, chemists, and many others. Each bringing their unique methods and modes of working. It is exciting. I never stop learning. What are the differences you have found between working for an international non-profit organisation as opposed to your other legal roles? As I mentioned earlier, first as a summer clerk and then after a two-year stint with the UN, I worked for a large commercial law firm with a harbour view. The opportunities that afforded me included exceptional training in skills that I carry with me today (I particularly benefited from the plain-english drafting course) and an understanding of the systems and processes demanded of a well-oiled corporate machine. The non-profit world, no matter the size of the organization, does not have the resources and often it does not have the well-oiled systems of a large commercial enterprise. That said, what my non-profit experience has shown me is that my colleagues (often, though not always) share a core set of values that motivate our work. What would be one piece of Careers advice that you wished you received whilst you were at law school? Even if you are a planner, like me, don’t plan your career at least beyond the next 2-3 years. Allow yourself to explore opportunities that may come your way. You will always learn something about yourself. You will learn about a new field/sector and a new type of work. And you may just find new passions and new skills that you didn’t know you had and would not have discovered if you had stuck to a rigid plan.
by Charlie Beasley
Charlie is the Chief of Staff to the Firmwide Managing Partner of Linklaters, a leading global law firm of 450 partners with team of more than 5,000 professionals spread across 29 offices. Effectively, his role involves supporting the Firmwide Managing Partner as he leads their large and complex business. In short, Charlie is his right-handman and helps get things done.
What was your journey from ANU law student to working in your current role? After completing a summer clerkship at Gilbert + Tobin, I started work there as a graduate lawyer in the Competition and Regulation department, where I stayed for four and a half years. Whilst working closely with the Public Affairs and Government Relations team at Woolworths Limited, I was approached to join their team and take on the role of Public Policy Manager. This involved representing the interests of Woolworths to all levels of government in Australia on every possible topic you could imagine (from the regulation of alcohol sales and food labelling, to the banning of plastic bags, to corporate law reform and to being part of the Queensland 2011 flood disaster task force). After nearly two years in that role, I took a few months leave and then decided to try my hand again at being a lawyer, this time overseas. This saw me take a role at Linklaters in London where I spent 2 years advising on the antitrust aspects of the largest ever merger in the natural resources industry and managing the global merger control process. And then, realising that a career as a practising lawyer was probably not for me in the longer term, I took a secondment with our previous Firmwide Managing Partner to help him with his strategic communications – and here I am today some 4 + years later… What does your typical day at work look like? In short, my role is to enable our Firmwide Managing Partner be as effective as he can be – to take things off his plate, to move things forward and to generally ensure that he is able to spend time on the things that matter to us as a business. This means my day varies greatly – there is a lot of travel as I attend most of the meetings he has whilst also being responsible for ensuring everyone is prepared beforehand, contributes as they should and does what they are supposed to do when they leave the room. Alongside this, I manage our forward schedule of strategic and business activities, manage leadership communications (which is everything from managing emails to drafting speeches and contributing to our thought leadership campaigns). More broadly, I also “traffic manage” and try to solve the various issues that arise on a daily basis and spend a lot of time on the phone and on email being a problem spotter and fixer (hopefully not a problem creator!). This gives me the opportunity to engage with people right across our organisation in every time zone and at every level, on all manner of topics, helping them to do what they need to do in order to drive our firm’s success.
Drawing on my public affairs experience, I also have a role managing our relationships with a number of the firm’s external stakeholders including governments and industry bodies, which has seen me spend a fair bit of time in China and be fortunate enough to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos on a number of occasions (where I have often run into other ANU alumni). No day is ever the same. Is there anything that you did during your time at ANU that you think gave you an advantage when entering your position? When I was at ANU, I got involved in everything I could - from being the President of the Law Students’ Society, to doing an internship as part of the excellent ANIP programme, to being on my college house committee. Importantly, these were not all leadership positions but often just mucking in as part of the team and giving a hand. Primarily I did this for fun, however, all of these experiences helped me develop the skills and confidence that I’ve used in the various roles I’ve undertaken since university. They also helped me demonstrate to future employers that I was enthusiastic for a challenge, willing to stretch myself and able to work with others. So my advice is, challenge yourself to do something new and get involved in as much as you can – at university and in the early stages of your career - as that attitude will take you a long way, whatever you decide to do. You’ll also get a better idea of what excites you and what you might want to do in the future.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Managing Associate, Office of the Firmwide Managing Partner, Linklaters LLP
Whilst you are no longer a practising lawyer, was it still worth doing a law degree and working as a lawyer in the early part of your career? Absolutely! The way of thinking I learned at the ANU law school, the ability to understand and manage risks, the professional skills I developed as a lawyer around working in teams and delivering to clients, are skills that I have taken on into every role I’ve had.
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Life as a Dual-Qualified Lawyer by Richard Horton Richard Horton is an experienced, dual-qualified US and Australian corporate and technology lawyer, advising clients in both the US (in particular Silicon Valley) and Australia. Richard works primarily with emerging growth and later stage tech companies in a variety of industries, including digital media, Internet, music, software, computer hardware, semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, medical devices, biotechnology and clean energy technologies.
After law school at UNSW I really didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I never did any summer clerkships or anything like that because I didn’t think I wanted to be a lawyer. I ended up in private practice and quickly fell in love with the business world. I was also very interested in music and intellectual property, and as the internet and the impact of technology evolved I began to focus on software and technology sector transactions. I worked in the technology and Telstra group at Mallesons (now King & Wood Mallesons) and spent about a year at the so-called “Internet and Data Services” group within Telstra where we worked on all the internet and technology deals (licensing, content, equity investments and M&A). During this period I interfaced with a few Silicon Valley companies and became very interested in the Silicon Valley ecosystem, so investigated the possibility of working over in the US and getting a job in Northern California. In mid 1999 during the height of the dotcom boom I jumped on a plane and interviewed with a few top tier firms in Palo Alto and San Francisco and to my surprise got several job offers. I had great experience and was in the right spot at the right time - the top law firms were looking for good lawyers as many associates had jumped into startups in pursuit of the big payday!
