FIRM PROFILE
DLA PIPER
“After researching DLA Piper and attending the initial interviews and
ANNE BIHANCOV, 2011/2012 SYDNEY SUMMER CLERK
cocktail evening, there were numerous things that stood out about the
(UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEY)
firm. Not only is it the world’s largest global commercial law firm, that provides you with a wealth of opportunities to work both locally and
GRADUATE PROGRAM
internationally, but it is also a firm that places a strong focus on com-
Every graduate’s career journey will be different, but our Graduate Pro-
munity values through its pro bono commitments. The most striking
fessional Success (GPS) program has been developed to help gradu-
aspect however, was DLA Piper’s strong focus on individuals within the
ates navigate their career. This includes a rotation program allowing
firm. From the very beginning, it was clear that DLA Piper is a firm that
graduates to experience up to three different practice areas of the firm;
truly acknowledges that (surprise, surprise) lawyers have a life, and that
a dedicated supervisor and buddy for each rotation and on-the-job
allowing them to balance all aspects such as social, family, and health
training from partners, senior lawyers and other peers. A tailored learn-
is key to having happy employees who turn over high quality work, and
ing and development program complements on-the-job learning, rang-
maintain strong relationships with each other as well as with clients.
ing from non-technical skill development and graduate CLE program to mentoring. Regular feedback is also provided to help you to grow and
The summer clerkship provides students with an invaluable opportunity
develop, including both informal and formal performance and develop-
to get a taste of what it is like to work in the legal field, explore different
ment reviews.
areas of law, and get a head start in employment opportunities in the area of commercial law. My first rotation was in Corporate (Mergers and
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Acquisitions) and my second rotation was in Intellectual Property and
At DLA Piper Australia we are seeking people from a diverse range of
Technology (IPT). Starting the first rotation was a little nerve-racking
backgrounds who are as engaged and dedicated as they are inventive,
for all of us, however, you are given all the training you need to settle
balanced and friendly. We value intellectual ability, curiosity, commit-
in nicely and the HR Team and the Corporate group were so incredibly
ment, ambition, commercial and client awareness, smart thinking, team
supportive. In this rotation I did everything from effecting share transfers,
skills and leadership potential, communications skills and experiences
to sitting in on conferences with directors in Sweden, to doing lengthy
outside of academic life.
research tasks. During my rotation in IPT, I wrote advices on copyright, trade mark, and franchising issues, attended CLEs and helped work on matters for film corporations located in Paris.
HOW TO APPLY: SYDNEY SUMMER CLERK PROGRAM 2012/2013 Applications open 13 June 2012 and close 13 July 2012 at 5.00pm.
Working at DLA Piper, in any team, means you will be exposed to a diverse range of work, which is interesting, challenging and relevant to
Applications must be submitted online via our job board (www.dlapiper-
students who are approaching graduation. And it doesn’t stop there!
graduates.com.au) and should include a covering letter, your current CV
Every week you have a “lunch and learn” session - which means you
and your academic transcript.
get free lunch (bonus), you get to re-group with the other clerks, and learn from a range of partners, senior associates, and solicitors at the
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
firm about every area of law that you can work in at DLA Piper. These
For more information regarding our recruitment programs,
sessions are enlightening, making you realise just how many different
please contact:
opportunities are available, opening your mind to new possibilities, and informing you about what you are likely to experience when working in
KRISTIE BARTON
that team - which ultimately gives you a greater sense of direction and
HR Consultant
choice for your career.
TELEPHONE +61 2 9286 8585
DLA Piper looks for students who are well-rounded, are able to balance
their various interests, and want to work hard and achieve results. If
kristie.barton@dlapiper.com
you are a friendly, enthusiastic, adaptable, open-minded individual who
VISIT US AT
wants to gain an invaluable experience working at a large global law
www.dlapipergraduates.com.au
firm, then DLA Piper is for you.”
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/DLAP_CareersAus
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LSS CLERKSHIP GUIDE