SEASONAL CLERKSHIP GUIDE 2019
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Student to lawyer
LAW STUDENT
LAW PENULTIMATE DEGREE YEAR SEASONAL CLERKSHIP
LAW GRADUATE FINAL YEAR TY
RI
IO
PR RS
FE
OF
T
KE
AR
M
GRADUATION FROM LLB/ JD
RS
FE
OF
GRADUATE TRAINEESHIP AT FIRM (including Practical Legal Training or Supervised Workplace Training)
PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING (Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at PLT provider)
LAWYER
ADMISSION TO PRACTICE
SEASONAL CLERKSHIP GUIDE 2019
DEAKIN LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY
Deakin University Australia
Editor’s Thank You The DLSS Commercial Careers portfolio would like to thank all of those who contributed to the production of the 2019 Seasonal Clerkship Guide. Through the contribution of information and sponsorship, this publication is a testament to their hard work and would not have been possible without them. Editor-in-chief Alexandra Smith Editor Niren Menon Munir Abdulwadud Designer Sarah Simpson Tessa Simpson Print Funding Faculty of Business and Law – Deakin University
The Deakin Law Students’ Society would like to thank its sponsors for their contributions and generous support in making this publication possible.
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CONTENTS Introduction 10 Admission 16 Application 42 Insights 60 Final Notes
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01. Introduction
Introduction
Welcome to the 2019 edition of the Deakin Law Students’ Society Seasonal Clerkship Guide! This is a publication that we are extremely proud of and we hope that you, the students, take full advantage of it when applying for clerkships! If you are holding a copy of this guide or reading it online, it is likely that you are already aware about the clerkship process adopted by law firms and the eventual challenges associated with navigating it. A clerkship is a paid placement at a firm spanning three to four weeks and is generally run at the end of the year or during the mid-year university break. Completing a clerkship is the best way to ascertain whether commercial law is a viable pathway for you, as you will have a chance to gain practical legal experience along the way. The experiences you will gain along a clerkship will provide you with a much clearer idea of what it means to be a lawyer. Another incentive for applying for a clerkship is that firms often fill their graduate positions through their vacation clerkship programme. As law students, it is no secret that we are an ambitious and competitive bunch with the hunger to do well and succeed. This competition is no more apparent than during the clerkship process, and in order to make the most out of it, preparation is key. This competition is further exacerbated by the growth of law schools throughout Victoria, which have further increased the demand for clerkships. In order to differentiate and select from the large applicant pool, firms will consider factors such as grades, work experience, extracurricular activities, aptitude tests, responses to their questions and eventually, an interview. Despite this diverse range of criteria, the large amount of applications results in firms making choices over little details. The one overarching tip we can give you is that applicants must pay attention to detail at every step of the application process. Paying attention to detail conversely means that a large amount of time will need to be dedicated to perfecting your application. Unfortunately, there is no way around this and in some ways, you need to treat the application process just like you would treat a University subject. While this process can come across as daunting, I truly believe in the saying; “If you do not buy a ticket, you will not win the lottery.” Apply, because you have nothing to lose! Regardless of what you think your chances are, the benefits of applying far exceed the burden of preparing applications. At its most basic level, the clerkship process is about how well one can market their employability. This is an essential skill that we will need to develop over the course of our careers so use it as a learning experience! A new report issued by Thomson Reuters Peer Monitor and the Melbourne Law School, “2018 Australia: State of the Legal Market”, details how Australian law firms saw levels of growth in revenue and demand in fiscal year 2018. Boom conditions in Australia which led to demand and revenue growth came out of developments such as: The Hayne Royal Commission’s look into the banking and financial services sector, regulatory changes, major infrastructure projects, and a strong flow of direct foreign investment. This growth is projected to continue, so as prospective entrants into the industry, this is great news! Many of you reading this are probably wondering about what to do if you don’t attain a clerkship. It is important to reiterate that not securing a clerkship doesn’t mean you have failed yourself as a law student. It provides you with a chance to have an introspective moment and build on your applications for the year after! Do not be afraid to seek feedback from the HR representative if you are unsuccessful.
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Practical legal training
During the couple of months that lie ahead, it is imperative that you use this Guide to the best of your ability. Do not be afraid to highlight, sticky note and scribble all over it! With the commercial law industry growing, this truly is a great time to be entering into the legal profession. I wish you all the best in your respective clerkship endeavours. For the majority, this is the first step of many that we will be taking in our professional lives. Let’s make it count! Niren Menon Director of Commercial Careers Deakin Law Students’ Society
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Foreword
Welcome to the 2019 DLSS Seasonal Clerkship Guide. This valuable resource will no doubt assist you in understanding the seasonal clerkship process you are about to embark upon. Having completed seasonal clerkships as a Deakin student in the past, I can attest to the value of the seasonal clerkship process. Regardless of the outcome of your clerkship applications, you now have the opportunity to reflect upon the reasons you chose to study law and to embark upon your study at Deakin Law School. In my experience, Deakin students are highly regarded in the profession as competent, knowledgeable and practical students who are able to showcase real-world skills. I also found, through the various interviews, information nights and cocktail events, that the clerkship application process was a fantastic opportunity to meet people across the legal profession, of varying backgrounds and seniority, and to learn from their experiences in their chosen field of practice. This process of increasing your ties into the legal community can be instrumental in the progress of your career for years to come. I was fortunate to obtain clerkships at a number of large national and international commercial firms. These experiences were my first in a large firm environment and allowed me to gain a better understanding of the real world experience of commercial legal practice. In the weeks I spent in these firms, I discovered the answers to a number of important questions – What working environment did I thrive in? What do lawyers actually do in their offices for all those hours? What is the latest time I can set my alarm and still make it to work on time? Somewhat surprisingly to me at the time, the key learning for me in my clerkships was one I have alluded to above – where will I thrive as a lawyer? A successful and rewarding career will require you to find the environment which fits with your personal working style – the most high profile or exciting work will not be enjoyable if you aren’t comfortable in the place you are doing it. This is the time in which you can seek out a good cultural fit for considering graduate or future job offers. As my career has progressed, cultural fit has been a huge driver in my decision making. As you will see from the information set out in this Guide, the seasonal clerkship application process is a competitive and long one. I certainly recall being daunted by the number of different firms and the requirements of each different application. This was then compounded when trying to juggle various interview commitments, along with other obligations such as work and study. Do not be overwhelmed by this or disheartened if you are not ultimately successful – take the process one step at a time and look at the positives of each step – by making an application, you have crafted a great CV and cover letter; an interview is a new chance to work on your communication skills; a cocktail party is a networking opportunity. If, upon considering the firms offering clerkships, you decide that you do not want to embark upon this process, don’t feel like a career in the law is lost to you. Your law degree offers many career pathways, not limited to the large commercial firms which offer the majority of seasonal clerkship positions. These firms aren’t for everybody and, after a number of years working in that space, I discovered it wasn’t for me. It may be that through this process, you identify a different career path for yourself.
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Practical legal training
I commend the DLSS on its continued support for Deakin Law Students in all aspects of their Law School experience and wish you the best of luck with your applications. Rebecca Tisdale Clinical Solicitor Deakin Law School
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02. 01. Introduction Admission
Australian Admission Requirements
Victoria Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates then must complete Practical Legal Training (‘PLT’) in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers. Graduates who have successfully completed their PLT must then lodge an application for a Compliance Certificate and the Victorian Legal Admissions Board must be satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to be admitted to practice. Finally in order to be admitted a person must attend an admission ceremony in the Supreme Court of Victoria where they will take and sign the Oath and sign the Roll. Once admitted, a person may apply to the Victorian Legal Services Board for a Practising Certificate. A person must hold a current Practising Certificate to practise law in Australia. More information: http://www.lawadmissions.vic.gov.au/home/admission+requirements/ New South Wales Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates then must complete PLT in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers. Graduates who have successfully completed their PLT must then lodge an application for admission and then take and sign the Oath and sign the Roll of Australian Lawyers at admission day at the Supreme Court of New South Wales where they will receive their Certificate of Admission. After being admitted, a person may apply for a Practising Certificate issued by the Council of The Law Society of New South Wales in order to practise law in New South Wales. More information: http://www.lawadmissions.vic.gov.au/home/admission+requirements/ Queensland Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates then must complete PLT in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers. Graduates who have successfully completed their PLT must then make an application for admission to the Roll of Lawyers and the Admissions Board must be satisfied of their fitness to practice. A person must then apply for a Practising Certificate to practise law in Queensland. More information: http://www.qls.com.au/For_the_profession/Your_legal_career/Become_a_solicitor South Australia Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates then must complete PLT in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers. They must also have those qualifications formally accredited by the Board of Examiners prior to admission. Graduates must then lodge an application for admission. The Supreme Court must be satisfied that the applicant is suitable for admission. A person must then attend an admission ceremony. After a person has been admitted and signed the Roll of Practitioners they are able to apply for a Practising Certificate, which allows them to practise law in South Australia. More information: https://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au/pdf/GuidetoAdmission.pdf
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Western Australia Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates then must complete PLT in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers. Graduates must then make an application for admission. A person must then attend an admission ceremony where they will take and sign the Oath and sign the Roll. Finally a person must apply for a Practising Certificate to practise law in Western Australia. More information: https://www.lpbwa.org.au/Becoming-A-Lawyer/Admission-Process
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International Admission Requirements
Requirements vary from state to state however the USA generally requires either a Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Law (LLM). These are necessary in order to sit the relevant state bar examination. Some states, such as New York, allow Australian Graduates to sit state bar exams. www.nybarexam.org United Kingdom Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or JD. The UK also requires graduates to have completed a Practical Legal Training course. Lawyers that have been admitted to practice in Australia can practise in England and Wales as solicitors by transferring through the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) under the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS). www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/qlts.page www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/qualifying-as-a-barrister/transferring-lawyers/quali ed-foreign-lawyers/ Singapore Requires an LLM or JD from an approved University. Any person seeking to be admitted must first be twenty-one years of age or older. Prospective lawyers must also sit the bar examination and complete a six-month Practice Training Contract. https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/content/minlaw/en/practising-as-a-lawyer/AdmissionRequirements.html Hong Kong Requires a person to be a valid legal practitioner in their jurisdiction of admission and to have been in practice in said jurisdiction for at least three years. Hopeful candidates will need to pass the Barristers Qualification Examination (‘BQE’). http://www.hkba.org/content/becoming-barristers/general-admission China Lawyers from other countries are able to work for law firms in China but are not authorised to practice law. Chinese law heavily restricts a person’s ability to give legal advice. Australian qualified lawyers should thoroughly discuss these restrictions with any prospective Chinese law firm. Europe The majority of the European states require both an LLM and LLB. Obtaining a license or diploma in one state allows you to practice in another. Memberships of individual bar associations are sometimes required by states to use the title of ‘lawyer’, however you may still practice law.
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The Law Institute of Victoria
About LIV The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) represents more than 19,000 lawyers and people working in the law in Victoria, interstate and overseas. Our members offer their commitment, diversity and expertise to help shape the laws of Victoria and to ensure justice for all. The LIV advocates for advancing social and public welfare in the operation of the courts and legal system, as well as advancing education and public confidence in the legal profession and the processes by which the law is made and administered. As the peak body for the Victorian legal profession, the LIV initiates programs to support the needs of a changing profession. The LIV promotes an active law reform advocacy agenda, responds publicly to issues affecting the community, delivers continuing legal education programs, and continues to provide expert services and resources. The LIV is a non-profit organisation dedicated to its members and the development, maintenance and the sustenance of the law for the benefit of the community. LIV Young Lawyers – Future lawyers Law students and university graduates The LIV’s commitment to the development of your legal career begins well before your first job. Our education, mentoring and networking opportunities are specifically designed to support your growth as a student and graduate, ensuring you are adequately prepared to launch a successful career. The LIV Young Lawyers Law Student Membership provides exclusive access to a broad range of resources and opportunities that will help you navigate the initial stages of your legal career. These include: • Education, networking and career development opportunities including access to the LIV Young Lawyers educational programs, resources, networks and supports. You will be invited to attend LIV Young Lawyers networking events, including the annual LIV Legal Careers Fair which provides guidance to help define your career path and opportunities to connect with other legal professionals. • Wellbeing and personal development support including access to the LIV’s mentoring program and confidential support and counselling services through our member Employee Assistance Program. • Resources, research and support services including access to the LIV Law Library’s extensive resources, books and online legal databases as well as discounts on legal texts, books and forms purchased from LIV Law Books’ website and bookshop. • Advocacy and influence through joining one of the LIV Young Lawyers’ sub-committees for lawyers who are new to the profession. Contribute a submission to Young Lawyers publications.
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The Law Institute of Victoria
•
Stay informed of the latest legal updates through Student LawNews and access expert career advice and fresh insights into the future of the profession via the Young Lawyers Online Resource Centre, blog and quarterly journal.
LIV Student membership is free and will allow you to access the great benefits and opportunities available to members through the LIV Young Lawyers network. For further information please email younglaw@liv.asn.au or visit our website.
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Practical Think Critically legal training & Act Strategically
Rose Inglis Manager – Young Lawyers, Law Institute of Victoria Congratulations on making it to the business end of your law degree. This is an inevitably exciting and stressful stage of your studies as you start thinking seriously about what you will do after leaving university. You may be feeling alarmed with the increased frequency in which you are being asked – “so what do you want to do after you graduate?”. You may be feeling alarmed that the person sitting next to you seems to have it all figured out while you have no idea. You may be reasonably confident that a career in Big Law is not for you, but unsure what steps to take or where to look for alternative legal career opportunities. I was in both of these categories. The purpose of this article is to share a perspective that I wish I had been made aware of whilst completing my legal studies. Many law students are confident that the conventional seasonal clerkship - graduate traineeship route is the path for them. However, if you are unsure on the precise career path you want to take, my advice is to think critically about the type of career you aspire to and then think strategically about which opportunities to pursue that will position you as a highly competitive candidate once the time comes to apply. 1. Think critically… Legal qualification promises diverse career possibilities. Indeed, the variety of different intellectually challenging, worthwhile career pathways is an integral part of the initial appeal. However, with diverse possibilities comes extensive choices and the amount of choice may seem daunting. It may be useful to think about what type of organization you might like to work in, what type of clients you might want to represent and advise, and what type of work you might enjoy. For example, you may be interested in criminal law. A career in criminal law may involve becoming: • a prosecutor at the Office of Public Prosecutions, working in-house within a government department or advising government clients in private practice • a defence lawyer at Victoria Legal Aid, working within a specialist criminal defence law firm or working at a smaller firm in suburban or regional Victoria where criminal law may comprise of a more general portfolio of legal work relevant to people’s everyday lives • a judicial associate, or obtaining another judicial/court role such as a registrar • an accredited specialist in white collar crime in a global firm, where your clients could be international • a solicitor practicing in white collar crime, corporate crime or regulatory investigations in organisations involved in state, federal and cross-border litigation. Similarly, if you are reasonably confident that you want to live and work internationally one day, think about what areas of law and which organisations will open these doors for you. The key is to consider the type of career you want, and then think strategically about where you focus your efforts.
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Think Critically & Act Strategically
Some useful questions that may help you figure out such things include: • Which area/s of law am I interested in and why? • What type of clients would I like to represent? • What type of organisation would I like to work for? • What type of work would like to do on a daily basis? • What skills do I need to position myself as a highly competitive candidate for my chosen career pathway? • Which lawyers, in real life or in fiction, do I admire and why? • Who should I network with to meet people already doing the type of work I am interested in? 2. Act strategically… At this stage of your studies, it may seem like the only option is to successfully secure a seasonal clerkship. Of course, a seasonal clerkship is one way to obtain invaluable legal experience during your studies. However, there are many other terrific opportunities out there to help law students, such as yourself, build professional experience and secure networking opportunities that will help you embark upon the path to success. For example: Deakin Law School offers a wide range of opportunities to law students including international exchanges, short-term partner programs, the Deakin Law Clinics where you can gain practical legal experience and course credits, a robust Work Integrated Learning program where you can gain course credits for industry based learning; including the new and exciting global legal education program Law Without Walls (LWOW) and L’oréal in-house work placement. The Legal Forecast (TLF) is a not-for-profit run by early-career professionals, including many law students, who are passionate about disruptive thinking and access to justice and run extremely interesting events and publish a very informative blog throughout the year. LIV Young Lawyers offers free membership to law students and exclusive access to a broad range of resources and opportunities that will help you navigate the initial stages of your legal career including the Young Lawyers Online Resource Centre, mentoring, networking events and opportunities to have your work published in the Young Lawyers Journal and Blog. If you think critically, then you can act strategically. For example, if you are reasonably confident that you will want to work overseas one day for a NGO, you could start paving the way for that now. You could participate in LWOW X as part of the MW301 unit, get involved in the TLF; and/or join the Young Lawyers Law Reform Committee where you can connect with like-minded early career professionals and join a working group on modern slavery or the Victorian Human Rights Charter. Each of these opportunities will equip you with a diverse skillset and network of professionals already working in that area. For those who choose not to embark upon the clerkship route, or otherwise miss out on securing a clerkship, please take comfort in the knowledge that three of my dear friends who are currently enjoying some of the most interesting legal careers, did not commence their careers though the conventional seasonal – traineeship track. One sat the NY Bar Exam and is currently a human rights/refugee attorney in LA, USA; 22
Practical legal training
after completing a judicial associateship with a federal court judge, working on native title and industrial cases, another friend is now heavily involved in local politics; whilst another friend in my same graduation cohort has pursued an incredibly interesting career in criminal law and policy which has seen her work in South Africa, the UK, the Department of Justice of Victoria and now as a Solicitor at the OPP. When you are weighing up options, I strongly urge you to think critically and work smarter. Once you are reasonably clear on the type of law you are interested in, or organisation you might thrive working in or the type of clients you would like to, it will make it easier to identify those opportunities that will provide you with the skills, experience and network relevant to that career path. This way you can position yourself as a highly competitive candidate when application time comes around. If all else fails, pursue things that challenge, intimidate and excite you as, after all, magic only happens when you are pushed outside your comfort zone. Rose Inglis is Manager of LIV Young Lawyers. Please reach out if you are keen to get involved younglaw@ liv.asn.au
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LIV Seasonal Clerkship Guidelines 2019
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
To be eligible to apply for seasonal clerkships a student must be in their final or penultimate year of study, that is, they intend to commence their final semester in 2020. Students who have already completed their law degree are eligible to apply; however, applications will be accepted at the discretion of each firm. Applications for seasonal clerkships will open no earlier than 9am on Monday, 8 July 2019. Applications for seasonal clerkships will close no later than 11.59pm on Sunday, 11 August 2019. Any offer made under these guidelines relates to clerkships within a one year period from the date of offer, but can be extended in circumstances agreed between the student and the law firm for a further one year period if a student requests a deferral of the clerkship. Any offer of clerkship must remain open for a minimum period of four (4) business hours from the time the offer was made or until 10am the following business day for offers made after 1pm, subject to paragraph 5(a): a. Students must not hold more than four seasonal clerkship offers for a period of more than 2 business hours. For the purpose of this paragraph “business hours” is defined as the period between 9am and 5pm and “business day” means Monday to Friday. 6. Law firms will make offers concerning seasonal clerkships from 10am, Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time on Thursday, 10 October 2019. 7. All offers made pursuant to paragraph 6 of these Guidelines will be made by email. All email offers must detail: a. the terms of the offer; and b. that the offer is made pursuant to these Guidelines Signatory law firms are permitted to make follow-up calls to offerees once the offer has been made by email. 8. Law firms who have entered sponsorship arrangements with disadvantaged students, such as those employed under the Indigenous Cadetship Program, are exempt from complying with the Guidelines in relation to those students. 9. A law firm may withdraw from the guidelines by giving (30) days written notice of its intention to the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV), the law faculties and law student societies at all Victorian law schools. 10. The LIV will maintain an up to date list of all signatory law firms which will be publicly available on the LIV website. 11. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the law firm’s clerkship application policy to which they are applying. 12. Signatory law firms are not obligated to offer seasonal clerkships each year but must follow the Seasonal Clerkship Guidelines in the event that they do. 13. All signatories agree to comply with all legislative requirements including those imposed by or otherwise required under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights, Victorian Anti-Bullying Legislation and Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 (Vic). 14. These Guidelines are in place to ensure fairness throughout the graduate recruitment process. However, each signatory is responsible for setting its own application processes and this aspect is outside the scope of these Guidelines and the Law Institute of Victoria’s involvement. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the signatory’s clerkship application policy to which they are applying and allow sufficient time for lodgement of their application. 15. Where an unforeseen error occurs in the lodgement of an application made pursuant to these Guidelines, the student may make a case for consideration to the relevant signatory, but it is at 24 the discretion of the signatory concerned as to whether the application is accepted.
LIV Traineeship Guidelines 2019
1. Applications for graduate traineeships will open no earlier than 9am on Friday, 9 August 2019. 2. Applications for graduate traineeships will close no later than 11.59pm on Sunday, 18 August 2019. 3. Subject to paragraph 3(a) any offer made under these guidelines relates to a graduate traineeship commencing in 2020; it is open to students who have already completed their law degree or students who will commence their final semester in 2019.1 a. Successful applicants who have already completed their law degree are eligible to commence their graduate traineeship prior to 2020 by agreement between the law firm and the applicant. 4. An applicant who, due to “genuine necessity”, will be unable to attend an interview during the interview period, should apply to the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) for permission to either: a. be interviewed at an earlier date, or b. be interviewed by electronic means if the applicant is overseas at the time of the genuine necessity application and will not return prior to, or during the interview period. The form of electronic means is to be agreed upon between the law firm and the applicant. “Genuine necessity” is defined as the need to be outside of Victoria during the interview period, for the purpose of study, work experience or other purpose deemed reasonable by the LIV. Applications should be made to the LIV Young Lawyers Manager in writing and include appropriate supporting documentation. Written permission is to be granted at the sole discretion of the LIV. 5. Except as provided in paragraphs 8, 9 and 10, law firms will make offers or arrangements concerning traineeships from 10am Eastern Daylight Saving Time on Friday, 20 September 2019, Graduate traineeships can be deferred in circumstances agreed between the student and the firm for a further one year period if a student requests a deferral of the traineeship. 6. All offers made pursuant to paragraph 5 of these Guidelines will be made by email. Law firms will not make follow-up calls to offerees before 11am on the date of offer. All email offers must detail: a. the terms of the offer; and b. that the offer is made pursuant to these Guidelines. 7. Except as provided in paragraph 10, an offer of traineeship will remain open for a period of not less than twenty-four (24) hours from the time the offer was made or until 11am the following business day for offers made prior to 11am. Firms should make this known to students at the time of making offers in accordance with paragraph seven. 8. Law firms who have entered sponsorship arrangements with disadvantaged students, such as those employed under the Indigenous Cadetship Program, are exempt from complying with these guidelines in relation to those students. 9. Law firms may make ‘priority offers’ of traineeships to eligible students in accordance with paragraph 3 on the dates set out in paragraph 10, to the following students: a. students who within the previous two years preceding the date of making the offer referred to in paragraph 10, have substantially completed seasonal clerkships of at least two weeks’ duration with the offering firm, either in Victoria or at one of the firm’s interstate or international offices; b. students who during the previous two years and for a minimum period of 30 working days, have performed paralegal work for the offering firm, either in Victoria or at one of the firm’s interstate or international offices. For the purpose of this paragraph ‘business hours’ is defined as the period between 9am and 5pm and ‘business day’ means Monday to Friday. 25
LIV Traineeship Guidelines 2019
10. The ‘priority offers’ made pursuant to paragraph 9 can be made either in writing and/or by telephone between 10am on Tuesday, 6 August 2019 and 12pm on Wednesday, 7 August 2019. A ‘priority offer’ 11. It is accepted that law firms invite students to express their interest in being considered for a priority offer at the conclusion of their clerkship. 12. Law firms intending to make priority offers are not permitted to interview market traineeship applicants or to make offers or arrangements concerning market traineeships prior to making a priority offer. For the avoidance of doubt, law firms are permitted to interview paragraph 9(b) priority offer candidates before making priority offers pursuant to paragraphs 9 and 10 of these Guidelines. 13. A law firm may withdraw from the guidelines by giving (30) days written notice of its intention to the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV), the law faculties and law student societies at all Victorian law schools. 14. The LIV will maintain an up to date list of all signatory law firms which will be publicly available on the LIV website. 15. Signatory law firms are not obligated to offer traineeships each year but must follow the Traineeship Guidelines in the event that they do. 16. All signatories agree to comply with all legislative requirements including those imposed by or otherwise required under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights, Victorian Anti-Bullying Legislation and Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 (Vic). 17. These Guidelines are in place to ensure fairness throughout the graduate recruitment process. However, each signatory is responsible for setting its own application processes and this aspect is outside the scope of these Guidelines and the Law Institute of Victoria’s involvement. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the signatory’s traineeship application policy to which they are applying and allow sufficient time for lodgement of their application. 18. Where an unforeseen error occurs in the lodgement of an application made pursuant to these Guidelines, the student may make a case for consideration to the relevant signatory, but it is at the discretion of the signatory concerned as to whether the application is accepted.
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Practical LIV Schedule legaloftraining Dates
Action
Date
Seasonal Clerkship Application Period Opens
Monday, 8 July 2019
Traineeship Priority Offers Made
Tuesday, 6 August 2019 (from 10.00am)
Traineeship Priority Offers Close
Wednesday, 7 August 2019 at 4.00pm
Traineeship Market Application Period Opens
Friday, 9 August 2019
Seasonal Clerkship Application Period Closes
Sunday, 11 August 2019 at 11.59pm
Traineeship Market Application Period Closes
Sunday, 18 August 2019 at 11.59pm
Traineeship Market Offers Made
Friday, 20 September 2019 (from 10.00am)
Seasonal Clerkship Offers Made
Thursday, 10 October 2019 (from 10.00am)
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Practical Legal Training
What Is It? In order to be admitted as a legal practitioner in Victoria, a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course or a Supervised Workplace Training Programme, must first be completed. Upon completion of a PLT you will be awarded with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice which further allows you to apply for admission as a Legal Practitioner. In the majority of circumstances, a PLT is undertaken after the completion of a law degree, however, exceptions can be made by seeking approval from the Council of Legal Education Board of Examiners to commence your PLT prior to the completion of your law degree. Effectively, a PLT course prepares you for real world practical situations including drafting documents, interviewing clients, advocacy, negotiation and other skills that are essential for every practicing lawyer. How Long Will It Take? PLT courses generally take 15 to 30 weeks to complete, depending on whether they are studied part-time or full-time. How Much Does It Cost? The price of a PLT course in 2019 is at least $9000. There are differences in prices based on providers and whether you are a domestic or international student. Work experience can also count towards your PLT course keeping your fees lower. FEE-HELP is also available. Where Can I Do It? There are four PLT providers in Australia: • Australian National University Legal Workshop • Bond University • Leo Cussen Centre for Law • The College of Law How Do I Get In? Each PLT provider has its own distinctive method for application, commonly however, you are only required to fill out forms and submit both your academic transcript and résumé. The intention of each institution is to use your résumé and transcript to assess your commitment to utilise the PLT course to its full potential. A student who demonstrates this willingness will inherently be selected over those who fail to do so. Points To Consider When deciding on your PLT course it is wise to ask yourself whether you wish to complete it online or onsite. This decision should be influenced by factors such as your own flexibility, your requirements and whether you intend to work in an office environment. It is also worth considering whether you feel comfortable finding placement for yourself as part of the course or whether you wish to be assigned to one.
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Bond University
legal skills but will also assist and support you to successfully make the transition from law student to lawyer. Faculty of Law University Drive Robina QLD (07) 5595-2284 | 1800 074 074
Key Features of the Bond GDLP • •
bond.edu.au/plt Contact Lori Allen-Short – GDLP Co-ordinator plt@bond.edu.au (07) 5595 2284 Method of Application Online application process through website Course Details • Length of full-time course: 2 semesters • Available on-campus and online (full-time and part-time) • Weekly commitment in full-time course: 35-40 hours • Practical component: up to 75 days of practical placement (prior recognition is available upon approval for up to 55 days) • Open enrolment allowing you to apply at any time • Start dates for the cohorts include • 9 September 2019 – 6 April 2020 • 13 January 2020 – 15 August 2020 • 11 May 2020 – 12 December 2020 • 7 September 2020 – 16 April 2021 • Cost for domestic students: • $9,640 (online in 2019) • $9,980 (online in 2020) Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) is the final stage in your journey towards becoming a legal practitioner, so you need to choose a provider that will not only teach you the necessary practical 30
• • • • •
Premium quality, personalised learning experience at a competitive price Flexible options: online, on campus, full-time, part-time Innovative and interactive learning modules Experienced legal practitioners as instructors and mentors Personalised support in securing a legal placement Full range of university resources including world-class law library Nationally accredited program
Bond University is consistently ranked number one in the country for quality teaching and the student experience. Our flexible study options mean you can choose between studying online or on-campus. You can choose to start the GDLP in January, May or September and can submit your application at any time. Bond Law operates a dedicated recruitment and career development placement office to help you find a legal placement. Our Career Development Centre also offers help with a full range of recruitment services from writing covering letters to preparing for interviews and career planning. You will learn from legal academics and lawyers with extensive professional experience in the areas that they teach. Your instructors will assist you to develop both the legal skills needed by all lawyers and the soft skills increasingly demanded by legal employers.
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN LEGAL PRACTICE YOUR PATHWAY TO A STAND OUT LEGAL CAREER
Online or On-Campus Study a professional legal training program with interactive learning modules that prepare you for admission as a lawyer. Enjoy access to world-class facilities, a personalised learning environment and flexible study options. Best of all, you will be supported in securing a legal placement while you study, ensuring you’re ready for the workplace upon graduation.
APPLY NOW AND START IN JANUARY, MAY OR SEPTEMBER bond.edu.au/PLT 31 CRICOS Provider Code 00017B
Leo Cussen
Leo Cussen
Application dates/program start dates We run 2 intakes a year for both onsite and online.
About the program Leo Cussen has been operating since 1972 and provides high quality practical legal training and professional development programs for entry-level lawyers through to senior legal practitioners. The Leo Cussen experience enables law graduates to learn how to practise law in a professional, yet friendly and engaging environment. Our Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice is comprehensive and well respected by legal employers. Employers may sponsor their graduate employee to do the course. Successful completion of the Practical Legal Training (PLT) course entitles you to apply for admission to the legal profession as an Australian Lawyer which, in turn, entitles you to practise as an Australian Legal Practitioner in any Australian jurisdiction. Program length, delivery method, class times etc Your Choice: PLT Onsite or Online Online delivery offers flexibility to those who have work or family commitments and who enjoy the discipline of learning within a small online community. Online trainees attend a series of intensive teaching blocks, with both weekday and weekend options offered. In the full time Online course, you will need to commit at least 25 hours a week to your PLT work. We also offer a part time Online PLT which requires a study commitment of approximately 15 hours per week. The Onsite course suits those looking for a training experience with face-to-face teaching and learning. It also suits those on overseas student visas. In the Onsite course you attend each business day from 9am to 5pm.
Intake Dates: July 2019 January 2020 What kind of work do you do while enrolled? The PLT course at Leo Cussen is unique as it gets trainees to run client files as part of a simulated law firm, with an emphasis on ‘learning by doing’. As such, you will carry out the kind of work that lawyers do in real practice. This means that trainees can expect to run files from start to end, while writing letters of advice, drafting court documents, interviewing clients and delivering arguments before a judge. How assessments are conducted There are no tests or exams at Leo Cussen. All trainees are assessed on the work they produce as part of running their simulated law firm files. For example, you will be assessed on the letters you draft, the client interviews you conduct, and the arguments you deliver in court. How placements work Leo Cussen has a dedicated Placement Advisor. For trainees who enrol in our onsite course, Leo Cussen will find your placement for you. For trainees who enrol in our online course, you are responsible for sourcing your own placement, however the Placement Advisor is available to provide support and guidance in sourcing your placement. Longer placement vs more electives? How to choose? Leo Cussen has the shortest placement requirement in the country; you are only required to carry out 3 weeks (15 days) of placement in order to complete that component of the course. All trainees undertaking our course in Victoria must complete the full 3 weeks.
