SEASONAL CLERKSHIP GUIDE DEAKIN LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY
2016
DEAKIN LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP GUIDE 2016
DEAKIN UNIVERSITY AUSTRALIA
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EDITOR’S THANK YOU
The Commercial Careers portfolio would like to thank all those who contributed to the production of the Seasonal Clerkship Guide, through their contributions of information and sponsorship. This publication is a testament to your support, and would not have been possible without you. The portfolio would also like to extend its gratitude to Andrew Vicendese for his ongoing support.
DEAKIN LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY Seasonal Clerkship Guide 2016
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sebastian Cross
SUB-EDITORS Declan Cutler Madeleine Doull Daisy Squires
DESIGN Daisy Squires
PRINT Impact Digital
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THE DEAKIN LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY WOULD LIKE TO THANK ITS SPONSORS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND GENEROUS SUPPORT IN MAKING THIS PUBLICATION POSSIBLE
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CONTENTS INTRODUCTION PG. 7
ADMISSION PG. 11
APPLICATION PG. 31
INSIGHTS PG. 45
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1
INTRODUCTION
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INTRODUCTION Welcome to the 2016 Seasonal Clerkship Guide, a publication that exists to assist with the often taxing clerkship application process. It aims to ensure that those seeking clerkships or graduate traineeships are in the best possible position leading up to the process by being fully informed about the process itself and about a range of potential employers. A clerkship is a three to four week paid placement inside a law firm commonly run during the end of year, or mid year University break. These work experience opportunities are predominantly offered to penultimate year students, however students in their final year are also considered by a select number of firms. Seasonal clerkships are a way for law students to gain practical experience in the world of commercial law, and discover their suitability to work in a range of firms. It is also the main avenue for firms to find their future lawyers, as many firms hire their graduate lawyers exclusively from their clerking pool. In previous years the market for graduate recruitment has been in decline, and as such the application process and resulting job offers have been far from hospitable. However, the market will see a turnaround in 2016. Graduate legal employers are looking to increase their demand for new employees, which is the first shift in recruitment levels in a number of years. This is an extremely exciting opportunity for those going through the clerkship application process this year and for years to come. This change in trend is one of the most motivating developments in the market for a number of years. These spots are still highly contested. As such, firms are able to be critical when evaluating applications, and teamed with the competitive nature of the market it is commonplace that only a small amount of applicants receive offers. Nevertheless, there is opportunity to learn through every difficulty you face. Regardless of the difficult nature of the market, I urge you to see the value in not only a clerkship but also the application process itself. Choosing not to apply for clerkships is an opportunity missed, no matter what you wish to do with your law degree or whether you receive a position in the end. This guide is here to supply you with the information that will give you the best chance at securing one of these sought after positions. It will inform you of ways to approach this process, tips and tricks from successful Deakin students and inform you of all of the possibilities available to you. It contains in depth and thorough insights into most of the world’s best legal and professional service firms, which will help you to make the decision of where your law degree will take you. Undertaking a clerkship will present you with an incredible range of benefits. I hope this resource serves you well and places you in the most advantageous position leading into the clerkship application process. Good luck and best wishes.
Sebastian Cross Director of Commercial Careers, Deakin Law Students’ Society
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FOREWORD As a Bachelor of Laws student in the Deakin Law School, you have already made a number of career choices. You have decided, possibly during your time at secondary school or possibly later in your life, that you want to pursue study in law. You have decided to undertake that study at the Deakin Law School, a law school with a strong commercial law focus, but also a focus on skills that are transferable to a wide variety of careers – both within and outside of the law. You have needed to learn to work independently in your study, and have had to decide what type of study habits work best for you. You may have chosen to focus your time and energy at Deakin University on your units; you may have decided to get involved in the many extra-curricular opportunities open to Deakin Law School students; or you may have chosen to pursue a balance of both. And now, as a reader of the 2016 Deakin Law Students’ Society Seasonal Clerkship Guide, you’ve made the important choice to find out more about the seasonal clerkship process, and some of the various firms to which you might apply. As you will see from the information contained in this Guide, the seasonal clerkship process is highly competitive. Large numbers of law students from around Australia apply for a relatively small number of clerkship positions. As you approach this time in your study, try your best to keep an open mind – your study in law can lead to a large number of career options outside those offered by large commercial firms. However, for those of you successfully securing clerkships, also keep in mind that the time you spend with a firm is an opportunity for you to find out about that firm and about working in the law, and not just a chance for the firm to find out about you. Having a successful and happy career requires a good fit between employer and employee. A good fit for one law student might not be a good fit for another. Spending three to four weeks seeing the real-life day-to-day workings of a law firm is a great opportunity to get first-hand and genuine experience of what it is like to work for that firm. When it comes time to decide where your life after study is headed, that is a really valuable source of information. Keep in mind also that seasonal clerkships are also a fantastic opportunity to further develop your skills outside of the classroom. The Deakin Law School, and in particular the Deakin Law Students’ Society, offer many opportunities to develop practical legal skills – and seasonal clerkships are a great way to further this learning. What is it like to be involved in a client interview in real life? How do you go about drafting a memorandum for your supervising partner, when you have been asked to research a particular legal issue? How do you undertake a company search, and when do you need to do so? What evidence might be required to substantiate a legal claim that your firm is advising on? Seasonal clerkships can give you a great insight into the real-world practice of law. The Deakin Law Students’ Society does a wonderful job in supporting the Deakin Law School student body through all of its portfolios, and have once again put together a valuable resource in this 2016 Deakin Law Students’ Society Seasonal Clerkship Guide. I hope you will find it of use, and wish you the very best of luck with your applications.
Dr. Ben Hayward Lecturer in Law, Deakin Law School Deakin University
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2 ADMISSION
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STUDENT TO LAWYER
LAW DEGREE
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP
GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP
PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING
(SUPERVISED WORKPLACE TRAINING)
(GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF LEGAL PRACTICE)
ADMISSION
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AUSTRALIAN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS VICTORIA Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates then must complete Practical Legal Training (‘PLT’) in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers. Graduates who have successfully completed their PLT must then lodge an application for a Compliance Certificate and the Victorian Legal Admissions Board must be satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to be admitted to practice. Finally, in order to be admitted a person must attend an admission ceremony in the Supreme Court of Victoria where they will take and sign the Oath and sign the Roll. Once admitted, a person may apply to the Victorian Legal Services Board for a Practising Certificate. A person must hold a current Practising Certificate to practise law in Australia.
NEW SOUTH WALES Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates then must complete PLT in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers. Graduates who have successfully completed their PLT must then lodge an application for admission and then take and sign the Oath and sign the Roll of Australian Lawyers on admission day at the Supreme Court of New South Wales where they will receive their Certificate of Admission. After being admitted, a person may apply for a Practising Certificate issued by the Council of The Law Society of New South Wales in order to practise law in New South Wales.
Graduates who have successfully completed their PLT must then make an application for admission to the Roll of Lawyers and the Admissions Board must be satisfied of their fitness to practice. A person must then apply for a Practising Certificate to practise law in Queensland.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates then must complete PLT in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers. They must also have those qualifications formally accredited by the Board of Examiners prior to admission. Graduates must then lodge an application for admission. The Supreme Court must be satisfied that the applicant is suitable for admission. A person must then attend an admission ceremony. After a person has been admitted and signed the Roll of Practitioners they are able to apply for a Practising Certificate, which allows them to practise law in South Australia.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates then must complete PLT in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers. Graduates must then make an application for admission. A person must then attend an admission ceremony where they will take and sign the Oath and sign the Roll. Finally a person must apply for a Practising Certificate to practise law in Western Australia.
QUEENSLAND Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates then must complete PLT in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers.
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INTERNATIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS UNITED STATES
HONG KONG
Requirements vary from state to state however the United States generally requires either a Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Law (LLM). These are necessary in order to sit the relevant state bar examination. Some states, such as New York, allow Australian Graduates to sit state bar exams.
Requires a person to be a valid legal practitioner in their jurisdiction of admission and to have been in practice in said jurisdiction for at least three years. Hopeful candidates will need to pass the Barristers Qualification Examination.
More information: www.nybarexam.org
More information: www.hkba.org/admission-pupillage/general/
CHINA
UNITED KINGDOM Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or JD. The UK also requires graduates to have completed a Practical Legal Training course. Lawyers that have been admitted to practice in Australia can practise in England and Wales as solicitors by transferring through the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) under the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS). More information: www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/qlts.page www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/qualifying-as-a-barrister/transferring-lawyers/quali ed-foreign-lawyers/
SINGAPORE
Lawyers from other countries are able to work for law firms in China but are not authorised to practice law. Chinese law heavily restricts a person's ability to give legal advice. Australian qualified lawyers should thoroughly discuss these restrictions with any prospective Chinese law firm.
EUROPE The majority of the European states require both an LLM and LLB. Obtaining a license or diploma in one state allows you to practice in another. Memberships of individual bar associations are sometimes required by states to use the title of ‘lawyer’, however you may still practice law.
Requires an LLM or JD from an approved university. Any person seeking to be admitted must first be twenty-one years of age or older. Prospective lawyers must also sit the bar examination and complete a six-month Practice Training Contract. More information: www.mlaw.gov.sg/practising-as-a-lawyer/admission
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THE LAW INSTITUTE OF VICTORIA The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) is the professional association for the Victorian legal profession. Our members offer their commitment, diversity and expertise to help shape the laws of Victoria and to ensure a strong legal profession for the future.
LIV Young Lawyers receive: • Young Lawyers Journal (YLJ) Published quarterly, the YLJ features informative articles, opinion pieces, legal updates and career advice relevant to new and emerging lawyers.
We promote justice for all, advocating social and public welfare in the operation of the courts and legal system, as well as advancing education and public confidence both in the legal profession and in the processes by which the law is made and administered.
• Young Lawyers Blog The weekly blog provides insights into the practice of law, important updates and practical tips and advice from both young lawyers and seasoned practitioners.
Through the engagement of our members, the LIV initiates programs to support the needs of a changing profession, promotes an active law reform advocacy agenda, responds publicly to issues affecting the profession and broader community, delivers continuing legal education programs, and continues to provide expert services and resources to support our members. For practitioners and students alike, we provide numerous opportunities for career development and advocacy, including practice section and committee participation that brings together lawyers and students with common interests. Our members reflect every sector of the legal profession: solicitors in small practices and large international firms, in-house counsel, government and community lawyers, graduates and trainees, overseas and interstate practitioners, barristers and members of the judiciary.
YOUNG LAWYERS
LIV Young Lawyers (YL) is a dynamic group established to enhance the legal skills, knowledge and professional networks of members in the early stages of career development. The YL is filled with students, graduates and new solicitors who represent the future of the legal profession. Membership with the YL is free to all eligible LIV members. These are: • Practitioners under the age of 36; • Practitioners over the age of 36 with less than six years practical experience (regardless of age); • Law graduates, legal trainees and law students.
• What’s On Find out what’s coming up at the LIV in this weekly email, linking you to the latest events, CPD activities and legal research sessions so you can easily plan your professional development calendar. Activities and projects of the section are organised by eight committees. Each committee sets its own agenda and conducts its own activities throughout the year. The eight committees are: 1. Executive 2. Community Issues 3. Editorial 4. Later Lawyers 5. Law Reform 6. Professional Development 7. Social 8. Regional and Suburban Young Lawyers (RSYL) Committees provide a fantastic opportunity for young lawyers to learn new skills, develop contacts, and to get involved in projects of interest to new practitioners. YL members are encouraged to join one of the committees. Apart from the Executive Committee, which meets monthly, all committees meet approximately every six weeks for an hour meeting conducted at lunch time. To find out more about our committees visit www.liv.asn.au/LIV-Young-Lawyers/Get-Involved.
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TIM GOUGH
Senior Associate at Lander & Rogers, 8 years PQE Co-chair of LIV Young Lawyers Professional Development Committee Some law professors preach the "ideal" career path as being seasonal clerkship › grad position › job at a top tier firm. This can lead to students considering themselves failures if they don't get a seasonal, but this isn't the case at all. Claiming that you are "successful" because you scored a seasonal clerkship is a bit like claiming you're a Brownlow contender because you played under 12's back in the 90s. The two simply don't correlate.
meant that I "climbed the ladder" faster than university mates who landed a gig at a top tier firm. This earned me a good reputation in the industry and attracted the attention of other, larger firms. I eventually moved to Landers in early 2015. The legal industry is one which rewards hard work and a positive attitude. I've worked with many seasonal clerks, trainees and young lawyers over the past eight years; some have been good, some great, and some downright awful. Several of them didn't end up "making it". In all cases, their attitude was more determinative of their success than their intelligence.
The reality is, there are only a limited number of clerkships to go around, and some students get offered more than one, lowering the number of available positions even further. There is a reasonable chance that you will not get a seasonal clerkship, and that's okay. The majority of students who do get seasonals are not ultimately hired by the firm they clerk at, putting them back in the pool of students seeking a job at the completion of their studies.
So for those of you who do score a seasonal, make the most of the opportunity. Absorb everything, both on the legal and the office-environment fronts. Be affable, be enthused, be the sort of person that others will want to work with. Ask questions. Take initiative, but don't be overly inspired by your own self-importance or sense of achievement. Nobody at a law firm is impressed by what you've done; they've all achieved similar things themselves. Just be cool.
The application process for seasonals can be tedious. I must have submitted 40 or 50 applications for seasonal clerkships over my final two years at law school. None of them were successful. I didn't even get interviewed. It is not a period that I look back on fondly.
And for those of you who miss out on seasonals, know that your future is what you make it. There will be opportunities, even slightly imperfect ones, and you should take them when they arise, because they will lead to much better opportunities in the future. If your ultimate goal is to work at a larger firm, there are alternative, and arguably better, paths to that goal than a seasonal clerkship.
At the completion of my studies, I was lucky enough to be offered an articled clerkship at a mid-size commercial firm. It turns out there are many firms that don't take seasonal clerks, but do take on trainees each year. The experience you get at these smaller firms is often far more valuable than at an enormous firm – in your junior years, you're often better off being a larger cog in a small machine, than a small cog in a large one. Certainly this was my experience – I was given quality work and a degree of independence almost from day one, which gave me an opportunity to prove myself and demonstrate my value to the firm. This was rewarded by further and more interesting work, which built my confidence and
Regardless of which path you take, I wish you all the very best in your future careers. More information: www.livyounglawyers.asn.au www.facebook.com/LIVYoungLawyers E: younglaw@liv.asn.au P: 03 9607 9370
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LIV TRAINEESHIP & SEASONAL CLERKSHIP SCHEDULE OF DATES
ACTION
DATE
Seasonal Clerkship Application Period Opens
Monday, 11 July 2016
Traineeship Market Application Period Opens
Monday, 18 July 2016
Traineeship Priority Offers Made
Tuesday, 9 August 2016 at 10.00am
Traineeship Priority Offers Close
Thursday, 11 August 2016 at 4.00pm
Seasonal Clerkship Application Period Closes
Sunday, 14 August 2016 at 11.59pm
Traineeship Market Application Period Closes
Sunday, 21 August 2016 at 11.59pm
Traineeship Market Offers Made
Monday, 26 September 2016 at 10.00am
Seasonal Clerkship Offers Made
Tuesday, 11 October 2016 at 10.00am
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SEASONAL CLERKSHIP GUIDELINES 2016 1 To be eligible to apply for seasonal clerkships, a student must be in their final or penultimate year of study; that is, they intend to commence their final semester in 2017. Students who have already completed their law degree are eligible to apply; however, applications will be accepted at the discretion of each firm.
2 Applications for seasonal clerkships will open
no earlier than 9.00am on Monday, 11 July 2016.
3 Applications for seasonal clerkships will close no later than 11.59pm on Sunday, 14 August 2016.
4 Any offer made under these guidelines relates
to clerkships within a one year period from the date of offer but can be extended in circumstances agreed on between the student and the firm for a further one year period if a student requests a deferral of the clerkship.
5 Any offer of clerkship must remain open for a
not make follow-up calls to offerees before 11am on the date of offer. All email offers must detail: a) the terms of the offer; and b) that the offer is made pursuant to these Guidelines.
8 Law firms who have entered sponsorship
arrangements with disadvantaged students, such as those employed under the Indigenous Cadetship Program, are exempt from complying with the Guidelines in relation to those students.
9 A firm may withdraw from the Guidelines by
giving 30 days written notice of its intention to the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV), the law faculties and law student societies at all Victorian law schools.
10 The LIV will maintain an up-to-date list of all
signatory forms which will be publicly available on the LIV website.
minimum period of four business hours from the time the offer was made or until 10.00am the following business day for offers made after 1.00pm, subject to paragraph 5(a):
11 Students are encouraged to familiarise them-
a) Students must not hold more than four seasonal clerkship offers for a period of more than two business hours.
seasonal clerkships each year but must follow the Seasonal Clerkship Guidelines in the event that they do. For a full list of current opportunities please visit the Seasonal Clerkship & Recruitment Registry at www.liv.asn.au/Seasonal-Clerkship or contact signatory firms directly.
For the purpose of this paragraph “business hours” is defined as the period between 9.00am and 5.00pm and “business day” means Monday to Friday.
6 Law firms will not make offers concerning seasonal clerkships before 10.00am, Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time on Tuesday, 11 October 2016.
7 All offers made pursuant to paragraph 6 of these
selves with the firm’s clerkship application policy to which they are applying.
12 Signatory firms are not obligated to offer
13 All signatories agree to comply with all legis-
lative requirements including those imposed by or otherwise required under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights, Victorian Anti-Bullying Legislation and the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 (Vic).
Guidelines will be made by email. Law firms will
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TRAINEESHIP GUIDELINES 2016 1 Applications for graduate traineeships will open no earlier than 9.00am on Monday, 18 July 2016.
2 Applications for graduate traineeships will close no later than 11.59pm on Sunday, 21 August 2016. 3 Subject to paragraph 3(a) any offer made under these guidelines relates to a graduate traineeship commencing in 2017; it is open to students who have already completed their law degree or students who will commence their final semester in 2016. a) Successful applicants who have already completed their law degree are eligible to commence their graduate traineeship prior to 2017 by agreement between the firm and the applicant.
4 An applicant who, due to “genuine necessity”, will be unable to attend an interview during the interview period, should apply to the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) for permission to either: a) be interviewed at an earlier date; or b) be interviewed by electronic means if the applicant is overseas at the time of the genuine necessity application and will not return prior to, or during, the interview period. The form of electronic means is to be agreed upon between the firm and the applicant. “Genuine necessity” is defined as the need to be outside of Victoria during the interview period for the purpose of postgraduate study, work experience or another purpose deemed reasonable by the LIV. Applications should be made to the LIV Young Lawyers’ Manager in writing and include appropriate supporting documentation. Written permission is to be granted at the sole discretion of the LIV.
5 Interstate law students who commence formal semester classes on or before Monday, 29 August 2016 may be interviewed by individual arrangement prior to that date in the year in which it is anticipated the student will commence his or her final semester
provided that no offers or arrangements concerning traineeships are made other than in accordance with these Guidelines.
6 Except as provided in paragraphs 9,10 and 11, law firms will not make offers or arrangements concerning traineeships before 10.00am Eastern Standard Time on Monday, 26 September 2016. Graduate traineeships can be deferred in circumstances agreed on between the student and the firm for a further one year period if a student requests a deferral of the traineeship. 7 All offers made pursuant to paragraph 6 of these Guidelines will be made by email. Law firms will not make follow-up calls to offerees before 11am on the date of offer. All email offers must detail: the terms of the offer; and that the offer is made pursuant to these Guidelines. 8 Except as provided in paragraph 11, an offer of traineeship will remain open for a period of not less than 24 hours from the time the offer is made or until 11am the following business day for offers is made prior to 11am. Firms should make this known to students at the time of making offers in accordance with paragraph 7. 9 Law firms who have entered sponsorship arrangements with disadvantaged students, such as those employed under the Indigenous Cadetship Program, are exempt from complying with these guidelines in relation to those students. 10 Law firms may make “priority offers” for traineeships to eligible students in accordance with paragraph 3 on the dates set out in paragraph 11 of these Guidelines, to the following students: students who within the previous two years preceding the date of making the offer referred to in paragraph 11, have substantially completed seasonal clerkships of at least two weeks duration with the offering firm, either in Victoria or at one of the firm’s
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interstate or international offices, or students who during the previous two years and for a minimum period of 30 working days, have performed paralegal work for the offering firm, either in Victoria or at one of the firm’s interstate or international offices.
16 All signatories agree to comply with all legislative
requirements including those imposed by or otherwise required under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights, Victorian Anti-Bullying Legislation and Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 (Vic).
11 The priority offers made pursuant to paragraph 10 can be made either in writing and/or by telephone between 10am on Tuesday, 9 August 2016 and 12pm on Thursday, 11 August 2016. A priority offer must remain open until the earlier of acceptance/rejection in accordance with paragraphs 11(a) and 11(b) or 4pm on Thursday, 11 August 2016: An applicant will not hold more than two priority offers for longer than a two hour period: An applicant must accept/reject any priority offer received within four business hours of it being made. For the avoidance of doubt, if a priority offer is made after 1pm, the applicant must accept or reject the offer by 10am the following day. Priority offers made at 1pm must be accepted or rejected by 5pm on the same business day. For the purpose of this paragraph, “business hours” is defined as the period between 9am and 5pm, and “business day” means Monday to Friday.
12 Law firms intending to make priority offers are
not permitted to interview market traineeship applicants or to make offers or arrangements concerning market traineeships prior to making a priority offer. It is accepted that law firms invite students to express their interest in being considered for a priority offer at the conclusion of their clerkship. For the avoidance of doubt, law firms are permitted to interview paragraph 10(b) priority offer candidates before making priority offers pursuant to paragraphs 10 and 11 of these Guidelines.
13 A law firm may withdraw from the Guidelines by
giving 30 days’ written notice of its intention to the LIV, the law faculties and law student societies at all Victorian law schools.
14 The LIV will maintain an up-to-date list of all
signatory firms which will be publicly available on the LIV website.
15 Signatory firms are not obligated to offer trainee-
ships each year but must follow the Traineeship Guidelines in the event that they do. For a full list of current opportunities please visit the Graduate Recruitment Registry at www. liv.asn.au/Grad-Recruitment-Registry or contact signatory firms directly.
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PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING WHAT IS IT?
WHERE CAN I DO IT?
In order to be admitted as a legal practitioner in Victoria, a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course or a Supervised Workplace Training Programme, must first be completed. Upon completion of a PLT you will be awarded with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice which further allows you to apply for admission as a Legal Practitioner. In the majority of circumstances a PLT is undertaken after the completion of a law degree, however, exceptions can be made by seeking approval from the Council of Legal Education Board of Examiners to commence your PLT prior to the completion of your law degree. Effectively, a PLT course prepares you for real world practical situations including drafting documents, interviewing clients, advocacy, negotiation and other skills that are essential for every practicing lawyer.
There are three PLT providers in Australia: • Australian National University Legal Workshop; • Leo Cussen Centre for Law; and • The College of Law.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
POINTS TO CONSIDER
PLT courses generally take 15 to 30 weeks to complete, depending on whether they are studied part-time or full-time.
When deciding on your PLT course it is wise to ask yourself whether you wish to complete it online or onsite. This decision should be influenced by factors such as your own flexibility, your requirements and whether you intend to work in an office environment. It is also worth considering whether you feel comfortable finding placement for yourself as part of the course or whether you wish to be assigned to one.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The price of a PLT course in 2016 ranges from $8,820 to $17,703 depending on the provider and whether you are a domestic or international student. Work experience can also count towards your PLT course keeping your fees lower. FEE-HELP is also available.
HOW DO I GET IN? Each PLT provider has its own distinctive method for application, commonly however, you are only required to fill out forms and submit both your academic transcript and résumé. The intention of each institution is to use your résumé and transcript to assess your commitment to utilise the PLT course to its full potential. A student who demonstrates this willingness will inherently be selected over those who fail to do so.
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THE COLLEGE OF LAW LEVEL 6, 459 LITTLE COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000
THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER - INTRODUCING PLT PLUS -
The College of Law is proud to present its new and improved Practical Legal Training Program – PLT Plus. PLT Plus was designed with you in mind. We now offer maximum convenience and flexibility – at no added cost or time invested. Your training will alsobe more practical and relevant than ever before. What’s more, PLT Plus now includes our new ‘Legal Business Skills Series’. Not offered by any other provider, this unique series of seminars will equip you with skills critical for a successful transition into the legal business world.
FLEXIBILITY? MAXIMISED. You have told us how and when you want to study. So we’ve created a level of flexibility that’s unheard of in standard PLT courses. PLT Plus offers:
practice. Whether it’s drafting an affidavit, preparing a Statement of Claim or creating a PowerPoint to advise a client on the best structure for their new venture, you’ll learn by ‘doing’ – not just be reading.
• Only 5 days of face-to- face attendance • Choice of online full-time, online part-time and
DISCOVER PLT PLUS For course dates or more information about our PLT Plus program visit The College of Law website!
online part-time evening programs • 90% coursework delivered online • More than 10 start dates in Victoria throughout
www.collaw.edu.au/pltplus Student Services Team on 1300 856 111 enrolments@collaw.edu.au
the year EMPLOYABILITY? MAXIMISED. The ‘Certificate of Legal Business Skills’ is not offered by any other PLT provider. Developed in close consultation with employers, the Legal Business Skills Series is designed to give you the competitive edge as an entry –level lawyer. PRACTICAL SKILLS? MAXIMISED. The College of Law has transformed its PLT course into a highly practical and relevant task-based curriculum. You will learn key areas of competence through everyday scenarios that parallel real-life
The College of Law is Australasia’s largest provider of Practical Legal Training (PLT), with campuses in Melbourne , Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth. We also conduct programs in Adelaide, Canberra and regional Queensland, as well as onsite sessions in London. The College of Law’s PLT program leads to the award of a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) which makes you eligible to apply for direct admission to your state or territory.
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LEO CUSSEN
PRACTICAL TRAINING COURSE (PTC) GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN LEGAL PRACTICE Leo Cussen has been operating since 1972 and provides high quality practical legal training and professional development programs for entry-level lawyers through to senior legal practitioners. The Leo Cussen experience enables law graduates to learn how to practise law in a professional, yet friendly and engaging environment. Our Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice is comprehensive and well respected by legal employers. Employers may sponsor their graduate employee to do the course. Successful completion of the Practical Training Course (PTC) entitles you to apply for admission to the legal profession as an Australian Lawyer which, in turn, entitles you to practise as an Australian Legal Practitioner in any Australian jurisdiction. YOUR CHOICE: PTC ONSITE OR ONLINE Online delivery offers flexibility to those who have work or family commitments and who enjoy the discipline of learning within a small online community. The Onsite course suits those looking for a training experience with face-to- face teaching and learning. It also suits those on overseas student visas.
P: 03 9602 3111 E: PTCADMIN@LEOCUSSEN.VIC.EDU.AU
Online trainees attend for intensive teaching blocks and mentor consultations during the course. In the Onsite course you attend each business day from 9am to 5pm. In the full time Online course, you will need to commit at least 25 hours a week to your PTC work. We also offer a part time Online PTC.
HR CONTACT TANIA PLANT ADMINISTRATOR, PRACTICAL TRAINING COURSE PTCADMIN@LEOCUSSEN.VIC.EDU.AU 24 WEEKS INCLUDING THREE WEEKS PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT 2 INTAKES A YEAR (ONLINE/ONSITE) COMMENCING JANUARY AND JULY 2016/2017
THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
JULY 2016: APPLY BY 13 MAY 2016 JANUARY 2017: APPLY BY 18 NOVEMBER 2016 LATER APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED AND CONSIDERED IN ORDER OF RECEIPT, IF PLACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE. FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT: WWW.LEOCUSSEN.VIC.EDU.AU/APPLY FEE-HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS.
The Practical Training Course (PTC) is founded on the principle of ‘learning by doing’ and is designed to lead you to reach the required Competencies in an active and practical training environment. Features of the PTC • Building of practical legal skills in a broad range of practice areas.
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• Mentoring by in-house legal training staff who guide your professional development. • Visiting legal practitioners as instructors. • Client File program – run simulated client files within your own PTC ‘law firm’. • Extensive advocacy training. • Collegial environment with the opportunity to build friendships and professional networks that can last your entire career. • Professional Placement Assistance. In the onsite course, the Professional Placement is sourced for you. In the online program, guidance is offered to trainees who require assistance securing a placement. • Dedicated career service for all trainees including advice, job board, and training sessions. • If you are an international law student, depending on your visa requirements, the onsite PTC is generally the right course for you to meet visa requirements. • FEE-HELP available. CLIENT FILE PROGRAM Set up your own ‘law firm’ and run up to 10 simulated files covering a wide range of practice areas and presenting a range of legal and practical problems reflecting those you encounter in real-world legal practice. We operate an in- house registry and banking facility to assist the simulation of real practice. TOPIC SUPPORT MATERIALS A detailed set of reference materials provided for each practice topic is a resource during the Course and a handy reference in your first year of legal practice. MENTORS Topic Support Materials A detailed set of reference materials provided for each practice topic is a resource during the Course and a handy reference in your first year of legal practice. COLLEGIALITY You form friendships during the course and begin to build the personal and professional networks that support you during your entire career. PTC trainees organise a variety of social activities during the course to make sure the fun doesn’t disappear in the midst of all the hard work.
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A LEO CUSSEN CENTRE FOR LAW GRADUATE SHARES THEIR STORY.. KATHRYN MCGREGOR, LAWYER (YOUTHLAW)
I was attracted to Leo Cussen because I was unsure of what area of Law I wanted to practice in and I wanted to gain insight into all aspects of Law. I knew that I could not do this through a ‘traditional’ article clerk position and the ‘current matters’ were a great way to get into the different areas of practice. I didn’t have any ‘legal’ connections when I started the course and knowing that Leo Cussen organised the professional placement for you was of great comfort (for the onsite course). Further, having been a student for so many years and juggling part time work, I felt that Leo Cussen would be a great training ground for getting used to being in an office environment from Monday–Friday. During my training at Leo Cussen, I really enjoyed the advocacy and criminal areas of training. I met some tremendous instructors who I will still call for advice and they are more than happy to give me that advice. I also enjoyed the social aspect of Leo Cussen, I have great friends that I have met from my course and still remain in contact with them. My professional placement that they arranged for me at North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) in Darwin was the cherry on top! I am currently working as a Lawyer at Youthlaw and was previously employed as a Criminal Solicitor at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) for three and a half years. I provide advice and representation for young people in criminal and other matters in the Magistrates’ and Children’s Court. During my time at VALS, I regularly travelled to regional areas of Victoria being the Aboriginal Legal representative for the local community. I am constantly learning about different areas of the criminal law and how to engage with people from clients to prosecutors to magistrates. I thoroughly enjoy appearing at court and developing my advocacy skills. Youth law provides a ‘holistic’ style approach with our clients and we are able to link them into services which is of great benefit to the clients. Being able to help a client navigate their way through the system with tailored support is rewarding. We have a very collegial environment and there is always support for new lawyers. My job is constantly challenging and surprising – no day is ever the same – and that is fantastic! Leo Cussen gave me the training and confidence that I needed to know that I could practice law and be effective in this role. Being able to apply all the legal knowledge you have gained in a practical way was tremendous.
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Practical Legal Training building blocks for your legal career LEOThe CUSSEN PAGE 4
At Leo Cussen Centre for Law, you learn about the realities of legal practice from leading legal professionals who support and encourage your development as a lawyer. Our training is founded on the principle of ‘learning by doing’, career. PLT at Leo Cussen is: • • • •
Practical Comprehensive Designed to meet the National Competency Standards for Entry Level Lawyers Guided by a Mentor
Choose the course that suits you best: • • •
Online (Full-time) Online (Part-time) Onsite (Full-time)
Our PLT courses are designed for law graduates seeking to apply for admission to practise law in all Australian jurisdictions. Our graduates work in a variety of professional environments in Australia and overseas including: • • • • • • • •
Private legal practice In house legal practice Community and legal aid practice Government Policy & Research Politics Business And more ...
For more information visit - leocussen.edu.au/apply
1300 039 031 facebook.com/leocussencentreforlaw linkedin.com/company/leo-cussen-centre-for-law
leocussen.edu.au
2016 / 2017 July 2016 intake: Apply by 13 May 2016 January 2017 intake: Apply by 18 November 2016 may still be available after these dates.
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APPLICATION
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CV, COVER LETTER & INTERVIEWS ALLIE GUEGAN It goes without saying that this is a competitive process, the hunger games for law students if you will. My very first piece of advice to anyone is to not be disheartened if the process does not go as well as you had hoped. I originally applied for Clerkships in 2014 and had only a few interviews with the devastating result of no offers! After my week of sulking I quickly decided that I really wanted a career in commercial law and so I tried again. I extended my degree one extra year and tried again in 2015. I am so glad I did as I had a complete turn of events, multiple interviews with multiple offers. If a career in commercial law is really what you see yourself doing and you have the ability to extend your graduation until the following year then try again! However, in order to maximise your chances, make sure you take on board any feedback you can get from firms you applied to see where you can improve and self reflect on what you believe you could have done better. Use the time in between clerkship application periods to improve on those areas. The time in between is plentiful so use it to network, gain additional work experience, work hard to improve your grades and practice your interview skills. Gaining more legal experience was a major difference for me. I spent the summer of 2014/15 getting as much additional and meaningful legal experience under my belt as I could. Don’t be afraid to call up somewhere of interest to you and offer your time. It could be anywhere from a business with an in-house counsel, a law firm, government department or community legal centre. There doesn’t necessarily need to be an advertised position. Much of the legal experience I have on my resume came about through my unsolicited calling of places, explaining my strong interest in their organisation and that I’d love to gain some part time work experience. I also networked, a lot! I had some key areas of the law that I was interested in so I did some research into industry groups/associations in those areas. I attended as many networking func-
tions as I could and made some great connections with those from commercial firms. As well as being able to give me more specific insight into their firms they were also great mentors through the whole application process. The DLSS has some great networking opportunities throughout the year that I highly recommend, it also takes the pressure off being surrounded by your peers rather than being surrounded by professionals. The Law Institute of Victoria holds a Careers Fair about a week out from applications opening. That night is also a great opportunity to mingle with firm representatives and get further insight into the firms. The applications are undeniably an art piece! I highly recommend taking the time and effort required to tailor your applications to the firm you are applying for, and do so for each and every firm you apply for. Your application will be one of hundreds so you want to ensure it stands out from the crowd. It is a time consuming process so ensure you start preparing your applications early.
COVER LETTERS Take time to get a feel for what each firm is specifically looking for in candidates, they usually have this information readily available on their website. Mirror the type of language used by the firm in your cover letter (even little things like calling your application a Vacation Clerkship, Seasonal Clerkship, Summer or Winter Clerkship, depending on what the firm calls it can make a difference and shows you have attention to detail). Your cover letter will possibly be the first part of your application that the firm will consider so it is imperative to sell yourself. Make sure you include as a minimum all the things that the firm states they look for in an applicant. For example, a firm may list that they are after certain attributes (in addition to strong grades and work experience) such as teamwork, leadership, strong work ethic, ambition and so on. A cover letter should address these by giving examples and not just stating that you have the
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attributes. For example, you may have a sentence in your cover letter along the lines of “my experience at XYZ demonstrates my ability as a strong leader as well as an ability to work effectively as part of a team”. By demonstrating you have the attributes they are after you are also demonstrating that you will be a good fit for their firm culture.
