FLSA Careers Guide

FLINDERS LAW STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

CAREERS GUIDE

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Getting Started

FLSA Welcome Flinders Law Students' Association would first like to begin by congratulating you on possessing the ability and courage to study law, as this is no easy feat. We also hope that you enjoy reading through this guide, that is prepared for our peers, and that it may help satisfy any questions that you may have about a potential career or the future.

Acknowledgements FLSA would like to thank the internal and external contributors. Without their help we would not have been able to create this guide.

FLSA would also like to thank all students and staff at Flinders University who have contributed to the 2021 Careers Guide, without your valuable input we would not have been able to create this guide.

We would also like to acknowledge previous FLSA members who have published previous guides which this guide has also used.

Alexandra Douvartzidis Amy Hawes Angelica Costi Anthony Busuttil Anthony Stokes Barbara Vretto Celeste Craggs Chloe Tunstil George Askew George Pitsadotis Jodie Adams Keelie Bormann Kerry Clark Laura Sheridan Lauren Whelan Lucretia Sobey Marcus Walker Mardi Conduit Margaret Cusenza Matilda Lindquist Nikki Esmaeili Olivia Hanna Dr Rhain Buth Rhea Jolley Robert Cousins Rui Seah Samantha Kontra Sara Shahin Shai Barboza Tania Leiman Tash Behrendoff William Jones

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

Editorial Team

We know that studies can be intense, and at times it can be overwhelming to try and keep on track of everything. We are students like you, and we have all found ourselves asking questions about the future, what we want to do and how do we find the information about our future endeavours. It is difficult to study and work, and then find the time to research your future and all the relevant information that you need.

The 2021 Careers Guide is produced by the Flinders Law Students' Association (FLSA) Careers, Education and Wellbeing portfolio, with the specific help of the Publications Officer. FLSA is a volunteer association which is comprised of students who repre-sent the law cohort at Flinders University.

We made this publication to try and ease your burden. We have gathered and compiled articles, interviews and some pieces of information that you may find helpful. The reason we have done this is because we have answered many of the questions that we wish we knew, and are in a position to pass some of this knowledge onto you.

Rhea Jolley Richard Falkner Shai Barboza Trevor Morris

Also, FLSA would like to mention that this Guide would have been impossible to make without the help of Rhea Jolley, Richard Falkner, Shai Barboza and Trevor Morris. They have worked extremely hard, while studying, to gather the resources to provide you the interviews and information within this guide. It would also not be possible to produce this guide without the help of all the members of the FLSA committee that have contributed to this guide in their own way.

Sponsors Johnson Winter & Slattery LK MinterEllison

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Table of Contents Getting Started A Guide to the Guide

Pg. 8-9

Volunteering

Pg. 22-3

Studies at Flinders

Pg. 9

Volunteering with Rui

Pg. 24

Double Degree: Matilda

Pg. 10

Interview with Rhea

Pg. 25

Practical Legal Training

Pg. 12

Part-time Work: Robert C

Pg. 26-7

Graduation & Honours

Pg. 14-5

Legal Skills Comps

Pg. 28-1

Applications CV & Cover Letter

Pg. 68

Cover Letter

Pg. 69

CV Template

Pg. 70-1

Honours: Keelie Bormann Pg. 16-7 Post Graduate Study

Pg. 18

Pg. 19

Your Future

Employer Directory

Forging your Career Path

Pg. 34-5

Becoming a Solicitor

Pg. 55-6

Civil Legal Practice

Pg. 74

Criminal Law Practice

Pg. 36-8

The Future of Law

Pg. 60

Criminal Legal Practice

Pg. 92

Digital Law

Pg. 40-3

ADR

Pg. 61-2

Suburban & Rural Practice Pg. 97

The First Year in Office

Pg. 44-5

Academia

Pg. 64-5

Becoming a Barrister

Pg. 48

Pg. 106

Practising as a Barrister

Pg. 49-3

Pg. 114

Family Law Practice

Pg. 54

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

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Pg. 101

Getting Started

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

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Getting Started

A Guide to this Guide

Studies at Flinders

Getting started

The Flinders Law Students’ Association Careers Guide aims to provide insight into the potential career opportunities available to you. We hope that this guide will assist you in your work towards your chosen career path. This guide will help you start thinking about your career, while you are studying, so you can maximise your opportunities and gain an edge early on.

Section Two: Your Future The second part is the “your future” process. This area speaks to potential career paths open to graduates and what some areas of practice are like.

There are some handy tips and insights within this section that may help you determine what area of practice might be right for you.

Section Three: Beyond Legal Practice Using this guide The third area is the “beyond legal This guide is structured into 5 sections, practice” chapter. This chapter talks each focusing on different stages of the about academia and other prospective career exploration and application areas for law graduates to apply their process. skills in. One area within this chapter is alternative dispute resolution if you Regardless of what year of studies you were considering applying your skills are, whether it is your first or peultithere. mate year, the information in the guide is relevant to everyone.

Section Four: Applications The fourth chapter is a smaller one and Section one: Getting Started is about applications. We have included A solid foundation is one of the most a cover letter and CV to help better precrucial elements to a successful career. pare you for applying for legal career The first section will address areas that jobs. We have included this section students can improve upon, or learn because we know that the application more about before graduating their process can be the hardest part, and we LLB. would like to give you a draft that is current.

There are many different ways to enrich your degree, such as undertaking Section Five: Employer Directory honours, choosing specific electives The last chapter is the employer tailored to your career path, or going directory. The final chapter will have information about most of the employoverseas on exchange. There are also ers that you may be interested in. important experiences you can fit in around your degree. Some of these are internships, volunteering and part-time work.

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

Your degree

The LLB/LP To successfully graduate from the Flinders Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, students must complete 144 units of Studies. This is broken down into: • 94.5 units of core topics • 22.5 units of Legal practice core topics • 36 units of option Students that have successfully completed these requirements will be eligible to apply for admission to the Supreme Court of South Australia.

Students that wish to exit early from their degree with just a Bachelor of Laws may do so by request to the Law school. In this case, students must complete an extra elective topic. Students who wish to undertake their GDLP via an external provider may do so if they exit their degree early.

Full-time or Part-time To be classifed as a full-time student, you must be enrolled in at least 13.5 units (3 topics) of study within a semester. To be classified as part-time, you must be enrolled in 9 units (2 topics) or less.

In order to study more than 22.5 units per semester, you must seek special approval from the Law school. While, it is also common for students to drop from full-time to part-time studies. Law school is flexible enough to provide you options that suit your lifestyle.

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Getting Started

Course rule Flinders provides students with a course guide, which is particularly helpful in allowing you to set out your core topics for your entire degree. This does not strictly have to be followed by but it will make it easier for you to plan what topics you should be doing. This can be easily found on the Flidners website, or by contacting the Flinders staff who will email it directly to you.

Juris Doctor (JD) If you have completed and undergraduate degree in a different discipline, but wish to complete postgraduate law then consider the Flinders Juris Doctor.

Delivered primarily online with some on-campus workshops, this course enables you to gain industry experience and solve real world Combined degrees problems, along with the opportuA second degree can help broaden the nity to network with other professcope of your degree and open possibi- sionals. lities to future career options.

Flinders offers some combined degrees as follows: • Bachelor of Accounting • Bachelor of Arts • Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) • Bachelor of Business • Bachelor of Criminology • Bachelor of International Relations and Political Science • Bachelor of Languages • Bachelor of Science You can easily add a second degree onto your law degree after you have commenced studying.

Bachelor of Letters If you are interested in studying Creative Writing, English, Innovation/ Enterprise, French, Indonesian, Italian, Modern Greek , Spanish or Sports Performance Coaching, then consider adding a Bachelor of Letters to your degree. The Bachelors of Letters will extend your degree by a year and must be studied part-time.

Electives Electives offered by the Flinders Law School differ each year, and usually run on a two-year cycle. If you have an idea of the career path you want to take, you can tailor your electives to your chosen field.

Electives run in both semester 1 and 2, and can run in the mid-year and summer breaks as intensives.

Combining your Degree Matilda Lindquist and a Combined Degree

Why did you decide to combine your law degree with international relations and political science?

I decided to combine my degree after completing a year of straight Law, as my interest in public policy grew.

I came to realise I wanted to have a holistic understanding of both the Australian Legal system and Australia’s Political system.

What opportunities will this open up for you in the future?

After graduating, I hope to work as a law and policy analyst. The big picture goal is to be in a role communicating honest and transparent information to the public concerning the relevant law and politics. I believe completing this combined degree will make me more employable in this field and stand out against other future applicants.

Can you tell us more about the International Relations and Political How long does it take to complete a Science degree? combined degree and do you feel like Political Science focuses on the it’s worth it? internal politics of one country, whilst It takes 5.5 years to complete a combined International Relations is analysing degree, initially that was daunting. When and supporting relationships between you break it down though a Laws and Legal Practice degree by itself requires 4 multiple countries. years to complete. Therefore, I think it’s How do you find balancing two dif- great that I will only have to study for an additional 1.5 years and will walk away ferent degrees at the same time? with two Bachelor degrees.

A common misconception I think held towards combined degrees is that they require a larger workload compared with studying a single degree. A full-time study load for university is 4 topics a semester, that does not change if you are doing a combined degree compared to a single degree. Therefore, you never will have a larger study load doing a combined degree in comparison to a single degree.

Flinders is great at tailoring combined degrees, assessing the topics in both combined courses and removing any that have overlapping content. This ensures students complete combined degrees in minimal time.

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

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Getting Started

Practical Legal Training Flinders University is the only South Australian university currently offering an integrated Laws and Legal Practice program that can lead to admission as a legal practitioner. The topics offered under the Practical Legal Training combines theories and skills necessary to enter into a career in the legal field.

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice degree, students can seek admission from the Supreme Court of South Australia to begin practicing law.

PLT at Flinders Flinders University offers four core topics for Practical Legal Training within the Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice.

The topics are as follows; • LLAW7000 Practical Legal Training: Civil Litigation Practice • LLAW7001 Practical Legal Training: Legal Practice Management • LLAW7002 Practical Legal Training: Transactional Legal Practice • LLAW7003 Practical Legal Training: Criminal Practice and Advocacy Within LLAW7000 Practical Legal Training: Civil Litigation Practice, students will be introduced to tasks undertaken by an entry-level lawyer within a civil practice including litigation case file processes and negotiation exercises.

In conjunction, LLAW7003 Practical Legal Training: Criminal Practice and Advocacy exposes students to tasks required of an entry-level lawyer into criminal practice including seeking an adjournment, applying for bail, entering a guilty plea and experience a mock trial.

LLAW7002 Practical Legal Training: Transactional Legal Practice is a 9 unit topic and encompasses every aspect of the legal profession with a strong emphasis on teaching students how to execute legal transactions.

PLT Externally Students may decide to complete their Practical Legal Training at a later date.

If chosen to complete this externally, to be eligible for admission, students will need to complete a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP).

Students can complete their GDLP at the following institutions however there are extra costs involved; • The Law Society of South Australia • The College of Law

With these three core PLT topics, there are strict requirements for admission and as such participation and attendance is compulsory.

Placement In addition to the three core topics mentioned previously, students will need to complete a 225 hour placement within a law practice. The placement is completed under the topic, LLAW7001 Practical Legal Training: Legal Practice Management. The required hours can be completed in a 6 week full-time placement or the part time equivalent.

Placement allows students to utilise their skills and knowledge acquired throughout their studies into a practical application. Students are required to complete specific tasks whilst on placement which may include interviewing, advising, legal research, drafting letters and legal documents.

Prior to conducting their placement, students will attend a one-day intensive workshop. After completion, students will then need to organise their placement which will need to be approved.

Clerkships Local Presence. Global Opportunities.

LK is an international investigative legal practice with an outstanding track record in some of the most challenging, complex and high profile commercial litigation projects in the Asia Pacific region and internationally.

Applications for LK’s Clerkship Program close in April each year.

Our mission is the single-minded advancement of our clients’ interests, to maximise value through the focussed application of our expertise.

If you have questions about LK’s Clerkship Program, please contact Lorraine Wohling - lwohling@lipmankaras.com.

LK offers lawyers commencing their careers a chance to work with recognised leaders in their field on litigation projects, investigations and inquiries that are unique in magnitude, complexity and geographic reach.

Up to 20 clerkship placements are offered each year for students in their penultimate and final year of studies. Each placement is four weeks in duration and offered in the summer and winter university holidays.

When applying candidates should ensure they provide a cover letter demonstrating that they possess the qualities that we look for (see our website), their CV and their most up to date academic transcript.

LK provides opportunities and experiences that are unrivalled in South Australia.

W W W. L I P M A N K A R A S .C O M

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

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Getting Started

2014 - 2018 Best International Firm for Work Life Balance

Graduating & Admission

Honours

Transition to Practice

Graduating Graduation ceremonies, as per COVID-19 restrictions, are set to take place for 2021 Graduates.

Details regarding graduations can be found on the Flinders University website including dates, registration of interest, guests, academic dress and information for if you are absent.

Admission to Practice After completing your degree and graduating from university, you may apply for admission in South Australia to the Supreme Court in order to practice legally. The Ethics and Practice Unit of the Law Society of South Australia can provide further information and assistance in the completing the admission process via email, phone number or visiting their website.

Prior to admission, the Board of Examiners must be satisfied that you are a fit and proper person whilst also meeting the admission requirements set out in the LPEAC Rules and the Uniform Civil Rules.

Admission Requirements Academic and practical requirements stated in both the LPEAC Rules and the Uniform Civil Rules must be met to be admitted as a legal practitioner.

Completion of a Bachelor of Law and Legal Practice at Flinders University satisfies these requirements and no further study is required.

If the Practical Legal Training aspect of the degree is not completed, you will not be able to practice as a legal practioner. A Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) will need to be obtained if you wish to practice within five years of graduation from law school.

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

Application process The admission and application process is set out under Part 7 of the Uniform Civil Rules 2020 and requires a filing of an Originating Process (Form 7A), an affidavit (Form 12A) and Form 14.

In relation to the affidavit, any relevant disclosures as outlined in Appendix D of the LPEAC Rules must be made. There is not an exhaustive list of specific disclosures however, disclosures can be deemed as instances where you have not acted as fit and proper person i.e academic misconduct, criminal charges etc.

Prior to filing the documents at Court, a pre-assessment at the Law Society of South Australia will need to be filed via the Admissions Portal on their website. A fee of $27.50 is attached. Ensure that this filed as soon as practically possible to ensure it is reviewed prior so in the event any changes are required, it can be completed prior to the cut-off date for the application of admission.

Further Your Academia

If Court accepts your application to be admitted as a legal practitioner, you will then be required to sign the Roll of Practitioners.

LLB (Honours) The Bachelors of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours) is designed to provide an enhanced program of studies for students of exceptional academic ability.

Dissertation Proposal and Supervisor Students should start to think seriously about a topic at least a semester before formally enrolling. Since the Dissertation is undertaken towards the end An Honours degree will refine and in- of the course, there will have been crease your skills in research, academic opportunities to consider a range of writing and critical thinking. It can be topics from which a Dissertation might a valueable addition to your CV and be developed. may help distinguish you from your colleagues. If you intend to complete a It is a student’s responsibility to arMasters or Doctorate then Honours is range supervison with a member of the an essential step.

Law School staff. The Honours Coordinator will be available to advise stuTransferring into Honours dents about the suitability of a potential If you are not already enrolled in supervisor to supervise in particular Honours, you can transfer into the areas of interest. degree via application if you satisfy the requirements, being: The deadline for submission of your proposal is 14 days before the begin• GPA for all law topics over 5.5 • Completed 72-108 units in LLB/LP ning of the semester in which you commence your Dissertation.

• GPA of 5.7 for the most recent 36 graded units in the LLB/LP • Capacity to undertake the Dissertation elective topics in their study plan • In the opinion of the Honours Committee, you could fulfil the requirements to be awarded Honours.

Once admitted, you may apply to the Society for a practising certificate via their website.

Restricted Practice Certificate After admission, you will be on a restricted practising certificate requiring supervised practice. The fee for a practising certificate for more than 6 months is $606 plus $205 levy. Other details and information regarding the practising certificate can be found via the Society’s website.

Practising Interstate If you decide to practice interstate, you may apply for mutual recognition to the Supreme Court of South Australia. Part 8 of the Uniform Civil Rules details the process and Prescribed Forms required. For further information regarding practicing interstate visit the Society’s website.

Once the Society has approved your forms, you may then proceed to file your application via CourtSA. An admission fee to the Court will need to be paid upon completion of application. Again, this process must be completed prior to the application cut-off date to ensure the Board of Examiners can review your application.

The Board of Examiners will assess your application and provide a report and recommendation. Subsequently, a hearing will be requested by the Court in which you must attend in person unless exempted.

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Getting Started

Honours

Honours

Keelie Bormann and Honours My first question is was there any particular reason why you studied law? was enrolling into honours always something that you wanted to do?

I somewhat fell into law unexpectedly.

I never considered it as an option until one of my high school teachers suggested it. I was a keen Legal Studies student, so it made sense! I eventually enrolled and am still here, 6 years later.

I have been in the Honours stream since the beginning of my degree but didn’t really understand what it involved at first. Throughout my degree I learnt more about the process from attending information sessions and speaking to staff and other students.

Once I learnt what was involved I was pretty set on continuing with it!

What was honours like? and what was your overall experience with it?

It was a challenge, but the most rewarding kind. I had never done such large-scale research before – it was a unique experience to truly delve into a topic beyond what you do in law assignments. I now know way too much about this little-used tort originating in the case of Wilkinson v Downton (which I applied to the aged care context, specifically in relation to mental harm).

Did you receive much support from the university or faculty regarding Honours?

Absolutely. The first step – before even starting to write the dissertation – is submitting a proposal that goes to the Honours Committee for approval. This provides an opportunity for issues to be raised before you get too far into it.

Is Honours restrictive in narrowing you to only one specific specialization in law?

While I can’t speak to the hiring practises of every workplace, my general sense is that those transferable skills I mentioned above can be applied in legal practice, academia, or other legal careers (plus many law-adjacent or non-leHonours students are also required to gal ones!). It would be a bonus if attend classes in the first semester of you are applying for a job and your their Honours year that are focussed on Honours topic directly relates, but the skills needed to write a dissertation. it isn’t necessary (unless otherwise These were helpful as writing a disstated). Don’t worry too much sertation is not like your average law about Honours restricting your essay! future career path – it may help you to realise that you want to work in My biggest source of support through- an area relating to your dissertation out all stages of the dissertation process topic (or not – which is helpful was from my supervisor. We would too!). meet regularly to discuss ideas and any issues I was facing in my research and writing. Your supervisor is your #1 go-to person throughout your Honours year.

Keelie Bormann and Honours What advice do you have that you As you move closer towards your Honwould like to provide to students ours year, think about potential topics and thinking about Honours? what staff members may have the reqIf you’re in the early stages of your uisite expertise to supervise those areas. degree, I recommend thinking about There’s a list of potential supervisors on potential dissertation topics early. the Honours FLO page and each Flinders This doesn’t mean you have to have Law academic staff member has a profile your Proposal written at the end of on the Flinders website where you can your first year! Instead, just keep view the areas of law they research and an eye out and note down any legal teach in. topics that interest you throughout your studies. For example, if you read an article that piques your interest, save it in a folder to come back to later. If one of your lecturers speaks about a particular issue in class that really interests you, chat to them about it in their consult hours or send them an email. You never know, it could develop into a dissertation topic eventually!

Would you recommend a student to enrol in honours if they are only thinking about possibly entering academia? or is it relevant in practice?