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Is entry competitive or practically guaranteed upon application? All individuals who hold an eligible legal qualification are entitled to enrol in our PLT, and Leo Cussen does not apply any additional selection criteria. For the online course, Leo Cussen does not currently have any quotas. For the onsite course, as this is a unique program where trainees are given desk space, there is a maximum number of desks in the building. However the vast majority of applicants for the onsite course receive a spot. What makes your program special – why should students choose you over others? • Our reputation – we have been delivering the PLT since 1972 • Highly practical – you will run actual client files as part of a simulated law firm experience • Mentoring – every trainee is allocated a mentor who provides regular 1-to-1 feedback. All mentors are current or former legal practitioners • Short placement of only 15 days. We find this for you if you do the onsite course. Support is provided for the online course • Networking – opportunities to meet legal practitioners • No exams or tests • More face-to-face training, even for the online version of the course • The choice of weekday and weekend options for the online course intensives • Dedicated Placement Advisor to provide guidance & support • Dedicated Careers Advisor to provide career guidance & support The contact details of the key contact person Phone: 1300 039 031 Email: pltadmin@leocussen.edu.au Website: www.leocussen.edu.au
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A Leo Cussen Graduate Shares Their Story
Kathryn McGregor Solicitor - Criminal Law Section, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service At University I completed a BA and LLB and completed an exchange at Uppsala University for a semester. I was unsure what area of Law I wanted to practise in and I wanted to gain insight into all aspects of Law, I knew that I could not do this through a ‘traditional’ articled clerk position, and the client files at Leo Cussen were a great way to get into the different areas of practice. I didn’t have any legal connections when I started the course and knowing that Leo Cussen organise a placement for onsite PLT trainees was of great comfort. Further, having been a student for so many years and juggling part time work, I felt that Leo Cussen would be a great training ground for getting used to being in an office environment Monday – Friday. I currently work as a criminal solicitor at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS). I provide advice and representation for Aboriginal clients in criminal matters in the Magistrates’ and Children’s Court. VALS services the whole of Victoria and each solicitor is allocated a metropolitan court and a regional court. So, fortnightly, I will travel to a regional area and spend 2-3 days being the Aboriginal legal representative for the local community. I am constantly learning about different areas of the criminal law and how to engage with people from clients to prosecutors to magistrates. I thoroughly enjoy appearing at court and developing my advocacy skills. VALS provides an ‘holistic’ style approach with our clients and we are able to link them in to culturally specific services which is of great benefit to the clients and the community overall. Being able to help a client navigate their way through the system with tailored support is rewarding. We have a very collegial environment and there is always support for new lawyers. My job is constantly challenging and surprising – no day is ever the same – and that is fantastic! I really enjoyed the advocacy and criminal areas of training in the Leo Cussen PLT. I met some tremendous instructors whom I will still call for advice and they are more than happy to give that advice. I also enjoyed the social aspect of Leo Cussen, I have great friends that I have met from my course and still remain in contact with. My placement that they arranged at NAAJA in Darwin was the cherry on top! The Leo Cussen PLT gave me the training and confidence that I needed to know that I could practise law and be effective in this role. Being able to apply all the legal knowledge you have gained in a practical way was tremendous. For more information on Leo Cussen’s PLT course visit: www.leocussen.edu.au 35
Enrol Now
Practical Legal Training (PLT) Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice | Melbourne Course
We believe that Practical Legal Training should be just that – practical. Build your skills and confidence with a program you won’t find elsewhere. Established in 1972, our program is highly respected by legal professionals and taught by leading legal practitioners.
Why Leo Cussen?
Enrol Now
• Highly practical course – offered online, onsite, fulltime, part-time, with weekend options available.
Intakes:
About
• Career support – dedicated Graduate Placement and Careers Advisor to help with job search and preparation.
Our course is thorough and challenging with a simulated file program strategically designed to develop practice skills, ensuring every Leo Cussen graduate has the essential skills required for an entry level lawyer.
Start your PLT before finishing your law degree If you have 1 or 2 law degree electives outstanding, you can apply for approval to start your PLT while concurrently completing your electives. This means accelerating your pathway to admission.
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www.leocussen.edu.au
• July 2019 • January 2020
www.leocussen.edu.au/apply
• Personalised mentoring – comprehensive feedback and support, with regular one-on-one feedback on your work as you do it from very experienced lawyers. • Develop excellent advocacy skills – through compulsory civil and criminal file work and advocacy • Gain strong legal business skills – run your own files, maintain client contact, meet deadlines and bill clients in practical settings. • No theoretical exams – ‘learn by doing’.
W www.leocussen.edu.au T 1300 039 031 E pltadmin@leocussen.edu.au
College of Law
Activate your career. Practical Legal Training programs that better activate your career. • Just 5 days face-to-face attendance • Study full-time or part-time - online • Emphasis on task-based learning • More than 10 start dates in Melbourne in 2019
Con Pana Lawyer, Federal Government of Australia Graduate of the Practical Legal Training Program
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Learn more at collaw.edu.au/PLT or call 1300 856 111
Practical Legal Training Study freedom With delivery modes including full-time and part-time online, you can select a program that will fit your work and personal commitments. You can also choose from more than 10 start dates a year in Melbourne so you can complete your practical legal training at a time that suits you.
Hands-on learning Practical, task-based and hands-on, our program ensures that you will transition into the workforce successfully. You will learn through everyday scenarios that parallel real-life practice such as drafting an affidavit or preparing a statement of claim.
Aligned with the legal industry Developed in close consultation with employers, our program includes the communication, leadership, time management and client relationship skills that will ensure you have the profile that is more attractive to employers. Nine of Australia’s top ten law firms have chosen The College of Law to prepare their graduates to enter the profession.
Lecturer support Passionate and experienced legal practitioners will support you throughout the program. You will have regular one-on-one contact with your lecturers who will provide advice and feedback via email, phone or via our online learning portal.
Leading provider The College of Law has been at the forefront of practical legal education since 1974 and over 60,000 of our graduates now work across all facets of our industry. Innovative and forward thinking, The College of Law has proven to be one the most trusted names in legal training.
Learn more at collaw.edu.au/PLT or call 1300 856 111
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2
The College of Law
03. 01. Introduction Application
Tips for Surviving the Clerkship Process
Georgia Di Salle Fifth Year Law/Arts Student So you’re about to embark on the clerkship process: you’re probably very overwhelmed and have heard a lot of rumours from other students who’ve undertaken the process before. FEAR NOT, these tips aim to give you some guidance through the process. Networking 1. Have a game plan It’s important to do some research on who you want to talk to at networking events and brainstorm questions to ask. Stay away from very broad questions like ‘How do I get a clerkship?’ and questions where you can easily get an answer from the firm’s website such as “Where do you have offices?” If you’re feeling a bit nervous to begin with, talk to a firm that you might not be as keen to apply in order to warm yourself up. 2. Relax and ‘be yourself’ Although some of us couldn’t think of anything worse than going to a networking event, try to relax and be yourself when speaking to HR reps. Make some polite small talk and ask them how their day is going; don’t just fire a series of questions at them as if it’s an interrogation. It’s as much about what questions you ask as the “positive vibes” you give off. Alcohol will be available at networking events and a bit of liquid courage can go a long way in settling your nerves. However, do not go overboard. There’s always one person who gets drunk at a networking event, so make sure it isn’t you! 3. It’s not the be all and end all! If you come out of a networking event feeling like you didn’t “network your way to getting a clerkship”, don’t worry too much. Networking will rarely in itself be a determinative factor in whether you get a clerkship or not. The best piece of advice I received is you can only do yourself more harm than good at networking events. In other words, it’s better to fly under the radar than to be remembered for all the wrong reasons! Written Applications Start early Applications are long and strenuous, which means if you’re reading this and you haven’t started already — TIME TO START NOW! Majority of applications will ask you not just for a cover letter and your resume, but you’ll be required to answer extra questions and undertake psychometric testing. Decide early which and how many firms you’ll be applying for and prioritise accordingly. 4. Tailor, Tailor, Tailor! Tailoring applications to each firm is crucial (and arguably the most important part!) to the success of the process. Hundreds of other students will be applying for the same opportunities and unless each of your applications are tailored to the specific firm, it’s likely that your application won’t be looked at twice. Given the amount of work that goes into tailoring, think about ensuring the quality in your applications rather than
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the quantity of how many applications you submit (although this tip is controversial). 5. You do you It’s easier said than done, but don’t compare yourself to others! Every person will have their “thing” that makes them stand out. I guarantee you that you have something to say that people will want to know about, so take the time to think about all the uber cool opportunities and experiences you’ve undertaken throughout your uni life. From working in a restaurant, to going on exchange, to volunteering at a soup kitchen, to have a random side hustle — all of these help you to come across as a ‘well-rounded’ and likeable person.
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How to Nail Clerkship Interviews
James Richards Fifth Year Commerce/Law Student So congratulations on making it through to an interview! But what are the most effective ways to prepare? If you’re like me, your initial strategy might be to write out answers to common questions and to spend hours memorising your ‘perfect’ response. But reciting answers word-for-word can create a stiff, rehearsed feel to the room that your interviewers will easily pick up on. Here are some tips on how to avoid this, emphasise that you and the firm are a good fit and to make sure your personality shines through. Bullet Points When you are preparing, instead of memorising responses, think deeply about what you want to say and jot down bullet points as you go. The aim should be to create a natural, free-flowing feel to your responses. After all, an interview is essentially just a conversation. Yes, a daunting and very stressful conversation. But it is a chance to build a rapport with the 2 or 3 representatives from the firm that will be interviewing you. They will want to see that you are somebody that they can get along with in a work environment. The Fit Demonstrate a genuine interest in the firm. You should consider specifically how the firm stands out from others and why you are a particularly good fit. Relating the firms key practice areas and clients back to your own interests is one way I used to demonstrate this in my answers. It can also be useful to consider your fit with the firm on a wider level. Try and articulate how your career goals align with what the firm is offering or how your personality traits would contribute to the overall culture of the team. Practice, Practice, Practice Above all, practice makes perfect! Ask family, friends or others going through the clerkship process to fire questions at you whenever they got a chance. Ask for feedback on your answers and on your body language. Even stand in front of the mirror and practice answering questions (speaking aloud!) Don’t limit yourself to preparing for common interview and behavioural questions. Prepare for questions that will throw you off guard. In one clerkship interview I was asked when the last time I did something nice for somebody was. You need to be prepared for a situation where you need to think on your feet. Even prepare for the end of the interview, where the tables will turn and you will be given a chance to ask your interviewers questions. This is another chance to show interest in the firm. Try and ask meaningful questions, which focus on issues flowing from the conversation. This demonstrates that you have been actively listening. On the Day Everybody deals with pressure in different ways, so work out a method that works best for you and allows you to present yourself in a calm, confident and positive manner. Arrive to your interview early knowing and know that the firm is already impressed with your written application. Switch your phone too silent and make sure you smile; it goes a long way! 44
Beyond the WAM: How to be more than just a number Julia Mollica Fifth Year Law/Arts Student On the eve of clerkship applications opening, I was having dinner with a family member of mine who had obtained three clerkships during her penultimate year. While I was interrogating her for advice, there was only one question she had for me: “what is your WAM?”. I shamefully revealed it to be well below the golden “distinction average” and she simply shook her head, and told me not to even bother applying. I was of course devastated with that advice, yet at the same time, I disregarded it. Sure, she had strong grades, but she lacked the work experience and the extracurriculars that I prided myself on. Whilst there is no denying that strong grades go a long way to helping you land that all important interview, the truth is that there is no one path to getting a clerkship. Throughout our time at university, we all make different decisions and take different opportunities which ultimately make your university experience unique to you. When your grades aren’t necessarily something you can highlight it is important to look at other avenues to set yourself apart. One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your legal skills when your marks aren’t reflecting them is to gain some legal experience. Victorian Legal and Community Legal Centres regularly take on university students as volunteers. In these positions you will interview prospective clients and do many of the administrative duties lawyers require on a day to day basis. Legal experience is incredibly valuable when it comes to applying for clerkships as it helps to demonstrate that you are comfortable in a professional legal environment and will therefore fit seamlessly into the firm when you undertake your clerkship. I know it’s May when you will be reading this, but that isn’t too late to get yourself some experience. Wake up tomorrow, make a few phone calls, you never know who might be looking for a paralegal or legal assistant. Everyone hates the idea of networking, but the truth is that it is an incredibly important way to build up relationships with individuals who are already in the industry. Furthermore, networking with individuals from firms you’re considering applying to will assist you in understanding the inner workings of the firm, beyond what is written on the website. In doing so, you will be able to understand the culture of the firm, and the kind of individuals they look for in their clerks. Integrating these experiences within your cover letter will set you apart from those who have simply just summarised a firm’s homepage in theirs. It’s also important when your grades are below average to apply widely. It is true that some firms simply want people with good grades and will refuse to look at students who have an average below their cut off. Meanwhile, there are other firms who value legal experience, or extracurricular experience over grades. All the networking and researching in the world will not reveal to you which firms these are. Therefore it is imperative that you complete as many high quality applications as possible before applications close. Start early! Start now! Get writing as you will need to produce a high quality application to make it through to the interview stage. Finally, acknowledge your weaknesses, embrace them and realise that if you have managed to get through to the interview stage, the firm is not bothered by your low grades, and neither should you be. If your grades have started low but are now on the increase, highlight that! It shows your persistent and tenacious nature. 45
Beyond the WAM: How to be more than just a number
Ultimately, don’t let anyone tell you your lower grades make you less worthy of a clerkship. You are on your own path in the legal industry, and simply because it does not conform to the traditional good grades → clerkship pathway does not mean you can’t create your own path to get to the same place. Clerkships are competitive, but don’t let low grade keep you from applying, you have the potential to bring so much more to a firm than just a high WAM.
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SUBMIT HIGH QUALITY CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS – TOP TIPS! These top tips are written by DeakinTALENT staff who have previously worked as Clerkship/Legal Recruiters for top-tier Law & Consulting firms.
1. ENSURE YOUR RESUME IS EASY TO READ
Firms typically receive hundreds of clerkship applications. To make your application stand out, ensure your formatting is clear and key information is easy to access. All formatting should be consistent - use the same font size and style for similar elements and ensure all spacing is consistent throughout your documents. It’s important your resume and cover letter look like they belong together as one application package.
2. DEMONSTRATE A BROAD RANGE OF SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES
Relevant legal experience is important to highlight, however don’t undervalue other part-time work you have undertaken and the transferable skills you have developed. Charitable work, involvement in the community, participation in university clubs and societies, independent travel, overseas exchange, additional languages, extra-curricular activities, and hobbies are all things that can help you to stand out as a well-rounded candidate.
3. WRITE IN PLAIN ENGLISH
Firms are seeking clear and professional communicators, they are not interested in how many big words you know, so you can put down the thesaurus! The vast majority of work you will do in your clerkship will be legal research, notetaking and drafting memos, so the quality of your written work is extremely important. Your resume and cover letter should be evidence of your ability to communicate clearly and professionally in writing. Read the firm’s website and take note of the tone and language they use - this will provide you with an insight into how they prefer information to be presented and how they communicate with their clients.
4. LET YOUR SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS SHINE
Your resume must focus on achievements, results, and outcomes opposed to solely outlining duties, tasks and responsibilities. Consider where you have added value, for example; “Condensed and summarised a 120 page legal research report on family violence into a two page booklet which was subsequently used by [X team] to conduct community outreach”. DeakinTALENT’s Resume & Application Workshops can assist you in refining your bullet point statements for maximum impact.
5. CONDUCT THOROUGH RESEARCH
The role of a clerk involves conducting legal research. As such, your application should evidence your research skills by demonstrating a strong understanding of the firm you are applying to. If you have strong interest in a particular practice area, it’s great for your interest and enthusiasm to shine through in your resume and cover letter, however don’t limit yourself. It’s important to present as being open to other opportunities, and willing and able to adapt when required. On a similar note, although it’s good to understand the range of pro bono work a firm engages in, avoid focusing your cover letter around their pro bono work as this is not the core business of a commercial firm.
6. TAILOR EACH APPLICATION
Writing an individual cover letter for each firm is more time consuming, but is essential in ensuring that each application is strong and tailored. If you are finding it hard to write individual cover letters and struggling to think of a genuine reason why you are interested in a particular firm, consider whether you should be applying. Instead, focus your energy into refining applications for firms that really matter to you.
7. MENTION CONNECTIONS
If you have a connection to or within the firm, mention it, but don’t overstate your relationship. If you reference their name, assume they will be contacted, so only mention connections if they will have something good to say! If they don’t remember you this can actually hurt, rather than help, your application. Out of courtesy, always seek approval to name anyone in your application.
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Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
8. COMPLETE ALL SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
You might spend hours on your resume and cover letter, but all short answer questions are just as important! Firms will often only read your application after your short answer responses have passed an initial screen. For that reason, do NOT write “refer to resume” as your response! Even though they might feel repetitive, the short answer questions are there for a reason. Click through the application on the firm’s website well ahead of when you plan to submit. That way, you will know what questions are being asked and you can ensure adequate time to prepare your responses. Draft your responses in a Word document and copy them into the form opposed to drafting them in the box provided. In addition to allowing you to spell check, many firms use similar questions, so this may be a great starting point for your next application!
9. ACADEMICS ONLY FORM PART OF OVERALL ASSESSMENT
You don’t have to be a high distinction student to secure a clerkship, especially if you have other skills and experience to offer the firm. An improvement in your marks throughout your degree will be viewed favourably, so don’t be disheartened by weaker academic results from earlier years. A fail is not necessarily an automatic rejection from the clerkship process. If you have failed a subject (Constitutional Law we’re looking at you), explain why, and outline what you learned from the experience in your cover letter. If you have repeated the subject and did better the second time, mention this.
10. DEMONSTRATE COMMERCIAL AWARENESS
Key commercial skills to demonstrate in your application include stakeholder management, negotiation and ability to build strong professional relationships. It can also be helpful to have a good understanding of the legal profession, current economic and political climate and the recent deals and matters the firm has successfully negotiated. For example, being aware of state and federal government investment into infrastructure projects may indicate an increase in demand for law firms specialising in construction and property law. Students who make this connection in their application demonstrate their understanding of the wider business and political context and how this may lead to opportunities.
11. SELECT REFEREES CAREFULLY
Firms often comment that students select referees (such as other lawyers) who don’t actually know them very well. When selecting referees, choose someone that is going to speak positively about you, but more importantly knows you well enough to be able to answer questions about your ability and motivations. Before including someone as a referee, always ask in advance if they are happy to provide a reference for you. It is also acceptable to discuss what they might say about you before you commit to them.
12. REQUEST AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW BEFORE SUBMITTING
By the time you are ready to press the submit button, it’s likely you will have read through your application multiple times, which can make it difficult to pick up errors. Ask a trusted friend or family member to read each completed application for you in detail with a critical eye. If you have a connection within the firm, they may also be able to suggest some further refinements. Additionally, DeakinTALENT offers a Job Application Review service where you can request detailed feedback on your completed application(s).
13. DON’T SELF-SELECT OUT!
Too often, law students assume failure before they have even applied for clerkships. The clerkship process is competitive and can appear daunting, but to paraphrase a well-known quote: “You miss out on 100% of the opportunities you don’t take”. If Trump has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes it’s not about being the most qualified, it’s just about being in the race. All the best for the upcoming clerkship selection process! Please reach out with any questions. Lauren Harris, Nicola Corner & Nina Walsh DeakinTALENT
48 deakintalent.deakin.edu.au
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EXCEL IN YOUR CLERKSHIP INTERVIEW – TOP TIPS!
These top tips are written by DeakinTALENT staff who have previously worked as Clerkship/Legal Recruiters for top-tier Law & Consulting firms.
The clerkship interview will seek to assess three core areas: 1. Ability (can you do it?), 2. Motivation (will you do it?); and 3. Cultural fit (will people like you and want to work with you?). On the flip side, you need to determine if a firm is the right match for you. To assist you with your preparation, DeakinTALENT’s top clerkship interview tips are:
1. PREPARE COMPREHENSIVELY
It goes without saying, but to perform well in a clerkship interview, thorough research and preparation are essential. The effort you put into preparation will help to distinguish you. Core areas to focus your preparation on include: Industry and commercial awareness Industry and commercial awareness involves being up to speed with the broader business world in which the law operates. Among other things, it enables you to form opinions and relate to the needs of clients. As such, it’s a required and sought after employability skill which will be assessed for in a clerkship interview. Example questions - What are some key challenges currently facing our industry? How do you keep up to date with what’s going on in our industry and the business world more broadly? What’s a business story in the media that has interested you recently? What’s your understanding of how our firm fits and operates within our industry? What’s an example of a case you’ve found interesting and why did it interest you? How to prepare – Read, watch, and listen on a regular basis. Read: Newspapers, business magazines, industry publications, books, news websites, blogs, Twitter. Watch: The news, and programs that provide an objective analysis of what the news means. Listen: Industry and current affairs podcasts, speakers at industry events. Knowledge of the firm Understanding the firm you are interviewing with is essential. Regardless of how impressive your other responses are, if it’s apparent that you don’t have an adequate understanding of or interest in the firm, it will be a deal-breaker. Example questions - What’s your understanding of our firm and the work we do? What interests you about working with our firm? What area(s) of law are you most interested in? What’s your understanding of our clients and how we work with them? How to prepare - A starting point for firm research might include; practice areas, reputation in the market, types of clients they work with, firm history, significant mergers/acquisitions, key competitors, office locations, number of employees, types of roles, firm values, firm culture, recent awards and notable achievements, recent media articles/mentions, community involvement, points of difference to others similar firms, the firm’s position on topics such as corporate social responsibility, sustainability, pro-bono, diversity etc. Don’t feel like you have to showcase all information you learn. Be strategic and weave it in organically. Knowledge of the clerkship position Clerkships are not for everyone and require maturity, resilience, and dedication. It’s important you have an understanding of the reality of what a clerkship entails, why you are applying, and how you are a good match for the position. Example questions - What do you feel you would bring to the firm/clerkship? What do you hope to get out of a clerkship with us? What do you think would be the most challenging aspect of a clerkship for you? How to prepare – Read information provided about the clerkship in detail (start with the firm’s website). Attend firm preclerkship events. Speak with people in your network who have previously (ideally successfully) undertaken a clerkship. Knowledge of your drive and motivation to pursue a career in law Your responses to questions about your interest in law, general motivations, and short/longer term goals will heavily influence decision making, and therefore need to be confident, considered, genuine and articulate. Example questions - Tell me about yourself. What motivates you? What achievement(s) are you most proud of, and why? Describe a recent goal you set for yourself and achieved. Why should we hire you? What are your greatest strengths/areas for development? Where do you want to be in five years? In ten? Describe a time when you have had to manage a stressful situation. Describe a time when you have managed conflict. Describe a time when you failed. How did you respond? What do you like to do outside of work/study? Why were your grades [at X time or for X subject(s)] low? How to prepare – Spend time on self-reflection. In addition to the above questions, brainstorm your responses to: What are ten words a good friend or family member would use to describe you? What values do you hold close? What have you achieved that you feel really good about? What have you enjoyed/not enjoyed about the work/study you’ve undertaken. What is your ideal work environment? What does success mean to you? What else is important to you outside of law?
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Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
2. MASTER THE MEET AND GREET
Arrive at reception 5-10 minutes before your specified interview time. If you arrive earlier, go for a walk outside or wait in the ground floor lobby. Similar to arriving late, arriving at reception too early is inappropriate. The first 30 seconds of an interview are particularly important. How you greet people reveals a great deal about your confidence, attitude, and professional polish. Stand to greet your interviewers warmly with a smile and firm handshake. If introduced to additional interviewers in the room, walk around the table to shake hands instead of reaching over, if possible. Introduce yourself using your first and last name. Place your notebook/portfolio and pen on the table, but no personal items (such as water bottle, phone, handbag). If a glass of water is offered, accept it. It helps to ease into the interview and you may need it. Expect to meet with a combination of lawyers and staff from different levels and different areas of the firm. Partners, Senior Associates, and members of the Human Resources team typically conduct clerkship interviews.
3. RESPOND WITH IMPACT
The interview will likely commence with small talk. Be friendly, responsive and genuine. It’s important that you build rapport, and that the interviewer(s) likes you and can see you fitting into the culture of the firm. The interview will include both behavioural and motivational questions. Take a moment to process the question being asked and consider the underlying competency before launching in. A few moments of silence to collect your thoughts is perfectly ok! Respond to all behavioural questions using the ‘STAR’ response structure – Situation/Task, Action, Result. Prepare robust examples for likely questions in advance. Focus on recent (opposed to high school) examples. Speak articulately and keep track of time and pace. Ensure you provide adequate detail in your responses. Be yourself! You don’t need to fit a certain stereotype or persona. It’s easy to spot insincerity in an interview. Confidence should be tempered with humility. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance and interviewers will be on alert for this. Deakin students have a reputation for being genuine and self-aware and firms love this! Expect and prepare for a structured interview process, but don’t be surprised if you end up having what feels more like a fireside chat! Partners are notorious for taking an interview in any direction they see fit/interesting at the time. Even if their style might seem laid back, your interviewer(s) will be assessing you, so maintain your focus.
4. CLOSE WITH POWERFUL QUESTIONS
The questions you ask at the end of an interview do as much to differentiate you as the ones you answer. The interview is a two way process and it’s expected that you will have questions. Prepare at least three questions to ask, even if you don’t use them all. Responding with; ‘I haven’t got any questions, I think you’ve covered everything’ or ‘What are the next steps?’ as a stand-alone question will reflect on you negatively. Focus on asking questions the interviewer is uniquely positioned to answer and that will provide you with useful insight. For example; What do you enjoy most about working here? Why did you choose [X] path out of university? Why did you choose to specialise in [X] practice area? Tread carefully if you choose to ask about longer term training provided/funded by the firm. While important to understand, the interview should focus on what you can offer, opposed to what you want to gain. Do not ask for interview feedback on the day, or mention anything on your way out such as: ‘I feel that went badly’, ‘I hope I gave some good responses’, ‘That was challenging!’ etc. These statements can damage your credibility. Thank the interviewer, let them know you enjoyed meeting them. Clarify next steps if not yet addressed.
5. MAINTAIN YOUR INTERVIEW FOCUS
The face-to-face clerkship interview typically forms one part of a broader clerkship selection process. Most firms, especially larger firms, will host a meet and greet networking event for those successful to interview stage. It is important you attend and that your networking and conversation focus is squarely on firm representatives, not other candidates in attendance. Introduce yourself, ask meaningful questions, be interested. Limit drinking to stay alert. If you are fortunate to secure a clerkship, congratulations! The important work starts now. The clerkship itself is your interview for a graduate position. It is very important to: Maintain sharp focus, produce excellent work, communicate clearly and regularly, get involved, be interested, ask questions, assess if a graduate role with the firm is right for you.
All the best for the upcoming clerkship selection process! Please reach out with any questions. Lauren Harris, Nicola Corner & Nina Walsh DeakinTALENT
50 deakintalent.deakin.edu.au/
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
Career Success Workshops DeakinTALENT’s Career Success Workshops provide you with practical, personalised, hands-on support to build your confidence and strengthen your marketability. From exploring career options, to application development, job search, LinkedIn, and interview preparation, Career Success Workshops ensure you are best placed for success. Workshops are facilitated by DeakinTALENT’s Career Coaches and Recruitment Consultants who have extensive industry experience and a comprehensive Workshops available: • • • • • • •
Exploring Career Options Finding Casual Work & Internships Creating a Strong LinkedIn Profile Personal Branding & Networking Essentials Your Resume Structure, Format & Presentation Preparing for Interviews Coming into Final Year... Now What?!
Register today at deakintalent.deakin.edu.au/workshops
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Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
Example Cover Letter by a Past Student Successful in Clerkships
25 May 2018
Fred Adams T: 0400 123 456 E: fredadams@deakin.edu.au
Ms Betty Clarke Human Resources Advisor Frank & Irwin Lawyers 111 Evans Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000 Dear Ms Clarke Re:
Application for seasonal clerkship 2018/2019 - SAMPLE COVER LETTER ONLY
I am writing to apply for the seasonal clerkship 2018/2019 program at Frank & Irwin Lawyers. I am currently in the penultimate year of my Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University and like Frank & Irwin, I am committed to achieving results. This is reflected by attainting a 75.00% average throughout my law degree. My pathway to law has been different from most and I consider this a strength. Prior to deciding on law, I completed a Bachelor of Design at Deakin University. Coming from an area of study which promotes creativity has allowed me to apply innovative thinking to the way I approach the law. Following completion of this degree I worked full time at Quinn & Riley Lawyers as a law clerk. It was here the seed was planted and my love of the law blossomed. The following year I commenced a Bachelor of Laws. My continued employment at Quinn & Riley Lawyers along with the various other legal work I have completed has proved invaluable in helping me build a solid foundation from where I hope to grow with Frank & Irwin Lawyers. I have learned the importance of clear communication, client relationships, understanding clients’ needs and team work. In July 2017 I met Lucy Jones at the Deakin Commercial Careers Fair. This is when I first became interested in Frank & Irwin through learning about the workplace culture. I participate in a range of extra curricular and social activities outside of my studies and legal work as I think it is important to be a well rounded person. This include mooting, volunteering, basketball and much more. Therefore, hearing about the various activities Frank & Irwin Social run appealed to me. Further, the international rotation opportunities available during the graduate program appeal to me as it signifies the firm’s commitment to being world class. I recently returned from studying at the University of London which demonstrated to me the value international experiences have on students and lawyers’ personal and professional growth. I am attracted to Frank & Irwin Lawyers due to the firm’s industry focus and international reach especially in the Asia Pacific region. The rapid growth of Asia means it is soon to become the most dominant economic region in the world. Having studied Chinese (Mandarin) language and extensively travelled in Asia I am attracted to the potential opportunities coming out of this area particularly in relation to growing trade connections and foreign investment. Frank & Irwin Lawyer’s work on the acquisition of Cubbie Station demonstrates its involvement in significant cross border deals in this region which appeals to my interests. Further, I see industry focus as powerful advantage for Frank & Irwin Lawyers. The ability to demonstrate to clients a deep understanding of their needs which are directly shaped by the industry and geographies in which they operate ensures successful relations between the firm and its clients. Further giving back to the community is a core value of mine. My volunteer work at the Youth Law Centre and Justice Connect and my charity work at the Cancer Council Australia has been rewarding. For this reason, I am further drawn to Frank & Irwin Lawyers knowing it shares this value through the corporate responsibility strategy focused around charitable giving, volunteering and pro bono work. I wish to be a part of Frank & Irwin Lawyer’s future and am hopeful of being given the opportunity to complete a seasonal clerkship. I am a conscientious and hard working individual with a sense of fun and inclusion of others. I would bring a robust willingness to learn and enthusiasm to fulfil any role required of me. I am excited by the opportunity to be challenged by Frank & Irwin Lawyer’s variety of clients and the complexity of work. I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience. Yours sincerely Fred Adams
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Example CV by a Past Student Successful in Clerkships
Fred Adams
Baker Mckenzie Born Global
T: 0400 123 456 E: fredadams@deakin.edu.au
Education Feb 2015 – Present
Bachelor of Laws Deakin University WAM: 75.00% Awards: Tertiary Academic Award in Commercial Law Study Abroad: University of London
Feb 2010 – Oct 2014
Bachelor of Design Deakin University
Work Experience Jun 2014 – Present
Law Clerk (2 week days, full time holidays) Commercial Litigation, Family Law, Estates, Injuries, Wills • Research • Preparing Affidavits and Statements of Claim • Preparing various other legal documents • Collating and delivering briefs • Attending court, client and settlement conferences • Attending ADR conferences such as mediation • Office administrative duties / proficient in LEAP
Quinn & Riley Lawyers 488 Evans Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
January 2017
Law Clerk (2 weeks) • Reading and summarising judgments • Preparing ‘Summary Document’ for Judges on appeal cases
Supreme Court of Victoria Court of Appeal 436 Lonsdale Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
November 2016
Paralegal (2 weeks) Real Estate and Projects • Reviewing sale contracts for Whitehorse Tower ($1 mil plus) • Preparing and imputing excel spread sheets
Trott White Lawyers Level 10, 530 Mason Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
Mar 2014 – Sep 2015
Law Clerk
John Thompson Barrister 555 Little Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
• •
Attending court / client conferences Photocopying, taking notes
Oct 2013 – Feb 2014
Intern JJ Designs (1 week day) 1 Hardwood Place • Drafting architectural drawings / proficient in AutoCAD, Rhino Melbourne, VIC 3000 • Client / design meetings and site inspections
Aug 2012 – Jan 2014
Bar Tender (1 week day, 1 weekend day) • Pouring beverages / learning recipes • Customer service / meeting budgets
White Pub 325 Long Street Prahran, VIC 3181
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Example&CVAcquistion Mergers by a Past Student Successful in Clerkships
Volunteering / Extra – Curricular Activities May 2017 – Present
Volunteer (1 night a month) • Attending conferences and taking notes for solicitor • Preparing draft letters to clients
Justice Connect 247 – 251 High Lane Melbourne, VIC 3000
Feb 2017 – Present
Student Mentor (6 hours a week) • Assisting mentees with transition into university life • Facilitating discussions around study skills / assignment tips
Deakin University 221 Burwood Highway Burwood, VIC 3125
May 2016 – Present
Volunteer (1/2 week day) • Organising activities for hospital / ordering supplies • Attending event meetings / organising volunteers / accounts
Cancer Council Australia 441 Auburn Road Hawthorn, VIC 3122
Jun 2016 – Mar 2018
Volunteer (1 week day) • Legal research • Drafting various legal documents such as Affidavits • Attending client conferences at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre • Office administrative duties / preparing client letters
Youth Law Centre 102 Elizabeth Street Carlton, VIC 3053
Apr 2017 – Present
General Committee Member
Melbourne Basketball Club
Jan 2017 – Present
Editorial Committee Member
LIV Young Lawyers
Mar 2016 – Present
Member
Deakin Law Society Burwood Campus
Mar 2016 – Present
Member
Deakin University Students’ Association
Other Interest / Achievements Apr 2015 – Present
Mooting • Finalist First Year Moot (Burwood Campus) • Junior Moot (Burwood Campus) • Senior Moot (Burwood Campus)
Jun 2014 – Present
Basketball • Melbourne Basketball Club
May 2002 – Present
Chello • AMEB 4th Grade (Chello)
Languages • •
English, proficient Chinese (Mandarin), limited working proficiency
References Available upon request
54
How to Establish a Meaningful Connection During and After a Networking
Baker Mckenzie Born Global
Kayleigh Grimwade Talent Acquisition Consultant Lander & Rogers You meet someone at a networking event, and then what? The benefits of a networking event may not be felt at the actual event, but in the weeks, months, and even years post event. The event itself is purely the beginning of a meaningful connection. This guide aims to support you in maximising the connections that you make at networking events. Before the event: When you receive the invite or see the event advertised, ensure that you RSVP with enough time. You want to avoid being the person with the handwritten name badge because you forgot to RSVP. Equally, if you do RSVP but your circumstances change, make sure to contact the organiser to let them know you won’t make it. Industries can be very tight markets, and you want to ensure that they keep your name on the marketing list! Being a ‘no show’ can sometimes mean that you’ll be removed from the future invite lists. Do your research so that you know what the event’s purpose is, who the speaker is (if there is one), and why you are there. Prepare your ‘Elevator Pitch’ by thinking about what you do, what you’re good at, and what you’re looking for. I cannot stress this enough, but a good handshake is so important. If you are unsure as to whether you have a good handshake, practice and ask a friend for feedback — the last thing you want is to be the person with the limp handshake. Finally, my recommendation is to take minimal personal items with you as you can never guarantee that there will be a cloakroom, and balancing shaking someone’s hand whilst holding a drink and taking a business card is already a circus act in itself, never mind when they start to bring out the canapés! At the event: Some people can be a bit nervous about meeting new people, but everyone is in the room for the same reason — to make a connection. The best advice that I can give is to remember that everyone in the room is a human, with their own lives, sporting interests, a job, and maybe a pet, just like you. An easy opener is to introduce yourself, ask the other person’s name and where they work, or what their profession is. However, I have found my strongest connections have stemmed from going deeper than the surface level, and we have spoken about our upcoming holidays, where we do yoga, or our favourite restaurants in the area (this is something to bear in mind for a point that I will make later). People like to do business with people, which is why it is so important to be professional but personable and — as cheesy as it sounds — be yourself.