Include headings to make navigation of the resume easier for the reader. In my resume I had the headings (in this order); education, legal work experience, other current employment, personal development, volunteer experience, professional memberships, and referees. The structure and headings you use will depend on upon the work and other experiences that you want to include.
A cover letter should also include your reasons for why you have applied to that particular firm. This is where all your networking and insights into the firm should pay off. In addition to the information you can get about a firm from their own website, websites such as Chambers and Partners or Lawyers Weekly provide great information on what the firm’s strengths are and what sort of major work the firm is currently doing. I found it helped make for a strong application to a firm if I could genuinely show an interest or some experience in an area of practice that the firm was strong in. It creates the important link between you and them.
As for work experience, because I had completed multiple short term placements at a variety of different places, listing my responsibilities at each meant that I was often doubling up so instead I listed my ‘key achievements’, the things I had achieved in/contributed to that role. To qualify the above, you don’t have to have stellar legal experience to get a clerkship, although it helps, if you can demonstrate that you have gained the attributes they are looking for from other work experience then this is just as valuable. Think about how some of the skills you use in other jobs relate to being a lawyer. For example, for me, I am a fire safety presenter with the CFA, such role involves engaging with people from all ages, literally teaching preschool children to retirees about how to keep safe during bushfires and house fires. This was relatable to being a lawyer as I gained an appreciation for the importance of tailoring my communication to my target audience, much like legal writing.
It helps the reader if there is a clear flow in your cover letter so have structure to the cover letter. For example, you might include a paragraph introducing yourself, your degree and your mark average (if this is one of your selling points). Then include one to two paragraphs on what you have to offer, what you can contribute to the firm and include those attributes they are specifically after. Follow with one to two paragraphs on why you want to work at the particular firm you are applying for demonstrating your genuine interest in them specifically. Conclude by thanking the reader for considering your application and invite them to contact you to discuss your application further. This is only one of many cover letter structures out there and is by no means any better than others so find what works best for you. It goes without saying that proof reading is a must. Get someone with fresh eyes to look over your application, if you can.
RESUME There is no hard and fast rule as to how to set out your resumè, however as with cover letters, ensure you proof read them (and someone else if possible) and have a clear structure.
Although for the most part, I kept my resume the same for each of the firms I applied to its important to check if the firm has any requirements for your resume as some may state that they want you to include certain things or keep it to a certain length.
INTERVIEWS Practice, practice, practice! Especially if it has been a while since you last had a formal interview. The more practiced and prepared you are on the day of the interview the less nervous you will feel. It is important to be as confident as you can be in an interview (although the interviewers know you will be nervous), be friendly and try and inject appropriate humour and lightheartedness if you can, the interviewers want to see your personality.
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You can practice and prepare for interviews in many ways. I started off by getting some typical interview questions from the internet and writing out a few dot points for each question. I then started doing ‘mock’ interviews with family and friends. You will naturally be more confident sitting in your lounge practicing with family and friend so look for other opportunities to do mock interviews with people you don’t know. The Deakin Law Students‘ Society usually arranges for mock interviews to be conducted by actual firms’ HR. The Deakin Jobshop also has interview services you can take advantage of. It is impossible to prepare for every single question you will get asked in an interview so it is important to self reflect and know your own experience in detail to be able to use it for any unexpected questions that may arise.
lian Financial Review and I’d strongly encourage the same, although be wary of your time commitment. I got a weekday subscription and in hindsight, just their Saturday paper would have been more than sufficient. I ended up falling weeks behind in newspapers. If you are invited to attend more than one interview, make note of some key questions you got asked as you may get them again in another interview. Above all else, take care of yourself and enjoy the process!
Know your application back to front as you will likely get asked questions requiring you to elaborate on the experience you’ve mentioned. Make sure you’re prepared to answer in detail why you want to work at their firm and why you want to work in commercial law. It also helps to have some basic facts and figures about the firm on hand just in case. I was asked in one interview if I knew who the firm’s CEO was, luckily I did!
“Many firms state that they look for commercial awareness or commerciality in candidates so it is important to be up to date with what is going on in the economy and how that not only affects the firm itself but affects their clients.” Many firms state that they look for commercial awareness or commerciality in candidates so it is important to be up to date with what is going on in the economy and how that not only affects the firm itself but affects their clients. This makes for great discussion during the interview and for questions at the end of the interview when the interviewer always asks “do you have any questions for me?”. It also shows that you have really researched and are interested in that particular firm. A friend suggested to me to read the Austra-
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ALLIE WAS A SEASONAL CLERK IN 2015/16
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EXAMPLE COVER LETTER Peter Cambell 42 Trudy Avenue Box Hill 3128 E: p.cambell@deakinlss.com M: 0412 345 678
11 April 2016
Joan Holloway Talent Management Specialist SC&P Lawyers 405 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Dear Ms Holloway, APPLICATION FOR 2016/17 SEASONAL CLERKSHIP SAMPLE COVER LETTER ONLY
My name is Peter Campbell, and I am currently completing the penultimate year of a Bachelor of Laws/Arts degree at Deakin University, majoring in International Relations. Please accept my application for a seasonal clerkship at SC&P Lawyers in 2016-17. Throughout my degree I have achieved strong academic results, attaining an average of 73.00% in my Law degree and an average of 77.00% in my Arts degree. Throughout my time at University, I have endeavoured to improve my legal skills. In achieving this end, I have obtained meaningful experience as a law clerk at CGC Barristers & Solicitors. This position afforded me the opportunity to gain significant ‘real world’ experience. I have also developed a range of other ‘soft’ skills. My participation in the Deakin Law Students’ Society (DLSS) Senior Moot substantially improved my ability to complete legal research. Furthermore, this competition improved my ability to work in a team environment and strengthened my communication skills. I have also acquired excellent time management skills as a result of my position as a part-time Shift Supervisor at Q-mart. I am attracted to a seasonal clerkship with SC&P Lawyers due to the firm’s standing as a international law firm. In achieving an understanding of the core values that SC&P Lawyers prides itself on, I am extremely impressed in the importance the firm places in developing its people and nurturing a collaborative workplace. Having developed strong inter-personal capabilities, as evidenced by my time as Secretary of the Deakin Hip-hop Collective, it is my strong belief that SC&P Lawyers team orientated environment will enable me to flourish from my first day and grow my professional legal skills in the future. Such values, clearly demonstrate to me that SC&P Lawyers is a progressive law firm. I have a passionate desire to work in such a firm culture. SC&P’s remarkable reputation in the in the field of Major Projects, further attracted me to apply for this position. In particular, the Melbourne office’s publicised recent work in construction of the Collins Diamond Precinct greatly appeals to me. Through the technical experience I have gained as a paralegal in the in-house Construction legal team at Rocon Australia, I am principally interested in observing first hand SC&P’s knowledge in this area. For all the above reasons, I am hopeful of being given the opportunity to complete a seasonal clerkship at SC&P Lawyers and to experience the culture that I believe the firm embodies. I would bring a robust willingness to learn and an enthusiasm to fulfil any role asked of me. As an individual who shares common values to SC&P Lawyers, I hope that I can be part of the firm’s exciting future. Thank you for considering my application. Yours Sincerely, Peter Campbell - 35 -
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EXAMPLE CV ELIZABETH BROWN A: 1 Road Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: +61 412 364 615 E: elizabethbrown@gmail.com Additional languages: French (limited)
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts Deakin University, Burwood
March 2012 – Present
• Weighted Average Mark: 72.5 • Arts major: Politics • Expected date of completion: October 2017 • Awards: Runner up of Clayton Utz Client Interview Final 2014
Student Exchange Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
June 2015 – July 2015
• Chinese Commercial Law
Victorian Certificate of Education Swinstone College, Melbourne
2007 – 2012
• ATAR: 93.75
Law Clerk EB Jones & Associates
LEGAL EXPERIENCE December 2015 – Present
• Drafting correspondence • Preparation of briefs to Counsel
• Discovery • Legal research • Client liaison Volunteer Legal Assistant Community Legal Centre
January 2012 – November 2013
• Client liaison • Managing client appointments
• Filing • Various administrative duties • Employment
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EMPLOYMENT
Sales Consultant The Clothing Store
January 2012 – December 2012
• Customer service • Maintaining and updating product knowledge • Meeting sales targets and budget requirements • Customer transactions, refunds and payments Tutor Self-Employed
January 2010 – November 2010
• Tutoring Year 11 and 12 students in English Literature and Business Management • Organising tutoring sessions • Tailoring sessions to a students particular learning style and strengths
CO-CURRICULAR EXPERIENCE
Volunteer World Challenge, Philippines
January 2012 – February 2012
• Community education • Assisting with rural development • Working in a group environment
Sport
INTERESTS
• Athletics – Swinstone Athletics Club • Netball – Swinstone Netball Club Travel • USA, UK, Thailand, Singapore.
REFERENCES Available upon request.
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THE CLERKSHIP PROCESS SAM IRONSIDE During the first two years of law school, I heard the term “seasonal clerkship” thrown about. I wasn’t really sure what it meant, and was too embarrassed to ask because everyone seemed to know what this seemingly elusive “clerkship” was. The purpose of this article is twofold:
opportunities than the present. Even if the activity does not appear to be directly relevant to the day to day work of a lawyer, you are creating a transferrable skill set that will assist you later on down the track.
a) Save you from awkwardly asking a HR representative at a careers event what a seasonal clerkship is (yes, I finally plucked up the courage to ask someone); and b) Provide some handy hints that will help you to navigate the rugged seas that are clerkship applications.
THE CLERKSHIP With a view to fulfilling objective one, a seasonal clerkship is work experience that is open to penultimate/final year law students. Successful applicants will generally spend 3 - 4 weeks at a firm, experiencing the type of work and opportunities on offer. Clerks can apply for a priority offer for a graduate role at the firm/s where they clerk. Many firms base their selection of graduates exclusively on performance in a clerkship. Therefore, clerkships can be seen as one of the potential steps towards #lawyerlyf. Clerkships aren’t the only means of obtaining gainful employment as a lawyer, and there are many other possibilities out there. Initiatives and publications produced by the DLSS Industry Portfolio demonstrate some of these other avenues.
THE EARLY YEARS: HOLISTIC APPROACH If you are in the early stages of your law degree and you are wondering, “Is there is anything I could be doing at this stage to assist with applications later on?” The answer is a resounding “yes!” Do not be shy, participate in that moot/team sport/overseas exchange/Deakin club or society. There is no better time to go out and seek these
Alongside the fabulous extracurricular activities that you have put your hand up for, I would also recommend seeking out the opportunity to gain legal experience. This may seem daunting and tricky, but it will look impressive on your resume and enable you to acquire some valuable skills. In seeking out this experience, it is best to cast a wide net. Regularly visit job advertisement websites, peruse the Deakin UniHub (which sometimes advertises legal positions intended for students), suit up and visit some local suburban firms with your resume in hand. Do not be afraid to go out there and actively seek this work experience, it will not come and find you if you do not put yourself out there.
”If you put your hand up for all the opportunities that come your way, when application time comes, you will find your resume bursting at the seams.” Treat the creation of a resume in the lead up to the clerkship application process in the same way a bodybuilder would approach the Arnold Classic. Step one: bulk. Step two: shred. If you put your hand up for all the opportunities that come your way, when application time comes, you will find your resume bursting at the seams. You will be able to refine and select the opportunities and adventures you want to present to a potential employer. This will prevent you from trying to beef up your resume with items such as “Primary School Co-Captain: 2004”.
THE KEY DOCUMENTS The application process for each law firm will
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differ, however you will likely find any combination of the following documents to be relevant. The resume: This old chestnut contains the key information that you would like to highlight to a potential employer. At this stage of the process you can consider past achievements and commitments and put pen to paper. I found that asking my parents about my achievements of the past five years yielded some useful results. Your parents/grandparents/great uncle will remember your accomplishments long after you forget. The most obvious, but important rule with creating your resume: do NOT lie. Keep it real. I know this seems obvious, but I just want to be clear, as it will only end in tears and heartbreak. The Cover Letter: This letter should be tailored to the firm that you are applying to and should go beyond the scope of the information presented in your resume. This is an opportunity for you to discuss what appeals to you about the firm and explain in greater detail why you are an ideal candidate. The cover letter is not only an opportunity to tell the firm about your application, it is a practical example of your impeccable articulation and writing skills. Therefore, it should be proofread multiple times to ensure that all of your apostrophes are in the correct place. Academic transcript: There is a high chance if you are applying for clerkships that at least one firm will require an official copy of your academic transcript. It’s best to get in early when ordering these, as there is nothing worse than having your career as a lawyer at the behest of Australia Post. Unfortunately, the university will charge you a fee, which may surprise you.
INTERVIEWS Generally, the next step in the clerkship process is either one or two rounds of interviews. Unfortunately, I cannot fully prepare you for every question that will be asked of you in any interview. At the end of the day, you never know what the person sitting on the other side of the table is going to ask, but you can do a few things to be as prepared as possible. Before going into an interview, conduct some
research on the firm. There is a high chance that this will come up at some stage. Make sure that you know everything that was included in your application. If you have mentioned in your resume that you enjoy reading as a hobby, then be prepared for them to ask you what book you are reading at the moment (this actually happened to me).
”Knowledge is a powerful tool, and the more you have, the better placed you will be in those tricky scenarios.” The next step is to make sure that you have some sound general knowledge. This way you can demonstrate you truly are a “worldly” student of Deakin. This knowledge will depend on the firm you are applying to. For example, if the interview is for a commercial firm you need to start building up your knowledge of the world of business and politics. It will be hard to answer a question, but the more you know the better you will articulate a response. I made the mistake of mentioning my interest in migration law during an interview. The next question was “what would you say to Peter Dutton if he was sitting in this room right now?” I was not well informed and answered this question extremely poorly. I told the interviewer that I would be really surprised that he was in the room, sitting in on my clerkship interview (end of answer). Do. Not. Be. Like. Me. Knowledge is a powerful tool, and the more you have, the better placed you will be in those tricky scenarios. I would strongly suggest practising out loud before an interview. Write down some basic interview questions. For example: What sets you apart from other candidates? What appeals to you about this firm? What is your greatest achievement to date? Have a friend ask you these questions, and become accustomed to verbalising your answer. It might feel a bit awkward and weird, but this will prevent you from sounding awkward and weird in any interviews. The other type of question that may arise is behavioural questions. These really draw on your past experiences. The best possible approach is to
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Google “behavioural interview questions” and write down some examples of instances where you have worked in a successful team, where you have failed, or if you were a fruit what fruit you would be (this did not happen to me – but if it does, you are a grape: great on its own or in a bunch). As mentioned above, knowledge is key. However, do not feign interest, as you will be found out quite quickly.
LAST TIPS The Clerkship application process can feel daunting, but the best approach is to just get in there. Have a crack at drafting your first cover letter, even if it isn’t perfect - at least you have something to work with. Make sure that you proofread all of your applications multiple times, preferably in hard copy and on the computer screen. Just remember, even if something embarrassing or silly happens, it is not the end of the world. I fell over at a post interview coffee and nearly strangled one of the graduate lawyers. On offer day, this firm made me an offer. Stay positive, be yourself and don’t be afraid to eat the canapés at cocktail functions. SAM WAS A SEASONAL CLERK IN 2015/16
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CLERKSHIPS ARTICLE SARAH WHELAN THE BASICS What are Seasonal Clerkships? Literally, they are three to four week legal placements designed to give penultimate year students a taste of the ‘real legal world’. For many students, they are thought of as a ‘must have’ to gain access to the legal profession and the allusive graduate position. For the firms, they are an opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ as they select from the law student masses and test out their skills. For me, clerkships were always a daunting creature awaiting me in my penultimate year. Yes, the clerkship process was difficult. Yes it took time and effort. But no, it was not the big, intimidating creature I made it out to be in my head. I am going to tell you a few things I wish I knew a year ago.
natural state of the law student) I decided I needed to calm down and I altered my approach. Heading into the application process I decided I would treat it as a ‘practice round’. I would apply and if nothing stuck I would try again next year. Instantly, I relaxed. Honestly, I think my more relaxed approach helped me tenfold. Writing an application thinking my entire future commercial career depended on each word was not going to help. Sitting in an interview thinking my future as Harvey Spector 2.0 hung on every syllable was not going to help. Now do not interpret ‘relaxed’ to mean I was chill as a cucumber throughout the selection process. I (along with anyone who came into contact with me during July) can assure you I was nervous and stressed.
THE CLERKSHIP MONSTER To give you an idea of my experience I am a sixth year student doing Law, International Studies and Chinese (Mandarin). I applied for clerkships in the July/August 2015 for the 2015/2016 clerkship period. Throughout my first five years I was always aware of clerkships lurking in the background as the ‘be all or end all’ avenue into the legal profession. Thinking seasonal clerkships would either ‘make or break’ my legal career was my first mistake. As law students we put crazy amounts of pressure on ourselves. We are control freaks, perfectionists and we like things just so. Initially I (along with many) thought my options were: a) Clerk in top commercial firm, become Harvey Spector and go on to rule the world; or b) Choose a non-commercial field or give up on law entirely and seek work elsewhere. Basically, for someone who is interested in the commercial sector it was get a clerkship or die. The pressure and the importance I placed on the process was enormous. As a person who does not need any assistance being anxious or stressed (the
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The process is demanding; a demanding cocktail of resumes, short answer questions, aptitude testing, interviews, and cocktail nights. However, changing your attitude from ‘clerkship or die’ to ‘give it a damn good crack and then assess your options’ will help you maintain your sanity throughout the application period. TIME TO ‘PROPERLY ADULT’ AND SAY ADIOS TO YOUR COMFORT ZONE After weaselling my way through the maze that is the application process I was fortunate to find myself in the position to be headed into three clerkships across 2015/2016. This prospect excited and terrified me. As I sat, in my panda onsie receiving calls of offer, I wondered how the hell I was going to transform into Rachel Zane and ‘properly adult’ for four whole weeks. Whilst I had worked hard to get these offers this is exactly what I was working towards and even with some commercial experience under my belt, clerking in a commercial law firm was way out of my comfort zone. In hindsight, this is a very good thing. As I previously mentioned, as a typical law student I like control. In the unfamiliar landscape of a major commercial firm, with a team of
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Harvey Spectors, working in six minute increments and on what seemed 357 matters at once, I can tell you I did not feel in control. In fact, throughout the four weeks I experienced confusion, exhaustion and was completely overwhelmed. As crazy as this sounds, this is what you want. You can learn a lot from being a clerk. For some, they work out whether or not the commercial field is for them. For others, they learn this is where they want to be but they have a lot to learn. For me, I learnt I was capable of more than I thought. No matter what outcome you come to, doing a clerkship will teach you a useful lesson. FEEL OVERWHELMED? ACCEPT AND EMBRACE IT. During your clerkship you will be challenged. Law school does not prepare you for the fast paced, demanding nature of the top commercial firm. That is a simple fact. My placements in employment law and commercial litigation taught me new meanings of multitasking, deadlines, client demands and time management. Into the mix of clients, matters and research firms add in networking, firm events, professional development and knowledge seminars. By nature, I like to keep busy but be warned commercial firms take it to another level. The key here is your attitude. You have three or four weeks to showcase your abilities. In reality the firm is using those weeks to judge you but those weeks are also your chance to judge the firm. Each lunch, PD session, coffee or knowledge seminar is an opportunity to see what more the firm offers. One thing that needs to be stressed is that we are students and you are treated as such. The firms know everything down to the pen you’re using is new to you. My first day in the employment law team, my supervising partner asked me “Do you know what the FWA and the FWC are?” To which I honestly responded, “No.” I can tell you by the end of the month I was intimately familiar with the Fair Work Act and the Fair Work Commission. The whole point of clerking is to learn. They do not expect you to know everything. They do not expect employment law experts to waltz in the door citing the FWA. What they expect is for you
- 42 -
to be able to find out what you do not know. An inquisitive mind is the key. MORE THAN CLIENTS AND MATTER NUMBERS One thing I came to realise through my clerkships is that the quality of work, clients and matter diversity across the major commercial firms does not differ greatly. At each firm I clerked in I worked for major clients, on a diverse range of issues and I was held to high work standards. In my opinion where the key differences arise are in the ‘extracurricular space’. I experienced different support networks, social dynamics, international arrangements and firm events (both social and professional). This is why, even in your overwhelmed, exhausted state, taking up the extra opportunities makes all the difference. FINAL THOUGHTS… Every element of seasonal clerkships is hard. You battle your way through the application process, to then battle your way through the placement in the hope to gaining the allusive graduate position (which is another battle in of itself). The clerkship process will teach you a lot about yourself. If you give it a crack, you will surprise yourself. I did. SARAH WAS A SEASONAL CLERK IN 2015/16
- INSIGHTS -
4 INSIGHTS
- 45 -
- MATRIX FIRM NAME
WEBSITE
FIRM CONTACT
PHONE
APPLICATION METHOD
ALLENS
ALLENS.COM.AU
MANDY SU GRADUATE RESOURCING CONSULTANT
STUDENT.CAREERS @ALLENS.COM.AU
(03) 9614 1011
FIRM WEBSITE
ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER
ABL.COM.AU
LAURI BURKE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
LBURKE@ABL.COM.AU
(03) 9229 9999
FIRM WEBSITE OR CV MAIL
ASHURST
CAREERS.ASHURST.COM
LAUREN EVANS GRADUATE PROGRAMS CONSULTANT
GRADUATE.PROGRAMS @ASHURST.COM
(03) 9679 3000
FIRM WEBSITE
BAKER & MCKENZIE
BAKERMCKENZIE.COM/CAREERS /AUSTRALIA/MELBOURNE
NATALIE MASCARENHAS TALENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
NATALIE.MASCARENHAS @BAKERMCKENZIE.COM
(03) 9617 4200
FIRM WEBSITE
CLAYTON UTZ
CLAYTONUTZ.COM
CATHERINE MCDOUGALL PEOPLE & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
CMCDOUGALL @CLAYTONUTZ.COM
(03) 9286 6642
FIRM WEBSITE
CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH
CORRS.COM.AU
LISA SCHULTZE PEOPLE & PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT
LISA.SCHULTZE @CORRS.COM.AU
(03) 9672 3333
N/A
DLA PIPER
DLAPIPERGRADUATES.COM.AU
SAMANTHA CLARK HR ADVISOR
SAMANTHA.CLARK @DLAPIPER.COM
(03) 9274 5628
FIRM WEBSITE
GILBERT + TOBIN
ME.GTLAW.COM.AU
ANU BRIGGS PEOPLE TEAM MANAGER
ABRIGGS@GTLAW.COM.AU
(03) 8656 3300
CVMAIL
HALL & WILCOX
HALLANDWILCOX.COM.AU
MIRANDA CAWSE HR ADVISOR
MIRANDA.CAWSE @HALLANDWILCOX.COM.AU
(03) 9603 3418
CVMAIL
HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
CAREERS.HERBERTSMITH FREEHILLS.COM/AU/GRADS
HONG LE GRADUATE RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT
GRADUATES.MELBOURNE @HSF.COM
(03) 9288 1234
CVMAIL
K&L GATES
KLGATES.COM
CARLA DI VINCENZO HR BUSINESS PARTNER
CARLA.DIVINCENZO @KLGATES.COM
(03) 9205 2000
CVMAIL
KING & WOOD MALLESONS KWM.COM
SIANEAD KENNEALLY GRADUATE RESOURCING CONSULTANT
SIANEAD.KENNEALLY @AU.KWM.COM
(03) 9643 5547
FIRM WEBSITE
KLIGER PARTNERS
KLIGERS.COM.AU
DAVINA ONAS HR MANAGER
CAREERS@KLIGERS.COM.AU
(03) 8600 8888
FIRM WEBSITE
LANDER & ROGERS
LANDERS.COM.AU
LAURA GRANT GRADUATE RESOURCING CONSULTANT
LGRANT@LANDERS.COM.AU
(03) 9269 9000
FIRM WEBSITE OR CVMAIL
MADDENS LAWYERS
MADDENSLAWYERS.COM.AU
LIAM CURRER GENERAL MANAGER
LCC@MADDENSLAWYERS.COM.AU
(03) 5560 2000
FIRM WEBSITE OR EMAIL
MADDOCKS
MADDOCKS.COM.AU
BRIDGET SISSON PEOPLE & CULTURE ADVISOR
BRIDGET.SISSON @MADDOCKS.COM.AU
(03) 9258 3740
FIRM WEBSITE OR CVMAIL
MINTERELLISON
MINTERELLISON.COM
ELIZABETH ATCHISON GRADUATE RESOURCING & DEVELOPMENT
ELIZABETH.ATCHISON @MINTERELLISON.COM
(03) 8608 2000
FIRM WEBSITE
NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT NORTONROSEFULBRIGHT.COM
JESSICA GOLDSMITH HUMAN RESOURCES ADVISOR
JESSICA.GOLDSMITH @NORTONROSEFULBRIGHT.COM
(03) 8686 6000
CVMAIL
RUSSELL KENNEDY LAWYERS RK.COM.AU
HEIDI ULRICH HUMAN RESOURCES ADVISOR
HULRICH@RK.COM.AU
(03) 9609 1555
FIRM WEBSITE
THOMPSON GEER LAWYERS TGLAW.COM.AU
CLARE LYNCH P&D ADVISER
CLYNCH@TGLAW.COM.AU
(03) 8080 3500
FIRM WEBSITE
- 46 -
- MATRIX CLERKS
POSITION PER INTAKE
APPS OPEN
APPS CLOSE
INTERVIEW PERIOD
OFFERS MADE
CLERKSHIPS PERIODS
GRADUATE POSITIONS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
LIV SIGNATORY
FINAL YEAR STUDENTS
67*
17* 24* 26*
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
AUG-SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
NOV-DEC 2016 JAN-FEB 2017 JUN-JUL 2017
TBC
YES
YES
YES
37-45
INTAKE 1: 15 INTAKE 2: 15 INTAKE 3: 15
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
21 NOV-16 DEC 2016 15-17 23 JANUARY-17 JAN 2017 26 JUNE-21 JULY 2017
NO
YES
YES
130 AU 65 MELB
15-20 CLERKS PER INTAKE.
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
29 AUG5 OCT 2016
10/11/2016
NOV-DEC 2016 JAN-FEB 2017 WINTER 2017
N/A
DEPENDING ON RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA.
YES
YES
APPROX. 20
INTAKE 1: 10 INTAKE 2: 10
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
10 10
APPROX. 8-10
YES
YES
YES
APPROX. 30
APPROX. 15 APPROX. 15
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
5-23 SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
24 NOV-16 DEC 2016 22 JUN-14 JULY 2017
10/15/2016
DEPENDING ON RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA.
YES
YES
APPROX. 40 – 45
INTAKE 1: 10-15 11/7/2016 INTAKE 2: 10-15 INTAKE 3: 10-15
14/8/2016
SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
23 NOV-16 DEC 2016 1 FEB-24 FEB 2017 28 JUN-21 JUL 2017
APPROX. 10-15
NO
YES
YES
APPROX. 30
INTAKE 1: 10 INTAKE 2: 10 INTAKE 3: 10
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
SEPT 2016
10/14/2016
NOV-DEC 2016 JAN 2016-FEB 2017 JUN-JUL 2017
APPROX. 9-10
DEPENDING ON RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA.
YES
YES
APPROX. 18
INTAKE 1: 6 INTAKE 2: 6 INTAKE 3: 6
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
AUG-SEP 2016
10/11/2016
21 NOV-16 DEC 2016 TBC 16 JAN-3 FEBRUARY 2017 26 JUN-21 JUL 2017
DEPENDING ON RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA.
YES
NO
20
INTAKE 1: 10 INTAKE 2: 10
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
28 NOV-16 DEC 2016 3 JUL-21 JUL 2017
8
DEPENDING ON RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA.
YES
YES
APPROX. 70-80
INTAKE 1: 25-30 11/7/2016 INTAKE 2: 25-30 INTAKE 3: 25-30
14/8/2016
AUG-SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
24 NOV-16 DEC 2016 2 FEB-24 FEB 2017 6 JUL-28 JUL 2017
TBC
YES
YES
YES
15 - 20
INTAKE 1: 8-10* 11/7/2016 INTAKE 2: 7-10*
14/8/2016
AUG-SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
FEB(4 WEEKS) JUL (4 WEEKS)
TBC
NO
YES
YES
APPROX. 65-75
INTAKE 1: 20-25 11/7/2016 INTAKE 2: 20-25 INTAKE 3: 20-25
14/8/2016
9/1/2016
10/11/2016
24 NOV-12 DEC 2016 19 JAN-10 FEB 2017 JUL 2017
TBC
DEPENDING ON RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA.
YES
YES
6
INTAKE 1: 3 INTAKE 2: 3
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
TBC
10/11/2016
NOV/DEC JUN/JUL
1-2
YES
NO
YES
APPROX. 30
INTAKE 1: 10-12 11/7/2016 INTAKE 2: 7 INTAKE 3: 10-12
14/8/2016
SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
NOV/DEC 2016 JAN/FEB 2017 JUN/JUL 2017
APPROX. 10
NO
YES
YES
4*
INTAKE 1: 3* INTAKE 2: 1*
ONGOING
N/A
ONGOING
ONGOING
TBC
5
NO
YES
TBC
APPROX. 20
TBC
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
AUG-SEPT 2016
10/10/2016
TBC
TBC
NO
YES
YES
APPROX. 60
INTAKE 1: 30 INTAKE 2: 30
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
21 NOV- 9 DEC 2016 JUN 2017
20-30
NO
YES
YES
APPROX. 10
INTAKE 1: 7
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
30 AUG30 SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
ONE 10 WEEK PROGRAMME THAT RUNS FROM NOV 2016-FEB 2017
UP TO 10
YES
YES
NO
APPROX. 20-25
INTAKE 1: 7-10 INTAKE 2: 7-10 INTAKE 3: 7-10
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
AUG-SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
NOV-DEC (4 WEEKS) JAN-FEB (4 WEEKS) JUL (3 WEEKS)
6
NO
YES
YES
12
INTAKE 1: 6 INTAKE 2: 6
11/7/2016
14/8/2016
SEPT 2016
10/11/2016
NOV-DEC 2016 JAN-FEB 2017
TBC
NO
YES
YES
- 47 -
- FIRM INSIGHTS -
FIRM INSIGHTS ALLENS
52
ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER
60
ASHURST
66
BAKER & MCKENZIE
74
CLAYTON UTZ
82
CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH
90
DLA PIPER
98
EY
106
GILLBERT + TOBIN
110
HALL & WILCOX
114
HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
120
K&L GATES
128
KING & WOOD MALLESONS
136
KLIGER PARTNERS
144
KPMG
148
LANDER & ROGERS
152
MADDENS LAWYERS
160
MADDOCKS
164
MINTERELLISON
170
NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT
178
RUSSELL KENNEDY
184
THOMSON GEER
190
- 49 -
ALLENS
- ALLENS -
ALLENS
ABOUT ALLENS Allens is a leading international law firm, with partners, lawyers and corporate services employees across Asia and Australia. Through an integrated alliance with Linklaters, we provide clients with access to market-leading lawyers through a global network of 40 offices across 29 countries, including to emerging markets in Africa, Asia and South America. Allens has some of the world’s longest ongoing client relationships, stretching back more than 160 years. Our client base is diverse, both locally and internationally. We work with many of the world’s leading organisations – including 55 of the world’s top 100 companies and more than 75 of Australia’s top 100 companies. Broadly, we have eight practice groups operating across eleven sectors. This gives us depth and breadth of expertise – and offers our people more scope when it comes to choosing the area in which they want to work.
LEVEL 37, 101 COLLINS ST, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 W: ALLENS.COM.AU HR CONTACT MANDY SU GRADUATE RESOURCING CONSULTANT STUDENT.CAREERS@ALLENS.COM.AU METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP ONLINE APPLICATION METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PRIORITY OFFERS AND MARKET CAMPAIGN CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE 70 INTAKE 1: 17* INTAKE 2: 24 INTAKE 3: 26*
PRACTICE AREAS Broadly, we have eight practice groups operating across eleven sectors. This gives us depth and breadth of expertise – and offers our people more scope when it comes to choosing the area in which they want to work.
*2015/2016 FIGURES
KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: INTAKE 3: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2016 JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2017 JUNE – JULY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
If you want to make the most of your career in law, our global network is the perfect place to start. Our worldwide capabilities give us access to the most interesting markets, the most exciting clients and the most significant and complex transactions. For you, this means the chance to work on market-leading deals with some of the most experienced and talented lawyers in our industry, together with access to international secondment opportunities from early in your career.
YES YES
Our practice groups include: • Corporate • Energy, Resources & Infrastructure • Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Banking & Finance • Restructuring & Insolvency • Competition Law • Intellectual Property & Patents &a Trade Mark Attorneys
YES
- 52 -
- ALLENS -
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM Our clerkship programs include: • An induction program that introduces you to our people and the work we do. • On-the- job training with support from a partner and junior lawyer who’ll act as your supervisor and buddy • The opportunity to work with many of Australia’s and the world’s top 100 companies. • An opportunity to hear first-hand from our Partners and Corporate Service teams on topics ranging from Allens as a business to Allens in the community. • Sports and social events where you will really get to know us. • The chance to get involved in our community work, including pro bono matters. • An opportunity to build a network of peers. GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM Our graduate program is designed to not only enhance your technical expertise, but also equip you with the business development, project management and interpersonal skills required to become a successful lawyer. Our graduates benefit from: • An intensive two-week induction program to kick-start your career. • An allocated Development Supervisor and Perfor mance Coach who’ll act as your mentors throughout your rotations to ensure you gain optimum experience and client exposure. • Weekly in-house legal education seminars that give you a solid grounding in the basic technical knowledge all lawyers must have, whatever their practice group. • Ongoing core skill development workshops run by internal and external providers. • A broad range of work and on-the job training that exposes you to different areas of law, different teams and different clients supported by your Performance Coach. • On-demand training such as videos, podcasts and online training modules. • An individualised career and development plan which you maintain and develop through the course of your career. • A tailored Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) program run through the Australian National Universty specifically for Allens, to get you admitted in 6 – 7 months. • Secondment opportunities to our clients, our interstate and international offices. We also offer
pro bono secondment opportunities as part of the rotation process. WHAT WE LOOK FOR Working at Allens is a two-way street. We offer you the possibility of a rewarding career, challenging work, access to strategic minds, an extensive learning program and the opportunity to be the best you can be. In return, we ask you to show initiative, work hard, demonstrate your commerciality and be resilient. There isn’t an ‘Allens’ type – in fact, the more you enjoy working with a variety of people, the greater your success will be. That said, there are certain attributes that we look for: INITIATIVE A curious mind is vital, as is plenty of initiative. The more adaptable you’re prepared to be and the more energy you bring with you, the more you’ll get out of your career at Allens. You’ll be able to steer a path that turns possibilities into realities. EXCELLENCE Excellence is essential. It’s a guarantee we give our clients. Intellectually rigorous, driven and eager to learn; you’ll set the highest standards for yourself and strive to be the best you can be. COMMERCIALITY Successful lawyers understand that law is more than an academic pursuit. It's about understanding the client – their objectives and the challenges they face – as well as the wider commercial environment in which we operate. RESILIENCE Positive people thrive in our environment. We look for people who can build sustainable careers with us; people who successfully juggle a busy life and varying commitments, while maintaining their well-being. Like us, you’ll believe that leading a full, active life outside the law can make you a more interesting and well-rounded person to work with. A FRESH PERSPECTIVE Our clients often tell us we have ‘great people’, and it’s true. We look for people who can bring a fresh perspective and energy to everything they do, with the ability to create strong relationships with each other and with clients. We aim to recruit people who are open minded, willing to learn, and committed to contributing to the firm in many different ways.
