Careers
GUIDE
2019
Activate your career. Practical Legal Training programs that better activate your career. • Study full-time or part-time - online • Just 5 days face-to-face learning • Onsites held at the University of Canberra • Emphasis on task-based learning • Four start dates in Canberra in 2019 • Part of the ACT legal profession since 2004 • 1-to-1 lecturer support
Con Pana
Lawyer, Federal Government of Australia Graduate of the Practical Legal Training program
Learn more at collaw.edu.au/PLT or call 1300 856 111
Careers Guide 2019
Contents I President’s Welcome II About III Attendees IV Résumé Tips V Your Interview VI Student Experiences VII Clerkships VIII Differentiate Yourself IX After Law School X CLSS 2019
3 4 5 7 9 12 15 17 19 21
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I President’s Welcome Guillaume Nouri
Welcome to the 2019 Careers Guide. By way of introduction, my name is Guillaume Nouri and I am the President of the Canberra Law Students’ Society (CLSS) for 2019. The CLSS is the representative body for all law, justice studies and juris doctor students at the University of Canberra.
The Society plays an important supporting role in your studies. You already get an incredible education from the School of Law and Justice. We support that academic experience by providing careerdriven initiatives, internal and national legal competitions, social events, wellbeing events and further educational support. Events like the Careers Fair, the Law Ball and Resilience Day have won a number of awards and we are proud to be providing our students with exciting events every year.
In this Careers Guide, you will find that UC law students are excellent at finding legal work while they are still studying. A lot of those
opportunities were created because students familiarised themselves with legal employers at events like the Careers Fair. We are putting you in direct contact with the recruiters that will be reviewing your job applications. We have almost 20 private practices, Government departments and non-traditional employers here eager to meet you all and ready to field your questions. All that’s left to do, is to throw your hat in the ring.
While I encourage you all to do this, I understand it might be a bit daunting. When I first started my degree, I had no idea what area of law I wanted to get into. My best advice to you is: if you build a wide network in Canberra, you are bound to find people that align with you and your values.
The opportunities are out there, we’re here to help you find them.
Guillaume Nouri CLSS President 2019
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Careers Guide 2019
II About The Careers Guide Joe Gordon + Natasha Correia The College of Law Careers Guide 2019 has been developed as a handbook to accompany the CLSS Careers Fair. It is intended to provide students an insight into what’s required in beginning a career in law and related industries, as well as providing an opportunity to students to learn about their peers’ experiences and consider their advice.
We wish all students ongoing success and hope that the Guide is both a useful and insightful companion to the Careers Fair.
Joe Gordon Publications Officer Natasha Correia Careers Officer ________________________________ View the The College of Law Careers Guide digitally, via our website. canberralss.com/careers
The Guide is one of the Society’s foremost publications, instituted as a joint effort between the CLSS Careers and Publications Officers and sponsored by The College of Law.
We would like to thank our sponsors, The College of Law, Clayton Utz, King & Wood Mallesons and MinterEllison, for their continued support - for which the Society is extremely grateful.
Thanks is also extended to our contributors, whose accounts of experience and advice is valued and appreciated.
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III Attendees I Law Firms
I Australian Government
Aulich
Chamberlains
Colquhoun Murphy
Clayton Utz
King & Wood Mallesons
Maxwell & Co
Mills Oakley
MinterEllison
Proximity Lawyers
Snedden Hall & Gallop
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Department of Home Affairs
Department of Jobs and Small Business
Director of Public Prosecutions
I Multinational Professional Services Firms
I University of Canberra
KPMG
I PLT Providers
The College of Law
Canberra Law Students’ Society
Careers UC
With thanks to our sponsors
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Law through a wide angle lens Experience that counts, strengthened by deep commercial insights and technology enhanced solutions. We're a new kind of law firm. You want to practice law and work on complex transactions and difficult points of law, but without the normal ‘legalese’ that tends to come with that, and as part of a genuinely integrated multidisciplinary firm. Due to the unique nature and position of the KPMG Law team, you will learn invaluable business skills to prepare you for the delivery of an innovative legal services offering. The breadth of our legal practice means we assist a variety of clients. From State and Federal government agencies to publically listed multimillion dollar companies and innovative start-ups. From Australian companies to international companies investing or operating in Australia. We also assist across a broad range of sectors, from FinTech to life sciences, aerospace to entertainment – we are probably there. And you could be too. Welcome to KPMG Law
KPMG.com.au
Careers Guide 2019
IV Résumé Tips You may be a great person, but if you don’t look good on paper, you’re not getting an interview. Your résumé is critical to your success in applying for work, so we’ve compiled a few tips to help you. I Keep it to one page, if you can, maximum of two.