The skills you learn and develop when completing an Honours dissertation are highly valuable in practice. While you may not be faced with a matter that requires you to apply your exact Honours research, the skills you learn I learnt to be adaptable as many parts of my dissertation changed over time, in Honours are transferable to practice. High-level analytical, research as my research and ideas developed and I got a better sense of how it would and writing skills and attention to detail (you learn this when you have all fit together. There were many ups and downs – some days nothing made to proofread 13,000 words!), just to sense, while other days I had ‘eureka!’ name a few. Honours can be a great talking point in job interviews for law moments where everything fell into clerk roles, too – and is a good example place. of many skills that can be raised in a cover letter or job application.

The sense of accomplishment when I submitted my dissertation was incomparable to anything else I had experienced. Honours wasn’t easy, at all – but that fact is what made it such an achievement to complete.

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

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Getting Started

In terms of picking a topic, my advice is unsurprising – pick something that you are passionate about, something that you want to learn more about and get to the bottom of. When things get difficult, your passion for your topic will be what gets you through. It is a long and intensive project, so you want a topic that will keep you motivated!

Postgraduate Study Continuance

Further Study If you are nearing the end of your law degree, the idea of beginning further study may be something you are contemplating. Postgraduate study can enrich your knowledge of an area of law that interests you. Also, it boosts your possible employment prosects, creates opportunities for a career in academia, and allows you to study overseas.

What are your options?

Broadly, undergraduate law students have four options for higher studies.

These higher studies are: • Masters of Law, by Coursework or research; • Doctor of Juridical Science; and • Doctor of Philosophy.

Masters of Law by Coursework Masters of Law through Coursework commonly requires students to complete eight topics. These topics focus on specialised areas of law, and require a greater depth of study than the areas you studied in your undergraduate degree.

Masters of Law by Coursework generally follows a structured lecture and seminar/tutorial program. Assessment differs across universities; some assess students based solely on their coursework, and others require an 8,00015,000 word dissertation.

Masters of Law by Research Masters of Law by Research is purely research based. Students must develop a research topic and write a supervised thesis, generally of 35,000-50,000 words. They are expected to find their own supervisor. such as a university academic with relevant experience.

Doctor or Juridical Science (SJD) The SJD consists of a coursework component and a research thesis, and is roughly equivalent to a PhD. The candidate must develop their own research topic, and the thesis can be between 50,000-75,000 words.

Students may need evidence of a research background before they are allowed to undertake this degree. This means that students who have already completed a research thesis, or who have had pieces of academic work published, have a greater chance of being approved to undertake this degree.

Generally, you must also have achieved an undergraduate law degree with Upper Second Class Honours as a minimum. Depending on your performance, your Master of Law by Research can be a stepping stone to PhD candidature.

If studying full-time, this course generally consists of one year of coursework, followed by two or three years of developing and writing the thesis. Depending on the university, you may have to complete a Masters of Law by Coursework before undertaking this Doctorate. You must also have at least Upper Second Class Honours in your undergraduate law degree.

Doctor of Philosophy The highly acclaimed PhD also requires candidates to develop a unique research topic and write a thesis under the supervision of an appropriate university academic. The research topic must be highly specific and unexplored.

The final thesis can be anywhere from 70,000-100,000 words. It can be completed in 2-4 years of full-time committment, or 3-8 years of part-time commitment.

A PhD is the highest award you can obtain for legal study, and will put you in good stead if you are working towards a career in academia.

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

Extracurricular Experience Standing Out is a Good Thing

Having good grades is the first thing a student thinks of when they think about standing out, However, this is not the be all and end all. While good grades is the crucial first step, there are many other ways to set yourself apart from everyone else.

Get Involved Employers are always on the look out for potential candidates who stand out.

By being apart of student societies, community groups, sporting clubs or cultural asoociations, you will expand your horizons beyond the scope of your law degree. Also, if you are able to balance extra-cirricular activities alongside your degree shows a level of participation and time management that goes hand in hand with employment skills. Employers want to see how you posses more than just a law degree.

Being invovled is not soley about enhancing your CV, but you will also build great relations between colleagues and staff. It is a good way to network and make friends.

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Getting Started

Internships Internships, can be both paid or unpaid and are relevant in obtaining practical work experience. Internships are available both during your degree or post graduation.

Volunteering Across Adelaide, there are numerous organisations that are looking for law students to volunteer their time to providing community legal services to people within the community. Many of these organisations have a strong sense of social justice and intend to help those who are disadvantaged.

Ideally, you should try and volunteer your time to a legal organisation within your 1st and 2nd year of law school to better prepare your CV, and set you up for success when it comes to internships and clerkships.

Casual and Part Time Work Casual or part time work in or around the legal field is a valuable undertaking for all students. This will allow you to develop some skills that will serve you well in the future and serve your CV as well.

Legal Skills Competitions Legal competitions are fundamental in allowing a student to develop their professional skills in an environment where you have nothing to lose.

ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER Our flexible team structure means you will not be held back. Our lawyers take on the work that reflects their ability, not their job title. You’ll also benefit from your own structured and bespoke professional development program. There are no barriers to your success with us.

Your career.

Your choice.

PRACTICE AREAS

• Competition/antitrust

Working with us will give you all the benefits that come with working for a leading law firm and much more. We will put you at the forefront of the corporate world, working with our clients on their most complex and business critical legal work – it’s what we do best.

• Intellectural property and IT

GO YOUR OWN WAY Our business model is different to other firms. We want our lawyers to focus on the quality of their legal work and client experience. That means you won’t be under pressure to meet billing targets. You will compete with your adversaries, not your peers.

• Dispute resolution • Funds management • Projects and construction • Corporate • Employment

• Regulatory • Corporate governance • Energy and resources • Media • Restructuring and insolvency • Debt finance

It’s our people that really sets us apart. We pride ourselves on being down to earth, approachable and, quite simply, a great place to work.

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

If you are enthusiastic, driven to succeed and want to continually develop your skills, you’ll fit right in. We’re looking for graduates who have not only excelled academically, but have great communications skills, thrive in a collaborative environment and want to deliver legal advice that will propel clients forward.

HOW DO I APPLY?

When you join us, you’ll become part of a national team and work with some of Australia’s brightest legal minds on a broad range of practices areas.

Johnson Winter & Slattery was started by three lawyers who wanted to do things differently. We’ve grown rapidly to become one of Australia’s leading independent firms and now have offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

A BIT ABOUT YOU

• Foreign investment • Private equity • Tax

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IT’S A VIBE THING What truly sets us apart is our people. We pride ourselves on being down to earth, approachable, but always high performing. Our ethos is: “we’re in it together” and it’s what we live by.

Getting Started

Just submit your CV, covering letter and current official academic transcript via cvMail. You can address this to Renee Patu, our Professional Development Advisor.

LET’S CHAT Renee Patu, Professional Development Advisor on email renee.patu@jws.com.au or phone 02 8247 9653.

To learn more about our programs, visit our website: www.jws.com.au/careers

Volunteering

Casual and Part-Time Work

Extra Curricular Experience Volunteering during your time at university is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience whilst assisting the community. The benefits of volunteering for both personal and professional reasons are endless and include learning new skills, gaining work experience, strengthen your ability to communicate and interact etc.

In addition, undertaking some form of volunteering will look on your resume and may increase your employability.

There are many avenues or ways in which you can volunteer including community legal centres, campus clubs and associations and off campus organisations.

Peer Mentoring The Peer mentoring program sees existing law students act as a mentor to an assigned group who are in their first year of law school.

Community Legal Centres Volunteering at Community Legal Centres is a unique opportunity for you to apply your legal knowledge practicially, which will assist memebers of the community. This can also help you identify which avenue of law you would like to undertake and what you feel passionate about. A lot of the not-forprofit Community Legal Centres rely on the services provided by volunteers.

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Community legal centres in South Australia that conduct volunteer applications include; • Environmental Defenders Office • JusticeNet SA • Roma Mitchell CLC • Southern Community Justice Centre • Welfare Rights Centre • Women’s Legal Service

On Campus Student Clubs and Associations

Joining clubs and societies on campus is a great way to make friends, develop professional skills, impact student life and provide help to others within your dedicated area of study.

For law school, we have the dedicated team at the Flinders Law Student association, which aims to bring events, competitions and general help when you need it.

For volunteering opportunities, visit the relevant organisation’s website or alternatively visit the CLC VolunBeing able to volunteer is something teers website for current opportunithat we would recommend. Not evties nationwide. eryone is able to commit the time to volunteering and that is ok. Some of Off Campus Organisations us have work, study or family comAs listed on the VolunteeringSA mitments. But for those who can, take website, there are a number of advantage of volunteering your time, organisations that offer volunteering it may be the difference between you opportunities either in the communi- finding a job at the end of your law ty or charity organisations. school.

Organisations seeking volunteers include; • Australian Red Cross • RSPCA South Australia • World Vision Australia • St Vincent de Paul Society SA

FLSA Careers Guide 2021

Extra Curricular Experience

Looking at obtaining casual or part time legal work while at University can be hard but very rewarding. The legal work you conduct, whether part time or casual can be invaluable. It will show prospective firms in the future that you have the ability to stick to a timeline, manage your time, operate within a professional environment and team and that you are unafraid to put yourself out there.

Administrative Firms and some courts hire students in administrative roles. While this is not the most glamerous job, can beggers be choosers? Conducting yourself in a professional manner within an administrative role will show potential employers that you have a keen eye for detail, that you can conduct yourself professionally around clients and that you understand what administration is required to keep a firm on solid ground.

Clerkships Clerkships are something that you have likely heard of, or is something you are looking to do. A clerkship provides a useful means of gaining experience in the legal profession, which may lead to further employment. A clerkship is a short term position at a law firm that typically runs from 3-12 weeks over the summer or winter breaks. Most clerkships run on a full-time basis, however, some firms prefer to run clerkships on a part-time basis over a longer period of time.

Campus jobs Flinders university itself can hire you in a casual or part-time role.

Usually, this can be in the form of Why should I apply? student ambassadors. This is someMost law firms recruit their graduate thing that is widely advertised so solicitors from their pool of clerks, so you need to keep an eye out for this if you are interested in entering private opportunity as it is very competilegal practice, completing a clerkship is tive. almost a crucial need.

When and how to apply?

Generally, firms will offer clerkships to penultimate and final year students.

Rounds clerks However, it is a good idea to apply for Chambers research assistant: a number a position as soon as you can, even if of barristers employ students to help you are not in your penultimate year. If with research. Some chambers adveryou are interested make sure you check tise these positions but must do not. If employer websites, as they will clearyou are interested in finding a barrister ly state when they open for clerkship to work for, write them a letter express- recruiting. Also, make sure you check ing your interest. your emails, as the Dean of law generally sends out emails alerting you to potential employers and clerkships that have arisen.

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Getting Started

Research assistant Several academics in the Law schools in university hire students to conduct research. This sort of job is not usually advertised so it is important to check with academics and see if they are interested in hiring you for this job. Make sure to check your emails if you are interested in this sort of opportunity.

Volunteering with Flinders Legal Centre

Women’s Legal Service South Australia

Interview with Rui Seah

The Flinders Legal Centre has been operating through Flinders University College of Business, Government and Law since 2011.

The Legal Centre acts as a small legal firm providing free advice to the community under the supervision of experienced solicitors with the assistance of student interns and volunteers.

How did you get involved with the Flinders Legal Centre?

Last year I did Law in Action which involves an internship at Flinders Legal Centre. Then I was looking for something to do in the holidays and I knew that with the Legal Centre you get experience, and you get to help the community.

After doing Law in Action, I was familiar with the Legal Centre and so it was a natural progression for me to volunteer there. I also liked the director of the Legal Centre; she was very helpful, so I just sent her an email asking if there were any vacancies. I started in the holidays and then I decided to do some half days during the semester, and they provided me the flexibility to do this.

What sort of tasks do you do as a volunteer at the Flinders Legal Centre?

Before the new interns started, I had a lot of work. I was drafting letters of advice, conducting interviews, taking notes. Since the interns have started, I have been doing more of the admin side of things, opening paper files, reorganising existing files, helping with new client’s paperwork, printing. The interns from Law in Action have to do a lot of tasks to get signed off for the topic so that’s why I am doing more of the admin so that those students get an opportunity to learn things.

What else should people know about Flinders Legal Centre?

I think there is a common misconception that its not a “real” law firm.

It may be non-for-profit, but it is still a real law firm. It is a community legal centre, but we do quite a lot of work and it’s professional. Often we work with motor vehicle accidents, or neighbour disputes, we also work with more sensitive issues so there is a range of areas.

Do you have a favourite part about volunteering at Flinders Legal Centre?

It’s just fun. Getting to see new cases is always interesting and just reading through them helps you gain experience. You even learn more general skills like to not overthink things which can be a fatal flaw with law students.

You also see that what you learn at law school is a lot different in practice. You learn more practical skills like organisation skills like managing files. I remember one client who rang me back last year just to thank me, when people contact like this it makes you feel good that you helped resolve their case.

Some of the clients might be students here too so it feels really good to be able to help my community.

How do you think this will help you in future?

I think definitely it will help me get a job. For example, real client interview experience. You learn how to interview a range of different types of people.

These are skills you don’t want to have to learn once you’re a graduated lawyer. You’re working with real clients, and you must get it right otherwise the firm is liable. It definitely is a good opportunity, and it feels like a safe environment, it’s professional but its different from an external firm. I have also met new people and made helpful connections.

Enquiries about volunteering at Flinders Legal Centre can be made to admin.flc@flinders.edu.au or see their website.

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

Interview with Rhea Jolley

What does the Women’s Legal Service do?

The Women’s Legal Service is a not-for-profit organisation providing legal services to women. This community legal centre provides free legal advice and outreach programs to women across South Australia.

What kind of work were you tasked with while you volunteered with Women’s Legal? Do you feel like you built particular skills from this experience?

The Women’s Legal Service provides free legal advice via telephone calls therefore, as a volunteer, we were on the phones talking to women seeking legal advice. As a volunteer, we would How did you find out about the first obtain basic information from the Women’s Legal Service and client and discuss the issues the client what motivated you to become needed legal assistance with. Followinvolved? ing this, volunteers would then speak As I started the final years of my to one of the solicitors regarding the law degree, I wanted to volunteer at client’s circumstances then convey the a local organisation to gain further legal information to the client. Other exposure to the legal profession. tasks included making appointments Upon searching opportunities for the solicitors and general admin on the CLC Volunteers website, duties. the Women’s Legal Service was Volunteering at the Women’s Legal seeking law students for volunteer Service was a rewarding experience opportunities. and I feel acquired a number of skills The Women’s Legal Service was not only benefitting my future legal of particular interest to me as I career but also interpersonal skills. wanted the opportunity to assist an organisation that does so much Did you find it hard to balance for the female community here in volunteering with other aspects of Adelaide. student life?

Like any other commitment, it was What was the application process an adjustment in time management to ensure I remained on top of my studies, like?

When I applied for the volunteer- however, I found it to be an excellent addition to my university life. The ing opportunity, I was asked to send a cover letter and resume via WLS team ask volunteers to be able to email. Upon obtaining the voluncommit to one three hour shift a week teering position, I attended a three therefore, I was able to fit it in with my hour morning induction with other university work and casual employvolunteers to hear more about the ment as well.

Women’s Legal Service and the type of work we would be doing.

Following this, I had to attend a risk management meeting with a preliminary volunteering shift to conduct phone calls with supervision.

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Getting Started

What did you find rewarding about volunteering at Women’s Legal?

I found my experience at WLS rewarding as I was able to provide assistance in a needed service to women in South Australia. The work the WLS does for the female community in Adelaide is inspiring and they are able to offer assistance to many women. Prior to my volunteering experience, I had not had any exposure to a practical legal environment so being able to talk and learn from solicitors was a fantastic opportunity. I am very grateful to the WLS for offering the volunteering opportunity.

Do you have any other advice for students wanting to volunteer while they study?

Volunteering was one of the best experiences for me during my time at university and I think it is important that all students undertake some type of volunteering if they are able to.

If you are wanting to volunteer, keep an eye on the CLC volunteers website as it details CLC’s seeking volunteers. Similarly, if there is a particular organisation you are interested in, send an email expressing interest in a volunteering position. Organisations also utilise social media and LinkedIn to advertise for volunteering opportunities, so make sure if you are interested, you are following these organisations on their social platforms.

Part-Time Work Probate Law Robert Cousins

You are working part-time and studying a Bachelor of Law and Legal Practice?

I am working in the legal profession around Wills and Estates. Originally, I was employed as a customer service representative, but I have been promoted as a legal assistant. This requires a lot more work from me than what a customer service rep would demand.

As a legal assistant I am usually interviewing clients, recording documents, completing forms on requirements and compliance and a multitude of other tasks. However, the firm is a little more than just general Wills and Estates, and it delves into the areas surrounding advanced care directed and a lot of general powers of attorney.

my personality and the previous life experiences that I have developed along the way. The firm knew that I would have minimal legal knowledge and they were ok with that; what the firm cared about is whether I would be a good fit and what life experience that I could bring to the table.

Do you enjoy your work and is this a potential career for you?

Personally it really is something in the cards for me but I am also open to other professional avenues of practice. The firm I am employed with has really given me a strong perspective as to what I want to do with the future and my view of a professional career. Because of this How did you find yourself employed? experience, I can focus my elecFrom my understanding this is not How I found this job was actually tives on how I want to shape my your first time studying, what made through my Flinder’s email. One day future and to stack the odds in my you want to study law?

I saw an email from the Dean of Law favour. I really do enjoy Wills and Law was always something that interabout a job opportunity in Wills and Estates as I obtain a true sense of ested me throughout high school. When Estates with the firm that I am emsatisfaction by helping clients. I can I was near the end of high school, I was ployed with. At the time I was a firsthelp provide clients with comfort offered a scholarship to pursue a musiyear student when I applied, however, and a means to feel secure in the cal degree, and this was an opportunity I didn’t think I stood a chance when I event of an unfortunate accident. that I wanted to take. I still had the submitted my CV and applied for the What people seem to forget is that idea in my head that I wanted to study job. I have always been fond of Wills Wills and Estates is about death, law, but I knew that it would be easier and Estates and it was a career path I and this is a scary thing to talk for me to finish my degree in music definitely wanted to pursue so I took about, especially when a client and then move onto law then if it was the opportunity. must tell you about what they want the opposite way. Also, I have done a There were a lot of interviews, and I done in the event something terrible couple of things in my life, from studyfound myself to be the only first year is to happen. ing and working. It was my personal that was against third year and final experiences that I developed over the year law students. In the end I was years that really peaked my interests in selected because the firm liked studying a law degree. No matter what I did, there was always a legal aspect to it, and I found this so interesting that it compelled me to undertake a law degree.

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

Where I mentioned earlier about personality, this is where it is crucial.

You will be thrust into situations where you may be speaking to a client that is vulnerable or afraid. You need to be able to leave your ego at the door and understand why the client is there and how you can do everything within their beneficial interests. The clients may try and shut down during an interview, get upset, angry or try to leave because they are talking about something that normal people do not discuss. Not only is the reputation of your firm on the line but you need to have a personality that the firm can trust. They must know that they can leave you on your own with a client, and they know you will not bring their reputation into disrepute.

But I will also say that it takes a lot of determination to keep everything together. I am not working this hard because I care about how much capital I will make at the end of this degree, but because I enjoy what it is that I do.

I know that something worthwhile is never easy and we all know that law is not eat feat that you can accomplish in your sleep.

But a word of advice to everyone is that law is about how apply yourself, and that anyone that can apply themselves can study law and become a great lawyer. When I first started looking into law, my partner was in her first year of law school. I used to think that she had some sort of gift or magical powers and I told myself that I would never be able to study law, that I was not good enough, That is absolute Wills and Estate is something that I nonsense though. What I now know is want to pursue post-graduation, but I that you don’t require special powers to am very open to the future and what other career options are made available be a law student or a lawyer, you must have the determination to want to study to me. I would like more than just a single perspective as this will truly give law and to follow through by applying yourself. me a meaningful point of view as to where I would like to place myself in practice. The great thing about law is that you will never be suspended to a single career if you do not wish it.