- 53 -
- ALLENS -
EMPLOYEE SUPPORT At Allens, we are committed to the ongoing development of our people. For relevant studies undertaken after you have finished your first rotation, you may be entitled to financial assistance and study leave. Many of our lawyers enrol in a Master of Laws degree at one of the major universities, or in other industry-specific courses. In addition to legal training, our lawyers receive training in personal, business and commercial skills, including: presentation; negotiation; time management; career development; leadership; and delegation. CULTURE AND/OR DIVERSITY Allens has long been committed to promoting diversity. Our diversity and inclusion strategy is built on five key segments – gender, flexibility, reconciliation, cultural competency and relationships (including family) – and two broader focus areas, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) and disability, with a focus on anxiety and depression. INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Through the Linklaters alliance, our partners and lawyers now have: • opportunities to work on global deals with market leading lawyers • opportunities to work on multi-jurisdictional matters with a broader range of clients • access to Linklaters job opportunities globally • international assignment opportunities (short and long term). These opportunities are not just for senior lawyers, they are available to you from day one. Here are a few examples: • Four of our first year lawyers spend their second rotation (12 months) at the Linklaters London office. • Lawyers have recently returned from an international assignment to Abu Dhabi, Milan, Singa pore, Russia, Hong Kong offices. • We also have a number of Linklaters lawyers in our Australian offices.
Along with formal technical training and development, we offer a mentor program, a buddy program and support to pursue further education outside the firm. Then there’s the constant on-the- job learning you can expect. No two matters are ever the same and we’re known for finding clear and effective solutions to the most complex problems. Plus, we don’t operate in silos; we collaborate and share knowledge across practice areas. PRO BONO WORK Allens is committed to pro bono work and to having a coordinated, focused, well-balanced and meaningful pro bono practice. Our pro bono practice provides free legal assistance to a range of not-forprofit and charitable clients, as well as to individuals in need. The pro bono practice runs across all of our legal departments and we aim to give all of our staff an opportunity to become involved in pro bono work. We were a Foundation Signatory to the National Pro Bono Aspirational Target which means we have committed to use our best efforts to ensure that the firm will undertake, on average, at least 35 hours of pro bono legal work per lawyer each year. The total number of pro bono clients Allens has at any one time is between 300 and 400, with clients including Amnesty International Australia, The Arts Centre of Australia, The Indigenous Education Foundation, The Bicycle Institute, Bush Heritage Australia, ChildFund Australia, The Human Rights Law Centre, The Ovarian Cancer research Foundation, The Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre, WWF.
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS The learning never stops at Allens – which is something that our employees at all levels value. It’s woven into our culture and makes our people better leaders as well as better legal practitioners.
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- ALLENS -
ENERGY AND RESOURCES AT ALLENS EMMA CUNDALE, ASSOCIATE Working in the Energy and Resources group at Allens will take you from the red dirt of the Pilbara to the far corners of Africa and Asia, and give you the opportunity to challenge yourself and to develop your skills within an area which is complex, relevant and ever changing. Australia has become a global leader in exports of natural resources and energy, and as a result this sector plays a significant role in the country's economy. As an Energy and Resources lawyer at Allens, you therefore know that you will be working on some of the most relevant and exciting projects in the economic landscape, with a firm whose experience in this sector goes back almost 100 years. Allens' Energy and Resources team covers a diverse range of practice areas, such as mining, oil and gas and power and utilities. Our teams advise the top clients in these areas on the whole spectrum of legal issues, from exploration through to production and marketing and varied related issues such as acquisitions, joint ventures, financing, tax, litigation and environmental approvals. This offers our junior lawyers in this sector vital experience, as they follow the life of the project from beginning to end, and have the opportunity to see firsthand the varying issues a project may face, and how these can be resolved. Because our work on these projects covers the whole spectrum of legal issues that can arise, the Energy and Resources stream has a constant interaction with related fields such as native title, climate change, environment and planning, real estate and banking.
”This close interaction with so many fields provides a great opportunity for junior lawyers to develop their skills in a broad range of areas and to build networks across practice groups and offices.” This close interaction with so many fields provides a great opportunity for junior lawyers to develop their skills in a broad range of areas and to build networks across practice groups and offices. I started at Allens as a vacation clerk, worked as a research assistant and then joined as a graduate, and have enjoyed the varying and challenging work that I have encountered whilst working with the Energy and Resources group, from advising on some of the biggest mining projects in Australia, to assisting with the negotiation and finalisation of cross-jurisdictional marketing arrangements. I have also had the opportunity to work with, and learn from, people in Allens' offices around Australia and Asia.
”The reach of our global network is reflected in the Energy and Resources sector in the clients we advise, the projects that we work on and the opportunities available to our lawyers” The reach of our global network is reflected in the Energy and Resources sector in the clients we advise, the projects that we work on and the opportunities available to our lawyers, such as in-house secondments with our clients not only locally, but internationally, in countries such as Indonesia or Russia. Due to the significant part that this sector plays in not only Australia's economy, but many countries around the world, you can be sure that the skills and knowledge that you will gain in this area are highly relevant and easily transferable.
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LIFE AS AN ALLENS GRADUATE GENEVA SEKULA At the start of 2015 when my law school was abuzz with the prospect of completing clerkships, I had not decided if I was even going to apply. I had heard a lot about cocktail nights and canapés and interviews, but I didn’t know much about what completing a clerkship actually entailed or why I should sacrifice my beloved summer holidays to do one. Having spent the summer at Allens, I can definitely recommend doing a clerkship. It’s an invaluable way to see the inner workings of a commercial firm. I was unspeakably nervous on the first day of my first rotation. I had never worked in a law firm before and I was concerned that I didn’t remember an awful lot from my first year Contracts class at university. I needn’t have worried. That first day I hardly got through any work because the people in my team kept stopping by to say hello, have a chat and see how I was going with everything. I was amazed at how genuinely interested everyone was in getting to know me and making sure I was feeling confident in my work. This was indicative of the wider culture of the firm and I was deeply impressed by how supportive and enthusiastic everyone was, and how much time the lawyers were willing to take to explain tasks to me or answer my questions. The firm instigates a formal support network with a buddy, development lawyer and supervising partner, which was a great source of comfort and helped to keep me on track. But, beyond that, there were plenty of lawyers who were keen to get involved with the clerkship and offer their help and feedback. One of the reasons I decided to go to Allens was because I saw it as a firm where there would be opportunities to work overseas, and having an international dimension to my career was important to me. I hadn’t ever guessed that my first chance to travel with Allens would be in my sixth week working for the firm. After the Christmas break, instead of boarding a train to Wynyard, I found myself boarding a plane to Ho Chi Minh City where I was to complete a three-week rotation. The Ho Chi Minh City office was very different to the Sydney office. For one thing, it was a lot smaller, and the contracts were in both Vietnamese and English. I had an amazing time in Vietnam experiencing different food and a different culture, but also having the opportunity to experience first-hand how commercial law operates in a different legal system. I had some memorable experiences zipping through Saigon traffic on a motorbike and visiting tourist hotspots; certainly different to the weekends I would have been having at home! Although I didn’t come back particularly fluent in business Vietnamese, I definitely came home with a broader international perspective on commercial law, and felt privileged to have been able to experience life in one of the Asian offices. I was exposed to lots of different work during my time at Allens. I helped to draft letters, write research memos, conduct title searches, proofread contracts, and attend meetings, among many other things. But the summer was much more than simply doing a job. It was an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the firm and we went to a number of seminars which helped to shed more light on the culture of the firm. We heard about Allens’ pro bono work and presence in the community and about the alliance with Linklaters, we heard from a panel of partners who gave us insight into their career progression with the firm, and we heard from a panel of graduates who answered any and all of our questions. I attended Christmas parties (yes, plural), was invited to welcome yum cha, and had many, many coffee catch-ups with lawyers and other clerks. Beyond the legal work and the firm, the clerkship is a great way to expand your social networks. We also wentto inter-firm trivia nights and the clerk cruise, and had lots of other opportunities to get to know each other, and the clerks at other firms. Allens is a firm full of opportunities. In 10 weeks I travelled internationally, went on an overnight trip to a client office, went on a tour of a coalmine, experienced a Women at Allens panel, visited the Sydney Children’s Hospital, and had the chance to work on pro bono matters. I can’t tell you exactly what to expect from an Allens clerkship, because you never know what opportunities will be there for you to take. The clerkship program gives you the chance to peer inside a commercial firm and to think about your future. I loved my time with the firm and can’t wait to start my career. A clerkship with Allens feels like unlocking the door to an incredible future and I would recommend it to anyone.
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LIVE YOUR AMBITION > Global opportunities > Market-leading experience > Create your career with us
Visit www.allens.com.au/careers and www.linklaters.com/ukgrads to find out more.
ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER
- ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER -
ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER
ABOUT US Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) is a premium Australian commercial law firm renowned for advising clients on their most significant legal matters: high-stakes transactions, litigation and commercial issues. Our standing within the legal profession has been built over more than 60 years. Many of the values, characteristics and defining qualities from the firm’s early beginnings continue to shape the firm as it stands today.
LAWYERS AND ADVISERS
While our storied history is long, we are a modern firm. We see the law as an instrument of change, as a way forward. Our partners and lawyers are often at the centre of law reform and regularly advise on landmark matters. We offer legal advice and support to a diverse range of clients however we are best known for advising entrepreneurial businesses (ASX-listed, family owned and international) and for our work with private clients. We also work with international corporations with interests in
LEVEL 21, 333 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: (03) 9229 9999 W: ABL.COM.AU
Australia and enjoy long-standing relationships with a select group of other professional advisors − including accountants, private equity firms, insolvency practitioners, private bankers and overseas-based specialist law firms.
HR CONTACT HEYLEY BROWN HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT HBROWN@ABL.COM.AU METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP VIA THE CAREERS PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE ABL.COM.AU OR ON CVMAIL VIA CVMAIL.COM.AU CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE 37-45 INTAKE 1: 15 INTAKE 2: 15 INTAKE 3: 15 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: INTAKE 3: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
21 NOVEMBER - 16 DECEMBER 2016 23 JANUARY - 17 FEBRUARY 2017 26 JUNE - 21 JULY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 EARLY SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET: TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
Our services include: • banking & finance • competition • corporate & commercial • dispute resolution & litigation • native title & public interest law • property & development • reconstruction & insolvency • taxation • technology & intellectual property • workplace advisory WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
NO 15-17 YES YES
ABL is well known for being the go-to firm when it matters. We pride ourselves on providing strategic guidance and solving complex problems related to our clients’ commercial interests, legal position and reputation. This means that our legal staff are exposed to interesting and varied work where they can fully utilise their skills and potential. We do not try to be everything to everyone − rather, we strive for excellence in our chosen areas of expertise.
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THE FIRM’S APPROACH TO PRO BONO WORK Giving back to the community has always been one of our core values – from the firm’s very beginnings, making a real and valuable contribution in the wider community has been of upmost importance. At ABL, we proudly have a stand-alone pro bono practice group, led by partner, Peter Seidel. All lawyers at the firm are given the opportunity to get involved with pro bono work. The firm engages with many not-forprofit and charitable organisations that are active in communal, social, health, research, religious and environmental sectors. At ABL, we feel that we punch above our weight, and pro bono work is no exception. During the 2014/15 financial year, lawyers at ABL collectively carried out 7,600 hours of pro-bono, public interest law work – close to double the national average. Pro bono work is an inherent part of the firm’s DNA and we do it because it is the right thing to do. Over a third of all pro bono hours last year were provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities. The firm is deeply committed to indigenous constitutional recognition and reconciliation. SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM At ABL, we have three clerkship intakes that coincide with university holidays (November/December, January/February and June/July). We aim for 15-17 clerks in each intake, so you won’t get lost in the crowd. WHAT WE LOOK FOR We look for exceptional people who are seeking, and can provide, something extraordinary. We value good grades and intelligence, as well as life experience, lateral thinking, imagination and a passion for the law. Work experience and extra-curricular activities show your ability to manage your time. We look for people who know how to use initiative and accept shared responsibility for their career development. The other personal qualities we consider are a willingness to learn, sense of humour and preparedness to assume responsibility. We also like to know why you’re interested in us, so please tailor your covering letter to explain why you’ve chosen to apply to ABL. TRAINING, MENTORING AND OPPORTUNITY Our clerks (and grads) are allocated supervisors and buddies. The buddy is your go-to support person for any questions that arise from day to day.
During your clerkship, we arrange a number of extra-curricular activities such as dinners with ourcurrent grads and lunches with different groups across the firm (including a team lunch, firm-wide legal staff lunch and a special partner lunch). A recent addition to our clerkship programme includes a day out with one of our clients. We find that this unique experience connects the dots for clerks to see and meet the people that lie at the heart of the firm’s identity. It also provides the opportunity to hear from our clients about why they have chosen ABL and what they’re looking for when they come to us for legal advice. NON-PENULTIMATE APPLICANTS ABL is a proud signatory to the LIV guidelines. To ensure you’re at a level that you can really get the most out of your clerkship, we only consider students in their penultimate year of study. APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS We like to keep our application process straightforward. The application form asks for a covering letter, copy of your CV and academic transcript. We expect tailored covering letters on all applications as we don’t make you jump through any other hoops!
”We expect tailored covering letters on all applications as we don’t make you jump through any other hoops!” When it comes to the interview, we only hold one round. You’ll meet with two partners and a member of HR for approximately half an hour. Our interviews are informal as we feel it’s the best way to get to know you − we also know that we deal with incredibly impressive candidates, and we know you’re assessing us too − so we like for you to feel comfortable and to be able to make a judgement on whether you can see yourself working with us. After your interview, we provide you the opportunity to have a coffee with one of our graduates or junior lawyers. They have been through the clerkship process and can answer any questions you have for them. GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM At ABL, we are very proud of our in-house graduate training programme. Our grads don’t go off to PLT
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(Leo Cussen or College of Law) − instead they learn from our best and brightest partners and senior associates from around the firm, who are leaders in their respective fields. The SLT (supervised legal training) programme is run to be practical, engaging and designed to upskill our lawyers for practice. The training programme is a real point of difference, and something our graduates genuinely enjoy about their overall graduate experience. Training is scheduled (usually) once a week. This means that you aren’t away from the office for long periods of time, and can be involved in matters throughout the duration of your graduate year. NUMBER OF GRADUATES THE FIRM TAKE We take approximately 15-17 graduates each year and use the “priority offer” system set out by the LIV to provide offers to candidates who have clerked with us. The firm also offers deferment of graduate offers. GRADUATE ROTATIONS Another big differentiator about the ABL graduate experience is that we don’t have a formal rotation programme. This means that your supervising partner really invests in your development and gets you involved in everything they are doing. The result: you have the benefit of real work and real client contact as you won’t be moving to a different group after a short period of time. Our practice groups are very broad, so grads are exposed to a wide variety of matters during their time. We also have a common sense approach to things. Graduates are asked at their six month review if they like their group and want to stay on, or if they would prefer to move to a different area.
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Arnold Bloch Leibler Clerkships
Our solution to your career
Known for doing things a little differently, Arnold Bloch Leibler is regarded as one of Australia’s leading commercial law firms. Our philopsophy? To look for solutions. Where others see challenges, we see opportunities. For information about our seasonal clerkship and graduate recruitment programmes, visit the careers section on our website www.abl.com.au/careers. 'Like us' on facebook to stay connected at: facebook.com/ArnoldBlochLeibler Level 21 333 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia Telephone 61 3 9229 9999 Level 24 Chifley Tower 2 Chifley Square Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Telephone 61 2 9226 7100
ASHURST
- ASHURST -
ASHURST
OUR STRENGTHS We’re renowned for helping our clients navigate through a complex and constantly evolving global landscape. With 27 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.
MOVE YOUR MIND
“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.“
LEVEL 26, 181 WILLIAM STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: (03) 9679 3000 W: CAREERS.ASHURST.COM
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.
HR CONTACT LAUREN EVANS GRADUATE PROGRAMS CONSULTANT GRADUATE.PROGRAMS@ASHURST.COM
HOW WE WORK TOGETHER
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP ONLINE APPLICATION FORM VIA CAREERS.ASHURST.COM
“We help and challenge each other to develop our thinking and deliver our best work.“
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP ONLINE APPLICATION FORM VIA CAREERS.ASHURST.COM
The different cultures, communities and countries within which we operate around the world are immensely varied. The way we actually interact with each other isn’t. The simple fact is: people here like working with each other. We help and challenge each other to develop our thinking and deliver our best work. In every office, you’ll find different perspectives, backgrounds, cultures and personalities to learn from.
CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE TYPICALLY 130 AUSTRALIA WIDE, MELBOURNE TAKES ROUGHLY HALF. INTAKE 1: 15-20 INTAKE 2: 15-20 INTAKE 3: 15-20 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: INTAKE 3: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
NOV 2016 - DEC 2016 JAN 2016 - FEB 2017 WINTER 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 29 AUGUST - 5 OCTOBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
SEASONAL CLERKSHIPS 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET: NO ARE INTERNATION STUDENTS CONSIDERED: YES (DEPENDING ON WHETHER THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA) LIV SIGNATORY: YES FINAL YEAR STUDENTS FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIPS: YES
We work hard to make sure they’re as useful and as stimulating as possible. In Melbourne, you’ll spend time in one department, where you’ll work with a
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supervising partner, a lawyer and a buddy who’ll get you involved in real work. You’ll also attend workshops, department training, as well as get a chance to take part in team social events. After completing your clerkship, you’ll have the opportunity to express interest in being considered for a place on our graduate program. GRADUATE PROGRAM As a graduate, your program kicks off with an induction and education series where you’ll meet your peers in one location, giving you the chance to build your networks across the nation. Back in your home office, you’ll benefit from local induction plus an in-house Practical Legal Training (PLT) course. It's tailored to our firm and so, as you might expect, some modules are chosen for you. We cover all the costs. We’ll also work closely with you to plan your three rotations, and we’ll review that plan regularly. APPLICATIONS 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 offer clerkships in each of our Australian offices, application and recruitment dates are aligned to the state guidelines. You'll firstly need to decide which office you want to clerk in, and only make one application. For Melbourne, apply between 11 July and 14 August, 2016. To start moving your mind, begin now at: careers.ashurst.com
LAWYER PROFILE Andrew - Bachelor of International Relations, Australian National University and Masters of Law, Monash University It’s hard for me to pick a highlight so far – unless it’s the variety I’ve been exposed to, both in terms of the type of work and its scale. But one I could single out is my involvement in an IPO to help a company raise approximately $52m. I got to see the whole process from start to finish, discover all the intricacies of how the business worked, and learn what the company went through to reach a milestone in its development.
“It was an adrenaline-charged experience where graduates and lawyers from offices right across Australia all pulled together to hit the deadline.“ I also helped turn round a large-scale due diligence project within an extremely tight timeframe. It was an adrenaline-charged experience where graduates and lawyers from offices right across Australia all pulled together to hit the deadline. It showed how effectively we all work together at Ashurst. I definitely felt I was part of the team, not just working for a team. That feeling applies whether you’re working in a practice group, with other groups in your office, interstate and even internationally.
“everyone is as interested in your development as they are in the work you produce.“ People here trust you to get on with things and show what you can do, but they’re also there if you need advice or support. While more junior associates teach you the practical parts of being a lawyer, partners show you how lawyers think. But everyone is as interested in your development as they are in the work you produce.
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ENVIRONMENT AT ASHURST JANE, SENIOR ASSOCIATE (CORPORATE PROJECTS)
Being a frustrated vet at heart, I decided to study Science, with a major in Zoology. However, I could not envisage myself standing knee deep in streams sampling for bugs as my path in life either. Given I had high enough results to study Law, I decided to enrol in a combined Science/Law degree. Far from being second fiddle to my Science subjects, I loved studying Law from the start. Even Legal Process! I therefore considered ways to combine my love of the natural environment and Law, and came up with an excellent solution – environmental law. Having completed a number of clerkships around town in environmental teams, I decided that Ashurst was the place for me, given it had (and still has) the pre-eminent environmental law practice in Melbourne. I started my Articles in 2000, and here I am, 16 years later, still in the Environmental team at Ashurst in Melbourne. First and foremost, the quality of the clients and matters I have had the opportunity to work on during my career have been fantastic. One highlight has been lead lawyer for Ashurst on the environmental aspects of the sale of an oil and resources client's downstream business in Australia, which included a two week trip to London and the opportunity to sit at the deal table. My particular interest, is contaminated land transactions. However, my practice is very broad and diverse and includes environmental prosecutions and enforcement activities by the EPA, obtaining environmental and planning approvals for major developments (including approvals under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)), instructing at Planning Panels Hearings, heritage, water law, land valuation, renewable energy, transport, land acquisition, and due diligence of major businesses. I have even have to learn about the regulation of gold mines in Solomon Islands. My practice is also not restricted to Victoria – I am currently involved in a number of matters from other Australian jurisdictions, including major transactions involving assets all around the country. I also have a variety of work types, including transactional work such as contract drafting and due diligence, as well as advice work and Tribunal and Panel hearings. Our team is therefore constantly busy, given we are not beholden to the next big transaction coming through the door. My work also enables me to work closely with other teams within the Firm, including the Corporate Transactions, Property, Native Title, Infrastructure, and Energy and Resources teams around Australia. Outside of my work, I have also become heavily involved with the Women's Networking Committee, which arranges networking sessions and events to foster networking and learning opportunities, both within the Firm and externally, with a view to building on the diversity initiatives being actively implemented by the Firm. I work flexibility, four days a week, and am able to share my experiences as a senior associate at the firm both within the network but also through my involvement in the firms campus recruitment. . Additionally, I am a member of the Australian Land and Groundwater Association and the Law Institute of Victoria's Environmental Issues Committee, so I also get a lot of opportunities to mix with other professionals in the environmental service industry. In short, I love what I do, the people I work with, and the opportunities that working at the global Firm that Ashurst now is brings.
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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS AT ASHURST ELIZA, SENIOR ASSOCIATE (CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS)
Pouring over my law school's clerkship guide in 2005, I probably didn't dwell too long on the article about specialising in M&A / corporate law. The great thing about a graduate rotation program, such as the one offered at Ashurst, is discovering you enjoy practising in an area of law you might not have considered at university. I decided to settle permanently in Ashurst's Corporate Transactions team and have never regretted that decision. The scope of work that the Corporate Transactions team is involved in is broad ranging, encompassing public and private M&A, equity capital markets, joint ventures, investment funds, private equity, corporate governance, regulatory matters and general corporate advisory. My day to day work may vary from reviewing a contract involving a pilot program for an innovative power storage solution, assisting with a Foreign Investment Review Board application in relation to a joint takeover bid, negotiating a share sale agreement on behalf of a major bank or advising a charitable organisation on an optimal corporate structure. The variety of work on offer means that there are always new learning opportunities, keeping the level of engagement high. Working on an M&A transaction can be exciting – deals can be fast paced, dynamic and high profile. It is very satisfying being part of the hard working team that achieves a transformational outcome for a client that will shape its future strategy. But also appreciating the benefit of being involved in general corporate advisory work is important – drafting and negotiating a supply contracts requires an understanding of a client's business, including its commercial drivers and risk appetite. As Ashurst's Corporate Transactions team is not broken down into work "silos", there is an opportunity to work with different people and for different clients. Being mentored by some of Australia's preeminent M&A practitioners has been priceless. Two of the partners I've worked with most closely this year have been nominated for the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Award. At the other end of the spectrum, it is rewarding meeting a new group of graduates each year and helping them develop into amazing lawyers. The training program at Ashurst is comprehensive and ongoing, which has assisted me in strengthening not only my legal skills but also more general skills such as public speaking, project management and coaching and mentoring. Another advantage of working in the Corporate Transactions team is that there is rarely a piece of work that doesn't involve you needing to draw on the expertise of another practice group, be it tax, banking, disputes, employment or intellectual property. Liaising with other teams helps you to develop your internal networks within the firm and your appreciation of the broader commercial legal landscape. Being part of a firm with a global footprint provides the opportunity to travel within the Ashurst network. I'm yet to take up that opportunity, but many of my colleagues have headed overseas to practice for a few years including to Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Frankfurt. Being based in Melbourne doesn't limit your opportunity to be involved in cross border transactions though; I've had the opportunity to work for international clients and to travel to New York and Hong Kong for transactions. A highlight of my career thus far has been having the opportunity to undertake client secondments. Secondments are an extremely effective way to gain an understanding of a client, and to appreciate the day to day pressures that members of an in-house team face in meeting the needs of their internal clients. Understanding this makes you a better private practice lawyer. Finally, as an Ashurst lawyer, you are expected to be well rounded. The opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the firm has been one that I have relished, be it captaining our indoor soccer team, helping organise client events, mentoring junior lawyers or perhaps even meeting you in a seasonal clerkship interview sometime soon!
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... SOPHIE, LAWYER
As a lawyer at Ashurst no two days are the same. The global nature of the firm ensures I get the training and experience to become the modern mobile lawyer. Each day I am constantly stimulated by novel and interesting work and encouraged to develop different skills including drafting contracts, legal research and public speaking. There are also countless opportunities to explore my interests at a local level such as participating in the Women’s Network and undertaking pro-bono work. Below is an example of the type of experiences I have as a first year lawyer in the Corporate Projects practice. 08:00
15:30
I get into the office early to read through the various news alerts from our library service to stay across the current issues and keep abreast of any emerging trends. I then revise my action items.
Attend coffee catch-up session with other junior lawyers in the team. The firm encourages both informal and formal engagement with our colleagues, whether it be a fortnightly coffee, forming a soccer team or attending monthly Friday Night Drinks.
09:30 Attend the Real Estate team meeting. My Team Leader has encouraged me to attend team meetings for all the different subsets in Corporate Projects (Real Estate, Environment and Resources and Infrastructure) to ensure I get a broad range of experience and exposure at the start of my career. 10:30 The title searches I requested have returned and I start identifying third party interests affecting our clients proposed easement for a new transmission line. This type of due diligence is great chance to learn about assessing risk and the understanding the challenges involved in getting projects off the ground. 13:00 Attend native title seminar. I am responsible for organising the lunch time seminars which focus on substantive law, practice management or ethics. We often look at new developments, emerging trends, a recent case or controversial issue. The program gives lawyers the opportunity to develop presentation skills and research an particular area of interest.
15:30 Following the L&D session, I revisit some pro bono work that I have been assisting a lawyer with. Lawyers of all levels are encouraged to engage with pro bono at Ashurst, where it is a stand-alone legal practice led by a global pro bono partner. I am currently helping to draft a skeleton letter advising on government payments for people with disabilities. 16:30 Attend impromptu client call. I return from coffee and a partner pulls me straight into a client call on a new matter. The call ends and we talk about a follow up tasks. I will now be copied into all emails and will be better placed to independently action tasks as they evolve. 17:30 Review to do list – I’ve added things quicker than I’ve crossed them off but it’s been another interesting and diverse day at Ashurst.
14:00 One of my pro bono clients has returned the signed engagement letter so I quickly outline our next steps. It is my responsibility to liaise with the client, progress the matter and ensure Partner acting can settle my work in a timely manner. - 70 -
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
BAKER & MCKENZIE
- BAKER & McKENZIE -
BAKER & MCKENZIE
ABOUT US At Baker & McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. Like no other law firm we were born global. Conceived and built as a global law firm in 1949, thinking and working globally is embedded in our culture.
BORN GLOBAL
With more than 1000 locally qualified lawyers across our Asia Pacific offices, we are one of the world's largest law firms by markets, revenue and headcount and now have a network of 77 offices in 47 countries. We opened our first Asia Pacific office in Manila in 1963, and have grown to 17 full-service offices across 13 jurisdictions. And in 2015, Baker & McKenzie and FenXun Partners became the first international and PRC law firms to enter into a Joint Operation in the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone. We have been a global law firm in Australia since 1964. Our Australian practice is now the fourth largest in our network with 90 Partners and over 200 lawyers.
LEVEL 19, CBW 181 WILLIAM STREET MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: (03) 9617 4200 W: WWW.BAKERMCKENZIE.COM/CAREERS/AUSTRALIA/MELBOURNE/
“Baker & McKenzie offers our people access to complex, market-leading matters for leading multinational and domestic companies“
HR CONTACT NATALIE MASCARENHAS TALENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT NATALIE.MASCARENHAS@BAKERMCKENZIE.COM P: (03) 9617 4349 METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP WWW.BAKERMCKENZIE.COM/CAREERS/AUSTRALIA/MELBOURNE/ CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE APPROX. 20 INTAKE 1: 10* INTAKE 2: 10* KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2016 JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2017 MONDAY 11 JULY 2016 SUNDAY 14 AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCT 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET: TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
Baker & McKenzie offers our people access to complex, market-leading matters for leading multinational and domestic companies and the ability to work with some of the world’s best legal minds – people who know the law and who understand business. We have an unrivalled ability to provide training and secondment opportunities across our global network and have an inclusive culture of learning, coaching and opportunity. OUR VALUES
NO 8-10 YES YES YES
Like all top-tier law firms, quality and excellence along with team work, integrity and responsiveness are central in delivering outstanding service to our clients. The values that make us a unique and great place to work are deeply embedded and you will notice our difference in all of your interactions with us, in Australia and across the globe. We are passionately global, and leverage our global expertise for our Australian and global clients at
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every opportunity, recognising our strength is in our diversity. We have a strong culture of friendship and inclusion, and an egalitarian and collaborative working style. We are commercial pragmatists who make complex issues simple for our clients and we focus on our clients' business needs. We strive to stay ahead of the curve and encourage entrepreneurship. We actively encourage and support contribution to the community, through our pro bono and community service programs. We want everyone at Baker & McKenzie to reach their potential so we invest in global, regional and local world-class development and mobility programs for our people, and our culture is diverse, inclusive and flexible. Our award winning diversity strategy, initiatives and programs are focussed in four areas, in which all of our people can participate: • BakerWomen – gender equality and supporting the progression of women; • BakerDNA – ethnic, indigenous and cultural diversity; • BakerBalance – supporting carers and parents, employee wellbeing and workplace flexibility; • BakerLGBTI – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex diversity. PRO BONO AND COMMUNITY SERVICE We care about the same things you do. Poverty, hunger and homelessness. The health of our planet. Social justice. Quality legal representation and access to justice for all. We believe that connecting with the community and sharing one's skills and time with those in need are core professional responsibilities. In 2015, we contributed more than 6,000 pro bono hours to more than 200 individual members of our community, charities and other not-for-profit organisations and about 82% of our legal staff participated in our pro bono matters. As a summer clerk and graduate lawyer, you will work closely with other lawyers to run pro bono matters and you will have the opportunity to participate in our community service initiatives. Baker & McKenzie lawyers are actively encouraged to undertake pro bono work. Some of our recent pro bono matters include advising victims of domestic violence in applying for financial assistance; representing asylum seekers in the Federal courts and seeking judicial review of decisions relating to their refugee status; and assisting seriously ill clients with their legal affairs. We have also provided legal workshops to vulnerable and at-risk youth. Our pro bono
work also extends globally. For example, we are currently drafting FAQ legal brochures in connection with ending human trafficking across the Asia Pacific region. We also provide pro bono legal advice to a range of not-for-profit and charity organisations. We have advised an organisation which assists victims of sexual orientation change efforts and we have assisted on the establishment in Australia of a global not-for-profit group that facilitates vocational training and employment opportunities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Elsewhere, our lawyers are involved in advising on a not-for-profit initiative to develop and design renewable energy systems for three remote Aboriginal communities near Bourke (one of the first community-funded solar energy projects in Australia) and we assisted on the establishment of a new health charity that works to reduce the prevalence and development of chronic disease in refugees and asylum seekers. Legal and non-legal staff also participate in community service initiatives. Community service opportunities include mentoring year 9 students at risk of disengaging from education as part of the LEAPS (Law firms Encouraging and Assisting Promising Students) program, exchanging PenPal letters with students from remote regional communities, and fundraising or volunteering for charities such as Refugee Advice & Casework Service, MS Australia, the Deafness Foundation and Project Futures. Some of our fundraising activities include charity film nights, trivia evenings, morning teas and bake-offs. CLERKSHIP PROGRAM What stands out in a clerkship application? It is difficult to say what makes a clerkship application stand out. Each applicant is obviously unique, which in turn makes each application unique, as an individual brings their own style, profile, experience and interests to their application. However, some of the general things which make an application stand out, include: • it is well-written, succinct and structured, is grammatically correct, has no spelling errors, uses headings and uses a font which is easy to read; • it reflects and highlights you (your personality, skills, experience, achievements and interests) and it makes readers want to work with you; and • it sets out why you want to work with our Firm and shows a good understanding of our Firm – beyond what is contained in a clerkship guide or on our Firm's website.