55
How to Establish a Meaningful Connection During and After a Networking If you know multiple people at an event, don’t feel rude or awkward to leave a conversation to circulate the room. By this, I don’t mean to excuse yourself to get another drink and never return, as that is called ghosting! Finish your conversation by noting how nice it was to meet the person, and explain that you’ve just seen a peer that you’d like to say “Hi” to — and don’t forget to ask your new connection for a business card. Networking events often have tray upon tray of champagne glasses circulating the room — remember, this is not ‘pre-drinks’, it’s a professional event. Of course, have the odd glass, but ensure that you drink responsibly and don’t get too carried away with the free cocktails and canapés. If you make a particularly great connection at an event, it is more than acceptable to continue your conversation after the event — on the odd occasion, I have ended up at dinner with the people that I’ve met at networking events. This is a sign that you have had a very successful networking event. After the event: Put simply, follow up. Connect with the person on LinkedIn — you are given an option to add a custom line to your connection request, and I recommend popping in a short note. Great networks require a level of input to build, maintain, and to keep in contact. You could ‘like’ and ‘comment’ on LinkedIn posts, send the person articles or events that they may find interesting, or introduce the connection to other people that may benefit them. Often, we think about what we can gain from someone at a networking event, but what we contribute can bring about the strongest connections. Earlier in this article I mentioned going beyond the surface level during conversations, and you can use these personal conversations to strengthen your relationship — if you see a promotion on a yoga studio that you spoke about, send it across! If a review of a restaurant that you discussed is on the Urban List, sent it over to them! Its these personal touches that make you stand out. By maintaining great connections, I have built a strong network that I can call on years after an event. You never know where your career may take you, so by maintaining strong connections you can ensure that you have a strong network of people from different backgrounds, industries, and specialities, that you can reach out to. About the author Kayleigh Grimwade is an experienced Talent Acquisition Consultant at Lander & Rogers, with experience spanning the UK, New Zealand and Australia. Her passion lies in networking — crafting long-lasting and meaningful relationships with candidates, clients, and stakeholders. She is an active member of Business Chicks and Women in Business and has previously sat on the committee for SME Association of Australia, arranging monthly networking events for the members in Victoria.
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The DLSS is proud to announce that Mock Interviews will be returning in 2019! The opportunity to be interviewed by some of the most prestigious commercial law firms in Melbourne and receive feedback is one of the most valuable things you could do to enhance your future legal career. The firm’s report will advise you on the best way to answer clerkship questions, ensure your CV is up to clerkship standard, and give you lots more useful and invaluable information. There are limited spots available and penultimate students will be given priority. Please keep an eye on the DLSS Facebook page for more information.
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04. 01. Introduction Insights
Firm Directory
The key information about each firm is summarised on the following pages. For more detailed information about the firms, continue on to the latter half of this chapter where there is a profile for each firm, along with some articles and advertisements. You may find it useful to use the space below each firm’s information to write notes about the different firms. For example, you can note the names of representatives from the firm that you have spoken to and what you spoke about, interesting information that you learn about the firm at networking events and any reasons why you may or may not want to apply for a clerkship there.
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Allens
allens.com.au/yourcareer Firm contact:
Manreet Singh – Graduate Resourcing Consultant
Email:
Student.careers@allens.com.au
Phone:
(03) 9679 3000
Application method:
Online application – applicants are required to submit a copy of their cover letter, CV and academic transcript. Two online survey components, a cocktail/networking event and one face-to-face interview.
Clerks:
80 - 85 in Melbourne
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: 27 Intake 2: 27 Intake 3: 27 Please note these numbers are not final and fluctuate per intake based on candidate availability and preference.
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: November – December 2019 Intake 2: January – February 2020 Intake 3: June – July 2020
Graduate positions:
Approx. 35 in Melbourne
International students:
No
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes
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Firm Directory
Arnold Bloch Leibler abl.grad.careers Firm contact:
Hayley Brown – Human Resources Consultant
Email:
hbrown@abl.com.au
Phone:
(03) 9229 9999
Application method:
Via the careers page on our website (www.abl.com.au) or on cVMail (www.cvmail.com.au)
Clerks:
45
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: 15 Intake 2: 15 Intake 3: 15
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
Late August – September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: 18 November – 13 December 2019 Intake 2: 20 January – 14 February 2020 Intake 3: 22 June – 17 July 2019
Graduate positions:
20
International students:
No
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
No
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Ashurst
ashurst.com/careers Firm contact:
Tara Isaac – HR Consultant, Graduate Programs
Email:
graduate.programs@ashurst.com
Phone:
(03) 9679 3000
Application method:
Online application though the careers section of the firm website.
Clerks:
Approximately 65 in the Melbourne office
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: 18-22 Intake 2: 18-22 Intake 3: 18
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
August – September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: 20 November – 13 December 2019 Intake 2: January – February 2020 Intake 3: June – July 2020
Graduate positions:
18 - 20
International students:
Yes, depending on right to work in Australia.
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes
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Firm Directory
Baker McKenzie
bakermckenzie.com/en/locations/asia pacific/australia Firm contact:
Natalie Mascarenhas – Talent Management Consultant
Email:
natalie.mascarenhas@bakermckenzie.com
Phone:
(03) 9617 4349
Application method:
Applications for Seasonal Clerkships should be submitted via our website.
Clerks:
25
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: 7-9 Intake 2: 7-9 Intake 3: 7-9 Of course, this number may change according to business needs and preferences indicated by Seasonal Clerks, but we would generally look at approximately 7 – 9 Clerks per intake.
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019 from 10:00 am
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: 25 November – 20 December 2019 Intake 2: 3 February – 28 February 2019 Intake 3: end of June – July 2020
Graduate positions:
1 - 10
International students:
Yes
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes
64
Clayton Utz
claytonutz.com/graduates Firm contact:
Erin Lane - Graduate Resourcing Consultant
Email:
careers@clayonutz.com
Phone:
(03) 9286 6955
Application method:
Via our Graduate Website
Clerks:
40 - 50
Positions per intake:
Intake 1:20-25 clerks Intake 2: 20-25 clerks
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
August – September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: 25 November 2019 – 20 December 2019 Intake 2: 22 June 2020 – 17 July 2020
International students:
Yes
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes – but please state your reason in your cover letter for not applying within your penultimate year
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Firm Directory
Corrs Chambers Westgarth corrs.com.au/graduates Firm contact:
Marianne Saliba
Email:
marianne.saliba@corrs.com.au
Application method:
All applications for Graduate and Seasonal Clerk positions should be made via the Corrs website
Clerks:
45
Positions per intake:
Program 1 (Summer 1): 15 Program 2 (Summer 2): 15 Program 3 (Winter): 15
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Program 1: Nov/Dec 2019 Program 2: Jan/Feb 2020 Program 3: Jun/Jul 2020
Graduate positions:
15-20
International students:
No
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Our preferred year level of applicants are penultimate although we will consider applications from nonpenultimate year students.
66
DLA Piper
www.dlapipergraduates.com.au Email:
graduaterecruitmentAUS@dlapiper.com
Phone:
(03) 9286 8000
Application method:
Through firm website
Clerks:
20-25 nationally
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
August – September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: November – December 2019 Intake 2: January – February 2020
International students:
Yes
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Last year we considered final year students however this varies from year to year
67
Firm Directory
Gilbert + Tobin gtlaw.com.au Firm contact:
Sarah Crinnigan – HR Advisor
Email:
scrinnigan@gtlaw.com.au
Phone:
(03) 8656 3396
Application method:
We have tailored our application process which enables students to apply online through CV mail, cvmail.com.au
Clerks:
30
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: 10 Intake 2: 10 Intake 3: 10
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
August - September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: 18 November – 13 December 2019 Intake 2: 20 January – 14 February 2020 Intake 3: 22 June – 17 July 2020
Graduate positions from clerking pool:
Approximately 8-10
International students:
Applications are considered on a case by case basis.
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Our preference is given to students in their penultimate year of study.
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Hall & Wilcox
hallandwilcox.com.au Firm contact:
Lauren Parrant – People & Culture Advisor
Email:
lauren.parrant@hallandwilcox.com.au
Phone:
(03) 9603 3669
Application method:
See ‘Insights’ section
Clerks:
Approximately 20 in Melbourne
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: approx. 10 Intake 2: approx. 10
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
We run two seasonal clerkships annually – winter and summer. Our clerkships are 3 weeks in duration.
Graduate positions:
Typically, we have opportunities for approximately 9 - 10 law graduates annually in the Melbourne Office.
International students:
Yes, subject to there being an appropriate right to work in Australia.
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes
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Firm Directory
Herbert Smith Freehills herbertsmithfreehills.com Firm contact:
Hong Le - Graduate Recruitment Consultant
Email:
graduates.melbourne@hsf.com
Phone:
(03) 9288 1937
Application method:
Applications through the firm website
Clerks:
60 - 65
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: 34 Intake 2: 30
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
September - October 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Summer Intake: Four weeks in November/ December 2019 Winter Intake: Four weeks in June/July 2020
Graduate positions:
25 - 30
International students:
Yes, subject to having full working right in Australia upon commencement as a graduate
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes – penultimate students preferred
70
K&L Gates klgates.com
Firm contact:
Mark Enright – Human Resources Manager
Email:
mark.enright@klgates.com
Phone:
(03) 9205 2000
Application method:
cvMail
Clerks:
Approximately 25 each year
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: Approximately 14 Intake 2: Approximately 14
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
September - October 2019Â
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: February 2019 Intake 2: June / July 2019
Graduate positions:
Approximately 8 - 10 each year
International students:
Yes
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes
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Firm Directory
King & Wood Mallesons kwm.com
Firm contact:
Alana Arfi – People & Development Advisor (Melbourne Graduate Program)
Email:
Alana.Arfi@au.kwm.com
Phone:
(03) 9643 5466
Application method:
Via our online application system at kwm.com/careers
Clerks:
Intake numbers vary from year to year. We generally take between 70 to 80 clerks in our Melbourne centre.
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: 25-30 Intake 2: 25-30 Intake 3: 25-30
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Summer intake 1: November – December 2019 Summer intake 2: January – February 2020 Winter intake: July 2020
Graduate positions:
Intake numbers vary from year to year, however we usually take on anywhere between 20 and 30 graduates. The majority of our graduates are recruited from our clerkship pool.
International students:
All applicants must hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency. If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must hold all visas and other approvals necessary for you to work for the firm on a fulltime permanent basis.
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes
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Lander & Rogers
careers.landers.com.au Firm contact:
Kayleigh Grimwade – Graduate Program & Talent Acquisition
Phone:
(03) 9269 9000
Application method:
cvmail.com.au
Clerks:
35
Positions per intake:
Between 10-15 per intake split across Sumer 1, Summer 2 and Winter
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
August - September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: November – December 2019 Intake 2: January – February 2020 Intake 3: June – July 2020
Graduate positions:
7-10 in Melbourne
International students:
No
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes
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Firm Directory
Maddocks
graduates.maddocks.com.au Firm contact:
Emily Desmier – People & Culture Advisor
Email:
emily.desmier@maddocks.com.au
Phone:
(03) 9258 3303
Application method:
Through graduate website
Clerks:
30
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: 10 Intake 2: 10 Intake 3: 10
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
August - September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: 18 November – 13 Deccember 2019 Intake 2: 28 January – 21 February 2020 Intake 3: 29 June – 24 July 2020
Graduate positions:
10
International students:
No
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes
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MinterEllison minterellison.com Firm contact:
Katherine Wood – Graduate Resourcing Consultant
Email:
katherine.wood@minterellison.com
Phone:
(03) 8608 2699
Application method:
Cover letter, CV, application questions, psych testing, two rounds of interviews
Clerks:
60-70
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: 30-35 Intake 2: 30-35
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
August - September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: 26 November – 14 December 2019 Intake 2: late June – early July (dates TBC)
Graduate positions:
Approximately 30
International students:
No
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes
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Firm Directory
Norton Rose Fulbright
nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com/au Firm contact:
Gabby Sujevich – Human Resources Co-ordinator
Email:
gabby.sujevich@nortonrosefulbright.com
Phone:
(03) 8686 6000
Application method:
Submit academic transcript, CV and a covering latter online.
Clerks:
70 nationally
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
August - September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Melbourne Intake: 25 November – 20 December 2019
Graduate positions:
35 - 40 nationally
International students:
No
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
No
76
Russell Kennedy Lawyers rk.com.au
Firm contact:
Britt Giles – People & Culture Officer
Email:
bgiles@rk.com.au
Phone:
(03) 8640 2301
Application method:
Online, through firm website
Clerks:
25-30 for 2019/20
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: 10 Intake 2: 9 Intake 3: 9
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
August - September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: 18 November – 13 December 2019 (4 weeks) Intake 2: 18 January – 21 February 2020 (4 weeks) Intake 3: 22 June – 10 July 2020 (3 weeks)
Graduate positions:
6-8
International students:
No
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
Yes
77
Firm Directory
Thomson Geer tglaw.com.au Firm contact:
Philip Shoppee – Acting People & Development Advisor
Email:
P&D@tglaw.com.au
Phone:
(03) 8080 3500
Application method:
Applications submitted through Thomson Geer website using cvMail
Clerks:
12-16 clerks per intake per office
Positions per intake:
Intake 1: 6-8 Intake 2: 6-8
Open:
8 July 2019
Close:
11 August 2019
Interview period:
August - September 2019
Offers made:
10 October 2019
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: November – December 2019 Intake 2: January – February 2020
Graduate positions:
This is dependent on business needs, but as a guide we would make offers to 15-20 graduates.
International students:
No
LIV signatory:
Yes
Final year students:
No
78
White & Case
whitecase.com/careers/locations/australia Firm contact:
Lauren Evans – Recruitment Manager, Asia Pacific
Email:
ausrecruitment@whitecase.com
Application method:
Visit our careers website, www.whitecase.com/careers/ locations/australia
Clerks:
20 - 25
Positions per intake:
Roughly half in each intake
Open:
June 2019
Close:
August 2019
Interview period:
August - September 2019
Offers made:
Please visit our website
Clerkship period:
Intake 1: November – December 2019 Intake 2: June – July 2020
Graduate positions:
Approx. 8-12 across Melbourne and Sydney
International students:
Yes
LIV signatory:
No
Final year students:
No
79
Firm Insights
Allens
82
Arnold Bloch Leibler
88
Ashurst
92
Baker McKenzie
98
Clayton Utz
106
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
113
DLA Piper
121
Gilbert + Tobin
125
Hall & Wilcox
132
Herbert Smith Freehills
136
K&L Gates
141
King & Wood Mallesons
148
Lander & Rogers
156
Maddocks
163
MinterEllison
170
Norton Rose Fulbright
177
Russell Kennedy Lawyers
181
Thomson Geer
187
White & Case
193
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01. Allens Introduction
Level 37 101 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 (03) 9613 4000 allens.com.au HR Manreet Singh – Graduate Resourcing Consultant Student.careers@allens.com.au Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship Applicants are required to submit a copy of their cover letter, CV and academic transcript. Those applicants who progress will be invited to attend a cocktail event and one face-to-face interview with two members of our interview panel. You will be supported by a buddy throughout the recruitment process.
Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking pool: Approx. 35 in Melbourne International students: No LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Yes About Us Work with us and you’ll discover it’s our approach that sets us apart as much as our expertise. We’re supportive, open-minded and passionate. With a deep understanding of our clients, we tackle problems from every angle and we’ll do whatever it takes to find a solution. It’s that unwavering commitment that continually builds our expertise and ensures we sustain and enhance longterm client relationships. While our history proves what we’re capable of, we’re not complacent. We will continue to shape the future with and for our clients, our people and our communities.
Clerkship Positions Available Approx. 80 – 85 in Melbourne Summer 1: 27 Summer 2: 27 Winter: 27
It takes determination, energy and talent to make it to thetop of the legal profession. We’ll give you access to the best training and support to help you get there. At Allens, there will be ongoing opportunities to make an impact and drive your career. It’s up to you to make the most of them.
Key Dates Summer 1: November – December 2019 Summer 2: January – February 2020 Winter intake: June - July 2019 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019
Our lawyers are rewarded on expertise, competence and performance rather than time with the firm. You’ll be encouraged to develop skills that extend beyond technical excellence. And you’ll help others to do the same. We’ll make sure that you are ready for each promotion with individual career planning, focused training and a clear view of what needs to be achieved at each level.
Recruitment from Graduate Market Generally, we recruit our graduates from the clerkship pool. Whether we go to the market varies each year. Applications dates: Refer to LIV guidelines and dates
For our legal professionals, careers at Allens are a two-way deal. You’ll be expected to work hard, be driven to succeed and committed to excellence. We’ll be focused on your development and support your career aspirations in return.
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Allens Great Change is Here
Practice Areas • Banking & Finance • Competition, Consumer & Regulatory • Corporate • Disputes & Investigations • Intellectual Property • Projects, Real Estate & Development • Tax Seasonal Clerkship Program Our clerkships are designed to give students firsthand exposure to life as a lawyer at Allens. Our clerks get involved in work as soon as they arrive, working alongside lawyers and partners and their peers. The day-to-day tasks our Clerks get are similar to those of a junior lawyer, including attending court hearings and client meetings. You’ll work with some of the most experienced lawyers in Australia and experience first-hand the type of work you could do as a lawyer with us. You’ll get to work as part of a team on real matters for our clients. If you’re driven, make the most of the opportunity and get to know our people, you’ll thrive during a clerkship with us. Your development supervisor and buddy will be there to support you and help you grow. Our clerkship program is a stepping stone to bigger things. Many clerks go on to become graduates with us. Graduate Program Join our graduate program and embark on a journey of lifelong professional development. You’re in control of your own learning, so you’ll have the flexibility to drive your career with your development supervisor and performance coach as ongoing support. During the graduate program, you’ll learn from some of the sharpest legal minds in Australia. As a Graduate, you’ll complete two 12-month rotations in different practice areas. At Allens, we don’t work in silos, so you won’t be limited to working with only one Partner or by your practice areas. There’s no substitute for the depth of insight that comes from working with different teams. You’ll
work on complex transactions with leading organisations. And you’ll have the opportunity to apply for an international secondment via our Linklaters alliance. You’ll benefit from the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice program, practical legal seminars during our Cornerstone program, an online learning portal, a personalised induction program, and on-the-job training to unlock your potential. We’ll work with you to build a strong foundation of skills and develop the agility needed to become an excellent lawyer and thrive in our ever-changing world. What We Look For We’re proud that there isn’t an ‘Allens’ type’. We know that diverse perspectives help solve complex problems, strengthen teams and enrich client relationships. The more you enjoy working with a diverse range of people, the greater your success will be. While we celebrate our differences, it’s important to understand what unites us. These are attributes that our people have in common. These help us to succeed as a team and individually: • Initiative: a curious mind is vital. The more adaptable you’re able to be and the more energy you bring with you, the more you’ll get out of a career at Allens. • Excellence: it’s a guarantee we give our clients. Intellectually rigorous, driven and eager to learn. • Commerciality: law is more than an academic pursuit; it’s about understanding the client – their objectives and the challenges they face – as well as the wider commercial environment in which we operate. • Flexibility: a key priority for the firm is to ensure our people feel they are trusted to work in a way that allows them to balance the needs of the firm alongside the pursuit of their own career and life goals irrespective of gender, age or life stage. • Commitment: positive people thrive in our 83
environment. We look for people who can build sustainable careers with us, and successfully juggle work and a personal life while maintaining their wellbeing What Distinguishes Us? Working together and working together well: there’s an important difference. It’s a given that we work on complex multi-jurisdictional projects across Australia and the world through our strategic alliance with Linklaters. But it’s how we do it that makes us different. We work as one team, collaborating across practice areas and disciplines to solve complex problems and build great relationships. It’s what makes Allens a great place to work. Our people play a huge part in our success. We attract and develop exceptional talent and we welcome diversity and individuality. You’ll be given opportunities to grow, learn and succeed, but it’s up to you to make the most of them. We’re well aware that your job satisfaction and our success go hand in hand. You’ll be involved in highprofile, complex work and we’ll provide the very best training throughout your career. We’ll reward your commitment to learning with the flexibility to drive your own career.
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Allens Great Change is Here
Employee Spotlight: Dana Harding 2018 Law Graduate Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets (MAC) I joined Allens as a graduate in 2018 after clerking in June 2017, and am now in my second year at the firm. As a grad, I rotated through the Tax team, and I am now in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets (MAC) team. Before starting at Allens, I completed a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws (Hons) at Deakin University. One of the wonderful things about my job is the variety of work that comes across my desk. Since joining Allens, I’ve worked on a range of matters, from ATO audits, to board remuneration reviews and charity incorporations. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with, and learn from, exceptional lawyers and resident experts within the firm. Something that surprised me about Allens was its laid-back nature. When I first started in Tax, I aimed to get to the office at 9am, but as I got to know my team, I realised it wasn’t expected that I arrive at a certain time, as long as I was able to complete my work. Additionally, people dressed far more casually than I was expecting – ties are few and far between on a normal day in the office! I was heavily involved in extracurriculars while at uni, and I was concerned this would stop upon my starting full-time work. But there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in pro bono or firm committees at Allens! I currently sit on the Food & Wine and Sports & Wellbeing committees. I found joining a committee to be a great way to meet other people in the firm and get to experience its social side! If you are thinking about applying to Allens, and are in your penultimate year – do it! The firm recruits the majority of its graduates through its clerkship program, and it gives students fantastic exposure to our firm and the kinds of work we do. When writing your application, focus on your experiences (whether legal or non-legal) and articulate the skills that you have developed from them. It’s easy to be critical and self-select out of the process, but Allens wants to hire diverse, well-rounded people, and there is no single deciding factor in a successful application. All you need to do is put your best foot forward and tell us about you! When you receive an interview offer, you will be connected with a junior Allens lawyer, who will be your buddy through the clerkship process. The Allens interview is very conversational; your interviewers will want to know more about you, your skills and your interests. Along with the cocktail night, the interview is a great way for you to get a sense of whether Allens is the right fit for you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions! Once a student has completed a clerkship, they are eligible to be considered for a graduate position with the firm.
ready for great change? find out how to apply via allens.com.au/yourcareer
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Great change is here.
Are you ready? At Allens, we’re focused on equipping our people with the skills and experience they need to be the lawyers of the future. We’re ready to define tomorrow. Are you? With us, you’ll be more than a lawyer. Our people are technical experts, but they’re also trusted business advisers who think bigger, more broadly and more strategically. Together, we solve complex legal challenges, and collaborate across practice areas and disciplines to guide our clients.
Clerkship program
We work across borders too, thanks to our alliance with Linklaters. This provides opportunites for our firm and our people, including annual rotations in Linklaters London, Hong Kong and Singapore being available to our graduate lawyers.
> run from three to 10 weeks;
A clerkship at Allens is the first step in a rewarding legal career, and will give you invaluable insights into our work and culture. With support from a buddy and development supervisor, you’ll work on real matters for real clients and be involved in a variety of projects. The programs: > are available at our Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney offices; > feature ongoing support, including a buddy system; and > include exposure to one or two practice groups.
An early legal career at Allens includes highly tailored training through the Allens Academy. Developed in partnership with the Australian National University, our Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice will help you transition from law graduate to legal expert and trusted business adviser.
In a rapidly changing world, we seek opportunities to innovate, embracing creative thinking, new approaches and emerging technology. We don’t just seek opportunities to benefit ourselves and our clients, we believe strongly in driving positive change to do right by our community too, as demonstrated through our strong pro bono practices.
Our teams are open, inclusive and encouraging, giving you the opportunity to learn and grow while feeling supported. You’ll have the flexibility to drive your own career, and we’ll recognise your achievements and hard work as you progress through the firm. Are you ready to begin?
86 Allens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP.
Graduate program In each rotation, you’ll gain a depth of experience that comes from seeing matters through to the end, and get exposure to stimulating legal challenges. At Allens, we don’t work in silos, meaning you won’t be limited to working with only one partner or by your practice areas. You’ll work alongside a range of partners and lawyers, giving you exposure to a wide variety of tasks. Working with different teams and leading organisations, you’ll grow a solid skills base and develop the agility needed to thrive in our ever‑changing world. The programs include: > two 12‑month rotations in your areas of interest; > secondment options in London or Asia, via our alliance with Linklaters; > ongoing supervision, coaching and mentoring; > completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (via Allens Academy); and > a 12‑month weekly legal seminar series (Cornerstone Program).
Find out more at allens.com.au/yourcareer 16774D
Arnold Bloch Leibler 87
Level 21 333 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 9229 9999 abl.com.au abl.grad.careers HR Hayley Brown – Human Resources Consultant hbrown@abl.com.au (03) 9229 9999 Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship Via the careers page at abl.com.au or on cVMail cvmail.com.au Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship We use the “priority offer” system set out by the LIV to provide offers to candidates who have clerked with us. Applications are made via cVMail. Clerkship Positions Available 45 Intake 1: 15 Intake 2: 15 Intake 3: 15 Key Dates Intake 1: 18 November – 13 December 2019 Intake 2: 20 January – 14 February 2020 Intake 3: 22 June – 17 July 2020 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: Late August - September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Recruitment from Graduate Market No
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Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking pool: We take on 20 graduates. International students: No LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: No About Us Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) is a premium Australian commercial law firm renowned for advising clients on their most significant legal matters: high-stakes transactions, litigation and commercial issues. Our standing within the legal profession has been built over more than 60 years. While our storied history is long, we are a modern firm. We see the law as an instrument of change, as a way forward. Our partners and lawyers are often at the centre of law reform and regularly advise on landmark matters. We offer legal advice and support to a diverse range of clients however we are best known for advising entrepreneurial businesses (ASX-listed, family owned and international) and for our work with private clients. We also work with international corporations with interests in Australia and enjoy long-standing relationships with a select group of other professional advisors including accountants, private equity firms, insolvency practitioners, private bankers and overseas-based specialist law firms. Practice Areas We organise our practice groups to allow our lawyers to be broad generalists, our groups are split between transactions and disputes. From the client perspective, our services cover • banking & finance; • competition; • corporate & commercial; • dispute resolution & litigation; • native title & public interest law; • property & development;
Arnold Bloch Leibler Great minds think differently
• • • •
reconstruction & insolvency; taxation; technology & intellectual property; and workplace advisory.
Seasonal Clerkship Program At ABL, we have three clerkship intakes that coincide with university holidays. We aim for around 15 clerks in each intake, so you won’t get lost in the crowd. Essentially, our clerkship program is a condensed version of our graduate experience − you’ll be immersed in our culture, be given real work, real responsibility and real contact with partners and clients in meetings, calls and court hearings. Our clerks (and grads) are allocated supervisors and buddies. The buddy is your go-to support person for any questions that arise from day to day. During your clerkship, we arrange a number of extracurricular activities such as dinners with our current grads and lunches with different groups across the firm (including a team lunch, firm-wide legal staff lunch and a special partner lunch). A recent addition to our clerkship program includes a day out with one of our clients. We find that this unique experience connects the dots for clerks to see and meet the people that lie at the heart of the firm’s identity. It also provides the opportunity to hear from our clients about why they have chosen ABL and what they’re looking for when they come to us for legal advice. Graduate Program When you join Arnold Bloch Leibler as a graduate, you will immediately experience our firm’s point of difference. From your very first day, you will work alongside thought leaders in the profession on important and complex cases that will provide opportunities to flex your thinking, offer direct input and gain in-
depth knowledge. Your opinions will be respected, and you’ll be given autonomy to progress matters. Your contribution will be valued, and you will be supported in your personal and professional growth. thought leaders in the profession on important and complex cases that will provide opportunities to flex your thinking, offer direct input and gain indepth knowledge. Your opinions will be respected, and you’ll be given autonomy to progress matters. Your contribution will be valued, and you will be supported in your personal and professional growth. At ABL, we are very proud of our in-house graduate training program. Our grads don’t go off to PLT (Leo Cussen or College of Law) − instead they learn from our best and brightest Partners and Senior Associates, who are leaders in their respective fields. The SLT (supervised legal training) program is run to be practical, engaging and designed to upskill our lawyers for practice. The training program is a real point of difference, and something our graduates genuinely enjoy about their overall graduate experience. Training is scheduled (usually) once a week. This means that you aren’t away from the office for long periods of time and can be involved in matters throughout the duration of your graduate year. What We Look For We look for exceptional people who are seeking, and can provide, something extraordinary. We value good grades and intelligence, as well as life experience, lateral thinking, imagination and a passion for the law. Work experience and extracurricular activities show your ability to manage your time. We look for people who know how to use initiative and accept shared responsibility for their career development. The other personal qualities we consider are a willingness to learn, sense of humour and preparedness to assume responsibility. We also like to know why you’re interested in us, so please tailor your covering letter to explain why you’ve chosen to apply to ABL.
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What Distinguishes Us ABL is well known for being the go-to firm when it matters. We pride ourselves on providing strategic guidance and solving complex problems related to our clients’ commercial interests, legal position and reputation. This means that our legal staff are exposed to interesting and varied work where they can fully utilise their skills and potential. We do not try to be everything to everyone − rather, we strive for excellence in our chosen areas of expertise. We encourage our employees to bring their whole selves to work each day, recognising that diversity of thought, background and life experience all contribute to our distinctive culture and the solutions we deliver for each of our clients. Culture and Diversity Our approach and longstanding deep commitment to diversity and inclusion has been, and will always be, a clear and significant aspect of the firm’s culture and a key contributor to our enduring success. Our ongoing diversity initiatives are far-reaching, and include support for working parents, gender pay equity, policy information and education on a wide variety of topics, cross-cultural awareness training, our internal Reconciliation Action Plan committee, among many more. Work/Life Balance and Flexible Working Arrangements At ABL, we don’t expect people to remain in the office at the end of the day for the sake of being seen. We want our people to enjoy their life outside work –after all it’s our diversity of thought and experience that binds us, produces our collegiate culture and ensures our success. We support a variety of health & wellbeing events and initiatives, which include sponsoring fun runsand sports teams, providing fresh fruit daily, our fully subsidized gym membership, flexible work practices among many more.
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Pro Bono Work At ABL, we proudly have a stand-alone pro bono practice group, led by partner, Peter Seidel. All lawyers at the firm are given the opportunity to get involved with pro bono work. The firm engages with many not-for-profit and charitable organisations that are active in communal, social, health, research, religious and environmental sectors. In 2016, ABL was identified by the Australian Pro Bono Centre as having made the largest contribution to community service of any law firm of any size in Australia. Our Pro Bono hours were nearly double the national average for law firms with more than 50 FTE lawyers, and more than double the voluntary target of hours per lawyer. This was recognized in 2017, when we were awarded the prestigious Lawyers Weekly Pro Bono Program of the Year for our unparalleled work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organizations. Pro bono work is an inherent part of the firm’s DNA and we do it because it is the right thing to do. The firm is deeply committed to indigenous constitutional recognition and reconciliation.