How do you manage to juggle university life, work life and a legal career?

It is very demanding to say the least.

Sometimes I find myself with very minimal time and other times I am fine.

It takes a lot of energy and focus to persevere through it all but I manage. I think the real key is being honest with yourself and where you are in your professional and university life. What also helps me is that I have a good support group that understands the pressure that I am under, and they help me through it.

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Getting Started

Do you have any advice for students looking at doing what you are?

Take advantage of all the opportunities that present themselves to you. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there or let people tell you that you cannot achieve your goals. You are probably the candidate that an employer is looking for, but if you don’t apply you will miss your shot and watch someone else take your spot.

Also, remember that you are not an imposter within your law degree.

As I mentioned before I never used to think that I was good enough to attend law school and this is not true. You are good enough to attend law school and there is nothing stopping you from achieving your goals if you are willing to work hard to obtain them.

Legal Skills Competitions

Legal Skills Competitions

Extra Curricular Experience Chloe Tunstill

There are common misconceptions that law is very academic?

You need to consider the fact that a lot of what you learn from reading cases lectures and textbooks. When combined they are amazing, but they also missed the human element as well. Some of these elements are how you hold yourself at trial, whether you stand strong and are confident in bringing your legal issues in front of a judge or you are conducting a client inCan you firstly identify why legal terview. There are things that cannot be competitions at university are imtaught in books and is only developed portant? through practise in an environment that These competitions give students an actual, real life taste of what it’s like in is safe. The last thing you want to do is for instance, conduct your first client practice. The part of law that you are interview in an actual career without applying here is not learned through having any proper practise beforea textbook. Some parts of the compehand. The truth is that in practise it is tition will require your legal research abilities and other skills. However, you not going to be easy, and you need a will also develop skills like communi- degree of social skills to be paired with your academic abilities. The daunting cating with a client, gaining informaexperiences having to conduct the tion from someone who is potentially practical side of your career with that feeling vulnerable, or speaking in front of a judge. These are a few of the having ever practised it and this can be things you will be able to participate in terrifying. and it can be quite invaluable to learn.

Because of conducting comps, if I was doing my placement, or if I was working and someone told me that I had to interview a client or negotiate I would not be stressed. There would still be degree of stress there, but I feel more prepared having made the mistakes that I have made in a safe environment rather than them within a career.

FLSA, just like other university law associations provide legal competitions.

Being a part of legal competitions is not only fun but is also a great way to professionally develop your skills in a chosen field you may be thinking about. There are numerous competitions to take part in. But now you were here from competitions director Chloe Tunstill.

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

To be good it takes practise There is a human element to practise and a little goes a long way. If there is anything that you should take away from competitions, it’s that you learn quickly and pick up good habits fast. It is still a competitive environment and within a competition you get to challenge yourself. The greatest lawyers didn’t become great because they sat around, they had to work at the skills that they possess, and it is reflected through their professional careers. Unlike practitioners, who are not offered an environment where it is favourable to lose, competitions offer you this safe environment. You are not always going to succeed but at least taking part you would have learned a lot about who you are, and what you are made of in a professional capacity.

Competitions might be a helpful place to identify what specific avenues of practise you may take and it may pay a small consideration into what you like doing. Whether client interview, legal research and negotiation will be your Forte, or whether you want to stand in a court and advocate on your clients behalf. You might find that FLSA comps may help identify this for you and then you can focus on what you really want to do in a future career.

Extra Curricular Experience Shai Barboza and Moot

Shai Barboza is the Grandfinal winner of 2 Moots at Flinders University. She won her first Moot in 2020 in the 1st year Moot, and she won her second Moot in the Open Moot in 2021. It is no easy feat to win a Moot and this is what she has to say about her experience with it all.

Can you please tell everyone a little bit about what Moot is?

It is all about improving your adovacy skills because you are essentially taking on the role of a Barrister and adovcating on behalf of a client. It takes place in a court setting with all the court formalities in place. You have the judges there, as well as a time keeper. The only thing missing is the actual client, who will not be there.

Also, Mooting is done in pairs, which will be divided between senior counsel and juniour counsel.

What made you want to do Moot?

I wanted to improve my advoacy skills.

The whole reason I wanted to study law was to advocate for people and this is something that I can see myself doing in the future. I want to argue on behalf of people in a court room so I know that it is important for me to develop these skills whereever I can So you feel that Mooting has improved your legal representation skills, are you feeling confident?

Yes, because I now understand the specific formalities of the courtroom, and how I must conduct myself or submit my work. It is difficult when you are under pressure to have a formal conversation with someone who is in a position of authority and is scrutinizing every detail about you.

Mooting is also really good to develop public speaking skills. It is something we all dread but the only way to overcome this is by doing it.

I personally have anxiety so I have to push myself and really develop my skills to help myself. I know a lot of people become nervous when they hear about Mooting and that they don’t want to speak infront of people but Mooting really helps you step out of your comfort zone and have a little fun while you learn. By doing nothing you are not going to really help yourself.

I would recommend to everyone to give Mooting a go. It is a good experience to learn about your advocacy skills, your communictaion skills and maybe how you want to practice law in the future.

You also develop a precise skill in Out of all the competitions it is the the application of the law. It becomes most draining but it is also the most refined and honed, and you apply the Before you appear in the Moot court, rewarding. The amount of skills laws to the facts and this has helped me you are given set facts, which is usualyou learn from it greatly outweigh ly the background information you are beyond Moot and is something I take the negative feelings that you may all of my University work now. I have feel towards it. going to work with. This background a deeper understanding of how to use information is usually the past judgecases, apply laws and to really scrutiment and what the justice prior had nize my arguement to be precise and found. This set facts details specific questions at the end which are the legal accurate. questions you will argue for or against.

Then, you begin to build your case by going through the case law that applies to your legal question and then present it in the moot court.

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Getting Started

Legal Skills Competitions

Legal Skills Competitions

Extra Curricular Experience Lucretia Sobey and Client Interview

What made you want to be a part of Client Interview?

I wanted to be engaged within my degree, as I studied a degree beforehand and dropped out because I was not engaged with the topic, and I needed that engagement to really keep my focus.

Along with engagement, I knew that being a part of legal competitions was a simple way for me to build my practical experience and skill set. I knew comps would be relevant to future career paths that I am pursing, and I need the skills and confidence to make sure that I am ready for whatever future career awaits me.

What did you enjoy about Client Interivew?

I really enjoyed client interview for a lot of reasons. One of them was because I got to work in a team with a partner that I had never met. The entire comp is focused on you and one other as you navigate the troubles of a client together. You develop a unique ability of cohesion and flexibility with your partner – as you both are learning off of each other and relying on each other so that you can address the needs of the client in the best possible way. How I see this as important is that in practice you may be having to work with anyone so you must be adaptable. If you How did Client Interview help you in are inflexible and unable to work with particular? most people this might mean that you Throughout the entire time in the cannot address the needs of the client competition, you are given feedback to the best of your ability because you about yourself. I found this feedback to lack the ability to really connect with really refine my approach and engage- your partner and solve another person’s ment each time. Every time my partner problems. and I received new feedback on how to better ourselves we use it and apply Another thing was that client interview it which helped really hone our skills. put me outside of my comfort zone and That feedback was so crucial to our to participate in an environment that development within client interview we is risk free. From what I know, a lot of can guarantee that our first interview people are discouraged because they compared to our last would be comthink comps are scary because you are pletely different. essentially making yourself available to be judged, which is not the case. Really, all you are doing is putting yourself out of your comfort zone to grow your professional skillset, or your confidence. It is all a learning process and even if you don’t succeed, the lessons you learn along the way are paramount.

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

A fundamental that is overlooked is that you really foster a sense of humility and empathy. Usually, when a client is sitting there with you in a client interview, something has gone wrong. You need to leave your ego at the door, and you must be able to relate with your client, who may be scared, sad or on high alert. You need to be able to read the situation and alter your line of questions or press to your client that your conversation is confidential. This is another learning process that you will develop the more you compete and the more clients you interview. Sometimes it is better to show a bit of tact then to always be blunt.

I would encourage anyone to compete in client interview because it really is fun. You will make friends along the way; you will have a good time and you will be able to develop your skills as well. You have nothing to lose by competing and a world of positive reinforcement to encourage you to keep on going.

Extra Curricular Experience Nikki Esmaeili and Client Interview

What made you want to compete in Client Interview?

It was my first year at law school and one of the activities we did in New-inlaw was a client interview and I really enjoyed it. I found it very interesting and fun and when I heard there it was an actual competition at law school, I put my hand up for it. Also, it was a chance for me to meet new people and to network a little as well.

How did Client Interview help you?

It gave me a lot of experience and professional development. Because of it I felt a lot more confident speaking to clients and communicating with someone who may be in distress. Furthermore, it helped encourage my ability to put myself out there and work with a partner to apply ourselves. But what I was grateful for was the feedback from actual lawyers. When you compete, you usually start off with maybe a lecturer judging you on your skills, but as you progress, practicing lawyers begin to judge you. I found this to be a blessing because the knowledge that they have and the advice that they gave to us was really important to showing me what I needed to work on but also what I was good at.

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Getting Started

And then you won Client Interview?

At first, it didn’t feel like we had won.

At the end of each round there is a self-reflection component and in that we really critiqued ourselves because we thought we didn’t do well; instead they really liked it and we won by a single point. By winning the 1st year client interview, it helped improve my confidence and self-esteem and really reinforced that I belonged at law school and that I have the ability to apply myself.

What did you love about Client Interview?

Some of the things that I loved about client interview was that each scenario was completely different. It was always a different client, with different needs and expectations and you really had to tease the information out of them. Also, you become quite proficient at addressing the needs of your clients while being able to deduce the actual reason why they are there. Moreover, I do love to engage with people and client interview is not scary and it is actually quite calm, where you simply converse with someone who has a problem, and you try and draw out why they have come to see you.

And after winning you chose to join FLSA and help run these events?

That is correct. I wanted to be involved with FLSA after competing and I wanted to give back. So I thought to myself that I would help run the next rounds of client interview for other people and help them professionally develop their skills as well. why should people do Client Interview?

Client interview is one of the most non-demanding competitions that you could do. It does not require an intense amount of labour or preparation and it is more about how you can work in a team and how flexible you can be in an interactive situation. Also, if you are in your 1st year it is one of those competitions that won’t scare you or throw you into the deep end and you will really enjoy it.

Your Future

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

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Getting Started

Forging your Career Path

Forging your Career Path

The Future is Yours

Graduating with an LLB enables you to work in a wide range of areas in both the legal and and non-legal sector. The legal sector includes positions such as solicitor , barrister, in-house counsel and judicial officer. the non-legal sector includes employment in government, academia, politics and private business.

Legal practice Civil and criminal The first major distinction in practice is between criminal and civil practice.

Civil practice is focused on actions between private individuals such as contract disputes and torts. Criminal law, conversely, is focused on criminal actions between the state and an individual.

Transaction and litigation The distinction is simple. Transactional practice is focused on conducting legal transactions such as drafting and executing contracts. Litigation practice is concerned with disputes that have arisen between parties, primarily focusing on matters going to trial for determination by the court.

Firm size Working in the legal sector is not confined to large scale corporate firms.

You may be interested in working in family law at a rural firm or sampling multiple practice areas while working at a community legal centre. Firms range in size from boutique to large, with the working environment differing between all of them.

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FLSA Careers Guide 2021

Practice areas Students are not required to choose an area of specialisation during their studies beyond selecting elective topics; however, upon entering the profession young practitioners are faced with the question of what area of law they wish to practice in. Law firms generally specialise in particular areas of law, even multiservice firm will have a greater reputation in some practice area over others, therefore graduates should consider what areas appeal to them when they decide where to apply for work.

Corporate law Corporate practice is a very wide area that can range from corporate governance, such as preparing for shareholders meetings, to major corporate transactions like mergers and acquisitions.

Family law Family law focuses on legal issues relating to families, such as marriage, divorce, child and property disputes.

Insolvency law It is important to note that in some Insolvency law relates to legal matfirms, practitioners will be assigned by ters arising out of insolvent comthe firm to particular areas of practice panies. This can include advising where they have a demand for staff. It liquidators, conducting litigation is also important to note that the differ- arising out of liquidation or workent categorisation of practice areas will ing to restructure failed companies. differ depending on the individual firm.

Some firms may separate them.

Media and Intellectual property Media and IP law focuses on the Here is a brief list of some of the more legal rights attached to intellectual common areas of practice: property and publication of media content, and can include areas such Banking and finance as defamation.

The area of banking and finance typProperty law ically focuses on transactional work Property law encompasses the nerequired to secure finance for clients gotiation and execution of property involved in major projects, such as businesses requiring funding, as well as transactions, including leases and regulatory issues. sales of property.

Construction law Practice in construction law typically involves the negotiation management of major construction contracts and dispute resolution arising out of major construction projects.

Environmental law This focuses on the regulation of natural resources, such as minerals and gas, and can include litigious and transactional practices.

The Future is Yours

Making a decision Eventually most practitioners will need to choose an area of specialisation for their practice, however, it is recommended not to choose upon graduation but to try before you buy by seeking out work in multiple areas before deciding where to settle.

Beyond legal practice A law qualification equips graduates with a variety of employment options which are not limited to legal practice it can also pave the way to careers in private business government academia politics ADR not for profit organisations and professional support.

Exactly where a practitioner will choose the practise for specialisation Throughout your degree you will will be a personal decision, however, there is always room to move between have been trained to read process practise areas throughout a legal career large amounts of material in short Government legal practise There is a multitude of career opportunities open to law graduates within the government sector, at both state and federal level.

Working in legal practice within public sectors affords immense fulfilment as you can play an integral part in influencing society, and depending on the role, can have access to a better work/ life balance then in private practice Australian government solicitor The Australian government solicitor AGS is a large agency that provides a legal service to the Commonwealth government and its agencies the AGS has officers in all Australian capital cities and provides services across approximately 40 practice areas examples of other federal government agencies that lawyers can seek employment include the attorney general’s department and the crown solicitor’s office

Taxation law Practice in tax law will typically involve interpreting how constantly evolving tax legislation applies in particular business transactions, or involvement in tax related actions with the ATO.

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Your Future

periods of time, understand complex information, and construct persuasive arguments these analytical skills are highly valued in the workplace.

You will have also developed transferable skills in research, writing and problem solving which are equally valuable. It is important to highlight skills and abilities you have developed throughout your studies because although future employers may not be looking for lawyers, they will be looking for the skills you have acquired throughout your law degree.

Companies in private non-legal sector also target law graduates, particularly those in relevant combined degree. Roles are available in banking, insurance audit, finance, tax advisory, and executives such as company secretaries.

Political careers are highly suitable to law graduates drafting legislation at the office of parliamentary council and advising ministers on legal aspects of policy are two examples of pathways outside of traditional legal practice that are directly relevant to what you have studied throughout your degree.

Government (non-legal) Government jobs in Australia go well beyond legal practice. Many individuals with legal qualifications work in various government roles that do not involve practising the law, yet rely on legal knowledge and understanding Examples of government agencies where graduates can seek non-legal employment include AUSAID, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Taxation Office, and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission.

Many department and agencies offer placements and graduate programmes. See the public non legal section of the employer directory for more information.

The Perspective of Criminal Law Practice Dr Rhain Buth

I was one of your students, and I loved criminal law. I understand that you were a criminal law practitioner in America, and also a mathematician, what prompted you to study law?

A lot of students believe that Criminal Law is sexy. Can you tell me what a junior lawyer can expect to face in a Criminal Law career?

At first, I wasn’t interested in the law at all. I was much more interested in mathematics. But math isn’t the conventional vehicle for travel and seeing the world. Somehow law’s clutches snared me and once caught, I just found law more and more fascinating. I think, centrally, it wasn’t the lure of law but rather I was enthralled by the concept of justice and wanted to play a part in how justice took shape, wanting to be in the ‘room where it happens.’

You will experience professional satisfaction, regardless of the side. Sometimes your arguments will prevail and sometimes they won’t. And this is ok. Discharging your obligations to your client through advocacy permits justice to be done, no matter what the outcome. But such satisfactions can be hard to taste. To better answer the question, I think junior practitioners should expect to be exhilarated and terrified by being in court. It is life-changing experience, making arguments, formal arguments, on criminal matters.

Now you are a Professor at Flinders University, is there a reason you have chosen to teach instead of practice.

Well, I am still practicing but I do not practice in Australia. It doesn’t happen very often, but on occasion and when my retainer obligates me, I do return to the US for a trial.

Confidence is the next thing I want to ask you about. You once spoke to students and I in the Law and Commerce courtyard. It was about a case that you were involved in, in America and the takeaway was that Criminal Practitioners need to be confident. What are your thoughts?

I think the case you are referring to is one where I found myself in contempt of court after, well, insulting the judge with some choice words after the judge made a ruling that, in my opinion, was spectacularly incorrect. It was not my best moment, but not only had I formed the view that the ruling was in error, I didn’t feel the judge handled it properly.

The better choice would be to make my point so that it could framed for appeal, but I went a bit too far on the belief that I needed to vociferously advance my client’s position. And my client, who was in court, loved how I pushed back against the judge and the ruling.

I’m not sure the lesson I want people to take from the this is that practitioners always need to be confident (but confidence doesn’t hurt). Rather, there is a zealousness in advocacy that surfaces when discharging your obligations to advancing your client’s interests. When you are of the view that justice is not being served, you should have the confidence to fully express such a view. Advance the argument that serves your client. Equipping yourself with a detailed knowledge of the law and the relevant facts are better tools than insults. But missteps provide experience to sharpen your skills as an advocate.

Are there any traits a good lawyer should possess?

I hate the notion that there are universal traits a good lawyer should possess. All good lawyers must be competent, but that is a set of skills rather than particular personality traits. I don’t believe that having specific traits will make you a great lawyer. It is how you use the relevant skills that you have which will determine whether you are successful or not.

Specific highlights or moments that made practicing worthwhile?

There isn’t a specific moment that really jumps out. For me, it is more of a series of satisfactions in the execution of my role in criminal proceedings, playing my part in the crafting of criminal justice. The specific moments are those fountains of emotion after the jury reads their verdict. Those moments transcend.

Anything you would consider substantially difficult about Practice? things that potentially made you reconsider Practicing Criminal Law? Reconsidering criminal law. Hmm. No. I am quite happy with such decisions, but I would need to acknowledge that criminal law is confronting. Hearing witnesses explain horrific incidents in vivid detail becomes part of your normal workday. It becomes routine to try to advise clients on accepting plea deals where they spend years of their lives in jail. Arming yourself with tricks of the trade to rightly discredit witnesses can be unsettling. As is the constant chatter from decent people who believe that criminal defence lawyers are scum, bottom-feeders who will say and do anything to get their client ‘off.’ My experience of criminal practice involved such things and more. Yet still, I found it so rewarding and challenging that I can’t imagine steering clear of criminal law. I should note that I don’t think I would be able to prosecute. I’m inclined by nature to give people and things the benefit of doubt. And, as a prosecutor, your role is to remove such doubt, even when you might personally be of the belief that such doubt is valid. Anyway, I would struggle to sleep at night if my job revolved around that type of professional performance, so it is no accident that I found criminal defence to my liking.

Do you have any fleeting pieces of advice for future law students? something that may help them on their journey to Practicing Criminal Law? I do. I think about advice quite a bit. Teaching is more than lectures and tutorials. To me, I really enjoy those quiet moments when students approach you between classes or while having a coffee. Frequently, they are in search of advice, and I truly want to be helpful. But I need to be mindful that my advice might not align with their experience.