‘I would strongly recommend Australian lawyers try to get qualified in the US and look at Silicon Valley as a place to work, rather than the usual New York or London.’
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I ended up at a top New York firm, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom (known as Skadden), working from their Palo Alto (Silicon Valley) office. We did large venture capital deals, blockbuster M&A transactions and complex technology development and patent licensing transactions. I worked there for 5 years and had an incredible time. It was really busy, but the deals were huge and very complex which made for great experience. The quality of lawyering was also like nothing I’d ever seen before. I subsequently spent about 3 years at Minter Ellison in San Francisco and then another 6 years at a global law firm in their Silicon Valley office.
I absolutely loved living and working in the United States, and would recommend it to anyone. Taking the California Bar was a big undertaking, as it has the highest failure rate of any US bar exam (including the New York Bar), but it was a great way to learn about the US legal system and US constitutional law. After nearly 14 years in the US, I returned to work in Sydney with my current law firm, which is a large global law firm with 48 offices globally. I personally have an office in both Sydney and Palo Alto and still spend a lot of time each year in Silicon Valley. I kept my old home I bought in Palo Alto many years ago and my old Corvette, so it’s like I never left. (The California road trip between San Francisco and LA never gets old either!!) While I was in the US I realized my dream was to be both a US and Australian lawyer actively practicing in both jurisdictions, so I worked hard to build a US-Australian practice. These days I run a leading technology law practice, primarily out of Sydney. The work is primarily involves venture capital investment (helping tech companies negotiate with their investors), tech sector M&A transactions and tech development and licensing transactions. Almost all of these companies have US operation or strong US aspirations, so the dual qualification and dual AU/US office location and resources works really well for the work we do. I would strongly recommend Australian lawyers try to get qualified in the US and look at Silicon Valley as a place to work, rather than the usual New York or London. It’s a unique place and I think technology and startup work will be a big growth area in the legal profession for years to come. (If you haven’t seen the HBO comedy Silicon Valley, you should watch it, all of it, from the very beginning. Extremely amusing and very accurate (subject to exaggeration for comedic impact of course!!).
by Bede Thompson Bede is a third-year Juris Doctor Student. In 2015, he completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland, with an Extended Major in Peace and Conflict Studies, and a Minor in Philosophy. Bede undertook a three-month internship with the United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials in late 2017.
What is the ECCC and what was your role? The ECCC, commonly referred to as the Khmer Rouge Trials, is a special court set up in 2002 to try those most responsible for the alleged crimes of the Khmer Rouge Regime, which was in power in Cambodia from 1975-1979. I worked as a legal intern in the Office of the Co-Prosecutor for three months at the end of 2017. What is your background, and how do you think it helped your candidacy? I started my Juris Doctor at the ANU in 2016. Whilst at the ANU, I’ve completed professional internships with the UNHCR Regional Representation in Canberra, and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies through the Aurora Project. I’ve also worked as a volunteer paralegal for Kimberley Community Legal Services Hotdesk at ANU, and have been involved in the LSS, PARSA, and the ANU Law Revue. I’ve had great experiences with all these organisations and would recommend you look into them! Obviously, academics and professional experience are fundamental when applying for any legal role. But what is often overlooked is that employers also want to get an idea of you as a person. In that sense, I feel that the balance I have achieved between my professional development, my studies, and my extracurricular and social activities showed that I was a well-rounded candidate that would flourish in an eclectic and international environment (I also think this balance is just good for wellbeing generally).
What was the most important skill in working at the ECCC? Adaptability. I needed to be ready to embrace a new city and culture, learn on the go, and take on new and complex tasks. As an intern, everyone at the Court was once in your shoes, so lawyers and supervisors are always understanding and ready to help. Nevertheless, it is an asset to be ready to embrace the challenge that the environment presents. What advice do you have? Do your research and find opportunities that interest you. Then apply, apply, apply! Behind every story of success there are usually dozens of rejections and failures, so keep putting yourself out there and don’t get disheartened. And keep an open mind! Don’t rule out certain opportunities because they don’t fit within a narrow, carefully constructed career path. Having diverse and attention-grabbing experiences not only helps you develop personally and professionally, but helps you stand out from the pack. Be impressive, but be interesting too!
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Student Snapshot: Office of the Co-Prosecutor at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia
What was your favourite part about working at the ECCC? There were two aspects I particularly loved. The first was the sheer amount of evidence that I was able to engage with. Millions of Cambodians were affected by the actions of the Khmer Rouge regime, and being able to read their testimonies was both personally challenging and a great privilege. It gave me a sense of perspective and humility in my work. Secondly, I loved the social aspect of working at the Court. The ECCC is filled with brilliant people from various backgrounds who were always ready for a social occasion, or (a particular highlight) a weekly game of futsal.
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Student Snapshot: National Intern at the United Nations Association of Australia by MacCallum Johnson MacCallum Johnson is pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) & a Bachelor of Policy Studies. She is currently the National Intern for the United Nations Association of Australia, the peak United Nations body in Australia.
What was your journey from law student to working at the UNAA? I’ve always been passionate about international affairs and the legal framework of this arena. I’ve taken as many opportunities as possible to combine that with practical experience throughout my time at university.
What’s your favourite part about working at the UNAA? My favourite part is not knowing what you will be asked to do next and having the opportunity to touch base with people from a variety of industries. No day or task is the same, which keeps the role very exciting!
What are the most important skills in working at the UNAA? Critical thinking, time management and work ethic are the skills that I have engaged with most during my internship thus far. I think all of these skills are taught generally throughout university, but particularly in law school. The international affairs arena can be fast paced and often unpredictable in terms of measuring time commitments so I think adaptability is also a critical skill.
What has been your proudest moment whilst working at the UNAA? Been hosted at the United Nations offices in Kuala Lumpur and New Delhi and being invited to contribute in meetings and project developments for both country and regional offices. That kind of opportunity is something that is so rare and I’m so grateful to have had it so young.