Ashurst 91
Final year students considered: Yes
Level 26 181 William Street Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 9679 3000 ashurst.com HR Tara Isaac – HR Consultant – Graduate Programs tara.isaac@ashurst.com (03) 9679 3874 Application Process for Seasonal Clerkships Online application though the careers section of the firm website. Next steps: Online assessments and one behavioural based interview with a partner and senior associate reflective of the practices you are interested in (where possible). Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship Online application though the careers section of the firm website Clerkship Positions Available Approximately 65 Key Dates Intake 1: 20 November – 13 December 2019 Intake 2: January – February 2020 Intake 3: June – July 2020 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: August - September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Additional Information International students: Yes, depending on right to work in Australia. LIV signatory: Yes 92
Our Strengths As a global law firm with a rich history spanning almost 200 years, we’ve established ourselves as a leading advisor to corporates, financial institutions and governments, on all areas of the law including finance, M&A, disputes and competition. We’re renowned for helping our clients navigate through a complex and constantly evolving global landscape. With 26 offices across the world’s leading financial and resource centres, we offer the reach and insight of a global network combined with deep local market knowledge. Our people are our greatest asset. We bring together lawyers of the highest calibre with the expertise, industry experience and regional knowhow to provide the incisive advice our clients need. As a global team we have a reputation for successfully managing large and complex multijurisdictional transactions, disputes and projects, and for delivering outstanding outcomes for clients. How We Work Together The different cultures, communities and countries within which we operate around the world are immensely varied. The way we actually interact with each other isn’t. The simple fact is: people here like working with each other. We help and challenge each other to develop our thinking and deliver our best work. In every office, you’ll find different perspectives, backgrounds, cultures and personalities to learn from. Our Culture Open-minded, friendly, considerate – as people and as a firm we’re good company. There’s something about how we are with each other that leads naturally to collaboration. Actually, let’s go further: working together is how we thrive. We’re a community; and we want you to feel part of it.
Ashurst Make the Difference
We also give a lot to each other. Support is everywhere – from structured training, supervision and honest feedback. On a personal and professional level, whether you’re a partner or a graduate you know there’s someone who cares about your wellbeing. What Distinguishes our Firm From Others With our technical expertise, local knowledge and international network, we deliver an experience for our clients that other professional service providers find hard to match. We are committed to being a sustainable global law firm, having positive impacts for our clients, employees, profession, the environment and the communities in which we are based. Seasonal Clerkships The best way to understand what it feels like to work here is to actually work here! Every year, we hold clerkships in each of our offices to give you an intensive experience of our culture and the kind of work we do. You can expect to be involved in a wide variety of work and activities during your clerkship. Ranging from drafting, research for client advise, preparing file notes and case summaries to assisting with probono matters and research projects. We work hard to make sure our clerkships are as useful and as stimulating as possible. Our clerkship program includes a range of activities and events designed for you to get to know is as a firm and find out if a career at Ashurst is what you are looking for. It includes a comprehensive induction program, events to understand each practice area and activities to ensure you build connections and relationships within the clerkship cohort and across the firm. At Ashurst we ensure you are adequately supported throughout the program with an allocated ‘buddy’, supervising partner and lawyer who will guide your experience, provide you with on-the-job training and support.
Graduate Program As a graduate, your program kicks off with an induction and education series where you’ll meet your peers in one location, giving you a chance to build your networks across the nation. Back in your home office, you’ll benefit from local induction plus an in-house Practical Legal Training (PLT) course. It’s tailored to our firm and so, as you might expect, some modules are chosen for you. We cover all the costs. Over the course of the 18-month graduate programme, you’ll enjoy a mix of classroom and on-the-job experience. In collaboration with you, we plan three rotations of six months each and review that plan at regular intervals. Each rotation starts with a handover and training, complete with technical expertise, so you know exactly what to expect. What We Look for in a Seasonal Clerk There’s absolutely no Ashurst ‘type’. We want to actively involve a broad range of minds with a broad range of backgrounds, all united by a common set of strengths. There is no required past experiencebut it is advantageous to have a diverse range of experiences that demonstrate the following competencies: • Excellent academic record and a passion to develop a career in an international law firm • Outstanding communication skills • Analytical ability, motivation, determination and drive • Commercial awareness • Teamwork and interpersonal skills Pro Bono and Corporate Responsibility We are committed to creating a leading pro bono practice on a global scale. We consider pro bono as a stand-alone legal practice. This results in quality legal services for our pro bono clients. This results in quality legal services for our pro bono clients. These legal services are provided in accordance 93
with our established pro bono criteria which states that pro bono is the provision of legal assistance free of charge: to disadvantaged and marginalised people of limited means; to non-profit organisations and social enterprises assisting people who are disadvantaged and marginalised, where payment of legal fees would unreasonably deplete the organisation’s economic resources and in matters for the public good or of broad public or community concern. Our global pro bono and corporate responsibility partner, Sarah Morton-Ramwell, aims for each of our offices to operate a leading national pro bono practice. Sarah also recognises the importance of taking on cross-border pro bono projects which enable our offices to work together to tackle global and regional social justice issues. Alongside our pro bono legal work, we also play an active role around the world in supporting the development of local pro bono culture, infrastructure and collaboration. Applications What you say in your application is up to you: but be sure to express your personality and tell us why you want to be a commercial lawyer – and why you’d like to join Ashurst in particular. We offer clerkships in each our Australian offices, application and recruitment dates are aligned to the state guidelines. You’ll firstly need to decide which office you want to clerk in, and only make one application. Please visit www.ashurst.com/ careers for further details.
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Ashurst Make the Difference
Make the difference at Ashurst As a global law firm with a rich history spanning almost 200 years, we’ve established ourselves as a leading adviser to corporates, financial institutions and governments, on all areas of the law including finance, M&A, disputes and competition. We’re renowned for helping our clients navigate through a complex and constantly evolving global landscape. With 26 offices across the world’s leading financial and resource centres, we offer the reach and insight of a global network combined with deep local market knowledge. Our people are our greatest asset. We bring together lawyers of the highest calibre with the expertise, industry experience and regional know-how to provide the incisive advice our clients need. As a global team we have a reputation for successfully managing large and complex multi-jurisdictional transactions, disputes and projects.
Ashurst around the globe
Glasgow London Paris Madrid
Brussels Frankfurt Munich Milan Luxembourg Abu Dhabi Jeddah Riyadh
New York Beijing New Delhi Mumbai
Dubai
Tokyo Shanghai Hong Kong
Singapore Jakarta
Port Moresby
Perth Melbourne
Brisbane Sydney Canberra
10
time zones
16
countries
Begin now at ashurst.com/careers
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offices
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1,300 lawyers
Connect with us on
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partners
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Choosing Which Practice Area to Pursue James Sainty Lawyer Taxation Ashurst As I moved through my law degree I did not think much about which practice area I would like to pursue. I carried around the notion that I wanted to be a commercial lawyer. Looking back, I framed most of my knowledge of the profession and of the law through the views of the judiciary. I understood things in litigious terms and that was about it. I clerked in litigation teams and then my graduate rotations through RSSG (insolvency), disputes and finally, taxation. I did not study tax at university and did not initially preference it. It came as a suggestion from HR. All of my rotations were great and I worked on a variety of interesting matters with talented people. I learned a lot about the practise of law which made it difficult to decide where to settle. After some deliberation, I chose tax. I am trying to communicate two points: a. You would be well advised to take an interest in which practice area(s) you pursue. b. It is not an issue worth fretting about too much as most people should naturally gravitate towards the practice areas which suit them best. I am not suggesting that people should march into interviews, clerkships or even conversations without any idea whatsoever of the area in which they would like to practice. I think it is important to take an interest in different practice areas while studying law and to understand broadly what the differences are between wider categories of commercial practice (e.g. the differences and overlap between transactional, advisory and litigious work). However, the practice area which suits any one individual may vary as that person’s career progresses. I think a number of factors will determine whether a person enjoys a practice area. Your level of academic interest in the area, the pace of the work , the people you work with, opportunities to work abroad, interstate, or to work locally, the size of your team and technological change, market forces, etc. A decision to pursue a practice area might happen quickly or slowly, but will ideally be based on these factors, as well as other considerations more personal to you. Things can change quickly in any working environment. Ask yourself whether a certain practice area, that appeals for only 1 reason, would lose its appeal should that reason change or cease to exist. If it would, try to think more deeply about why certain areas appeal to you and try to understand more about them. Be honest with yourself about what you enjoy in the law and in the practice areas you think you like. Don’t enjoy the simulacrum of a practice area; enjoy it for what it actually is. Talk to people and gain experience in the area where you can. And most of all, trust that by being open to all, showing interest in some, and knowing yourself well, you will wind up in a fitting place.
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Baker 01. Introduction McKenzie
Associates so that you can meet as many people from our Firm as possible. Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship We generally recruit the majority of our Graduates through our previous Clerks. Level 19, CBW 181 William Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 (03) 9617 4200 bakermckenzie.com/en/locations/asia-pacific/ Australia HR Natalie Mascarenhas – Talent Management Consultant natalie.mascarenhas@bakermckenzie.com (03) 9617 4349 Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship Applications for Seasonal Clerkships should be submitted via our website. Applications should include a cover letter, as well as details of your work experience, extra-curricular activities, interests, and academic results. We do not require you to upload your CV, as the information from your CV is used to respond to the areas above. Candidates will attend one interview with two Partners or a Partner and Senior Associate. In our interviews, we want to get to know all about you – your experiences, your interests, your achievements, your strengths and your abilities. We also want to know why you want to work with Baker McKenzie. To that end, our interviews are a mix of ‘getting to know you’ questions and ‘behavioural’ questions, so that we can get to know you and you can make the best impression. Candidates will also be invited to an information and cocktail evening attended by Partners and 98
Clerkship Positions Available Approximately 25 in total Intake 1: 7- 9 Intake 2: 7 - 9 Intake 3: 7 - 9 Of course, this number may change according to business needs and preferences indicated by Seasonal Clerks, but we would generally look at approximately 7 - 9 Clerks per intake. Key Dates Intake 1: 25 November to 20 December 2019 Intake 2: 3 February to 28 February 2020 Intake 3: end of June to July 2020 (dates TBC). Applications open: 8 July 2019 at 9.00 am Applications close: 11 August 2019 at 11.59 pm Interview period: September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 from 10.00 am Recruitment from Graduate Market No Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking pool: 8-10 International students: Yes LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Yes About Us At Baker McKenzie, we are different in the way we think, work and behave. Our story is one of imagination, determination and hard work. Like no other law firm, we were born global, so thinking and working globally is embedded in our culture. For 70 years, our people have helped nurture our unique global organisation. We have followed clients into new markets, each time establishing offices driven
Baker McKenzie Born Global
by local lawyers and talent. Our growth has been organic, giving us a strong, common culture that runs through our Firm and a unique understanding of the challenges of the global economy. We have an unrivalled ability to provide training and secondment opportunities across our global network. And we have an inclusive culture of learning, coaching and opportunity, where you work in small teams on matters that cross borders. Many of our Seasonal Clerks, Graduates and lawyers say the reason they join us is because of our people and culture. In Melbourne, the size of our office enables everyone to get to know each other - plus we have the benefit of a strong global connection to our other offices, offering something unique and special to our people. Our people are genuinely friendly and diverse, and enjoy coming to work everyday. Our social and sports committee contributes to the Firm’s social glue - offering regular Firm drinks, events and sporting activities. We also offer a range of social and financial benefits (including travel insurance for you/your immediate family, massages, discounted movie tickets, study assistance, corporate discounts, etc.). Practice Areas Locally and globally, Baker McKenzie works on significant and high profile matters, for leading local and global clients. We have the experience, knowledge and expertise, both at a local and global level, to meet complex demands from our clients. Our key areas of practice in the Melbourne office are: Banking & Finance; Corporate (including Mergers & Acquisitions, Capital Markets and Private Equity); Commercial Real Estate; Construction; Dispute Resolution; Litigation and Insolvency; Employment & Industrial Relations; Energy, Resources, Infrastructure & Corporate; Environmental Markets; and IPTech. Seasonal Clerkship Program At Baker McKenzie, our Seasonal Clerks experience
life as a junior lawyer with our Firm. Right from the start, you get involved in real work and are given real responsibility, just like our junior lawyers. You will be exposed to our Australian and international clients through client meetings and telephone calls, client events and shadowing, and you will often have the opportunity to deal with clients directly. Working with lawyers of all levels, you will be guided by a supervising Partner and Associate ‘buddy’. With the Firm’s strong culture of mentoring, you will receive coaching and feedback throughout your Clerkship. You are supported at every stage by Talent Management who facilitate a comprehensive development program for you, starting with induction and skills development (including sessions on library/research, technology, drafting, business communication, networking and other skills crucial to ensuring you succeed during your Clerkship). You will also develop practical and legal skills through our national learning program for junior lawyers and various Firm-wide sessions. There are also many opportunities to network with colleagues around the Firm – through various programs and social events. After your Clerkship, you are invited to apply for a Research Clerk or Paralegal role and attend various social events to stay connected with the Firm. And those who accept a Graduate offer can apply for an International Clerkship with one of our overseas offices. Graduate Traineeship Program When you join Baker McKenzie as a Graduate, we know you want to be working with clients on real work right from the start, so we support you to hone your skills and develop your experience as quickly as possible. We also pair each Graduate with a supervising Partner and an Associate “buddy” in each rotation to maximise on-the-job and formal 99
learning.
communities.
We work with each Graduate to create a tailored development plan targeting five areas — legal knowledge and expertise, planning your career, business development & client service, people & self-management and the business of law. To help you reach your goals, we offer targeted learning opportunities — from seminars on core legal topics to practical skills development in areas such as drafting and presenting.
What Distinguishes Us In addition to our values below, Baker McKenzie’s key difference is that, unlike other firms, we were ‘born global’. Our practices and culture are wellestablished and integrated globally, which is why many clients and lawyers choose to work with us.
We work hard to facilitate your on-the-job learning and the many ways it happens — through informal mentoring relationships, client secondments, involving you in global teams working on international deals or supporting you to run your own files for our award-winning Pro Bono Program. We support your professional development by covering the costs of your Practical Legal Training, admission and practising certificate. We also bring Graduates from our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane offices together for various training programs to help our people foster networks across the Firm. What We Look For Baker McKenzie looks for people who genuinely want to work with us and who understand Baker McKenzie’s unique offering, values and position in the market. We look for well-rounded, motivated individuals who share our global perspective; who are intellectually curious and have sound academics; who display business acumen and are practical in their approach; who enjoy a challenge and seek new opportunities; who take responsibility and use their initiative; who act with integrity and honesty in all of their dealings, decisions and actions; who express themselves confidently while staying open to new ideas; who strive to provide excellent service to their clients; who seek a friendly, diverse, and inclusive culture; and who take seriously our role in making a difference to our local and global 100
We also have a global approach to development. Because we’ve been global from the beginning, we have well-established regional and global programs and a deeply embedded culture of knowledge sharing, support and mentoring within and across offices. Our global development roadmap, the Development Framework, clearly explains what success looks like at each career stage at Baker McKenzie. It shapes the way we recruit, select, develop, manage and promote our lawyers. For you, it means always having a clear career roadmap, empowering you to plan and drive your development – formally and on-the-job – at every stage. Our lawyers benefit from an Australian professional development curriculum based on the Development Framework – from black letter law to practicespecific skills and knowledge development at the local, regional and global levels. Our lawyers also attend regional/global training and events/conferences relating to their practices to help develop networks and legal skills. Further, they attend regional transition programs at each career stage which provide development in the key skills our lawyers need – like people leadership, business development and project management – and which enable them to foster relationships with international peers at the same career stage. Recently, programs have been held in Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo.
Baker McKenzie Born Global
We also provide our lawyers with opportunities to attend USA summer school courses and scholarships for full-time legal study overseas. In addition, the Firm offers opportunities for our lawyers at varying stages of their career to work directly for clients or with our other offices in the Asia Pacific region and globally. In the past, we have placed International Clerks and lawyers in London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Stockholm, Chicago, Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Rio de Janeiro, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Taipei, Singapore, Shanghai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Jakarta, Myanmar, and of course, we have had lawyers across our network come to work with our Melbourne office too. In fact, we currently have an Associate from our Singapore office working in our Banking & Finance team! Pro Bono Work Pro Bono and Community Service initiatives are an integral part of Baker McKenzie’s mission. Our Pro Bono, Community Service and Corporate Social Responsibility programs aim to inspire staff to make a difference and collaborate with clients who share the same commitment to social justice. Our staff are actively encouraged to undertake pro bono work, as we believe the provision of pro bono legal services is a fundamental professional responsibility. Baker McKenzie is a signatory to the National Pro Bono Aspirational Target of at least 35 hours of pro bono legal work per lawyer per year. Our lawyers regularly undertake a wide range of pro bono legal work for disadvantaged clients and not-for-profit organisations. Some of our work includes: assisting victims of domestic violence seek compensation; representing asylum seekers in Court who are seeking judicial review of decisions relating to their refugee status; assisting asylum seekers prepare their statements in support of protection visas; helping the elderly, seriously ill clients and young people exiting the child protection system with their legal affairs; working with various organisations
to prepare submissions and advocacy papers to support law and policy reform; and presenting legal workshops to vulnerable and at risk youth. Our pro bono work also extends globally. Baker McKenzie staff also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of community service initiatives, including the LEAPS literacy and mentoring program in Sydney and MacChat program run by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne. Our employees can also join their office’s Community Service Committee which is responsible for organising awareness and fundraising for our nominated charities throughout the year. Type Of Work A Seasonal Clerk Will Undertake As set out above, you will immediately get involved in real work, be given real responsibility and autonomy, and have direct client exposure, just like our Graduates and junior lawyers. More specifically, the type of work that Clerks get involved in includes drafting correspondence, preparing Court documents, drafting advices or agreements, document review tasks, attending client meetings, attending Court/mediations, attending meetings with counsel, attending meetings with expert or other witnesses, attending settlements, preparing client alerts - and of course, you get to put to work those excellent skills which you gain at university - undertaking legal research, preparing memoranda and preparing case summaries. Our Clerks also have the opportunity to participate in community service initiatives and pro bono files.
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International Clerkship
James Geremia Graduate Baker McKenzie After completing a Seasonal Clerkship with Baker McKenzie in February 2018, in the Firm’s Banking & Finance team, I was fortunate to receive a Graduate position with the Firm. I was then thrilled to be selected to undertake an International Clerkship at the Firm’s first office which was established in Chicago, which I completed during January/February 2019. I was drawn to Baker McKenzie because of the Firm’s high quality cross-border work, its unrivalled international presence and its ability to provide training and secondment opportunities across its global network. Having been born in Los Angeles, California, I always held ambitions to return to the US to work in commercial law or to undertake further legal study. However, I never anticipated that my legal career would involve working in a major US commercial hub at one of the world’s largest law firms, so early in my legal career. Melbourne to Chicago: 44 to -30 degrees Celsius I departed Melbourne for my International Clerkship in the midst of a heatwave in late January. In the lead up to my departure, I was closely monitoring the conditions in Chicago. To my dismay, I learned that I was leaving behind the Melbourne summer for the coldest winter that Chicago has ever experienced, with temperatures reaching historical lows of up to -30 degrees Celsius! As I trudged through the terminals of Tullamarine, I was dressed in a manner that would have indicated to onlookers that I was embarking on an arctic voyage, rather than an International Clerkship with a commercial law firm. International M&A When I arrived in the Chicago office, I was welcomed by a fellow Melbourne Bakers colleague who was working in the Corporate & Securities team as part of a year-long secondment. Upon exiting the lift on level 50, I was immediately struck by the remarkable views that the office enjoys over Lake Michigan - which at the time was frozen. I worked in the Corporate & Securities team, which is one of the largest groups in Chicago, comprising more than 20 Partners. I quickly learned that the culture of the Chicago office was similar to that of the Melbourne office, where people are very down to earth and friendly. During my International Clerkship, I gravitated towards one of the Corporate Partners who had a very interesting M&A practice. Included amongst his clients were some of the most well-known technology, logistics and food companies in the world. Throughout the Clerkship, he involved me in a broad range of matters that demonstrated the remarkable quality and international flavour of the work at Baker McKenzie. Most notably, I was involved in the due diligence processes for two major M&A transactions which subsequently made international headlines. One involved a major international fast food client acquiring an artificial intelligence company and the other involved the purchase by a high profile Hollywood celebrity of a stake in a global fitness company. I also had the opportunity to draft several share purchase agreements on some smaller transactions. I learned how different the US style of drafting is, compared to Australia. On the business development front, I assisted one of the Corporate Partners in his preparation for a pitch at a major technology company in Silicon Valley. I produced a presentation on the recent increase in antitrust
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Baker McKenzie Born Global
and regulatory scrutiny faced by tech companies and the impact of this upon M&A activity in the US. Having undertaken an honours thesis on related issues in my final year of law school, I was very excited to engage with these topics in a commercial context. Whilst working in the Chicago office, I also attended a series of professional development seminars delivered by external lawyers on shareholder activism in the US. Other Highlights The International Clerkship also provided me with the opportunity to explore one of the great American cities. Despite the arctic conditions, I immersed myself in Chicago’s restaurant and bar scene and went to see a variety of musical performances, including Hamilton. I spent time at the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the world’s great art museums and visited the home and studio of storied architect Frank Lloyd Wright. On the way home from my International Clerkship, I traded thermals and down jackets for board shorts, stopping off in Hawaii for some much needed sun and surf! Ultimately, the International Clerkship gave me a great insight into the possibilities that exist for lawyers at Baker McKenzie, including the ability to be seconded to one of the Firm’s 78 offices worldwide and to work on matters that transcend national borders. The experience enabled me to build a network of colleagues (and friends!) in a US office, who I remain in contact with and who I will inevitably deal with on future transactions. I look forward to an exciting career ahead with Baker McKenzie!
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LIV Schedule of Dates
Your journey to a world-class career begins here
Baker McKenzie is Australia’s first global law firm. We’ve been developing global lawyers in Australia for more than 50 years – each started out as a law student, just like you. Become a world-class lawyer. Join the firm that was born global.
www.bakermckenzie.com/australia#careers
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Find us at @BakersAUS
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Ready to explore our world? Natalie Mascarenhas +61 3 9617 4349 natalie.mascarenhas@bakermckenzie.com
Clayton Utz
International students: Yes LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Yes - But please state your reason in your cover letter for not applying within your penultimate year. Level 18 33 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 9286 6000 claytonutz.com HR Erin Lane Graduate Resourcing Consultant careers@claytonutz.com Phone: (03) 9286 6000 Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship Via our Graduate Website: www.claytonutz.com/ graduates Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship We generally recruit our graduates from our Clerkship Programs. Clerkship Positions Available Approximately 40 - 50 clerks Intake 1: 20 - 25 clerks Intake 2: 20 - 25 clerks Key Dates Intake 1: 25 November 2019 – 20 December 2019 Intake 2: 22 June 2020 – 17 July 2020 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: August – September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Recruitment from Graduate Market We generally recruit our graduates from our Clerkship Programs. Additional Information 106
About Us Clayton Utz is a leading independent Australian law firm. We help advise some of Australia’s top financial institutions, multinational corporations operating in a range of sectors, and state and Federal government departments and agencies on a wide variety of issues. Historically we were founded here in Sydney in 1833, we are well situated in the market with a strong presence internationally through our ties to other law firms in cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, New York and London. Currently we have over 1800 employees based out of our offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, and Darwin. Practice Areas Currently we have 14 practice groups within our commercial law firm. They range from Banking & Financial, Corporate - Mergers and Acquisitions, right though to Environment and Planning, Pro Bono and more recently an emphasis in Forensic and Technology Services. Seasonal Clerkship Program If you’re a law student in your penultimate year, our Clerkship Programs will expose you to the fast pace of a full-service commercial law firm and show you the law in action. You’ll be working under the guidance of some of the sharpest legal minds in Australia, on challenging, complex and highprofile transactions and matters. You’ll be mentored by partners and lawyers who are leaders in their fields, in a firm where individuality is embraced and innovation actively encouraged. Our Clerkship Programs are our future pipeline for the Graduate Program. They are designed to give
Clayton Utz Stay True
they are a great place to start your career. • We run two Clerkship Programs in Melbourne every year. Our next intakes are:
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Summer – 25 November 2018 - 20December 2018 • Winter – 22 June 2019 - 17 July 2019 Applications for all our programs are done via our online application form - https://graduates. claytonutz.com/
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• Once you’ve registered a user name and password, you can complete all the required fields and submit your résumé and a cover letter. Please address your cover letter to the person named in your state’s application process. Graduate Traineeship Program It’s not just about wearing a suit. No matter how good your law degree, there’s always a gap between theory and practice, and finishing university can be daunting. How do you make the jump to working in a commercial law firm?
groups; mentoring from some of the best lawyers in the country; a buddy who’ll give you the inside information; meaningful performance feedback so you know you’re on the right track; continuing legal education programs and professional development support so you can become the lawyer you want to be; the chance to participate in our Community Connect and Pro Bono programs and really give back; and social and sporting activities, because we know it’s not all work and no play.
What We Look For We’re looking for people who are personable, practical, commercially-savvy, as well as flexible. Our lawyers undertake complex and innovative legal work, so it’s important that our clerks and graduates are motivated individuals who aren’t afraid of a challenge. We are also interested in learning more about your outside interests. You need to be able to balance your professional and personal lives, and have fun!
That’s where we come in. Once you’ve completed your studies, our national Graduate Program gives you the perfect foundation for your legal career. Our 2.5 week orientation program is designed to ensure that you’ll hit the ground running. It consists of PLT+, local training and a national orientation week in Sydney. Our rotation program means you’ll discover different areas and find the right fit. From day one you’ll be working on complex and sophisticated legal issues, and with our innovative approach to learning & development, you’ll get the support you need to become the best you can be.
Most importantly, we are looking for people we’d enjoy working alongside. We want clerks and graduates who embody the firm’s behavioural values of trust, respect and co-operation and our foundation value of highest ethical standards in all that they do.
With our Graduate Program you’ll get…
What Distinguishes Us It always starts with people. At Clayton Utz, we’ve built a team of down-to-earth, collaborative lawyers. We offer sharp legal minds and clear advice, and exceptional client service. This offers our graduates the opportunities to work on cutting-edge, complex transactions and litigation with lawyers who are recognised as leaders in their fields.
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We also provide first-class training and development
3 rotations of six months in our national practice
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to support our lawyers. As the top pro bono law firm in Australia, and one of the top in the world, clerks and graduates will also have the chance to contribute to our pro bono practice and help make a difference to the individuals and organisations it supports. Lawyers are expected to conduct pr bono work and this is part of their performance review. Culture and Diversity Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds and have different skills, interests, personalities and capabilities. We are committed to an inclusive culture in which all of our people are recognised for their unique contributions and are encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential. Diversity at Clayton Utz includes diversity of thought, background, experience, personal circumstances, education, religion, sexuality, gender, age, ethnicity and ability/disability. That diversity helps to generate new ideas, creates more effective teams and relationships, and is a key enabler to attract, develop and retain the very best people. Diversity and inclusion is integral to our culture which is founded on the values of trust, respect and co-operation.  International Opportunities/Secondments We have a domestic mobility policy to support employees who want to move to other Clayton Utz offices, permanently or temporarily. We also have secondment programs with various leading law firms around the world that see Clayton Utz lawyers living and working in London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and India (CU Abroad program). Pro Bono Work Pro bono is a fundamental part of Clayton Utz. Our pro bono practice has always been about access to justice. We act for low income and disadvantaged people who cannot obtain Legal 108
Aid, and for the not-for-profit organisations which support them, no matter where they are in Australia. Clayton Utz is serious about pro bono best practice. We were the first large Australian law firm to establish an in-house pro bono practice; the first to appoint a full-time pro bono partner; and the first to sign the National Pro Bono Target. Since 1997, our commitment to pro bono has helped to shape what it means to be a leading Australian law firm. In 2015, we became the first law firm in Australia to provide 500,000 hours of pro bono assistance (and counting). We have achieved this by focusing on our clients’ needs; collaborating with the legal assistance sector and other pro bono colleagues; and making pro bono work part of each of our lawyers’ everyday practice. Career Development at Our Firm Clayton Utz has a strong learning and career development program for our graduates and all lawyers at the Firm, including an excellence program at every stage of your legal career to assist you in preparing and gaining new skills for the next stage of your career. Types of Work Typically Undertaken by Seasonal Clerks Our seasonal clerks are typically involved in a variety of work, including legal research, writing clients memos/ letters, attending client meetings with lawyers, attending court with lawyers, pro bono work, liaising with internal colleagues and assisting with the preparation of matters for hearings.
As a junior lawyer, your enthusiasm is in overdrive. Everything is interesting. You have a million questions for everyone. You want to be the best. And for me, I wanted to be the best lawyer and leader I could be. Right now I’m a corporate and tax lawyer, buying and selling companies, structuring investments and having the occasional battle with the ATO.
STAY TRUE.
So, a little while after I started at Clayton Utz, I joined the social committee. A powerful assembly fuelled by lunchtime pizzawielding lawyers making important decisions like choosing the Christmas party theme. They knew I liked pizza, but had no idea I was gay. You see, I wasn’t out at work yet and this became a genuine source of anxiety for a good two years. But In May 2015 this all changed... To listen to Luke’s full story, go to: claytonutz.com/graduates Academic brilliance certainly counts, but graduates who thrive here have something extra – a natural passion for connecting with people and a strong sense of self. That’s what staying true is all about. If you have these qualities, Clayton Utz is for you.
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Major Projects & Construction at Clayton Utz Kate Grutzner Past Graduate Clayton Utz Why Major Projects & Construction? Clayton Utz’s Major Projects and Construction practice is one of the leading construction practices in Australia. The team has a fantastic range of clients – Federal and State Government departments, major multinational companies, and large contractors – and works on high-profile building and infrastructure projects around the state and the country. The firm is particularly well placed to provide a unique insight into what it’s like to do work with various Government departments, and this is something anyone looking to engage with that kind of work should consider. The firm offers both transactional (“front-end”) and dispute (“back-end”) services, and although most lawyers specialise in one of these areas, both teams work very closely together and provide their insight to achieve the best possible outcomes in both drafting agreements and resolving disputes. As a junior, you will get to experience both advisory and litigious work which will make you a more well-rounded practitioner, and will better inform your understanding in the area that you decide to pursue. Clayton Utz advises a range of clients in the development and implementation of the documentation and arrangements that allow major projects and infrastructure to be built and run. The firm is particularly well known for its work on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) which bring together the public and private sectors to build major infrastructure – many of the roads, railways, ports, prisons, courts and hospitals around the state and the country were built under this model, and Clayton Utz is at the forefront of this area. The skills you learn are invaluable – helping bring together a range of parties to achieve not just a commercial outcome but also an outcome that is for the public good, drafting incredibly complex agreements and seeing the results of your work in a really tangible way. Construction disputes often involve areas of law beyond construction law, such as contract, tort, insolvency and corporations law, so the work is diverse, challenging and exhilarating. In addition to gaining court experience, construction disputes often pass through negotiation, mediation and arbitration before ending up in court. This gives you a broad range of experience and skills in a market where litigation is often a last resort. Why Clayton Utz? Working in the construction team at Clayton Utz provides not only the opportunity to work with supremely talented lawyers and barristers on a daily basis, but the work is exciting, interesting and often involves large teams of people. There is nothing more satisfying than working on a dispute or contract with a large team and seeing all your hard work and collaboration resulting in a deal reaching close or a dispute being settled. Working in Clayton Utz’s construction team, you will often drive along roads you’ve provided advice on and walk past buildings that you wrote the contracts for. Seeing and using the tangible outcomes of the work you do around the city and the country is really satisfying. Because of our reputation, you will get exposure to some of the most high-profile and cutting-edge work a lawyer can do. If you want to really get to know these fantastic clients inside and out, many lawyers in the team have the chance to undertake secondments, gaining a unique insight into the client’s perspective, and a much
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deeper understanding on how best to service clients. I spent six months at the Office of the CoordinatorGeneral, the government office that overseas four of the State’s flagship infrastructure projects - the Level Crossing Removal Project, the Metro Tunnel Project, the Western Distributor Project and the North East Link Project. This opportunity gave me a behind-the-scenes look at many of the opportunities and challenges that our clients face, and a real sense of the value of the services that we provide as lawyers - which on the projects we work on are never just legal. The Clayton Utz construction team has something for everybody – both transactional and dispute-resolution opportunities, getting to work with some of the best lawyers and clients in the business, including many Government clients, secondment opportunities, and the chance to see the impact that you and your team have made out in the real world.
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Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Corrs Chambers Westgarth Australia’s leading independent law firm Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking pool: 15-20 International students: No LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Our preferred year level of applicants are penultimate although we will consider applications from non-penultimate year students.