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Training, mentoring and opportunities You will be supported at every stage by our graduate team in Talent Management who will facilitate a comprehensive development program for you, starting with induction and skills development (including library/research sessions, technology training, drafting sessions, and sessions relating to business communication, networking and other skills crucial to ensuring you have a successful clerkship). You will also develop practical and legal skills through our national learning program for junior lawyers and by attending workshops specifically designed for summer clerks, as well as firm-wide sessions on a range of legal and non-legal topics. Once you commence in your practice group, you will work closely with lawyers of all levels and will be guided by a supervising partner/senior associate and associate 'buddy'. With the Firm's strong culture of mentoring, you will receive coaching and feedback throughout your clerkship experience. We will also provide you with opportunities to enable you to network with colleagues around the Firm – through our 'speed networking' program, practice group briefings, social events with your buddy, our partners and lawyers, our end of year party and annual lawn bowls event. You are also invited to attend various social events following your clerkship, including our end of financial year party, so that you can stay connected with the Firm. After completing your clerkship, we offer summer clerks the opportunity to apply for casual research clerk positions. We aim to fill the casual research clerk roles with our previous summer clerks who are in their final year of university. This is a useful way to gain more practical legal experience and stay in touch with the Firm after your clerkship. In addition, summer clerks who accept a graduate role with the Firm are eligible to apply for an 'international clerkship', with the opportunity to work in one of our overseas offices in the year following their summer clerkship. What does the firm look for? We look for people who enjoy a challenge and seek new opportunities; who share our global perspective; who have sound academics and are practical in their approach; who like taking responsibility and getting things done; who express themselves confidently while staying open to new ideas; who are client-focussed and strive to provide excellent service to their clients; and who seek a friendly and
inclusive culture that encourages making a difference to our local and global communities. Application and interview process Applications for summer clerkships should be submitted via our website www.bakermckenzie.com/careers/australia/melbourne/ and should include a cover letter, as well as details of your work experience, extra-curricular activities, interests, and academic results. We do not require you to upload your CV, as the information from your CV is used to respond to the areas above. Candidates will attend one interview with two partners or a partner and senior associate. Candidates will also be invited to an information and cocktail evening attended by partners and associates so that you can meet as many people from our Firm as possible. In our interviews, we want to get to know all about you – your experiences, your interests, your achievements, your strengths and your abilities. We also want to know why you want to work with Baker & McKenzie. To that end, our interviews are a mix of 'getting to know you' questions and 'behavioural' questions, so that we can get to know you and you can make the best impression on us. GRADUATE PROGRAM At Baker & McKenzie, we have a deep commitment to your development. We work with each graduate to create a tailored development plan aligned with the graduate's career goals. To help you reach your goals, we offer tailored learning opportunities – from seminars on core legal topics to skills development in areas like effective business writing, drafting and presenting. We also work hard to facilitate your on-the-job learning and the many ways it happens – through informal mentoring relationships, client secondments, involving you in global teams working on international deals, or supporting you to run your own file as part of our award-winning pro bono program. To make sure you get the strongest possible start to your career, we invest in your development by covering the costs of your Practical Legal Training and through our dedicated graduate professional development program. We also cover the costs of your admission and practising certificate. Our regional practice group structure means many of our lawyers attend regional practice-specific training
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in our Asia Pacific offices and, once you finish your graduate program, you will travel overseas to attend a regional orientation program with other mid-level associates from the region.
Our associates attend regional training as well as practice group specific events and conferences held throughout the region in order to help develop global networks and legal skills.
Rotations Graduates complete three rotations of six months each, over an 18 month period, before they join a particular practice group as an associate. This gives you meaningful exposure to a broad range of legal practice areas. You are assigned a supervising partner and an associate 'buddy' in each rotation to oversee your on-the-job and formal learning.
Our associates also attend regional transition programs at each stage of their career – when they transition from junior to mid-level associate, from mid-level associate to senior associate and from senior associate to partner. These programs provide development in the key skills which our lawyers need at each stage such as people leadership, business development and project management, and also enable our lawyers to foster deep relationships with international peers at the same career stage. Recently, programs have been held in Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, and Tokyo.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
”What really distinguishes us from other firms, particularly for those at the beginning of their career, is our global approach to development.” What really distinguishes us from other firms, particularly for those at the beginning of their career, is our global approach to development. Because we have been global from the beginning, we have well established regional and global programs and a deeply embedded culture of knowledge sharing, support and mentoring both within and across offices. Our global development roadmap, the Development Framework, clearly explains what success looks like at each career stage at Baker & McKenzie. It is the product of a careful study of our clients' and lawyers' views about what success looks like at our Firm. A living document, the Development Framework shapes the way we recruit, select, develop, manage and promote our lawyers. For you, the Development Framework means always having a clear career roadmap, empowering you to plan and drive your development – formally and on the job – at every stage. Our lawyers benefit from an Australian professional development curriculum based on the Development Framework. We pay serious attention to black letter law for both junior and senior lawyers while also offering practice-specific skills and knowledge development at the local, regional and global levels. We encourage lawyers to build core professional skills from the beginning. For example, our communication programs include a focus on clear, powerful business writing and effective speaking.
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”Recently, programs have been held in Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, and Tokyo.” We also provide a number of scholarships to our lawyers for full-time graduate legal study outside their home jurisdictions, ideally in a college or university near one of our offices. Each scholarship is awarded for a minimum of 12 months of study. Our lawyers can also apply to attend prestigious summer school courses in the USA, studying American and international law among professionals from all over the world.
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CONSTRUCTION MATTHEW BLIEM AND JULIA SWIFT, ASSOCIATES As construction lawyers at Baker & McKenzie, we work on high profile construction projects in a variety of industries and sectors, including large residential and commercial developments, oil and gas infrastructure, renewable energy projects, education infrastructure, sporting developments and public and private infrastructure projects. One of the best aspects of being a construction lawyer is the variety of work. You work with anyone who may be involved in working in the "built environment" to help settle disputes or draw up the necessary contracts for work to begin on a project. Clients include developers, contractors, engineers, architects, surveyors and infrastructure owners. All members of the team are able to be involved in both front end contracting work and back end litigation work. For example, the team is currently engaged on various stages of construction projects - tender preparation, developing procurement models and risk allocation, drafting construction contracts and associated transaction documents, assisting with contract administration during the term of the project, and finally preparing and defending claims made during the life of the project and post completion (whether in Court or in alternative dispute resolution forums). Our diverse work even extends to insurance claims stemming from construction projects. Every construction project, similar to every client, is very different. This means that as a practitioner we must understand the construction project, our client's business, the project objectives and the relevant industry. Whilst challenging every day, each client and each project presents a diverse suite of work. In this regard, it is a rather different area of law to other practice groups (for example, IP, Corporate, etc.). Being a global firm, Bakers specialises in cross-border transactions and we routinely work with our overseas colleagues to manage legal issues in multiple jurisdictions. A recent transaction for a solar project required our Melbourne and Sydney offices to work closely with our Singapore office to complete the transaction. At the moment, we are also working on a number of complex, multi-jurisdictional deals. Some of these include an arbitration seated in Vienna regarding delays to the manufacture of power station infrastructure, and the preparation and management of disputes in emerging economies such as Papua New Guinea. Naturally, the Firm supports you with building your global networks and knowledge so you can effectively work on cross-border transactions and multi-jurisdictional deals. The Firm offers a number of global mobility programs - the International Clerkship program and various regional training programs held in one of our Asia-Pacific offices: Construction law training, programs specifically for all mid-level associates or senior associates, and the Firm's Arbitration Academy. It is opportunities like these which make Bakers the best global law firm to work with. In terms of work, from the time you join the group as a seasonal clerk or graduate, you assist in drafting contracts and Court documents, run matters directly under the supervision of partners, deal directly with clients via email, telephone or at meetings, attend meetings with barristers, and have opportunities to attend Court, mediations, arbitrations and expert determinations - all while getting mentoring and training from senior lawyers who are the best in the field. Having relatively smaller teams at Bakers means that you get interesting and hands on experience from the outset and some amazing opportunities. As mid-level associates, the opportunities have only increased for us! Whether interviewing witnesses and preparing witness statements, instructing at hearings, preparing complex and bespoke construction contracts or attending client functions - there's always something interesting to work on. And it’s not all about work in the Construction team. We work hard, but we play hard too! We strive to maintain a balance between our work and social lives - so there are frequent team lunches and drinks, and of course the traditional end of year and financial year lunch celebrations - last year held at Flower Drum! Bakers also encourages its staff to be involved in corporate social responsibility and pro-bono opportunities, and the Construction team are particularly active in this regard. These opportunities can range from working on pro bono files for specialist not-for-profit organisations to cycling around Melbourne with your colleagues to raise money for a special cause. So, for a dynamic legal career with a great group of people, we strongly encourage you to consider working with the Construction team at Baker & McKenzie. - 78 -
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT ELIZA MCDONALD, ASSOCIATE (CORPORATE) The Start of My Journey I started my career with Baker & McKenzie as a winter clerk in the Corporate team. I thoroughly enjoyed my Clerkship – experiencing engaging, “real” work for clients and the Firm’s friendly, supportive culture. When I had to choose a firm for my career, it was a no-brainer. Bakers had the most outstanding career opportunities – from the actual work to global opportunities, and the best culture – with people who were more than just colleagues – they were friends. Building a Foundation Graduates complete three rotations during their graduate program. I rotated through Dispute Resolution, Corporate and Banking & Finance. Throughout my rotations, I received continuous mentoring from senior lawyers and incredible work. I ran matters directly with Partners, drafted Court documents, attended Court and mediations, dealt directly with clients and third parties, and drafted advices for local and global clients. I also attended Firm-wide and junior lawyer PD sessions – from legal learning to soft skill sessions (like business writing or personal brand), and various training sessions in our Sydney office. It's Not Just About Work I played an active role on the Social and Sports Committee and Pro Bono and Community Service Committee. These were invaluable, as I got to know people across the Firm and shape the Firm's community efforts. I also got to plan great social and sporting events – including cocktail parties, bake-offs, footy tipping, dress-up parties, film nights, boot camp and netball competitions. I also regularly undertook pro bono work, including assisting Peter Mac cancer patients gain early access to superannuation and insurance. As a junior, this was great for my learning and development but more importantly, it was a rewarding experience. On a fun note, graduates have a unique opportunity to show off their acting and directing skills through the "graduate revue". This is a great way to connect with everyone in the Firm – even the Partners get involved! Starting My Global Career All general associates across the Asia-Pacific region attend a two day training program in an Asia-Pacific office, to develop skills which are essential for lawyers at this level – including leadership, communication, delegation, project management and business development. This is also a great opportunity to build relationships with your peer group across the region. My training was held in our Manila office. I learnt so much during this exceptional program - and it was great to experience the lively city of Manila, sample some of the local food, and shop! From Manila to London After building a strong foundation in the Melbourne office, working on many challenging, engaging and global matters, I was given an opportunity to work in the Firm's London office, where I'm currently based. While the office is bigger than the Melbourne office, the same friendly, supportive culture prevails. I was immediately welcomed into my team and have already built strong friendships. The transition was also easy with the excellent mentoring that I received while working on some exceptional matters – including acting for a global sports, events, fashion and media company on an acquisition and global manufacturing and technology company on a major deal. On the latter, in my role as a lead Corporate associate, I had responsibility for managing transaction plans for 15 jurisdictions, co-ordinating advice from local counsel in the various foreign jurisdictions, and drafting and negotiating transaction documents. While studying law at Deakin, I never imagined the gamut of incredible career opportunities that Bakers has provided to me. I can't wait to see what the next stage of my journey has to offer!
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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.
Ready to explore our world? Natalie Mascarenhas +61 3 9617 4349
www.bakermckenzie.com/careers/australia/melbourne Find us at
@BakersAUS
CLAYTON UTZ
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CLAYTON UTZ
ABOUT US Clayton Utz is one of Australia's leading law firms, with a reputation for standing out – and for being outstanding. With 177 partners and over 1,200 employees across six offices, we continue to build on our reputation for confident, innovative and incisive legal advice.
A REPUTATION FOR STANDING OUT, AND FOR BEING OUTSTANDING.
PRACTICE AREAS • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
LEVEL 18, 333 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: (03) 9286 6000 W: CLAYTONUTZ.COM HR CONTACT CATHERINE MCDOUGALL PEOPLE & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT CMCDOUGALL@CLAYTONUTZ.COM P: (03) 9286 6642
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PLEASE VISIT WWW.CLAYTONUTZ.COM/CAREERS AND GO TO OUR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES PAGE. ALL APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A COVERING LETTER, CV AND ACADEMICS. METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP WE RECRUIT OUR GRADUATES FROM THE CLERKSHIP PROGRAM. CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE 30 INTAKE 1: APPROX. 15 INTAKE 2: APPROX. 15 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
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. Our Clerkship Programs are our future pipeline for the Graduate Program. They are designed to give you a feel for what it’s like to be a Graduate and they are a great place to start your career. GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM
24 NOVEMBER 2016 - 16 DECEMBER 2016 22 JUNE 2017 - 14 JULY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 5 - 23 SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY:
Banking & Financial Services Commercial Litigation Competition Corporate, M&A and Capital Markets Environment & Planning Insurance IP & Technology Major Projects & Construction Public Sector Real Estate Restructuring & Insolvency Tax Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety Pro Bono
It's not just about wearing a suit. No matter how good your law degree, there's always a gap between theory and practice, and finishing university can be daunting. How do you make the jump to working in a commercial law firm? 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
NO 10-15 YES YES
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running. It consists of PLT+, local training and a national orientation week in Sydney. Our rotation program means you'll 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 approach to learning and development, you'll get the support you need to become the best you can be. With our Graduate Program you'll get… • three rotations of six months in our national practice groups; • mentoring from some of the best lawyers in the country; • a buddy who'll give you the inside information; • meaningful performance feedback so you know you're on the right track; • continuing legal education programs and professional development support so you can become the lawyer you want to be; • the chance to participate in our Community Connect and Pro Bono programs and really give back to the community; and • social and sporting activities, because we know it's not all work and no play.
Most importantly, we are looking for clerks who we'd enjoy working alongside. We want clerks who are going to be a good cultural fit and who embody the firm's values, every day, in all that they do. WHAT DISTINGUISHES US People. It always starts with people. At Clayton Utz, we've built a team of down-to-earth, collaborative lawyers who know that at the heart of exceptional client service is knowing what your client needs. Our graduates have opportunities to work on cutting-edge, complex transactions and litigation with lawyers who are recognised as leaders in their fields. We also provide first-class training and development to support our lawyers to be the best they can be. As one of the world's top 10 pro bono firms*, graduates will also have the chance to contribute to our pro bono practice and help make a difference to the individuals and organisations it supports.
We recruit our Graduates from our Clerkship Programs. Occasionally, additional opportunities may arise. WHAT WE LOOK FOR The most important ingredient in our success as a firm is our people. We're looking for clerks who are personable, practical, commercially-savvy, as well as flexible. Our lawyers undertake complex and innovative legal work, so it’s important that they are intelligent and motivated individuals who aren’t afraid of a challenge. We'll look at whether they've had a broad range of experiences, such as part-time employment, voluntary work, legal experience (voluntary or otherwise), or sporting, cultural and community pursuits. They need to show they have behavioural skills such as time management, initiative, goal-setting and achievement, teamwork, an understanding of client service and self-motivation.
“We want clerks who are going to be a good cultural fit and who embody the firm's values, every day, in all that they do.“
Clayton Utz was named among the ten leading pro bono firms in the world in the Who's Who Legal Global Pro Bono Survey. The survey recognises firms that are leading the way in their pro bono contributions, levels of participation and efforts to institutionalise pro bono work. WORK/LIFE BALANCE Clayton Utz offers a vibrant and supportive work environment. We recognise the need for our people to stay true to themselves by maintaining balance in their lives. That's why we have a range of flexible work options and health and wellbeing initiatives, as well as social and sporting activities and community volunteering opportunities. PRO BONO WORK Clayton Utz is a leader among Australian law firms in pro bono practice and social responsibility programs. Since we established our Pro Bono practice in 1997, our lawyers have completed over half a million hours of pro bono legal work. The Clayton Utz Foundation provides financial support to charities connected to the firm, to address disadvantaged and facilitate access to justice. Since its establishment, the Foundation has made over $7.3 million in grants.
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CULTURE AND DIVERSITY Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds and have different skills, interests, personalities and capabilities. We are committed to an inclusive culture in which all of our people are recognised for their unique contributions and are encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential. Diversity at Clayton Utz includes diversity of thought, background, experience, personal circumstances, education, religion, sexuality, gender, age, ethnicity and ability/disability. This diversity helps to generate new ideas, creates more effective teams and relationships, and is a key enabler for attracting, developing and retaining the very best people. Diversity and inclusion is integral to our culture which is founded on the values of trust, respect and co-operation. We continue to develop our open and flexible workplace where we accept, value and respect the differences of our people. INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES We have secondment programs with various leading law firms around the world that see Clayton Utz lawyers living and working in London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and India. Our Japanese exchange program with leading Japanese law firms and trading houses involves extended secondments both to and from Japan.
We encourage our employees to learn and develop through: • intensive orientation programs at the beginning of the clerkship period and graduate program; • on-the-job guidance and support from peers and senior lawyers; • regular Continuing Legal Education sessions led by specialists sharing their knowledge and experience; • tuition assistance for further study; and • external courses and seminars relevant to your professional and personal development. ADDICE FOR SOMEONE APPLYING FOR A POSITION AT CLAYTON UTZ Invest some time in preparing your application and doing some research on Clayton Utz: our business, our position in the market, our clients, our community involvement, and our people. Talk to Clayton Utz summer clerks and employees to find out about the firm first-hand. If you're offered an interview, think about what you've learnt, and what you would like to learn from us in the interview, and prepare some questions. Practise answering standard and behavioural interview questions with family and friends. Always provide supporting examples of previous situations and explain the outcomes.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT Clayton Utz has a strong focus on professional development for all employees so we can keep our specialist knowledge and skills up to date. This is offered through continuing legal education, professional development training programs, coaching and on-the-job training. Our national training program, Learning@Clayton Utz – Building Excellence, offers a range of professional and personal development opportunities to support our people in reaching their full potential.
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BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICES AT CLAYTON UTZ ANNABELLE HOLCOMBE, LAWYER Actually don't judge the book by its cover, because while the Clayton Utz Banking and Financial Services (BFS) team work on exciting transactions involving the borrowing of money to fund company activities, acquire target companies, or finance construction projects, we also get into the middle of negotiating arrangements for the procurement of many large-scale infrastructure projects. Whether it be a new stadium, desalinated water production, new trains, hospital or school facilities, this high-profile work is challenging and rewarding. In a pure finance sense, our team works with a fantastic range of clients advising on bilateral, syndicated or mezzanine lending arrangements. These lending arrangements may be secured or unsecured. Clayton Utz acts for financiers, advising each of the four major domestic banks, local and international banks and numerous other smaller more specialised financial institutions. We also advise large corporate clients, private equity and the government seeking to borrow money to fund their activities. Working for financiers and borrowers helps a junior lawyer to really understand the effect and consequences their work may have on a party on either side of the transaction. You get to see both sides of the argument. The BFS team also has a particular strong major project capability. Clayton Utz advises a range of clients in the development and implementation of the documentation and arrangements that allow major projects and infrastructure to be procured, built and serviced. The firm is particularly well known for its work on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) which bring together the public and private sectors to build major infrastructure – many of the stadiums, roads, railways, ports, prisons, courts and hospitals around the state and the country were built under this model. Clayton Utz is at the forefront of this area, regularly advising the Government, or acting for the private Consortium. Our BFS team often leads such transactions or otherwise assists our Major Projects and Construction team when they lead. Our work is often cross-jurisdictional. As lawyers advising in this space it is important we understand the global markets and different legal systems. This means we are regularly engaging foreign counsel to assist in transactions, and working closely with colleagues in our different offices. Working in this space means lawyers develop an expansive professional network, and highly flexible and transferable skill set. The skills you learn are invaluable as a BFS lawyer – helping bring together a range of parties to achieve a commercial outcome, drafting incredibly complex agreements and seeing the results of your work in a really tangible way. BFS transactions are generally not adversarial and involves areas of law beyond banking and financial law, such as contract, corporate, trust, property, tax, regulatory, and insolvency law, so the work is diverse and stimulating. Why BFS at Clayton Utz Working at Clayton Utz you are exposed to some of the most high-profile and cutting-edge work a lawyer can do. There is something really rewarding about reading about your work in the newspapers, driving along roads you've provided advice on and walking past buildings that you wrote the contracts for. Clayton Utz provide the opportunity to work with supremely talented lawyers, and highly sophisticated clients on a daily basis. The cross-disciplinary nature of our work means we regularly engage with other departments at Clayton Utz, including, corporate, real estate, tax, restructuring and insolvency, and construction teams. As a junior lawyer you are continually learning about different industries and practices areas which enables you to become a well-rounded lawyer and person. The nature of BFS work fosters a strong team environment, which nurtures collaboration and learning in fun setting. The Clayton Utz BFS team has something for everybody - working with some of the best lawyers and clients in the business, including many creative and forward thinking clients, secondment opportunities, and the chance to see the impact that you and your team have made out in the real world.
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CU AT A DIVERSE FIRM GRACE NESS, LAWYER (COMMERCIAL LITIGATION)
I have been working at Clayton Utz for the past two years and have been overwhelmed by how important diversity is to the firm. I am a 26 year old women, who has joint Australian and British citizenship. As the daughter of a Major in the British army, I spent my childhood travelling the world and seeing different cultures every few years. After I moved to Australia in 2004, I was first based in Darwin, then went to university in Adelaide, and finally moved to Melbourne to start at Clayton Utz in 2014. All of these experiences make me who I am and I will always be grateful for that. They also made me appreciate diversity, and appreciate how all the different people I grew up with and the experiences I have had have shaped my future in a positive way, not only personally, but also professionally. I was not expecting firms to be engaged with and aware of how important diversity is to individuals and the firm at large, from a business point of view of retaining talent and gaining work but also staff engagement and enjoyment. Clayton Utz was definitely the firm that stood above all the others for me in this area and it has continued to surprise me during the past two years. Diversity to me is so much more than just understanding and appreciating the surface qualities of race or gender, it encompasses all the qualities that make each individual unique and how those unique views, experiences and values benefit a team. I believe that to be truly inclusive as a workplace you must make people feel comfortable to bring their whole self to work without any barriers or fear of negative attributes. There is no better example of this than the creation of the LGBTI Alliance at Clayton Utz which, since its creation in early 2015, has become into an integral part of the Firm's culture. The LGBTI Alliance was created to maximise opportunities for our people to achieve business success and career satisfaction regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status. We also have an incredibly strong ally following in the Melbourne office who call out bad behaviour and are avid supporters of our training and events. The LGBTI Alliance has been cemented as a core pillar of our diversity strategy at the Firm, and has been integrated into everyday life, including through mandatory training and internal events. We are also involved in a program with other professional services firms where we have bi-monthly drinks to discuss LGBTI issues and programs within our organisation. This is a very supportive and exciting forum. To me, diversity and inclusion are also about allowing each individual in a workplace to realise their own potential, whatever that may be. If a person is willing to strive to succeed, put in the effort and seek out opportunities, there should be no barriers to that individual's success. I often get asked as a young women whether, due to the large percentage of male partners at Clayton Utz, can I see myself becoming a partner of the firm. I always answer with a resounding "YES". If that is a path I want to take, I don't see any barriers to achieving that goal. We have fantastic senior females and males at our firm, a number of whom I have strong personal and professional connections with, including my senior partner and the special counsel in my team. I have no doubt that they will support, guide and sponsor me through my career journey, and that the fact that I am a female will have no impact on that. I could list so many more examples of how diversity is important to me and Clayton Utz but I think you are starting to get quite a good picture! Diversity is vital for the legal industry, and the individuals who work within the industry, to succeed. Clayton Utz is working towards internal inclusion but it also hopes to be a shining example as we work towards creating a better legal industry for everyone.
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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.
CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH
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CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH
ABOUT US Corrs Chambers Westgarth is a premium independent law firm. We emphasise the independent part because it’s important to who we are and how we work. Independence isn’t just a description of our position in the market, it also describes how we think, our innovative style and bold decision-making.
”Our vision as a world class law firm is to drive Australia’s competitiveness and economic engagement with Asia.” Our vision as a world class law firm is to drive Australia’s competitiveness and economic engagement with Asia. We are based in Australia and operate internationally, wherever our clients need our services. With 950 employees, 440 lawyers and 115 partners, we have the scale that allows us to take on the largest and most challenging matters for major organisations internationally. As well as be the right size for a culture of inclusion.
LEVEL 25, 567 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: (03) 9672 3000 W: CORRS.COM.AU HR CONTACT LISA SCHULTZE PEOPLE & PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT LISA.SCHULTZE@CORRS.COM.AU
PRACTICE AREAS Corrs is a corporate law firm, acting for organisations, rather than individuals. The firm works through three main operating divisions:
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP CORRS.COM.AU/CAREERS
• Corporate, Finance & Tax (Energy & Resources, Corporate Advisory, Banking & Finance and Taxation) • Property & Development (Property & Infrastructure, Environment & Planning and Construction) • Litigation and Workplace Relations (Litigation, Workplace Relations, Intellectual Property, Technology & Competition)
CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE APPROX. 40-45 INTAKE 1: 10 - 15 INTAKE 2: 10 - 15 INTAKE 3: 10 - 15 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: INTAKE 3: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
23 NOVEMBER – 16 DECEMBER 2016 1 FEBRUARY –24 FEBRUARY 2017 28 JUNE – 21 JULY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET: NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATION STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIPS:
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM The Corrs Seasonal Clerkship Program is a great opportunity for you to experience the people, clients, work and culture that differentiates Corrs from other law firms. You’ll have the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high-profile work for major Australian and international clients across all industries. You’ll soon discover the standards of quality and commitment to clients required to succeed at this level.
NO 10-15 NO YES YES
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You’ll be exposed to a broad range of interesting matters. You may also conduct research, review and present documents, as well as attend client meetings, mediations and settlements. The variety is enormous, so it’s the perfect way to discover the firm and the area of law that excites you most. GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM Our commitment to developing world class lawyers starts at day one. Our Graduate Development Program lays this foundation by providing rich, on the job training with a greater opportunity to work directly with partners and senior lawyers; structured learning; mentoring; and regular feedback. Supervised by partners, you will complete three six month rotations through a variety of practice areas including corporate advisory, banking & finance; litigation & workplace relations; intellectual property, tax, property, infrastructure, construction, planning, environment, and government, as well as pro bono opportunities. You are mentored by senior lawyers and your development is overseen by a dedicated People & Performance team who work with partners and Division Leaders to provide you with guidance, ensuring your success. The program begins with a residential orientation that brings graduates together from around the country in a major city location. Apart from training that enables you to hit the ground running, this program delivers professional relationships and friendships that last your years at Corrs and beyond. WHAT WE LOOK FOR Corrs is a place that celebrates individuals. We’re looking for spirited, determined graduates who think big and like doing things a little differently. In exchange for your energy and commitment we’ll provide extraordinary learning and work opportunities here and on an international stage. We don’t look for a Corrs ‘type’ when we interview potential graduates. Corrs people are individuals, but they do share some traits. Because this is a high performance organisation, Corrs people are good at what they do. They are able to work in a team and bring out the best in the people around them. They want to achieve the best results for the client as well as the firm and they take pride in their work and achievements. Corrs people like to find new ways of doing things and aren’t afraid to be independent and bold in their actions.
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This is a firm with a sense of purpose, so we’ll probably look for that in you, too. WHAT DISTINGUISHES US Corrs is a firm that thinks strategically, not just in its legal work, but also for the firm’s future and the success of its people. Corrs is known for its clear vision and ability to develop and implement strategy, as well as its lawyers’ ability to help clients achieve their business goals. Corrs’ culture of performance excellence drives this achievement and can be seen in our mentoring, coaching and comprehensive learning and development programs, both formal and informal. We draw on the best expertise in Corrs’ own lawyers as well as external specialists to make sure our people never stop learning. The combination of these factors creates a firm that celebrates its independence, is open to new ideas, has the courage to think and act differently from the rest of the market, and thrives on new challenges and opportunities. Our people thrive on this, too. We call it the inspiring workplace. DIVERSITY At Corrs we want the best people and we want diversity of thought. As a law firm operating in the global economy, Corrs seeks to make diversity a strength, with a workplace that champions differences and ensures a richer and more engaging environment. An environment that encourages and retains talented people. We provide flexible working arrangements to support our people as their needs change throughout their lives and careers. We are serious about enabling a truly diverse workforce. We were the first national law firm to publicly launch an ASX Compliant Diversity Policy in February 2012. Our Diversity Policy is tangible evidence of the firm’s commitment to improving our performance in the retention and elevation of women at Corrs. It’s important for our people, our clients and our work. We continued to raise the bar in 2015 when we were named by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency as one of only 90 Australian organisations to receive the Employer of Choice for Gender Equity citation.
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INTERNATIONAL SECONDMENTS Our lawyers strengthen our global network and their own careers by participating in the firm’s leading secondment and scholarship programs. We invest in unique international experiences to help our lawyers grow their skills, cultural understanding and relationships worldwide. Each year, between 10 and 20 lawyers spend between three and 12 months working in one of our global network law firms. This provides an exciting professional experience for Corrs’ best lawyers so that they can immerse themselves in a different culture while gaining international experience and developing valuable relationships. The Corrs global network includes more than 45 firms in 19 countries. This year Corrs lawyers have gone to the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore, China, Spain, India, Germany, Brazil and Indonesia. Overseas secondments are available to Corrs graduates even before they start their legal careers with us. Corrs has partnered with Japanese corporate law firm Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (AM&T) to offer its Foreign Legal Trainee (FLT) Program to our future graduates. You will live and work in Tokyo and have the opportunity to further develop your legal skills while working overseas. As an FLT, you will help prepare English language documentation with Japanese lawyers. You will also have the chance to work with a variety of clients, partners and associates across the firm’s practice areas. EMPLOYEE LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Achieving our goals as a world class law firm requires people with vision, ambition, courage and commitment. We have a workplace that is engaging and truly inspiring, and what we consider to be the most innovative, progressive and supportive people development program in the industry. Our extensive in-house learning and development program will keep your professional skills and technical knowledge up to date. We have a Legal Excellence program, practice group training sessions and career path programs tailored to each level of lawyer. We provide generous support for further undergraduate and postgraduate study.
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The Corrs Scholarship for Individual Excellence program also gives high performing employees the opportunity to attend short training courses at world class institutions. In the past nine years, around 200 people have travelled to study at establishments such as Harvard, Columbia and INSEAD.
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TECHNOLOGY LAW REBECCA MEASDAY, SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Are you interested in working in a fast-paced, challenging and dynamic environment? If so, technology law may be for you! CHALLENGE AND INNOVATION Technology develops rapidly and, in many cases, it changes and evolves much faster than the laws that seek to regulate it. The challenge for technology lawyers is to keep up. As a technology lawyer, you are exposed to the “cutting edge” of technological developments and you never know what legal challenges you may face on a day to day basis. Changes to technology have the ability to radically alter the world we live in. For example, consider the impact that smartphones, Facebook and “the cloud” have had on our day to day lives. As a technology lawyer, you have the unique opportunity to advise on the development, implementation and regulation of such technologies and to work with an interesting range of people from both Australia and overseas. “WORLD-FIRST” OPPORTUNITIES The projects technology lawyers work on may be the first of their kind in the world. For example, the Corrs team recently assisted a University to implement IBM Watson, a cognitive computing platform which can read and understand everyday language and “learn” from its interactions with students. Watson is a ground-breaking new “smart” technology (and it even defeated some long-standing human competitors in a game of Jeopardy!). The project was the first time that Watson had been implemented in a University environment anywhere in the world and, along with a simultaneous implementation at ANZ, was the first time that this technology had been implemented in Australia. THE LIFE OF A JUNIOR LAWYER As a junior technology lawyer, the kinds of work that you might do on a daily basis include: • attending contract negotiations; • drafting contracts, licences and other documents to support an IT project; • reviewing the responses to a tender for a new IT project; • reviewing a “new” piece of technology and considering how “old” laws might apply; • researching changes to the law in Australia and overseas and updating clients and the team; and • explaining how Instagram and Twitter work to partners and clients who still think a fax machine is modern technology! NO “TYPICAL” DAYS In addition to advising on technology law, the Corrs IT team advises clients in relation to large scale intellectual property transactions, such as research projects. For example, last year the Corrs team advised BP in relation to its $20 million Collaborative Research Program with CSIRO in the Great Australian Bight. This project was the largest whole-of-ecosystem study ever undertaken in Australia. The team also advises on privacy and data protection, branding and advertising and general commercial issues. With such a wide variety of work, no two days as a technology lawyer are ever the same. Few areas of the law offer as much variety as technology law. If you are worried about practicing in a “specialised” area of the law; don’t be. Dedicated technology law teams, like the one at Corrs, typically offer plenty of variety, especially for junior lawyers. - 93 -
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT ALANNAH HOGAN, LAWYER (WORKPLACE RELATIONS)
Fortunately, a day in the life of a graduate involves far less photocopying and a lot more meaningful work than you expect. Unfortunately, there’s no way to understand exactly what you’ll be doing and what to expect as a grad until you’re right in the middle of it! The sort of work you will be doing as a grad at Corrs varies widely and depends on your practice group, the matters running at the time and who you receive your work from, among other things. However, you can broadly expect to be required to conduct research and draft internal memos, draft letters and emails to clients, draft advices, review documents, draft contracts, conduct discovery and attend conferences, client meetings and court. You will also attend numerous training sessions and internal seminars as well as networking, sporting and social events. Graduates at Corrs start off the year with a week at ‘Grad Academy’, where you meet your cohort from around the country and participate in a series of training sessions, of course mixed in with a fair bit of socialising in the evenings! This is followed by a week at College of Law and a few days of orientation, which completes the induction process. The grad ‘year’ then involves three six-month rotations across three different practice groups.
”There is a lot to learn – not just about the type of law specific to the practice group you are in, but how to use the computers, how to interact with your colleagues, how to balance your time and manage priorities.” The first couple of months as a grad are challenging. There is a lot to learn – not just about the type of law specific to the practice group you are in, but how to use the computers, how to interact with your colleagues, how to balance your time and manage priorities. Everything you learn at uni is helpful, but there is a big gap between uni and the practice of law. Don’t panic though – it gets much easier as time goes on. It also really helps having the support of the other grads, the people who know exactly what you’re going through. Coffee catch ups and Friday night debriefs go a long way in relieving the stress.
”One of the things I have enjoyed most in my grad year is the amount of interaction you have with clients.” One of the things I have enjoyed most in my grad year is the amount of interaction you have with clients. I was lucky enough to be involved in a big piece of litigation while I was in the Workplace Relations team, during which I corresponded directly with the client on numerous occasions, including attending a meeting solo with one of the client’s senior employees to explain our discovery process and our list of discovered documents. Similarly, I was involved in another matter which meant I had to attend at a client’s offices for three days to assist with conducting a series of interviews. I also wasn’t expecting, and really enjoyed, the level of involvement and autonomy that you can experience as a grad. While it does depend to some extent on the matter and task, my opinion and input is valued and I am able to contribute in a significant and meaningful way. On average, I work more hours than most of my friends who have also started full-time work. However, I am more engaged in what I’m doing that most of my friends too. The work is, for the most part, challenging and rewarding. To me, it’s well worth it.
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ENJOY YOUR INDEPENDENT SPIRIT WWW.CORRS.COM.AU/GRADUATES
Corrs is a place that celebrates individuals. We’re looking for spirited, determined graduates who think big and like doing things a little differently. In exchange for your energy and commitment we’ll provide extraordinary learning and work opportunities here and on an international stage. If you want more, visit corrs.com.au/graduates
DLA PIPER
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DLA PIPER
ABOUT US DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, positioning us to help companies with their legal needs around the world.
TODAY'S TALENT TOMORROW'S LEADERS
We strive to be the leading global business law firm by delivering quality and value to our clients, We achieve this through practical and innovative legal solutions that help our clients succeed. We deliver consistent services across our platform of practices and sectors in all matters we undertake. Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies developing industry-leading technologies. They include more than half of the Fortune 250 and nearly half of the FTSE 350 or their subsidiaries. We also advise governments and public sector bodies.