Employers are busy and they often receive a great number of applications for any given position. Succinct communication is key. No partner is going to have the time to read every single thing you write especially when they have another 20 resumes to read before their next meeting. Prioritise what’s truly relevant.
I Present non-legal experience in a way in which a law firm will find useful. Retail? Hospitality? Don’t worry, we all started somewhere! Use your non-legal experience to highlight your diverse skills and talents. For instance, you may have developed incredible customer service skills,
can demonstrate the ability to effectively manage your time or highlight your strong work ethic.
I Research the employer.
Find out what the firm stands for, their principles and the kind of work they do. The more you know, the better you can tailor your resume to fit in with how their teams operate.
I Network.
The best way to get ahead of other applicants in the race to an interview is to get to know your potential employer before they look through the mountain of resumes. Attend Isaacs events and bring an enthusiastic attitude. Employers are far more likely to remember students who go out of their way to leave a good impression.
I Have someone proof-read your resume. Attention to detail is fundamentally important, and prospective employers will typically not accept applications which contain spelling or grammatical errors. It’s important to take care.
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Drafting your rĂŠsumĂŠ: Use this page to think about your work
experience to date, and brainstorm ways in which you can present this non-legal experience in a way that highlights your transferrable skills.
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
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V
Your Interview
The idea of an interview may be daunting, however, with the right preparation and mindset, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together a few tips that may be of use in preparing your next application. I Tips 1. Do your research
- Research the firm, know their -
history and understand the work they do
Consider how your attributes align with those of the firm
2. Prepare
- Prepare a list questions likely -
-
Careers Guide 2019
to be asked, and prepare answers to those questions
Prepare a list of questions that you’d like to ask about the position and the firm
Practice your interview with a friend
Provide copies of any application material required, including proof of qualifications and identification.
Know where the interview is being conducted
3. Look the part
- Wear suitable clothing
- Have a tidy appearance
- Use open and confident body language
4. Be punctual
- Allow yourself enough time to arrive and compose yourself before the interview
I Potential Questions What motivates you to to join our team, and why would you be an asset to our organisation? What sets you apart from other candidates applying for this role? What area of law interests you, and why? What’s a particular legal issue that you’re interested in? Provide examples of your ability to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Do you have any interests or hobbies, and how do you effectively balance work and life commitments?
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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. We thrive on exceeding the expectations of our clients, and as such the world’s leading organisations turn to us to unlock their biggest opportunities and deliver solutions to their most vexing challenges.
REGIONAL PRESENCE
Graduate Program
The King & Wood Mallesons network extends across the following regions:
We offer a unique training experience with multiple rotations and a bespoke comprehensive learning and development program for our graduates. We invest heavily in development to support graduates in fulfilling their potential.
• Asia Pacific (Australia, Mainland China including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore) • Europe • Middle East • North America
OUR PROGRAMS
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 from all levels of the firm.
kwm.com/careers
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.
During your clerkship, you’ll learn: • The day-to-day skills to get you started Taking instructions, meeting with clients, drafting memos/documents, managing your practice and professional relationships. • Our core practice teams – who they are, what they do, how they’re structured, the clients they work for, and of course, your role within them. • Our culture – you’ll be exposed to (and encouraged) to get actively involved in the many activities and events that define KWM.
At King & Wood Mallesons we provide you with the opportunities to reimagine a career in law to become what you want to be. Are you ready?
KEY STATISTICS: • Most Popular Overall Law Employer in the 2018 AFR Top 100 Graduate Employers Rankings • One of the Top 100 Graduate Employers in GradAustralia’s 2018 Student Survey • 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. *Source: 2018 Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index
Our clerkships give you 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.
• Our people – you’ll find that people from every part of the business will help you by sharing their knowledge and ensuring you have everything you need to succeed. Your role
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 as part of a team 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-thejob experience.
Clerks usually work in one or two different practice groups, depending on the length of the clerkship. 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 won’t just be watching from the sidelines. Our people are encouraged to get involved in the many social and sporting activities that go on in the firm as well as the broader community.