And my personal bias surely slips in. But I think there is value in turning your mind to four dimensions of your future life: the clients, the firm, the courts and the personal.

I do think that good criminal lawyers have turned their mind to the concept of guilt and what it means both professionally and personally. In criminal practice, you will have the job of either proving or arguing against criminal liability.

Guilt needs to be established to prior to sentencing. Anyway, I think that being mindful to the fact that your arguments cannot make someone guilty or not guilty is useful; there is a distance between the arguments and advocacy and the outcome. Once a matter is resolved you need to find your own personal way to move beyond it, and this is something you need to look inward about.

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The Perspective of Criminal Law Practice Dr Rhain Buth Continued

Clients: There is no work without clients. Assessing their circumstances on a case-by-case basis and figuring out how you can best handle their matter is critical. And much is uncertain in the handling of criminal matters. Preparing clients for that uncertainty by managing their expectations has value, particularly when there are harsh truths to face and bitter pills to swallow.

You may be tempted to tell your client that everything will be ok, and they will want to hear that. But good doctors don’t tell their patients that everything will be ok when there are outstanding tests and procedures. Similarly, criminal defence practitioners should not overpromise or unduly raise expectations over criminal liability or sentencing. Oh, and be ready to be lied to by clients. It comes with the territory. Don’t believe that just because your conversations are confidential insulates you from untruths or relevant omissions.

Firm: Within a firm you will be dealing with professional legal matters, and you must meet both professional standards and deadlines. Also, you must be able to make mistakes and learn from them quickly, but the key principle here is to not overestimate your own knowledge. It is ok to not know everything, but there is an issue if you try and overreach with what you know. Firm life can be difficult because you will be assessed through the competence of proceedings and the outcomes of matters. This is natural within a career, and you must be aware that you are in a professional environment where having a good reputation is important. What you must also take into account is whether a firm views you as an object or a person, as a firm will push you for professional success above all else.

Courts: Find time to be exposed to the courts prior to future employment. Just go, sit and listen to what occupies the court’s time. I think seeing a range of practitioners use their craft provides sharpness as to forming your own expectations as to how you would represent your client. Importantly, you should form a view as to whether this would the type of thing you would enjoy.

Personal: Advice on personal aspects are plagued with vagaries and discretion. Heed such advice with caution.

A lot of lawyers will uphold their personal success through their professional life. And I am not saying that this is wrong. But my view is that professional success is not the same as personal success. My view is that there is value in having clarity on you. What do you like, really? What do you need from work, from your clients, from your firm?

Your well-being may not be the priority for your clients, the courts or your firm. In an industry that is emotionally and professionally draining, my view is that there is wisdom in knowing who you are, what you need. In short, consider that someday you will practice law and such is distinct from being a lawyer.

One more thing: Now, another area that I would also state would be advantageous for students to look at for Criminal Law Practice is being involved in competitions. One great thing about law school is that it teaches you the importance of applying the law sharply to relevant facts. Law school is less strong in learning how to speak to clients, how to negotiate with lawyers or how to present an argument in front of a judge. Fortunately, FLSA sponsors a range of competitions to give you an independent taste of what it really is like in practice. By taking part in competitions, you can learn in an environment where your professional reputation is not at stake. So, if you only take one thing from this interview, participate in competitions. While you pay to go class and learn the law, competitions test your character and make such learning real.

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Digital Law and the Access to Jusice Interview with Tania Leiman Digital Law is more than just Tech

The Dean of Law, Tania Leiman, would like to say a few words before we begin?

Firstly, can I extend a big welcome to everyone - we’re glad you’re a part of the Flinders Law community. Flinders Law has the most innovative undergraduate law degree in Australia. We teach future-focussed legal skills throughout our degree. We’re proud of deep commitment to legal innovation, access to justice (A2J) and social justice. We’re keen to share this with you so you can make a positive impact in our world. We hope we can inspire and empower you with the legal knowledge and skills that you’ll need to assist others to meet their legal needs and to be creative legal problem solvers in our community, our nation and beyond.

Speaking about legal knowledge, can you tell me more about Law in the Digital Age? are we the only University that provides this focus in South Australia?

Flinders is the only university in SA where all students learn to write legal software applications commissioned by real-world clients which address real-world justice issues. Some law schools interstate and internationally offer similar courses, but as options only using proprietary software, not open source using Docassemble like Flinders does. You’ll apply the skills you’ve learnt in the INNO topics in a very, tangible way to address access to justice in a novel way.

It’s also the only topic where law students and computer science students work together in teams on real problems for real not for profit clients.

In two years, we have worked with almost 20 clients in government, not-for-profit and private practice. Students have developed almost 30 applications. Five of these are now ‘in the wild’ - operating in the real world, with others are in the implementation stage

•

SACAT Homelessness Advisor: provides support to tenants who are seeking emergency accommodation after receiving vacant possession orders.

• MyDocs: written for the Hutt Street Centre to assist people experiencing homelessness in obtaining identification documents, such as passports and birth certificates.

• HSC NDIS Navigator: an application used by Hutt Street Centre staff to assess their clients for eligibility for the NDIS • iReferSA: a service directory used by people working their way through the family court system and written for Family Law Pathways Network SA. It replaces a 60 page paper directory. This app now means that the directory is available 24/7 and is always up-to-date.

• VMCS Legal and Identification Help Service: written for Vinnie’s Men’s Crisis Centre to assist their clients in obtaining identification documents and preparing statutory declarations

So, in LLAW3301 Law in a Digital Age you’ll build on innovation and design thinking skills, learn tangible, portable technology skills, get exposure to industry and experience working with real clients, and ultimately you’ll develop a unique set of skills that no other university provides. It sets Flinders graduates apart and makes our graduates unique.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn the skills that will get you the jobs of the future. The profession and the legal industry more broadly are already noticing how this sets Flinders students apart and gives them an advantage.

“Wow. I wish there was a subject like this when I was at uni.

After working in the digital justice space for over a decade I was amazed by the exceptionally high calibre of solutions designed and created by the students. They had a deep understanding of the problems they were solving, the needs of their users and the challenges they faced in accessing justice by traditional means.

I was delighted to see the way the law and computer science students worked together. Too often, solutions are created in isolation. By co-designing with their colleagues and clients they were able to achieve solutions that were usable, viable and feasible.

The skills the students learned in this subject will equip them to excel in any area of legal work. Those who wish to practice law will be able to provide clear, concise, practical legal advice for their clients. While those who wish to work in other spaces, such a legal innovation, will be able to leverage on this experience to create more solutions to improve access to justice.

I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Eloise Burge, ECMS Online Services and Practitioner Engagement Manager, Courts Administration Authority

How does all this relate to access to justice? The law is about providing solutions to the disputes that people have, providing a way in trust in the way we interact with each other, helping us live together peaceably in community and balancing the power of the state and the individual. At one end, large businesses and corporations have expensive legal teams that assist and advice them. At the other end are people who either don’t know that their problem may have a legal solution or can’t afford legal services anyway. Legal aid is means tested, and largely restricted to those facing possible criminal charges and imprisonment. What about the missing middle – where costs mean we have limited access to justice?

Are there new ways of making information about the law more accessible? Are there new tools that can help more people to access legal services more cheaply and efficiently? Are there ways that we can equip Flinders students and graduates to be thought leaders in this space?

Yes! The INNO topics in Flinders Law degree help students gain insight into these big issues surrounding the access to justice problem. And then to ask, can we do this differently? Is there an affordable or accessible way to allow people to generate their own beneficial outcomes. Inevitably, part of the solution involves technology.

US thought leader Professor William Henderson describes it this way. Imagine three concentric circles. The smallest circle in the centre is the legal profession. The second circle is the legal services sector and the largest one is the legal industry. The inner circle, areas of practice confined to legal practitioners only, is contracting. In contrast, the two outer circles are expanding. Advances in technology and use of data are fuelling the growth of the legal services sector and legal industry. We must ensure our students are appropriately equipped with the ability to take advantage of the exciting new opportunities that come from this growth and this different way of thinking about legal services. That’s what INNO1100 Legal innovation and Creative thinking, INNO2100 and Law in a Digital Age are designed to do: introduce you to the rapid changes we are all experiencing, the impact of innovation, the challenges faced in accessing justice , how different professional disciplines can work together, and how technology can be used to solve legal problems.

“ Flinders Law students were extremely impressive in their attitude towards new age, digital law, and coding. … your students showed huge amounts of insight. As a result, we have offered work to those students especially in regard to our legal tech projects.”

Jason Ryan, Engo/Protolawyer

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Digital Law and the Access to Jusice Interview with Tania Leiman Continued

Because LLAW3301 Law in the Digital Age uses an open- source software platform, there are no licence no fees and the applications our students build can be freely shared with our not-for-profit clients. Licence fees payable for use of proprietary technology platforms used in other law schools can create a financial barrier, and means law schools are unable to handover their work to clients without charging a fee. At Flinders we have removed that barrier.

We are one of 3 law schools internationally working in this way: The others are Suffolk University, Massachusetts, USA and University of Alberta, Canada.

Flinders Law students who have completed LLAW3301 Law in a Digital Age now have an amazing opportunity to volunteer on a major access to justice (A2J) project in the United States from right here in Adelaide with the Legal Innovation and Technology Lab (the LIT Lab) at Suffolk University, Massachusetts, USA. If you’re interested, contact Dr James Scheibner for more information james.scheibner@flinders.edu.au LLAW3301 Law in a Digital Age helps students see how algorithmic decision making is impacting so many areas of our lives. Technology is not the saviour of the world, but it can be used to provide a better access to information: making it more accessible, keeping information accurate and timely and to use automation to prompt quicker turnaround times.

This exposure to basic coding is an important first step to help you understand the benefits and the limitations of algorithmic decision making - increasingly critical for lawyers. If you don’t know how something like this works, you won’t be able to advocate properly for your client and their best interest.

LLAW3302 Law in Action offers a variety of clinical placement options. These include several cutting-edge Legal Ops internships allowing students to further develop their legal innovation skills. When Sierra Legal, a law firm based in Brisbane and Melbourne heard about this, they approached Flinders be involved. Our first Sierra Legal internship took place in semester 1, 2021 enabling our student to get fantastic experience and exposure for academic credit.

Why did Sierra Legal come to us? Because the platform they’re using is closely related to the one we’re using in LLAW3301 Law in a Digital Age and they’re struggling to find legal professionals with these skills. Flinders Law students are ahead of the curve!

Can you tell me about autonomous cars and the laws around them?

Be alert to new areas that emerge, because there are often lots of amazing opportunities to get involved with a completely new area of law right from the beginning. When I was first in practice, I was a personal injury lawyer doing a lot of road motor vehicle accidents. In Australia alone, the cost of motor vehicle accidents is $33billion a year. Now, new technology in motor vehicles offers greater safety – assisting driving, taking over in certain circumstances like emergency braking, or collision avoidance technology. Even small advances in safety will save lives, prevent injuries, and save thousands and thousands of dollars. There is some amazing technology out there in the transport context. Our Tonsley Campus has a fully autonomous shuttle (FLEX) and some fully autonomous pods. But one of the major challenges to implementing this technology is what regulatory framework exists, and how are we going to manage risk?

How do we keep things safe? Who is liable if something goes wrong?

My interest in the legal issues surrounding automated vehicles has led to my involvement with the Australia and New Zealand Driverless Vehicles Initiative, and leading their Policy and Risk Group; invitation to be a part of the National Transport Commission’s Automated Vehicles Industry Insights Group; and working with a team of engineers and artificial intelligence experts in the EU. It has been really exciting to be involved in discussions about how the law should respond to emerging technology, and how the law should shape our future.

It’s not just about the tech. The tech changes.

It’s about mindset – being innovative, being enterprising and being open to exploring the possibility of new solutions.

And it not even just not just about mindset.

It’s about using all the tools we have to make justice more accessible and available for more people in our community.

What opportunities exists for potential lawyers in the Digital Age? At Flinders we are committed to helping our students to build their own career path. Now more than ever before, innovation is opening up new opportunities for those with legal knowledge and skill. We need people who can think differently about how legal services can be provided. We need people who can see opportunities to do things differently, how even making small changes can have big impacts; how making legal services more efficient, more available and cheaper can transform outcomes for those with legal problems. Business and corporations have been using technology to change they way they operate for some time – and now they are demanding their lawyers do too. Unfortunately, too often lawyers have been too slow to understand the potential for adopting these new innovations. But here is South Australia, the Legal Services Commission (LSC) has been leading the way. They were the first in the country to develop 24Legal (online personalised information and advice) and PhotoLegal (online secure document sharing portal) More recently LSC led a national project to develop AMICA – a free online service ( available 24/7 from the comfort of your own home) that uses algorithmic decision making and prediction. It ‘helps separated couples to make parenting arrangements and divide their money and property simply’. Its data base has access not only to all Family Court decisions (also accessible by any human lawyer with the time to read those thousands of decisions), but also to all the consent orders filed at the court (which human lawyer can’t have read). This means AMICA has access to more information than even the best human family lawyer! So imagine you’re a normal family with not a lot of disposable income. Do you want to spend your money on lawyers to give you advice about how you should divide your assets?

Or do you want to use something that’s free, available 24/7, and can give you a pretty good prediction of what might occur if your matter went to court? AMICA has potential to transform the shape of possible future property disputes and how we think about family law in this country. This is just one of many ways technology future lawyers will engage with technology.

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How to Survive Your First Year in the Office

Authored by Alexandra Douvartzidis, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences (Psychology)

Adjusting to a new office environment can be a challenging experience. While everyone’s office environment is unique, that is not to say there aren’t similarities either. I’ve put together some basic tips for surviving your first year in the office based on my experiences.

Tip #4 – Socialise

Tip #1 – Be prepared As an example, whenever you visit someone’s office, always bring a notebook. You never know if a two-minute conversation is going to turn into a new task. Being prepared is important, and you don’t want to miss out on key points.

This also goes for attending meetings or courts - always take notes.

Tip #2 – Use initiative Don’t wait for the work to come around to you. Try to gauge at the start of each week or daily what your capacity is, and reach out to your superiors.

Similarly, if you find yourself working on a discrete task for a matter, don’t be scared to follow up on your work, or to offer to complete more tasks that you know need completing. For example, if you are if you are copied into emails where tasks are being discussed, put your hand up to help.

Take the time to talk to your superiors about understanding challenging tasks. They understand that your work won’t be perfect, but what will make you stand out is demonstrating some initiative and a desire to be challenged.

It’s important to get to know your team and build positive working relationships. For example, if your work has a social sport team or run social events, participate or attend them. If social sports and events aren’t your thing, think of other ways to get to know the people you’ll be spending Monday to Friday with, Such as regular catch-up coffees, or lunches.

Tip #5 – Self-care Working overtime happens, but don’t force yourself to work until 2:00 AM every day to ‘prove you’re committed’.

You’re not a robot and you need to look after yourself. If you’re not at your best your, your work won’t be either. Be realistic about what you can achieve, and what the firm expects of you. A good workplace won’t want you to give up your entire life.

Tip #6 – Keeping Track If you get good feedback, note it down or print it off, and keep it in a folder. Creating a folder of your achievements is a helpful way of tracking your development and will assist in preparation of work reviews. Not to mention, it also serves as a good way to reflect on how far you’ve come throughout the early stages of your career.

Tip #3 – Feedback and seeking help Don’t be scared to ask for feedback. This is about your development. Your superiors know that you are still learning and will be for quite some time and that they are to help you. It’s OK to make mistakes, and don’t be frightened by any bit of constructive criticism. Remember: they were once where you are now, and they want you to succeed (or they would not have hired you).

Sometimes you might find yourself in a position where you’re not entirely sure how to complete a task, or maybe you’ve hit him a mental roadblock - and that’s OK! It’s completely normal to seek help or clarification on the task.

Trust me, they’ll be thankful you didn’t waste hours trying to guess your way through instead.

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Your future. Your choice.

Choose to make an impact.

Never underestimate the power in you to make an impact MinterEllison clerks and graduates become well-rounded, technically excellent lawyers who help to solve some of our clients’ most complex challenges. But we also empower you to be so much more.

Joining us is just the beginning You’ll gain exposure to a wide variety of business areas, skills, teams and challenges, helping you to understand where your strengths and interests lie. You’ll be given exciting and challenging opportunities and responsibilities, because we want you to be more than just a technically excellent lawyer.

We want you to create lasting impacts.

Joining us for your clerkship is only the beginning. You’ll accelerate your legal and business acumen by working alongside highperforming partners, lawyers and professionals in a diverse, collaborative and innovative environment. You’ll have access to an awardwinning learning and development program, and we will provide you with career building opportunities designed to guide you on your best career path.

It’s your path Our program ensures you have the development you need, when you need it.

It’s this flexibility that provides our graduates with many opportunities to learn on the job, while being constantly supported by lawyers and partners who want you to succeed.

By the end of your graduate rotations, you’ll have an extensive network within and outside of the firm. You’ll have experienced transaction, litigation and advisory work and you’ll be supported when deciding where to settle.

“The biggest impact I want to have as a lawyer is working with our clients to deliver a solution that not only meets their goals now, but also creates long-term, meaningful impacts for the future.”

Ann Wen Vacation Clerk

MinterEllison is a leading law firm.

But we think beyond the law.

Emily Hill Lawyer

Why? Because we have big ambitions to grow our firm in a world of relentless disruption. Because now is the time to reimagine the future so that we can create lasting impacts with our clients, our people and our communities.

For information and to apply visit graduates.minterellison.com

Never underestimate the power in you to make an impact.

MinterEllison Virtual Internship Want to experience a true-to-life day of a MinterEllison lawyer? Our interactive virtual internship offers you an insight into the commercial work we undertake here at MinterEllison. Curious?

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I chose MinterEllison because of its emphasis on learning. There is a strong culture of knowledge-sharing and mentorship, which is particularly important for young lawyers. I find the people here are warm, knowledgeable and eager to teach.”

Your future. Your choice.

Choose to make an impact.

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Becoming a Barrister

Practising as a Barrister

In the Name of Advocacy

What is a barrister All South Australian lawyers are eligible to practice either a Solicitors or as a Barristers.

Solicitors engage the services of Barristers to act on behalf of the Solicitors’ clients in court. Barristers are specialist advocates with an advanced understanding of the law and court procedure.

Additionally, Barrister provide advice on legally difficult or complex matters and develop sophisticated legal strategies. In court a Barrister will present the client’s case and examine and cross-examined witnesses. Barristers generally practise as independent lawyers in chambers instead of law firms.

Bar Reader’s Course To become a Barrister, practitioners must undertake the Bar Reader’s Course, operating by the South Australian Bar Association. The course consists of two components: Seminar series and reading.

The seminar series curriculum is divided into 6 units which covered topics such as: role and responsibility; Preparation for court; Advocacy; Chamber work, pleadings, and other court documents; alternative dispute resolution; and courts and tribunals in South Australia. The course involves reading, for a period of three months, under the supervision of a mentor who has been a practising Barrister for at least five years.

Upon successful completion of both components of the course the applicant will be enrolled as a member of the Bar Association. A certificate of satisfactory completion will be obtained after a further period of review by the mentor of the applicant’s legal work. The applicant will then be a fully qualified member of the independent bar.

Finding Chambers After completing the Bar Readers Course, the next step is finding somewhere to practice. Finding chambers in South Australia is a relatively informal process. In limited instances, chambers with vacancies will advertise via the South Australian bar association’s website.

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Interview with Mardi Conduit

Admitted to Supreme Court of South Australia in 2002, experienced Adelaide barrister and solicitor Mardi Conduit has significant experience within the legal profession. Currently a member at Edmund Barton Chambers, Mardi practices in areas of law concerning construction, energy, property and financial services.

What made you pursue a career in the legal field?

I have always had a strong interest in public policy issues. I also enjoy working with people and helping them navigate complex situations. The law seemed like an extension of my interests and a good fit for me.