What drew you to work in the UNAA? After completing similar internships, I decided to pursue the National Intern position due to its close proximity to decision-making and professional development opportunities. The ability to contribute to projects that have a national and international presence combined with the production of materials that represent the UN in Australia were real highlights that drove me to apply. What does your typical day at work look like? It really depends what my day involves; I could be in our national office or on my laptop at home. I think a real benefit to the National Intern position is the flexibility to work wherever you are and to balance your commitments. I have worked overseas in United Nations offices in Malaysia and India during the internship, which was great exposure to different environments.
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Did you always know you wanted to work at the UNAA? I’ve been interest in UNAA since moving to Canberra to commence my studies and have followed the organisation closely. I thought the best time to apply for a position with them was towards the end of the degree so I tried to prepare myself as much as possible until an opportunity to apply opened up.
I would recommend working in this area of law if…? You are interested in the broader picture and are passionate about making a difference! A strong interest in international affairs, human rights and Australia in the United Nations framework is a must, however if you care about social justice impact, even if it is a niche area like reproductive health, this area of work provides opportunities to contribute to it. What do you hope to achieve in the future, and how has your experience helped you towards achieving that? I would like to work in the policy sector relating to foreign affairs or defence. I think the experience of working at the UNAA has given me both exposure to those industries and emphasised the importance of certain skills. It has ultimately pushed me both professionally and personally and I would recommend it to anyone!
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
COMMUNITY LEGAL CAREERS
As law students, we are empowered with a wealth of knowledge and skills that provide us with the ability to positively impact those facing disadvantage. Work in this area is extremely diverse, including anything from running casework, advocacy, referrals and field work, to drafting submissions on policy and law reform.
Careers in not-for-profits, community legal centres, activist and special interest organisations are limited in number, and as such, also competitive and sought after. Students are able to volunteer in competitive programs offered by these institutions as a way to gain valuable experience and a broader understanding of the law in Australia. We implore you to explore beyond the realms of the commercial sphere and consider a rewarding career in Social Justice.
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Legal Aid ACT by Elinor Knaggs Elinor graduated from a Bachelor of Asian Studies and Bachelor of Laws with Honours at the end of 2017. She loved university for the opportunity it gave her to learn languages, pursue passions and explore the road-less-travelled through Asia. She still enjoys learning languages, as well as bushwalking, brunch, and the odd guilty episode of the Kardashians.
What was your journey from law school to working at Legal Aid? I always thought about working at Legal Aid, or at least a similar community legal centre. I guess I took the whole ‘naïve social justice warrior’ thing and started to make it into a career. I did my ANU law internship with Legal Aid in the family and family violence areas of the commission, then spent some time volunteering towards the end of law school, before being asked to interview for a new role right at the end of 5th year. I started straight out of my final exams and now work full time between the criminal and frontline sections. I was certainly benefited by previous experience as a paralegal and working in similar NGOs, but I was also helped by talents developed in hospitality and healthcare: It takes a broad range of skills! My managers always make sure I am learning something new, and are happy to focus on how I can gain skills, not just the skills I already have. What does an average day at Legal Aid look like? Hectic. The frontline section makes for an incredibly varied workday. I work in a small, tight knit team of lawyers and paralegals to take calls and make contact with clients with stressful, tragic, crazy, and sometimes funny stories, interpret legal issues from our conversation, and try to find the answers. I will triage out clients we cannot assist, comfort and provide extra support and guidance for vulnerable clients, and sprint to court for clients with urgent matters. Much of the time I am the first point of contact someone has in resolving their legal and psycho-social issues, so I feel a lot of responsibility to ensure that I have identified any red flags, and that advice is correct and easy for the client to understand without feeling too overwhelmed. Many people will require Legal Aid’s ongoing support, but sometimes I can resolve an issue over the phone in 10 minutes. I also take walk-in clients, and assist at hospital and on the Saturday morning bail shift. The criminal section is equally busy. As I am still completing my GDLP, I work as a legal support officer, passing on lawyer advice, finding out court dates, making up briefs and assisting at court.
What is one piece of advice you wished you had received in law school? Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing! In my first few years of law school I was very focused on what my peers were doing with their degrees, and it took away from my own goals. Despite having never been remotely commercially inclined, I suddenly thought I wanted to intern at a ‘Big’ firm, buy 5 suits and apply for every single clerkship. I eventually remembered why I came to law school, and when I was no longer distracted by the stress of other people’s plans I was able to achieve far more of what I actually wanted. I travelled to rural Myanmar for a community legal education placement instead. I interned with Legal Aid’s Family Law Duty Service and Domestic Violence Unit. I travelled to PNG and researched gendered violence. Seriously - you made it to ANU law, you’re working hard, and you’re currently reading a careers guide (so you obviously have plans beyond lunch)… There is no need to do a clerkship on top of all that if you don’t want to. What is one thing law school doesn’t teach you for working in this field of law? RESILIENCE! I have found that resilience isn’t just personally beneficial for my emotional wellbeing, it is a skill actively sought out by employers. Assisting vulnerable people is unavoidable at Legal Aid – it’s the job description, but it is also a big part of working with individuals in many areas of legal practice. People often approach the law when they are at their most vulnerable: during family breakdown, after serious injury, or as a response to workplace bullying, for example. You won’t always meet with clients in a soothing, minimalist boardroom either. I often meet clients in holding cells, hospitals, and mental health wards. Being able to listen, have empathy AND get on with the job in a professional way is essential.
by Belinda Miller Belinda (GDLP ’15; Grad Cert Asian Studies ’13; LLB (Hons)/BAPS ’13) is currently the Employment and Discrimination Solicitor at the Women’s Legal Centre (ACT & Region) Inc. Prior to this, she completed the graduate program with the Attorney General’s Department and was an Industrial Officer for the Independent Education Union.