BONNIE ROBINSON People & Development Coordinator, Canberra T +61 2 6217 6751 bonnie.robinson@au.kwm.com
Careers Guide 2019
INSERT AD KWM
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VI Student Experiences
CLSS spoke to some current UC students who work in the legal industry alongside their studies. Read on to hear from some of your peers about their experiences and advice. I Who. Daniella Fiocco LLB / BA
I What. I work for Colquhoun Murphy Lawyers as a paralegal. I primarily work in commercial sector in commercial transaction and litigation matters. I do legal research, draft letters of advice, work alongside solicitors throughout the litigation process and assist in court hearings, prepare briefs for barristers, and help to negotiate and draft commercial leases, deeds and contracts.Â
Careers Guide 2019
I Why. I ended up working as a paralegal after I spent two years at the firm as a clerk, running around the city filing documents at court, depositing bank cheques, and sitting on reception. The role has helped me academically as it has allowed me to see what I learn in practice, and has given me a greater understanding of how legal reasoning is used in real life situations rather than abstract theory. It has also helped me professionally as I have learnt a great deal about the litigation process, drafting, the importance of ethics and good file management, and communicating clearly with clients.Â
I Advice. One piece of advice I often give other law students is to look for jobs at smaller firms. Working in a smaller firm has allowed me to be trained very well, and has given me great opportunities to do real legal work constantly, allowing me to quickly master important skills.
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Careers Guide 2019 Working in a "generalist" firm has also meant that I get a greater breadth of knowledge across a wider range of legal areas. While my work is predominantly in the commercial sector, I have also assisted in personal injury cases and probate matters. At the end of the day, you should take every opportunity you can to continue developing your professional and legal skills.
________________________________
I Who. Claire Osborne LLB
I Advice.
Don't push yourself too much. My worst trait is over committing, and I always find myself overwhelmed and stressed which is counterproductive.
It's always best to take a step back, and look at what you are doing. Consider when particular things need to be complete and prioritise accordingly. Make sure that every day you have some time where you can enjoy your own company or take time out for yourself. You will always have people around you willing to help, don’t be afraid to reach out for it.
________________________________
I What.
I currently work as a Paralegal at Aulich Civil Law.
I Why.
Working at a law firm has given me an insight and a certain level of depth to my studies. It’s helped in giving me real life situations to put my studies in context. I also learn more practical skills which aren't taught at university. Also, it’s nice to learn from friends I’ve made at work who are also studying.
Would you like to contribute to our next publication? Email us today: publications.clss@outlook.com
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Careers Guide 2019
LAW BALL
2019
Semester Two
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Careers Guide 2019
VII Clerkships
Clerkships are often the first step in commencing your legal career. Read on to find out more. I What is a legal clerkship?
A legal clerkship, or simply a clerkship, is a form of holiday work experience offered to students by law firms. It is a valuable experience through which successful applicants are offered the opportunity to train and practice in a range of legal fields, and experience how the firm operates first-hand.
Clerkships typically run over a three month period, beginning in November and ending in February.
I Why are they important? If you’re hoping to secure a graduate position at a law firm, completing a clerkship is often the critical first step.
Typically, firms will present priority offers for graduate positions to those who have completed any given firm’s clerkship program. Market offers may also be offered publicly, but this is less common.
Most importantly, clerkships provide participants with the opportunity to
learn invaluable skills and gain exposure to the legal field around them. They are also a great way to network with and learn from those within the industry whose careers are already established.
I How to apply.
Most firms will advertise their clerkships in the careers sections of their respective websites. Otherwise, you can typically find a number of these on websites like LegalVitae (legalvitae.com.au).
I Make an informed choice, but don’t be too fussy.
It is important to make an informed choice about the particular clerkships for which you apply. Ensure the particular firm is right for you and whether you can see yourself continuing to work for the firm in the future. Consider the areas of law practiced, the firm’s principles and its position in the wider community - ask yourself whether or not it is somewhere you’d love to work.
The application process is generally very competitive, law firms may receive hundreds of clerkship applications, so don’t limit yourself to your top choice only.
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VIII Differentiate Yourself Standing out from the crowd is important when applying for work, especially during clerkship or graduate program applications where there is considerable competition. We’ve compiled some ways in which you can differentiate yourself and stand out as a student with varied and insightful experiences. I Study Abroad.
I Who.
Matt Aldridge LLB / BCom
I What. In July 2017 I went on the a Faculty Led Program to Cambodia as a part of the Current Legal Issues unit at UC. I spent one week in the capital, Phnom Penh, and another major city Siem Reap.
Our group was introduced to NGOs that do remarkable work in the space of human trafficking,
Careers Guide 2019
assisting some of the most vulnerable members of Cambodian society. We also visited the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), set up to prosecute the leaders of the Khmer Rouge, as well as amazing landmarks and places in both cities.