What experience did you have prior to becoming a barrister? What made you decide to pursue a career as a barrister?

Prior to becoming a barrister I was a Partner at a specialist construction law firm and General Counsel for a public company. I decided to become a barrister as I enjoy court advocacy and the flexibility of working at the independent bar.

As a barrister, are you able to specialise or choose which area of law to practise in?

As a barrister you are able to limit your practice to those areas where you have particular skills or expertise. However, all barristers must comply with the ‘cab-rank principle’ and accept briefs to appear in court if the brief is within the barrister’s capacity and in the field they practice (or profess to practice!).

What tips or advice would you give to students about to begin their professional career in the legal field?

There are many different areas that lawyers can work in. Don’t be afraid to try different areas of practice until you find one that is a good fit for you. Work in an area that you are passionate about and ensure you maintain a work/life balance.

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Life at the Bar

An Interview with Kerry Clark, Murray Chambers Tell us about your career path since graduating from Flinders Law School

What do you enjoy the most about oral advocacy?

My first taste of legal practise was as a law clerk at Carol Clark during a winter university break, it was then and still is an excellent firm. I’ll be forever grateful to Natalie Abela (then associate, now a partner) for hiring me. We have remained friends and she briefs me now and then and that I am at the bar. I think there may be a lesson there.

The intellectual challenge of the exchange with an intelligent, engaged bench. I recently appeared for the first time on an appeal before the full bench of the High Court - that was cool

Next step was a summer clerkship at JWS. I managed not to disgrace myself at the Christmas party and was ultimately offered part time work as a clerk through to the end of my PLT. I then became a full-time junior solicitor with all the benefits JWS offered to newly admitted practitioners, working across all areas of practise in the firm to help you find your niche, no billable unit targets, great training, friendly partners at the top of their game, high profile clients and a generous salary. I probably didn’t realise at the time just how good it was.

After about a year at JWS, judges started inviting me to interviews for associateship positions. I had almost forgotten the application sent before me I became permanent at JWS. What do I do? I had a great job, it would be crazy to quit, right? Well yes, but I didn’t quit. I requested a year’s unpaid leave of absence and the partners at JWS agreed I spent a fantastic year working with Justice David Blelby in the Supreme Court safe in the knowledge I had a job to go back to.

I understand you were once an associate at Johnson Winter & Slattery. Can you tell us what attracted you to the bar after working at a well-established Australian firm.

It was the year as an associate in the Supreme Court that first piqued my serious interest in going to the bar. I was able to watch some very talented advocates and thought “wow, I wish I could do that.” I also saw some pretty average performances which made me think, “I could have done better, how does this guy get briefed?” working in the courts demystifies the whole process. It was invaluable to know what goes on after submissions are done and the court is adjourned.

I was also inspired to go to the bar by barristers I worked with as a student on pro bono refugee and asylum seeker cases in the early 2000s.

Still, I was not ready for the bar two years out of law school. I returned to JWS and spent another couple of years there, this time focused mostly on litigation rather than the mixture of transactional and litigious work I had done previously. I was seconded to a client, Santos, to work on a large-scale arbitration for a period. JWS was also rapidly expanding Interstate and I spent considerable time in the Sydney office working in media law.

When I was about four years PQE and 27 years old, a room became available at Murray Chambers. Head of chambers, Brian Hayes QC took me out for coffee and said it was mine if I wanted it. To this day, I’m not entirely sure how this came about. The rest is history, as they say. I have been here 11 years. Conventional wisdom at the time was that I was too young, and most people waited to become a partner in a firm before making the transition to the bar.

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects about working at the Bar? Challenging - keeping on top of different areas of law and constant changes to the court rules; Long hours. Learning to say ‘no’ when you when you have too much work. Also, money.

Rewarding - variety of work, professional freedom, colleagues. Also, money.

With the oversupply of graduates and technological advances disrupting the future of the legal profession, do you have any advice to students on how to best prepare for their career path?

In-person interaction and contacts are so important, and they always will be despite technology. You won’t get a job by simply connecting with me on LinkedIn and sending out bulk, non-tailored email requests for work experience. Try to remember that most of the people in hiring roles are not the “messaging” generation. They like voice calls, pale ale, and cappuccinos. Not Snapchat, craft beer and single origin cold drip.

Be humble. In your first couple of years, you are basically an untrained liability so don’t mistake yourself for Michael Ross in suits. It doesn’t work that way in real life.

Be open to career paths you might not have considered, or which aren’t your first choice. You will likely make several moves over the course of your career, so don’t be concerned if your first job is not sure “dream” position. If you are able to move, consider taking a position in a regional town as there is far less competition for these positions and you’ll get more responsibility, client contact and court experience early on.

Make sure you highlight non legal work experience, especially customer facing roles such as those in retail and hospitality. These show that you can handle stress and soothe difficult clients! You may be surprised to learn that a President of the Law Society and I, first met whilst working together at McDonald’s on Hindley St. If you could have your time back at University, would you do anything differently?

I wish I had done one of the international exchanges on offer. It is much more difficult to pursue study overseas and once you have a family, mortgage, and a practice to run. It is still on my bucket list though.

I’ve seen this change over the last five to six years and now it is not so unusual to start out with less experience. Nonetheless going to the bar is always a gamble, and a scary financial proposition when compared to a comfortable law firm salary.

You’ve been involved in several not-for-profit associations such as Justice Net SA and Women’s Lawyers SA. What is it like balancing life at the bar with volunteering?

It is easy to do these things when you are at the bar because you are in charge of your time and how you spend it. The immediacy of client demands is one step removed. Having said that, I was still at JWS when I became president of Women’s Lawyers SA and the firm was supportive. I’m a firm believer in participating in the profession beyond paid work. If you don’t, you can’t really say that you are a professional, you’re just a business person.

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Your Future

It is fairly clear that the numbers of men and women are roughly equal at the graduate entry level in the legal profession. The numbers of female law graduates are also equal (if not more) than male graduates. However, men still hold most senior positions in the profession. Studies have shown also that men are often promoted based on their potential, while women are often promoted based on their past success.

In your opinion, why is this, and what can young lawyers do to work towards solving the ‘leadership gap’ in the workplace? what can we do to increase the number of women at the top?

Do you have any final advice for law students interested in pursuing a career at the bar?

Be a judges associate if possible. Work as a solicitor for at least three to five years in the area you want to be briefed in. Start planning and saving several years before you make the move. Make contacts at the bar, and if there is a particular chambers you wish to join, talk to the head of chambers. Many have a list, get your name on it.

Finally, keep in touch with all your university friends - they might brief you one day.

This certainly is a problem faced by the bar where the number of women is hovering around 20% and is even lower amongst the silks. The reasons are varied and complex, deliberate an unconscious bias amongst instructing solicitors, misconceptions about what being a barrister is like, court demands and schedules, the type of work women barristers are engaged in, not enough complex appellate and trial work which is what puts you in the running for silk. Women not wanting to apply for silk because they are worried that they won’t get enough work if they are in fact appointed.

I do believe that changing this requires effort on the part of the whole profession, including young lawyers. If things were going to change simply as a result of the “trickle up” of women graduates overtime, it should have happened by now.

So what can we do as a young lawyer? Well, in terms of supporting women at the bar, you can brief them! Or at least encourage the partners and senior associates with whom you work to look beyond the same few barristers is they usually brief.

For young women lawyers aspiring to go to the bar, I would say you need some experience as a solicitor but perhaps not as much as you think, if it is what you want to do, go for it. It is common both in and outside of the legal profession for women to wait until they are over qualified for a position before applying, whereas many men will apply even if they only meet some of the criteria. Also, I think many women underestimate the flexibility the bar offers and see it as incompatible with having small children.

For the men who are committed to improving gender equality, those of you with a female partner (lawyer or not), it starts at home. Women will always face an uphill struggle at work whilst men continue to do less of the domestic chores. This is not just an issue for those with children. It is as much about the “mental load” and “life admin” as the physical tasks. Who plans and books the holidays? Who remembers family birthdays, thinks of the right gifts, buys it, wraps it, writes on the card? Who is the one who arranges social events, books the restaurants? Plan’s meals, rights to shopping list? The never ending To Do List needs to be shared more equally than it currently is in many relationships.

What strategies do you have for managing your time, workload and possible stress levels when your position becomes hectic?

If you are fortunate to land a job with a huge enough salary, then I strongly recommend outsourcing your domestic duties, or at least some of them, starting with one you hate the most. Time is precious. Don’t waste it cleaning your bathroom!

Try not to take your stress out on your loved ones. Have a group of lawyer mates and whinge to them instead.

Learn to say no. I’m still working on this come up but you need to have downtime and sometimes that means not attending every social event or being on multiple committees at once.

Booking your holidays well in advance and take them.

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Family Law Practice

Becoming A Solicitor

An Interview with George Pitsadotis, Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers

An Interview with Nathan Smart, Gibson Millwood Lawyers

Tell us about your career path since graduating from Flinders Law School

How long have you been practising as a solicitor?

I commenced working as a clerk at my current firm in November 2013. I graduated in December 2014 and was offered a position as a lawyer in March 2015. I was then promoted to an associate in July 2016.

I have been practising as a solicitor since April 2021. Prior to becoming a solicitor, I was employed as a law clerk by the same firm from January to March 2021.

Can you tell us about any extracurricular activities you were involved in during your studies that help secure your current role?

What was your path from student to solicitor?

I was involved in the Flinders Legal Advice Clinic both through the social justice internship topic at Flinders and then later, as a volunteer. The skills you are exposed to in that setting are invaluable, in my opinion. I definitely recommend it.

What tasks are involved in an “average day” within the family law section of Tindall Gask Bentley?

Meeting with existing and new clients and then actioning what may be necessary following on from those appointments. This includes drafting correspondence, drafting documents, considering material from the other side, liaising with counsel, and preparing for court and conferences. It varies greatly each day, as drafting an affidavit for a children’s matter is so different to drafting an affidavit for a property settlement matter. I remember being quite surprised at how often I needed to use my (not so excellent) mathematical skills.

Family law often delves deep into the personal lives of others. What is it like working in an often emotional and stressful area of law?

Sounds cliche but being able to remove yourself from work when you get home is very important. I care about my clients a lot; however, I am not going to be able to help them or give them the correct and impartial advice they require if I am emotionally invested. Matters in this jurisdiction can often be quite sad and shocking, so I believe it is important to establish a good support network. I’m extremely fortunate to work with a supportive team and under a partner who is a wonderful mentor.

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your work?

It is challenging to see clients claw through often a very (if not the most) difficult time in their lives. The most rewarding part for me is having the understanding of how important the Family Law jurisdiction is in Australia and being able to guide people through this process. Seeing a matter to its conclusion and assisting people to reach the next chapter of their lives is really rewarding.

What do you believe are the necessary traits one must possess in order to work in family law?

My path from a student to a solicitor was not what you might consider to have been the traditional one. I completed my GDLP in August 2020, was admitted to practice in November 2020, but I was not employed as a solicitor until April 2021.

My circumstances were perhaps somewhat unusual in that I worked as a law clerk for some time after having already been admitted to practice. Additionally, while I had a good GPA, I believe having been admitted to practice during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly limited my opportunities.

Ultimately, it was my neighbour who introduced me to one of the partners of my current firm. The partners agreed to take me on as a law clerk and then as a solicitor. The importance of networking and maintaining professional connections should not be underestimated. Many professional positions are filled through word of mouth, and, if it were not for my neighbour providing me with a professional introduction, I may have had difficulty finding a job as a solicitor.

Describe a typical working day as a solicitor: For me, a typical working day as a solicitor involves: 1. checking my emails and my calendar for appointments that day; 2. attending court if scheduled to appear; 3. contacting clients to take instructions; 4. contacting clients to follow-up on their matters; 5. administrative tasks - a dreaded, albeit important, part of the working day for many solicitors; 6. communicating with my supervisor - firm partner - regarding anything I require guidance on; 7. drafting court documents and/or various correspondence - this consumes a large part of my working day; 8. sending court documents and/or correspondence to my supervisor to be settled; 9. filing settled court documents and/or sending settled correspondence; 10. contacting and briefing counsel and other third parties (e.g. psychologists, social workers); 11. recording time entries and billable hours when necessary; and 12. prior to finishing work, ensuring my ‘to-do’ list is updated and prioritising any outstanding tasks with my supervisor.

Being a good communicator, developing good relationships with counsel, having the ability to accommodate to various audiences and of course, knowing the law. I believe that with Family Law in particular, clients need to feel comfortable to share their story with you and also feel that you will utilise that information to assist them in the most appropriate and effective way.

Do you have any advice for students looking to gain a career in Family Law? As previously mentioned, getting involved with Flinders Legal Advice Clinic, or a similar service, is a great start. Completing the family law elective if it meets with your study schedule is a great idea to. Furthermore, familiarising yourself with the procedures of the Federal Circuit court and the family court goes a long way.

Attend networking events an introduce yourselves to family law practitioners and barristers - speaking from experience, you just never know what it may lead to.

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What area of law do you hope to specialise in?

I am currently specialising in family law. However, I do occasionally practice other areas of law, such as traffic and criminal law. I hope to continue to specialise in family law, as I am passionate about assisting my clients and their children in achieving favourable outcomes.

I believe that I have the interpersonal skills required to practice effectively in family law. I also enjoy legal drafting, and family law matters involve this. Further, I am passionate about advocating for the best interests of the child which is the paramount consideration in children’s issues.

How do you intend to further develop and enhance your legal skills and knowledge?

I am employing several means to expand, develop and enhance my legal skills and knowledge, including: • Undertaking further tertiary study in my chosen field. I am currently completing a Master of Laws (LLM) (Applied Law) majoring in Family Law; • keeping up to date with new developments in the law - case law, legislative amendments, etc; • seeking guidance when necessary from more experienced members of the legal profession; and • undertaking mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units, with a particular focus on CPD units which apply to my current role as a family lawyer.

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Your Future: Beyond Legal Practice

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Getting Started

Preparing for the Future of Law

Alternative Dispute Resolution

An Interview with Barbara Vrettos, The Legal Forcast

Getting out of the Courtroom

Bachelor of Law and Legal Practice (Honours), Bachelor of Justice and Society (Criminology)

My perception of the legal profession from starting my degree until now, six years down the track, has drastically changed.

It is no secret that litigation can be lengthy, costly and risky. Fortunately there are many options outside of the adversarial court system that people can use as avenues to resolve disputes.

Flinders University is so unique in its capacity not to just teach a series of topics in a vacuum but to give students a holistic understanding of what profession they are stepping into. The pressures of innovation, technology and disruption are causing a wave of change over the league profession. This is certainly not what I anticipated to learn after enrolling in my degree, but it has shown me what a crucial time it is to be learning the practise of law and becoming a legally literate leader.

Alternative dispute resolution

Perhaps one of the most crucial catalysts for the change in the legal profession is the competition arising to provide legal services. No longer is information about the law the exclusive domain of lawyers; Increasing technology is making access to information, and access to justice, more accessible.

Facilitative ADR requires the assistance of an ADR practitioner to identify the contested issues and provide options and alternatives to encourage an agreement. Mediation, conciliation, facilitation and facilitated negotiation are all facilitative processes of idea.

There is also a distribution of who is providing legal services with a new class of legal service providers such as the big four professional service firms. This creates a whole host of new demands on lawyers to learn to leverage technology to provide more cost-effective services.

Advisory ADR is where dispute resolution practitioner advises the parties on the law and factual matters, again, with the aim to achieve a resolution. Conciliation is an example of an advisory process.

These demands are driving: How clients are expecting services, how technology is allowing lawyers to deliver services, and how traditional services are challenged. This creates new expectations of lawyers to no longer just know the law but become a legally literate leader, understanding competition and project management to meet consumer needs.

Flinders law has opened my eyes to these changes and sparked my curiosity of what the future looks like as a law graduate. This curiosity also led me to the National Association, the legal forecast, which creates a space for students across Australia to discuss the changes that innovation and disruption can have. In particular, discussion surrounding how professionals can use technology as a tool to enhance the delivery of legal services.

From our launch in Adelaide in October 2018, I have been amazed by the demand from both students and legal professionals to discuss change.

All the change in the profession is often cast as daunting. However, as technology automates routine tasks and allow us to leverage relevant information, I think it is truly an exciting time for legal graduates.

Law graduates will likely be exposed to more value, add tasks, relationship building, empathy, creativity, critical reasoning, and collaborative multidisciplinary working far earlier in their careers. Young professionals may focus beyond researching and towards learning to ask better questions which can then be analysed by the many aiding technologies.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is an umbrella term, given to the process by which an independent qualified person assist disputing parties to reach a resolution or settlement. There are three primary categories of ADR column facilitative, advisory, and determinative.

Determinative if ADR might involve a formal evidence hearing with an objective of making a determination. An example of this determinative if processes arbitration.

Benefits Within courts and tribunals, the disputing parties are precluded from controlling the process whereas the ADR process gives the parties more control over the outcome of the process. ADR is a flexible and practical tool and it aims to resolve parties’ disputes in a cost-effective way. Many lawyers encourage participation in ADR to reduce the cost to clients. Additionally, the flexibility of ADR can be found in the fact that parties can elect the process they deem appropriate and also elect to choose the ADR practitioner.

Unlike court hearings and court decisions which are published and available to the public, ADR is usually private and confidential. This confidentiality and not being obliged to seek the assistance of a legal practitioner (thus lowering litigation costs) are both incentives for disputing parties to use ADR. ADR is often considered less threatening to participants. Legal rights are given prime attention in courts and tribunals, but in ADR parties can raise their own interests and concerns. The process of ADR is less formal than in court and tribunals and chances of success are higher than in said traditional processes.

I’m so grateful to Flinders for opening my eyes to the new career opportunities for lawyers in an increasingly agile workforce and while no one can predict exactly what the future will look like I look forward to wants to come.

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Beyond Legal Practice

Alternative Dispute Resolution Getting out of the Courtroom Continued

Mediation Mediation is renowned for its informal nature in helping and encouraging parties to solve the issues without the interference of the courts. Mediation aims not to deliver judgments but rather to assist the parties to reach a settlement. As a mediator you will cater for both parties by being a neutral third party.

To become a mediator, you need to complete an accredited certificate in mediation. LEADR & IAMA, recognise under the national mediator accreditation system, are one institution that offers this service.

Arbitration Arbitration is the process where two or more parties refer their disputes to an independent third party who then makes a binding decision. IAMA again offer professional certificate in arbitration which can be found online.

Experience For experience whilst at law school, students should consider an internship or relevant volunteer work. The southern community justice centre, the South Australian mediation services, and the mediation office all offer volunteering positions.

Legal practitioners who practise ADR can expect to find the activity fulfilling and satisfying as ADR is a highly successful alternative to traditional processes. The ADR practitioner can be assured that the client has been spared the often-stressful court procedure and had also save time and money on lengthy legal processes.

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Beyond Legal Practice

Academia

An Interview with Samantha Kontra

Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours), Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology), PhD (Flin)

What inspired you to study law at Flinders?

I chose to study undergraduate law at Flinders because Flinders was the only university to integrate PLT into the degree, as well as being the only university to allow me to study behavioural science and law simultaneously – when I started studying I was fairly convinced that I wanted to be a forensic psychologist. After completing my law and behavioural science degrees, I chose to do a PhD at Flinders because I wanted to work with supervisors with particular expertise, and they were located at Flinders. I also felt comfortable with the campus and the systems, and thought it would be an excellent place to continue my studies.

What was your favourite and least favourite aspect of the degree?

Although I was somewhat nervous about practical skills, the integration of practical skills throughout the degree was my favourite part of my studies. It made the degree more realistic and pushed me out of my comfort zone (in a good way). It let me start developing my legal skillset much earlier than other law degrees. Now, as an academic, I make a point to emphasise skill development and help my students to learn these skills from their first semester studying law.