What was your journey from ANU law student to working at the Women’s Legal Centre (WLC)? After graduating mid-year I struggled to find a legal job, and spent some time working in administration at the ANU. After about 6 months I saw a graduate labour law position with the Independent Education Union (IEU) advertised. My Honours thesis was in Labour Law and it was an area I was passionate about, and luckily I got the role. I loved the job, which involved a lot of client work, but after 12 months I returned to Canberra to be with my partner and started a grad position with the Attorney-General’s Department in 2015. The grad program was interesting and had unique challenges, but I missed practising, so when I saw an opportunity to practice employment law again being advertised with the Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) I leaped at it, and started my current role in mid-2016. What are the differences you have found between working for the AGD and WLC? Most areas in AGD were policy areas, meaning that you did not ‘practice’ law or see clients, though you had the opportunity to be part of large-scale change in terms of legislative reform and policy direction. The grad program focused on skill development and training which was an important opportunity and I developed a lot of important skills. WLC practices law so you’re working with clients day to day and providing advice on their individual legal matters. We still have the opportunity to advocate for policy change but we aren’t writing the policies. It is also a smaller workplace with less resources so you have a less-defined role and fewer layers of supervision. What are the most important skills in working in the community legal sector? Community Legal Centres work with people experiencing disadvantage, so it is a different clientele to what you might expect in a fee-paying legal setting. It is important to be non-judgmental and empathetic. You have to be able to think on your feet and focus on practical outcomes that meet your client’s needs. You also need to have strong communication skills – you have to be able to explain complex legal concepts simply and clearly. In terms of personal qualities it helps to be resilient and not afraid of making mistakes. As a sector it is under-resourced, so you need to be creative and willing to work with what you have instead of what you would like to have.
What do you recommend to students who want to work in the community legal sector? The community legal sector has unique challenges and also some big rewards. It is generally not a sector with clear entry level roles such as grad programs and it does not have the same resources available for structured training and developing of new staff that you might see in large companies. You need to think about what you can bring to the position and if possible, try and develop skills and experience in a relevant area of law. If you want to try and start out in this sector you might need to be prepared to live in a regional or remote area for a while or volunteer for some time. What is the biggest difference between law school and the real world and how can students prepare? In the community sector clients are much more focussed on the likely outcomes than the legal reasoning behind your advice. It is also really important to understand and explain the practical steps such as the process of how their matter might play out and what going to court or mediation looks like. Communication and interpersonal skills are more critical than you practice in law school, and so is the strategy behind how and when you make your arguments, not just your substantive legal argument. The best strategy in the world won’t eventuate if you can’t explain it simply to your client. Finally, in law school it’s about the concepts but in practice it’s about the clients. You work for them, so you have to be flexible in your advice and strategy, and keep the outcome they want as your priority, not demonstrating the principle of law your lecturer wants to see applied.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Women’s Legal Centre
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Student Snapshot: Kimberley Community Legal Services by India Bullock India is a final year Arts/Law student who volunteered with the Kimberley Community Legal Services (KCLS) in Kununurra WA in winter 2017.
What was your journey from ANU law student to working at the KCLS? I volunteered at KCLS in Kununurra in Western Australia over the 2017 winter break. Aside from the chance to escape the Canberra winter, I have always been interested in social justice and Indigenous affairs so jumped at the opportunity to head to the Kimberley (Tip: Read your WATTLE digest!). I worked as a paralegal supporting the solicitors representing the families of the deceased in the Coronial Inquest into Youth Suicide in the Kimberley. Aboriginal suicide rates in the Kimberley region are among the worst in the world so the work was incredibly confronting at times. My tasks included preparing individual briefs, researching relevant policy areas, researching expert witnesses and devising a list of proposed questions for the expert witnesses and, writing a paper to form part of KCLSs final submissions to the Coroner. What were the greatest challenges in working in this field of law/for this organisation? Regarding the general work of KCLS, other volunteers report managing client’s expectations as the greatest challenge. Often small CLCs like KCLS have their hands tied in cases where clients are seeking compensation. It is generally the case that there is not a lot of money at stake and there is a really complicated process to go through. Further, the scope of action is limited to civil law services, but KCLS clients often have needs extending far beyond that. However, KCLS is aware that for many of its clients, engaging in the legal process is therapeutic in itself, regardless of the outcome.
What are the differences between working for Kimberley Community Legal Services as opposed to other Legal Centres? KCLS is the only civil law service in the Kimberley and as such, vastly under-resourced and overstretched. Interns are given meaningful work and opportunities to interact with clients that would be unlikely to arise in other workplaces. If you do an internship in Broome or Kununurra, then you get the experience of working in a remote setting. The bonuses of this experience are that it is a more informal environment, you get a chance to build relationships with clients, you adapt to particular challenges like the fact that many clients travel between communities and can be hard to track down and subsequently represent. You also deal with issues particular to remote Australia: more than 75 per cent of clients are Aboriginal, and often their legal issues intersect with a range of social and economic factors. A lot of the work at KCLS is advocacy, and involves providing a more holistic service rather than purely legal advice. For example, the KCLS has many clients who have problems with the Department of Housing - the service it often provides here is to call relevant offices, make enquiries and prompt action. It is not strictly legal, but if left unresolved, could escalate very quickly into a legal problem. What do you recommend to students who want to work in a similar area of law? If you are interested in social justice, human rights and Indigenous affairs, I would wholly recommend the experience of working at KCLS, or another remote CLC. The opportunity to work in a region such as the Kimberley is fantastic; the KCLS staff are incredibly welcoming and supportive for both university interns and graduates. To best prepare for this type of work I would recommend volunteering at similar services and get as much exposure to the work as possible. The ANU offers Canberra-based internships with KCLS and there are many CLCs in the ACT that offer internships and work experience for university students.
by Kate Dawson Kate is starting her fourth year of LLB/BINSS. She works part time at a personal injury law firm, and when she graduates, hopes to work in a role where she can use both of her degrees. In her spare time she tries not to spend too much on avocado toast (and fails every time).