The trip was an unforgettable experience. I have grown a strong interest in human trafficking, particularly the enforcement of antitrafficking laws, and seen first-hand the connection between law in theory and real legal problems such as human trafficking.
I would recommend this trip to anyone pursuing a career in law and wanting to enrich their university experience.
________________________________
I Who.
Joe Gordon LLB /
B Bldg&ConstrMgt
I What. I travelled to the USA in July 2017 to complete a short course in International Litigation, Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution at Michigan State University (MSU).
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Careers Guide 2019 This was an incredible opportunity to experience and learn from an expert in this field, Professor Mary Bedikian, and continue to develop my understanding in this interesting area of law.
The three week program involved a series of lectures accompanied by excursions including a visit to the Michigan Supreme Court in Lansing, combined with practical group work in which we were able to practice our skills in a meaningful and useful way.
Studying abroad was also a great way to make friends and network with students, faculty and professionals who come from a range of interesting backgrounds.
It was a highly advantageous program that allowed me to develop professional legal skills in a diverse environment and create long lasting relationships.
I valued the experience greatly, so much so that in July 2018 I undertook a program in International Human Rights Law, held at New College, University of Oxford.
I would encourage all students to consider these opportunities!
I Work Integrated Learning Electives at UC in 2019.
Practical law electives are a great way to tailor your learning to the areas of law that you enjoy and are passionate about.
Practical electives available at UC this year include;
I Semester One 11253 Law and Justice Internship
11268 Law and Justice Internship Extended (6cp)
11380 Law and Justice Internship Extended (12cp)
11291 Legal Advice Clinic
11258 Advocacy and Communication
11319 Negotiation

I Winter 11253 Law and Justice Internship
11268 Law and Justice Internship Extended (6cp)
I Semester Two 11253 Law and Justice Internship
11268 Law and Justice Internship Extended (6cp)
11380 Law and Justice Internship Extended (12cp)
11291 Legal Advice Clinic
11285 Advanced Advocacy and Communication (Mooting)Â
(Full and current list of electives available via Law and Justice Students Canvas page.)
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Careers Guide 2019
IX After Law School I So you’ve finished law school. Now what?
In addition to completing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD), the next step in order to be becoming a lawyer, is undertaking a Practical Legal Training (PLT) program which results in the award of a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP).
In Canberra, we have access to two exceptional providers of these programs;
I The College of Law; and I ANU School of Legal Practice. PLT develops practical legal skills and will help you learn about working in a firm or organisation as a professional lawyer. The programs include aspects of coursework and work experience and are generally offered in both full and part-time modes to allow for flexibility for those working full-time.
More information about these programs are available at the following links.
I The College of Law https://www.collaw.edu.au/ programs/plt/c-24/c-78
I ANU School of Legal Practice https://legalpractice.anu.edu.au/ gdlp
I Admission
Having completed a LLB or JD and received a GDLP, prospective lawyers must then be admitted to the Supreme Court in their relevant jurisdiction in order to practice law and represent their clients in court.
Following admission, an individual is eligible for admission throughout Australia’s states and territories, either directly or through policies of mutual recognition.
In the ACT, details regarding admission can be found at the link below;
https://www.courts.act.gov.au/ supreme/practitioners/admissions
Remaining Admission Days for 2019 (ACT) 12 April 21 June 16 August 18 October 13 December
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Careers Guide 2019 Jurisdiction
Admitting Authority
Court
Australian Capital Territory
Legal Practitioners Admission Board
Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Legal Practitioners Admission Board
Supreme Court of New South Wales
Northern Territory
Legal Practitioners Admission Board
Supreme Court of the Northern Territory
Queensland
Queensland Legal Practitioners Admission Board
Supreme Court of Queensland
South Australia
Legal Practitioners and Education Council
Supreme Court of South Australia
Tasmania
Board of Legal Education
Supreme Court of Tasmania
Victoria
Council for Legal Education - Board of Examiners
Supreme Court of Victoria
Western Australia
Legal Practice Board
Supreme Court of Western Australia
I Notes:
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
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Careers Guide 2019
  X CLSS 2019 CLSS Education Insights with Amy George To get a taste of what it would be like to work in a law firm, a Virtual Internship is a great place to start. Top-tier law firms such as King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) and MinterEllison provide students the opportunity to participate in an interactive online internship for free via InsideSherpa.
Both firms provide you with the opportunity to complete commercial law tasks that would be assigned to a graduate such as: drafting hypothetical contract clauses, confidentiality agreements, preparing letters of demand, practical legal research and more.