LEVEL 21, 140 WILLIAM STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: (03) 9274 5000 W: DLAPIPERGRADUATES.COM.AU HR CONTACT SAMANTHA CLARK HR ADVISOR AUSTRALIACAREERS@DLAPIPER.COM
In Australia we are trusted legal advisors to approximately a third of the ASX 100 companies or their subsidiaries and all levels of government.
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP WE ACCEPT ONLINE APPLICATIONS VIA OUR JOB BOARD. VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT DATES AND OUR SELECTION PROCESS. DLAPIPERGRADUATES.COM.AU/APPLY METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP A CLERKSHIP IS THE PATH TO A GRADUATE POSITION AT DLA PIPER. CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE APPROX. 30 INTAKE 1: 10 INTAKE 2: 10 INTAKE 3: 10 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: INTAKE 3: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
PRACTICE AREAS • • • • • • • •
Corporate Employment Finance & Projects Intellectual Property and Technology Litigation & Regulatory Real Estate Restructuring Tax
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM During your seasonal clerkship you can expect to do a variety of things both in and outside the office. The tasks you are involved in will depend on the team you are assigned to and the work they have on at the time. Some common examples include accompanying lawyers to court, attending client meetings and mediations, and assisting on large corporate transactions.
NOVEMBER 2016 - DECEMBER 2016 JANUARY 2016 - FEBRUARY 2017 JUNE - JULY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2016 14 OCTOBER 2016
As a clerk, your learning and development begins with our tailored clerk induction program. The knowledge you gain here is supported by on the job training from partners, senior lawyers and other peers. We also ensure you have regular contact with the other clerks throughout the program through social activities, lunches and presentations. All clerks are assigned a buddy (usually a current graduate)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : NO TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: 9-10 ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: YES (DEPENDING ON WHETHER THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA) LIV SIGNATORY: YES FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS: YES
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and a supervisor (senior associate or senior lawyer) who will support and guide you through the clerkship. GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM Every graduate's career journey will be different, but our Graduate Development program has been designed to provide our graduates with the key knowledge and skills required to be successful in our firm. Our Melbourne graduate program runs over a 15 month period. During this time, graduates undertake a comprehensive learning and development program and participate in our structured rotation program. You’ll gain a commercial perspective on the business of law and your learning will be enhanced through on-the-job training from partners, senior lawyers and other peers. You will also receive the prescribed training necessary for admission. At DLA Piper we recruit to retain and once you qualify, we will continue to offer you exceptional career opportunities, in an environment that is challenging and rewarding. WHAT WE LOOK FOR Being an excellent lawyer requires more than just comprehensive technical knowledge. Every aspect of our approach is tailored carefully to our clients, their business needs and industry. Successful applicants are not only bright, as demonstrated through strong academics, but they also bring unique life experiences and insights to the table. Our lawyers are excellent communicators, collaborative team players and commercially minded, because our clients are the core of our business. WHAT DISTINGUISHES US DLA Piper is a law firm with momentum. Over the past decade, DLA Piper has undergone rapid expansion, responding to global markets and helping our clients deliver on their business strategies. In doing so, we are uniquely placed to provide our people with the global career opportunities they are looking for. Put simply, we offer legal careers on a different scale, working with leading companies and talented people in an environment that is challenging and rewarding , with an entrepreneurial spirit that sets us apart from our competitors.
ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITIONS to read about our achievements and market wins, please refer to our firm advertisement. CULTURE AND/OR DIVERSITY We promote a culture that is inclusive of all; where everyone has the opportunity to grow their career and where pathways to success are transparent. Fostering diversity, inclusion and equality allows us to hire the best talent, build the most effective teams, deliver the highest level of client service and be effective contributors to our local communities. We have a number of initiatives and programs designed to support and promote diversity and inclusion across the firm, with a particular focus on gender, LGBTI, ethnicity and culture. Our Leadership Alliance for Women (LAW) initiative forms a key part of our broader commitment to Diversity. The primary purpose of LAW is to empower our female lawyers by developing leadership skills and creating business development opportunities. The program has three key components: mentoring, skills training and networking. Our partnership with Pride in Diversity provides the firm with extensive support, resources, networking opportunities and training on all aspects of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex inclusion. In recognition of our commitment to diversity, DLA Piper continues to be recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). Holders of the citation are recognised across all industries as leading practice role models and innovative thinkers on issues of workplace gender equality. DLA Piper was one of 90 organisations nationally being awarded the 2016 citation. Our Diversity and Inclusion strategy is led and managed by our people. Chaired by the Managing Partner of Australia, our national diversity and inclusion committee is made up of talented and committed individuals ranging from graduate to partner level, from a cross section of locations to ensure that we are constantly focusing on the aspects that matter the most to our people. WHAT STANDS OUT IN AN APPLICATION We are looking for highly talented people who can demonstrate an affinity with our values to help us achieve our vision. Our lawyers don’t just focus on being experts on technical knowledge. A DLA Piper lawyer has a commercial mind-set, because our clients are at the core of our business.
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The legal market has changed significantly in the past few years and clients have a greater expectation of added value. This added value can take many forms such as efficiency, cost effectiveness or offering additional services, so our graduates need to be good at lots of things. Our client base is very diverse and it’s important that our graduate intake is equally diverse, providing a broad spectrum of ideas and different approaches to help find the best solutions for our clients. Our online application form is where it all begins. We seek people who can articulate a wide range of skills that would make them a valued part of our firm and also part of the legal profession. Successful applicants are intellectually bright people who have a well-rounded personality. While academic results are important, we look for people who have engaged in a range of extra-curricular activities and have sought to broaden their horizons. Our clients have high expectations so we are looking for people who have excellent attention to detail. All too often we see people who fail to progress to the interview stage due to the way they have presented their application, so make sure you double check your information before you submit it. We look for applicants who are excellent communicators and team players with a keen interest in the commercial world. We also look for evidence of organisational skills, motivation, commerciality, analytical ability and an appetite for life. The people who stand out in an interview are usually the ones who have done their research. They are people who recognise that as a law firm, we are not only looking at law, but at business too. They’re up to date on the latest news and have thought about how issues and trends in our local and global markets might affect our clients. In addition to the interview, our assessment process includes a series of activities designed to test people’s abilities in a range of areas. Our advice – be yourself! Ultimately, it is you we are interested in. RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS Our culture and policies encourage pro bono work to support the wider community. We expect our lawyers and staff members to make a serious and sustained commitment to pro bono projects and to our communities. Being global, our responsibility goes beyond the cities and countries where we work and we strive continuously to cultivate this spirit to help less developed and post-conflict countries through New Perimeter, our non-profit organisation. For more information please visit one of our pro bono websites www.dlapiperprobono.com or www.newperimeter.org.
Beyond pro bono, being a responsible business influences everything we do at DLA Piper – doing the right thing by our people, giving our clients responsible advice, supporting our local and global communities, and minimising our environmental impact. We are committed to improving access to careers in the legal profession through our Break into Law initiative that is focused on removing barriers to employment. Our aim is to use our strength as a leading global law firm to ensure underrepresented young people have access to career opportunities within our industry and gain key employability skills. During 2015, a total of 200,400 pro bono hours were donated globally by DLA Piper. This is the equivalent to 116 lawyers working full time on pro bono work for one year. CAREER DEVELOPMENT AT YOUR FIRM At DLA Piper we recruit to retain and once you qualify, we will continue to offer you exceptional career opportunities, in an environment that is challenging, rewarding and, we believe, truly different from our competitors. Our approach to learning and development is simple: we encourage our people to take responsibility for their career development needs, whilst providing them with the support they need to do this. All employees undertake regular performance and development reviews to monitor their progress. Our award-winning International Learning and Development Curriculum has been developed to support the increasing needs of our people as they look to further their careers, whilst supporting our clients: wherever they operate around the world. This includes a range of activities internationally, regionally and locally. All employees have access to formal training courses – ranging from technical courses, business, systems and skills training, to continuing legal education. Our award-winning. International Career Academies provide our lawyers with an opportunity to learn and enhance professional skills at key stages of their careers, whilst developing their internal networks across the firm. In Australia, all graduates attend a national two day Graduate Academy. This provides an invaluable opportunity to build relationships and connections across the Australian practice as well as providing relevant and targeted development to ensure our graduates have the knowledge and skills to build a successful career. Coaching and mentoring are well established forms of personal and professional development here at DLA Piper and we have a number of programs to support the many varied requirements of our people.
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FINANCE AND PROJECTS ELOISE HOPKINSON, SOLICITOR
What sort of matters does your practice group take on? The Finance and Projects team at DLA Piper is a cross-jurisdictional team providing front-end and back-end legal services in relation to corporate, transactional, regulatory and procurement matters. With a strong international focus, our team assists with the delivery of private finance agreements and advises on the development, financing, acquisition and operation of complex infrastructure projects both within Australia, and overseas, particularly in Africa and Asia. In addition to this transactional experience, part of our Melbourne team also specialise in large-scale construction disputes. What opportunities are there in your team for career progression? The Finance and Projects team at DLA Piper is large, and constantly growing. As such, there are a multitude of career opportunities for junior lawyers. For example, many juniors in Finance and Projects are given secondment opportunities right around the country - in Darwin, Sydney, and even overseas. Further, there is real capacity for junior lawyers in Finance and Projects to easily transfer between different DLA Piper offices around Australia. I was given the opportunity to transfer from the Perth office to the Melbourne office. As you progress in your career, these opportunities just increase - we have lawyers that are regularly sent on secondments to a variety of interesting places - from London and Hong Kong, to Vanuatu, East Timor and West Africa. What is it like to work in the group? Breadth of experience The aspect of working in the Finance and Projects practice group in Melbourne which I enjoy the most is the opportunity to work with a variety of talented senior lawyers, on a wide variety of different matters. Due to the fact that our team acts on both front-end and back-end matters, I have had the opportunity to work extensively in both. As a junior lawyer, this is always a positive - often once you are settled, you begin to focus on just transactional or just litigious work. I love the fact that I'm still broadening my expertise in both types of work, as I think it gives you much more breadth, and more time to figure out your particular strengths. National and international focus In the Finance and Projects practice group at DLA Piper, we regularly work closely with our offices around Australia, and even those internationally. For example, in my capacity as a Melbourne lawyer, I have worked on matters run out of Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, and even Paris and West-Africa. This focus on collaboration encourages staff to form mutually beneficial working relationships with people all over the world who you can regularly call on for assistance.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT EMILY STEINER, SOLICITOR Working in the Litigation & Regulatory team, I am exposed to matters that cover a broad variety of subject matter and that range from relatively low-value claims with few key documents to much larger and higher-value claims. I have been involved in discovery, interviewing witnesses, drafting lay witness statements, giving advice in connection with mediation strategy and settlement tactics, preparing clients to give evidence at public examinations, preparing briefs to Counsel, litigation project planning, conducting research and drafting advices. Many of these tasks require a litigation strategy to be carefully formulated (and understood by all working on the matter) before substantive work begins. Working out a strategy and seeing it play out is without a doubt the most exciting part of being a litigator. As an example, in my first large discovery (a rite of passage for all junior litigators), we acted for the Defendant (a commercial airline) in a claim for over $23 million by one of its aircraft maintenance providers. Over 60,000 documents were uploaded to an online document management system on which I would mark documents according to which issues in the dispute they involved, which of the Plaintiff's discovery categories they fell into (if any) and whether they supported our client's case theory or were damaging to our client's position. To do this, I had to be across the eleven claims made by the Plaintiff as well as our client's position on each of those claims. I also had to understand the basics of aircraft maintenance, an area I had no previous exposure to. Discovery proved itself to be more challenging and more stimulating than it is often made out to be. Following discovery, I worked closely with counsel to interview two lay witnesses and draft their witness statements. As a result of one of the witness' significant involvement in the events leading up to the parties' fallout, we had over 20 full days of interviews with him to take him through and extract his recollection of five years' worth of emails he sent and received, documents he drafted, spread sheets he prepared and meetings he attended. That matter settled at mediation. I have since taken on some smaller matters of my own, travelled to a mediation in Sydney where our Dutch clients appeared via video-link from Amsterdam, and advised two senior executives of a publicly listed company prior to their public examinations at the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission. My number one tip is to show your personality and be genuine about it. For law firms, the end game of the clerkship and traineeship process is to recruit and retain a variety of high-performing individuals who fit into, and help develop the culture of the firm. Every firm's culture is made up of a balanced variety of people - I promise you don't have to be like anyone else to be a good fit. If you can be a person that other people within the firm want to work with, you are well on track.
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TODAY’S TALENT TOMORROW’S LEADERS DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
IT’S IN OUR DNA
We are a law firm with momentum. Over the past decade, DLA Piper has undergone rapid expansion, responding to global markets and helping our clients deliver on their business strategies. In doing so, we are uniquely placed to provide our people with the global career opportunities they are looking for.
WINNING
In Australia we are trusted legal advisors to approximately a third of the ASX 100 companies and all levels of government. We have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra.
At its heart, DLA Piper is an entrepreneurial and dynamic firm. We have a supportive and performance based culture founded on the diversity of our people, the communities we operate in and the clients we work with.
#1 Global M&A volume: DLA Piper has retained its number one ranking globally for overall deal volume by mergermarket for the fifth consecutive year. #2 Global brand: DLA Piper ranked second on the Acritas Global Elite Brand Index. +1,000: The world’s leading legal directories have named more than 1,000 of our lawyers and practices among the best in their fields. In Australia, we are recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. We are also members of the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation, supporting workplace psychological health and safety. YOUR OPPORTUNITIES We provide cutting-edge learning and development programs, and an opportunity to work alongside some of the best legal minds around. As a clerk, you can expect to have a varied experience both in and outside the office. You will gain first-hand experience in the practice of law by doing real legal work. Joining us as a clerk is your path to a Graduate position. At DLA Piper we recruit to retain and once you qualify, we will continue to offer you exceptional career opportunities, in an environment that is challenging, rewarding and, we believe, truly different from our competitors. We are also committed to supporting our people’s desire to experience working life in other parts of the world. For our Graduates we offer the opportunity to apply for a six month rotation to one of our offices in Asia. We believe our secondment program fosters a global mind-set and is critical to our success. WHAT IT TAKES Being an excellent lawyer requires more than just comprehensive technical knowledge. Every aspect of our approach is tailored carefully to our clients, their business needs and industry. Successful applicants are not only bright, as demonstrated through strong academics, but they also bring unique life experiences and insights to the table. Our lawyers are excellent communicators, collaborative team players and commercially minded, because our clients are the core of our business. For more information about our clerkship opportunities, please visit www.dlapipergraduates.com.au
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EY
DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD A BETTER WORKING WORLD? At EY we like to look for smarter and better ways to do things. We like to ask, what if? You see, the biggest breakthroughs in this world happen by asking these two small but powerful words. Lasting achievements start with looking at things in a different way and that’s what we’re all about. It’s the legacy we’re creating for our clients, communities and our people. And we’d love for you to be involved.
BUILDING A BETTER WORKING WORLD
”Using the knowledge you’ve gained from your studies, you’ll help all types of companies, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multinationals.” Using the knowledge you’ve gained from your studies, you’ll help all types of companies, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multinationals. We’ll provide you with experiences that’ll shape your career for years to come. Because when you grow, we do too. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CAREER 8 EXHIBITION STREET, MELBOURNE, VIC, 3000 W: EY.COM/AU/EN/CAREERS/STUDENTS
Whether your future lies in Tax, Transactions or Advisory, we’ll provide the learning, experiences and coaching you need to become a successful professional.
HR CONTACT JAMIE SHENKER CAMPUS RECRUITMENT SENIOR CONSULTANT CONTACTRECRUITEMENT@AU.EY.COM
TAX
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR VACATIONER ONLINE APPLICATION METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE PROGRAM ONLINE APPLICATION VACATIONER POSITIONS AVAILABLE APRROX. 90 KEY DATES PROGRAM: APPLICATION OPEN: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
DECEMBER 2016 - FEBRUARY 2017 CLOSED. WILL REOPEN IN JULY AUGUST 2016 MARCH/APRIL OR JULY/AUGUST
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED:
If tax laws are always changing, how can you stay one step ahead? We develop strategies for our clients to help them work out the best way for them to run their business while they manage their tax position in a complex, global world. By helping our clients meet their obligations, we’re helping them grow their business profitably but also supporting the government and the communities in which they operate. Surrounded by some of the best tax minds in the country, we’ll develop you to be a global business advisor. bit.ly/EYATax TRANSACTIONS
YES TBC YES
How do you turn one deal into a lifelong relationship? Our Transaction Advisory Services teams help businesses and government bodies make big decisions on how best to raise, invest, optimise and preserve their capital. Do they need to buy a company or merge with a competitor? Should they sell an
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underperforming business? Do they have the most appropriate business model? You’ll get involved in highly strategic projects, working end-to-end on a transaction, from strategy to execution. bit.ly/EYATransactions ADVISORY How will you transform the way businesses make decisions? In an unpredictable, uncertain business world of relentless disruption, clients demand innovative approaches to solve complicated issues and capitalise on opportunities. Your experiences will be wide and varied, as you help your clients transform their businesses by helping them respond to change, manage business risks, leverage technology and find smarter ways of operating. bit.ly/EYAAdvisory YOUR EXCEPTIONAL EY EXPERIENCE BEGINS HERE Game Changers Club You know there’s more to studying than just understanding theory. It’s never too early to look beyond the theory and start exploring how your skills could build into a career. As a member of our Game Changers Club, you’ll be invited to attend events throughout the year. You’ll network with business leaders and EY professionals who’ll share insights and stories about the decisions they’ve made in their careers. ey.com/au/careers/gcc
the type of career you’d like to shape. Plus, the best bit is, if you impress us we’ll offer you a permanent position after you graduate. If you’re a high performing vacationer, you may be selected to attend the 2017 International Intern Leadership Conference (IILC) in Florida, USA. Apply if you are finishing in 2017: ey.com/au/careers/vacationer Graduate Program Join us full-time after graduation and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your career goals. We’ll propel you forward — so you can start to build the future you want immediately. You can enjoy early responsibility, expand your network and build your skills. Just imagine the confidence you’ll gain through new experiences with leading clients in different industries. You’ll get to work with experienced professionals who’ll guide you to be your best. After all, we want to help you be the best you can be, because when you shine, we do too. ey.com/au/careers/graduate
Career Compass Program Discover a new direction with our Career Compass Program. During our structured learning sessions you’ll learn how to evaluate your career options to make smarter decisions for your future. The Career Compass Program experience is designed to give you a first-hand experience of EY, so you can find out as much about us as possible: our people, our culture, how we do business, how we operate and most importantly, how we can help you to create your future. Demonstrate that you’re a high achiever and you may be invited to interview for our Vacationer Program. ey.com/au/careers/ccp Vacationer Program A vacationer position at EY can offer you a better head start. You’ll get real work, real clients and real experiences — now. Explore your interests, plus learn business skills, gain hands-on work experience and receive world-class training. You’ll be able to get a sense of our culture and values, and clarity about - 107 -
GILBERT+TOBIN
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GILBERT+ TOBIN
ABOUT US Gilbert + Tobin is a leading corporate law firm and a key player in the Australian legal market. We provide innovative, relevant and commercial legal solutions to major corporate and government clients across Australia and internationally, particularly the Asia-Pacific region.
JOIN THE GAME-CHANGERS OF AUSTRALIAN LAW
”With a focus on dynamic and evolving market sectors, we attract the brightest legal minds in the country” With a focus on dynamic and evolving market sectors, we attract the brightest legal minds in the country; a diverse mix of highly talented and motivated people who work with some of the world’s most successful organisations on ground breaking projects and matters. We have become the legal advisor of choice for industry leaders who value out entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach and determination to succeed.
LEVEL 22, 101 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: (03) 8656 3300 W: ME.GTLAW.COM.AU HR CONTACT ANU BRIGGS MANAGER, PEOPLE TEAM, MELBOURNE ABRIGGS@GTLAW.COM.AU METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP APPLY VIA CVMAIL FOR OUR VICTORIAN CLERKSHIPS, GO TO WWW.CVMAIL.NET METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP APPLY VIA CVMAIL, GO TO WWW.CVMAIL.NET
PRACTICE AREAS
CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE APPROX. 18 INTAKE 1: 6 INTAKE 2: 6 INTAKE 3: 6 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: INTAKE 3: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
Our Melbourne office is located at 101 Collins Street in the heart of the CBD, providing advice to clients domestically and internationally across the following practice areas: • • • • •
21 NOVEMBER – 16 DECEMBER 2016 16 JANUARY – 3 FEBRUARY 2017 26 JUNE – 21 JULY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : OPEN: 15 JANUARY 2016 CLOSE: 3 FEBRUARY 2016 TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
We are as restlessly ambitious and innovative as we were when the firm was established 28 years ago. Employing more than 500 professionals, we are proud of our continued recognition as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality and acknowledgement as a pioneer in providing pro bono services.
Banking + Infrastructure Competition + Regulation Corporate Advisory TMT + Project Services Litigation
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM During the clerkship program you will have the opportunity work in one practice group. You will be assigned a supervising partner, a mentor and a buddy from the group to help you settle in and provide you with on-the-job learning and development.
YES
10-15 NO YES NO
Upon commencement, our clerks participate in our formal induction program which includes an
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overview of our IT systems, meeting our partners and lawyers and getting to know our practice groups. You will start to understand the mechanics of legal practice through researching legislation and case law, preparing and drafting memos, completing research, observing negotiations, meeting clients, or perhaps working as part of a deal team. You will work directly with partners and lawyers and be actively involved in matters as part of a practice area team. GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM Our graduate program commences at the end of February of each year. Our graduates undertake real work, build relationships with partners, lawyers and clients, and become an integral part of each practice group. Our 18 month graduate program consists of three rotations of approximately six months each. As well as working in your practice groups you will also be involved in a range of development opportunities, knowledge management, and pro bono activities. WHAT WE LOOK FOR We look for ambitious, highly driven people who can identify with G+T’s core attributes of performance, innovation, authenticity and collaboration, who enjoy what they do and don’t take themselves too seriously. WHAT DISTINGUISHES US
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Through secondment opportunities our lawyers are able to work in-house both locally and internationally to help expand their understanding of our clients and gain a greater understanding of relevant industry sectors. In addition our lawyers and graduates regularly spend time in our Sydney and Perth offices or working directly with our clients in-house.
”Each year we offer one of our graduates the opportunity to undertake a 10 month international secondment with Japanese law firm Anderson, Mori and Tomotsune, one of the largest and most diversified corporate law firms in Tokyo.” Each year we offer one of our graduates the opportunity to undertake a 10 month international secondment with Japanese law firm Anderson, Mori and Tomotsune, one of the largest and most diversified corporate law firms in Tokyo. In 2013, graduate lawyer Frederick Brodie completed the AM&T secondment as part of his Gilbert + Tobin graduate program. This was a great way to experience another law firm and culture whilst still contributing towards his graduate experience. Frederick completed the remainder of his graduate program in our Melbourne office, becoming admitted in 2014 then settling as a lawyer in our Corporate Advisory practice. PRO BONO WORK
”We work within a flat structure, which means our clerks and graduates have direct access to lawyers and partners who are experts in their fields” We work within a flat structure, which means our clerks and graduates have direct access to lawyers and partners who are experts in their fields, as well as matters that will improve their skill sets and career prospects. As a young and independent firm, we are not constrained by tradition, so we are always open to change, new ideas and different perspectives on how to deliver the best outcomes to our clients. We also pride ourselves on being innovative, solutions oriented and modern in our approach to work.
Lawyers have a responsibility to ensure the legal system is fair, equitable and accessible to all. In 1996, Gilbert + Tobin was the first law firm in Australia to appoint a full-time in-house pro bono lawyer. The firm now has a dedicated group of a graduate, two lawyers, one special counsel and Michelle Hannon as partner. We are proud advocates of social justice and focus on providing advice and support to marginalised and disadvantaged clients and the organisations that work with them. The practice covers many diverse areas of law including discrimination, administrative law, defamation and public international law. Pro bono work at G+T is particularly focused on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, refugees, people with disabilities and the protection of human rights.
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GILBERT + TOBIN GRADUATE ERICA CHAN, GRADUATE Welcome to the beginning of your life. Sound hyperbolic? It’s not. Becoming a graduate is one of the first defining moments of your professional career. After all those hours bent over assignments, all those days cramming for exams, all those years of study... you finally get to put it into practice! So you search for a firm that ‘fits’, that gets you excited about the type of work they do and the type of people they are. You look for an environment where you know you’ll be mentored and thrive. And then you go for it. For me, that firm was G+T. It’s the people. I began at G+T as a seasonal clerk in the TMT + Projects group in 2013 and I was immediately struck by the quality of the firm, its culture, and its people. Once you step inside the columned hall of 101 Collins Street and ascend to the G+T office on Level 22, you walk into a unique and dynamic space where a small group of people bound by in-jokes, camaraderie and weekly drinks do first class national and international top-tier work. I’d heard about G+T’s energy, relative youth, and commitment to diversity but it’s another thing entirely to experience and work in the vibrant community those values create. So what’s it like? Just to paint a picture, right now I sit two desks away from Craig Semple, one of Australia’s leading M&A lawyers. This week I chatted at lunch with Janet Whiting, one of Australia’s top commercial litigators, who was also named in The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards in 2015. For our grad induction, G+T flew us to the Sydney office where we met with our fellow grads and discovered a diverse group of future friends and colleagues including a food blogger, a former journalist, a classical music singer, a mooting grand finalist and a former professional chess player. Every day, I work in an inspiring team of partners, lawyers and support staff who are highly specialised in the arts of big software deals, telecommunications contracts and the occasional weekend barbecue or corporate triathlon. Work and play. With such role models, mentors, colleagues and friends, the work is both challenging and rewarding. G+T’s graduate program consists of three six-month rotations in the following practice groups: TMT + Project Services, Corporate Advisory, Banking + Infrastructure, Competition + Regulation and Litigation. Whichever practice groups you choose, it’s inspiring going into each team knowing that it’s regarded as one of the top practices in the market. So far, the highlights for me have been sitting in on client meetings, conducting substantive contract gap analyses, doing pro bono work, reviewing another country’s telecommunications and postal legislation, and participating in a cross-practice group, firm-wide due diligence project. Every day is different, so I’m always looking forward to what comes next! In short... Look forward to your grad year. There are a lot of myths floating around campus but if you find the right place that fits you, you’ll have a great foundation for the rest of your professional career. So welcome to the beginning of your life.
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HALL & WILCOX
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HALL & WILCOX
ABOUT US Hall & Wilcox is a leading Australian independent business law firm. At Hall & Wilcox, we deliver smarter law. This means being smarter across our entire business - by being progressive, by our commitment to excellence and by our focus on building great relationships. For clients, this translates to better quality, better value, improved efficiency and greater ease of doing business.
SMARTER LAW. SMARTER CAREER. HALL & WILCOX.
We have offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Perth and Canberra, and act nationally for Australian-based clients and multinational clients with Australian interests. We are a firm of more than 400 people, including 64 partners. We have depth and breadth of expertise across a number of practices and industry sectors. PRACTICE AREAS LEVEL 11, RIALTO SOUTH TOWER 525 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: (03) 9603 3555 W: HALLANDWILCOX.COM.AU HR CONTACT MIRANDA CAWSE HR ADVISOR MIRANDA.CAWSE@HALLANDWILCOX.COM.AU P: (03) 9603 3418 METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP CVMAIL METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP CVMAIL
CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE 20 INTAKE 1: 10 INTAKE 2: 10 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
28 NOVEMBER –16 DECEMBER 2016 3 JULY - 21 JULY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
TBC 8 YES YES YES
With over 400 people, including 62 partners, we have depth and breadth of expertise across a number of practices and industry sectors. We act nationally for Australian-based clients and multi-national clients with Australian interests. Our growth over recent years has enabled us to build a practice that meets the key needs of our clients. Our prominent areas of practice include: • Banking & Finance • Capital markets • Competition and consumer law • Corporate and commercial • Debt recovery • Employment and workplace relations • Financial services • Insolvency and reconstruction • Insurance • Intellectual property • Investment funds • Litigation and dispute resolution • Mergers and acquisitions • Migration services • Privacy • Private clients • Property and projects • Regulatory and compliance • Superannuation • Tax Also, our industry groups include: • Health and aged care • Technology, media and telecommunications • Sports and entertainment • Government and public sector
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• • • •
Energy, resources and utilities Education and training Agribusiness Franchising, retail and distribution
full-time employment and their transition to each rotation. Within each rotation, Law Graduates are also allocated a mentor and this provides a genuine opportunity to work alongside and benefit from the experience of senior lawyers at the firm. Law Graduates are given the opportunity to work with people across the firm at all levels, and this provides them with a solid foundation for their legal career.
For further information, please go to: http://www.hallandwilcox.com.au/expertise/ SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM Each year, we run two seasonal clerkships in Melbourne. Our seasonal clerkship program gives students the opportunity to experience life at Hall & Wilcox and allows us to get to know the students. On commencement, seasonal clerks participate in an induction program which provides an understanding of the firm’s structure, the work we do, our clients, training in IT systems and office procedures. All aspects of the induction enable seasonal clerks to successfully complete their clerkship at the firm. Following the induction seasonal clerks are placed into one of our practice areas (taking into account their preferences). Within the practice area, seasonal clerks will be allocated a mentor and a buddy for guidance and support throughout their time with firm. Our seasonal clerks also participate in practice group training sessions, practical workshops (for example letter writing) and attend Law Graduate Development sessions. There are also many opportunities to be involved in extra-curricular, social and sporting activities. Some examples of work that students may undertake during their clerkship with Hall & Wilcox include research tasks, drafting correspondence and documents, observing lawyers in meetings, conferences, mediations or at court. It is important to us that seasonal clerks undertake real legal work during their clerkship with the firm. GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM The Graduate Program allows our Law Graduates gain experience in many of the firm’s practice areas through our 4 rotations, each of 3 months duration. The benefit of our rotation system is that by the end of the Graduate Program, Law Graduates can make an informed decision about which practice area they might like to practise. We feel that by offering Supervised Workplace Training (SWT), our Law Graduates gain extensive on-the-job training that will equip them with the necessary skills, firm knowledge and practical experience. Extensive support is also provided during each rotation. Law Graduates are allocated a ‘buddy’ to assist them in their transition from university to
As part of a Graduate’s development, it is essential to receive regular and ongoing feedback. Our Law Graduates receive ongoing feedback during each rotation as well as formal feedback at the end of each rotation. Law Graduates also benefit from our Law Graduate Development Program which involves weekly training sessions and in addition to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions to further enhance their skills. These personal and professional development initiatives are designed to help Law Graduates progress quickly and make a smooth transition into their legal career. WHAT WE LOOK FOR We look for well-rounded applicants, with strong academic results and interests outside of university and work. In addition, applicants with languages and/or commercial/ business experience will be highly regarded. WHAT DISTINGUISHES US
”We aim to strike a healthy balance between working hard and maintaining a high level of professionalism whilst also having fun.” Culture is something that differentiates Hall & Wilcox as an employer. Our culture has been described as warm and welcoming, inclusive and supportive. We aim to strike a healthy balance between working hard and maintaining a high level of professionalism whilst also having fun. By having happy and engaged people, we ensure our clients also receive a great experience. Another point of differentiation for aspiring lawyers is our Graduate program. Law Graduates at Hall & Wilcox in Melbourne undertake Supervised Workplace Training as opposed to Practical Legal Training (PLT). We strongly believe that offering our Law Graduates extensive on-the-job training through the completion of Supervised Workplace Training will equip them with the necessary skills, firm knowledge and practical experience to succeed in their legal
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career. We also offer Law Graduates the opportunity to rotate through several practice areas of the firm. This allows our Law Graduates to make an informed decision about which practice area they would like to specialise in after the completion of their Graduate Program.
spondence and documents, observing lawyers in meetings, conferences, mediations or at court. It is important to us that seasonal clerks undertake real legal work during their clerkship with the firm.
CULTURE AND/OR DIVERSITY Hall & Wilcox is proud of and cherishes its culture. Our culture is special and is underpinned by our values (Hallmarks). Our Hallmarks are an expression of how our people go about their work. By having all of our people live our Hallmarks each day, we will deliver smarter law to our clients. Our Hallmarks are: • Stay True • Be Remarkable • Respect Respect • Evolve Always; and • Better Together. The things our people love about working at Hall & Wilcox include the warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere; inclusive and respectful culture; Friday night drinks; our art program; our offices; social and sporting activities; motivated and enthusiastic leaders; collaborative team environment and community involvement. WHAT TYPE OF WORK A SEASONAL CLERK WILL UNDERTAKE Our Seasonal Clerkship program gives students the opportunity to experience life at Hall & Wilcox and allows us to get to know the students. On commencement, seasonal clerks participate in an induction program which provides an understanding of the firm’s structure, the work we do, our clients, training in IT systems and office procedures. All aspects of the induction enable seasonal clerks to successfully complete their clerkship at the firm. Following the induction seasonal clerks are placed into one of our practice areas (taking into account their preferences). Within the practice area, seasonal clerks will be allocated a mentor and a buddy for guidance and support throughout their time with firm. Our seasonal clerks also participate in practice group training sessions, practical workshops and attend Law Graduate Development sessions. There are also many opportunities to be involved in extra-curricular, social and sporting activities. In terms of work, some examples of work that students may undertake during their clerkship with Hall & Wilcox include research tasks, drafting corre- 116 -
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INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING NATASHA TOHOLKA, PARTNER
Insolvency and restructuring combines both front and back end work, is technically challenging and can lead to rewarding client relationships. An insolvency and restructuring practice usually incorporates one or more of: • personal insolvency (e.g. bankruptcy, personal insolvency agreements etc); • corporate insolvency (e.g. voluntary administrations, liquidations, receiverships); • restructuring (with our without a formal insolvency appointment). Who are the clients? Clients include insolvency practitioners (who are generally registered or Official liquidators/bankruptcy trustees), secured creditors (e.g. financial institutions), unsecured creditors and debtors. Just like other areas of law, firms generally split along creditor and debtor practices, although there can be cross-over. Insolvency practices are generally counter-cyclical, that is, when the economy is booming, work can slow in the insolvency profession. However, when the economy turns, insolvency practices come into their own. Prominent insolvencies in the last few years include managed investment schemes (e.g. Timbercorp, Gunns), mining services and engineering firms (e.g. Hastie) and manufactuers (e.g. Arrium). What is it like to work in insolvency? Working in insolvency means that you see a wide range of fact situations and gain exposure to a large number of industries. No two files are the same. There can be cross-border insolvency issues and interaction with foreign insolvency practitioners. There is often a substantial element of problem solving involved and there are still many unresolved legal issues which require testing via the courts. Recent High Court of Australia decisions in this field include: Fortress Credit Corporation (Australia) II Pty Ltd v Fletcher [2015] HCA 10 (orders under s 588FF(3) of the Corporations Act 2001 to extend the time within which a company’s liquidator may apply for orders in relation to voidable transactions), and Commissioner of Taxation v Australian Building Systems Pty Ltd (in liquidation) [2015] HCA 48 (whether liquidators are obliged to retain funds pending a tax assessment). Do I need a degree in accounting or business as well? Insolvency and restructuring law at its best is technical, challenging and interesting. A successful career requires planning and commitment to further study. However, do not be put off if you don’t have an accounting or business degree. There are many Masters level subjects offered by various universities, and I highly recommend the Advanced Certification, overseen by the Australian Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association (ARITA). The Advanced Certification comprises two Masters level subjects in personal and corporate insolvency and successful completion of the Advanced Certification is a prerequisite for full ARITA membership. Workshops are held during semester with the opportunity to network at these with your insolvency peers. ARITA represents the majority of insolvency practitioners in Australia and membership provides valuable networking and continuing professional development opportunities for those in the industry. Check out the ARITA website for useful information regarding the insolvency profession, case updates and fact sheets for stakeholders at: http://www.arita.com.au/. Finally… taking the time to speak to a practitioner in the field makes a lot of sense, as does securing work experience in an insolvency/restructuring department (whether at a law firm, or in an accounting/business advisory practice with an insolvency/restructuring group). Good luck!