As many of you will know, the ANU College of Law provides clinical placements for undergraduate students in multiple locations, focusing on differing areas of law. It is a great way to gain some experience before graduating, and the perfect way to identify and develop your legal skills in a practical setting. As many of the clinical programs are based in community legal centres, the programs also provide a unique insight into how legal processes apply to a range of different people, and the challenges communities face in the implementation of laws. You can check out the different programs on the LLB Program Site on Wattle. In Semester 2 2017 I was fortunate enough to enrol in LAWS4267: Clinical Youth Law Program, held at the Youth Law Centre ACT (“YLC”). YLC forms part of LegalAid ACT, and specialises in providing services to people between the ages of 12 – 25. Unlike most law firms and community legal centres, the YLC provides legal advice in a range of different areas including criminal law, contracts, property, employment, and drink/drug driving – which is perfect if (like me) you are not entirely sure what you want to do in your longterm career. Personally, at the YLC I learnt a lot about the law, our community, the need for law reform, the role of public policy, and the need for legal representation – particularly for minority groups. I also learnt the value of teamwork in the legal industry (which our international law moot never truly managed to convey). In the short term, YLC is an amazing way to identify your existing legal skills, and harness and develop those of which you are a little unsure.
‘The ability to make an immediate positive change to a young person’s legal and social situation truly captures the essence of legal representation, and the doctrine of access to justice.’ If you work with the YLC, you will have the opportunity to work with some truly incredible lawyers, and people. Not only does YLC provide students with practical experience, but you also have the opportunity to learn more about your definition of a lawyer, and how you may see yourself in the legal profession in the years to come. I encourage everyone at ANU, whether you have just started your undergraduate degree, or have moved on to full time employment as a post-grad, and regardless of whether you want to be a lawyer, to check out more of the amazing work conducted at the YLC, and to take the opportunity to work within their ranks. It is truly an incredible experience and one which I will continue to value throughout my career.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Student Snapshot: Youth Law Centre ACT
Please send me an email at u5825233@anu.edu.au if you have any questions about LAWS4267 or the YLC.
In the long term, working in the YLC is an incredibly rewarding role which will continue to both challenge and interest you. While the social and legal issues can be confronting, the ability to make an immediate positive change to a young person’s legal and social situation, in my opinion, truly captures the essence of legal representation, and the doctrine of access to justice. My time at the YLC has so far been the most rewarding experience in my university life. There is no typical day at YLC, and no end to the types of legal issues or complications that arise.
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Student Snapshot: Canberra Community Law by Kunal Vankadara Kunal is a 4th year studying Law/Economics and who completed the Community Clinical Program in Semester 2 2017. He recently completed a summer Internship at Salvos Legal and is one of the Competitions Directors for 2018.
What exactly does the Community Legal Program entail? Through the clinical program, I completed a 10 week placement as a volunteer paralegal at Canberra Community Law (CCL) which was worth 6 units. CCL is a not for profit Community Legal Centre which conducts law reform advocacy and provides legal services to a wide range of people in the ACT community who are underprivileged, discriminated against or are on low incomes. As a volunteer, I was paired up with an experienced solicitor who was the Yoda to my Luke and guided me through the whole 10 weeks. I was also given the opportunity to write a 2000 word research paper on a significant law reform issue and present my findings to the director of the centre and other senior lawyers. Why a clinical program at Canberra Community Law? Other than being an awesome elective, the clinical program is one of the best ways to get hands on legal experience before you graduate. If you have had trouble getting that coveted ‘law job’, the community clinical program may be for you! The community clinical program is the smallest compared to all the other clinical programs with only 6 students each semester. This means that you will be given a wide range of work and that will allow you to make a genuine difference in cases. During my placement, I was given the opportunity to interview clients, draft criminal pleadings, contact clients, write letters of advice and attend court. The small group size also meant that the whole experience was extremely collaborative with my supervising solicitor making sure I was included in all discussions regarding any case. What does a typical day look like for you? In my clinical placement I was assigned to the street law team at CCl which provides legal services to clients who are homeless or at the risk of homelessness. Any typical day would start around 9 am when I would have a morning briefing with the supervising solicitor who would explain the cases we were working on for the day and assign me tasks for the morning.
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Around 10:30am I would accompany a solicitor to the Early Morning Centre where I assisted at the free outreach clinic. The rest of the day would be spent back in the office working on research memos, conducting client interviews and helping manage case files. Every second week at 5pm there would be quick crash course tutorial on an area of the law relevant to our placement such as social security law. A typical day in the centre can vary depending on the day and team you are assigned on. A Housing Law paralegal could easily find themselves at the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal every week for the whole day assisting the on duty lawyer with providing last minute advice for unrepresented clients. What is your one takeaway from the clinical program? In every single exam at Law School the facts were fixed and I was tested on my application and research skills. However, in my first week at CCL, it was obvious to me that my people skills rather my research skills would be my biggest asset. Many of the clients we worked with came from under privileged situations and were disenchanted with the justice system. Therefore, it was really important that we got to know our clients and developed a relationship of trust or otherwise our advice would simply fall on deaf ears. At CCL, I was fortunate enough to have a lot of face time with clients and take the opportunity to really develop my interpersonal skills. Wow Kunal! The community clinical program sounds amazing! How do I apply? Great question! Applications for the clinical programs open up a few weeks before each semester starts on the wattle course site. Check with the CoL front desk for the exact dates each semester.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
THE COURTS
A fundamental aspect of the law is found in judicial procedure. Law graduates have the opportunity to work within the Court as an Associate/Tipstaff to a Judge in his or her duties to the Court, or later on as a Barrister and even a Judge. The role of Associate/Tipstaff is highly competitive. The specific application process will change between jurisdictions and judges alike, however, an excellent academic record, proven strength in legal research, as well as extracurricular and volunteering experience is usually required. Positions in both the High Court and Federal Court are not advertised, and applicants are required to write directly to the Judge or Justice to whom they wish to be assigned.
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Experiences of a Barrister by Matt Sherman Matt Sherman practises as a barrister at Sixth Floor Selborne Wentworth Chambers in Sydney. He specialises in commercial and public law.
What was your journey from ANU law student to working as a barrister?
What’s your favourite part about working as a barrister?
After finishing my law degree in 2010, I started at King & Wood Mallesons as a graduate. I did rotations in the competition, dispute resolution and M&A groups. After I finished the grad program, I took a leave of absence so that I could complete a masters and work for a judge for a year — both were very valuable experiences.