This also links really well to the competitions and other education/career opportunities offered through FLSA. When I was a student, I found late afternoon lectures really challenging – I remember quite a few of my lectures were scheduled from 3pm-5pm which was a time when I was definitely not as focussed as I would have liked to be. Our lectures were not recorded, so there was no option of re-watching a lecture when I missed a salient point!

What is the best piece of advice that you could give to students studying law right now?

Studying law is an amazing opportunity. Enjoy your time at university – embrace every opportunity that comes your way, and don’t feel that you need to rush your studies. Engage in co-curricular activities both law and non-law, and use these as a way to deepen your understanding of legal issues. The more you put into your studies, the more you will take out – giving yourself the space and opportunity to learn is critical. Also, be open to your potential career prospects. The law degree at Flinders will set you up with the skills you need to excel in many fields, and, indeed, with advancements in technology and the changing nature of the profession, the role you ultimately end up in may not have even been created yet.

If you could have your time back at university, would you do anything differently?

I was very nervous in my first couple of years of study. Although I went to classes, I didn’t engage as much as I could have with my colleagues and with the academic staff. It took me a long time to realise that lecturers were approachable, friendly, and happy to answer my questions. It also took me awhile to find my feet, though I found that entering competitions, and joining FLSA and some other clubs at the end of my second year helped me feel more connected to Flinders, and I began to learn a lot of skills that helped me to gain confidence in my studies.

Tell us about your career journey so far After finishing my law and behavioural science degrees I decided to take on another take on further study (a PhD at Flinders law). I studied part time, and taught in many different capacities, including Law and Ethics to Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine students; teaching French to primary school children; and then taking on a position as Director of First Year Studies at Flinders Law. Although I have taught many law topics, my current role involves a primary focus on first year law students, both in our Law and Legal Practice Degree and our Juris Doctor degree. I also teach Torts, and work with Honours students on projects related to Tort Law and dispute resolution.

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What skills do you think are essential for law students who are currently applying for clerkships or graduate positions?

Law students should showcase their experiences, and their written and oral communication skills, marketing themselves strongly, and making sure that they are applying for clerkships and graduate positions that are right fit for them. Also, don’t be afraid to try a variety of different positions – this will not only give you a feel for the type of law that you do/don’t like, but the sort of organisation you might want to work in. When applying for a job, don’t be afraid to ask questions during your interview (this is encouraged), just make sure you have done some research beforehand (don’t just ask something that is answered on their website).

How much importance should be placed on extracurricular activities, volunteering and legal work experience.

In my view, extracurricular activities enrich the law degree tenfold, allowing students greater insight into themselves as a person, and potentially career avenues. Although these activities are not strictly part of the law degree, they teach students so much, which helps bring another perspective to problem questions and assessments and encourages deeper legal analysis.

Do you have any advice for students who are keen to increase their network of professional Connections in the legal profession?

One of the best ways to do this is to keep up-to-date with what is happening in the legal profession. Connect with as many firms, legal professionals, and academics as possible on LinkedIn, and attend as many networking events as possible. For example, join the Law Society, and attend some of their events – including CPD events (both as a student and once you enter practice). Entering legal competitions and going to FLSA’s careers and education events is also a great way to network. Remember – you also need to network with your peers, as you will likely be working together one day!

Do you believe the structured mentoring and professional development programmes at the graduate level in the legal profession are beneficial to young lawyers? How can graduates make the most of these opportunities early on?

I strongly believe that mentoring programs – at any level – are highly beneficial. Some of these are available formally in practice, or through the Careers Centre at university. Others can operate on a less formal basis. Many members of the legal profession are willing to mentor junior lawyers, all you have to do is ask. Learning is all about making mistakes and reflecting on them – people with experience in the profession have already made mistakes and have lots of tips and tricks that they can pass on to you.

How do you care for your mental health during some of the more confronting cases you may be involved with?

Some of the best advice I was given was during my legal placement, when I was dealing with confronting family law cases. One of my supervisors said that she pictures the events of the case as a movie, this meant that she could think about finding gaps or holes in the story line and that helped her to protect her mental health while still fighting for her clients. Other than that, it is important to not lose sight of yourself – what do you like to do, how do you spend your downtime, and what can you do to make sure you are feeling healthy? This can include things like exercise, sleep, and healthy eating, but should also include activities that you enjoy – reading (for fun), hiking, exploring nature – something you can do to reenergise yourself. In law we can work with quite confronting issues, and knowing how to ground ourselves is vital. Remember – you can’t do your best legal work or help a client if you don’t first make sure that you are ok.

Do you have any tips for current students regarding successful study techniques?

Never underestimate how long something will take – this applies equally to study and practice. Readings take time, and you need to put ample time aside for these, especially early on in your studies. Writing assignments also takes time (and referencing takes longer than you expect, every time). My second piece of advice is: just start. Don’t build it up, considering something to be unachievable. Instead, get started and see how you go. If it is hard, write down questions and go see your topic coordinator. Never forget that you can ask for advice!

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Applications

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Getting Started

Curriculum Vitae & Cover Letter

FULL NAME

This section of the guide contains a preview of both a curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter. This is often the most overlooked area when people begin to stretch their wings and seek out employment in their chosen legal, or non-legal career. A good cover letter and CV has the potential to elevate how an employer is going to consider whether they contact you for an interview or whether they even look at your documentation.

As a side note, what is also helpful is that Microsoft Word has some templates that are helpful and can ease your burden of making both of these applications.

CONTACT

But in Brief:

Address:

For those that are unaware, the goal of a cover letter is to be a one-page document that is trying to grasp the reader’s attention. It is supposed to be short, sharp and to the point. Within the cover letter, it is the small details that can make it or break it. The cover letter will include information that can be directly related to your CV, such as prior experience and how is applicable, or you can talk to skills that you possess that is not included within the CV.

Email:

(LIST ADDRESS HERE)

Contact Number:

DATE:

CLERKSHIP: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

Dear

The more you tailor a cover letter to a potential employer the most it stands out. Some of the elements considered are: • Knowing the name of the company • Addressing the employers name, or hiring officers name • Specifically tailoring the cover letter to meet the needs of the employer • Why you are the best candidate for the role

Clerkship: Department of Public Prosecutions, 1st part: This is where you firstly address the hiring officer or employer by name and the reason why you are applying.

2nd part: You will want to introduce yourself and start with some of your strongest points as to why you are the perfect candidate. This is where I would list what is directly relevant and tailor it exactly to the employer’s needs. Primarily, I would be placing professional competencies to back myself up.

The trap that most people fall into with a cover letter is that they make one and just edit out the names of employers and change a few things here and there. I would advise you do not do this. The more you can specifically tailor the cover letter to address the needs of an employer, the far greater success you will have. An employer will consider that if you are lazy in your application process, will you be lazy in a potential job?

3rd part: This part can go either two directions but there is no set rule. You may either do some research into the company and explain why you want to work for them; or, you can mention other personal competencies that you may have. Such things as volunteering, unrelated but previous experiences like customer service, humanitarian work or etc. It is up to you to decide how you want to formulate this area. But a good note, mentioning innovation tools is actually a good way to capture attention, as employers are always looking innovators.

The CV is the clear backbone of your application process. It will list all the relevant information about yourself and everything that you had done or achieved. The only thing worth mentioning here about the CV is about keeping information current, such as contact details, address and more importantly, professional, and personal references.

A good idea is to also include a photo of yourself in your CV. This is the 21st Century and a nice professional photo of yourself may help you.

4th: Here you can tie it all together if you like and match yourself to the position. it does not have to be long, but it adds to the flow and makes the cover letter neat.

I have uploaded my CV just to show you what a potential CV will look like.

5th: The final part is your call to action, where you state that you cannot wait to hear from them and leave your sincere signature block.

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Applications

NAME

NAME

ADDRESS: DOB:

ADDRESS: DOB:

BACHELOR OF LAW AND LEGAL PRACTICE • FLINDERS UNIVERSITY

OBJECTIVE Career within Law and Legal practice: Criminal Law; Family Law; Probate Law; or Emerging technology Law.

SKILLS Adaptive leadership skills; Excellent communicator; Fast learner; Goal orientated; Independent worker; Professional conduct; and Team player.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETANCIES Calm demeanour; Driver’s license; Fraud and ethics awareness; Organization; Use of technology; Suicide prevention and awareness; and Responsible record keeping.

txxxxxxxx@gmail.com

• 02/03/2020 – CURRENT. Full-time student with adept focus, reasoning and a strong work/study ethic.

Pairing previous professional and personal experience with the legal profession to provide future employers with a strong and diverse lawyer, with an unwavering legal skillset and unique mindset. Prepared to maintain or upskill in order to remain relevant in an ever-changing environment.

Committed to prioritizing gainful employment within a legal career.

CORPORAL • AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE • 02/03/2020 – CURRENT. Non-commissioned officer within Australian Reserve forces, responsible for the direct command of a team of nine. Ensuring the team is operational, by maintaining professional competencies, individual welfare and a high standard of training. Thrives under pressure and is focused on achieving a commander’s intent within any situation. Pride myself in being able to deliver desirable outcomes for both superiors and personnel within my responsibility, in order to maintain a healthy working cohesion for the successful completion of every task.

RECONNAISSANCE PATROL COMMANDER/CORPORAL • AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE • 21/10/2014 – 02/03/2020.

Full-time senior leader and mentor within a specialized role within the Military. Trusted with leading subordinates ranging between 6-30 individuals.

Credited with an adaptive leadership style, which has provided beneficial outcomes for both staff and stakeholders.

An effective communicator, with an ability to clearly and effectively convey intent into action. Possessing a high standard of professional conduct and service towards clients, stakeholders and staff.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES Jordan Banks – South Australian Constable: 0400 000 000 Samuel Strano – Victorian Police Constable: 0400 000 000

PERSONAL REFERENCES Filemon Manoleskos: 0400 000 000 Adam Chantler: 0400 000 000

EDUCATION DIPLOMA OF WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY, BSB51312 • 11/06/2019 • COLLEGE FOR LAW, EDUCATION AND TRAINING. CERTIFICATE IV IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT, BSB42015 • 14/10/2019 • AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT – DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE CERTIFICATE IV IN GOVERNMENT, PSP40116 • 09/12/2019 • AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT – DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE & COMPETITIONS Elected First-Year Careers, Education and Wellbeing Representative for the Flinders Law Student Association: 23/04/2020 – 01/12/2020.

Elected Vice-President Careers, Education and Wellbeing Representative for the Flinders Law Student Association: 01/12/2020 - Current.

Semester 1 Online Moot Qualifying finalist: 11/05/2020.

Kitchen Assistant• Flying fish• 01/04/2014 – 01/07/2014.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Semester 2 Moot Semi-finalist: 06/10/2020.

Head pizza chef/assistant restaurant manager • Enzo’s Cucina • 01/12/2010 – 01/04/2014.

Australian Defence Medal

Negotiations Qualifying finalist: 14/09/20.

Australian Operational Service Medal – Greater Middle East

Client interview Grand finalist: 07/10/2020.

0400000000

Australian Army reserve – Humanitarian aid and covid-19 assistance.

02/03/2020 – Current.

0400000000

HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/

HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/

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Applications

Employer Directory This section of the Careers Guide is a brief catalogue of the various employers that Law students and graudtaes may consider applying to.

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Getting Started

Allens Allens is a leading international law firm who work with some of the world’s leading organisations. Allens provides legal services in a variety of areas including agribusiness, energy, banking and finance.

Employer Directory Civil Legal Practice

Arnold Bloch Leibler With offices in Melbourne and Sydney, Arnold Bloch Liebler is a leading commercial law firm providing legal services with a client focus. The major practicing areas for this firm includes intellectual property, Native Tile and public interest law, as well as taxation and workplace advisory.

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Employers Directory

Australian Government Solicitor

Baker & McKenzie

Australian Government Solicitor is deemed the central legal service for the Australian Government and as such is one of the largest legal service provider within Australia. AGS is involved in matters involving the Australian Government and is involved in the areas of government and administrative law, corporate and commercial law and finally, dispute resolution and litigation.

Baker & McKenzie is listed as being the original global law firm and as such have offices in 47 countries. Operating in a number of legal areas, Baker & McKenzie specialise in intellectual property, employment and compensation.

Ashurst

Camatta Lempens

Describing itself as a progressive global law firm, Ashurst is a multinational firm advising corporates, financial institutions and governments. With offices in nearly 20 countries, Ashurst specialises in capital markets, commercial contracts, employment and financial regulation.

Camatta Lempens is an established law firm here in South Australia, providing legal services for over 40 years.

Camatta Lempens operates in all areas of law including family law, criminal law, commercial and corporate law.

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Employers Directory

CCK Lawyers

Cowell Clarke

CCK Lawyers is a commercial law firm operating in Adelaide for over 20 years. Focused on what their clients want to achieve, CCK Lawyers operates quickly and cost-effectively. CCK Lawyers specialises in commercial disputes, commercial transactions and construction and engineering.

Cowell Clarke is a commercial law firm based in Adelaide providing legal services to clients in sectors of the business and industry. Cowell Clarke’s expertise is in agribusiness and banking and finance.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Clayton Utz

Corrs Chambers Westgarth is a leading independent law firm within Australia. SDescribed as the firm of choice for leading organisation’s across the world, Corrs Chambers Westgarth operates in arbitration, banking and finance, energy and natural resources and real estate.

With a genuine commitment to client services, Clayton Utz is a leading independent Australian firm. Clayton Utz provides legal services in a number of legal areas including capital markets and securities, class actions, competition and cyber security.

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Employers Directory

Crown Solicitor’s Office

DMAW Lawyers

Crown Solicitor’s Office provides legal service to the Government of South Australia providing advice to Cabinet, Ministers and government agencies. The Crown Solicitor’s Office represents the Government of South Australia before courts and tribunals, drafts legal documents for the government whilst also resolving Native Title claim issues.

A leading South Australian commercial law firm, DMAW Lawyers is committed to providing genuine expertise to a range of clients. DMAW Lawyers focuses on corporate law, transactions and disputes.

DLA Piper

DW Fox Tucker

A global law firm, DLA Piper operates internationally in more than 40 countries. Major practice areas in which DLA Piper provide legal service includes financial services, insurance and technology.

Established in 2014, DW Fox Tucker is a leading South Australian law firm. As a commercial law firm, DW Fox Tucker provides general commercial legal services whilst also specialising in dispute resolution and insolvency, intellectual property and taxation.

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Employers Directory

Finlaysons

Herbert Smith Freehills

With offices in Adelaide and Darwin, Finlaysons is a leading independent Australian law firm focusing on corporate and commercial law. Operating the last 150 years, Finlaysons specialises in environment and planning, intellectual property and migration.

Herbert Smith Freehills is one of the world’s leading law firms and has 26 offices. With a client focused perspective, Herbert Smith Freehills practices in a number of areas including corporate governance, dispute resolution, mergers and acquisitions.

Gilbert + Tobin

Hunt & Hunt

Gilbert + Tobin was founded in 1988 and is a leading corporate law firm within Australia. Gilbert +Tobin specialises in banking and finance, competition and regulation, as well as employment.

Hunt & Hunt is a law firm with a number of offices across Australia. Established in 1929, Hunt & Hunt practices in a number of areas including corporate law, commercial law, family law and property.

Griffins Lawyers

HWL Ebsworth

With over 20 years experience, Griffins Lawyers is a growing law firm with offices across Australia. Griffins Lawyers strives to provide business solutions through their legal services. Griffins Lawyers practices in a number of areas including arts and entertainment, civil litigation and construction.

HWL Ebsworth has been described as one of the largest legal partnerships in Australia with offices located in every State and Territory. HWL Ebsworth provides legal services in a number of areas including aged care and retirement living, automotive and insurance.

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Employers Directory

Johnson Winter & Slattery Kain Lawyers

Johnson Winter & Slattery (JWS) is engaged by major businesses, investment funds and government agencies as legal counsel on important transactions and disputes throughout Australia and surrounding regions. Originally established in 1993 by Tony Johnson, Nigel Winter and Peter Slattery as a boutique corporate firm. Over the years, they have grown rapidly to become a leading independent Australian firm focussed on complex transactions and disputes.

Specifically, JWS helps their clients navigate complexity in both commercial transactions and dispute resolution by applying specialist legal expertise, innovative technology and commercial awareness to their clients’ business objectives.

Kain Lawyers is a specialist legal consultancy company and are described as transaction specialists. Kain Lawyers specialises a number of areas including business structuring, business succession and commercial advice.

JWS can boast that they have 65+ partners nationally and are supported by 250 lawyers and other workers.

They also represent publicly listed corporations, major privately held businesses and investment funds, not for profits, industry bodies, government agencies and regulators.

JWS are a full-service commercial firm with specialist expertise in all facets of commercial activity, such as transactional needs, advisory and compliance and dispute resolution.

King & Wood Mallesons

As an Australian counsel to foreign business and law firms, JWS appreciates the particular needs of those investing in Australia and their advisors. Assisting clients and their primary counsel in navigating Australian regulatory requirements concerning inbound and outbound capital flows.

JWS lawyers and practice groups are ranked as leading, by Chambers Asia-Pacific, Asia Pacific Legal 500, Best Lawyers and Doyle’s guide.

Some areas of expertise within JWS: • Class actions • Competition/antitrust • Corporate • Corporate crime & investigation • Corporate Governance • Debt finance • Dispute resolution • Employment • Energy & resources • Environment & planning • Foreign investment • Funds management • Intellectual property & IT • Media • Private equity • Projects & construction • Real estate • Regulatory • Restructuring and insolvency • Tax

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Some Sectors JWS oversee: • Agribusiness • Aviation & transport • Clean energy and emerging energy technology • Consumer goods • Education • Electricity • Financial services • Infrastructure • Insurance • It & communication • Major projects • Media & entertainment • Mining • Oil & gas

With 30 international offices, King & Wood Mallesons is a truly global law firm with an emphasis on “connecting Asia to the world, and the world to Asia.” King & Wood Mallesons operates in a number of practice areas including banking and finance, intellectual property and real estate.

Landers & Rogers A leading independent law firm operating in Australia, Lander & Rogers prides itself on being down to earth and providing quality client service. Specialist areas in which Lander & Rogers operates includes blockchain and digital assets, business transformation and compensation law.

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Lipman Karas

Lynch Meyer

LK deals with litigation within the Asia Pacific region and also internationally. Some of their recognised core capabilities are obtaining urgent asset-freezing orders, the pursuit or large project litigation and the conduct of appeals in the highest courts internationally.

Lynch Meyer is a commercial law firm in Adelaide and aims to provide exceptional legal services to their clients.

Lynch Meyer provides legal service in a number of areas including agribusiness, property, banking and finance.

Focus: LK’s mission is the single-minded advancement their clients’ interests and striving for excellence in everything that they do.

Method: Through numerous years of practice and specialisation, LK has created a specific method which is consistent amongst all of their offices. This enables LK to consistently deliver superior results for their clients.

By working in cohesive groups, based around teamwork, objectivity, creativity, hard work and high professional standards. The LK method is used to investigate and formulate a case for its effective presentation at trial. This can involve the application of highly developed forensic and financial skills in gathering, analysing and presenting voluminous materials in a clear and persuasive way. Everything that LK does is towards the successful outcome of their clients’ interest.

LK prides itself with having an expertise in legal technology and an up-to-date portfolio of electronic litigation tools.

This provides clients with a substantial cost saving and competitive advantages.

Some of the areas LK focuses on are: • • • • • • •

Complex commercial litigation International commercial arbitration and investment treaty disputes cross-border insolvency and asset recovery Independent corporate and regulatory investigations dispute avoidance and ADR Risk minimisation and governance advice Litigation due diligence and project management

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Maddocks A leading Australian independent law firm, Maddocks provides legal services to a number of national and international clients. Maddocks operates in a number of sectors including education, government and healthcare.