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HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
- HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS -
HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
ABOUT US Takeovers and mergers. Arbitration and litigation. We’ve got it all. And because we’re one of the world's leading law firms, we also work with some of the biggest international organisations on some of their most ambitious projects. Thanks to the quality of our international network, we’re able to offer our clients both domestic and cross-border services, which means you get the chance to work in a truly global way.
BE A PART OF EVERYTHING
Our work is incredibly varied. We provide top quality tailored legal advice to major corporations, governments and financial institutions as well as different types of commercial organisations. We’re proud to be a full-service firm and we’re proud to be able to do more for our clients. Herbert Smith Freehills is a place where you won’t just experience everything, you’ll be a part of it. So if you’ve got the drive and ambition to become an exceptional lawyer, we'd like to hear from you. LOCATIONS
LEVEL 42, 101 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: +61 3 9288 1234 W: CAREERS.HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM/AU/GRADS/
Bangkok, Beijing, Belfast, Berlin, Brisbane, Brussels, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Honk Kong, Jakarta*, Johannesburg, London, Madrid, Melbourne, Moscow, New York, Paris, Perth, Riyadh*, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo (*Associated office)
HR CONTACT HONG LE GRADUATE RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT E: GRADUATES.MELBOURNE@HSF.COM
OUR STRUCTURE
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP CVMAIL CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE APPROX. 70-80 INTAKE 1: 25-30 INTAKE 2: 25-30 INTAKE 3: 25-30 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: INTAKE 3: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
PRACTICE AREAS
24 NOVEMBER – 16 DECEMBER 2016 2 FEBRUARY – 24 FEBRUARY 2017 6 JULY – 28 JULY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
We’re organised along five divisions - corporate; dispute resolution; finance, real estate and projects; employment, pensions and incentives; and competition, regulation and trade.
YES YES YES
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • - 120 -
Asset management and investment funds Capital markets Competition, regulation and trade Compliance and regulatory Corporate Corporate crime and investigations Corporate governance and head office advisory Crisis management Dispute resolution Employment, pensions and incentives Environment, planning and communities Finance Intellectual property Mergers and acquisitions Projects and infrastructure
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• Real estate • Restructuring, turnaround and insolvency • Tax
We encourage students to participate in our vacation clerkship program and we fill the majority of our graduate positions through this program. We do not currently have a separate graduate recruitment program planned.
IMPORTANT VALUES TO THE FIRM We look for exceptional people with the desire and ability to become truly brilliant lawyers. And there’s more to that than just a great academic record. There’s fantastic perception skills. There’s confidence. There’s empathy. There’s an international mindset. There’s diligence. And there’s the drive to not only experience everything, but to be a part of it.
We also run a number of graduate and clerkship programs in our overseas offices.
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
We are interested in who you are and the strengths you can bring. We recruit employees from a wide range of backgrounds who possess the qualities we look for in our lawyers: intellectual curiosity, confidence, clarity of thought, the ambition to grow personally and professionally, and the ability to develop exceptional working relationships with clients and colleagues. We have prepared some more detailed information on our website: careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads/join-us
Finding the right fit for you is key to deciding where to start your legal career. Since working together is a good way to get to know each other, we offer a range of summer and winter clerkships in each of our Australian offices. 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 of the legal sections of the firm. You will have the opportunity to work with our lawyers as a member of our legal team, attend professional development seminars and briefing sessions on business development strategies and information technology. Of course, there is also a variety of social events organised for the clerks. GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM Our structured graduate program is designed to provide the best foundation for your future success, wherever your career takes you. Graduates will have three rotations in different practice groups. During each rotation, graduates are assigned a supervising partner and buddy. A learning and development program also supports the on-the-job learning to help you to develop your leadership, business development, negotiation and presentation skills. Training takes place during working hours and is delivered by internal experts as well as specialist providers and leading commentators. Herbert Smith Freehills funds and assists graduates at the firm who need to complete practical legal training to gain admission to practice.
To find out more visit our graduate careers website: herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers WHAT WE LOOK FOR
OUR WORK IN THE COMMUNITY Some of our most rewarding work comes from individuals, NGOs and developing country governments who make up our pro bono clients. We at Herbert Smith Freehills believe that everyone should have equal access to justice and opportunity. We are committed to using our expertise, resources and leadership to ensure that this vision becomes a reality, through pro bono and community programs. All of our lawyers are encouraged to do pro bono work, and all pro bono work is billable. • last year Herbert Smith Freehills Australia did over 38,000 hours of pro bono legal work, an average of 42.7 hours per FTE lawyer. This is a contribution of around AUD$11 million dollars of legal assistance to the community • we provide pro bono legal advice to marginalized individuals and not for profit organizations, especially those that work with disadvantaged people. In addition to casework, we provide systemic advocacy to challenge inherent inequities in society, and take on clients through legal clinics based throughout the country • each year the firm donates a significant sum to our focus areas of need. These donations include matching staff contributions through our Work place Giving Scheme • staff are also supported in their own fundraising efforts and are encouraged to volunteer; with
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activities ranging from supervising law students under the CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship Program, to cooking meals for families at Ronald McDonald House Find out more about our community work by visiting: herbertsmithfreehills.com/about-us/pro-bono-and-citizenship/reconciliation-action-plan.
about yourself. Even so, the interview is your opportunity to present yourself in the best light. We’ve prepared some more detailed guidance on our website: careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads/join-us
A RICH AND DIVERSE CULTURE
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
Herbert Smith Freehills is proud to promote a culture of fairness, equality and inclusion. We believe that having a diverse and open workplace adds new dimensions to how we tackle client challenges and drives innovation forward. Wherever you join us, you’ll find talented people with different views, experiences and backgrounds.
Our international network means that we can offer opportunities and experiences that are unrivalled in scope. In 2014 we launched our international secondment program for Australian graduates to our Singapore, Hong Kong and London offices and we are continuing to review and expand our secondment program.
In Australia, we have focused our efforts on fostering inclusivity. Through a series of initiatives, we’ve worked hard to affirm our commitment to equality in the workplace.
To hear about Ben and Mia’s experiences on international secondment go to our website:
For more information on our diversity and inclusion program visit:
GRADUATE
SECONDMENT
careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads/graduate-program
herbertsmithfreehills.com/about-us/diversity-and-inclusion. INTERVIEW PROCESS Applications for vacation clerkships should be submitted via CVmail. Your application should include a brief cover letter, a current CV and a recent copy of your academic transcript. We ask all candidates to answer a few short questions about their interest in Herbert Smith Freehills and commercial law generally. Candidates who are invited to interview will be asked to complete an online assessment. We’ve included some information on our online assessment process to help you prepare: careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads/join-us We run events in each state throughout the recruitment period, where you can meet our lawyers in an informal setting. Chat with our graduates and junior and senior lawyers, and ask any questions that haven’t been answered. We aim to make the interview as relaxed as possible. It’s less about us asking a list of prepared questions and more about giving you a chance to tell us all - 122 -
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN PRACTICE RACHELLE DOWNIE, SOLICITOR
Diversity of experience underpins my practice as an intellectual property disputes lawyer at Herbert Smith Freehills. Since joining the firm as a graduate in 2011, I have been fortunate to work on a range of stimulating and high profile matters with the best lawyers and intellectual property barristers in Australia. The Intellectual Property (IP) Disputes team at Herbert Smith Freehills is a specialist group that sits within the Dispute Resolution practice group. Our global Dispute Resolution practice is ranked Band 1 in Chambers Global 2016. The team works with leading clients from a range of industries, with a particular focus on the life sciences (including pharmaceuticals), IT, consumer products and the energy and resources sectors. We act for a number of high-profile international and Australian clients. We are leaders in the field and in March 2016, the Australian IP Disputes team was awarded Australian Contentious Firm of the Year in the Managing IP Global Awards. As a lawyer in our team, you will quickly gain experience in all aspects of IP law, ranging from patents to trade marks, copyright to confidential information and even designs and possibly plant breeder’s rights. This exposure to different aspects of IP law not only provides you with the opportunity to work on advisory and litigious work, but also to learn about various fields of technology, medicine and brands. We frequently work on complex and interesting matters, often involving the making of new law. The team’s involvement in a number of recent patent matters before the High Court is illustrative of the exceptional opportunities available at Herbert Smith Freehills. As a junior lawyer in the team you will be involved in all aspects of a matter. You will have the opportunity to work directly with partners, senior associates and solicitors in the team, as well the ability to work with other practice groups such as Corporate, TMT, Dispute Resolution and Trade Marks. We also work closely with Freehills Patent Attorneys and barristers. For example, you are likely to attend client meetings, undertake interesting legal research, assist clients in protecting their brands, assist with the preparation of court documents and attend trial and/or appeals before the Federal and Full Federal Court of Australia. A key highlight of my experience has been the opportunity to work on the Australian aspect of cross-jurisdictional patent disputes. The value and importance of pharmaceutical and IT patents means that multi-jurisdictional patent litigation is increasingly common. The ability to contribute to the global coordination of litigation by working with overseas legal counsel and colleagues across the Herbert Smith Freehills network has been exceptional. Importantly, the IP Disputes team is an enjoyable and rewarding place to work. The level of support and guidance provided by the team is exceptional – the team actively encourages lawyers of all year levels to participate in meetings and voice their ideas. Being a large global firm, the opportunities are also considerable. In addition to being exposed to work of the highest calibre, several of our lawyers have undertaken client secondments and some others are on internal secondments to our overseas offices. Looking back, I am so glad to have chosen Herbert Smith Freehills as the firm to start my legal career at. If you are interested in working on stimulating and challenging matters and learning from superbly talented lawyers, then I highly recommend rotating through our IP Disputes team.
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DIARY OF A HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS GRADUATE DINISI SIRIMANNE, SOLICITOR
The road to becoming a lawyer can be long and arduous – law school, applying for and completing clerkships (and other work experience), starting as a graduate in a firm whilst completing further studies for a certificate of legal practice and finally being admitted into practice. And that’s only just the beginning of a lawyer’s career. Finding the right firm to support this journey and build a longstanding legal career can be a difficult task and a career defining choice. For me, Herbert Smith Freehills was the clear standout firm for a range of different reasons. I commenced as a full time graduate at the firm in March 2015 in the Corporate practice group (Technology, Media and Telecommunications) for my initial six-month rotation (all graduates must complete 3 rotations prior to specialising). I have since completed a rotation in Private Equity (another Corporate group) and am currently in my final rotation in Project Finance (a sub-group of the wider Finance practice group). Having had no real insight into any of these practice areas prior to starting at the firm, I prepared myself for a daunting 18 months ahead. However, my initial trepidation was short sighted. In every single team, I worked with an extremely dedicated, learned group of professionals (partners, executive counsels, senior associates and junior solicitors) that supported and guided my learning at every turn. The partners were always approachable and welcomed my queries. The senior associates were heavily invested in guiding the juniors and ensured time was spent in showing the graduates the proverbial ropes. As my time here has taught me, the real ethos of the firm is to ‘have a go’ and to relentlessly pursue the most commercially and legally sound output, collaborating with expertise across the firm to tailor the desired outcome for each client, irrespective of the level of experience. In fact, from day one a graduate can be expected to participate in client calls, attend face-to-face negotiations and strategy discussions, draft contracts, client advices and other legal documentation, manage legal due diligence processes and drive deal completions. In addition to practical training, each practice group also runs a rigorous training programme specifically tailored to provide a baseline for graduates to work from whilst they settle into each rotation. Despite being a large, global firm, there is a real sense of community within the work environment, fostered by a close-knit, down-to-earth collegial culture. As a general rule, the calendar is generally filled with client networking events, internal firm drinks, morning teas, breakfast presentations or practice group social outings. As a graduate, attending these events meant making new connections within the firm, sharing experiences with colleagues and learning tried and tested methods for success from others that have faced similar circumstances. They also serve as vital training ground for business development and general networking skills. At Herbert Smith Freehills, a serious investment is made into each and every graduate to harness and enhance their future legal careers. That is the firm’s real point of difference. The opportunities that I have been given and the support and guidance received from my immediate firm network has certainly built my skillset and confidence to tackle large-scale projects and market-leading legal work. I have no doubt that this will set me on course to achieve a well-rounded, long-spanning and rewarding legal career.
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BE A PART OF EVERYTHING
HSF ADVERT
GRADUATE CAREERS IN LAW Join Herbert Smith Freehills and you’ll do more than just experience life at a leading law firm, er - whether you’re working on a high-profile takeover, catching up with an overseas client or taking on some challenging pro bono work. It’s an erence. Don’t just experience everything, be a part of it.
SEARCH HSF GRADUATES FOR MORE
K&L GATES
- K&L GATES -
K&L GATES GROW YOUR CAREER
ABOUT US K&L Gates is a commercial law firm operating at the intersection of globalisation, innovation, and regulation to deliver legal solutions for clients facing an increasingly complex global marketplace. K&L Gates have more than 2000 lawyers across five continents. Within Australia, K&L Gates has lawyers located in 4 offices: Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. K&L Gates practices law on an integrated basis and has the largest integrated network of offices of any global law firm. With a presence in Australia's leading financial and commercial centres, K&L Gates represents leading global corporations, growth and middle-market companies, capital markets participants and entrepreneurs in every major industry group as well as public sector entities, educational institutions, philanthropic organisations and individuals.
LEVEL 25, 525 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE P: (03) 9205 2000 W: KLGATES.COM
”We are leading legal advisors relating to industries critical to the economies of both the developed and developing worlds”
HR CONTACT CARLA DI VINCENZO HR BUSINESS PARTNER CARLA.DIVINCENZO@KLGATES.COM (03) 9205 2000
We are leading legal advisors relating to industries critical to the economies of both the developed and developing worlds – technology, manufacturing, energy, transportation, telecommunications, financial services, and life sciences, among others.
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP CV MAIL
With the extraordinary inbound investment into Australia from Asia, especially from China, and 4 of Australia's 5 largest trading partners – China, Japan, Korea, and India – located in the region, the firm has the resources on the ground to handle the most sophisticated legal requirements. Over each of the last five years our revenues exceeded $1 Billion.
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP E-MAIL CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE 15-20 INTAKE 1: 8-10* INTAKE 2: 7-10* KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
PRACTICE AREAS
FEBRUARY (4 WEEKS) JULY (4 WEEKS) 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
NO NO YES YES
We have 9 key practice areas on our global platform, however our most prominent practices in Melbourne are: • Corporate & Transactional • Finance • Financial Services • Intellectual Property • Labour, Employment and Workplace • Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Policy & Regulatory • Real Estate Please visit our website for more detailed information on each practice area at www.klgates.com - 128 -
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SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM During your clerkship at K&L Gates, you will benefit from being involved in real legal work. This will include participation in client meetings and court visits, research and drafting of advice and general within one or more of our practice areas. WORK A SEASONAL CLERK WILL UNDERTAKE
you’ve demonstrated initiative, tenacity and potential. Curiosity: You’re a strategic thinker who solves problems creatively. Maturity: You possess sound judgment and have excellent people skills. You’re confident and professional.
At K&L Gates you will participate in a comprehensive induction program that continues throughout your clerkship to learn important skills to lay the foundations for a successful legal career. You will work closely with partners, senior associates and have the support of a junior lawyer or trainee lawyer as a buddy. There are also a number of social and sporting activities that are organised to help you to network with others across the firm and, most of all, have fun!
Passion: You must be dynamic, enthusiastic and excited about our firm.
GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM
WHAT DISTINGUISHES US
Our graduate program is designed to give you the technical expertise and commercial context to succeed. Throughout the year you are supported with a buddy, supervisor and mentor. Partners and senior lawyers will support and guide you through each rotation and support your career development. Your buddy, a junior lawyer, will help you transition into your new role.
”Choosing a career at K&L Gates is choosing to be part of a progressive and innovative law firm that continues to grow year on year.”
Your professional development program runs weekly. It combines Practical Legal Training (PLT) (delivered in-house by the College of Law) with sessions presented by partners, lawyers, external presenters and our professional development team. Our program delivers skill development in 2 key areas – fundamental legal abilities and professional legal skills which incorporate: • legal technical skills (analysis and judgment); • client service (client and business knowledge, networking); and • personal effectiveness (communication, work ethic, motivation and maturity).
First class communication skills: You possess the ability to speak and write clearly and intelligently. Attributes of a team player: You’re approachable and enjoy participating in group activities. You’re a good listener. And you’re always willing to share thoughts and ideas.
Choosing a career at K&L Gates is choosing to be part of a progressive and innovative law firm that continues to grow year on year. We work with market leaders across many industries in a range of exciting areas of commercial law. We have a one-company, one-team mentality, constantly seeking ways to add value to our clients and your career objectives. We look to recruit talented people, then provide the opportunities and support for them to achieve their best.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Your career will benefit from unprecedented exposure to high profile deals on an international platform. You will have access to a global knowledge bank to help you develop and grow. Most importantly you will be part of a straight talking culture where you are recognised for what you do and how you do it.
We believe in hiring individuals who will become a part of our collaborative, committed and diverse team.
Join us and you will join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to providing exceptional client service.
To be successful at K&L Gates you will have: Leadership experience: You’re a self-starter committed to personal and professional development. And
Learn what makes our global law firm different: • Check out our Facebook page: /klgatesgraduate-recruitingau
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• Check out our brand video on YouTube: /klgate-slaw • Or visit our Careers page at www.klgates.com for application details EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES At K&L Gates you will participate in a comprehensive induction program that continues throughout your clerkship to learn important skills to lay the foundations for a successful legal career. You will work closely with partners, senior associates and have the support of a junior lawyer or trainee lawyer as a buddy. There are also a number of social and sporting activities that are organised to help you to network with others across the firm and, most of all, have fun! PRO BONO WORK Each lawyer has a minimum number of pro bono hours they must achieve each year. Ideally you will be involved in pro bono matters during your clerkship. This will be dependent on the nature of the work that is available in the practice area during your clerkship. APPLICATION TIPS/WHAT STANDS OUT Solid academic results are important but to be a successful lawyer you need to demonstrate talent and skill in a variety of areas. You need to be able to demonstrate in your application commerciality, logic and attention to detail, as well as an enthusiasm for delivering exceptional service.
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SIMON CASINADER, LAWYER
The K&L Gates IP group, or “IP”, is a dynamic and experienced group of practitioners with 6 partners and a team of over 17 lawyers and patent attorneys across our Melbourne and Sydney offices. The Australian IP team is one of the top 10 firms for filings of Australian trade mark applications and similarly in the United States of America K&L Gates is one of the top filers of patents and trade marks every year. The Australian IP team acts for clients that vary in size and industry. Key clients for the group are in industries such as fashion, sports, food and beverage, supplements, mining and construction. Our task is to assist our clients to protect, and if required enforce, their intellectual property rights. The types of intellectual property rights we deal with everyday are trade marks, designs, copyright, patents and confidential information. Our firms global presence is also a huge advantage for our clients, with over 225 intellectual property lawyers across 31 offices in Australia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Asia and Europe. One of the best aspects of working with the K&L Gates IP team is that we work in small teams so that junior lawyers, graduates and seasonal clerks can have a key input in assisting us to realise our client's goals. With the great variety of clients and types of intellectual property rights that we deal with, no two days will ever be the same and it is quite common for you to be working on a number of vastly different matters at any one time. By the very nature of our work, each matter is different and raises a wide range of legal, commercial and organisational issues. As our group does both intellectual property procurement and enforcement, members of the team get a wide range of experience very early on in their career. Graduates and seasonal clerks are involved in all aspects of our practice, and common tasks may include: • drafting correspondence including letters of advice and letters of demand; • conducting trade mark, patent and design clearance searches and advising on trade mark and design registrability; • drafting pleadings and other court documents; • conducting legal research; • drafting and filing trade mark and design applications; • advising clients on overcoming adverse trade mark and design examination reports; • drafting submissions in response to adverse trade mark and design examination reports; • dealing with foreign colleagues and agents with respect to international intellectual property prosecutions; • trade mark oppositions; • domain name disputes; and • writing eAlerts, blog posts and others articles on intellectual property topics (If you are keen to keep up to date on IP issues visit the IP Law Watch Blog - http://www.iplawwatch.com/) To prepare yourself to undertake a graduate rotation or seasonal clerk placement in the Australian IP team, it would assist if you have completed an intellectual property law or similar course at university. However, this is definitely not a requirement as many of the skills that make a great IP lawyer can be learnt on the job.
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LEARNINGS OF A 'LEWSER' MEG AITKEN, FIRST YEAR LAWYER (LABOUR, EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE SAFETY - LEWS)
The entire graduate year has come and gone and yet it still feels peculiar to be writing this article as an admitted lawyer and not as a law student - though the further along my journey in the law I go, the more confident I become that the latter is an enduring title! While I may no longer be a 'law student', in the sense that I am not currently attending a tertiary institution, as a first year lawyer in the Labour, Employment and Workplace Safety (LEWS) team at K&L Gates, I am learning more than I ever have. "Learning is not compulsory, but neither is survival." - W. Edwards Deming During my graduate year, I completed rotations in the LEWS, Insurance Litigation and Commercial Transactions and Outsourcing teams. The graduate program provided a unique opportunity to gain experience across a number of different areas of law. I found it particularly useful to take the time in each rotation to explore the diversity of the area by seeking out a wide variety of work from different people within the team. By doing this, I have been lucky enough to instruct counsel in court, attend mediations, draft briefs to counsel and a myriad of court documents, as well as provide advice in relation to a broad range of regulatory, compliance and liability issues, and have also been closely involved in a number of large transactions and negotiations. “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand” - Confucius The practice groups at K&L Gates are large enough to attract a diverse range of high quality work, but small enough to provide graduates and junior lawyers with opportunities to take on a significant amount of responsibility from early on in their careers. I have found that by encouraging junior lawyers to push ourselves and providing high quality support and guidance, I have had the opportunity to 'have a crack' at a number of challenging tasks that would otherwise be left to more senior lawyers. "Two heads are better than one" – Proverb I have been encouraged as a junior lawyer to be curious, to always ask questions and to think laterally. K&L Gates fosters a collaborative work environment, where lawyers genuinely work together by sharing their thoughts and leveraging the enormous skills and expertise of others. I have found the firm's focus on knowledge sharing to be particularly beneficial at the graduate level, as partners and senior lawyers are generous with their time and are focused on mentoring, training and developing younger lawyers. "The main thing, is to keep the main thing, the main thing" - Stephen Covey While it may all seem overwhelming at times, if you are considering beginning your career with K&L Gates, I would encourage you to leave your comfort zone at the Rialto entrance. By challenging yourself from day one, you will experience more, strengthen your legal knowledge and abilities and hone your true interests.
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DEMONSTRATING COMMERCIAL AWARENESS Firms expect candidates to demonstrate “commerciality” or “commercial awareness” in their application, but how do you do it? “And what is commerciality”? It’s not enough to say you are interested in commercial law to demonstrate your commerciality to firms like K&L Gates. You need to sell your attributes and experiences that demonstrate an interest in the business world, ideally linking with our firm’s practice. Are you part of an industry networking group? Do you follow the changes and growth of a particular sector because it interests you? Have you thought about the impact legal services could have on this industry to enhance its position? Commercial awareness is important to all law firms, particularly K&L Gates. You may tailor your approach depending on what type of firm you are targeting and where you would like to start your career. For example, if you have set your sights on a leading national or international firm, you could develop relevant commercial awareness by reading newspapers such as the Australian Financial Review or business related websites. This will help build your awareness of developments in the world of business, such as mergers and acquisitions, divestments, insolvency/administrations among marketleading companies that may impact firms such as the ones you are targeting. If you want to work locally, familiarise yourself with the ins and outs of local businesses and the nature of their clientele. This will demonstrate your commercial nous and interest, and if your career goal is a graduate role with a firm that specialises in a particular area, such as shipping, you’ll want to be aware of the most important players in the field and the sort of transactions that take place. Firms want you to demonstrate your commercial awareness in an interview setting but how do you do this? Preparation is key! As you would prepare to demonstrate “critical thinking” in an interview, you should also prepare to demonstrate your “commercial awareness”. You might like to start with asking yourself the following questions: • What practice areas does the firm focus on? • Who are their key clients? Are they businesses, or ‘ordinary
people’? • What’s going on in the market sector? Are there legal or
regulatory changes on the way, or does the economic situation have a larger-than-usual impact? At K&L Gates, we have an excellent resource called the HUB, which can provide you with a plethora of information in this regard.
• As a graduate what can you bring that the firm needs to achieve
its goals? You may not say this explicitly; however it’s helpful to demonstrate it through and example (remember the STAR method of responding to questions – explain the Situation, Task, Action and Response). • How do your own goals and interests fit into the firm structure?
As you will be interviewing for a graduate position, it’s helpful to demonstrate that you understand how the firm is structured, what the hierarchy looks like, and that you understand that you will start your career with limited knowledge and experience. Most firms should have this available on their website. It is also important to understand that the overall goal of any business (which includes a law firm) is to make money. Whether you are a commerce, economics or arts major, it is important to show some level of financial awareness. This means you should demonstrate that you always look for the value for the client for example – how would you assist a client to achieve cost savings through improving efficiency in your work. The role of a lawyer is not just technical; it is also about being a trusted business advisor to our clients. Lawyers must help clients to achieve their business goals. It is important to consider commerciality from the client’s perspective. Think about how you can add value to their busi ness. A client may come to you for advice regarding an M&A deal, but there can be more ways to enhance your service offering by looking beyond that advice and offering alternative solutions. Alternatively, you may have the opportunity to cross sell other areas of the business i.e. employment law that will be required as a flow on from the deal. It may not be exactly what they are looking for, but it puts the wheels in motion and gets them thinking about the possibility, and you never know where that may lead. At K&L Gates, we look for innovative people who are passionate about how the law interrelates with all facets of not only business, but society in general. Keep your finger on the pulse by reading newspapers, blogs and books to gain a broader understanding of how the law and changes to the law can impact businesses locally and globally. We don’t expect you to know the answer, but you should be able to articulate your ideas. Being a global law firm, at K&L Gates we want to see that you have an understanding of what it takes to be a team player from a global perspective. That could mean discussing how an economic downturn or a spike may impact certain offices or areas of practice. A great candidate shows awareness of both our business and the current marketplace.
• How would a domestic, international or global firm leverage a new
client? • You may then like to consider how you might fit into the firm.
Consider the following:
For more information about this topic: https://targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors/law-solicitors/291163-commercialawareness-and-how-to-achieve-it-by-trainee-solicitors-and-law-recruiters http://www.skillsyouneed.com/general/commercial-awareness.html
KING & WOOD MALLESONS
- KING & WOOD MALLESONS -
KING & WOOD MALLESONS THE POWER OF TOGETHER
LEVEL 50, BOURKE PLACE, 600 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE, VIC ,3000 P: 0(3) 9643 4000 W: KWM.COM HR CONTACT SIANEAD KENNEALLY GRADUATE RESOURCING CONSULTANT SIANEAD.KENNEALLY@AU.KWM.COM METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP SUBMIT APPLICATION VIA OUR WEBSITE WWW.KWM.COM/CAREERS METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP SUBMIT APPLICATION VIA OUR WEBSITE WWW.KWM.COM/CAREERS CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE APPROXIMATELY 65-75 INTAKE 1: 20-25 INTAKE 2: 20-25 INTAKE 3: 20-25 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: INTAKE 3: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
24 NOVEMBER – 12 DECEMBER 2016 19 JANUARY – 10 FEBRUARY 2017 JULY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : OPEN: 18 JULY 2016 CLOSE: 21 AUGUST 2016 OFFERS: 26 SEPTEMBER 2016 TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
TBC
ABOUT US King & Wood Mallesons is helping clients across the globe to make smart choices to shape their future success. As a global law firm, over 2,700 lawyers in more than 30 international offices are cutting through the challenges facing business and providing commercial solutions that are transforming the way legal services are delivered. Our ability to connect emerging opportunities with market leading capability is pushing the frontiers of what can be achieved connecting Asia to the world, and the world to Asia. We differentiate KWM through our people. Working in collaborative, flexible teams we apply our expertise in connecting with and caring for our clients, standing in their shoes, understanding what they want and then going ‘all out’ to deliver. Key statistics: • Global top 25 firm by revenue and a global top 10 firm by lawyer numbers; • US$1.037 billion global revenue; • More than 30 international offices; • 590+ partners and more than 2200 lawyers to create one of the (largest international legal networks in the Asia region); • More than 80 global awards in 2014 • #12 global legal brand and #2 global brand in Asia • Our clients range from a mix of global financial and corporate powerhouses through to the new industry-makers and all levels of government (some for over 200 years); and • We are the only law firm able to practise Chinese, Hong Kong, Australian, English, US and a signifi cant range of European laws. *Source: 2015 Acritas Sharp Global Elite Brand Index and Acritas Asia Pacific Law Firm Brand 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 PRACTICE AREAS
TBC YES YES YES
• • • • • - 136 -
Banking & Finance Dispute Resolution Mergers & Acquisitions Projects & Real Estate Taxation
- KING & WOOD MALLESONS -
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM Clerks usually work in one practice group for the duration of the clerkship. You’ll be allocated a supervisor in your practice group 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. During your time in the team, you’ll be involved in telephone conversations, meetings, client visits and with deals the team is working on. Every clerk receives feedback. Informal feedback is also provided on the job from partners, senior associates or solicitors talking you through the work you do. 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.
GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM Our graduates participate in a targeted development program comprising of 3 x 6 month rotations. We have a framework that cultivates valuable skills and that sets them up for success now and in the future. 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.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR We recruit high achieving, client centric, learning agile people with an international perspective. We understand that technical excellence is only one success factor. We are looking for people who have an intellectual curiosity and are intrinsically motivated. Excellent marks are not necessarily a predictor of career success. • Are you empathetic? Can you stand in the shoes of our client and experience the problem from their perspective? • Are you traditional and risk averse or are you excited by a changing and fluid work environment? • Team work: We believe in team work and the ‘Power of Together’.. Through a high performance culture our results are realised through collaboration, innovation and engagement.
WHAT DISTINGUISHES US Our ability to connect Asia to the world and the world to Asia, is our key differentiator. Through local connections and deep understanding of the region’s culture we are focussed on opening up the world’s fastest growth region for clients. King & Wood Mallesons is a unique employer for a number of reasons. As the only global law firm that can practise Chinese, Hong Kong, UK, Europeanand Australian law, we offer real depth and local connections in China.
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Our Australian practice spans international, local and regional clients, focussed on creating value in a real and tangible way. With an ambition to help clients to shape their business for the future – we can help you to shape your world, too. That’s because our people are our future and a significant source of pride to us at KWM. With more than 200 years of collective knowledge and experience, we know that our future is in the hands of the next generation of lawyers. So, if you come to KWM, you will work hard, and have access to the latest learning and development, plus the chance to mix with lots of different people.
RECENT ACCOLADES/RECOGNITIONS • More than 80 global awards in 2014 • #12 global legal brand and #2 global brand in Asia • We are the only law firm able to practise Chinese, Hong Kong, Australian, English, US and a significant range of European laws.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES As part of the Graduate Program, you are also able to apply for a six month placement in one of our international offices.
WORK/LIFE BALANCE Many Graduates tell us one of the main reasons they joined the firm was the people. We work hard together but we also enjoying spending time with each other outside the office. Each centre has social and sporting committees to help organise a wide range of activities and benefits for staff to enjoy, from themed Friday night drinks, to gym memberships. We also have a multitude of sporting teams including soccer, basketball, netball and cricket. We also offer support through a number of Health & Wellbeing programs and initiatives including annual skin cancer checks and flu shots, and subsidised private health insurance.
PRO BONO / KWM IN THE COMMUNITY Our firm is proud of the ongoing contribution that we make to the community. KWM in the Community is a multi-faceted, national integrated strategy that uses the skills of our lawyers and non-lawyers. We donate money and volunteer our time.
As a firm, we have defined our specific charitable targets as being to: • help children and young people at risk. • help alleviate poverty and improve community welfare. From the first day that you are with the firm, you have countless opportunities to become involved with pro bono cases. Junior solicitors gain invaluable experience working with pro bono clients and running files through to their completion. King & Wood Mallesons are also proud partners with the Human Right Law Centre and Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Our solicitors work closely with the HRLC and ASRC, and we also provide secondment opportunities through these partnerships.
APPLICATION TIPS We are looking for clear, succinct and well-rounded applications. We appreciate candidates who have a balance between dedication to studies, part-time/ casual work, extra-curricular activities and personal interests (yes, we are interested in your personal interests as well – just not a full page of them!).
INSIGHT PROGRAM The Insight program is an opportunity for law students who are not yet eligible to apply for a seasonal clerkship to see what life is like in a commercial law firm. As part of the Insight Program we will give you: • A high level overview of how King & Wood Mallesons is structured, what areas of law we practice and the type of clients we work with. • An in-depth look at particular matters in the firm. • A chance to listen to some of our staff talk about their experiences supporting our community programs including pro bono legal services, charitable giving, volunteering initiatives and community partnerships. • Plus the opportunity to shadow one of our lawyers. Chinese language skills are NOT a pre-requisite, but valued – Languages aren’t a prerequisite. In our Hong Kong or China offices Mandarin is preferred.