I enjoy the diversity of the work and the challenge of getting across the legal and factual complexities of a case in a short space of time. As a barrister, you are exposed to a range of people, businesses and government clients. You have to try to understand their interests and motivations and tell (or challenge) their stories in a way that fits with the law and is clear and compelling.
I then came back to KWM for two more years. I worked in a great team, which handled complex regulatory and commercial disputes. I also got involved in a number of interesting pro bono matters, including some challenging public law cases. In Sydney there are a few steps you have to take before you start at the bar: • About 18 months out I spoke to some junior barristers about being my tutor during my first year (which is a requirement in New South Wales). • About 16 months out I applied to chambers. Most of the larger chambers take between 1 and 4 readers each year, who are given a free or inexpensive room during their first year of practice. • About 9 months out I sat the bar exam, which is a 4-hour exam on civil and criminal procedure, evidence and ethics.
What does your typical day at work look like? There’s not really a typical day — a lot depends on the type of work you specialise in and the particular matters you’re involved in at any given time. This week I had a small commercial matter in the Local Court on Monday. I spent yesterday preparing some submissions for an admin law case in the Federal Court in which I’m being led by senior counsel. It looks as though I will spend the rest of the week meeting with witnesses and preparing to defend an application for an injunction that may or may not be filed against a large corporate client in the next week or two. Throughout the week I’ll go to a few short directions hearings and speak with solicitors about decisions that have to be made on cases that are still in their early stages. I might also be asked to do some research on points of law for other barristers on my floor.
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What are the differences you have found between working as a barrister and working for a private law firm? At a private firm you have a lot of support — there’s a team around you to talk things over with and share some of the strain when you’re busy; there are partners and senior lawyers who give you the benefit of their experience; and there are support staff who help you keep things on track. You also get to know your clients and share in their successes and disappointments. While the bar has a great open-door tradition and is a very collegial and supportive place, you have to do a lot more for yourself and there’s less of a safety net. You tend to make a lot of decisions on your own and you have to run your own business. On the other hand, you are your own boss and you get to work with different lawyers from lots of different firms, who have diverse personalities, clients and skill sets. You also get the thrill of being at the pointy end of a lot of cases, interacting directly with the judge and getting immediate (though not always positive) feedback on your work.
What do you recommend to students who want to work as a barrister? There are a lot of different paths to the bar. Some people go to the bar shortly after university and develop successful and interesting practices, while others make the jump after years as a lawyer or academic, having already developed a reputation. I really benefited from the experiences I had prior to making the move – I learned an enormous amount from my lecturers, the judge I worked for and the partners and other lawyers I worked with as a solicitor. If going to the bar is something you’re interested in I would think about the kind of practice you want and the personal and technical skills that you might need in order to develop that kind of practice, then seek out people and places that will help you develop those skills.
by Ben Niles Ben Niles studied a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash University in Melbourne before moving to Canberra to undertake a Juris Doctor at ANU. After completing his JD, during 2017 Ben moved to Sydney to work with the Hon. Justice Moore of the Land and Environment Court of NSW as a Tipstaff and in 2018 upon completion of his time at the Court will move to Darwin to start his legal career.
The path that led me to working in the LEC During my time studying law I was, like many students, trying to decide whether I would actually be a practising lawyer or instead work in an area that would utilise my legal skills. I had a vast array of interests and undertook electives primarily in Environmental Law and Social Justice and wished to see what practicing as a lawyer in these areas might be like. I decided to pursue a Tipstaff position at the Court following my interest in Administrative Law, my passion for the environment, and my desire to learn more about litigation and appearing in Court. For me, I chose the Court that I wanted to work in and the Judge I wanted to work for based on my interests and what I wanted to learn and be exposed to. My tips for applying for associateships I have two key tips when applying for associateships. First, think about where you would like to work and who you would like to work for. You will write a better application, be more engaged, and have a better overall time if you pursue the Court or Judge that you want to work at or for rather than simply sending a generic application to multiple Judges. Second, take the time to call the chambers you are applying for and speak to both the Executive Assistant or current Associate/Tipstaff - no one will give you a better idea of what that particular Judge is looking for in an application than the people currently working in that chambers.
I would recommend working as a Tipstaff in the LEC if: • You have an interest in Environmental Law, Administrative Law (including Merits Review), Criminal Law, Local Government Law, and Land and Planning Law; • You are interested in litigation and seeing how Barristers present in Court; • You would like an insight into how a Judge forms a decision; • You enjoy working autonomously or in small teams; or • You want an insight into being a lawyer or going to the bar. One piece of careers advice that I wish I had received whilst at law school Volunteer and take the time to be involved in various university, community, and legal organisations. During my time at ANU I was a College of Law representative, an Equity Officer and President of PARSA. I was also a Senior Resident at both Toad Hall and later at Fenner Hall. However, I believe it would have been an enriching experience to volunteer with a legal centre, or gain experience as a volunteer paralegal.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Tipstaff in the Land and Environment Court of NSW
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Associate at the ACT Magistrates’ Court by Maddi Lamers Maddi Lamers is currently the Associate to Magistrate Campbell at the ACT Magistrates Court. She studied a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychology as well as living at Fenner Hall and taking part in Law Revue for 4 years.
I have been extremely lucky with the jobs I had while studying. I started as an admin assistant at Blackburn Chambers in my third year and in my fourth year began as a paralegal at Colquhoun Murphy Lawyers. Both of these carried me through until I graduated in December last year. When I heard about the opening of an Associate position, I was drawn to the idea of experiencing how the legal world works from another angle. At Blackburn Chambers, I’d seen the life of a barrister. At Colquhoun Murphy, I was assisting with a lot of work in the contracts/estates/personal injury areas. I loved the idea of getting a behind the scenes look at the workings of the court system. Depending on the list that my Magistrate has been assigned, my day usually consists of two tasks – running court and admin. Some lists are busier than others, so this will ultimately determine how much time I actually spend in court (and how long my day is). While in court, Associates are basically in control of which matters are put up when. This can involve a lot of crowd management, especially in the busier lists, and in my opinion is the hardest part of the job. The nature of court system is that lawyers will often have multiple matters listed in different courtrooms for the same time, so it is a matter of liaising with Associates in other courtrooms to see when lawyers will be free, while still ensuring that other matters are ready to be put before the Magistrate. Outside of court, our role is based heavily around preparation of files for court. This often includes ordering any reports that are needed for sentencing, stamping bench sheets, and writing the names of the lawyers appearing in the matters. So far, I think my favourite part about working at the Magistrate’s Court has been getting to know the different lawyers and their different ways of working. It’s definitely clear that the nature of our legal system means that there is a lot of room to incorporate your own methods of reasoning and persuasion, while sticking to the set pattern of the sentence or bail application for example.