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Minter Ellison

NDA Law

MinterEllison is Australia’s largest law firm providing legal and consulting services through global network of affiliated firms and associated companies.

NDA Law is a newly established law firm here in Adelaide. With a strong commercial focus, NDA Law provides legal services in a number of areas including business succession and estate planning, commercial law and corporate law.

First established in Sydney in 1827 and operates in Australia, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Mongolia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom through a network of integrated offices and associated firms.

Norman Waterhouse

What makes MinterEllison unique is its expansion into non-traditional consulting solutions, including Technology, Tax, Risk & Regulatory, Infrastructure consulting.

The purpose that MinterEllison strives for is to create lasting impacts with their clients, people and communities. Their partners and staff provide clients with clear, strategic and commercial solutions that create lasting impacts to their business.

Established in 1920 in Adelaide, Norman Waterhouse provides legal services in transactions and dispute resolution.

Other areas Norman Waterhouse operates includes employment and safety, family law and migration.

MinterEllison provides support to clients including government, private and publicly listed companies, and small and large businesses in Australia and overseas. They help manage risk, take on challenge and take advantage of opportunities as they transform to meet an evolving economic, business and social landscape.

Some of the solutions offered are: providing end-to-end support throughout the lifecycle of a deal; mitigating risk in a range of complex procurement scenarios; providing support and advice on competition and insolvency issues, and leading Boards and executive leadership teams through their ESG priorities, safe workplaces and governance.

Norton Rose Fulbright

MinterEllison exist for the long-term wellbeing and prosperity of their clients, their people and their communities.

Areas of Practice: • Banking and Finservices • Capital markets • Class actions • Competition regulation and trade • Corporate • Dispute r • Education • Energy • Environment and Planning • Infrastructure construction property • Insurance • Mergers & acquisitions • Real estate • Restructuring and insolvency • Sustainability & climate change • Tax and superannuation • TMT • Workplace/Employment.

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Listed as a global law firm, Norton Rose Fullbright provides business law services legal to preeminent corporations and financial institutions internationally. Norton Rose Fullbright operates in all key industry sectors including financial institutions, transport, technology and innovation.

Piper Alderman Piper Alderman is a commercial law firm with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Piper Alderman works with clients across Australia and internationally whilst operating in a number of legal areas including banking and finance, class actions and taxation.

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Slater & Gordon

Thomson Geer

Slater and Gordon Limited (“Slater and Gordon”, ASX:SGH) is a leading international consumer law firm employing 1,400 people in 80 locations across Australia and 3,800 people across 27 locations in the United Kingdom. Slater and Gordon’s mission is to give people easier access to world class legal services. The firm provides specialist legal and complementary services in a broad range of areas.

We have more than 560 people including 131 partners in Australia. We also have developed international relationships with leading law firms situated around the world. Through our networks we provide cross border services at all levels throughout Australia, the Asia-Pacific, and beyond. Our Industry coverage and client work is diverse.

Slater and Gordon provides specialist legal services to individuals in a range of practice areas including all areas of liability and compensation law, as well as other general legal services such as family and relationship law, conveyancing, wills, and estate planning. Our business and specialised litigation services include commercial, estate and professional negligence litigation and class actions. Our firm is well known for its experience in running complex and large-scale class actions.

Major Practice Areas

Sparke Helmore Sparke Helmore Lawyers is a firm of 800 people working from 9 offices across Australia. Our expertise spans corporate and commercial to construction, workplace to insurance, IP to IPOs, mining to manufacturing, and property to procurement.

Our strategy puts our clients at the heart of everything we do. It involves having true legal subject matter expertise and targeted industry knowledge to deliver a level of insight that helps our clients find better ways to solve problems; from the everyday to the business critical. It also puts our people at the heart of everything that we do, because we know they are business critical for us and our clients.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is central to us achieving our strategic vision, that is, to be a world-class independent Australian law firm that clients value for its people and performance. Our immediate area of focus is on gender equality.

Wallmans Wallmans Lawyers is an established multi-practice commercial firm, providing an integrated team of nationally recognised leaders with extensive knowledge of key industry sectors. While predominately Adelaide based, the firm services a significant range of local, national and international clients across the corporate, private and government sectors as well as individuals.

Comprising a full service team of 85 staff, our lawyers have a reputation for understanding our clients’ business, their objectives and goals, whilst ultimately providing solutions that are cost effective and commercial. As a multi-practice firm, we are able to offer complementary services that are essential to effective business operations including tailored taxation, superannuation, property, workplace relations, litigation and dispute resolution assistance.

We act for a wide variety of clients from medium sized businesses through to publicly listed organisations across a broad range of industries, including financial services, professional services, government, health, aged care, transport and shipping, not for profit, insurance, hospitality and wine, tourism, media and property and construction.

Our Employee Advisory group strengthens communication channels from and to our people on issues that affect our workplace. This group is representative of our workforce and provides insight into different employee perspectives, offering ideas and feedback that assists us to focus our efforts in this space.

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Employers Directory

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Employer Directory: Criminal Legal Practice

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is responsible for prosecuting offences in South Australia.

Lawyers working at the ODPP may either serve as a prosecutor, appearing in court, or a solicitor, preparing matters for prosecution. The ODPP aims to provide the people of South Australia with an independent and effective criminal prosecution service which his timely, efficient and just.

Applicants should register their interest by filling in the online application found on the ODPP website, specifying which intake they are interest in. Please ensure you attach an up to date curriculum vitae and a copy of your academic transcript.

Applicants should provide a short summary of why they are interested in completing their placement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Summer Clerkships are offered to students completing their final years of tertiary law studies. The Summer Clerkship typically commences between late November to mid December and runs for 8 weeks. Applications for the Summer Clerk roles should reflect both academic and personal achievements as well as any relevant legal work experience. To be successful in obtaining a Clerkship within the Office, your application should showcase your interpersonal skills, ambitions and your passion for the law.

Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions The Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) is an independent prosecution service established by Parliament to prosecute alleged offences against Commonwealth law. We aim to provide an effective, ethical, high quality and independent criminal prosecution service for Australia in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth.

The CDPP provides an effective and efficient independent prosecution service that contributes to a fair, safe and just Australia where Commonwealth laws are respected, offenders are brought to justice and potential offenders are deterred.

As the CDPP is responsible for the conduct of prosecutions against the laws of the Commonwealth in all Australian jurisdictions, we are in a unique position to provide feedback to policy formulators and law-makers about the operation of Commonwealth criminal law and our experience working with these laws in the courts.

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Employers Directory

Andersons Solicitors

Caldicott Lawyers

Andersons Solicitors has offices in Adelaide, Morphett Vale, Murray Bridge, Mt Gambier and Port Adelaide. They specialise in personal injury law including injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries through WorkCover or ComCare, asbestos and dust diseases including chemical exposure, medical negligence and catastrophic injury and injuries resulting from an accident in a public place. They also have employment industrial, family, commercial, criminal and wills and estate planning departments.

Caldicott Lawyers are one of the most accomplished technical teams of criminal lawyers in Australia. Caldicott Lawyers has won many significant appeals in the High Court of Australia and deals with approximately 1,500 criminal and traffic charges per year. Many of these High Court cases have reshaped the criminal law in Australia.

Caldicott Lawyers handles all types of criminal matters, from serious charges including murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, drug offences, sex offences, serious assaults, violent offences, theft and fraud, to traffic and driving charges, including drink driving, drug driving, causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified. Caldicott Lawyers is a member of ADLA (Australian Defence Lawyers Alliance), which is a group of leading criminal law firms in Australia.

Colthorpe Lawyers

Mangan Ey & Associates

Colthorpe Lawyers specialises in criminal defence law, including defending all prosecutions for traffic related offences, licence reviews and the lifting of immediate police suspensions of licence. We frequently deal with simple traffic offences such as speeding and other minor offences but also drink driving offences, driving whilst disqualified, driving to evade police, in a manner dangerous and cause injury or death by negligent driving. Colthorpe Lawyers is located in Christies Beach.

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Mangan Ey & Associates barristers and solicitors specialise in criminal and traffic law. They are one of Adelaide’s oldest and experienced specialist criminal law firms, established in 1982. They practice in murder and manslaughter cases, all types of drug offences, sexual offences, assault, disorderly behaviour, domestic violence, theft and robbery, fraud, firearms and weapons offences, serious criminal trespass, drink driving, general traffic offences and demerit points and driving without due care.

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Woods & Co Woods & Co Lawyers is a specialist criminal and traffic law firm based in the heart of Adelaide. The firm services all court areas in South Australia and has developed a reputation for providing forthright and honest advice. Woods & Co believes in being experts and providing a boutique service to our clients that is second to none. The firm provide a 24hr emergency service line for afterhours assistance.

Employer Directory: Suburban & Rural Practice

Webster Lawyers Websters Lawyers area firm of experienced barristers and solicitors from a diverse range of areas who have the common aim of providing a more personal and efficient legal service than clients are likely to have received elsewhere.

Websters Lawyers practice in a wide variety of areas, including personal injury and public liability, family law, workers compensation, motor vehicle accident claims, criminal law, traffic and police matters, estate administration, equal opportunity and discrimination claims, victims of crime claims, court litigation, wills and commercial litigation.

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Getting Started

AM Legal AM Legal provides advice and dispute resolution, as well as assisting people with planning and managing their legal affairs of both a personal and business nature.

AM Legal specialises in workplace relations as well as commerce, personal relationships (marriage and de facto), personal services (wills and estates planning) and public law. It is also strongly committed to participating in the community also undertaking a significant amount of pro bono work.

Boylan & Co Boylan Lawyers are not only located in the CBD of Adelaide but they have five rural locations to extend their assistance throughout the states. Their areas of practice include; wills and estates, injury law, family law, property and commercial law, litigation, work law and notarising.

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Berger & Co Lawyers Berger & Co lawyers is an accredited Law Society of South Australia “Gold Alliance” Adelaide law firm. The firm is a general practice of experienced Adelaide lawyers and conveyancers located in St Peters South Australia. The lawyers at Beger & Co Lawyers are all highly experienced in court disputes, employment matters, litigation, wills and estates, commercial law and property law. Beger & Co guarantees a service of the highest quality in a friendly and comfortable environment.

Georgiadis Lawyers Georgiadis Lawyers is a law firm specializing in a range of corporate and personal practice areas. Georgiadis Lawyers practices in commercial and business law, property law, families & separation, wills & estate planning, criminal law & injured persons law. The firm has offices located in the Adelaide CBD, Salisbury and Christies Beach.

Hume Taylor & Co

Johnson Withers

Hume Taylor & Co Lawyers is a medium-sized South Australian law firm with offices located in Adelaide, Millicent and Whyalla. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, maintain a sizeable commercial, corporate and private client base. They practice in areas ranging from family law to criminal law, wills & estate planning, probate and estate administration, personal injury claims, commercial law, industrial law and conveyancing.

Johnston Withers is a progressive mid-sized South Australian law firm with a social conscious. It has been serving Adelaide and regional SA clients for over 70 years. It has a head office in Adelaide, regional offices in Clare, Port Augusta, Murray Bridge, and Whyalla; and regularly visits Roxby Downs. Johnston Withers areas of focus are injury law, employment law, commercial and property law, family law, wills and estates, criminal law and dispute resolution. They are highly regarded for particular expertise in some niche areas: defamation; native title and Aboriginal legal issues; food wine and agri-law; environmental law; and legal assistance for not-for-profit organisations and associations. Underpinning all they do is a focus on building strong personal relationships with clients – helping them in their workplaces, in their families, in their businesses and in their lives.

Kyrmis Lawyers

Mellor Olsson

Kyrimis Lawyers is a full-service regional law firm based in Mount Gambier aiming to provide the highest quality legal services in a timely fashion. The Mount Gambier firm has been practicing for 22 years and its main practice areas are wills and estates, commercial law, workplace law, land brokerage, criminal law, family law, and civil disputes.

Mellor Olsson is one of South Australia’s largest and oldest law firms and has offices in Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Clare, Bordertown, Kadina, Keith, McLaren Vale.

Mellor Olsson also makes regular visits to other areas such as the Barossa Valley, Eyre Peninsula, Mid North, South East, and Yorke Peninsula. Mellor Olsson practices in areas such as personal injury, wills and estates, commercial services, employment law, local government and planning and conveyancing. At Mellor Olsson, high quality legal advice goes hand in hand with high levels of personal service. The firm has strong community values and takes pride in providing legal solutions for all South Australians while simultaneously supporting local business.

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Scammell & Co

Stokes Legal

Scammell & Co cover a wide range of legal and associated matters but the firm has extensive experience in injury claims. The firm’s services include personal injury, family law, commercial services, litigation, wills and estates, and criminal law. Scammell & Co has offices in Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Walkerville, Gawler and by appointment in Tanunda and Renmark.

Since 1988, Stokes legal has provided effective legal solutions, advice and court representation. In July 2021, Stokes Legal was acquired by Andersons Solicitors, bringing together two trusted and recognised South Australian firms. Backed by Andersons Solicitors, Stokes Legal will remain a client focused firm, offering accessible services across eight suburban locations, with afterhours and home visits available on request. Stokes Legal practice in family, wills and estates, personal injury, criminal, commercial law, and debt collection.

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Employer Directory: Community Legal Practice

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Employers Directory

Australian Refugee Central CommuniAssociation ty Legal Service The Australian Refugee Association (ARA) was established in 1975 by a group of concerned people who volunteered their time to help people arriving in Australia from Vietnam. Volunteers are an integral part of the work that the ARA does. The ARA’s mission is to help refugees become settled and participating citizens of Australia. Their vision is an Australia where refugees are an integral part of a thriving, prosperous community.

The ARA provides advice, assistance, advocacy and practical support with settlement services, migration services, employment services, youth services, public education, policy and advocacy.

Community Legal Centres South Australia Inc. (CLCSA) is the peak body for all Community Legal Centres in South Australia. The CLCSA state office is a small team providing support, representation to Government and the wider community. CLC are independent, not- for-profit organisations which provide legal advice, casework, referrals and legal representation to members of the community. CLC are located throughout Metropolitan and Rural South Australia.

Community Justice Service SA

Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation

Operating from the Adelaide Southern Metropolitan area, Fleurieu Peninsula, Limestone Coast and Riverland they are the largest Community Legal Service provider in South Australia. Community Justice Service is funded by the Commonwealth and State Attorney-General’s Departments. CJSSA is an appointment only service with a focus on providing outreach across South Australia.

CJSSA provide free legal advice in the areas of civil, criminal, family and immigration law to most members of the community and free court representation in both the State and Federal Courts as well as casework, all subject to eligibility. They also undertake Community Legal Education, Law Reform and other community engagement activities.

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The Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation (FVLSAC) is a free community legal service assisting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander victim/ survivors of family violence and/or sexual assault in the State of South Australia. They work with families and communities affected by violence.

JusticeNet JusticeNet SA is an independent, not-for-profit legal service that provides pro bono legal assistance to individuals and charitable organisations in South Australia. The Organisation is run by experienced lawyers and assisted by volunteers, and aims to provide a safety net for individuals or groups who cannot afford a lawyer.

JusticeNet accepts applications for volunteers year-round and opens positions on an as-needed basis, places are competitive. JusticeNet looks for volunteers with a keen interest in social justice, good interpersonal skills, effective organisational skills and a strong academic record and/or demonstrated legal experience.

Northern Community Legal Service Northern Community Legal Service offers free legal information and a referral service to people living in the northern Adelaide metropolitan area. Ongoing legal assistance is only provided to those people who are on low incomes and who are not eligible for legal aid.

The centre covers civil, criminal, and family law and has a specialist Child Support Service. A free financial counselling service is also available to members of the northern community. Outreaches are conducted at Gawler and Davoren Park.

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Employers Directory

Legal Services Commision A career with the Legal Services Commission gives you an opportunity to play a role in providing the community with access to quality legal services. The Commission provides legal representation in criminal and family law matters, as well as free legal advice and minor assistance on most areas of law.

The Commission offers attractive employment conditions including salary packaging, flexible working arrangements within a range of family-friendly policies, plus opportunities for professional development. They encourage and recognise individual and team effort, innovation and creativity in activities. The Legal Services Commission has about 200 staff throughout SA with offices in Adelaide, Whyalla, Port Augusta, Elizabeth, Mount Barker, Port Adelaide, and Noarlunga.

Roma Mitchell Community Legal Centre Roma Mitchell Community Legal Centre is a volunteer run agency offering free legal advice on Monday and Thursday evenings by pro bono solicitors at Norwood Library. Their services include legal advice and referral, promotion of human rights, Aboriginal reconciliation and volunteer opportunities. Such volunteer activities include Centrelink Activity Agreements, legal training placements, and work experience placements by negotiation.

Southern Community Justice Centre The Southern Community Justice Centre provides a number of free services to the community in a professional and friendly environment. The services are operated under three main departments: • Legal Services: provides assistance in various areas of law, including family, civil, and criminal law; • Child support services: provide specialist assistance in the area of child support to people residing in most areas of South Australia; and • Neighbourhood and Community Disputes Service: this service provides alternative dispute resolution services in neighbourhood and other community disputes to most residents of South Australia.

Welfare Rights Centre (SA) Inc Welfare Rights (SA) is a non-governmental agency that exists to assist people in their dealings with Centrelink Where the nature of a recent or impending decision leaves the client with cause for some concern. Welfare Rights can advise clients on their rights and legal entitlements, and can contact Centrelink on their behalf and attempt to resolve the problem. This is a free service.

Young Workers Legal Service

The Welfare Rights Centre also manages the Housing Legal Clinic, which exists to provide pro bono legal advice to people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. This clinic was established to reduce the marginalisation of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and over 1,500 clients use this service.

The young workers legal service (YWLS) provides workers under the age of 30 with free, confidential advice about work related matters. The advice the YWLS provides is free of charge. However, young workers are responsible for legal costs incurred, including lodgement fees, obtaining evidence and attending tribunal hearings.

The Young Workers’ Legal Service is staffed by volunteer law student advisors who work under the supervision of one legally trained industrial officer.

Westside Commu- Womens Legal Sernity Lawyers vice (SA) Inc

Westside Community Lawyers, located in Port Pirie and Hindmarsh, acts for people who require legal assistance and representation in court. This service also advise Not For Profit organisations and help people to understand the legal rights through education and information. Ongoing legal assistance is provided to those who are not eligible for legal aid from the Legal Services Commission of South Australia.

The women’s legal services (SA) Inc. Is a community based legal centre providing legal services to women in South Australia. The service focusses on assisting women with legal information, advice, representation, referrals and education on a wide range of issues including domestic violence, family law, criminal injuries compensation, discrimination, employment, debts, and immigration. Every year the women’s Legal Service provides advice to over 2,000 women.

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Allianz

Allianz offers a wide range of insurance and managerial products and services. The services include: personal insurance (such as home and contents, motor boat, travel, and CTP and life insurance); industrial and commercial insurance which includes those for such things farms and businesses; corporate insurance, such as those for construction; liability and professional indemnity; public and products liability the; worker’s compensation and loss control and risk management strategies.

Employer Directory: Private Non-Legal

Allianz is an insurance company that provides services in both Australia and New Zealand, and employs over 3,800 staff. Allianz Insurance Australia is part of the Allianz Global Group operating in every State and Territory in Australia, and is one of the leading private workers compensation cover.

Allianz Australia only takes on a small number of graduates each year, which allows you to receive a highly tailored and supportive early career experience.

As an Allianz graduate, you will be placed into a defined program, but will also have the chance to work with you graduate peers cross-functionality. You will work on enterprise related projects with your peers and substantially further your education. During your two-year program you will also get diverse experiences through rotations across our business, as well as the opportunity to participate in a number of personal development activities.

ANZ Banking Group

ANZ is a publicly listed company that provides a range of banking and financial products and services to almost 8 million customers. It is one operates in 32 markets globally with representation in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Pacific, Europe, America, and the Middle East. ANZ provides personal services, services for small business, as well as business for the corporate sector.

ANZ offers all our new graduates something no other financial institution can – Unique and exclusive access to our international network of professionals from the base in Australia or New Zealand. It’s all supported by our position is one of the world’s strongest, safest and most sustainable banks.

You’ll benefit from all the rewarding experiences and guidance you’ll need for a thriving career. What’s more, you’ll receive feedback, support and advice from a range of ANZ managers, as well as build on your personal associations with the bank. It’s simple.

We’re here to give you all the encouragement, guidance and industry nous you’ll need to make the smartest move - for you.

BDO

BDO was established as an association of firms in Australia in 1975. Today, the company is one of Australia’s largest associations of independently owned accounting practices, with offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

In Australia, BDO offers the expertise of more than 150 partners, supported by over 1300 staff. The company provides services to our diverse range of clients, large corporate organisations to private businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals across a broad array of industry sectors. Graduates, as you near the end of your time at university, the next step in your career progression is to start thinking about where you want to work.

BDO offers Graduate programs across Australia, so if you are a final year student or have recently completed your degree in accounting, law or finance and you think BDO is the firm for you, follow the link to the office location which interests you to find out more about their current opportunities, the recruitment process, and what you need to do to apply.

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BHP Billiton

BHP Billiton is a global resources company that is among the world’s largest producers of major commodities, including aluminium, copper, energy coal, iron ore, manganese, metallurgical coal, nickel, silver and uranium along with substantial interests in oil and gas.

BHP Billiton offers graduates unique opportunities to learn and excel in their day-to-day work, engage with exceptional leaders, build a global network of colleagues and work with educators from some of the world’s leading business schools.

Graduate positions: Our programs smoothly transition are graduate from university to a work environment includes a variety of learning styles to meet the needs of our diverse graduate population.

In addition to learning at work in excelling in your day-to-day activities, you’ll complete a number of work-based, team and experiential activities to help you build your functional base, develop decision-making, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and learn what it takes to be an inclusive leader at BHP Billiton.

Deloitte

Deloitte Australia provides a broad range of audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients.

It has expertise that spans industry sectors including automotive; consumer business; energy and resources; financial services; government services; life sciences and healthcare; manufacturing; real estate; technology; media and telecommunications. The Australian partnership of Deloitte Touche Tomhatsu is committed to growth, client service and its people - 800 partners and more than 6000 people located in 14 offices across the country, plus offices in PNG, Timor-Leste.

The Summer Vacation Program offers significant client exposure, networking opportunities, training and feedback from a strong support system. Graduates spend three to eight weeks in one of our service lines, with the prospect of securing a graduate position.

If you are in your penultimate year at university you are eligible to apply.

Our people are most valuable assets. Each year we recruit a large number of outstanding graduates for our in-demand Graduate Program to inject new ideas and energy into Deloitte.

Graduate employees start with us in early March and early July. Each new employee is paired up with a ‘Buddy’ and a counselling manager to help with a smooth transition to Deloitte life.

We provide the right kind of tools and training to ensure all our graduates can achieve career success through mentoring, peer support, e-learning events and Deloittes own graduate development program called D Academy.

Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services. Our 167,000 people are united by our shared values, which inspire our people worldwide and guide them to do the right thing, and our commitment to quality, which is embedded in who we are in everything we do.

Ernst & Young is committed to doing its part in building a better working world for a people, for our clients and for our communities.

Graduate program: With early responsibility and the support and training to grow, you’ll build the confidence to pursue your goals.

Exposed to a wide range of clients, you can expect to develop your networks, collaborate with specialists, learn from mentors and even study for postgraduate qualifications, including the Chartered Accountant qualification or a Masters of Tax. You’ll begin to build your technical, leadership and communication skills, and be responsible for parts of projects right away working in the business area of your choice. As a graduate with EY you’ll be able to add value to your clients and shape your career as a professional.

Apply early! Applications will close once positions are filled. Applications are now open and will close on 31 March.

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Edwards Mashall

Nexia Edwards Marshall is an advisory firm based in Adelaide that provides clients with a number of services.

Nexia Edwards Marshall has an Undergraduate Program in which students are able to work on a casual basis at the firm while completing their studies. While the program begins in February every year; Nexia Edwards Marshall accept applications from students throughout the year. Students are able to submit their CV via the website to be considered for the program.

Undergraduate program:Work for a truly great firm that values and appreciates their staff. Our Undergraduate Program is a fantastic opportunity to commence your career and gain valuable experience was still completing your studies. If you are willing to undertake your study whilst working full time with generous study support, then submit your CV together with a copy of your academic transcript. Our Program commences in February of each year and we accept applications throughout the year.

Ferrier Hodgson

Established in 1976, Ferrier Hodgson is Asia Pacific’s most widely recognised and highly respected provider of turnaround, reconstruction and forensics services. The Ferrier Hodgson Group has over 30 partners and 300 staff and offices in all major Australian capital cities, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan.

With specialist industry advisers, Ferrier Hodgson are able to address both the operational and financial aspects of each matter to come up with the optimal solutions. Ferrier Hodgson prides itself on the specialist nature of its practice, thus we are usually free from the conflicts that affect many of our competitors.

We have offices across Australia and Asia as well as a strong association with international firms Zola Cooper and KLC Kennic Lui & Co to provide services globally.

At Ferrier Hodgson Graduates will be provided with opportunities to continuously evolve your professional and personal growth.

In addition to our extensive L&D framework that starts from week one where as a new graduate you will attend our National Learning Program, coaching and mentoring are well established forms of personal and professional development at Ferrier Hodgson.

Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is a financial management firm, which operates in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. The firm is able to apply their global knowledge of worldwide finances to the specific Australian perspective. Goldman Sachs focuses on corporate advisory, securities and investment management, with key business areas in asset management, cash products, corporate advisory, principal investment area and securities.

Goldman Sachs is primarily focused on client interests, as well as time work and dedication. Amongst striving to anticipate the changing and varied needs of every client, Goldman Sachs aims for all employees to maintain the business principle that integrity and honesty are the heart of the business.

The summer analyst role is for candidates currently pursuing a college or university degree and is usually undertaken during the penultimate year of study. While your discipline or major are not important, we are looking for candidates with an outstanding record of academic achievement and an interest in the financial markets.

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Korda Mentha

Korda Mentha is an advisory, which reaches across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, and has a strategic affiliation with Alix partners in the USA, UK, Europe and Asia. The firm’s Australian offices are in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Gold Coast, Townsville and Adelaide. Korda Mentha specialises in Corporate Recovery, Turnaround and Restructuring, Real Estate Advisory and Forensic Services. Korda Mentha has been involved with many voluntary administrations including the largest voluntary administration in Australian history, as administrators of Ansett.

Other clients include Griffin energy group, Timbercorp Group and the Oracle towers at Broadbeach.

Applications are open to students in their penultimate year. Applications for our 2021/2022 Vacationer and 2022 graduate roles will open in early March 2021.

KPMG

National Australia Bank

National Australia Bank Group (the group) is a financial services organisation with over 12,700,000 customers and 42,000 people operating room in more than 1,700 stores and business banking centres globally.

Are major financial services franchises in Australia are complimented by businesses in New Zealand, Asia, and the United Kingdom. Each of our brands is uniquely positioned but built on a common commitment to provide our customers with quality products and services, fair fees and charges, and relationships built on the principles of help, guidance and advice.

The National Australia bank commit to provide quality products and services and fair fees and charges. The National Australia Bank place is a strong emphasis on corporate responsibility and the relationship between customers employees and communities.

With the ultimate goal of providing substantial business, the National Australia Bank strives to accelerate efficiency, quality and service, as well as investing in their own people, and always continuing to develop a strong business portfolio.

P&G

KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 155 countries and have more than 189,000 people working in member firms around the world. In Australia, KPMG has around 6,700 people, including over 400 partners, with offices around the country.

P&G provides products and services to worldwide consumers. P&G strives to improve the lives of consumers by increasing their life quality. Two of the firm’s main principles are diversity and inclusion, which assists in accumulating employees from various backgrounds, to assist the firm in connecting with the global marketplace.

Our position is built on the professionalism of our people, the quality of the Audit and Assurance, Tax, and Advisory Services we offer and the contribution we make to the well-being of the communities in which we live and operate. With one of the country’s most of this range of projects - in advisory, tax, and accounting - KPMG will have graduates working with the nations most respected company is from day one.

P&G is extremely consumer def focused, and I change to keep in touch with its consumers to ensure that the firm is fulfilling its key business principles. One way of doing this is by utilising a unique organisational structure, which provides a framework for increased efficiency. This enables the company to conduct all services and procedures in a high quality level. This also allows P&G to have a reliable network of partners and suppliers, which assists in the strong relationship between P&G and its ultimate consumers.

Graduates will receive world-class training and mentoring, and mix with some of the brightest minds around. Plus they’ll have the opportunity to work on community and environmental programs that make a genuine difference to our society.

Our clients to us because we get the job done through our dedication to quality and our collaborative approach. Our people aim to succeed by delivering industry-focused services that create genuine, sustainable value for our clients.

P&G has such a broad range of business the nobles it to work on a technological level to connect categories and global regions in new and innovative ways through a collaboration process which ultimately increases the firm’s products’ demand, reach and sales.

Applications for our 2022 graduate roles and 2021/22 Summer Vacation roles will open in February 2021. Our selection process starts as soon as applications are submitted and will continue until we have recruited for positions.

Macquarie Group Australia

Macquarie Group Australia provides a diverse range of services, including banking, financial, advisory, investment and fund management services throughout the world. With a focus expertise and risk management, the firm instils confidence in its clients, which assists in providing strong client focused services.

The main services provided by Macquarie Group Australia include organisational structure and business activities, corporate governance, and leadership. The firm acts for institutional, corporate, and retail clients both nationally and internationally.

Macquarie Group Australia is driven by strong business management, careful risk management, and having a strong and committed team.

Price Waterhouse Cooper

Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) provides financial services including tax and advisory services for clients in the areas of Corporate Accountability, Performance & Process Improvement, Risk Management and Structuring and Merges & Acquisitions.

The lawyers in PWC’s legal team work in conjunction with the other divisions of the firm including Advisory, Assurance, Tax and Private Client Specialists to ensure that clients are provided with the most comprehensive advice and solutions.

Graduate Programs: PWC encourages students to apply to our Student Programs before you graduate. It enables you to put what you’ve learned at university into practice and gain valuable work experience, so you can see first-hand what it’s like to work with us before you graduate.

While we fill the vast majority of our graduate roles by the student programs (e.g. the Vacation Program, Trainee Program), we will continue to hire graduates straight into the Graduate Program to fill the few remaining positions.

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Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading mining and metals company that produces iron ore, coal, bauxite, alumina, aluminium, uranium, copper, gold, diamonds, employing 60,000 people worldwide across more than 30 operating sites.

Rio Tinto has roles for students that a business related, which include: commerce/accounting, economics finance, relations/communications, international/external relations, human resources, procurement, and information technology.

Graduates are provided development support, professional development, as well as orientation and engagement with the company over the course of the two year program.

Wesfarmers

Westfarmers started in 1914 in Western Australia as a farmers’ cooperative, and is now one of Australia’s largest listed companies on the ASX. The company has diverse business operations that include a number of different sectors, which include: supermarkets, department stores, home improvement, and office supplies; coal mining; insurance; chemicals, energy, and fertilisers; and industrial and safety products.

Graduate programs: Westfarmers have an opportunity for graduates to join their team as a graduate analyst as part of the Westfarmers Business Development Team.

The company recruits graduates based on their varying requirements year to year. Graduate opportunities are listed on the graduate recruitment site.

Graduates have the ability to apply and develop the skills on diverse range of strategic projects, including mergers, acquisitions, divestments and major capital investments. Whilst working on live projects with experienced team members, as well as providing relevant training and gaining valuable professional development.

Suncorp Group

Westpac

Suncorp Group includes leading general insurance, banking, life insurance and superannuation brands in Australia and New Zealand. The group is about 14,500 employees and relationships with nine million customers. Integral to meeting customer needs are three operational business units: Banking & Wealth, Insurance Australia and Insurance New Zealand.

The Westpac Banking Corporation is one of the leading banks in Australia, and was established in 1817 as the first bank in Australia. The bank has branch locations and controlled entities throughout Australia and New Zealand and has financial centres throughout the world.

The company looks for graduates with qualifications in accounting, agribusiness, business, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, human resources, law & marketing. Graduates will have an opportunity to apply from one of a number of Graduate Programs. These include: Agribusiness Banking, Business Banking, Corporate Banking, Accounting, Fnance & Risk, Commercial Insurance, Human Resources and Data Driven Marketing.

The Westpac Group has three main customer divisions, including the Australian Financial Services, which focuses on retail and business operations (comprising Westpac Retail & Business Banking; St George Banking Group and BT Financial Group Australia; Westpac Institutional Bank, which focuses on a commercial, corporate, institutional and government level.

Suncorp Graduate Program: The Suncorp Group, as one of Australia’s leaders in banking, insurance, investment and superannuation can offer some amazing opportunities. With a broad range of exciting graduate opportunities with us, you hit the ground running, and get stuck into real work.

You’ll collaborate with experienced leaders to create innovative solutions for our business and our customers. Our ‘can-do’ culture and high-energy environment are perfect for developing your skills and knowledge, as well as gaining top-notch training and experience. Innovation plays a big part in our business too. So we’ll continually challenge you to think outside the square.

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Attorney-General’s Department (SA)

The Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) drafts laws and provides regulartory framework to protect the rights and interests of businesses and consumers in South Australia. Several agencies are included within the banner of the AGD such as the Office of Crime Statistics and Research, Office of the Equal Opportunity Commissioner, Safe Work SA and the SA Classification Council.

For more information on the AGD, as well as a list of different divisions within the AGD, visit the website above.

Graduate Program The AGD offers a 12 month training and development Graduate Recruitment Program through various business units.

Employer Directory: Public Non-Legal

Australian Law Reform Commission

The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) conducts inquiries into areas of law at the request of the Attorney-General of Australia. The ALRC’s objective is to make recommendations for law reform that bring the law into line with current conditions and needs. The ALRC also works to remove defects in the law, simplify the law, and to adopt new or more effective methods for administering the law and dispensing justice, and to provide improved access to justice.

While the ALRC’s core function is to provide advice to government, ALRC reports also assist the legal profession - lawyers and the Courts; community legal centres and those engaging in arguments of law, and the general public, who may consult ALRC reports for answers. Law reform reports also contribute to legal history in providing a distilled snapshot of the law at a particular moment in time.

The ALRC is the only federal agency dedicated to national law reform. ALRC internships provide an opportunity for students to work alongside Commission members and legal staff, learning about law reform issues and witnessing first-hand the law reform process.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Is an independent statutory authority. It was formed in 1995 to administer the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and other Acts. The ACCC is the only national agency promoting competition and fair-trading in the marketplace to benefit consumers, business in the community.

The ACCC also regulates national infrastructure industries to promote effective competition. The ACCC includes the Australian Energy Regulator, which is responsible for the economic regulation of the Australian energy sector. The ACCC’s role is to protect, strengthen and supplement the way competition works in Australian markets and industries to improve the efficiency of the economy and to increase the welfare of Australians.

Graduate Program The ACCC offers a graduate program running from February to November each year.

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Australian Securities and Investments Commission

Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) is Australia’s corporate, markets and financial services regulator.

ASIC contributes to Australia’s economic reputation and well being by ensuring that Australia is financial markets are fair and transparent, supported by confident and informed investors and consumers. ASIC maintains facilities and improves the performance of the financial system and entities in it.

Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the government. They work with other government agencies to ensure that Australia’s pursuit of its global, regional and bilateral interests is coordinated effectively.

DFAT is the lead agency managing Australia’s international presence. They manage a network of 96 overseas posts in five continents and have over 1200 staff located in Canberra, state and territory offices and overseas posts. An additional 2400 people are employed overseas as locally engaged staff.

Graduate program The ASIC Graduate Program has continually evolved over the last 17 years and is designed to make the most of graduate strengths and skills.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation

Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet

The Australian Security Intelligence organisation (ASIO’s) main role is to give information and produce intelligence that will enable it to warn the government about activities or situations that might endanger Australia’s national security.

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet advises the Prime Minister on policies across the full range of government activities and the machinery of government and ensures implementation of cabinet decisions.

Graduate program There are number of the generalist roles available within ASIO that would be suitable for law graduates.

The Department provides high quality advice and support to the Cabinet, Portfolio Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries to achieve a coordinated and innovative approach to the development and implementation of government policies.

Australian Taxation Office

Graduate Program The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Graduate Program is a two-year structured on-the-job development program that provides you with the support, opportunities and challenges you need to kick start your career in the Australian Public Service.

Graduates will work on matters of particular importance to the Prime Minister, current government priorities, social and economic policies, indigenous affairs, and national security. Graduates may also get the chance to work on special taskforces which could include there areas of counter terrorism, Commonwealth-State relations, deregulation, women’s policy, cyber security and international delegate events. Some of the previous graduates have even had the chance to meet members of the royal family or heads of state!

As part of the program, graduates will undertake rotations across various areas of the Department. These rotations will give you the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the Government’s priorities, and experience the development and implementation of government policy and its effectiveness on the ground first hand.

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is the principal revenue collection agency of the Australian Government. The ATO’s role is to effectively manage and shape the tax and superannuation systems that support and fund services for Australians, including collecting revenue, administering the goods and services tax (GST) on behalf of the Australian states and territories, governing a range of programs which result in transfers and benefits back to the community, administering the major aspects of Australia’s superannuation system and being a custodian of the Australian Business Register.

Graduate Program The ATO offers a graduate program to law graduates. During the 12 month program you’ll get to experience a range of work while also undertaking hands-on training. The ATO is one of Australia’s largest public service employees.

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Department of Premier & Cabinet

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) occupies a key leadership role in the public service, supporting the government’s vision for South Australia as a place where people and businesses thrive. This includes the provision of quality economic and policy advice supporting the governments priorities - including the ten Economic Priorities - and strengthening engagement between Government and the community.

The Department of Premier and Cabinet provides the opportunity to be closely involved in the future of South Australia. A position in the DPC will entail supporting the Premier of South Australia through the provision of leadership in issues affecting the future prosperity of South Australia.

Graduate Program The DPC offers a 12 month graduate program that will equip you with a range of skills, knowledge and experiences.

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (SA)

The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) is responsible for managing and protecting South Australia’s natural resources. Positions in this requirement can very from drafting policy to playing a hands on role in determining how natural resources should be divided.

Regardless of your duty, a position in the DEWNR will give you the opportunity to work on pivotal issues such as water security, climate change and conservation and advise the government, industries and community on how to better protect the environment and responsibly use our natural resources.

Graduate program The DEWNR offers a 2 year Graduate Ranger Program that will give you the opportunity to work across a variety of departments in an environment focused upon training, mentoring and career development. Further information visit the website above.

Department of Treasury and Finance (SA)

The Department of Treasury and Finance plays a key role in the provision of South Australian economic policies. They conduct research, analyse information and advice, including policy advice, with the goal of advancing South Australia to a position of prosperity and growth. The DTF assists in the development of budgets, balancing the Treasurer’s ledger and administering public sector superannuation schemes.

Graduate program The Graduate Development program is a 12 month structured training program with graduates employed in finance-related roles across a diverse range of South Australian Public Sector agencies. The program six graduates in accounting, commerce, economics and finance disciplines, making it ideal for students who completed a combined law and commerce qualification.

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