King & Wood Mallesons oers students a course specifically catered to first-year law students through their Introduction to Law Program. The program allows you to draft contract clauses, assist with corporate due diligence, civil
procedure, and mediation. This is a great program if you are interested in learning and/or improving basic legal skills. KWM also oers an option for students who are further in their degree through their Commercial Law Program. Modules in this program enables students to sharpen their basic legal skills by analysing and applying relevant legislation to the hypothetical task.
The virtual internship provided by MinterEllison has four modules that correspond with the services they provide. These include: Capital Markets & Corporate; Infrastructure, Construction & Property; Risk, Regulatory, Insurance & Controversy; and Consulting Solutions. By completing these modules, students get the chance to draft a freezing order, interpret contracts, provide consulting solutions and work on their oral skills by submitting an audio record for instance.
The advantage of completing these programs is that you will receive guidelines to help you complete the task as well as unlock model answers once you have submitted the task. Once you have completed a set of tasks or modules, it can be credited towards your CV showing that you have completed a virtual internship. Unlike university assessments, these tasks can be
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Careers Guide 2019 completed in your own time at your own pace with no deadlines.
For more information and to register your interest, visit this link: https:// www.insidesherpa.com
CLSS Competitions with Matt Aldridge Competitions are a great way to build practical legal skills, and provide the opportunity to compete at a local and national level. The schedule for this semester’s competitions is below. Spectators are welcome and we encourage all to attend! | Witness Examination Week 4, Monday 4th March (5pm-9pm) - Moot Court
Week 5, Monday 11th March (5pm-9pm) - Moot Court
Week 6, Monday 18th March (5pm-9pm) - Moot Court
Week 6, Tuesday 19th March (5pm-9pm) - 2B02
Week 9, Wednesday 10th April finals at Minter Ellison
| Mooting
Week 3, Friday 1st March (5pm-9pm)-Moot Court
Week 5, Friday 15th March (5pm-9pm)-Moot Court
Week 6, Friday 22nd March (5pm-9pm)-Moot Court
Week 9, finals at King & Wood Mallesons
Save the date. 10 April Negotiations Final at MinterEllison
| Negotiations
Week 4, Tuesday 5th March (5pm-9pm) - 2B02
Week 5, Tuesday 12th March (5pm-9pm) - 2B02
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Careers Guide 2019
CLSS Committee 2019 I Executive President
GUILLAUME NOURI president.clss@outlook.com
Vice-president
CLAIRE OSBORNE vicepresident.clss@outlook.com
Treasurer
JANE GARRAWAY finance.clss@outlook.com
Secretary
JASMINE TURL secretary.clss@outlook.com
I Publications Publications and Engagement Officer
JOE GORDON publications.clss@outlook.com
I Education Portfolio Education Officer
AMY GEORGE education.clss@outlook.com
I Competitions Portfolio Competitions Officer
MATTHEW ALDRIDGE competitions.clss@outlook.com
I Careers Portfolio Careers Officer
NATASHA CORREIA careers.clss@outlook.com
I Events Portfolio Events Officer
KATHERINE JEFFERIES Events Officer
MATILDA DELCHAU events.clss@outlook.com
I Wellbeing Portfolio Wellbeing Officer
TYLER O’HARE Wellbeing Officer
TARA KASHYAP wellbeing.clss@outlook.com
I CONNECT WITH US @CanberraLSS @canberralss
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Practical Legal Training Study freedom With delivery modes including full-time online and part-time online, you can select a program that will fit your work and personal commitments. You can also choose from four a year in Canberra so you can complete your practical legal training at a time and location that suits you.
Hands-on learning Practical, task-based and hands-on, our program ensures that you will transition into the workforce successfully. You will learn through everyday scenarios that parallel real-life practice such as drafting an affidavit or preparing a statement of claim.
Aligned with the legal industry Developed in close consultation with employers, our program includes the communication, leadership, time management and client relationship skills that will ensure you have the profile that is more attractive to employers. Nine of Australia’s top ten law firms have chosen The College of Law to prepare their graduates to enter the profession.
Lecturer support Passionate and experienced legal practitioners will support you throughout the program. You will have regular one-on-one contact with your lecturers who will provide advice and feedback via email, phone or via our online learning portal.
Leading provider The College of Law has been at the forefront of practical legal education since 1974 and over 60,000 of our graduates now work across all facets of our industries. Innovative and forward thinking, The College of Law has proven to be one the most trusted names in legal training.
Learn more at collaw.edu.au/PLT or call 1300 856 111
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The College of Law
Careers Guide 2019
Connect with us. Back cover
canberralss.com
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