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‘My favourite part about working at the Magistrate’s Court has been getting to know the different lawyers and their different ways of working.’ I honestly don’t think we get enough exposure to the court environment while studying. Sure, the hour you spend observing for the first FAL assessment is great, but if litigation is something you are interested in I would strongly recommend attending and observing a courtroom. Each day there are an endless number of matters being heard – from driving matters to assaults – some just before court for a quick mention or even for a full hearing. I’m not suggesting diligently taking notes and writing a soppy reflection statement about justice. Just sit and observe. Watch the lawyers interact with their clients – some who have only met a few minutes before their appearance. Become familiar with courtroom behaviour. Trust me, it’s a lot less intimidating (although a lot more chaotic) than it initially seems.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
PUBLIC LAW
The Australian public sector is a prominent employer of law graduates, and should be given particular consideration considering ANU’s location in the Nation’s Capital. Professionals in this field will have the benefit of working on important matters to the function of Australia and are able to specialise in an area of particular interest whether that be criminal law, taxation, law reform or foreign affairs. Careers in the public sector are particularly sought given excellent government benefit schemes and competitive salaries. Further, APS positions offer a defined career path allowing for great personal development and both geographic and employmentbased mobility. Both federal and state government institutions offer annual graduate intakes and internships for law students.
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2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
ACT Director of Public Prosecutions by Katrina Marson Katrina Marson is a prosecutor in the Sexual Offences Unit at the ACT DPP. She has worked there since 2013, with a year secondment working as a defence lawyer at Legal Aid ACT. She was named ACT Young Lawyer of the Year in 2016.
What are the most important skills when working for the DPP? • The ability to work under pressure. That doesn’t mean being perfect, but the ability to retain a cool head so that you can keep your brain engaged even if you feel on the spot, embarrassed or stressed is really important. This is important in a court environment because unexpected issues or questions often arise and you don’t always get the time to go away and think about your answer. • It’s also important to have good people skills: you need to be able to talk to witnesses, police officers, judicial officers and colleagues – all of whom you may to relate to in different ways. What does your typical day at work look like? • On a day when I’m in court, I usually arrive at work at least a couple of hours before I’m due at the bar table (which is usually around 10 am). That way I can get settled and look over things again before I go to court. Sometimes unexpected things arise so it’s not unusual that I end up running (literally) through the halls trying to speak to witnesses, print documents and make sure I have everything I need for court. • I try to maximise out of court days to prepare for any upcoming court work (to try and minimise the above occurring). • On any day I try to observe reasonable hours. I have found that I am far less effective if I am in the office at all hours of the day every day. I am actually more efficient if I keep strict hours, knowing I need to get all my work done within those hours. What is your favourite part about working for the DPP? • The cut and thrust of court. It is intimidating, stressful, funny and exciting all at once. There is nothing so satisfying as feeling like you’ve been articulate, or that you questioned a witness well, or that you closed a case persuasively.
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I also like the immediacy of the work. It’s satisfying to work in a place where you see the results of your efforts within, at the most, months of having carriage of a matter. Because we retain a lot of autonomy as individual lawyers, it’s not the kind of job where you work on a small piece of a matter that then goes off to more senior people to finish off in a few years’ time – you get to see most things through.
What were the greatest challenges in working in this field of law? • The volume of work and its content are huge challenges. Criminal law often involves people at their worst, and that can be confronting. There is always an enormous amount of work to get through and at times that can feel overwhelming. • However, I think neither of those challenges compare to the form of the work. That is, standing up and arguing complicated matters of law, or questioning witnesses within the strict and complicated rules of the Evidence Act, all in front of a very intimidating audience is the biggest challenge. I know very senior lawyers who still get nervous about going to court, because it is unpredictable and can leave you open to public humiliation. This can be hard for A-type perfectionists who don’t like to fail, but it’s all part of the learning experience and you develop coping strategies. I would recommend working in this area if…? • You like oral advocacy, are willing to work hard and you don’t take yourself too seriously. • Advocacy is such a craft, and being able to develop that craft in the courtroom environment is a lot of fun. You can’t take yourself too seriously however, because you will never know all there is to know or be prepared for absolutely every eventuality in a courtroom. If this doesn’t come naturally to you, you can learn it! • Like any legal job, you will need to work hard. That doesn’t mean burning the midnight oil, but it means being thorough, vigilant and professional all the time. This takes effort, but it doesn’t have to take 24 hours of your day.
by Ella Pyman Ella studied a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Hons.) and was in the graduating class of 2017
What attracted you to government practice? Design and evaluation When I finished law school, I was looking for career with a broader focus than dispute resolution and its fixation with resolving the immediate case to hand. I wanted to engage with the bigger picture and interrogate whether Australia’s legal frameworks responded to modern social issues; and if not why not? How could they be more efficient or suitable?
I have also enjoyed working on legislation projects beginning in the policy design stages through to drafting. Invariably constitutional and administrative law issues arise, and demand considered attention to issues like the appropriate scope of delegations and the availability of merits review. I was given the chance to use my own judgement and work independently; today there is even one legislative provision that I can point to and say “that was me, that was my idea”.
The Attorney-General’s Department presented an opportunity to shape laws and develop policy in diverse areas: from national security and emergency management to civil justice, public law and native title. The prospect of being able to provide advice and work on legal policy issues was exciting.
How do you apply? Applications for the Attorney-General’s Department Graduate Program, including the Australian Government Solicitor, close around April each year. It is a three-stage process – including online testing and an assessment centre– and is designed to assess your analytical thinking, problem solving and decision-making competencies.