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MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LOREN GILES, LAW GRADUATE
After clerking with King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) in December 2014 I was thrilled to accept an offer to return as a Law Graduate in 2016. The graduate program consists of three six-month rotations through different practice groups, which is a great way to experience different areas of law and find what you are most interested in. I am currently rotating through Corporate M&A, and I am really enjoying the challenge of working in a fast-paced transactional environment. KWM often advises a company right from their establishment to going public, to raising capital, acquiring or selling businesses and assets, and also on corporate governance issues. The role of an M&A lawyer is to understand the client’s commercial drivers in the particular transaction, analyse the risks associated with different approaches or structures and then work out the best way to help the client achieve their goal. A large part of an M&A lawyer’s function is the planning, coordination and management of all the different aspects of the transaction. As a junior M&A lawyer at KWM there is a wide range of work you will be involved in such as drafting transaction documents and public documents such as prospectuses, assisting with due diligence and conducting legal research. A large transaction will often involve many different legal issues and you will have the chance to work with colleagues from other groups such as Tax or Competition. A rotation through M&A enables you to develop a solid commercial skill base which will be transferable to any other rotation that you do. KWM advises many of Australia’s most iconic and respected companies from the ASX 100 to new start-ups. Large transactions will often involve working closely with senior executives and directors of these companies, which is an amazing opportunity. The high quality of work and chance to learn from Partners and lawyers who are regarded as experts in their area are some of the key reasons why I chose to come back to KWM as a Graduate. Being a global law firm also provides lots of exciting opportunities to work on complex cross-border deals and develop networks with other lawyers around the world. Even as a Law Graduate there are opportunities to work overseas in cities such as Hong Kong or London through our international rotation program. In addition to commercial work, there are many opportunities to get involved in interesting pro bono legal matters which is really encouraged by the firm. This is a great way to further develop your skills in communication and advocacy, and also gain independence in running your own files. It is really rewarding to be able to help those who need it most in our community. On a personal level, I have found that working at KWM gives you the chance to become the type of lawyer that you want to be: there is no one mould or typical ‘KWM lawyer’. Individuality is celebrated and the firm’s commitment to each person’s ongoing development and personal growth is really incredible.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT MATTHEW SPAIN, SENIOR ASSOCIATE (DISPUTE RESOLUTION) The career path you have taken to where you are now: I went straight from high school to uni and then straight into work. In hindsight, I think I really would have enjoyed a gap year before starting work. I was too keen to quit my uni job and start earning “real money”. You’ve worked really hard to get through uni and deserve a good break. Work/life balance: I am separated (but now happily married!) and have two young children. I really appreciate the flexibility that KWM has always provided me so that I can leave work at 4pm each Wednesday and Friday, and be later into work a few mornings a week so that I can juggle picking the kids up from school with my work commitments. Sometimes that means I have to work from home after the kids are in bed, but having that flexibility is invaluable and I wouldn’t be able to raise the family that I want to raise without it. There are certainly some times that it gets really busy in DR, but the work is generally pretty predicable because it’s usually set by Court directions. If you have a commitment on, people are generally understanding and it’s not an issue to attend it. Practice group office dynamics: Most people in DR are a lot friendlier than you might think litigators to be! We all get along really well, enjoy having a laugh and there are always people around to ask questions of and collaborate with. We have regular team and business development meetings and there is always an opportunity to lead or be involved in new initiatives. There is a real drive on to get people working for multiple partners across multiple offices. It’s really enriching working with so many great and clever people. Typical day-to-day work: No two days are ever the same. I typically try and plan my day when I get to work over a cup of coffee. There are often two or three meetings (either with clients, other staff, Counsel or going to Court or a mediation) that I attend during the day. Other than those structured times, I am able to go at my own pace to get through the work that needs to be done. That can involve writing letters to other parties, collaborating with colleagues and Counsel on issues, preparing memos, reviewing work from more junior staff and having an input into the strategy of a matter. I’ll often check in with the more junior staff to see how they are going, not only with the work I have given them, but with their work load to make sure that they aren’t too busy and that work is being spread evenly. As you will see, there is a large scope of work in the day-to-day; it’s not purely legal work. Learning experiences: As bad as it sounds, I don’t think a day has gone by where I haven’t learnt something. Whether it be through the formal CLE programs, working with Counsel or colleagues or undertaking or reviewing research performed by others, being in DR means that you never stop learning. It’s also great learning negotiation skills and being able to conduct mediations on behalf of clients. Challenges your practice group deals with: I think it’s a general challenge to most practice groups in most firms to compete for great work and retain great staff. KWM applies significant resources to both of these areas. Essential skills for a lawyer: Aside from knowing the law well, it’s really important to be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get into tasks, listen to your clients, have a commercial and pragmatic approach to matters and be prepared to listen to and learn from other practitioners. Something you wish you had known before entering practice: You will always make mistakes. Don’t worry about it. Most can easily be fixed. Rather than stew on it, raise anything that goes wrong and the people around you will work with you to fix it and won’t point the finger. Advice for law students seeking seasonal clerkships and graduate traineeships: Be yourself. It’s a really tough market at the moment. Keep an open mind and don’t have your heart set on one particular firm or even tier of firm. There are many career paths available which will help you develop and learn.
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Future Focussed Press play on a forward thinking career choice • High performance culture • Competitive team spirit • Drive and passion to be #1
KLIGER PARTNERS
- KLIGER PARTNERS -
KLIGER PARTNERS
ABOUT US Kliger Partners’ Lawyers are industry experts in their areas of practice, striving for consistently high quality legal services across Building & Construction, Commercial & Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Entertainment, Estate Group, Family Law, Franchises, Insurance, Intellectual Property, Owners Corporations, Property, Employment, special interest US group and across the Retail Industry. Kliger Partners is a firm made up of a range of specialist practice areas servicing a client base that includes large ‘household name’ companies, SMEs, high net worth individuals and family businesses. We are committed to providing a full range of quality legal services to all clients. We have strong Principal-led practices, with teams of specialists and experts who have serviced the legal needs of Melbourne and national clients since 1981.
“In return for the skill, experience and dedication that our employees contribute, we offer excellent career prospects as well as a workplace in which individuals can realise their professional aspirations“
LEVEL 2, 280 QUEEN STREET, MELBOURNE 3000 P: (03) 8600 8888 W: KLIGERS.COM.AU HR CONTACT DAVINA ONAS HR MANAGER CAREERS@KLIGERS.COM.AU METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP THROUGH FIRM WEBSITE METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP THROUGH FIRM WEBSITE CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE 6 INTAKE 1: 3 INTAKE 2: 3 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
Kliger Partners value cultural attributes such as work/life balance, flat structure and inclusiveness of all employees.
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER JUNE - JULY MONDAY 11 JULY SUNDAY 14 AUGUST TBC 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
Our commitment to training and personal development of all our people is demonstrated through our mentoring / coaching program. In return for the skill, experience and dedication that our employees contribute, we offer excellent career prospects as well as a workplace in which individuals can realise their professional aspirations while maintaining a great work life balance.
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM A Seasonal Clerkship at Kliger Partners offers the opportunity to experience life as a lawyer in a fast paced and practical environment. NO 1-2 YES NO YES
Seasonal Clerks will be given a buddy and mentor through our program and will also be supervised by a Principal Lawyer. Groups will get Seasonal Clerks as involved as possi-
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ble with lots of practical experience including client contact, opportunities to attend mediation and court hearings, working on research and advice and being involved with our different practice areas while working closely with Lawyers and Principals across the firm. GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM Our graduate program consists of three rotations across three different practice areas giving graduatesan opportunity to explore different areas of the law and understand the different practices across the firm.
Kliger Partners aims to act as a model Corporate Citizen and undertake both charity and pro-bono work to give back to the community because as legal practitioners we have a responsibility to improve access to justice for all members of society. Each year Kliger Partners nominates a list of charities and organisations to support for the financial year. In addition, our firm completes pro bono work for a variety of organisations.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR Kliger Partners offers Seasonal Clerkships to talented and motivated law students. We look to recruit people who are not only technically excellent, but also capable of building strong relationships with colleagues and clients while being able to deliver a commercial and solution-driven approach. EXTRA-CURRICULAR BENEFITS AND ACTIVITIES Kliger Partners has a range of extra-curricular activities and benefits for employees including: • Salary sacrificing options • Continuing Professional Development program • Associated professional memberships and practising certificate fees • Social events and functions • Competitive salaries • Income protection insurance • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS The firm has a formal CPD program and study policy available to all employees. We invest in our people and support their development both professionally and personally. We encourage our staff to participate in external seminars and training programs to enhance their skills, and support them to pursue further qualifications such as postgraduate and professional studies through our generous study leave and financial assistance policy. PRO BONO WORK Kliger Partners provides an environment where lawyers are able to act in line with corporate social responsibility principles and practices in order to support the community that we operate in.
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KPMG
- KPMG -
KPMG
A CAREER BEYOND ACCOUNTING Our Legal, Advisory, Enterprise, Tax and Audit teams are shaping the future of leading organisations across Australia. With one of the country’s most varied range of client engagements, we’ll have you working with the nation’s most respected companies from day one. You’ll receive dedicated development and mentoring, and mix with some of the brightest minds around. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to work on community and environmental programs that make a genuine difference to our society. At KPMG we believe that business has a vital role to play in solving social and environmental problems, we support numerous organisations in the areas of education, social inclusion and health. But it’s also our diversity that sets us apart – we’re not tied to certain qualifications, backgrounds, disciplines or experiences. As long as you can ask the big questions as well as answer them, challenge us as much as much as we challenge you, we’ll never hold you back. If you want a career for all of you, talk to KPMG. CULTURE & VALUES As one of the world’s leading professional services firms, we work with organisations in over 155 countries to work smarter, grow and prosper. In Australia, we employ around 7,600 people across 13 offices and work with some of the most high profile public and private names. Our open and friendly culture embraces individuality, rather than curbing it. We encourage building communities, and understanding the bottom line. We’ll encourage you to chase your personal goals as well as professional ones and build a successful and individual career at your own pace. To find out more and to submit your online application, please go to www.kpmg.com/au/grads
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KPMG LAW KPMG Law is KPMG’s affiliate law firm in Australia. Regularly working alongside KPMG, we provide high quality legal services, delivering a complete end-to-end solution for our clients. We offer a range of legal services to help our clients identify and manage the legal risks in their businesses and commercial transactions and remain focussed on achieving their broader business objectives. What do we do? Our legal team offers both tax controversy and commercial law services. As the tax environment across the globe becomes more complex, and the challenges facing our clients’ businesses change, our tax controversy team works with its clients to provide legal advice for all tax matters. This includes helping our clients ensure that they can communicate transparent and correct information to the market, and engage with revenue authorities on areas of focus. We also help clients proactively manage investigations by revenue authorities into their tax affairs, and represent clients in litigation against revenue authorities. We also provide strategic advice to resolve tax disputes through a variety of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The matters that our tax controversy team work on are wide-ranging: • clients can be large multi-national companies, small domestic companies, trusts or individuals • the taxes in dispute can vary from corporate income tax to state taxes, and • we act for clients at all stages of a matter, from pre-transaction stage all the way through to litigation. Our commercial law team assist our clients with: • • • • • • • • •
Public and private M&A IPOs, capital raisings and backdoor listings Joint ventures and shareholder agreements Corporations Act and ASX Listing Rules advice Company establishment and advising on legal requirements to establish operations in Australia Corporate group restructures Commercial agreements (including management services agreements and distribution agreements) Foreign investment approvals (FIRB and ACCC) Employment law issues arising at all points of the employment life cycle (including employment contracts and entitlements, enterprise agreements, executive remuneration, misconduct and discipline, workplace investigations, workplace health and safety, redundancies and downsizing, and employment disputes), and • Employee incentive arrangements, including employee incentive plans. What are we looking for? We are looking for technically excellent, high-performing applicants who can assist our clients with effectively identifying and managing legal risks and provide forward-thinking, strategic legal solutions. Applicants must have (or be currently completing) a law degree.
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When you’re embarking on a career in the corporate world, it pays to choose a company that can keep pace with your ambition. KPMG can.
Go
Beyond Your horizons
With one of the country’s most diverse range of projects – in both accounting and advisory – we’ll have you working with the nation’s most respected companies from day one. You’ll receive world-class training and mentoring, and mix with some of the brightest minds around. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to work on community and environmental programs that make a genuine difference to our society. But it’s our diversity that really sets us apart. It means we’re not tied to certain qualifications, backgrounds, disciplines or experiences. As long as you can ask the big questions as well as answer them, challenge us as much as much as we challenge you, we’ll never hold you back. If you want a career for all of you, talk to KPMG. kpmg.com/au/grads
© 2015 KPMG, an Australian partnership. All rights reserved. VICN13444PPC.
LANDER & ROGERS
- LANDER & ROGERS -
LANDER & ROGERS
ABOUT US Lander & Rogers is a leading independent Australian law firm operating nationally from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. We have seven main areas of practice and are a principal advisor to many publicly listed and private Australian companies, Australian subsidiaries of global companies, as well as all levels of government.
“We provide practical legal advice, along with exceptional client service, and we are renowned in Australia for our down-to-earth and friendly culture.” LEVEL 12 BOURKE PLACE, 600 BOURKE ST MELBOURNE P: +61 3 9269 9000 W: .LANDERS.COM.AU
We provide practical legal advice, along with exceptional client service, and we are renowned in Australia for our down-to-earth and friendly culture.
HR CONTACT LAURA GRANT GRADUATE RESOURCING CONSULTANT LGRANT@LANDERS.COM.AU P: +61 3 9269 9333
We have a distinctively happy workplace, achieved through selectively recruiting people who think and act collaboratively and will strengthen our culture. The firm comprises 63 partners and approximately 400 lawyers, support and business services staff. We have grown organically, resulting in a highly cohesive firm sharing a strong work and services ethic, and high staff and partner retention rates.
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP EITHER VIA OUR CAREERS PAGE: HTTP://FSR.CVMAIL.COM.AU/LANDERS/MAIN.CFM OR VIA WWW.CVMAIL.COM.AU METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP WE RECRUIT GRADUATES UNDER THE LIV PRIORITY OFFER SYSTEM AND ASK ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES TO APPLY THROUGH EITHER OUR CAREERS PAGE: FSR.CVMAIL.COM.AU/LANDERS/MAIN.CFM OR VIA CVMAIL.COM.AU CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE APPROXIMATELY 30 INTAKE 1: 10-12 INTAKE 2: 7 INTAKE 3: 10-12 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: INTAKE 3: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
The firm’s legal services are multi-disciplinary in nature and cover Corporate, Commercial Disputes, Compensation Law, Family & Relationship Law, Insurance Law & Litigation, Property, Projects & Infrastructure and Workplace Relations & Safety. SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM Our seasonal clerkship program is a law student's key opportunity to gain firsthand experience of the law in practice, and our working environment.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 JANUARY /FEBRUARY 2017 JUNE/JULY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
You'll be well looked after... our seasonal clerkship program is built on learning and fun. We know you’ve joined us because you’re curious about what it’s like to be a lawyer, so we’ll do everything we can to show you the way by giving you a chance to have a go for yourself.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: LIV SIGNATORY:
PRACTICE AREAS
NO 10 YES
The work you'll find yourself doing... on joining us you’ll be teamed with two lawyers (one experienced, and another a little closer in level to you) who immerse you in the day to day running of their practices. - 152 -
- LANDER & ROGERS -
What that means on a practical level will vary depending on the practice group you join (we’ll ask you to indicate your preferences), and could involve: • researching points of law and summarising your findings • drafting correspondence, court documents and sections of commercial agreements • reviewing and analysing legislation and case law • observing our lawyers in action at meetings, conferences, mediations and court • attending practice group discussions.
GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM
It's not all work though... you’ll also have plenty of time to get away from your desk to join the other clerks in your group.
Building on your experience... our graduate program is built on four practice group rotations (we’ll ask you to indicate your preferences), each of three months duration, and covering commercial and litigious areas of practice.
This can include: • participating in practice group case study sessions to build on your understanding of our areas of expertise • careers sessions to map out your career possibilities • skills-based workshops to build practical skills like legal writing and taking instructions, and; • plenty of social opportunities (because having fun is serious business too!) such as weekly coffee catch up's to share your highlights of the week, Friday staff drinks or joining in with Pilates or Bootcamp. These experiences will provide you with a much clearer idea of what it means to be a lawyer. You’ll also develop a better feel for the human side of Lander & Rogers, such as why our people work here, where they’ve come from, and what they do when they’re not being lawyers. WHAT WE LOOK FOR We're in the business of dealing with people and therefore aim to recruit and retain law students who have a friendly and down to earth style of engaging with others. We see this as important to your success in working with your clients and colleagues, and critical to the preservation of our happy workplace. You’ll also need intelligence to tackle the most interesting of legal scenarios, energy to absorb new concepts and changing laws, and a willingness to work productively with lots of different people. We don’t expect that you’ll be a gun at all of these things straight away, but when we meet you at interview we’ll be looking for your potential, based on what you’ve done already – your study (legal and otherwise), your work experience (legal and otherwise) and any university or volunteer activities you’ve tackled.
We invest a huge amount of time in ensuring our graduates experience a first rate introduction to the law, and are shown an exciting path forward with the firm following qualification. It’s a full and exciting year of learning, and a great opportunity to form strong working relationships and friendships with a diverse range of people across the firm.
The objective of the rotations is to foster the development of broad skills in the law, to learn about and develop your understanding of different areas of our business and to set the solid base of experiences you’ll need to gauge your preferred area of practice following qualification. You'll be well looked after... in each rotation you’re teamed with a buddy who will provide you with day to day support and assist you in the transition to a law firm environment. You'll also have an experienced lawyer, your supervisor, who makes it their job to ensure you experience: • the best variety and volume of challenging work • involvement with clients to speed your learning process • coaching on skill development • regular feedback on performance and progress • advice on managing your transition into the legal profession. Your practical experiences will gradually increase in complexity to reflect the advancement of your skills and confidence with each rotation. Learning & Development... in addition to the practical, on the job learning in rotations, graduates complete a part time Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the College of Law in conjunction with a comprehensive internal Graduate Learning & Development Program. PRO BONO & COMMUNITY SUPPORT Lander & Rogers is committed to developing a culture and business which supports the undertaking of pro bono work and other similar initiatives in the community. We have a market leading pro bono program in place which focuses on matters of access.
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to justice, social inclusion and community service work We have a pro bono partner appointed to drive the practice of pro bono at the firm and we treat pro bono work as equally important to the firm as paid work. Everyone in the firm is encouraged to participate in and engage with our pro bono work. Our pro bono practice is focused on how we can enable access to justice through our legal work, enhance social inclusion of marginalised Australians by providing opportunities to others, and serve our community through engagement of staff. We aim to prioritise our legal work to the areas where indigenous Australians or those marginalised by mental health, socio-economic status or age can be assisted, as well as matters concerning Human Rights. Our work often involves taking on matters in the public interest. WHAT DISTINGUISHES US
”We believe that legal services are much more than just the law - they are about great people, sustained excellence and exceptional client service.” We believe that legal services are much more than just the law - they are about great people, sustained excellence and exceptional client service. We have a reputation in the legal market as a provider of premium legal services, and as a sought after employer. As a medium sized firm, we're big enough to attract great clients with fantastic work; but small enough to be focussed on the important things like learning and development, opportunities for our people to progress, mentoring our junior lawyers and maintaining a happy workplace. Lander & Rogers was recently recognised at The Financial Review Client Choice Awards 2016, winning the award for Best Law Firm (revenue $50m - $200m), as well as jointly winning the overall award for Best Professional Services Firm (revenue $50m - $200m).
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Expand Understand Firsthand Brand Wonderland When you join Lander & Rogers, you’ll have the opportunity to grow into a great lawyer. But that’s just the start. Working alongside some of Australia's leading experts and one of Australia's most highly regarded pro bono practices, you’ll acquire the real world skills demanded of the very best lawyers. Here you’ll become a lawyer and more.
Discover your and at landers.com.au/graduates
- LANDER & ROGERS -
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT DEAN BALASSIS, GRADUATE LAWYER
Rather than writing about the clerkship experience, work/life balance or other such topics, I thought it would be more interesting to talk about one of the many interesting and complex matters which I was involved in as a Graduate Lawyer at Lander & Rogers. During my rotation in the Insurance Law & Litigation team I was involved in a case involving greed, lust and gluttony, and the financial manager of a small regional outpost of an ASX200 listed company - things which normally don't come together! In this case, I worked closely with a senior associate and a practice group leader in acting for a large insurer and an ASX200 company who tasked us with recovering multiple millions of dollars which the company believed were misappropriated by a mid-level financial manager at the company. The background to the case was that for over 5 years the financial manager had been siphoning money from the company's accounts into a shell company, which he was the sole director / shareholder, and then withdrawing the money for his own use. We were engaged very shortly after the company realised that there was something awry with the books that the financial manager was involved in. After our engagement, we quickly performed asset and company searches to attempt to locate any assets in the name of the financial manager or the shell company. As part of this process, and after receiving some documents from the company, we realised that the financial manager was married but also involved in another relationship. After reviewing the asset searches and realising there were still a large amount of assets which were held by the financial manager, his wife and his mistress, we applied to the court for a freezing order (mareva order) over the financial manager's assets, in addition to the assets of his wife and mistress. Having all of their assets frozen prompted settlement negotiations, which resulted in the majority of the stolen assets being returned to our clients. I worked closely with the senior associate and practice group leader on all aspects of this case, from conducting the initial property searches, to drafting the settlement agreement. Some of the other interesting tasks which I was involved with on this matter included; dealing with a recalcitrant bank, attending court to obtain the freezing order and pursuing the financial manager's mistress on social media. As a graduate rotating through the General Insurance group, this was a very exciting case to be involved in as part of my rotation, as it had very interesting subject matter and required a very quick turnaround on most of the work. It felt that every time we received more information it was more sensational than the last! Additionally, as the only junior assisting on the matter, I was involved in a very hands-on way and was able to see my contributions lead to a positive tangible result for the client. Whilst not exactly typical of the type of work which occurs in a law firm, it is an insight into some of the more interesting things which you can get involved in as a Clerk or Graduate at Lander & Rogers!
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Expand When you join Lander & Rogers, you’ll have the opportunity to grow into a great lawyer. But that’s just the start. Working alongside some of Australia's leading experts and one of Australia's most highly regarded pro bono practices, you’ll acquire the real world skills demanded of the very best lawyers. Here you’ll become a lawyer and more.
Discover your and at landers.com.au/graduates
MADDENS LAWYERS
- MADDENS LAWYERS -
MADDENS LAWYERS SOUTH WEST VICTORIA’S LEADING LAW FIRM
ABOUT US Our team of more than 40 legal professionals offers expert legal advice that is timely, practical and well-suited to individual circumstance and need. We are one of the most well-established law firms in South West Victoria – and certainly part of the local landscape. That is one of the key reasons why, at Maddens, our focus is always on the client. We pride ourselves on the interest we take in our client’s business, the industry they operate in and how best to meet their needs. This ensures our client relationships are genuine, productive and long-standing. Our clients are also our neighbours; our team mates; the people we see on the street, at events, at school pick up, or weekend sport. Our regional base ensures that we keep in touch with those we represent – because we are as much a part of their community as we are their lawyers. We are proud to support and to be involved in the region in which we operate, both as lawyers and citizens.
219 KOROIT STREET, WARRNAMBOOL VIC 3280 P: (03) 5560 2000 W: MADDENSLAWYERS.COM.AU HR CONTACT LIAM CURRER GENERAL MANAGER LCC@MADDENSLAWYERS.COM.AU METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP VIA FIRM WEBSITE OR EMAIL METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP VIA FIRM WEBSITE OR EMAIL CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE TBC INTAKE 1: TBC INTAKE 2: TBC KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM Even the most accomplished Law Student requires something that simply can’t be taught in a university lecture hall or tutorial – personal experience.
TBC TBC ONGOING N/A ONGOING ONGOING
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
PRACTICE AREAS 1. Business and commercial law 2. Competition and consumer law 3. Asset protection 4 Taxation law 5. Property and conveyancing 6. Commercial litigation and dispute resolution 7. Employment and workplace relations 8. Building and construction law 9. Wills, powers of attorney and estate planning 10. Personal Injury Law 11. Will Disputes 12. Class Actions
YES 4 NO YES YES
Maddens Lawyers’ Graduate Traineeship program provides an opportunity to hit the ground running and gain first-hand experience working with cases, clients and colleagues. Our boutique size ensures daily contact with the firm’s partners, and mentoring from some of the region’s most experience and well-respected legal minds.Similarly, client interaction is also a given; we recognise that personal relationships are key to any valuable client/lawyer connection, and so provide many opportunities to foster skills that will ensure young lawyers can - 160 -
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extend their theoretical knowledge and enhance their practical capabilities. Note that our Graduate Traineeships are offered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the availability and suitability of candidates. We look favourably upon applicants with a personal connection to South West Victoria, and a past history of community involvement. WHAT WE LOOK FOR Maddens Lawyers is a regional firm that values an awareness and respect for working and succeeding in regional Victoria. Our regional base ensures that we keep in touch with those we represent – because we are as much a part of their community as we are their lawyers. We are proud to support and to be involved in the region in which we operate, both as lawyers and citizens. Applicants with a history of living and working in regional Victoria, particularly in South West Victoria, will be favourably considered. WHAT DISTINGUISHES US
APPLICATION TIPS We’ve established over many years that an applicant’s written submission is only part of what makes a suitable addition to the Maddens team. An engaged and dynamic office environment is important to us. We are keen to ensure our workforce continues to be made up of individuals who are motivated, enjoy a challenge and embrace the environment in which they are committing to live and work. Excellent study results are obviously a given – we want to know that you ae motivated and set high standards for yourself that you can achieve. We also want to ensure you’re a good cultural fit for our office. At Maddens, we like to get the hard work done first, so we can enjoy the spoils of our beautiful location afterwards. Don’t presume that means it’s a walk in the park – or along the beach, for that matter – but if you’re a person who is willing to put the time and effort in when it’s needed, then you’ll be appropriately rewarded once the hard work is completed, the client is satisfied and the file is closed.
Our regional location ensures clients the best of two worlds; straightforward and practical approach to clients’ needs, combined with accessible expertise and knowledge comparable to any city-based commercial law firm. We are experts in achieving the best possible result, in the most straight forward way.
And, as always, applicants with a history of living and working in regional Victoria, particularly in South West Victoria, will be favourably considered. We like it when you know and enjoy our region – it’s our home, too!
Our firm is a collection of South West Victoria’s leading commercial lawyers and litigators, who have a strong affinity with their local community. We provide clients with legal expertise that is good value, pragmatic, strategic and thorough. Our expertise spans a wide range of business and litigation requirements, whether you are a small, fledgling business, a large, well-established operation, or an individual in need.
Our regional base ensures that we keep in touch with those we represent – because we are as much a part of their community as we are their lawyers. We are proud to support and to be involved in the region in which we operate, both as lawyers and citizens. Maddens Lawyers supports a broad base of local community events, activities and individuals, both via direct sponsorship, and pro-bono legal work. These are accommodated on an as-needed basis, with special consideration of activities in which our staff are involved.
WORK/LIFE BALANCE Maddens diverse workforce and regional location provides excellent opportunities to achieve a true work/life balance and flexible working arrangements; a large proportion of our workforce – including our Managing Partner – are working parents. We therefore appreciate first-hand the importance of work/life balance and the professional benefits it delivers, both for the employee, and the workplace. Working arrangements can be tailored to suit the needs of the individual. Maddens is also a social workforce, with regular formally and informally-arranged social activities, including a weekly Friday night staff drinks, monthly staff morning tea and annual mid-year and Christmas functions.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
WHAT WORK A GRADUATE UNDERTAKES The advantage of a Graduate Traineeship at Maddens Lawyers is that you will hit the ground running. We like to ensure our trainees gain as much first-hand experience as possible. The area of practice you will work in will dictate the type of work you will undertake. Discovery and research is typically where those working in our Class Action division will commence. A start in our Property and Finance practice area will mean hands-on involvement (supervised, of course) in the preparation of Wills and Powers of Attorney. The possibilities at Maddens are real, and diverse; a chance to ‘get involved’ as soon as possible.
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MADDOCKS
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MADDOCKS
ABOUT US Maddocks works in partnership with our clients to support them in reaching their goals. We provide premium commercial legal services to corporates, businesses and governments throughout Australia and internationally. We advise clients across a range of sectors, including education, government, infrastructure, healthcare, professional services and technology. At Maddocks we look for people whose values coincide with outs – integrity, diversity, collaboration, stewardship and innovation. We believe the unique position that Maddocks has in the market provides seasonal clerks, graduates and junior lawyers with the opportunity to work on high quality complex matters, take responsibility and have client contact at an early stage of their career. CLERKSHIP PROGRAM Our intention is to ensure clerks have a good understanding of the firm and the kind of work that we do, as well as what it would be like to be a graduate in the firm. All clerks take part in an informative induction program, which includes partner-run sessions. Each clerk is assigned a senior lawyer as their coordinator to assist in managing workflow and act as a mentor for their rotation. All clerks are assigned a buddy and are invited to network with current graduates and lawyers. As such, we offer our clerks hands-on, practical work. Clerks will work closely not only with solicitors but with senior associates and partners and will have exposure to complex matters and client contact.
140 WILLIAM ST, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: (03) 9258 3555 W: MADDOCKS.COM.AU HR CONTACT BRIDGET SISSON PEOPLE AND CULTURE ADVISOR BRIDGET.SISSON@MODDOCKS.COM.AU METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP CVMAIL CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE 22 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: INTAKE 3: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
NOVEMBER FEBRUARY JUNE 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
10 TBC YES YES
GRADUATE PROGRAM Our graduates complete four rotations through the firm’s practice groups. All graduates are assigned a senior lawyer as their coordinator who assists with workflow and acts as a mentor for the duration of their rotation. They are also assigned a lawyer as a buddy. Graduates at Maddocks have the opportunity to work with a fair amount of autonomy on high quality, complex matters, and have contact with clients. Training for graduates include regular sessions, both internal and external, for all areas of practice. We also offer specialised training on practice management issues such as time management, communication skills and dealing with the office environment. Graduates also have the opportunity to attend monthly CLE sessions run by Maddocks lawyers and external providers. We offer a well-rounded graduate program, which give graduates the opportunity to work directly with - 164 -
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partners and clients, as well as attend external meetings and court appearances. PRACTICE AREAS Government is important to us. We’ve grown our firm over more than 125 years through a strong commitment to our government clients. Our lawyers appreciate the complexities of working in Government, including the conventions and complex legislative requirements. We work closely with public servants, ministers, parliamentary committees, departments, agencies, statutory authories and government-owned corporations. In matters involving public law, we regularly advise on: • Administrative law • Emergency service legislation • Government liability • Legislative drafting • Statutory interpretation • Public sector employment and industrial relations
We believe the unique position that Maddocks has in the market provides seasonal clerks, graduates and junior lawyers with the opportunity to work on high quality complex matters, take real responsibility and have genuine contact with clients at an early stage in their career. WHAT WE LOOK FOR Maddocks recognises that every individual has something unique to offer. That’s why we are happy to accept applicants pursuing a combined degree, undergraduate law or the JD Program. We’re not looking for a specific stereotype and will consider each application in its entirety to ensure the applicant has strengths and qualities that are compatible with the firm’s core values. That’s why this year, we’ve introduced a blind application process. We look for students who have well rounded experience, who not only have the right academic ability but who also fit the firm’s culture and values
In matters of commercial law for government, we assist with issues such as: • Assest sales, corporatisation and privatisation • Competitive tendering and contracting in the acquisition of goods and services • Corporate governance • Infrastructure development • Outsourcing, including IT outsourcing • Property and leasing • Public Private Parternships In litigation and alternative dispute resolution, we offer expertise in: • Commercial and contracturla disputes • Inquests and Royal Commissions • Representation before tribunals KEY VALUES • • • •
Integrity Diersity Collaboration Stewardship
WHAT DISTINGUISHES US We work collaboratively with our clients to build strong, sustainable relationships. We provide premium commercial legal services to corporates, businesses and government throughout Australia. We advise clients across a range of sectors, including education, government, healthcare, infrastructure, professional services and technology. - 165 -
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GOVERNMENT & ADMINISTRATIVE LAW SIMON D’ANGELO, GRADUATE LAWYER
Maddocks has one of the largest and most experienced administrative law teams in Australia. Since its foundation over 130 years ago, we have demonstrated a consistent focus on servicing the three tiers of Australian government, across the firm. The administrative law division sits within our Public Law division and is made up of a dynamic and skilled group of practitioners, with 16 partners and over 36 lawyers across our Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra offices. Broadly speaking, administrative law defines the boundaries of powers and responsibilities held by administrative agencies of Australian governments. We work closely with ministers, public servants, parliamentary committees, government departments, agencies, statutory authorities and government-owned corporations. We regularly advise our clients on a diverse range of administrative and public law issues. These include: • the exercise of powers and functions; • prosecutions and enforcement issues; • regulation and compliance; • government liability and risk management; • policy and strategy; • legislative reform, statutory interpretation and legislative drafting; • freedom of information requests; • public sector employment and industrial relations; and • privacy and dispute resolution. Maddocks has a well-established reputation for providing wide-ranging and timely services in this area. In addition to our Melbourne office we established our Sydney practice in 2002 with a continued government focus. Further, 2012 saw the inception of our Canberra practice, with the express purpose of servicing the rising needs of our Commonwealth clients. At a technical level, Maddocks continually invests in developing our core areas of legal expertise most relevant to government departments, statutory authorities and other publicly-owned organisations. Many of our Maddocks partners and staff have worked previously in public sector organisations. This contributes to Maddocks’ appreciation of the complexities associated with Australian governments executing their responsibilities and obligations and the importance of providing effective legal services. This also offers an invaluable learning space for our junior staff. Being a part of the Maddocks’ Public Law team allows junior lawyers, graduates and seasonal clerks the opportunity to assist meaningfully in a diverse range of matters. By virtue of working with government clients, you will often be working on a variety of high-profile matters at once, each raising unique legal, commercial and practical issues. As a seasonal clerk you will be involved in all aspects of the Public Law team. Some of these tasks include: • drafting correspondence including letters of advice; • conducting legal research and drafting memorandums on novel points of law; • assisting in the drafting of submissions to government and law reform bodies; • drafting affidavits and other court documents; • attending tribunals such as VCAT and assisting with the required preparation; and • writing eAlerts and other articles about government/administrative law. Whilst you may have completed an administrative law subject at university, it is certainly not a prerequisite to undertake a seasonal clerkship or graduate rotation in the Public Law team at Maddocks. You will learn significantly from your experience within the firm and are provided with dependable support from your colleagues.
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Destination. Maddocks.
Destination. Maddocks. Dale McQualter, Lawyer, Melbourne ‘My career journey began as a member of Victoria Police, where I was a Detective with the Homicide Squad and Purana Taskforce. ‘Maddocks appointed me as a graduate lawyer in 2013. In my graduate year, I experienced working in the Property, Construction & Projects and Employment, Safety & People teams. As a first year lawyer I was fortunate to start my legal career with the latter. The experience and skills gained in my life before becoming a lawyer have enabled me to take the lead in many matters I advise on including litigation, and I’ve also been seconded to the legal office of the Commonwealth construction industry regulator – Fair Work Building & Construction. ‘Maddocks has offered me great flexibility in being able to work part-time to care for my two-year-old son one day per week.’ Maddocks is my destination.
maddocks.com.au/careers linkedin.com/company/maddocks
MINTERELLISON
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MINTER ELLISON
OFFICE LOCATIONS Australia: Adelaide*, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin*, Gold Coast*, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney Asia: Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Ulaanbaatar New Zealand: Auckland*, Wellington* Europe: London (*Associated offices that operate as members of The MinterEllison Legal Group)
IT ALL STARTS HERE
GLOBAL PRACTICE AREAS • • • • • • • • • •
Business Units Dispute Resolution Financial Institutions Group Human Resources & Industrial Relations Insurance & Corporate Risk Mergers & Acquisitions Projects, Infrastructure & Construction Real Estate, Environment & Planning Regulatory Tax
GLOBAL INDUSTRY SECTORS RIALTO TOWERS 525 COLLINS STREET MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: (03) 8608 2000 W: MINTERELLISON.COM
• • • • •
HR CONTACT ELIZABETH ATCHISON GRADUATE RESOURCING & DEVELOPMENT ELIZABETH.ATCHISON@MINTERELLISON.COM P: +61 3 8608 2619
ABOUT US
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP FIRM WEBSITE - ONLINE APPLICATION FORM: QUESTIONS, COVER LETTER, CV AND TRANSCRIPT (BOTH DEGREES IF APPLICABLE) METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP N/A CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE TYPICALLY 60 CLERKS OVER TWO INTAKES KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
21 NOVEMBER - 9 DECEMBER 2016 JUNE 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
Government Health Infrastructure Resources, Agriculture & Energy Telecoms Media & Technology
At MinterEllison our aspiration is to be our clients’ best partner. Our large, diverse client base includes public and private companies, leading multinationals operating in the region, global financial institutions, and government and state-owned entities. 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. We draw on the extensive capability of our own office network and relationships with other leading firms around the world to deliver seamless service to our clients wherever they need us RECENT ACCOLADES AND SIGNIFICANT DEALS
NO 20 TO 30 NO YES YES
• International Deal of the Year: Australasian Law Awards 2015 • Insurance Law Firm of the Year 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 (Australian Banking & Finance Insurance Awards) • Elite Firm: Australia (Global Competition Review) • Innovation in the Use of Technology Award (Financial Times Innovation Awards) • Recommended Firm: Australia (International Tax - 170 -
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Review Global Tax Directory). • WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality • Employer of Choice (silver medal) 2015 • Top 100 Graduate Employer (The Australian Grad Australia Survey) Best Lawyers recognises lawyers regarded by their peers as leaders in their area of practice. Best Lawyers : Australia 2015 recognised and listed 195 MinterEllison individuals across 66 practice areas including 16 lawyers listed for the first time and many people named in multiple practice areas. In total, our firm has 415 attributions on the Best Lawyers in Australia list (up from last year's 370), highlighting the range and depth of our capabilities across the country. Clients trust us with their biggest and most complex transactions, major litigation and problems that span jurisdictions. Our lawyers are legal heavyweights, innovative thinkers, strategists, and tacticians. They close deals, resolve disputes and solve problems. We collaborate with clients to resolve complex legal issues and major disputes, grasp business opportunities and create value. Our deep understanding of how business is conducted in our region, local language skills, and proven track record for delivering outstanding work means that clients are able to access local experience and expertise that is informed by an international perspective. During 2015, our firm led some of our region's headline transactions – including the privatisation of the Ports of Melbourne and Darwin by the Northern Territory and Victorian governments respectively – this followed our work for the NSW Government in its landmark privatisations of the Ports of Newcastle, Botany and Kembla in 2013/14. We also acted as Australian counsel to Singapore's Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust on its A$1.013 billion acquisition of a portfolio of logistics properties from Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, GIC, and Frasers Property Australia – the second largest industrial property deal to date in the Asia Pacific and the largest ever industrial property deal in Australia. Our M&A team advised on transactions that have reshaped the telecommunications landscape in Australia – TPG's A$1.4 billion takeover of iiNet, Vocus Communications' A$1.2 billion merger with Amcom Telecommunications and Vocus' proposed merger with M2 to create a new player in the Australian and New Zealand telco sector. We were also specialist tax advisers in a number of significant M&A transactions, including providing strategic tax advice to Federation Centres on its A$6 billion merger with Novion Property Group and on the A$2 billion sale by Crown Castle of Australian subsidiary.
OUR CLERKSHIP AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS IT STARTS HERE with our clerkship program... Our clerkship program offers critical and meaningful work experience, structured by a comprehensive orientation program and learning on the job to build both technical skills and commercial knowhow. Even at this stage, our clerks work closely with partners and lawyers on active matters, giving you exposure to complex and challenging work, whilst also being offered opportunities for more structured learning and development. You should consider a career at MinterEllison if: • Your passion for excellence leads you to winning solutions. • You apply technical thinking through the prism of commercial advice. • Building relationships excites you and you see yourself working in partnership with clients. • You think outside the box, embracing new ideas. • You want to feel empowered and be part of a high performance team. • Collaboration and inclusiveness are principles you value. • You’re looking for a Firm with a clear game plan. • MinterEllison's clerkship program is the starting point for our graduate positions in all offices. Our graduates are more than just excellent lawyers: • Achieve early success through fast tracked career opportunities • Become your clients’ best partner • Create innovative solutions for clients • Gain broad exposure through a flexible rotation program We are committed to providing our graduates with the tools to become not just a qualified lawyer, but a lawyer that inspires and excels. • We enable you to utilise your commercial and business acumen. With our ongoing development and support programs each time you interactc withclients, you showcase your skill set. • Through our flexible graduate program you are exposed to subject matter experts, mentors and thought leaders who are committed to fostering your professional development. • Part of your formal learning includes MinterElli son’s tailored integrated Practical Legal Training (PLT) program. Throughout the PLT, our graduates attend various workshops to gain the practical skills that a lawyer needs – interviewing, legal drafting skills, negotiation and advocacy skills. The program is designed to allow graduates to manage their workload efficiently. The resources used are firm specific with in-house precedents to ensure a truly 'practical' experience.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM At MinterEllison we take immense pride in contributing to the communities in which we live and work. The focus areas of our community work is driven by our people who have driven our efforts towards breaking cycles of disadvantage – especially for young people; people experiencing homelessness and poverty; and those who require access to justice. Our community partnerships ensure that resources are targeted effectively where assistance is most needed, with our contribution including pro bono legal work, staff volunteer hours, in-kind support and financial assistance in the form of community grants and a matched workplace giving program. Some of our community initiatives include: • Strong local pro bono practices and a national commitment to the Homeless Persons Legal Clinics in Brisbane and Melbourne, and the Homeless Persons Legal Service in Sydney. • Charity morning teas to raise money for charities such as World Vision, Kids Help Line, Jeans for Genes and the Cancer Council, amongst others. • Regular blood donation drives. • MatchME staff donation program that enables staff to donate directly from their pre-tax pay to a charity. The firm matches dollar for dollar every contribution made, donating up to $120,000 annually. • World Vision sponsorship of children by our staff through automatic payroll deductions. • Non-legal volunteering opportunities, including mentoring students through partnerships with government schools in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra through our membership of the Australian Business and Community Network. In Hong Kong we also have an active school-based volunteering program. In FY15, MinterEllison delivered more than 30,000 pro bono hours a record for the firm, and a reflection of our commitment to make the justice system more accessible. This equates to an average of 39 hours of free legal work per lawyer – exceeding the 35 hour industry benchmark set by the Australian Pro Bono Centre. EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT We encourage employees to learn and develop We know and understand what it takes for you to be successful as a lawyer. We also know that as a junior lawyer you will need targeted development to help you succeed in the transition from law school to law firm.
Our training program provides everything you'll need to build a successful, long-term legal career. We are also proud to offer graduates a dedicated LifeSkills program to assist you in maintaining your personal health and wellbeing. Our learning opportunities extend beyond the end of the Graduate Development Program. We want you to be well equipped to be successful and confident as you progress through your career with the firm. From graduate all the way to partner, you will continuously have access to collaborative programs and mentoring opportunities specifically designed to help you grow and succeed. WHAT DISTINGUISHES US FROM OTHER FIRMS Achieve early success through fast tracked career opportunities • With MinterEllison you come first, we go beyond understanding 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 us. • We are committed to ensuring that Partnership is available earlier in your career than that of a traditional firms and we are focussed on ensuring that you are partnership ready when the time comes. Diversity & 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. Flexible Work Practices We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including part-time, job-sharing, variable start & finish times and work from home. We also offer unpaid leave for special requirements not covered by our usual leave policies. Typically this may cover study, overseas work experience, judges associateships and personal emergencies.
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ADVERT
Inspire Members of our dispute resolution team reflecting on the success of their High Court landmark pharmaceutical case and unanimous judgment in favour of our client.
graduates.minterellison.com
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WORKING AS A PROJECT FINANCE LAWYER DANIEL OH, SPECIAL COUNSEL (FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS GROUP)
To understand what project finance lawyers do, you need to first appreciate the broader context in which we operate. Obviously, there needs to be a project that requires design, construction and often ongoing operation and maintenance. This could include power plants, jails, university student accommodation, satellites and roads. As these projects can be extremely expensive to build, often part of the funding comes from external financiers (generally banks but could also include funds who specialise in making loans). We act for the government or the company delivering the project, which means that we are involved throughout the life cycle of a project. Usually, this commences with a competitive tender process to select the company responsible for delivering the project. Following the tender award, our involvement includes drafting and negotiating key project and financing documentation, conducting due diligence on the project and providing ongoing advice throughout the life of the project. Our team is currently involved in several high profile projects, including the procurement of a new Antarctic ice-breaking vessel, the Port of Melbourne long-term lease transaction, aspects of the NBN roll-out and the procurement of several new submarines by the Department of Defence. Past projects include the procurement of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Ararat Prison. Each project is unique even where the underlying asset being constructed is the same as a previous project. The broad range of projects which our team has been involved in over the years means that the work remains highly variable and interesting at all times. Generally, the projects we work on are high profile and of public importance. Having a natural inquisitiveness as to how things work, project finance has provided me with the opportunity to learn about matters such as how satellites operate, how a hydroelectric dam generates electricity (and transports it to the market) as well as the unique legal and commercial issues that arise in the construction and operation of an Antarctic ice-breaking vessel. We are always looking for junior lawyers to join our team. No specific expertise is required. What is important is a desire to learn about major projects, understand the key risks and issues which impact your client and apply those to the contractual arrangements we draft and negotiate. The diversity in our work and clients translates directly to a healthy diversity in the work of a junior in our team. Typical junior tasks include drafting or responding to a government request for tender (depending on who our client is), attending to due diligence on the underlying project, attending meetings with the senior lawyers in the team, drafting minor agreements which form part of the project and finance documentation package and assisting the senior lawyers in drafting discrete parts of the major project and finance documentation. It is common for a junior lawyer in our team to find themselves becoming the expert on one part of the project as there are often so many work streams involved in matters of this magnitude and complexity. At the end of the day, if you have an interest in participating in large, complex transactions involving high profile, public infrastructure assets and multiple stakeholders in all parts of the world, then a career as a project finance lawyer may be a path for you.
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ARTIST, LAWYER AND SCIENTIST BE YOURSELF GEORGE MCCUBBIN
When I finished school I wanted to be an animator. But, 2005 was the animation equivalent of the Global Financial Crisis. Hand-drawn animation studies were closing down and some of the most talented animators I had ever met were jobless. I had to think of a back-up plan. I'm writing this article from a nice corner office overlooking the ocean. I'm wearing a suit. And occasionally people call me "Sir" in an email. But it took me a long time to realise that law is actually what I wanted to do. Having started the course at university with less than no knowledge about what a legal degree actually entailed, I was surprised when I instantly enjoyed it. The content was pretty okay, but the people I met and the friends I made were the key to surviving law school. However, I always had this underlying fear that when I finished and I was thrown into the workplace, all these things that I enjoyed about studying law would disappear and I, well I would just be left with the law. I took a grad job at one of the firms and started working as a lawyer about three years ago. That's the end of the story right? I'm about to throw you a curve ball. I lasted one year at my first firm and then asked for a leave of absence [it's like time off without having to formally quit]. It wasn't that I didn't like my work. In fact, I loved it. I studied a double degree with science at university, and had settled in the intellectual property team at my first firm working on pharmaceutical litigation. The matters were high-profile, interesting and challenging. But, having worked for a year, I realised that it wasn't enough. I wanted to be an animator when I left school, and here I was litigating cholesterol-lowering agents in court. I had this unfulfilled creative side that, no matter how much I liked law, wasn't being satisfied. I left my firm and travelled around Australia for a year painting (I wrote a blog about this time on a friend's website, Google "Half-way through my pre-life crisis" if you want to read it). Things went pretty well – I had a stint on The Block painting a mural, I painted a giant Nathan Buckley for an AFL commercial (and no, I'm a Tigers supporter), and I had an endless list of commissions. But, then the same thing happened – I got to the end of my year, and I realised that I really missed law. Sure I could wake up at whatever time I wanted and enjoy this thing called sunshine, but it wasn't quite the same. After the year, I decided I needed a fresh start so I joined MinterEllison. I now work part time, so that I can paint part time. Heaps of partners here have even commissioned me for paintings. I couldn't be happier with where I am. It's all a journey – follow your instincts and always do what feels right for you, and the rest will sort itself out.
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NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT
- NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT -
NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT
ABOUT US Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm. We provide the world’s pre-eminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We have more than 3800 lawyers based in more than 50 cities across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. Recognized for our industry focus, we are strong across all the key industry sectors: financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and healthcare.
LAW AROUND THE WORLD
PRACTICE AREAS Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm. We provide the world’s pre-eminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. The firm works through two main practice groups: • Business Law (Banking & Finance, Corporate, Financial Restructuring & Insolvency and real Estate) • Disputes (Construction & Engineering, Employment & Labour, Environment & Planning, Insurance, Intellectual Property and Litigation)
RACV TOWER, 485 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: +61 (3) 8686 6000 W: NORTONROSEFULBRIGHT.COM
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
HR CONTACT JESSICA GOLDSMITH HUMAN RESOURCES ADVISOR JESSICA.GOLDSMITH@NORTONROSEFULBRIGHT.COM P: +61 (3) 8686 6960 METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP COVER LETTER, CV AND ACADEMICS SUBMITTED VIA ONLINE APPLICATION (CV MAIL), 2 ROUNDS OF INTERVIEWS, INFORMATION EVENING, COCKTAIL EVENING CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE UP TO 10 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD:
NOVEMBER 2016 – FEBRUARY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 30 AUGUST – 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
NO 10 YES YES NO
We offer one 10 week summer clerkship programme each year. Our summer clerkship programme offers invaluable insight into life and work at a global legal practice. As a summer clerk, you will have the opportunity to rotate through two key practice areas and participate in real work with clients – ranging from conducting legal research to attending client meetings and court. Our focus is on providing a well-rounded experience for our summer clerks. As well as gaining exposure to our global work, you will participate in a range of formal training and development activities to extend on, and refine your legal knowledge and skills. Our extensive training program includes a formal induction program, training on our systems and processes, Q&A sessions with our Practice Group leaders, participation in a CSR project, involvement in practice-wide Continuing Legal Education and the opportunity to be mentored by our top practitioners. Beyond the technical training, we offer various opportunities to develop professionally and personally. Our Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity and Inclusion committees offer regular informa-
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tion and awareness sessions on various social topics. There are also plenty of social events where you’ll get to meet other graduates, as well and lawyers and partners from each of our offices. We look for candidates who are well researched and committed to a long term career at Norton Rose Fulbright. Enthusiasm, leadership and team work skills are all qualities we favour highly. GRADUATE PROGRAM We have designed the graduate programme to give you the widest exposure to our world. It features four rotations across two years, each of which will broaden your understanding of our work, our clients and our global reach. When you commence as a graduate, we will support your Practical Legal Training through the College of Law. You will receive onsite training, study leave allowance and the cost of your course covered. In the second year of the programme graduates are eligible to apply for a 6 month rotation to one of our international offices. Throughout the programme we provide in-house specialist training via our world-class global learning and development framework. Our training will build your career both as a lawyer and a business adviser. WHAT DISTINGUISHES US Our international reach sets us apart from our competitors. Our Australian offices are closely linked to and are an integral part of our extensive network across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. For you, this will mean a career of exhilarating mobility and breadth. It also means that you can set a clear direction for your long-term goals. Doors and opportunities will be open across all our offices and our outstanding training programs will be tailored to your ambitions.
future in a way that provides economic, ecological and social benefits for all. Our actions in the area of corporate responsibility are many and varied across our business, but in all our activities, we seek to behave in a way that consistently reinforces our business principles of quality, unity and integrity. Our corporate responsibility programme focuses on: Pro bono and volunteering - We encourage and support our people world-wide to use their legal knowledge and other professional skills to promote social inclusion, benefiting those who are disadvantaged, or under-privileged or lack access to the advice that we can offer. Sustainability - We are committed to minimising our impact on the environment – to protect the planet; ensure resources are available for future generations; and create a better quality of life for all living beings. We recognise that the way in which we operate has an impact on the environment and are committed to integrating sustainability best practice into our decision-making and business activities worldwide Charitable activities – We have global charitable initiatives that focus on supporting disabled and disadvantaged children and adults and helping them to integrate into society and the business world. We do this by volunteering our time, fundraising, or simply making a donation. Reconciliation - In 2014 we launched our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our RAP sets out actions that will help us increase business and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also details our commitment to building cultural awareness amongst staff, and provides opportunities for our people to be involved in meaningful and long lasting reconciliation initiatives.
Most important are our people. We know that our people are the future of our practice and we value the unique contribution each individual makes. Our culture is one of collaboration, inclusivity and acceptance; we ensure that everyone knows the value of their perspective and experiences. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY As a global law firm, we believe that we have a responsibility, as corporate citizens, to help shape the
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WORKING ON A MULTINATIONAL DEAL ANDREW FISKEN, SENIOR ASSOCIATE (MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
“Hi – we’re looking at buying a company in Australia, but it also has subsidiaries in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, the UK, and South Africa. Here are some background documents, can you take a look and let us know if there are any big-ticket items that jump out at you? Need the answer by tomorrow morning”. Welcome to the start of your next multinational deal. An email like this, coming into a global law firm like Norton Rose Fulbright, sets off a series of processes. It’s 9am in Melbourne. You know that your colleagues in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, London and Johannesburg are all (hopefully) at home because it’s the middle of the night where they are. This gives you a few hours decide what documents are relevant for each office to look at, review the Australian documents, prepare a background brief and divide up the work between the offices, and email everything out. By 12pm, Norton Rose Fulbright in Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai are all online, so you send out the work request to them and have a quick teleconference with the teams there. By 6pm, Norton Rose Fulbright in Johannesburg and London are both online, so you send out the work requests to those offices and have another quick teleconference. The Australian review is done by 6pm. Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong all report back by 9pm, and London and Johannesburg report back by 3am. The next morning, you collate all of the answers, check that everything is consistent, and send it to the client to meet their morning deadline. This is an example of one day in the life of a multinational deal. These deals can run for months on end, and a multinational deal never sleeps. Luckily for you, work can be done in Europe, Africa or America while you’re at home, and you can pick up where those offices have left off in Melbourne when you come into the office the next day. Getting the opportunity to work on multinational deals was, to me, one of the big drawcards of working at Norton Rose Fulbright. Being a lawyer in a global firm gives you the opportunity to be involved in deals which are making news around the world. In particular, I have always been interested in the growing trade connections in the Asia Pacific and believe that cross-border deals in this region are good for the strength and stability of the region as a whole. Working on a multinational deal is extremely rewarding, and presents new challenges every day. As well as being across the negotiation of the main deal, and Australian legal issues, you also need to have a good working understanding of legal issues in the relevant overseas jurisdictions. This means you need to keep in close contact with deal team lawyers from around the world, and play an important project management role to make sure that the legal work for each country covers off the client’s risk and is delivered on time. In the course of some overseas deals I’ve been required to look at how property law in Vietnam might impact a transaction, what dispute resolution mechanism is best when doing a deal with parties in the Middle East, whether a power of attorney complies with Angolan law, how to raise cash in Hong Kong… Needless to say, it is important to make and maintain good relationships with people all around the world so that you can get these answers as quickly as possible! If you are interested in meeting talented people from around the world, if you like the thought that the first email you see in the morning could be “Need to have negotiations in Tokyo for this deal, can you be there by tonight?”, if you are interested in seeing how international trade works from the inside, then cross-border M&A at a global law firm might be for you. Pack your passport.
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RUSSELL KENNEDY
- RUSSELL KENNEDY -
RUSSELL KENNEDY
ABOUT US At Russell Kennedy we are committed to making a difference for our clients by providing exceptional legal advice in our sectors of focus. We build strong, long-lasting relationships with our people and our clients to achieve positive change within our community. Each person at Russell Kennedy is valued and each person is given the opportunity to work on important projects. Eleven Russell Kennedy lawyers are Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists in property, environment, local government and planning, administrative and business law respectively. As a Law Graduate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with our leading lawyers on key client projects.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
PRACTICE AREAS LEVEL 12, 469 LA TROBE STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 P: (03) 9609 1555 W: RK.COM.AU HR CONTACT HEIDI ULRICH HUMAN RESOURCES ADVISOR HULRICH@RK.COM.AU P: (03) 9609 1517 METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP CANDIDATES MUST APPLY ONLINE VIA WWW.RK.COM.AU/CAREERS METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP CANDIDATES MUST APPLY ONLINE VIA WWW.RK.COM.AU/CAREERS CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE APPROX. 20-25 INTAKE 1: 7 - 10 INTAKE 2: 7 - 10 INTAKE 3: 7 - 10 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: INTAKE 3: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER JANUARY - FEBRUARY JULY 11 JULY 2016 SUNDAY 14 AUGUST 2016 AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES TO BE RECRUITED: ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
We offer our clients a wide range of expertise, with access to specialist practitioners in every department. Our sectors of focus are: • Aged Care and Retirement Living • Banking and Finance • Business Services • Health • Insurance • Local Government and Water • Not-for-profit • Property Development • State and Commonwealth Government SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM Our Seasonal Clerkship Program is designed to give you a real taste of life at Russell Kennedy. It’s a great insight into working here, especially for a lawyer starting out their legal career. We have designed our Seasonal Clerkship Program to be informative and interesting to help you decide whether you would like to apply for a Law Graduate position. From the outset clerks are partnered with a Mentor and a Buddy who will ensure that they receive the necessary support to get the most out of their time with us. Our clerks will be doing real work such as drafting correspondence, assisting with research, attending court and participating in client meetings. GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM
NO 6 NO YES YES
Russell Kennedy’s Graduate Program intake consists of approximately four to six Law Graduates each year. We have a strong track record for retaining our Law Graduates with many of them having gone on to become Principals at Russell Kennedy.
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Upon commencement, Law Graduates are allocated a Buddy to assist with the transition from university to full-time employment. Law Graduates are also allocated an ‘Assistant Supervisor’ as a point of contact during each rotation and a Principal Supervisor. Law Graduates meet with their Assistant Supervisors on a consistent basis to ensure regular and ongoing feedback is provided. The Law Graduates also meet with their Principal Supervisors on a regular basis to ensure they are up-to-date with their workbook and that they have reached the appropriate level of competence and understanding of the tasks they are signing off on. As part of the Supervised Legal Training, Russell Kennedy’s Law Graduates also document the work that they undertake during their Graduate year in a Supervised Legal Training Workbook. This workbook captures the work undertaken in regards to compulsory values and skills within various practice group areas. WHAT WE LOOK FOR We like to see that you have done some prior research about Russell Kennedy, the type of work we are actively involved in and can clearly explain why you would like to work here. We pay greater attention to applications that display a candidate’s personality and show who a person is. We want to see that you are able to balance your work and study with your other interests. RECOGNITIONS 2017 Best Lawyers in Australia Russell Kennedy again features prominently in the 2017 Best Lawyers in Australia awards and rankings. Financial Review Client Choice Awards Russell Kennedy was nominated as a finalist in the Financial Review Client Choice Awards for 2016 in the category of “Best Law Firm with revenue less than $50 million”.
We take a proactive role in promoting the development, advancement and retention of women in the law, in business and in our community. LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Edge – Russell Kennedy Learning and Development Russell Kennedy has a dedicated Learning and Development program called ‘Edge’. This program is designed to nurture your talents so you can effectively reach your full potential at Russell Kennedy. The program is designed to address specific training needs at different stages of your career. The focus of the program ranges from technical knowledge, business skills, client communication and people skills. PRO BONO WORK Russell Kennedy has a long-standing commitment to pro bono work and takes a proactive approach to a variety of pro bono activities. In addition to the traditional pro bono legal services our lawyers perform, many of our lawyers and team members also volunteer their time with committees, boards and various community-focused roles. Russell Kennedy has been a signatory to the Australian Pro Bono Centre’s Aspirational Target since 2011 and has proudly exceeded the target in past years. We provide pro bono legal assistance to a large number of not-for-profit organisations including the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture, the Foster Care Association of Victoria, East Timor Hearts Fund, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and Hanover Welfare Services.
Doyles Guide Seven Russell Kennedy lawyers across five areas of law were featured in the 2015 Doyle’s Guide rankings. EXTRA-CURRICULAR BENEFITS AND ACTIVITIES The Russell Kennedy Women’s Network (RKWN) is an initiative of Russell Kennedy designed to grow our businesses through the connection of women.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE AS A HEALTH LAWYER EMMA TURNER, SPECIAL COUNSEL
Having previously worked in the public sector, being able to make a difference to the community is extremely important to me. This is why Russell Kennedy is a great fit with my personal values. Our pro bono work is not rhetoric; Russell Kennedy’s vision for its pro bono practice is enacted across all levels of the firm and produces tangible results. Similarly, we work across the firm’s sectors of focus to help our clients make a difference to their own clients’ lives. Working with such a diverse client base across all levels of government, the charitable and Not-for-Profit sector and private enterprise is an attractive challenge. Health Law Health is a diverse area of law which continues to grow far beyond medical negligence claims. Russell Kennedy’s expertise and experience in the health sector includes public and administrative law, corporate and clinical governance; the legal aspects of funding the establishment of research and teaching facilities; commercial agreements, intellectual property and commercialisation of research; coronial inquests and other investigations; workplace relations, information technology; charitable bodies and bequests; practitioner disciplinary matters, and regulatory compliance and risk management. Health: A sector of focus for Russell Kennedy In my practice, I advise clients on public and administrative law, corporate and clinical governance, risk management and regulatory compliance. Our health sector clients face the advent of new technologies, demographic pressures, a highly regulated operating environment, and shifting social and community expectations. I enjoy advising clients in challenging environments such as these, in which it is important to ensure your advice is practical and relevant to the context in which it is delivered. With over 25 years’ experience in health law, Russell Kennedy has acted for healthcare providers, hospitals, medical colleges, government departments, and aged care and community service providers. I find it very satisfying to work with our extensive client base alongside Principals who are regularly voted “Best Health Lawyer”. Working in our Health team would give you access to a wealth of knowledge and experience that would support you in your practice. It would expose you to novel and challenging legal tasks because clients trust Russell Kennedy to deal with these challenges. Grow with a firm that’s growing Due to Russell Kennedy’s recognised expertise in the health sector, many opportunities can present themselves for practitioners. For example, I have undertaken a number of secondments as in-house counsel with large public hospitals. I have also had the opportunity to attend a number of health-based conferences which Russell Kennedy sponsors. A day in the life of a junior Health lawyer At Russell Kennedy we pride ourselves on being able to give our graduates and seasonal clerks access to a wide range of real legal work. In our Health team, a junior lawyer’s day-to-day activities will include drafting court documents, advices and correspondence, as well as contributing to discussions on strategy and client engagement, and attending court and client conferences. Tips for lawyers starting out At Russell Kennedy we value team work, sound interpersonal skills and strong conceptual thinking. We need our lawyers to understand the context and implications of the advice and representation they provide. My advice to graduates is to have fun exploring different areas of law and then make decisions based on what you are passionate about and enjoy doing. Another piece of advice is to never let fear hold you back as some of the best adventures and opportunities can come from embracing scary challenges.
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Be inspired. Be your best.
Be the difference. As a lawyer starting out your legal career, you want to make an impact as soon as possible. At Russell Kennedy, you’ll have that opportunity. From day one, you’ll be paired up with a senior mentor. You will have the opportunity to do meaningful work in sectors that matter.
Russell Kennedy’s Sectors of Focus Aged Care and Retirement Living
Banking and Finance
To succeed, you'll need to be hungry to learn and grow. You'll also need to share our commitment to our clients, our community and to each other.
Business Services
In return, we'll support and inspire you to build an exciting legal career where you get to make a difference.
Health Insurance Local Government and Water
Property Development
Visit careers.rk.com.au for application details including key dates. www.rk.com.au @russellkennedy_
State and Federal Government
THOMSON GEER
- THOMSON GEER -
THOMSON GEER
ABOUT US Thomson Geer is a large independent Australian corporate law firm, with 91 Partners and more than 500 lawyers and staff operating out of offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
”We work hard to enhance our friendly, collegiate and professionally stimulating culture through open and authentic communication” We combine depth of quality legal skills and know-how with strong value driven standards and settings. We work hard to enhance our friendly, collegiate and professionally stimulating culture through open and authentic communication, and by ensuring we are respectful and accountable to each other every day. It is not only the openness we demonstrate in our dealings with each other, but also the well-established and trusting relationships we have with our clients, that make Thomson Geer a great place to work.
L39, RIALTO SOUTH TOWER 525 COLLINS STREET. MELBOURNE P: (03) 8080 350 W: TGLAW.COM.AU HR CONTACT CLARE LYNCH P&D ADVISER CLYNCH@TGLAW.COM.AU
PRACTICE AREAS
METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP TGLAW.COM.AU METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP TGLAW.COM.AU CLERKSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE 12 INTAKE 1: 6 INTAKE 2: 6 KEY DATES INTAKE 1: INTAKE 2: APPLICATION OPEN: APPLICATION CLOSE: INTERVIEW PERIOD: OFFERS RELEASED:
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM We offer a structured program where Clerks learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching and observation.
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2016 JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2017 11 JULY 2016 14 AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 11 OCTOBER 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECRUITMENT FROM GRADUATE MARKET : ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONSIDERED: LIV SIGNATORY: FINAL YEAR STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR CLERKSHIPS:
Our areas of practice in Melbourne: • Banking & Finance • Corporate & Commercial • Dispute Resolution & Litigation • Employment & Safety • Insolvency, Recovery & Restructuring • Insurance • Intellectual Property • Mergers & Acquisitions • Property & Development • Tax
NO NO YES NO
All of our clerks have the opportunity to: • Attend client meetings • Observe court proceedings • Conduct legal research • Develop technical skills in areas such as drafting, due diligence and discovery • Participate in team meetings, training and continuing legal education programs
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We'll do our best to match you to the area of practice in which you would prefer to complete your Clerkship – it's really important to us that the clerkship experience helps you to make the right choice for your career. GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM
”We regard our graduate lawyers as an investment in the future and are committed to ensuring that new lawyers are given the best possible start to their legal careers.” Our Graduate Development Program assists young practitioners in making the transition from university to legal practice and provides a solid basis for future success. We regard our graduate lawyers as an investment in the future and are committed to ensuring that new lawyers are given the best possible start to their legal careers. Our program runs for 12 months and incorporates 3 rotations. Graduates complete supervised workplace training onsite (SWT). WHAT WE LOOK FOR At Thomson Geer we look for law students who have excelled academically, are client-focused, commercial, and work well in a team environment. If your ambitions are to develop a career in commercial law and you possess the drive to make your ambitions a reality then we want to hear from you!
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MELBOURNE PROPERTY AND PROJECTS TEAM WHAT TYPE OF WORK DOES THE GROUP UNDERTAKE? The Melbourne Property and Projects Team works on a wide range of matters including acquisition and disposal of real estate; commercial and industrial leasing; corporate real estate and subdivisions; town planning and planning permit applications. We advise and assist on matters associated with industrial estates, commercial buildings, residential land, shopping centres, golf courses, urban renewal projects, hotels, clubs, ports, airports, and rural properties. RECENT CASES OF SIGNIFICANCE The team has worked on a number of significant matters including: • A VCAT Application for review of a planning permit for the development of the Great Ocean Road Adventure Park; • The purchase and subsequent development of a six stage residential subdivision; and • The sale of a trio of residential properties ‘the Botanic Portfolio’ in a record $33 million deal, which may be Victoria’s highest ever residential purchase. WHAT IS MY ROLE IN THE GROUP AS A GRADUATE LAWYER AND WHAT IT IS LIKE TO WORK IN THE GROUP? The Property and Projects team is a fast paced collaborative group. As a graduate lawyer I have been involved in various types of transactions, and different facets of those deals from drafting contracts to attending settlements and seeing things come to a successful end. A typical day for a graduate involves instructions on drafting from multiple lawyers, reviewing contracts, leases and agreements, researching regulations and legislation; and attending to settlement and registration. This being just a sample of the tasks I undertake, everything I am given contributes in some way to the work that is on foot with my entire team. It is demanding and the learning curve as a graduate is steep, but it is incredibly satisfying to see the outcome of your hard work.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT PETA THOMPSON, SENIOR ASSOCIATE (CORPORATE/M&A)
Is work/life balance encouraged at your firm? I am lucky to work in a very supportive environment where work/life balance is encouraged. For example, I leave work early on Thursdays to play social netball. My practice group is also mindful of the fact that we each have different working habits (for example, I like to come in earlier and leave earlier) and we do our best to accommodate these. What are your practice group office dynamics? I would describe my practice group as hard-working, supportive and an enjoyable team to work in. As a junior lawyer, one of the things I enjoyed most about working in my practice group was the direct contact with my supervising partners, even as a graduate. I was often working on matters directly with the supervising partner which meant I was able to take ownership of tasks, making me feel like I was really contributing. Now as a more senior practitioner I encourage the same culture. What is a typical day at work for you? The work I do on a day-to-day basis is quite varied which I enjoy. At the moment, the work I am doing is quite transactional as a number of our key clients are expanding or consolidating their respective businesses. However, I also provide general corporate and commercial advice in relation to issues ranging from compliance with the Corporations Act, the ASX Listing Rules and the Competition and Consumer Act through to the drafting and negotiation of a wide variety of contracts. What are some of the challenges your practice group deals with? Our team is quite busy at the moment which has been challenging. However, I have found that being organised and planning ahead has enabled us to manage our increased workload while continuing to provide a high level of customer service to our clients. What do you think are essential skills for a lawyer? I think the key skills required to be a successful lawyer include: • being organised (I have learnt never to underestimate the usefulness of an up-to-date task list!); • having a high attention to detail; • having good oral and written communication skills; and • taking pride in your work. What is something you wish you had known before entering practice? Time entry is not the end of the world! I had heard horror stories about the billable unit before entering practice, but I soon discovered that time entry is something that can be easily managed. I think the key is to get into good habits early and to find a process that works for you. What advice would you give for law students seeking seasonal clerkships and graduate traineeships? I would encourage students to obtain work experience (whether inside or outside the legal industry) prior to applying for clerkships / traineeships. Having worked at McDonalds, Cotton On and Slater and Gordon during uni, I was able to learn and develop important skills which formed a good foundation for my legal career.
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