Level 25 567 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 9672 3000
About Us Corrs Chambers Westgarth is Australia’s leading independent law firm.
corrs.com.au HR Marianne Saliba – People and Consultant Marianne.saliba@corrs.com.au
Performance
Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship and Graduate Traineeship All applications for Graduate and Seasonal Clerk positions should be made via the Corrs website: www.corrs.com.au/graduates. Clerkship Positions Available Approximately 45 Program 1 (Summer 1): 15 Program 2 (Summer 2): 15 Program 3 (Winter): 15 Key Dates Program 1 (Summer 1) – Nov/Dec 2019 Program 2 (Summer 2) – Jan/Feb 2020 Program 3 (Winter) – Jun/Jul 2020 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Recruitment from Graduate Market No
We provide exceptional legal services across the full spectrum of matters, including major transactions, projects and significant disputes, offering strategic advice on our clients’ most challenging issues. With more than 175 years of history and a talented team of over 1000 people, we pride ourselves on our client-focused approach and commitment to excellence. Our fundamental ambition is the success of our clients, and this is reflected in everything we do. We advise on the most significant global matters and connect with the best lawyers internationally to provide our clients with the right team for every engagement. We are also at the forefront of some of the most high-profile public international law matters in our region, assisting governments and corporations with the resolution of highly complex cross-border disputes. We are the firm of choice for many of the world’s most significant organisations, with our people consistently recognised for providing outstanding client service and delivering exceptional results. Practice Areas Corrs is a corporate law firm, acting for organisations, rather than individuals. Nationally, we have 17 practice groups in the following areas of law:
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Corporate/M&A Commercial Litigation Class Actions Projects Intellectual property Competition Employment & Labour Restructuring, Insolvency and Special Solutions Arbitration Property & Real Estate Environment & Planning Banking & Finance Tax Financial Sponsorship Group Technology, Media & Telecommunications Energy & Natural Resources Papua New Guinea
Seasonal Clerkship Program The Corrs Seasonal Clerkship Program is a great opportunity for you to experience the people, clients, work and culture that differentiates Corrs from other law firms. You’ll have the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high-profile work for major Australian and international clients across all industries. You’ll soon discover the standards of quality and commitment to clients required to succeed at this level. You’ll be exposed to a broad range of interesting matters. You may also conduct research, review and present documents, as well as attend client meetings, mediations and settlements. The variety is enormous, so it’s the perfect way to discover the firm and the area of law that excites you most. Graduate Traineeship Program Our commitment to developing world class lawyers starts at day one. Our Graduate Development Program lays this foundation by providing rich, on the job training with a greater opportunity to work directly with partners and senior lawyers; structured 114
learning; mentoring; and regular feedback. Supervised by partners, you will complete one six-month rotation and two five-month rotations through a variety of practice areas including corporate advisory/M&A, financial sponsorship group, banking & finance, restructuring, insolvency & special solutions, commercial litigation, class actions, employment & labour, intellectual property, competition, technology, media & telecommunications, tax, property/real estate, projects, arbitration, environment & planning, as well as pro bono opportunities. You are mentored by senior lawyers and your development is overseen by a dedicated Learning & Development and People & Performance team who work with partners to provide you with guidance, ensuring your success. The program begins with Graduate Academy, a national event designed to bring the cohort together to get to know each other, while also learning key skills through matter simulations and writing and drafting workshops. This three day event delivers professional relationships and friendships that last your years at Corrs and beyond. Then you will commence your Practical Legal Training (PLT) studies and begin your local orientation. What We Look For Corrs is a place that celebrates individuals. We’re looking for exceptional, determined students who think big and like doing things a little differently. In exchange for your energy and commitment we’ll provide extraordinary learning and work opportunities here and on an international stage. We don’t look for a Corrs ‘type’ when we interview potential graduates. Corrs people are individuals, but they do share some traits. Because this is a high performance organisation, Corrs people are good at what they do. They are able to work in a team and bring out the best in the
Corrs Chambers Westgarth Australians Australia’s leading independent law firm able to work in a team and bring out the best in the results for the client as well as the firm and they take pride in their work and achievements. Corrs people like to find new ways of doing things and aren’t afraid to be independent and bold in their actions. This is a firm with a sense of purpose, so we’ll probably look for that in you, too. What Distinguishes Us Corrs is a firm that thinks strategically, not just in its legal work, but also for the firm’s future and the success of its people. Corrs is known for its clear vision and ability to develop and implement strategy, as well as its lawyers’ ability to help clients achieve their business goals. Corrs’ culture of performance excellence drives this achievement and can be seen in our mentoring, coaching and comprehensive learning and development programs, both formal and informal. We draw on the best expertise in Corrs’ own lawyers as well as external specialists to make sure our people never stop learning. The combination of these factors creates a firm that celebrates its independence, is open to new ideas, has the courage to think and act differently from the rest of the market, and thrives on new challenges and opportunities. Our people thrive on this, too. We call it the inspiring workplace. Flexible Working Arrangements Flexibility in the way we work is part of our Diversity agenda. We recognise the needs of our people at different times of their lives and career, regardless of gender or age. Such flexibility is critical to a firm that is connected, agile and responsive. Our Flexibility@Corrs program supports a range of flexible work arrangements including flexible hours, working part time, working remotely and additional
leave. The firm is committed to mainstreaming flexibility for women and men at Corrs. Our goal is to increase understanding and commitment to flexibility so it becomes standard business practice, embedded into our workplace culture. Clients We are excited to work with some of the biggest organisations in the world on their most important matters. Our clients include more than half the top fifty ASX listed companies, some of the largest privately owned companies in Australia and a number of global Fortune five hundred companies like Johnson & Johnson, General Electric, Wesfarmers, Microsoft, and Pfizer. We work with well-known organisations like McDonald’s, Vodafone Hutchison, ANZ, BG Group, Mirvac, Woolworths and Carlton United Breweries, mining giants like BP, Woodside and Fortescue Metal Group and leaders in finance like NAB, and CBA. Corrs advises major digital players including REA Group, Facebook, LinkedIn, Adobe and Amazon. We also work with governments, Federal and State, on significant matters including the $43b National Broadband Network Project. We work on big deals, too. Like advising one of Australia’s biggest resources project, Japan’s Inpex Browse Limited’s $24b Ichthys Gas Field Development Project. We were Australian counsel for US talent agency William Morris, which represents stars like Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey, when it acquired 49 percent of industry-leading global creative agency, Droga5. And we advised Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co. Limited (Devondale) to secure a landmark 10 year, $2b milk supply agreement with Coles that will 115
deliver a better return for farmers. We also protect a long list of famous international brands including Quiksilver, Hermès, Cartier, Ferrari, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Moet & Chandon. The variety is endless. International Opportunities for Graduates Our lawyers strengthen our global network and their own careers by participating in the firm’s leading secondment program. We invest in unique international experiences to help our lawyers grow their skills, cultural understanding and relationships worldwide. We are currently finalising arrangements for an international secondment opportunity for our future graduates and details of the next exciting opportunity will be announced soon! Innovation At Corrs, we’re committed to finding innovative solutions that help drive the success and competitiveness of our clients, our firm and our people. We strive to pioneer new ways of working within the legal industry by constantly evaluating market opportunities, technological advancements and partnerships that improve efficiency, add value and enhance client experience. We have won numerous accolades for our innovations and in 2017 were named as one of the most innovative law firms in Australia and the Asia Pacific by the Financial Times. Corrs is committed to ‘open innovation’, which means that we regularly partner with third parties to deliver better outcomes than either of us are capable of on our own, and also open up our advancement to the market. This approach benefits not just our clients, but the legal profession (and at times other sectors) more broadly.
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Property Practice Group
Warren Scott Senior Associate Property Corrs Chambers Westgarth
It is 8pm on a Wednesday in Melbourne and I am sitting at my desk (open plan of course) racking my brain as to what to say to eager law students about life as a property lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Given I have a flight to Sydney first thing tomorrow morning for two days training for the ’New Senior Associate Program‘ I am hoping the words come to me for this article faster than they used to back in my university days. I have been told that, for this article, I should “highlight the area of law, the type of matters and the typical work a property lawyer is involved with”. I have even been given examples to assist me with this task “ie drafting of documents such as contracts of sale, leases and development agreements”. Here’s hoping, for both the reader’s sake as well as my own, that I can make my job sound a little more interesting than this! Having graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor Laws, completed internships at Ernst & Young and BDO and undertaken clerkships at both Clayton Utz and Corrs (both of which were in the Corporate / M&A teams) I was sure at the time of graduating that I wanted to be a corporate lawyer. The allure of corporate law is not surprising – how many HBO shows have been made about Property, IP or Construction lawyers? Five years down the track and here I am, a Senior Associate in the Property & Real Estate team at Corrs who has just been named as a finalist for the Lawyers Weekly 30 under 30 awards in the Real Estate category. If I had my time over would I follow the corporate path? Definitely not. Don’t get me wrong, the aspects of being a corporate lawyer which appealed to me as a student are just as appealing now as they were five years ago. I am just fortunate that I get exposure to these areas, and more, on a daily basis as a property lawyer at Corrs. In its simplest form, being a property lawyer involves helping clients buy, sell, lease and develop real estate. Simple as this may sound, thankfully for me there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. Many people think of property lawyers in the context of buying their first home and whilst there are certainly lawyers who practice in this area, it is rare for any of the larger commercial firms to have a strong residential focus unless they are acting for developers such as Mirvac, Country Garden, Stockland etc. Other than our major tenant clients (such as NAB and Australia Post) most of our clients are not dealing with real estate because they have an inherent need for the actual property but rather because they see potential to generate significant returns for their investors. Part of our job is to ensure those returns are realised. So what then does being a Property lawyer at Corrs actually involve? Advising private equity firms such as Blackstone (the largest alternative investment firm in the word) on their acquisition, development and disposal of industrial, commercial and retail assets across Australia. Working with Coles on the development of highly automated distribution centres which will involve an investment
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Property Practice Group
of close to A$1 billion on Coles’ behalf. Acting for leading developers such as Mirvac, Country Garden and Frasers across all aspects of their business – from commercial leasing to the acquisition, development and subsequent sale of residential developments (both house and land and high-rise apartments). Advising notfor-profits in relation to social and affordable housing initiatives. These are not just the headline grabbing transactions that the firm is involved in and rolls out to sound impressive. These are all transactions which I have worked on in the space of a week. For me, one of the great benefits of working in the property industry (whether as a developer, agent or lawyer) is the tangible nature of the underlying assets. In many areas of the law lawyers often find themselves advising on incredibly complex yet entirely intangible legal structures. Whilst there are admittedly a large number of property transactions which involve complex trust structures, at the end of the day there is always a tangible asset being bought, sold or developed. It is incredibly rewarding being involved in the full life cycle of a transaction, particularly developments, and being able to see the development you are advising on take shape before you. What makes a good lawyer is undoubtedly similar no matter what the area of law – attention to detail, strong communication skills, an excellent understanding of the law and a solid understanding of your client’s business and the market in which they operate. As a junior lawyer starting out in the law, one of the great benefits of property as a practice area (at least through my experiences at Corrs) is that you are exposed to clients and given autonomy from day one. The breadth of matters you are exposed to - from multi-million dollar developments to retail shop leases - means that junior lawyers are given opportunities on matters (under appropriate supervision) from much earlier on in their career than in many other areas of the law. While individually rewarding this also ensures that you get to develop those ‘soft skills’, such as matter and client management, that are so important for lawyers early on in their career. The opportunity to interact with and develop strong client relationships from a junior level, and in doing so gain a better understanding of clients’ commercial drivers, is also incredibly satisfying. It means you are far more invested in the relevant transaction or development and feel a sense of pride when your client successfully completes the transaction or development.
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Be exceptional. Your journey from outstanding graduate to exceptional lawyer begins at Corrs.
From your first day at Corrs you will have the opportunity to accelerate your career in a high-performing and supportive environment. Our lawyers work together across practice groups to deliver exceptional results and support you in building your future, wherever you want to take it.
WWW.CORRS.COM.AU/GRADUATES
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DLA Piper
DLA Piper
About Us We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best people across our practice and business services groups. Level 21 140 William street Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 9286 8000 dlapipergraduates.com HR Graduate Recruitment graduaterecruitmentAUS@dlapiper.com Application Process for Seasonal Clerkships Application Form which includes a covering letter Critical Reasoning Test Assessment Centre Application Process for Graduate Traineeship Through firm website. Clerkship Positions Available 30 nationally Key Dates Intake 1: November-December 2019 Intake 2: January – February 2020 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: August – September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Recruitment from Graduate Market No. We fill the majority of our Graduate roles through the Clerkship program. Additional Information International students: Yes LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Yes
Our continued success relies on our ability to provide a supportive, inclusive and motivating environment where everyone has a role to play in supporting the delivery of outstanding service to our clients. We offer exceptional career opportunities to our lawyers, aspiring graduates and business support professionals, in an environment that is challenging, rewarding and, we believe, truly different from our competitors. DLA Piper is one of the largest law firms, with lawyers in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, positioning us to help companies with their legal needs around the world. As trusted legal advisers to approximately a third of the ASX 100 companies or their subsidiaries and all levels of government, we take great pride in delivering quality and value to our clients through practical an innovative legal solutions. Some of the most recent work includes advising Link Group on its AU$2.3 billion listing on the ASX, advising the Australian Football League on the landmark acquisition of Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium and advising Investa Commercial Property Fund on the acquisition of a 75 per cent interest in Sydney’s landmark 420 George Street, to the value of AU$450 million. We help the world’s top companies with their business-critical issues. Many of the deals we work on are complex and challenging – transcending not just practice areas, but borders, languages and legal systems. Practice Areas • Corporate 121
• • • • • •
Employment Finance, Projects & Restructuring Intellectual Property & Technology Litigation & Regulatory Real Estate Tax
Seasonal Clerkship Program We hire clerks from all types of backgrounds. Not only does this allow us to serve our diverse client base better; it keeps our thinking fresh by opening up a wider range of perspectives. While you could be studying from a range of degree subjects, you will need a strong academic record. But it goes further than that. You’ll need to be naturally inquisitive, have plenty of drive and possess a genuine commitment to your career path. Among other things, we’ll be looking at your extracurricular activities for evidence of these qualities. As a summer clerk, you can expect a varied experience both in and outside the office. You will work in a creative, dynamic environment with some of the best legal professionals in the world, gaining first-hand experience doing real legal work. The clerkship is four weeks in duration, commencing with a two-day induction program in the local office. We offer summer clerkships in November and January. The induction program will give you the opportunity to hear from the firm’s senior leaders, to participate in professional skills training, to attend networking events and to participate in responsible business activities. Graduate Traineeship Program We offer graduate programs in all our Australian offices and have one intake each year in February. The graduate program starts with a national induction in Sydney, allowing you to meet and network with graduates from across our Australian offices. We will also send you to London in August to attend the International Graduate Induction, giving 122
you exposure to the senior partners and enabling networking opportunities with international graduates. You will have the opportunity to rotate in different practice groups. This will see you work alongside people at all levels of the business, including partners. As an integral member of the team, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and make a real contribution from the outset. While much of your learning will be done on the job, you’ll also receive formal business skills training. This will develop your abilities in areas such as networking, business development, commercial awareness and financial management. What We Look For We are looking for Clerks and Graduates who are open to new challenges and get involved in a variety of work. Make sure you do your research so that you application can stand out. Pro Bono Work At DLA Piper we are committed to contributing to the wellbeing of communities around the world. We encourage our lawyers to do pro bono work that is meaningful, impactful and supports those in need. New Perimeter, our non-profit, provides pro bono legal assistance in under-served regions around the world to support access to justice, social and economic development and sound legal institutions. Our Break into Law project is a worldwide initiative focused on removing barriers to employment within the legal profession, while we have pledged $6.5m over the course of our three year partnership with UNICEF to improve child justice. We are proud to be signatories of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), as our support for the initiative underlines our commitment to responsible business.
SHARE OUR VISION
S H A PE YOU R F UTU RE
Our goal is simple. We want to create the future leaders of the firm. That means giving you the skills you need to become a successful lawyer, but also the experiences to discover where your true interests lie. Find out more at
DLAPIPERGRADUATES.COM DLA Piper is a global law firm operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. Further details of these entities can be found at www.dlapiper.com. This may qualify as “Lawyer Advertising” requiring notice in some jurisdictions. Copyright © 2018 DLA Piper. All rights reserved.
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Gilbert + Tobin
Gilbert + Tobin There’s More
given to students in their penultimate year of study.
Level 22 101 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 8646 3396
About Us Gilbert + Tobin is a leading Australian law firm, advising clients on their most significant corporate transactions, regulatory matters and disputes. We provide commercial and innovative legal solutions for ASX 100 leading companies, major infrastructure and services providers, as well as government and public authorities across Australia and around the world.
gtlaw.com.au HR Sarah Crinnigan – HR Advisor scrinnigan@gtlaw.com.au (03) 8646 3396 Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship We have tailored our application process which enables students apply online through CVmail cvmail.com.au Clerkship Positions Available Approximately 30 Intake 1: 10 Intake 2: 10 Intake 3: 10 Key Dates Intake 1: 18 November – 13 December 2019 Intake 2: 20 January – 14 February 2020 Intake 3: 22 June – 17 July 2020 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: August – September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking pool: 8-10 International students: Applications considered on a case by case basis LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Our preference is
An international leader in M&A, private equity, capital markets, competition and regulation and technology and digital, we work on complex issues that define and direct the market. G+T presents a unique opportunity for you to make a name for yourself through the matters and transactions you work on, with personal accountability yet supported by those around you. As a younger organisation that has built its success on legal excellence and entrepreneurial drive, G+T is energetic and passionate. We are non-bureaucratic and value diversity, individuality, innovation and fun. We have a long heritage of giving back to the community through our Pro Bono practice and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Joining a firm with an open, entrepreneurial culture makes it easier for you to work closely with the firm’s highly talented partners and senior lawyers. This is reinforced by structured mentoring programs, open plan workstations and direct contact with clients. Law students and graduates working at G+T often comment on the exceptional level of personal engagement they experience from the firm’s professionals. Practice Areas in Melbourne • Technology + Digital • Corporate Advisory • Competition + Regulation 125
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Disputes and Investigations Banking + Infrastructure
Seasonal Clerkship Program During your time with G+T you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to work in corporate law. It starts off with your induction which sets you up to succeed for your clerkship at G+T. We also invest in your development by running training sessions on presentation skills and developing your brand in the workplace. Following your induction, you will spend time in one practice group where you will start to understand the mechanics of legal practice through researching legislation and case law, preparing and drafting memos, completing research, observing negotiations, meeting clients, attending court, or perhaps working as part of a deal team. Throughout the program, you’ll partake in our customised in-house training program and also have the opportunity to contribute to Pro Bono and our Knowledge and Innovation practice. Graduate Traineeship Program Graduates commence with the firm in one formal intake in February. As a graduate, you will undertake real work, build relationships with partners, lawyers and clients, and become an integral part of each practice group. Our 18-month program consists of three rotations of approximately six months each. Rotations are available in all our practice areas and you will also be actively involved in other work activities, including business development, knowledge and innovation, training and pro bono work. What We Look For While strong university results and academic achievements count, we’re also looking for people who align with our firm’s culture and values. We’re not a prescriptive firm when it comes to our people; we invite individuality and diversity. We also hold ambition, imagination, creative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit in high regard. Our people are 126
collaborative, passionate and dedicated, but most of all they enjoy what they do and never forget to have fun. We seek clerks and graduates that will complement our practice groups and don’t feel the need to take themselves too seriously. What Distinguishes Us Our culture is unique, and at its heart it’s a paradox,” says Adam Laura, Partner – Corporate Advisory. “It’s energetic and proactive, incredibly driven and ambitious – but also understated, funny and generous. We describe it as being ‘smart with heart’.” This is what underlies the positive, productive and personal relationships we build with each other, and with our clients. Interactions that embrace what it means to be an individual. Constantly looking for ways to bring out the best in ourselves as well as others. Our clerks and graduates are often attracted to the firm by the egalitarian, open structure. “Our people have the opportunity to go as far as they want, and we recognise and reward that,” explains Adam. “The pace is fast and be constant, but you’ll get to work on things that interest and stimulate you early in your career. G+T challenges people irrespective of their role – and that pushes you to do and be better.” Culture/Diversity At Gilbert + Tobin we are continuously introducing new initiatives to further accelerate our progress towards building a diverse and inclusive workforce. The firm is taking action to address barriers to women’s full participation in the workforce and help play a role in improving the representation of women in senior leadership across the legal profession
Gilbert + Tobin There’s More
The initiatives announced include: • A new target to increase the representation of women in its partnership to 40% by 2023, as a critical step towards becoming a genderbalanced partnership. • Extending superannuation contributions to cover unpaid portions of parental leave for primary carers. • Providing employees with a ‘work from home IT kit’ including a full-sized screen and keyboard to enable greater flexibility in how people manage their personal commitments with the needs of clients. • Continuing to support new parents through best-practice parental leave entitlements, flexible working options and return-to-work support. OUT is Gilbert + Tobin’s LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) and allies group. OUT’s objective is to ensure that Gilbert + Tobin continues to celebrate diversity, including for all LGBTI staff, as a fundamental value of the firm. Embracing and celebrating the difference in our people, is embedded in our culture at Gilbert + Tobin. Work/Life Balance The reality is that successful top-tier lawyers work hard, meeting the demanding expectations of clients and their own ambitions. At G+T we are honest about this and we work hard to ensure that our people can fulfil their ambitions while maintaining a happy and healthy personal life. We also recognise that these challenges can be more acute at certain stages of life, particularly when we have young children to take care of. Making sure our projects are well managed and our working teams are highly effective is one way of dealing with the uncertainty that can be just as difficult as long hours – we are investing in project management capability and systems to help with
this. We don’t want our people wasting their precious time doing tasks that are repetitive and low value – we are investing in automation technology to reduce these aspects of our work. We believe that being able to complete tasks at home or at different times is one of the most important elements of work/life balance and can make a heavy workload more flexible to manage – we are investing in the tech hardware and systems to make ‘working anywhere’ possible. G+T has a flexible working policy, and all lawyers are entitled to firm funded IT equipment for set up in their home. We see this conversation developing over time and we intend to be at the forefront of it because we know how important it is for our people. Pro Bono Work With a dedicated team of four lawyers and two partners, Gilbert + Tobin is a pro bono pioneer in Australia’s legal sector. The firm believes that lawyers have a responsibility to ensure that the legal system is fair, equitable and accessible to all. Gilbert + Tobin is a proud advocate of social justice and focuses on providing advice and support to marginalised and disadvantaged clients and the organisations that work with them. The practice covers many diverse areas of law including discrimination, administrative law, defamation and public international law. Pro bono work at Gilbert + Tobin is particularly focused on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, refugees, people with disabilities and the protection of human rights. G+T’s large pro bono practice is supplemented by our corporate social responsibility practice, which is focused on three priorities – reconciliation with Indigenous Australians, sustainability and community programs.
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Our commitment to the community now includes our support for numerous not for profit organisations, education in high schools and the university sector. We are very proud of our ten-year support of the Gilbert +Tobin Centre for Public Law at UNSW. Most importantly, our support for Indigenous Australians across all of their very legitimate aspirations, has been a hallmark for what we stand for.
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Disputes + Investigations
We advise on some of Australia’s most complex and ground-breaking commercial litigation matters, and our award-winning Disputes and Investigations group is independently recognised as one of the best dispute resolution teams in Australia. What you’ll experience Working at the forefront of the biggest litigation matters in Australia, you can expect to be involved in complex issues, and to assist on sensitive and critical matters. This includes high-stakes commercial litigation for ASX listed clients, as well as, matters involving competition and regulation issues, and investigations by industry watchdogs such as ASIC, the ACCC and the ACMA. You’ll be involved in drafting court documents, research memorandums and letters of advice, in addition to instructing counsel and attending court hearings and conferences with leading Australian counsel. It’s an environment that encourages entrepreneurialism and strategic commercial thinking and rewards passion and commitment. We will work to ensure you have exposure to matters that will enable you to thrive, and under the guidance and mentoring of leading litigators in the industry, to become a litigation specialist. Our approach We are renowned for our ability to stay nimble and think creatively, employing a strategic approach to fulfil our clients’ needs. As a team that takes pride in offering creative and tailored solutions, we focus on providing the best outcomes in dispute resolution – from pre-litigation advice to using or responding to litigation. It’s an exciting space to work in, filled with variety and unpredictability, where you never know what will happen on any given day. Our willingness to embrace change, adapt as necessary, think on our feet and adopt innovation has earned us a reputation as the litigation firm to watch. Below, are some of the key types of matters that we work on in the Gilbert + Tobin Disputes and Investigations team. Class actions Defending clients in large-scale and complex class actions, we work closely with our clients and the regulators to proactively mitigate the risk of class actions arising or proceeding beyond a preliminary stage. Royal Commissions Our team is recognised as one of the leading firms in this area. We are currently advising the Commonwealth on the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and advising the state on the Royal Commission into police informants. We recently advised Westpac on the Financial Services Royal Commission, in addition to advising on both the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory, and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
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Disputes + Investigations
Corporate + Regulatory investigations Investigations and enforcement action can have an enormous impact on a business – on its reputation, commercial relationships and (if listed) share price – not to mention the toll on management and the time spent dealing with those actions. We draw on the skills and expertise of our team to address key areas of concern. This can include working on our client’s response to the regulator and/or government entity, conducting internal investigations to support defences and mitigation opportunities, and helping clients improve their systems, processes, training and monitoring for the future.
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Hall & Wilcox
a clerkship with Hall & Wilcox, clerks will have the opportunity to express interest in being considered for a graduate role within the firm. Level 11, Rialto South Tower 525 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 (03) 9603 3669 hallandwilcox.com.au HR Lauren Parrant - People & Culture Advisor lauren.parrant@hallandwilcox.com.au (03) 9603 3669 Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship Applications for Seasonal Clerkships should be submitted via our website hallandwilcox.com.au/ careers/opportunities/ and should include a cover letter, details of your work experience, extracurricular activities and academic transcript. Candidates may also be required to complete pre-set questions as part of the application process. The concept of “unconscious bias” or “hidden bias” is at the forefront of our work. We recognise that everybody has inherent biases and this means that at times, people are not as open-minded to difference as we’d like to believe. It is our goal to eliminate any unconscious or hidden bias that may exist in our review of clerkship applications. Candidate details such as name, address, gender and secondary school will remain anonymous to us while we review your application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first round interview and will meet with firm representatives including a Partner, Lawyer and People & Culture. All candidates are also invited to attend an informative Q&A evening whereby applicants can find out more from Partners and Lawyers, and meet more firm representatives. Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship Hall & Wilcox participates in the priority offer system for graduate traineeships. After completing 132
Clerkship Positions Available We take approximately 20 clerks in the Melbourne Office each year. Intake 1: 10 Intake 2: 10 Key Dates We run two seasonal clerkships annually - winter and summer. Our clerkships are 3 weeks in duration. Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Recruitment from Graduate Market Subject to the outcome of our seasonal clerkship priority offer process, we will then determine if we open applications up to the market for graduate positions. Additional Information Typically, we have opportunities for approximately 9-10 law graduates annually in the Melbourne Office. International Students are eligible to apply if they have appropriate legal rights to work in Australia. LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Yes About Us Hall & Wilcox is a pre-eminent independent business law firm with one of the fastest growing partnerships in Australia. At Hall & Wilcox, our purpose is to enable our clients, our people and our communities to thrive. We practise Smarter Law. Smarter Law is how we will help our clients achieve their business objectives. Smarter law is how our people will prosper in
Hall & Wilcox Smarter Law
times of change. Smarter Law means that we are imaginative, agile, tech savvy, collaborative and remarkable. • We are currently a firm of more than 650 people, including 78 partners. We have offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Paramatta and Darwin and act nationally for Australian-based clients and multinational clients with Australian interests. Our clients are businesses and business people, including public entities, private entities, public sector organisations and business owners. We act for over 20% of Australia’s top 100 companies. Practice Areas Hall & Wilcox offer expertise in a number of key areas of commercial practice, including: • Banking & Financial Services • Commercial Dispute Resolution • Corporate & Commercial • Employment • General Insurance • Private Clients • Property & Projects • Statutory Insurance • Tax Seasonal Clerkship Program In the Melbourne office, Hall & Wilcox runs two Seasonal Clerkship Programs each year - summer and winter. The Hall & Wilcox Seasonal Clerkship Program is a great way for clerks to experience life at the firm. Our program includes: • Three week placement in one of our practice areas taking into account your preferences. • An induction program that provides an understanding of the firm’s structure, the work we do, our clients, training in IT systems and office procedures. • Exposure to real work on real files - this may include drafting correspondence and
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•
documents, attending client meetings, conferences and mediations, and undertaking research tasks. An extensive support network including a buddy, mentor and supervising partner for guidance and support. Participation in practice group training sessions, workshops and development sessions. The opportunity to attend informative sessions with Partners and hear more about the work they do and their experiences. The chance to get involved in the firm’s social and sporting activities.
Graduate Traineeship Program Our graduate program is a priority for us because we recognise that today’s law graduates are tomorrow’s leaders of the firm. Over the years, the program has proven to be highly successful – many of our current partners completed their graduate year with us. Hall & Wilcox is proud to have been ranked third at the LegalVitae Top100 Awards for Most Popular Overall Law Employer for graduates. Our program includes: • A combination of on-the-job training and support in completing Practical Legal Training. • A comprehensive induction with the national graduate cohort which lays the foundation for the year ahead. • The opportunity to gain experience in several of the firm’s practice areas. • An extensive support network including a buddy, a mentor and supervising partner to provide guidance and support throughout the year. • Regular learning opportunities through our Elevate Program, designed to develop our graduates and provide them with the skills and expertise to excel. • Opportunities to participate in Pro Bono and Smarter Law initiatives.
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Hall & Willcox
What We Look For At Hall & Wilcox, we are committed to creating a diverse workforce and celebrate the characteristics that make each individual unique. At Hall & Wilcox, there’s no one “type” of clerk or graduate that we look for, instead, we value people from different backgrounds, different experiences and with • • •
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A creative mind and a passion for technology and innovation. An understanding of the changing legal landscape. Varied life experiences including previous work experience (legal and/or non-legal) as well as outside interests. Strong and consistent academics and an involvement in extra-curricular activities. Excellent communication skills, including language and interpersonal skills.
What Distinguishes Us Hall & Wilcox is a unique employer for a number of reasons. Firstly, we practice Smarter Law. Smarter Law means that we are imaginative, agile, techsavvy, collaborative and remarkable. Smarter Law demands service, solutions, systems and processes that are flexible, responsive, efficient and intelligent. Smarter Law ensures we remain focused on being innovative and progressive in everything we do, and not accepting the status quo. We are a progressive ‘firm on the rise’ and this helps us to provide fantastic opportunities for our people to grow and progress throughout their careers. Secondly, our culture is special and is underpinned by Smarter Law and our Hallmarks. As a Firm, we are proud of and value our culture. Our culture is described as warm and welcoming, collegial, authentic and supportive. We aim to strike a healthy balance between working hard with having fun. The things our people love about Hall & Wilcox include: 134
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Approachable, friendly and supportive environment Our open plan, flexible work spaces Dress for your day Daily healthy start breakfast for our people Friday night drinks every Friday Our emerging artists’ program Social and sporting activities Motivated and enthusiastic leaders Community involvement and pro-bono Our diversity, inclusion and wellbeing focus
Our recent citation from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality means we are focussed on creating an inclusive workplace for women (and men and non-binary) to build their careers.
Herbert Smith Freehills
International students: Yes – subjected that they have full working rights upon commencement as a graduate LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Yes – penultimate year students preferred 360˚ thinking So, what’s your angle? 101 Collins St Melbourne VIC 3000 (03 9288 1937 herbertsmithfreehills.com/where-we-work/ Melbourne HR Hong Le – Graduate Recruitment Consultant graduates.melbourne@hsf.com Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship Applications through the firm website; psychometric testing after applications close; first and second round interviews. Clerkship Positions Available 60-65 Summer intake: Approximately 34 Winter intake: Approximately 30 Key Dates Summer intake: Four weeks in November/ December 2019 Winter intake: Four weeks in June/July 2020 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: September - October 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Recruitment from Graduate Market No Additional Information Graduates to be recruited from clerking pool: 25-30 136
About Us As a Herbert Smith Freehills Graduate, you’ll be a part of everything. With over 20 offices spanning Asia, Europe, Australasia and the Middle East, we can show you exactly what a world class law firm has to offer, giving you the chance to work as part of an international team, on high-profile matters, for some of the most significant organisations in the market. We’re proud of our culture. It’s supportive and it’s non-hierarchical. When you join us as a graduate, you’ll find that your growth is supported at all levels across the firm – whether you’re working on a highprofile takeover, catching up with an overseas client or taking on some challenging pro bono work. It’s an environment that will give you the skills you need to become a brilliant lawyer. And it’s an environment in which your perspective, ideas and experiences will make a real difference. Practice Areas We’re organised along six global divisions – corporate; dispute resolution; finance, real estate and projects; employment, pensions and incentives; competition, regulation and trade and alternative legal services Seasonal Clerkship Program Our vacation clerkships will immerse you in our business, networks and the international world of law. We encourage students to participate in our vacation clerkship program and we fill the majority of our graduate positions through this program. As a vacation clerk, you will be given extensive training on all aspects of the firm, drafting and research
Herbert Smith Freehills 360˚ thinking So, what’s your angle?
Graduate Traineeship Program Our structured graduate program is designed to provide the best foundation for your future success, wherever your career takes you. Graduates will have three rotations in different practice groups. During each rotation, graduates are assigned a supervising partner and buddy. A learning and development program also supports the on-the-job learning to help you to develop your leadership, business development, negotiation and presentation skills. Herbert Smith Freehills funds and assists graduates at the firm who need to complete practical legal training to gain admission to practice. We encourage students to participate in our vacation clerkship program and we fill the majority of our graduate positions through this program. We do not currently have a separate graduate recruitment program planned. What We Look For We recruit people with the desire and ability to be exceptional, commercial lawyers. This means that we look for more than just a great academic record and strong technical aptitude. We seek people who are curious, empathetic and understand the importance of building relationships with clients and colleagues. We also look for an international mind-set and a desire to work within our global network, not just one office. We have prepared some more detailed information on our website: careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads/join-us What Distinguishes Us At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll be part of a culture of client focused innovation and engagement which is continuously evolving for our own and our clients’ benefit. We’ll encourage you to think and work differently and you’ll be given the opportunity to develop the skills you need to work with our clients to solve their most complex challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways. Culture and Diversity Diversity can be easy to say, but harder to do. We
believe allowing people to perform to the best of their abilities requires a culture of openness and authenticity, one that allows each of us to bring our whole selves to work. We work hard to create such a culture. Wherever you join us, you’ll find talented people with different views, experiences and backgrounds. International Opportunities/Secondments Much of our work has a cross-border element and we aim to offer a seamless, integrated service. Our international offices share a number of clients and work together to advise on multi-jurisdictional matters and regulatory issues. With over 20 offices spanning Asia, Europe, Australasia and the Middle East, we offer international opportunities to both graduates and experienced staff. You’ll be offered unrivalled secondment and transfer opportunities. In 2018 we sent 14 Australian Graduates on International secondments. Pro Bono Work At Herbert Smith Freehills our focus is on using our expertise and leadership to increase access to justice and opportunity for the benefit of local and global communities. At the core of Herbert Smith Freehills’ approach is a long-standing and proud tradition of providing pro bono legal services and advocacy. This commitment to pro bono legal services for members of the public has developed into a broader program of volunteering and charitable giving that involves a wide range of people across our firm. Many of our vacation clerks participate in pro bono and community work and describe it as one of the highlights of their clerkship. For more information about our pro bono and community work visit: herbertsmithfreehills.com/pro-bono-andcitizenship Application Tips Before the interview you will have had a chance to attend an event where you can meet our lawyers in an informal setting. We hope that you will be able 137
to take the opportunity to come along and chat with our graduates as well as junior and senior lawyers. You will be able to ask any questions, and generally get a feel for what working with us is really like. Your interview is a chance to show us your professional, business side - so all those tips about turning up on time and dressing in a professional corporate style are useful. Beyond that - try to let us see you at your best. We aim to make the interview as relaxed as possible. It’s less about us asking a list of prepared questions and more about giving you a chance to tell us all about yourself. Even so, the interview is your opportunity to present yourself in the best light. We’re particularly interested in your work experiences, extracurricular activities and interests, and why you think Herbert Smith Freehills is the right place for you. Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Involvement At Herbert Smith Freehills our focus is on using our expertise and leadership to increase access to justice and opportunity for the benefit of local and global communities. At the core of Herbert Smith Freehills’ approach is a long-standing and proud tradition of providing pro bono legal services and advocacy. This commitment to pro bono legal services for members of the public has developed into a broader program of volunteering and charitable giving that involves a wide range of people across our firm. Many of our vacation clerks participate in pro bono and community work and describe it as one of the highlights of their clerkship. For more information about our pro bono and community work visit: herbertsmithfreehills.com/pro-bono-andcitizenship Type of Work a Seasonal Clerk will Undertake As a vacation clerk, you will be given extensive training on all aspects of the firm, drafting and research skills. Current lawyers and partners will speak to you about what they do and the nature 138
of work in each of the legal sections of the firm. You’ll attend workshops and presentations that will give you an insight into the depth and breadth of our practice areas and international reach. You’ll be invited to a range of events giving you the opportunity to network with partners, associates and graduates, as well as with your fellow vacation clerks.
Life as an Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety Grad Greta Morand Solicitor Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety Herbert Smith Freehills Life as a Graduate in Herbert Smith Freehills’ Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety (EIRS) practice is underpinned by a constant flow of interesting work and diverse experience. Having commenced as a Graduate with Herbert Smith Freehills in March 2018, EIRS is my second of three 6-month graduate rotations. My experience in the team has been rewarding. I have been involved in a wide range of matters, from advising major corporations on unfair dismissal claims in the Fair Work Commission, to attending client sites for factory inspections and interviews where a safety issue has occurred. The Herbert Smith Freehills EIRS practice encompasses three broad areas: general employment law, industrial relations and workplace health and safety. Within the general employment law practice, the team provides proactive and reactive advice on unfair dismissal claims, general protections, recruitment and dismissal of employees, contract and policy drafting, and so on. The industrial relations practice centres around enterprise bargaining, industrial action and disputes. The team assists clients in drafting and negotiating enterprise agreements, representing clients at the Fair Work Commission and advising on other industrial relations matters. The EIRS group’s workplace health and safety practice also balances advisory and litigious functions, with the team often representing clients in litigation at Tribunals, State and Federal Courts. As a junior, my work is spread across all three EIRS practice areas. On any given day I may find myself drafting an advice on a general employment query, preparing a witness statement for a client involved in a safety matter or researching case law to answer a discreet question in relation to an enterprise agreement. My work is varied and ever changing, and I enjoy the diversity. A great part of being a junior in the EIRS group is the level of responsibility I have had from day one. I am regularly able to draft key court documents and often liaise directly with clients. As a result, I have had deep involvement at all stages of the matters I have worked on. Juniors are also responsible for completing a range of business development tasks, such as tracking decisions of the Fair Work Commission and monitoring industrial relations and labour policy updates from the State and Federal Governments that may be of interest to our clients. The matters I have most enjoyed working on whilst in the team include advising a major Australian corporation on an unfair dismissal application lodged by a former employee, in which I worked directly with counsel to interview witnesses and prepare witness statements and advising another international client on the dismissal of an employee. I have also enjoyed attending a number of client sites to interview employees and review safety practices. I am often involved in client engagement activities, and regularly have the opportunity to work with teams in other HSF offices around Australia. The team is collaborative, passionate
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K&L Gates
K&L Gates
Offers released: 10 October 2019
Level 25 South Tower 525 Collins St Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 9205 2000 klgates.com HR Mark Enright Human Resources Manager mark.enright@klgates.com Application Process for Seasonal Clerkships We have a two (2) round interview process where applicants will have the opportunity to meet partners, special counsel, senior associates and lawyers as well as human resources team members. Throughout the interview process you will be provided with plenty of information about the firm and our clerkship and graduate programs. You will also have the opportunity to speak with our graduates and young lawyers about their experiences at the firm. Method of Application for Graduate Traineeships Graduate offers made solely from the group of previous clerks. Clerkship Positions Available Approximately 25 each year Intake 1: Approximately 14 Intake 2: Approximately 14 Key Dates Intake 1: January/February 2020 (4 week period) Intake 2: Jun/July 2020 (4 week period) Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: September - October 2019
Recruitment from Graduate Market Case-by-case basis Applications open: 9 August 2019 Applications close: 18 August 2019 Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking Approximately 8 – 10 each year. International students: Yes LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Yes
pool:
K&L Gates K&L Gates is one of the largest law firms in the world with offices located across five continents sharing one clear vision. We are a fully integrated network of lawyers and legal professionals who believe that clients need more than technical legal skills; they need insightful and practical advice on the diverse issues that affect their businesses, delivered with unparalleled client service. Our combination of practice strength, global platform, and unsurpassed client service is a true differentiator in the legal services marketplace. Our client-first approach extends beyond our firm’s internal structure and examines the broader legal, industry, and regulatory trends. Our lawyers are exceptionally skilled at identifying issues in advance based on deep industry knowledge, but we are even better at helping clients solve them. With a strong presence in key capital cities and world commercial and financial centers, we represent a broad array of Global 500, Fortune 100, and FTSE 100 corporations in nearly every major industry, including technology, manufacturing, energy, transportation, telecommunications, financial services, health care, life sciences, sustainable development, and infrastructure, among others.
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We are leading legal advisors relating to industries critical to the economies of both the developed and developing worlds – technology, manufacturing, energy, transportation, telecommunications, financial services, and life sciences, among others. With the extraordinary inbound investment into Australia from Asia, especially from China, and four of Australia’s five largest trading partners – China, Japan, Korea, and India – located in the region, the firm has the resources on the ground to handle the most sophisticated legal requirements. Practice Areas We have nine key practice areas on our global platform: • Corporate & Transactional • Energy, Infrastructure and Resources • Finance • Financial Services • Intellectual Property • Labour, Employment and Workplace • Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Policy & Regulatory • Real Estate Seasonal Clerkship Program During your clerkship at K&L Gates, you will benefit from being involved in real legal work. This will include participation in client meetings and court visits, research and drafting of advice and general support within one of our practice areas. At K&L Gates you will participate in a comprehensive induction program that continues throughout your clerkship to learn important skills to lay the foundations for a successful legal career. You will work closely with partners, senior associates and have the support of a junior lawyer or trainee lawyer as a buddy. There are also a number of social and sporting activities that are organised to help you to network with others across the firm and, most of all, have fun!
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Graduate Program Our graduate program is designed to give you the technical expertise and commercial context to succeed. Throughout the year you are supported with a buddy, supervisor and mentor. Partners and senior lawyers will support and guide you through each rotation and support your career development. Your buddy, a junior lawyer, will help you transition into your new role. Your professional development program runs weekly. It combines Practical Legal Training (delivered in-house by the College of Law) with sessions presented by partners, lawyers, external presenters and our professional development team. Our program delivers skill development in 2 key areas – fundamental legal abilities and professional legal skills which incorporate: • legal technical skills (analysis and judgment); • client service (client and business knowledge, networking); and • personal effectiveness (communication, work ethic, motivation and maturity). What does K&L Gates look for in a Seasonal Clerk? We believe in hiring individuals who will become a part of our collaborative, committed and diverse team, so it is important to us that you can demonstrate this in an interview. You should provide us with an understanding of our firm and why you want to be a part of it. Solid academic results are important but to be a successful lawyer you need to demonstrate talent and skill in a variety of areas. You need to be able to demonstrate in your application commerciality, logic and attention to detail, as well as an enthusiasm for delivering exceptional service. More specifically, to be successful at K&L Gates you will have: • Leadership experience: You’re a self-starter committed to personal and professional development. And you’ve demonstrated initiative, tenacity and potential.
K&L Gates
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Curiosity: You’re a strategic thinker who solves problems creatively. Maturity: You possess sound judgment and have excellent people skills. You’re confident and professional. Passion: You must be dynamic, enthusiastic and excited about our firm. First class communication skills: You possess the ability to speak and write clearly and intelligently. Attributes of a team player: You’re approachable, adaptable to a variety of situations and enjoy participating in group activities. You’re a good listener, and you’re always willing to share thoughts and ideas.
We want to see that you are able to demonstrate all of this, but most importantly, we want you to be yourself! Pro Bono We actively encourage our lawyers to provide pro bono legal representation and to participate in other charitable, community, educational and professional activities. Each lawyer has a minimum number of pro bono hours they must achieve each year.
grounds of sexual or gender identity. Diversity As a firm committed to diversity and inclusion, we engage our lawyers through mentorship, teamwork and a steadfast belief in the power of our people to change the legal profession and the power of our profession to change society. We work to provide opportunities for all of our lawyers to develop their practices and careers in meaningful ways. Our firm wide Diversity and Women in the Profession Committees lead the charge for diversity and inclusion throughout the firm. These committees span the globe, are supported by full-time staff and include members of the firm’s Management Committee. The firm has various employee resource groups at the firm wide and local office levels, including groups for women lawyers; LGBTIQ+ employees and allies; and working parents. We are committed to collaborating with our clients and communities to further our goals and we strive to maintain an inclusive culture that enriches the experience of our people, enabling them to better serve our clients. We encourage cooperation and teamwork and provide fair and ethical treatment of all employees.
Our lawyers handle hundreds of pro bono matters each year in an effort to pursue justice and strengthen communities around the globe. Our work includes litigating civil rights cases; establishing and advising non-profit organizations; providing guidance to young people who face adversity; supporting the homeless; protecting victims of online abuse, human trafficking, and discrimination; and otherwise working to improve the lives of those who face hardship with little access to legal services. One example is our acclaimed Cyber Civil Rights Legal Project, which assists victims of nonconsensual pornography. Another example is the collaboration by lawyers in our Australian and U.S. offices in producing a widely-adopted best practice guide to assessing applications for asylum on the 143
Employee Spotlight
Claire De Koeyer Lawyer Corporate - Health Regulatory and Health M&A Practice K&L Gates Which degree did you undertake? I completed a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at Deakin University, Burwood. I always had a keen interest in both areas of my study, and while I was not sure in the beginning which I would pursue, it became apparent fairly early on that I was probably more suited to the law. Why did you pursue a career in law? Both prior to commencing my studies and throughout my degree I worked in law firms. This really assisted me in my ultimate decision to pursue a career as a lawyer as I felt it gave me an understanding what it is like in practice. What do you enjoy most about your job? What I enjoy about legal practice is that no two days are the same, no two clients are the same and no two matters are the same. Each day is different and each day you are confronted with a new challenge. I find this really rewarding. It also means you truly never stop learning (and certainly keeps you on your toes). It is fast moving and things change quickly, requiring you to be responsive and flexible. In addition to the law, I work for a great team filled with exceptionally talented people. They are generous with their time and are focused on the development of junior lawyers. This is key as a junior lawyer - find a mentor/supervisor who is willing to invest in your development. There is so much to learn and it is really important to have people around you who are willing to share their knowledge. What do you think makes a good lawyer? This question is asked a lot (both in interviews and beyond) and I’m still not sure of the best answer. The obvious prerequisites are being willing to listen and learn, pay attention to detail, and be a team player (no lawyer acts in isolation, particularly in a large firm). A lesser mentioned trait, but by no means less important, was summed up when a senior partner said to me “Do the little things well. It is how you tackle the little things upon which you will be judged”. To give that some context, what they meant was: when you are given a menial/small/seemingly insignificant task as a junior lawyer, take to it all the attention and skill you would apply to a seemingly more important task. People will notice this. What advice would you give to students entering the clerkship process? Work hard on finding where you fit. I appreciate in the competitive context of the current job market it can feel like graduate lawyers are resigned to accepting any job they can get their hands on. However if you are in a position to choose and assess between alternatives, I urge you to critically assess the firm you’re looking at entering and critique whether you are culturally aligned. It’s important not to lose your sense of self. 144
K&L Gates
Alison Wallace Lawyer Commercial Technology and Sourcing K&L Gates Commercial Technology and Sourcing The Australian Commercial Technology and Sourcing group (or “CT&S”, “Tech Law” or “IT/IP”) at K&L Gates is an exciting and dynamic team lead by partner Cameron Abbott, together with a team of 5 experienced lawyers split across the Melbourne and Sydney offices, with colleagues in Dallas, Pittsburgh, Portland, Hong Kong and Paris. Cameron and Melbourne-based Special Counsel Rob Pulham have recently been listed in Best Lawyers as premier Information Technology Law practitioners, with Cameron also being recognised for Privacy and Data Protection. The Australian CT&S team acts for a range of clients varying in size and industry. Key industries in which we work include utilities, energy and resources, health, education, government, aged care and insurance. We assist our clients on a range of matters – from providing strategic advice and negotiation assistance on complex outsourcing and technology procurement projects, to how to navigate a remediation or an exit from a troubled project, and advice on managing data breaches under the mandatory data breach notification scheme. Our team has a collegiate, all-hands-on-deck approach which gives junior lawyers, graduates and seasonal clerks the opportunity to have real and meaningful input into assisting clients. Because our group provides a broad range of assistance to clients, members of the team get a wide range of experience very early on in their career. During your time as a junior in our team, you will get exposed to (and involved in) negotiations ranging from a single software licence to an entire procurement project, drafting of various kinds of agreements and licences, and handling clients’ privacy and data security queries – advising on their practices, and helping them assess and respond to data breaches. While our work can often be fast-paced with short deadlines, we always work together to make sure the work gets done, and no one person is left bearing the load. Graduates and seasonal clerks are involved in all aspects of our practice, and common tasks may include: • writing blog posts for our CyberWatch and Fintech websites; • participating in client meetings and teleconferences; • attending negotiations and assisting in preparing “issues lists” or “playbooks”; • drafting emails and other short advices to clients; • drafting privacy policies and collection statements; • conducting legal research; • drafting website or app terms and conditions; • preparing data breach response plans; • assisting in drafting longer agreements or licences;
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Employee Spotlight
Alison Wallace Lawyer Commercial Technology and Sourcing K&L Gates • •
assisting in the development of training materials for delivery to clients; writing presentations on privacy and cybersecurity issues for external use.
There are no university subjects that are a pre-requisite for clerking in or rotating through our team – although, an interest in contracts, negotiations, privacy and cybersecurity, or a background in computer science or technology does help. Our practice area is a little different to others as while the stakes can be very high, our clients need to work with their opponents for many years after the deal is done. That doesn’t mean that everyone is always friendly, but it creates quite a different dynamic to other practice areas. If you like being challenged, rapidly developing your drafting skills and working with a team of dedicated but fun lawyers (and a regular puppy visitor!), then our team may just be the one for you.
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King & Wood Mallesons
Recruitment from Graduate Market Whether we go to market for graduates varies from year to year. Applications dates: TBC
Level 50 600 Bourke Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000 (03) 9643 4000
Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking pool: intake numbers vary from year to year, however we usually take on anywhere between 20 to 30 graduates. The majority of our graduates are recruited from our clerkship pool.
kwm.com HR Alana Arfi - People & Development Advisor (Melbourne Graduate Program) Alana.Arfi@au.kwm.com (03) 9643 5466 Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship Via our online application system at kwm.com/ careers Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship Via our online application system at kwm.com/ careers Clerkship Positions Available Intake numbers vary from year to year. We generally take between 70 to 80 clerks in our Melbourne centre. Intake 1: 25 – 30 Intake 2: 25 – 30 Intake 3: 25 – 30 Key Dates Summer intake 1: November – December 2019 Summer intake 2: January – February 2020 Winter intake: July 2020 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019
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International students: All applicants must hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency. If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must hold all visas and other approvals necessary for you to work for the firm on a full-time permanent basis. LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Yes About Us As an elite international law firm headquartered in Asia, we are reshaping the legal market by challenging our people and our clients to think differently about what a law firm can be today, tomorrow and beyond. Exceeding the expectations of our clients is a key priority, and as such the world’s leading organisations turn to us to unlock their biggest opportunities and deliver solutions to their most vexing challenges. With ambitious thinking and innovation in our DNA, we partner with our clients to bring to life pioneering solutions which will help them to adapt, reinvent and grow. We believe innovation comes from giving our people room to grow, and as such actively encourage input and ideas at all levels of the firm. Our people are encouraged to think differently and shape their own career path, supported at every step of the way with world-class training, coaching and
King & Wood Mallesons The Power of Together
hands-on experience. There is no ‘one size fits all’ career model, and we offer multiple opportunities for our lawyers to gain experience and thrive.
instructions, meeting with clients, drafting memos/documents, managing your practice and professional relationships.
Key Statistics • Most Popular Overall Law Employer in the 2018 AFR Top 100 Graduate Employers Rankings • One of the Top 100 Graduate Employers in GradAustralia’s 2018 Student Survey • Top 15 global brand* • 27 international offices; • One of the largest international legal networks in the Asia region with 500+ partners and more than 2000 lawyers; • Our clients range from a mix of global financial and corporate powerhouses through to new industry-makers and all levels of government • With an unmatched ability to practise Chinese, Hong Kong, Australian, English, US and a significant range of European laws under one integrated legal brand, we are connecting Asia to the world, and the world to Asia. *Source: 2018 Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index
Our core practice teams – who they are, what they do, how they’re structured, the clients they work for, and of course, your role within them. Our culture – you’ll be exposed to (and encouraged) to get actively involved in the many activities and events that define KWM. Our people – you’ll find that people from every part of the business will help you along, sharing their knowledge, and ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.
Practice Areas Our Melbourne centre offers a number of marketleading practice groups including; Banking & Finance, Dispute Resolution, Mergers & Acquisitions, Projects & Real Estate and Taxation. Sub-teams within these groups include Competition; Technology, Media, Entertainment & Telecommunications; Employee Relations & Safety; Intellectual Property & Trademarks, Construction and Environment & Planning. Seasonal Clerkship Program Our clerkships give you a clear picture of what it’s like to be a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons. You’ll get to know our people, the way we like to work, our culture, practice areas, clients and more. During your clerkship, you’ll learn: The day-to-day skills to get you started – taking
Clerks usually work in one practice group. You’ll be allocated a supervisor in each of your practice groups and you’ll work closely with the partners, senior associates and solicitors in that team. It’s a hands-on role, you won’t just be watching from the sidelines. Our people have the opportunity to get involved in the many social and sporting activities that go on in the firm, as well as pro bono and volunteer work to give back to the broader community in which we work and live. Graduate Program We offer a unique training experience with multiple rotations and a comprehensive learning and development program for our graduates. We invest heavily in development to support graduates in fulfilling their potential. The program provides a practical business foundation for junior lawyers. You’ll receive: • •
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Meaningful work covering a wide range of practice areas Client contact and an in-depth understanding of how they operate in a commercial and regulatory environment The opportunity to work with a range of 149
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partners, senior associates and solicitors in different practice groups A practical understanding of areas of our legal practice A comprehensive knowledge of the firm, our technology, our resources, our processes and, of course, the people you’ll work with.
As part of the Graduate Program, we also offer a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course with the College of Law to our Australian Law graduates, ensuring that you meet the requirements for admission to legal practice. The program also promotes and supports the mobility of our staff across our offices, by giving you the opportunity to apply to go on exchange to one of our interstate or overseas offices. Through this, you are able to access a greater choice and variety of destinations and on-the-job experience. What We Look For We recruit high achieving, client centric, learning agile people with an international perspective. We understand that technical excellence is only one success factor. We value a range of skills in our employees and recognise that a diversity of strengths leads to best results. We are looking for people who have an intellectual curiosity and are intrinsically motivated. Excellent marks are not necessarily a predictor of career success. •
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Are you empathetic? Can you stand in the shoes of our client and experience the problem from their perspective? Is it more important to you to admire the problem or are you most interested in providing a practical, efficient and commercially sound solution? Are you traditional and risk averse or are you excited by a changing and fluid work environment? When you think about your career are you only focused on Australia, or do you appreciate
that Australia’s closest neighbours are the new power houses of the global economy? We believe in team work and the ‘Power of Together’. We are not a collection of siloed practices, but work closely across the network to pursue client opportunities. Through a high performance culture our results are realised through collaboration, innovation and engagement. What Distinguishes Us Our ability to connect Asia to the world and the world to Asia, is our key differentiator. Through local connections and deep understanding of the region’s culture we are focused on opening up the world’s fastest growth region for clients. King & Wood Mallesons is a unique employer for a number of reasons. As the only global law firm that can practice Chinese, Hong Kong, UK, European and Australian law, we offer real depth and local connections in China. Our Australian practice spans international, local and regional clients, focused on creating value in a real and tangible way. With an ambition to help clients to shape their business for the future – we can help you to shape your world too. That’s because our people are our future and a significant source of pride to us at KWM. We offer more than 200 years of collective knowledge and experience, and we know that our future is in the hands of the next generation of lawyers. As such, at KWM we make your development our priority, and encourage our lawyers to be innovative and creative in meeting our clients’ challenges. Career Development at our Firm At King & Wood Mallesons we adopt a holistic “70/20/10” learning philosophy. This means that we encourage an integrated approach to learning, where you build capability through a range of “formal” and “informal” learning experiences,
King & Wood Mallesons The Power of Together
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Meaningful work covering a wide range of practice areas, both in Australia and overseas Client contact and an in-depth understanding of how they operate in a commercial and regulatory environment The opportunity to work with a range of partners, senior associates and solicitors in different practice areas A practical understanding of our areas of legal practice A comprehensive knowledge of the firm, our technology, our resources, our processes, and of course the people you’ll work with.
As part of the Graduate Program, we also offer Practical Legal Training (PLT) for our Australian Law Graduates. PLT ensures that you meet the practical requirements for admission to legal practice. Delivered online during your first 6 months as a law graduate, it’s a customised, in house program conducted in association with the College of Law and aligned to the work you’ll do with us.
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KWM in Asia
Stephanie Swan Solicitor Just a few of years ago, I was in the position that you’re probably in now – attending careers fairs, applying for clerkships, creating endless lists of pros and cons, and trying to work out which firms tick your boxes. I’ve always had ambitions of doing a stint overseas, however I had no idea what that ‘stint’ would look like – whether it would be in private practice, in-house, as a junior solicitor or later-on in my career. Therefore, during the clerkship process, I was naturally on the look-out for a firm with a global presence that didn’t just look pretty on paper, but one that I could actually leverage. And so I started my career at the Melbourne office of King & Wood Mallesons in 2017, one of the major drawcards being KWM’s ‘International Graduate Program’ which offers graduates the opportunity to work in one of its overseas offices for their third and final six-month rotation. KWM also has a strong focus on strengthening cross-border and interdepartmental connections and collaboration more generally, so I was confident that there would also be opportunities to work in another office beyond the graduate program. Late in 2017, when transfers to KWM’s Hong Kong and Singapore offices were on the table, I applied to go to the firm’s headquarters in the bustling city of Hong Kong – and just a few months later, there I was in The Landmark building in Hong Kong. So what’s it like to work from the KWM office in Hong Kong? Well lucky for you, here’s a snapshot from the six months I spent there. There were four other graduates from Australia who were also in the Hong Kong office for their final rotation (two from Sydney, and one from each of Brisbane and Perth). I preferenced and was placed in the Corporate & Securities practice group, and was exclusively involved in private equity funds work. Given the volume of work was never-ending, I was given more responsibility than I perhaps ordinarily would as a third rotator, including liaising with clients directly. Given my prior experience in this area was limited to managing my own ‘funds’ (or lack thereof), it was somewhat of a steep learning curve – but hey, that’s the best way to learn. I was also able to get involved in a few extra-curricular activities organised by the firm, including joining the Dragonboat team (the Legal Professional Cup is a big thing in Hong Kong), and I went to the Rugby Sevens (tick that off the bucket list!). One way I like to experience a country and its culture is through its food – but some of the dishes I tried certainly aren’t for the faint hearted! And whilst I was busy with work and exploring everything the city has to offer, including hiking the nearby mountains, I certainly had some ‘I miss home’ phone calls. Living in Hong Kong also means that you’re just a hop, skip and a jump away from basically everything. The other graduates and I went on a few trips, including to Macau, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Taipei and Seoul. If an experience like this floats your boat, then have a think about what overseas opportunities each of the firms have to offer. If something a little closer to home is more up your alley, KWM also offers domestic transfers for its graduates for six months for their final rotation. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic cities, and encourage you to seek out similar opportunities. 152
think differently/thinkKWM At KWM we believe in a culture of collaboration. Grow as an individual, succeed as a team. That’s The Power of Together.
careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia
King & Wood Mallesons refers to the network of firms which are members of the King & Wood Mallesons network. See kwm.com for more information.
think differently/thinkKWM We are redefining what a law firm can be. Working for some of the world’s most innovative organisations, our people go beyond the law. They are inventors, designers and pioneers – translating smart ideas into ground-breaking solutions. KWM is a launchpad for endless opportunities. We want to help you think differently about yourself and the possibilities of where a career in the law might take you. WE OFFER: • Culture of innovation, collaboration and high performance • Multiple career pathways where you can shape your future • World-class training and coaching to unleash your full potential • High impact work for the world’s leading organisations • Relationships that last a lifetime
KWM graduate website https://careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia
InsideSherpa virtual experience program www.insidesherpa.com/king&woodmallesons 154
Lander & Rogers
Final year students considered: Yes
Level 12 Bourke Place 600 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 9269 9000 landers.com.au HR Kayleigh Grimwade – Graduate Program & Talent Acquisition careers.landers.com.au Application Process for Seasonal Clerkships In line with the LIV guidelines Method of Application for Graduate Traineeships Priority offers in line with the LIV guidelines Clerkship Positions Available 35 Between 10-15 per intake split across Summer 1, Summer 2 and Winter Key Dates Intake 1: November – December 2019 Intake 2: January – February 2020 Intake 3: June – July 2020 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: August – September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Recruitment from Graduate Market No Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking pool: 7-10 International students: No LIV signatory: Yes 156
About Us Here at Lander & Rogers, we’re proud to be an independent Australian law firm with some of the sharpest legal minds in the country advising publicly listed and private organisations, all levels of government, and individuals. Every day we work closely with leading clients. For us, it’s all about helping clients, understanding their challenges and opportunities, and offering genuine solutions that make their lives easier. This focus resulted in us being awarded Best Law Firm (revenue $50m - $200m) at The Financial Review Client Choice Awards 2018 - the 9th time in the last 10 years we have been a winner or finalist. Practice Areas • Commercial Disputes • General Insurance • Compensation Law • Family & Relationship Law • Corporate • Workplace Relations & Safety • Real Estate & Property Seasonal Clerkship Program The process is simple. Submit your CV, cover letter and academic transcript. A well prepared and presented letter and CV will increase your chances of an interview. As well as setting out your key skills and experience, we would like to see: • who you are – be yourself and let your personality shine through • your interests and hobbies – we recruit people who are passionate about their career in law, but who are also interested in things outside the law • what you can offer our firm and why we should recruit you • what attracts you to working with Lander & Rogers, demonstrating why you are genuinely interested in our firm.
Lander & Rogers
Candidates successful progressing through to the next stage of our process will be invited to complete an online assessment called Cognify, and a video interview. Cognify is a game based psychometric assessment there are seven interactive, individual games that will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete. The video interview gives us a chance to get to know you a bit better, it’s really convenient and comfortable for a candidate to undertake it in familiar surroundings, and importantly in their own time - we don’t catch you on the phone when you’re hopping onto the tram! The interview is a great opportunity to get to know each other. Before your interview we’ll make sure that you know who you’re meeting and where, so you’ll have time to prepare. First you’ll meet with a current or recent grad so you can warm up and get comfortable.
questions! Good luck! Graduate Traineeship Program We recruit graduates under the LIV priority offer system, so our graduate positions are filled via our seasonal clerk program. We ask eligible students, to apply at the end of the clerkship season. It’s important for you to reapply so we can see an updated copy of your CV that includes recent experiences and your academic transcript. And now that we know each other, you’re in a better position to express your interest in a career at Lander & Rogers in your accompanying letter. Priority Offer applications for graduate positions commencing in 2020 open on 12 July 2019 and close on 21 July 2019. Offers are made on 6 August 2019 at 10am.
Then you’ll meet with a partner and/or senior associate, plus one of our P&D team. It’ll be relaxed and conversational – an opportunity for you to expand on the information in your CV, and tell us more about you, your interests, and your aspirations in law and in life generally.
We have always been lucky enough to offer and fill all graduate positions through our seasonal clerk programs. If extra opportunities become available for graduates who have not completed a seasonal clerkship with us, we will add information on this page.
We’ll be looking for your potential based on what you’ve done already – your study (legal and otherwise), your work experience (legal and otherwise) and any university or volunteer activities you’ve tackled.
What We Look For We want people who embrace excellence in everything they do and people who are passionate about quality work, relationships and being part of an exceptional team. Above all, you are dynamic, insightful, and fresh thinking.
It’s about you, but it’s also a chance for you to question us. If there’s anything that you’d like to know about our firm and what it’s really like to work here, just ask. After the interviews are done, we invite everyone back to share a cocktail or two, and meet a larger group of our lawyers. You can ask even more
What Distinguishes Us here at Lander & Rogers we want people who embrace excellence in everything they do and people who are passionate about quality work, relationships and being part of an exceptional team. Landers is a great place to work and we provide an environment enabling you to challenge yourself, 157
be challenged, and make a genuine and positive impact on your colleagues, clients, and the broader community. We offer a personalised learning and development journey shaped by a human-centred approach. The health and wellbeing of our people is something we take very seriously, and proactively go about ensuring we act on what we say. This is delivered through our resilience program, physical and social activities. Housing excellent physical and virtual work environments, technology, and culture of innovation Landers makes it easy for you to perform at your best and enjoy yourself while doing it. Recent Accolades Lander & Rogers has received a number of awards and nominations: • Winner of Independent International Law Firm of the Year in Australia in the 2019 Corporate Intl Magazine Global Awards. • Winner of Best Law Firm (revenue $50m $200m) at The Financial Review Client Choice Awards 2018. • Finalist of Best Law Firm (revenue $50m $200m) at The Financial Review Client Choice Awards 2017. • Winner of Best Law Firm (revenue $50m - $200m), and the joint winner of Best Professional Services Firm (revenue $50m $200m), at The Financial Review Client Choice Awards 2016. • Finalist in the 2015 Financial Review Client Choice Awards for Best Provider to the Finance and Insurance Sector • Finalist in the 2015 Australasian Law Awards for Australian Law Firm of the Year (100-249 lawyers). • Ranked 14th as an employer of choice in the 2015 Lawyers Weekly Attraction Firms Survey. • Recognised as a top performer for pro bono work in the Australasian Lawyer 2015 Employer of Choice Survey.
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Extra-curricular Benefits and Activities Lander & Rogers offers a range of benefits to assist with career development, staying healthy and contributing to the community. We value our people and understand the importance of our staff maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. In particular, we make sure that opportunities for physical activity are easily available, such as offering weekly boot camp and yoga classes. We also make time for people to connect on a social level through our weekly staff drinks and other events. We provide our people with the tools they need to maximise their broader professional and personal needs, by offering financial assistance for postgraduate study, paid parental leave, and connections with the community through our Pro Bono & Community Support Committee. Culture and Diversity We take pride in our firm being diverse and inclusive. What makes us a consistently and independently rated as a top performing law firm by our clients is our diverse workforce including having the largest ratio of female partners across any law firm in Australia of size. Pro Bono Work We have invested more than $15M into pro bono and community engagement over the life of the practice and have contributed over 50,000 hours in pro bono legal work to our communities. 89% of our staff have been involved in pro bono work and contributed 45 hours per lawyer per year. We have invested more than $15million in the past 11 years to probono and community engagement Type of Work a Seasonal Clerk Will Undertake Our seasonal clerk programs are your opportunity to sample life in the law, and especially life at Landers – to see whether we’re right for you. Our clerkship programs build on your university education in a range of practical ways from structured training, to
Lander & Rogers
workshops, to formal and informal mentoring. But mostly by doing real work for real clients.
environment where they can approach problems differently and focus on driving solutions”.
Type of Work a Graduate Will Undertake Our graduate program offers four practice group rotations of three months each, covering both commercial and litigious areas of practice. This gives you an opportunity to understand different areas of the law and give you a range of experiences to help you choose an area of practice following qualification.
Be Excellent. Be Genuine. Be Vital. Exceptional. Together. Landers is a great place to work and we provide an environment enabling you to challenge yourself, be challenged, and make a genuine and positive impact on your colleagues, clients, and the broader community. You will work with and learn from our highly successful and experienced people, on a variety of challenging and inspiring experiences gained by partnering with amazing clients across a diverse sector group.
We will provide you with a first-rate introduction to the law and an exciting start to a rewarding career. Which builds on your university education in a range of practical ways from structured training, to workshops, to formal and informal mentoring. Here, you’ll gain firsthand experience working on matters and with our clients from day one. You’ll be given opportunities that will stretch you, so you can grow faster and achieve more. We’ll help you find your best. In addition to the practical, on-the-job learning in rotations, graduates complete a part-time Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with The College of Law, as well as our comprehensive in-house Graduate Learning & Development Program. We have been on the same journey you are about to embark on. That’s why we make sure you have the guidance you need to quickly find your feet. We set you up for success by offering a structured support network Additional Information Lander & Rogers is excited to be pioneering Australia’s first LawTech Hub of its kind. Lander & Rogers’ Chief Executive Partner, Genevieve Collins, explains, “The LawTech Hub by Lander & Rogers and powered by YBF Ventures reflects new ways of working. It will give our people and clients the opportunity to step out of their day-to-day
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Family and Relationship Law
Tamara Cook Senior Associate Family and Relationship Law Lander & Rogers Family and relationship law is an increasingly technical and specialised area of law. Our department practises solely in this complex area, and our thirty-six family lawyers have significant expertise in all aspects of property and children’s matters and related issues of family law. We are a team of highly experienced family law solicitors and a leading provider of family and relationship law services in Australasia and internationally. We are ranked First Tier in Doyles Guide’s Leading Family and Divorce Law firms in Australia 2017 and 2018, and our partners are also recognised as the best lawyers in their field by Best Lawyers in Australia and Doyles Guide. Our areas of expertise include: • matrimonial property proceedings in the Family Court of Australia dealing with an adjustment of property interests (acting for the parties to a marriage as well as third parties such as parents, companies etc.) • property proceedings arising out of the breakdown of de facto relationships and same sex relationships • children’s issues including contested residence and contact cases (custody and access) and specific issues dealing with a variety of matters including interstate and international relocations, freedom of movement cases, schooling and medical issues • child support and child maintenance matters • spousal maintenance proceedings • domestic violence matters • divorce proceedings • cohabitation agreements and separation agreements • artificial conception legal issues • step-parent adoptions Many family and relationship law matters involve a variety of related areas of law including corporate law, tax law, commercial disputes, property law, wills and estates and criminal law. Given the broad nature of our work, we also work closely with other professionals in specific areas including family counsellors, specialist lawyers in areas outside of family and relationship law, tax advisors, accountants, financial planners and specialist valuers. Often family and relationship law issues also extend beyond Australia’s borders as well as into Australian territory. We have strong relationships with family and relationship law practices overseas and work with our colleagues in these other jurisdictions to identify and implement the best outcomes for our clients, whether in Australia or abroad. As every matter is unique, different approaches and outcomes are appropriate for each matter. The different approaches we use depend on the client’s needs and circumstances and include:
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• • • •
direct conferencing mediation collaborative law litigation (if there is no other viable alternative).
Practising in family and relationship law is fast-paced, challenging and is definitely never boring. Our lawyers are engaged in work that includes: • appearing and instructing in VCAT, the Magistrates’ Court, the Federal Circuit Court and the Family Court; • conducting conferences, mediations and negotiating settlement outcomes; • drafting correspondence, court documents and agreements; and • preparing cases for court which can include gathering and assessing evidence, speaking to witnesses and developing strategy. Our team is also heavily involved in pro bono work including working with Justice Connect, inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence, Women’s Legal Service Victoria, various Community Legal Centres, Anti-Slavery Australia, Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention & Legal Service Victoria and the Human Rights Law Centre. From day one, our junior lawyers are provided with a high degree of autonomy, whilst also having the benefit of support and expertise from a team of highly experienced and qualified lawyers. Upon starting in the group, our junior lawyers have the opportunity to work directly with clients, appear and instruct at court and draft correspondence and court documents. Every day in family and relationship law brings something different and exciting.
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Maddocks
Maddocks Start your career from Day One at Maddocks
Additional Information Total number of graduates to be recruited from clerking pool: 10 International students: No LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Yes Collins Square | Tower Two Level 25 727 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 9258 3555 maddocks.com.au HR Emily Desmier – People & Culture Advisor emily.desmier@maddocks.com.au (03) 9258 3303 Application Process for Seasonal Clerkships Through graduate website – graduates.maddocks. com.au Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship Filled through seasonal clerks Clerkship Positions Available 30 Intake 1: 10 Intake 2: 10 Intake 3: 10 Key Dates Intake 1: 18 November – 13 December 2019 Intake 2: 28 January – 21 February 2020 Intake 3: 29 June – 24 July 2020 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: August - September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Recruitment from Graduate Market No
About Us Maddocks is a proudly independent Australian law firm founded in 1885 that has built a great reputation for working alongside private and public sector clients. We value collaboration, knowledge sharing and high standards of professionalism. We encourage diversity and foster open communication where individuality and personal expression are valued. Our partners are accessible and have hands-on involvement in the work we undertake for clients. We are serious about promoting innovative thinking to develop the way we work with our clients. In this environment, and with the depth of resources we provide, your career is nurtured and developed at every stage. Maddocks provides a supportive and flexible environment for all employees. More than a quarter of our people work flexibility, including more than 20% of our equity partners. You can join a range of activities that are supported by the firm. These include sporting activities such as the Australian Corporate Triathlon Series, City to Surf, Young Lawyers’ Run and various team sports. Regular Friday night drinks and other social functions give our people the chance to get to know each other better. Practice Areas We provide premium commercial legal services to corporates, businesses and governments throughout Australia and internationally. We advise clients across a range of sectors, including built environment, education, government, healthcare and technology. 163
Our practice areas in Melbourne are: • Commercial • Construction & Projects • Development • Dispute Resolution & Litigation • Employment, Safety & People • Property • Public Law Seasonal Clerkship Program From Day One you will receive a comprehensive experience of what it’s truly like to work at Maddocks. You will have challenging, meaningful work, gain exposure to clients, be given a good level of responsibility, work in a supportive and collaborative team and have regular access to our partners. The program begins with a comprehensive orientation which includes training and development activities and the chance to meet the people you will be working with. During the program you will have an opportunity to rotate through two practice groups of your preference, with support in each rotation from a Buddy and Coordinator. You will receive regular feedback from the Partners and others you work with, plus a feedback review at the end of each rotation. It’s important to have some fun too and you will have plenty of opportunities to experience life at Maddocks through a range of social and sporting activities. Graduate Traineeship Program To help you find your passion in the law, we offer a structured 12-month program with three rotations. You’ll work with reasonable autonomy on high quality, complex matters and have contact with clients. When you’re not working from the office, you’ll be attending external meetings and court appearances. As a graduate, you’ll be assigned a senior lawyer during each rotation who will act as a mentor and assist with your workflow. A junior lawyer will also 164
be assigned as your buddy to give you guidance and support. In addition to completing Practical Legal Training through the College of Law, we’ll provide you with specialised training for all our practice areas, as well as time management and communication skills to help you excel. What We Look For We don’t have a specific type of seasonal clerk we look for. We look for students who have a wellrounded experience and approach to life, who not only have the right academic ability but who also fit the firm’s culture and values. Our comprehensive application form and recruitment process enables us to get to know our candidates quite well so that we can effectively assess their suitability. What Distinguishes Us • Top tier training with meaningful access to partners • Flexible work options • Opportunities to make a difference through our pro bono program, the Maddocks Board Scholarship, The Maddocks Foundation and Small Grants Program • True diversity and inclusion Diversity We consider a vibrant, diverse and inclusive workforce to be critical to achieving our vision to be ‘a great Australian law firm’. We have a workforce that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we operate in. It’s part of our commitment to understanding our clients and their needs better than anyone else. Our recent achievements in inclusion and diversity include: • Recognised by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency as an Equal Opportunity Employer of Choice in 2018 – 15th consecutive year we have received this recognition • Given a Bronze Award by the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTI inclusion in
Maddocks Start your career from Day One at Maddocks
May 2018 – the first time we have been recognised for our LGBTI initiatives Pro Bono Work In FY18, Maddocks performed more than 8,007 hours of pro bono work, an average of 32.5 hours per full-time lawyer.
Maddocks ePortfolio was recently launched to provide up to the minute reporting on projects for our property development clients
Our pro bono practice is particularly focused on organisations and individuals who work in the areas of homelessness, mental health and assisting refugees. We are a signatory to the National Aspirational Pro Bono Target administered by the National Pro Bono Resource Centre. The aspirational target is 35 hours per year per fulltime lawyer. The Maddocks Foundation has been providing annual grants of up to $20,000 to Australian charitable organisations since 2007. In FY18, Maddocks donated or granted $240,000 to a range of community organisations. Innovation at Maddocks One of the core values at Maddocks is innovation. We are constantly looking at new ways of doing things and keeping up with technology. Through our innovation strategy, MaddX, which is designed to get our people thinking of ways we can add value to our clients and to the firm. Maddocks is working with innovation leader Inventium to train our people in design thinking methodology. About 200 of our people have received this training in the past 12 months. Maddocks uses the Luminance AI platform to assist in streamlining due diligence process. Maddocks eContracts is one of the leading electronic contract exchange platforms, with about one-third of all contracts handled by the firm now done so electronically.
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Employee Spotlight
Bronte Wright Lawyer Public Law Maddocks From day one at Maddocks, I knew it was the place I wanted to start my career. With my favourite university subject being administrative law, it made sense that I was attracted to a firm with a strong government client base. However it was more than that, I felt like I belonged. I was working with interested, and interesting, people who deeply valued the law, and their clients. Every day I get to apply administrative law principles, litigate and provide advice for commercially savvy clients. My practice is diverse and varied depending on the client, the day and the partner who I am working for at the time. It certainly keeps life interesting! So, what was my career path like? • In 2010, I graduated Secondary School. • In 2011, I commenced a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Studies. • Throughout my degree, I completed work experience at Barwon Legal Community Service, Coulter Roache, Racing Victoria, Tennis Australia, Transport Accident Commission and the United States House of Representatives. I also did Seasonal Clerkships at Clayton Utz, Maddocks and Transport Accident Commission. • In 2016, I commenced as a Graduate at Maddocks, rotating through the Commercial, (then) Commercial Disputes, Property and Public Law teams. • In 2017, I settled as a Lawyer in Public Law. What is the key difference between university and practising law? University teaches you skills and techniques to find information you need to know to provide legal advice. Actually then providing that advice is very different. In practice, essays become a thing of the past and you may be applying and analysing the law by providing phone advice, or by drafting anything from court documents to emails to letters. This may seem daunting at first but as soon as you are comfortable with the different style of learning, you start to get the hang of it. Deakin University exposes you to the distinction between studying and practising the law through assessments – don’t underestimate how important these assessments can be. Does work/life balance exist for me? Absolutely! I try to keep to a consistent routine at work so I do not miss out on the other important parts of my life – spending time with my partner, family and friends, watching Richmond play and performing in musicals when the opportunities arise. What’s my advice to students who are applying for Seasonal Clerkships? Really take time to think about where you will apply. Apply for the places you genuinely want to work, not where you feel (or are told) you should work. Not every person suits every firm and that is a good thing. Find the place for you. 166
Practical legal training
Maddocks Start your career from Day One at Maddocks
What’s my advice for students who are successful in obtaining a Seasonal Clerkship or Graduate Traineeship? 1. If you demonstrate enthusiasm, the interesting work will follow. 2. As junior lawyers, our role is to help others – senior lawyers, partners and, of course, clients. There is nothing better than having a Seasonal Clerk or Graduate come and ask me how they can help.
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graduates.maddocks.com.au
company/maddocks
From Day One you’ll experience what it’s like to work at Maddocks
maddockslawyers
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You will have challenging, meaningful work, gain exposure to clients, work in a supportive and collaborative environment and have access to partners. Join our clerkship program and access real client work for high calibre clients, outstanding training and development and become part of a firm where you’re involved from Day One. Find out more at graduates.maddocks.com.au
MinterEllison
About MinterEllison The game has changed. Be part of it. Rialto Towers 525 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 8608 2000
Join us as we embrace new technologies and innovations making us truly ‘our clients’ best partner’.
minterellison.com HR Katherine Wood – Graduate Resourcing Consultant katherine.wood@minterellison.com (03) 8608 2699 Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship Cover letter, CV, application questions, psych testing, two rounds of interviews. Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship Expressions of interest from prior clerks. Clerkship Positions Available 60-70 Intake 1: 30-35 Intake 2: 30-35 Key Dates Intake 1: 26 November – 14 December 2019 Intake 2: late June-early July (dates TBC) Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: August - September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019
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The firm has a clear strategic direction and a strong plan for growth as we advance our peoples’ careers with record numbers of promotions. Last year, the firm won the award for ‘Best Learning & Development Program’ at the Australian HR Awards. The win highlights our commitment to our people and to providing second-to-none development programs and initiatives. Giving our people the opportunity to explore their interests and fast-track their career - that’s what we believe in at MinterEllison. The MinterEllison clerk and graduate programs are comprehensive learning programs designed to give you the skills to be more than just a technically excellent lawyer. You will become a trusted adviser to our clients and develop a thorough understanding of the commercial landscape we operate in.
Recruitment from Graduate Market No Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking Approximately 30 International Students: No LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Yes
MinterEllison is an international law firm, headquartered in Australia, and regarded as one of the Asia-Pacific’s premier firms. We are a borderless firm – meaning our multi-disciplinary and industryfacing lawyers collaborate across our offices in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the UK delivering truly seamless and innovative solutions to our clients. At the same time, our independence makes us agile to change with client and market demands.
pool:
Clerkship Program If you choose to start your career at MinterEllison, your experience in the first few years will be full of of challenging and exciting work, support and mentorship and professional and personal growth.
MinterEllison Innovative, Collaborate, Inspire
Our clerkship program gives you the opportunity to test out what life is like at MinterEllison and provides you with a taste of graduate life. Our program starts with a comprehensive orientation program where you will be given all the practical tools to set yourself up for success. You will also be allocated a supervisor for daily support who will help you manage your workload, and a ‘buddy’ for extra insight and advice. You will be allocated to one practice group for the three week duration, although you will have the opportunity through a number of formal and informal avenues to learn about all groups within the firm. What Type of Work Can a Clerk Expect to Undertake? Our clerkship program offers critical and meaningful work experience, structured by a comprehensive orientation program and learning on the job to build both technical skills and commercial knowhow. During our program you will: • work closely with partners and lawyers on active matters to meet deadlines • produce quality and meaningful work • participate in tangible learning & development activities and • attend social and networking events Graduate Program The graduate program gives you the opportunity to rotate through multiple practice groups as well as pro bono and commercial secondment opportunities. You will gain practical experience in different areas of the law which are of interest to you. We boast one of the largest service offerings, providing you with the opportunity to rotate through various transactional, advisory and litigious practice groups. Our structured development program includes: • the MinterEllison Practical Legal Training program in partnership with the College of Law • ongoing technical legal skills sessions to ensure you develop your technical excellence
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a strengths based program focussing on developing behaviours, such as business acumen and communication styles
When you start your career with us, you receive tailored learning in both technical and commercial skills such as client interaction, business development and interpersonal dynamics. Our program provides everything you’ll need to build a successful, long-term legal career. What are We Looking for in a Clerk? At MinterEllison we are not looking for people to fit a mould. Academics are just one piece of the puzzle and we recognise the strength that diversity can bring to a team. Work experience, extra-curricular activities, sporting participation, music and travel are all important criteria to us. At MinterEllison we want you to bring your whole self to work - individual strengths and diversity are what build our teams up to be the successes they are. What is the Application and Interview Process? MinterEllison’s application and interview process includes an online application form, cover letter, CV, transcript, psychometric testing and up to two rounds of interviews. Partners, senior associates, lawyers and our Talent (Human Resources) team each play a role in the interview process. The interview will touch on the questions asked in the application form as well as your experience outside of the classroom. What is the Firm’s Approach to Pro-bono? At MinterEllison, we take great pride in developing genuine, long-term relationships with our community. Each year we provide support and assistance to people and organisations in a variety of different ways. The focus areas of our community work are driven by our people with a focus on breaking cycles of disadvantage.
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Our community partnerships ensure that resources are targeted effectively where assistance is most needed, with our contribution including pro bono legal work, staff volunteer hours, in-kind support and financial assistance in the form of community grants and a matched workplace giving program. In 2018 our people commitment to over 32,000 hours of pro bono work which had a commercial value of $9.7 million dollars. We have strong local pro bono practices and a national commitment to the Homeless Persons Legal Clinics in Brisbane and Melbourne, and the Homeless Persons Legal Service in Sydney. Some of the other initiatives we were involved in were the annual Darkness to Daylight Challenge, the Vinnies CEO Sleep out and partnership with the Westpac Foundation on a number of social enterprises. What is the Firm’s Position on Diversity and Inclusion? At MinterEllison diversity and inclusion is about creating a high-performance culture that values individual contribution, teamwork, innovation and productivity regardless of background, race, ethnicity, disability, gender, faith, sexual orientation or family structures. Inclusion is at the core of our values and we firmly believe our people will be more successful and happier in their careers if they are able to bring their whole selves to work. We are committed to leveraging the advantage of a diverse and inclusive workforce through our Empower Program, our Pride Respect & Inclusion at MinterEllison (PRiME) network, and our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. MinterEllison is proud to be a WGEA Employer of Choice for Women and 172
a Silver AWEI Employer for the LGBTI+ community. What is the Firm’s Position on Work/Life Balance? We support a range of flexible and agile working arrangements including part-time, job-sharing, variable start and finish times and working from home. We also offer unpaid leave opportunities for special requirements not covered by our usual leave policies. Typically this may cover study, overseas work experience and judges associateships. Benefits Offered by the Firm: MinterEllison has a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support our people and create a working environment that is conducive to mental and physical health. Some of these initiatives are: • free gym memberships • discounted corporate health insurance • subsidised in-house massages in all offices • free annual influenza vaccination clinic on the premises • free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counselling service for employees and their immediate family on work or family related issues • free health, wellbeing & lifestyle sessions presented by health professionals and providers on an array of topics.
Minter Ellison ??
MinterEllison achieves the right balance between celebrating individualism and teamwork, which has created an environment where diversity, inclusion and personal growth are highly valued.� Tyrone Kelly Vacation Clerk
The world is full of relentless disruption. Now is the time to reimagine the future as we know it. The next generation of graduates will mark a change in closing the gap between who we are today and where we are headed to better meet market demands. More than ever, we need creative thinkers, innovators and agents of change.
The game has changed. Be part of it.
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graduates.minterellison.com
What to Expect from a Clerkship at MinterEllison
Isobel Carmody Graduate, MinterEllison Prior to starting as a graduate at MinterEllison, I did a clerkship with the firm. MinterEllison places you in one practice group for the duration of your clerkship (three weeks). I ended up being placed in the PIC team I had absolutely no experience or knowledge about the area before the clerkship. Thankfully there’s no expectation that you need know anything before you start. I found even the senior lawyers were always happy to take the time to explain things and help direct me to useful resources. By the end of the clerkship, I was amazed at how much I had learnt. And I even came back as a paralegal, and now as a lawyer, to continue learning about construction law. Every clerk is assigned a supervisor (usually a partner or a senior associate) and a buddy (usually a junior lawyer). I definitely asked my buddy many ‘basic’ questions during my clerkship (I still do as a junior lawyer), something which I highly encourage every clerk to do. If you don’t know something, ask. No one was ever too busy to answer my questions, and asking questions helps you produce better work and prevents you from making mistakes. Also, the more questions you ask, the more you learn and the more you get out of the clerkship. During my clerkship, I was involved in a mix of interesting matters. The work I was given was real work that was actually used on these matters, and included research tasks, preparing presentations and articles on recent developments in construction regulation, drafting correspondence and reviewing contracts. At MinterEllison, PIC does both transactional work and disputes work, which means you can get exposure to both types of practices in the one clerkship. Once you’ve done the work, it’s important to make sure you get feedback. I found that, as a team, PIC was very good at making sure you got feedback and that you saw where your contribution helped the final product presented to the client. It is rewarding to see how your work is being used or to see that you have contributed to the final product in some way. Sometimes you may need to follow up and ask for feedback. This not only helps you learn from your mistakes and how you’re tracking, but also helps you understand how your team works and helps demonstrate that you’re interested and invested in the work you are doing. However, a clerkship is not just about work. Clerkships are very social, and you get to meet a lot of really great people. You will have a group of fellow clerks who are going through the same process and challenges as you are. There’s always someone to spend your lunch break with, or to join you on a coffee run. I still keep in touch with friends from my clerkships, even though I may not work with them anymore.
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MinterEllison
Practical Tax – Transfer legal Pricing training
Innovative, Collaborate, Inspire
Sian Jackson-Findlay Senior Associate Transfer Pricing, MinterEllison The field of transfer pricing is dynamic and international, bringing together both legal and economic concepts to advise multinational groups in structuring their global operations. As a transfer pricing professional, you gain deep insights into the commercial operations of your clients, as well as the industry they operate in. Australian transfer pricing laws apply the ‘arm’s length principle’ to ensure Australian members of multinational groups are interacting with their related parties on a commercial basis. The common transfer pricing transactions involve the provision and receipt of services, intellectual property, tangible goods and finance from related entities within their global group.
Transfer pricing is a current focus area for the Australian Taxation Office, and as such the number of transfer pricing disputes are on the rise. The significant increase in the volume of global trade undertaken by multinational groups also drives new and interesting work. As one of the few law firms with an integrated team of transfer pricing specialists, MinterEllison is well position to continue growing in this space. Transfer pricing work at its core is internationally focussed, providing opportunities to develop knowledge and expertise on how the Australian operations fit into a global value chain, and many opportunities to work overseas. As transfer pricing advisors working at MinterEllison, we are lucky to be exposed to both front and back-end work. This involves working closely with large multi-national groups both in providing front-end advice prior to, and in the early stages of a transaction, and in back-end disputes with the ATO. The front-end focus provides opportunities to work on large M&A deals, provide input into the global operational and supply chain structures of multinationals, and build a deep understanding of a range of industry sectors. The back-end focus provides the opportunity to engage with the ATO in pre-litigation disputes, including both audits and early engagement on transaction pricing, as well as seeing the matter through to trial in some circumstances. At times we are able to work with a client through the full life-cycle, advising on structuring of operations and pricing of transactions, and engaging with the ATO to agree an outcome through an advance pricing arrangement. As a multi-disciplinary team including lawyers, economists and accountants, we are looking for those with diverse skill sets including an aptitude for numbers, as much of our work involves advising on a client’s economic and commercial circumstances. 175
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright Law around the world
Recruitment from Graduate Market Generally not.
Level 15 485 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 8686 6000 nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com/au HR Gabby Sujevich – Human Resources Coordinator gabby.sujevich@nortonrosefulbright.com Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship To apply for one of our clerkship programs, you will need to apply online. You should also submit your academic transcript, an up-to-date CV and a covering letter. Please ensure that you include your contact details, your education/qualification details, work experience and any extra-curricular activities that you participate in. The interview process consists of two interviews and an information session over a number of weeks. You will have the opportunity to meet Partners and Associates from different groups across the practice. Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship Recruited from Seasonal Clerkship Clerkship Positions Available 70 nationally Key Dates Melbourne intake: 25 November – 20 December Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019
Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking pool: 35-40 nationally International students: No LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: No About Us Norton Rose Fulbright Australia is a member of the Norton Rose Fulbright Group, one of the world’s largest international legal practice offering a full business law service to many of the world’s preeminent financial institutions and corporations. We are one of the largest international legal practices in Australia, with over 600 lawyers in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Knowing how our clients’ businesses work and understanding what drives their industries is fundamental to us. Our lawyers share industry knowledge and sector expertise across borders, enabling us to support our clients anywhere in the world. We are strong in financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and health care. We take the view that we are only as strong as our people – which is why quality training and flexible work programs are paramount to our business. We deliver an extensive range of training programs targeted at specific stages of our lawyers’ professional development. Our graduate lawyers have the opportunity to be involved in a unique International Rotation Program and to spend time in one of our International offices.
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Practice Areas Litigation, Insurance, Employment & Labour, Construction, Environment & Planning, Banking & Finance, Financial Restructuring & Insolvency, Real Estate and Corporate M&A. Our Melbourne litigators are renowned for successfully concluding very large litigation matters, including cross-border commercial claims, class actions and infrastructure construction disputes. We are acting for 7-Eleven in defending a class action issued against it in the Federal Court of Australia by a lead franchisee. The class action makes a wide range of claims against 7-Eleven about the operation of the franchise network, the enforceability of various terms of the franchise agreement and the role of 7-Eleven in store sales. Claims are also being made against the ANZ Bank and 7-Eleven Inc (an independent US company). We are defending the proceeding and have had to take action to address misleading representations being made to the class member by the solicitors acting for the lead applicants. This has been particularly challenging as the class action was issued in the wake of significant adverse media publicity and political/regulatory attention against 7-Eleven and the franchising industry generally over the past two years. Seasonal Clerkship Program Our summer clerkship program offers a real taste of life as a Graduate, including: attending client meetings and teleconferences, visits to court, research, preparation of court documents, drafting deeds/contracts, discovery and much more. There will also be additional activities for you to take advantage of including: • Key skills training with our Learning and Development team • Q&A sessions with our leaders • Presentations about practice areas and deals • Networking and social events 178
The focus of our program is on quality rather than quantity and generally we will offer all of our summer clerks a graduate position. Assuming you perform well as a summer clerk, you will be offered a graduate role through the priority offer process. We hope to provide a graduate role to every summer clerk so we hire the same number of clerks as we have available graduate positions. Graduate Traineeship Program We have designed the graduate program to give you the widest exposure to our world. It features a minimum of two rotations across twelve months, each of which will broaden your understanding of our work, our clients and our global reach. When you commence as a graduate, we will support your Practical Legal Training through the College of Law. You will receive onsite training, study leave allowance and the cost of your course covered. You will also be eligible to apply for a 6 month rotation to one of our international offices. Throughout the graduate program, we provide inhouse specialist training through our world-class global learning and development framework. Our training will build your career both as a lawyer and a business adviser. In addition to all of this, we will provide you with all the support, insights and advice you could possibly need to help you realise your potential and decide on your future direction. What We Look For We are looking for people who share Norton Rose Australia’s values – Unity, Quality and Integrity. Successful candidates should be in their penultimate year of studying law. Life experience is also highly regarded at Norton Rose Fulbright, be it in the form of work experience; an involvement with campus, or non-campus, clubs and societies; travel; or even a previous career before embarking on law.
Norton Rose Fulbright Law around the world
The way summer clerks and graduates interact with our clients is as important as their working relationships with colleagues. A genuine passion for the law will not only drive career progression but inspire candidates to be part of a great team. At Norton Rose Fulbright you will enjoy a high level of access to Partners, working in a non-hierarchical and supportive culture. Although academic achievement is important it is considered in the much broader context of your other life experiences. What Distinguishes Us Our Graduate Program provides you with the opportunity to do a six month secondment in one of our offices. So far, our Graduates have done secondments in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, South America and the United States of America. Knowing how our clients business works and understanding what drives their industries is fundamental to us. Our lawyers share industry knowledge and sector expertise across borders, enabling us to support our client’s anywhere in the world. We have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We aim to be an employer of choice worldwide by valuing difference, promoting a culture of respect for each individual, and encouraging workforce diversity in all aspects and at all levels. We offer education assistance support to all staff and design and deliver development programmes addressing our employee’s specific needs. Our award winning International Academies are delivered to Associates, Senior Associates and Special Counsel at the relevant stages of their career.
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Russell Kennedy Lawyers
Russell Kennedy Lawyers
Russell Kennedy Centre Level 12 469 La Trobe Street Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 9609 1555 russellkennedy.com.au HR Britt Giles – People & Culture Officer bgiles@rk.com.au 03 8640 2301 Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship All applications must be submitted online, via our website. We will contact shortlisted applicants to participate in a short 5 – 10 minute telephone interview. Successful candidates will then be invited to participate in a 30 to 40 minute face-to-face interview with a Principal, a Senior Associate and a People & Culture representative. Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship Submission of resume, cover letter and updated transcript to be submitted online, via our website. Clerkship Positions Available 25-30 available for 2019/20 Intake 1: 10* Intake 2: 9* Intake 3: 9* *Numbers based on last year’s intakes Key Dates Intake 1: 18 November – 13 December 2019
(4 weeks) Intake 2: 18 January – 21 February 2020 (4 weeks) Intake 3: 22 June – 10 July 2020 (3 weeks) Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: August – September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Recruitment from Graduate Market No Additional Information Graduates recruited form clerking pool: 6-8 International students: No LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: Yes About Us Russell Kennedy Lawyers is a leading Australian law firm with offices in Melbourne and Sydney. We provide our clients with market-leading expertise, outstanding service and exceptional legal solutions. Russell Kennedy works for a broad range of clients. Our clients are from all levels of government, private and public companies and not-for-profit organisations. We have significant experience across the following industry sectors: Aged Care and Retirement Living, Not-for-Profit, Health, Property Development, and Government. The success of Russell Kennedy is based on our strong client relationships fostered over many years, this success is underpinned by a strong and committed team. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of a positive working environment that facilitates collaboration and empowers our people to reach their potential. We have a diverse workforce, we promote diversity of thought and respectful participation of people across all roles and levels of the firm.
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Practice Areas Our areas of practice include: • Corporate & Commercial Advisory • Dispute Resolution • Family Law • Information Technology • Intellectual Property • Mergers & Acquisitions • Personal Injury & Compensation • Planning & Environment • Pro Bono • Property & Development • Prosecutions • Public & Administrative Law • Royal Commissions • Statutory Interpretation • Wills & Estate Plannings • Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety Seasonal Clerkship Program Our Seasonal Clerkship Program is designed to give you a real taste of life at Russell Kennedy. We have designed the program to be informative and interesting to help you decide whether you would like to apply for a Law Graduate position. Russell Kennedy also offers a seasonal clerkship position to a student with disability for the 2019 – 2020 Seasonal Clerkship Program, known as the ‘Access RK Seasonal Clerkship’. The Access RK Seasonal Clerkship forms part of the Russell Kennedy Diversity and Inclusion strategy, with the successful applicant participating in the Russell Kennedy Seasonal Clerkship Program. From the outset, clerks are paired with a mentor and a buddy in their allocated practice group who will ensure that they receive the necessary support to get the most out of their time with us. Our clerks will be doing real work such as drafting correspondence, assisting with research, attending court and participating in client meetings. Clerks will also be able to attend our in-house seminars 182
for professional development and spend time with our current Law Graduates to learn about their experiences, challenges and triumphs. We also encourage our clerks to get involved in the pro bono work available at Russell Kennedy. Graduate Traineeship Program The Russell Kennedy Law Graduate Program involves four rotations for three months each. Law Graduates rotate through each of the firms practice group areas, which ensures that they are given the opportunity to gain experience in each of the areas by the end of their Graduate year. Ideally by the end of the program, Law Graduates can make an informed decision on which practice area they might like to settle in. Upon commencement, Law Graduates are allocated a Principal Supervisor for their graduate year. They meet with their Principal Supervisor on a regular basis to ensure they are up-to-date with their SLT workbook and that they have reached the appropriate level of competence. In addition to this, we also allocate the Law Graduates a buddy and assistant supervisor for each rotation. They will both assist with the transition from university to full-time employment. What We Look For Naturally a sound academic record is an important starting point, however we also look for other attributes such as extra-curricular interests and life experiences outside of your studies. These may include things such as previous work experience, volunteer work, travel, sporting or cultural interests. Stand out candidates are students who are passionate about their future legal career. We also look for candidates who are confident in their interactions, demonstrate strong people skills, are able to work in a team and are excited by learning and being challenged.
Russell Kennedy Lawyers
We also like to see our applicants have done some prior research about Russell Kennedy. This includes the type of work we are actively involved in and can clearly explain why you would like to work here. It’s important that applicants are able to demonstrate they are able to balance work and study with other interests. What Distinguishes our Firm from Others At Russell Kennedy you’ll receive hands-on experience, quality mentoring from senior and junior lawyers and access to valuable learning opportunities. Our employees get to work on projects and directly with clients. Our size means that everyone is valued and has the opportunity to do meaningful work that they enjoy. We are collaborative in our approach in setting clear career goals, expectations and plans for all employees and provide extensive training and development opportunities. We have a dedicated Health and Well-being Program, and a genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion and gender equality. Our people are committed to making a difference for our clients, and delivering lasting change for our community. In April 2019, Russell Kennedy (Melbourne) and Aitken Lawyers (Sydney) merged to create a 270-strong practice. The merger strengthens our client offering, expands the locations we can service clients and allows us to deliver a greater depth of expertise. We build long-standing relationships with our clients and work hard to attract and retain the best people. Our two firms share similar cultures and values, and both are committed to making a difference through our work across industry sectors that matter to communities.
Russell Kennedy’s Commitment to Pro Bono Work/Community Involvement Russell Kennedy is a strong supporter of pro bono work and is committed to making a difference. We provide free legal services to address unmet legal need, and to ensure access to justice for disadvantaged people. We strive to make a positive impact for our community. Our Pro Bono practice primarily focuses on not-for-profit law, refugee and citizenship law, climate justice, wills and estates, employment law, administrative law, property and leasing law, dispute resolution and strategic litigation. We work collaboratively with community organisations to offer legal advice and assistance to people who are disadvantaged or marginalised and cannot afford legal aid. We also provide a range of pro bono services such as community legal education, law reform and research work, administrative and litigation support, staff secondments to community organisations and financial assistance. Russell Kennedy is a proud member of Justice Connect and the Law Institute of Victoria legal assistance service (LIVLAS). We also accept referrals from community legal centres, social services organisations and other not-for-profit organisations. Russell Kennedy has been a signatory to the National Pro Bono Target since 2011. All applications for pro bono assistance are assessed against our pro bono policy which considers their relevance to human rights principles, the impact of the outcome and the public interest. Our Seasonal Clerks will have the opportunity to preference and rotate through our Pro Bono team.
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Diversity & Inclusion at Russell Kennedy Russell Kennedy promotes a workplace culture that actively embraces and fosters diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to create an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. This is regardless of cultural, ethnic, racial, gender, age, religious differences, personal circumstances, abilities and disabilities, socioeconomics and sexual orientation. We want our people to feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, to an environment where their talents are nurtured, empowering them to contribute to the success of the firm. Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and has a number of initiatives to ensure that we continue to actively encourage diversity in all its forms. In 2019, we were pleased to once again be publically recognised as an organisation committed to gender equality being granted an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation by the Australian Government statutory agency, Workplace Gender Equality Agency. Our commitment to inclusion and diversity is evident with Russell Kennedy forming a Diversity & Inclusion Committee. The Committee sets the firm’s diversity and inclusion strategy and sponsors initiatives to promote diversity in the workplace.
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Discover your potential
Seasonal Clerkship Program Our Seasonal Clerkship Program is designed to give you a taste of life at Russell Kennedy. It’s a great insight into working here, especially as a lawyer starting out. We’ve designed the program to be informative and interesting, and help you decide whether you’d like to apply for a Law
Graduate position. You’ll be partnered with a mentor who’ll ensure you get the most out of your time with us. You’ll be doing client work — like drafting correspondence, assisting with research, attending court and participating in client meetings. You’ll also be able to participate
in our in-house seminars for professional development and spend time with our current Law Graduates to learn about their experiences, challenges and triumphs. For further information visit: russellkennedy.com.au/careers
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Thomson Geer
Thomson Geer A large Australian corporate law firm
Level 39 Rialto South Tower 525 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 8080 3500 tglaw.com.au HR Philip Shoppee – Acting People & Development Adviser P&D@tglaw.com.au Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship The first stage of our process involves your application being submitted through our website using cvMail. The first round of our interview process is a video interview. This provides you with an opportunity to perform at your best, by providing you with time to consider the questions, conduct limited research and present your responses. Applications that are selected to progress beyond this stage will be invited to a Firm Information and Networking Evening with our Melbourne Partners. You will have an opportunity to engage directly with our Partners, learn more about the firm and gain an understanding of the contribution you may be able to make. Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship Graduate offers are made to previous Clerks. Clerkship Positions Available 12 to 16 Intake 1: 6-8 Intake 2: 6-8
Key Dates Intake 1: November – December 2019 Intake 2: January – February 2020 Applications open: 8 July 2019 Applications close: 11 August 2019 Interview period: August – September 2019 Offers released: 10 October 2019 Recruitment from Graduate Market No Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking pool: This is dependent on business needs, but as a guide we would make offers to 15-20 graduates nationally each year. International students: No LIV signatory: Yes Final year students considered: No About Us We are a large Australian Corporate law firm. We have around 550 people, including 108 Partners operating out of our offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. By size we are one of the 10 largest law firms in Australia, and the 5th largest independent Australian law firm. Our industry coverage and client work is diverse. We have access to high quality work for major institutional clients in sectors such as banking, construction, energy, health, telecommunications, property development and gaming and leisure, giving our lawyers exposure to excellent work while maintaining small teams where each lawyer gets to develop and learn from senior lawyers, including partners. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work, and our transparency. We are driven by our client’s needs.
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Practice Areas Our key practice areas in Melbourne are: • Corporate & Commercial (including M&A) • Taxation • Banking & Finance • Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Property, Projects & Environment • Construction • Employment & Workplace Relations • General & Workplace Insurance
Graduate Traineeship Program Students who complete a clerkship with us will be eligible to be considered for a position in our next graduate program, commencing in 2021. In Melbourne, we offer our graduates the opportunity to complete a Supervised Workplace Traineeship (SWT), which runs for 12 months and includes rotation among different practice areas to expand your skills and help determine the area of law which best suits you.
However, as a truly national firm, all our lawyers, regardless of location, have an opportunity to work on matters ranging across all practice areas in our firm. We often establish cross-jurisdictional teams across the States in which we operate, giving the opportunity to all of our lawyers to broaden their exposure and experience.
All Thomson Geer graduates complete comprehensive training in-house, as well as structured external training which supports them to become well-rounded and technically competent practitioners, fully qualified to gain admission to practice.
Seasonal Clerkship Program We offered a structured program where clerks learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching and observation. During your clerkship with Thomson Geer you will: • undertake meaningful work for real clients, including opportunities to attend client meetings, observe court proceedings, conduct legal research, draft correspondence and court documents and develop technical skills in areas such as drafting, due diligence and disclosure • have the assistance and support of a supervising partner and a junior lawyer who remembers what it was like to be a new clerk and can act as a buddy/mentor • have weekly catch ups with your buddy and with People & Development • have secretarial support and access to fantastic technology and research resources • participate in a formal performance review process with your supervising partner and buddy to reflect on your development and capture feedback from your colleagues.
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Our graduates are provided with considerable access to our Partners, resulting in unparalleled learning and development opportunities. You will have access to a high level of information to assist in the development of your commercial career, and will be mentored by senior lawyers and supported by junior staff. Most importantly – your supervising Partner will be genuinely interested in and committed to your success and the progression of your career towards admission and beyond. What We Look For We are looking for hard-working and motivated law students who have excelled academically, are customer focused, commercially minded, work well in a team environment and are enthusiastic about commencing their career with a dynamic law firm. We are especially keen to talk to students who have an additional technical degree. Our clerks are curious, hungry to learn and committed to constant innovation and improvement.
Thomson Geer A large Australian corporate law firm
When we receive a clerkship application, these are the things that make you stand out from the crowd:
our clients, which make Thomson Geer a great place to work.
Demonstrating an understanding of, and interest in, the commercial environment, as this helps our clerks contribute to the success of our clients.
Our wellbeing@work program supports employees to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Our employees love to get involved in triathlons, mixed sporting teams and yoga, and they enjoy massages and healthy breakfasts.
Demonstrating a dedication to pursuits outside of your university studies. Whether it be in work or community interests, being able to show that you constantly seek opportunities to contribute more than is expected – in both your personal or professional pursuits. We hold in high regard a commitment to continuous self-improvement. We look for a strong work ethic in our clerks, so we look for an application that is able to demonstrate that. And importantly, be yourself! Inject your personality into your application, so we get a feel for how you would fit into our firm. All of our clerks are viewed as potential graduates, and all of our graduates as potential leaders. We therefore look for the same qualities in our clerks and graduates that our lawyers need to possess. What It’s Like To Work For Us The law is an incredibly rewarding profession, but we recognise it can be demanding. For this reason we create an environment that is flexible, friendly, personable, collegiate & professionally stimulating.
We also have an active social committee, providing lots of opportunities to develop close relationships with your colleagues. What Our Graduates Say About Us The graduate program offered at Thomson Geer is unique in that it offers “Supervised Legal Training” which allows graduates to satisfy competencies onsite through active involvement on real matters. All practice groups encourage working for all team members to ensure that graduates are exposed to a diverse range of work and working styles. In my experience, there has been a certain amount of autonomy which has allowed me the confidence to self-organise and work out how to best approach tasks. I have felt supported in all challenges with practitioners consistently providing feedback, which has proven to be an exercise in learning but also teamwork.
We work hard to enhance this culture through transparent, authentic communication, and by ensuring we are respectful and accountable to each other every day to provide an environment where our staff can grow personally & professionally. Our clients are at the centre of everything we do; so it is not only the openness we demonstrate in our dealings with each other, but also the wellestablished and trusting relationships we have with
Taylor Kayes | Law Graduate 189
I first joined Thomson Geer as a summer clerk in 2017. During the clerkship program I was provided with unparalleled hands-on experience and had the opportunity to assist the disputes team not only during the lead up to trial, but also throughout the trial itself and during the settlement negotiations that eventuated. Although the clerkship program only lasted four weeks, I was quickly made to feel a part of the team and received strong mentorship throughout. The unprecedented experience I had during my clerkship led me to accept a position in Thomson Geer’s graduate program in 2018. My expectations of the graduate program were surpassed. The variety of experiences I was exposed to, along with the level of support offered by Thomson Geer, provided me with an exceptional foundation upon which I can hopefully build a highly successful legal career.
Kate De Highden | Law Graduate
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Connect with us... Thomson Geer @ThomsonGeer www.tglaw.com.au
ADVICE | TRANSACTIONS | DISPUTES Domestic & Cross Border www.tglaw.com.au Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide
ARRIVE... AT A LARGE AUSTRALIAN CORPORATE LAW FIRM
Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide
WHY CHOOSE US?
DEVELOPING YOU
FINALIST
We know you’re not just a student on work experience. We want to give you a realistic, stretching introduction to the legal profession.
We will dedicate time to your development as an up-andcoming lawyer in our team: an investment in you is an investment in our future, and the future of our valued clients.
Most popular clerkship employer award
How does this happen? From day one, you’ll be an active member of the team, working directly with experienced practitioners. We also want you to enjoy your time with us – there are lots of social events you can join, and what better way for you to get to know your colleagues?
AFR 2019
You will find that our partners and staff are approachable and happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. We encourage our clerks, graduates and trainees to get as much exposure to different practice areas and ways of working as they can – this is a reflection of how we work as a wider organisation; a fully integrated, cohesive, national team.
ARRIVE... AT THOMSON GEER If your ambition is to develop a career in commercial law and you possess the 191 drive to make your ambitions a reality, we want to hear from you! Applications open 8 July 2019 via cvMail or our website.
White & Case
Level 32 525 Collins St
About Us Working Across Borders Over the past 100 years, we’ve built an unrivalled network of 44 offices in 30 countries. That investment is the foundation for White & Case’s client work in 160 countries today.
whitecase.com/careers HR Lauren Evans – Recruitment Manager, Asia Pacific ausrecruitment@whitecase.com Application Process for Seasonal Clerkship Via the website. Method of Application for Graduate Traineeship Via the clerkship process. Clerkship Positions Available Approx. 20-25 nationally. Roughly half in each intake. Key Dates Intake 1: Nov-Dec 2019 Intake 2: Jun-July 2020 Applications open: June 2019 Applications close: August 2019 Interview period: August – September 2019 Offers released: Please visit our website Recruitment from Graduate Market No Additional Information Graduates recruited from clerking pool: Approx. 8-12 across Melbourne and Sydney. Subject to changes. International students: Yes LIV signatory: No Final year students considered: Yes
Many White & Case clients are multinational organisations with complex needs that require the involvement of multiple Firm offices. You’ll work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with colleagues across the global network on multijurisdictional matters, and experience the operational realities of cross-border law. We believe global exposure is an integral part of becoming a great lawyer, and our graduates are encouraged to take up international secondment opportunities, either as a part of their program, or early in their career. Practice Areas White & Case in Australia maintains a deliberate focus on the booming Global Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. Our key areas of work in our Melbourne and Sydney offices include: • Project Delivery & Project Finance • Corporate M&A • Environment and Planning • Commercial Litigation & Arbitration Seasonal Clerkship Program A vacation clerkship is a great way to experience first-hand what life is like as a White & Case graduate. You’ll be welcomed into a team where you’ll undertake meaningful tasks. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend client meetings, work on pro bono matters, and broaden your understanding of the life cycle of the deals that your team is working on. 193
You will also have plenty of opportunity to build your professional network. Throughout the clerkship, you will work closely with your Supervisor (a partner), a Mentor (an associate), and a Buddy (a junior associate or current graduate), who will provide you with assistance, advice, and both formal and informal feedback. Additionally, in-house training and events will allow you to better understand the kind of work we do and the service we offer to our clients. The clerkship is as much a process about White & Case finding out who you are as it is about you finding out who we are. As such, clerks are encouraged to ask questions and to get involved in the range of extra-curricular and social activities on offer. Graduate Traineeship Program We structure our graduate program to meet both your short-term career goals and long-term aspirations. So — how does it work? You’ll work through three six-month rotations to fully equip you with the necessary skills to become a skilled, global commercial lawyer. From day one, you will work on fast-paced, cuttingedge and complex multijurisdictional projects, experiencing the operational realities of crossborder law. You will gain client exposure early on, as you handle substantive matters with first-rate guidance and supervision from leaders in their field. You will be assigned a Supervisor, Mentor and a Buddy who will provide you with assistance throughout the process, and will adequately challenge you to find your passion in the law and reach your full potential. Our training and mentoring opportunities, delivered by leading practitioners across our practice group, will help you to become a great lawyer. As a truly global firm, we provide our graduates 194
with unique opportunities to work on international matters — both commercial and pro bono — with our large global network of offices. We develop associates with a global mentality and international skillset. As part of this, we also offer international opportunities as a key part of the graduate program. What We Look For There is no such thing as a typical White & Case clerk or graduate. We’re proud to recruit people from all walks of life, from different backgrounds, and with widely varying personalities. Even so, there are a few special qualities we always look for. Intelligence and drive are essential. Your interest in us suggests you have the ambition and determination to become a high-flying global lawyer. Next, the way you think is crucial. You’ll enjoy the intellectual challenge of analysing how the law works and being creative, yet commercial, in how you interpret it. You’re a team player, on whom colleagues can rely to perform tasks accurately, efficiently and on time. Integrity is vital too. You’ll also not be afraid of hard work, as you’ll be working for a leading global law firm where the client always comes first. You’re expected to ask questions about your work or seek feedback on your performance. You will work in small, focused teams, and never be short of information about matters you’re working on or how you’re doing. Your strength of character is probably reflected in your interests and activities outside the office. And of course, everyone appreciates a good sense of humour! If you’re up for the challenge, then this is the place to be.
White & Case LLP Together we make a mark
What Distinguishes Us Cutting-edge work Our lawyers work on high-profile, cutting-edge matters for leading global companies. Our longestablished list of global clients includes some of the biggest names in the financial, corporate, institutional and government sectors. Much of our work is international and cross-border, making it both interesting and challenging. Global experience and exposure Our global footprint of 44 offices in 30 countries provides unrivalled experience in the operational realities of cross-border law. Many White & Case clients are multinational organizations with complex needs that require the involvement of multiple offices. Global networking opportunities Working with White & Case opens doors to relationships and experiences around the world that will help our lawyers build their careers, wherever it takes them. A high stretch, high support culture White & Case is a high-stretch, high-support workplace that celebrates individual excellence and team success. We will help you become a great lawyer with globally available training and mentoring programs at every stage of your career. We offer an outstanding training program focused on developing the international lawyers of the future.
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Project Finance
Alicia Jennison Associate “Working in this area is great because you get to interact directly with clients from the very early stages of your career. You will find yourself emailing, calling or meeting in person with clients on a daily basis and in a fast-paced environment. You are always on your toes and the work is certainly not repetitive!” Did you travel by road today? When you turn on a light, did the electricity to power it come from a wind farm? Working in project finance involves helping the developers of major infrastructure projects, such as the construction and operation of roads, airports or wind farms, to secure financing for their projects. Project Finance lawyers also act for the other side—the financial institutions that fund developers. We assist with the drafting and negotiation of the financing contracts involved. From due diligence to contracts and authorisations Before a financial institution will agree to finance a project, they must be satisfied with the details of the project and the anticipated financial return. Lawyers perform a due diligence investigation for this purpose. This involves an investigation into the financial modelling, the assets, the company structure and any other financing arrangements the project developer has in place. In addition, the lenders will require confirmation that all relevant project contracts are in place and are sufficient. For example, if the project is the development of a wind farm, the lenders would typically require the developer to have a purchaser locked in for the electricity that will be produced. Finally, the lenders will need to be satisfied that the developer has all government authorisations (such as a licence to produce electricity) and rights to access the relevant land (for example, leases or easements), or a plan to obtain such authorisations, before they will back the project. Project finance lawyers review these agreements and identify any “red flags” that the project developer needs to rectify before any funds are advanced. An ever-changing area of the law This area of law interests me because it is constantly changing and to be a good lawyer in this market, you need to stay on top of what’s new and what’s changed. We do a lot of work in the energy sector, which has attracted a lot of debate from a policy perspective recently. Two issues—the potential changes to the government’s approach to addressing climate change and affordable electricity—have the potential to influence our clients drastically. Therefore, we need to know how these laws can benefit or disadvantage our clients and advise them accordingly. What’s my advice to anyone considering a career in this area? First, familiarise yourself with the major infrastructure projects within Australia and potentially across the Asia-Pacific. If you have the option to take any electives related to finance law or insolvency, do so. Above all, your own ambition and your enthusiasm for the market and this area of law will impress potential employers. 196
Together we make a mark The future of law is global. If you are a team player with a global mindset, the determination to succeed and willingness to take charge of your career, we’d like to hear from you. whitecase.com/careers
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05. 01. Introduction Final Notes
What I Learnt From Failing The Clerkship Process
Vernon Singh Director of Education, Deakin Law Students’ Society Fifth Year Commerce/Law Student “You might feel that society tells you you cannot do certain things. If you set yourself a goal, you can achieve it. You will need to persist and persist and you have to accept that it might not be the ideal pathway you want to take.” - Matthew Daly, President of the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Young Lawyers. Make no mistake, the clerkship process will be one of the toughest periods of your law school life. The good news is that you’ve survived VCE, you’ve survived Constitutional Law, which means you are in a good position to mentally prepare for and put your best foot forward in this challenging process. It is perfectly normal to have a certain amount of stress during the process. “It shows that you are placing a level of importance” on what you are doing because you are striving for something that you want to achieve. The President of the LIV Young Lawyers, Matthew Daly, tells me this as we chat about the difficulties of the process at Deakin University’s Melbourne Burwood Campus. I realise that the more I think about this, the more it resonates with me. I have felt stress in many facets of my life. Whether it be walking into that exam room, figuring out what to wear and where to go for a date, rehearsing a speech for a presentation I am giving or driving to a particular destination on time. I stress about these things, big or small, because I care a lot about them. I’ve put a lot of time, effort and energy into these things so I don’t want anything to go wrong. “Barristers encounter this too”, Matthew tells me. “Barristers have told me that if they are not stressing about advocating for a case, it means that they don’t care about it.” Whilst stress is natural during the clerkship process, too much stress can put your physical and mental health in great danger in the long haul. “Health should be a [law student’s] number one priority and you must minimise stress whenever you can.” One way you can manage this would be to take things slowly. “You wouldn’t start a new job and move out at the same time,” Matthew states, so why would you start something new or take on too many things during the clerkship process? If you need to reduce the number of units you are enrolled in, do that. If you need to cut down hours at work, do that. You know why? Because “all of these things are within your control.” You should ensure you still devote time to staying active, playing sport, exercising and prioritising sleep. “I like to do indoor rock climbing at this place in the city.” says Matthew. Immersing yourself in these activities are beneficial for your physical and mental health. Think about it, you are using this time to do something you enjoy and that your body needs. Essentially, you are using this time to focus on yourself. It’s a good way to “forget about it all.” Although it is extremely important to prepare for the best, it just as important to prepare for the worst.
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Incase you have not picked up on this thus far, the clerkship process is something you will invest your all your time in. It makes sense because it is something you care about, right? Many countless hours will be poured into researching a firm’s culture and practice areas, writing resumes and cover letters, attending networking events where you are required to interact with lawyers and firm representatives, attend mock interviews, have coffee with lawyers (if you have really impressed them!), attend psychometric testing workshops and complete test after test. If you do not obtain a clerkship, it is natural to think this was all for nothing. However, Matthew reminds me that in this whole situation, you actually end up being “the majority of people”. Most people miss out, so try not to beat yourself up about it. “In fact, I didn’t go through the clerkship process.” says Matthew and that leaves me awestruck. How can someone so accomplished in life, not have gone through this process? Matthew reveals that he worked and volunteered for a number of places in various areas of law, until he ended up in the Government Practice Group of Sparke Helmore Lawyers, a boutique commercial law firm. If you are reading this after the process and you are one of the many that have failed, think about what you have learnt from the process. Matthew reminds me that the work a student puts into this process “clearly isn’t wasted as you can use what you have learnt for other things”. After failing the process, I have still learnt valuable skills that will take me further in life. I have developed excellent time management skills through learning to juggle university, work, extra-curricular and personal activities, whilst applying for 10 firms. I am more comfortable talking with lawyers as I have put myself out there when present at Deakin Law Students’ Society (DLSS) competitions held at the firm’s office as well as networking events also held by the DLSS and the LIV Careers Fair. You begin to learn that lawyers are ordinary people like ourselves, with ordinary everyday problems. They love to unwind and watch trashy TV like The Bachelor or the latest murder mystery documentary on Netflix. Conversing with lawyers will always broaden your knowledge and perspective on the law, better than any textbook ever could. These people live and breathe the law and will not be afraid to give you their honest opinion on a particular legal, political or business issue. Having this incredible piece of knowledge allows you to bring it up in the next encounter with a lawyer. A final piece of advice that Matthew gave to me was to remember that there is “always time to improve before graduation”. “In fact,” he goes on, “recruiters will look at how you’ve improved over time.” If you want to apply for a clerkship a second time round or apply for a graduate role, show recruiters why they should give you a second chance. What have you done differently this time around that makes you a better candidate than your previous self? Perhaps the first time you could have put more effort into quality applications instead of applying to every top and mid tier firm. “You can mitigate [stress] by not applying for firms that don’t interest you.” says Matthew. It is definitely more important to narrow your focus on firms that align with your passions and values. If you don’t exactly know where your passions and values lie, that is okay. An easy trick I did was to find stories in the news that evoked emotion in me. Why? Well if a particular
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What I Learnt From Failing The Clerkship Process
story made me feel angry or happy, it is probably because I cared about the issue. Caring about something means you are passionate about that thing. Once you have figured out your passions, go to every firms’ news section and have a glance at the matters they are working on - in fact, they might be working on a matter read about in the news. This is the value part. If a firm is working on an environmental matter and you are passionate about the environment, then working for that firm will provide a sense of belonging, worth and importance to you - hence, it aligns with your values. Furthermore, Matthew told me it is quite obvious when you aren’t displaying your true passions and values in your applications. “HR representatives are trained to pick out if you haven’t done your research” - it is literally their job! So, “save them the effort” and don’t apply if the firm doesn’t mean much to you. This belief aligns perfectly with what Matthew said to close the interview. One mantra he has embodied into his life is a quote from former CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs: “If I wake up too many days in a row and I’m unhappy, I change what I’m doing.” The clerkship process will require you to dig deep and allow you to critically think whether you are doing this for yourself or for the prestige. If you are truly not passionate about working for a particular firm, you will certainly not be happy working for them. I sincerely wish you all the best for the clerkship process. If you do not obtain one, remember that you will achieve something within the next year or later down the road. If you enjoyed this article and would like to know more about what Matthew does at the LIV, you can find out more at https://www.liv.asn.au/Staying-Informed/Young-Lawyers-Blog/Young-Lawyers-Blog-2018/ February-2019/Meet-the-2019-YL-President--Matthew-Daly
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Clerkship FAQs
Lachlan Morgan Commercial Careers Officer, Deakin Law Students’ Society Fifth Year Commerce/Law Student When are the clerkship intakes? Intakes for clerkships take place in either summer or winter and run for approximately three to four weeks. The actual dates will differ from firm to firm, however generally speaking the dates are as follows: Summer 1 intake: November to December. Summer 2 intake: January to February. Winter intake: June to July. It is important to also note that only a few firms facilitate a second summer intake of clerks, for the majority of the firms it is typically one summer and one winter intake. Usually when the applicant gets through to the interview stage, the firm will ask the applicant what their preferences are regarding the different intakes the firm offers. Which intake is the best? The answer here is subjective, ultimately the aim of a clerkship is to make a good impression so as to be remembered and chosen for a graduate role. Consequently, whether you choose a summer or winter intake, you will be subject to the same standard of assessment. However, there are some practical differences that may be worth taking into account: 1. The first summer intake can be more fun and festive given that the firm typically engages in christmas/ holiday festivities like christmas parties and lunches, consequently you may have an easier time socialising with people at the firm during this time. 2. With the first summer intake, once it is finished, you ought to do little things throughout the year (up and until graduate applications) to remain remembered, for instance having regular coffees or catchups with the people of the firm. 3. Regarding the second summer intake, the firm will usually be less busy when it comes to work (compared with first summer intake and the winter intake), this is because a lot of the legal world goes into hibernation until late January. Further you will find that some partners and senior associates will be on holiday with family for some of the time in which you are clerking. 4. Some claim that the winter intake is more beneficial because it is prior to submission of graduate applications and therefore your impression is likely to be the most recent impression left on the firm. 5. People whom are fortunate enough to accept three clerkship offers, may want to place their favourite firm in the winter intake and in turn use the preceding two offers during the summer intakes as practices that will best prepare them for their final winter intake. Ultimately, there is no best practice, both summer and winter intakes have their respective advantages and disadvantages.
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Clerkship FAQs
Who typically can apply for a clerkship? Law firms and accounting firms typically prefer penultimate year students (students in their second last year of law school), this is because the clerkship for a lot of firms can be a good pre-requisite to the offering of graduate roles. Consequently, once you have finished your clerkship, it is desirable that the following year (2020) you are completing your last year and can therefore start a graduate role by 2021. Is it mandatory that you be in your penultimate year to apply for a clerkship? Notwithstanding what was said above, it is not mandatory that you be in your penultimate year. It is not uncommon that applicants who have applied in one year, apply again for another year, this can be due to the fact that the individual was unsuccessful in the preceding year. Typically, in the application process law firms will ask you whether you are in your penultimate year (and when you aim to graduate), hence law firms do expect that not all of their clerks will be in their penultimate year. However, most law firms will expect that if you are not in your penultimate year, you will certainly be in your final year (as opposed to being in your pre-penultimate year). How important is the applicant’s WAM/GPA? is there a minimum WAM/GPA? Different firms are going to place varying emphasis on the applicants WAM/GPA, hence it is difficult to make a blanket statement that pinpoints the degree to which the WAM/GPA is important for the clerkship process. The bad news is that the legal industry and in particular, the commercial legal industry is very competitive, therefore we would be lying to ourselves if we said that the WAM/GPA is not important. The good news is that the WAM/GPA is not the only factor that is looked at for the purposes of the clerkship application: in my own personal experience I know people with HD averages who had failed to secure a clerkship or at the very least, they struggled to get many interviews. This is because firms want to know that they are not hiring people that are one dimensional (that is, only good at academics), firms want to see that you are capable of juggling university with jobs (legal or other), volunteering and other extracurricular activities, above all, firms want to know they are hiring someone who is human. While firms will not accept applicants with a poor academic average, one cannot place a specific cut off point knowing that other variables are at play, like the firm’s psychometric/aptitude testing (if any) and the applicant’s other strengths that they can present in their application. What does the typical clerkship application process entail? When applying for a clerkship, you will find the application process is broadly similar across all the firms, but this is subject to some small exceptions. The typical application process is outlined as follows: Completing the actual application: Most law firms (if not all) require you to submit a resume, a cover letter, an official transcript and personalised responses to questions that are designed to elaborate more about you, your achievements, strengths and knowledge of the firm. Where the variations can occur is that some firms dispense with a cover letter and require you to instead submit responses to the questions asked. This is because the questions asked typically require responses that you would otherwise put in your cover letter. For HR, this method can be seen as a more efficient and effective method of discovering who you are as an applicant.
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Completing the psychometric/aptitude testing process: Once you have submitted your application and assuming you progress through to the next stage, some firms require you to undertake psychometric and aptitude testing. However, some firms put the psychometric/aptitude testing component as apart of the first stage (in conjunction with the actual application). Psychometric testing is a series of questions that are designed to capture your personality traits and overall emotional intelligence. While aptitude testing aims to measure one’s ability to recognise patterns, ability to work out numerical problems and one’s reading and writing acumen. Interview stage: After completing the application and psychometric/aptitude stage, then the applicant will progress through to the interview stage. This stage typically takes the form of a face to face interview between the applicant with one or more representatives of the firm. The representatives of the firm may include HR, a senior associate or even a partner of the firm. Some firms will have more than one interview stage and some firms employ the use of a one-way video interview platform. This type of interview is conducted on your computer, where you are asked questions and you video record your responses to those questions via the relevant computer program being used by that firm. These video interviews tend to be a prerequisite to a real face to face interview. Lastly, the applicants that receive an interview are usually invited to a firm cocktail night, this presents an opportunity for the applicants’ (who are about to undertake an interview) to get to know the firm on a more personal level. They will be able to mingle with various partners, senior associates, associates and graduates of the firm. This is also an opportunity for the applicant to make a lasting impression on the firm prior to their interview. Offer day October 10 2019: For the applicants that made it through every stage of the clerkship process, offer day is when the firms will inform the applicants of whether they received a clerkship offer. At 10am, firms will promptly make first contact with the successful applicant via email. This email is followed up by a phone call from the partner, senior associate or HR representative that interviewed you. In accordance with the LIV guidelines, the applicant does not have to immediately accept or reject the offer, they may hold the offer for a minimum of 4 hours as the applicant would want to know whether they will receive offers from other firms (unless you hold more than 4 offers, in that case you cannot hold the offers for more than 2 hours). Also in accordance with the LIV guidelines, an applicant may accept a maximum of three clerkship offers, hence it is strongly advised that prior to offer day, you prioritise what offers you would accept. The applicants who were not given an offer will be informed of this fact either by the end of offer day or sometime the following day. This is typically done via email.
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What if I do not get a clerkship? If you do not get a clerkship, the first thing to realise is that it is not the end of the world. A clerkship offer is not the requisite magical key that unlocks the door to a successful law career. Assuming that you want a commercial law career in one of those firms, there will always be other avenues that allow you to meet that dream. In light of this, you should be aware of the following alternative pathways that can be taken: 1. There is nothing wrong with applying for clerkships a second time, as explained above, law firms will accept applications from students in their last year, this is notwithstanding the fact that they have already applied the year before. It is recommended that if you try again, you should have an understanding as to your weakness in the application process, so that you can aim to rectify those weaknesses when you apply again. 2. Law firms do facilitate open market offers. These are graduate offers made to applicants in the open market, that is law students who have not completed a clerkship at that firm in the year prior to their graduate year. Not every law firm does this and it also may be subject to the demand for law graduates versus the supply of successful clerks. Hence, it is necessary to find out which law firms are offering an open market offer in that year. 3. To have a successful career in commercial law, you do not need to start in a top tier law firm, I would recommend trying your hand at a boutique commercial law firm or even at a government institution like ASIC or the ACCC. This is because once you look beyond your graduate year, law firms (especially top tier firms) do not necessarily look for the best transcript or application, rather they want experienced lawyers. Hence getting the experience in a boutique law firm or government department for the first couple of years can certainly translate to procuring a career at a top tier law firm in the future.
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Disclaimer This publication is provided free of charge from the Deakin Law Students’ Society on the understanding that the editors, all contributors and any other persons related to this publication are not responsible for the actions of readers based on the information, error or omission in the publication. The views in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of the editors, Deakin Law Students’ Society or Deakin Law School. All information is understood to be correct at the time of printing, however given the importance of the applications that students are making, all students are advised to confirm the information is accurate and up-to-date prior to making an application due to the fast paced nature in which important dates, application requirements and contact details can change. Copyright Deakin Law Students’ Society Inc. © With the exception of articles containing a named author and/or firm, organisation or corporation, all copyright, except where provided for under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), vests in the Deakin Law Students’ Society and may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of the Deakin Law Students’ Society. Please contact the current Deakin Law Students’ Society President for permission.
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