And, thanks to a viral video and the popular press, government grads could now claim the illustrious title of “game changer”. It sounded like an offer too good to refuse. What type of projects did you get to work on as a graduate? What were the highlights of the graduate career? As a graduate, I rotated through three different teams and experienced a variety of projects. A dull day in the office was about as rare as finding Kirby J in the majority. My highlight was the work I did on progressing several treaties to facilitate classified information sharing between Australia and her allies. I was privy to important strategy meetings with domestic stakeholders and worked closely with higher-ups at the Department through the negotiation rounds and then domestic promulgation. The experience gave me first-hand insight into the intricacies of international cooperation and the complications that arise from the interfacing of different legal systems.
I would also encourage you to check out the department’s temporary employment register. This is another way you can get your foot in the door if you are unsuccessful with your application or are seeking part time employment while studying. In the past, this register has been drawn upon for short term contract work like paralegal positions in extradition and international trade law.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Attorney-General’s Department Graduate Program
The department also runs a Summer Intern Program which is open to students in their penultimate year. Applications generally open in August/ September each year for the 12 week program which starts in November.
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The AGS Graduate Lawyer Experience by Matilda Gillis Matilda is a lawyer in the Office of General Counsel at Australian Government Solicitor, providing constitutional legal advice. Matilda graduated from ANU in July 2016 and was President of the ANU LSS in 2013.
AGS is a group within the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department providing leading legal services to government. We assist the AttorneyGeneral in the role of First Law Officer and we advise the Executive Government and all Commonwealth agencies. While we are part of the public service and pride ourselves on working in the interests of government as a whole, the organisational structure and style of practice continues to incorporate aspects of the private sector. This blend of public and private in turn creates a dynamic work environment. As an AGS graduate, I undertook 4 rotations of 3 months’ duration. I rotated through each of the 3 practices (the Office of General Counsel, AGS Commercial and AGS Dispute Resolution) and concluded the year with a 3-month outpost with one of AGS’s clients. The rotations are designed to allow graduates to experience every facet of AGS’s business structure and gain exposure to the different types of legal work the organisation performs for the Commonwealth. The client placement at the end of the year is particularly unique because it provides graduates with an insight into how AGS’s various clients operate and with an opportunity to build upon the established relationships with the clients. The graduate program also includes a 1-day-a-week pro bono placement at a community legal centre for 3 months, which is an experience many former graduates have found to be a highlight of their year.
‘AGS graduates are able to learn from and engage with subject-matter experts in various fields while developing our skills and knowledge in each area.’
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The work AGS graduate lawyers do covers a wide range of matters, starting from small-scale property or employment matters to large-scale procurement and infrastructure projects (like the new Western Sydney Airport), as well as nationally significant constitutional matters (such as the ‘Citizenship Seven’ case), international law advice, large-scale civil litigation and royal commissions. In each practice, graduates are treated as ‘one of the team’ and are given the chance to work with lawyers of all seniority levels on a range of tasks, including complex legal research, preparation of advice and court submissions. The result is that AGS graduates are able to learn from and engage with subject-matter experts in various fields while developing our skills and knowledge in each area. AGS graduates are also given ample opportunity to attend court hearings (often at the High Court), client conferences and a number of lawyer development training seminars run by AGS. Having provided legal services to the Australian government since Federation, AGS is uniquely positioned to understand government legislative and regulatory frameworks, policy objectives and programs of national importance. In joining the AGS team you become part of a long tradition of legal expertise that prioritises high-quality advice and representation. Being part of an organisation which has such a rich history and which continues to be at the forefront of seminal developments in Australian law, is very rewarding as a young lawyer starting out on their career.
by Julia Faragher Julia is a fourth year Arts/Law student and the current Vice-President (Administration) of the ANU LSS. She works as a paralegal at the Department of Communications and the Arts.
How did you find this opportunity? During my third year of university, I decided that I wanted to compliment my academic studies with some practical legal experience. I thought it would be a good time to determine whether I was suited to a career in the law. I started looking for my first legal job on lots of different online job websites and I found this position listed on ANU Career Hub. It is a fantastic resource available to both ANU students and graduates and I would highly recommend it.
What is the one thing law school does not teach you? Law school does not teach you what it feels like to suddenly be solving real problems from real people. I do not think law school can teach this – it is just something you have to react to once you are in the workforce. Solving actual problems with real consequences feels very different to writing about ‘Baylor Swish’ and her fall into diseased Lake BurleyGriffin in first year torts.
What was your journey from ANU law student to working at the Department of Communications and the Arts? It took me a while to find my footing at law school. I found that first year had a really steep learning curve and I often felt like I was out of my depth. Despite this, I was still happy with my degree choice but I had no idea where I wanted it to take me. As a first year, it was kind of intimidating to be surrounded by so many high achievers who knew exactly what path they wanted to take. I felt a little lost by comparison. Eventually I got over the first year learning curve, which was a very valuable lesson in itself, and figured out what I wanted to do after studying Global Media and Communications Law at the University of East Anglia International Summer School. Taking that course helped me confirm the area of law that I am interested in: arts and media law.
What do you recommend to other students? I would recommend getting involved in lots of the different extra-curriculars that ANU has to offer. I have been involved in lots of arts events and committees at ANU which easily demonstrated to the Department that I am interested in their work. They also gave me lots of transferrable leadership and teamwork skills. For instance, being Assistant Director of the ANU Musical does not sound like something workplaces are looking for but it gave me experience with working long hours, meeting tight deadlines and dealing with emergencies. I would also recommend looking beyond ANU if they do not offer the exact area of law that interests you. ANU has lots of strengths – for example, international law – but they did not offer any media law electives last year, so I decided to look overseas and I am very glad that I did.
2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide
Student Snapshot: Department of Communications and the Arts
What drew you to work at the Department of Communications and the Arts? My career goal is to work in an area of law related to the arts, so the Department of Communications and the Arts seemed like an absolutely perfect fit. I also wanted to work for an organisation that supports artists, which the Department does through its extensive list of government grants.
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66 2018 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide