2015 Careers Guide

2015

CAREERS GUIDE UTS LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY

APPLICATION TIPS

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2015 CAREERS GUIDE EDITOR & UTS LSS CAREERS (PUBLICATIONS) DIRECTOR Yvonne NEHME SUB-EDITORS Olivia FISHER Jessica PHAM DESIGNER Elyse KERR CONTRIBUTORS Daniel SLEIMAN Olivia FISHER Jessica PHAM Jerome DORAISAMY Dr. Philippa RYAN Imogen BAILEY Brigida JOHNS Johanna FISHER Francesca ACRUILI Michelle SMERDON Scott PRESWICK Julian HEWITT Jack FOGL Nesha JEYALINGAM Lauren FITZPATRICK Katie RICKARD Jamesina MCLEOD Tim BROUNE Joanna MOONEY

DEAN OF LAW Professor Lesley HITCHINS UTS LSS PRESIDENT Ashleigh BARNES UTS LSS VICE PRESIDENT (SPONSORSHIP & CAREERS) Francesca ELIAS ARCIULI WITH THANKS TO Kwik Kopy Neutral Bay 6/129-133 Military Rd, Neutral Bay, Neutral Bay NSW 2089 kwikkopy.com.au

UTS Law Students’ Society C/-Faculty of Law UTS PO Box 123 Broadway NSW, 2007 Australia P: +61 2 9514 3448

Copyright & Disclaimer © 2015 UTS Law Students’ Society This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this publication may in any form or by any means (electronic or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any process, without specific written consent of the UTS Law Students’ Society. Enquiries are to be addressed to the publishers.

Disclaimer: The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Law Students’ Society, the editor, or the UTS Faculty of Law. Although the editor and authors have taken every care in preparing and writing the guide, they expressly disclaim and accept no liability for any errors, omissions, misuse or misunderstandings on the part of any person who uses or replies upon it. The editor, authors and UTS Law Students’ Society accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether law student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication. The user of this guide acknowledges that he or she will take responsibility for his or her actions and will under no circumstances hold the editor, authors or UTS Law Students’ Society responsible for any damage resulting to the user or anyone else from use of this publication.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPLICATION TIPS

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EDITOR’S FOREWORD PRESIDENT’S WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

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APPLICATION TIPS Resume Cover Letter Writing Interview Networking

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STARTING OUT What can I do with my Law Degree?

Practical Legal Training (UTS Law School) Coping with stress in the Legal Profession

10 11 14

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LEGAL PRACTICE Overview of practice areas Big or Small - which fits right for you?

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THE BAR Practising as a barrister Life at the Bar Judge’s Associate and Tipstaff Roles

20 21 22

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COMMERCIAL LAW Practising in Commercial Law

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CORPORATE ADVISORY Corporate Advisory and Civil Litigation

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SOCIAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SERVICE Aboriginal Legal Service Community Legal Centres

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OTHER LEGAL PRACTICE AREAS Plaintiff Law Family Law Media/Arts Law Immigration Law

32 33 34 36

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PRACTICING BEYOND THE BORDER Practising in International Law Experience: Linklaters Clerkship

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OTHER AVENUES Establishing your own Legal Practice

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INTERNSHIPS Crown Solicitor’s Office Aurora Program International Criminal Law Experience at Refugee Advice and Case Work Service Cancer Council Referral Service

41 42 43 45 46

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EDITOR’S FOREWORD YVONNE NEHME CAREERS (PUBLICATIONS) DIRECTOR UTS LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY

You’re well on your way to getting your law degree, but do you question where it can take you? This is where we step in and proudly present to you, the UTS Law Students’ Society’s Careers Guide for 2015.

The Careers Guide addresses the many career options a law student may wish to consider; whether that be working at a law firm, the Bar, in corporate advisory or even public service.

With many options to consider, it can be overwhelming to decide what is right for you and so obtaining exposure to different areas of interest is thus critical.

This year we endeavoured to highlight the scope of your law degree by drawing attention to the diverse legal practice areas and various employment sectors.

I give special thanks to Francesca Elias Arcuili, UTS LSS Vice President (Sponsorship & Careers), and Imogen Bailey, UTS LSS Careers (Activities) Director, for their continual support and assistance.

Your law degree presents you with an unprecedented wealth of opportunity and the ability to capitalise on it is up to you.

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“It is precisely the possibility of realising a dream that makes life interesting.”

Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist We hope this guide helps you realise your dream. But remember, discovering your dream is only the beginning. Diligence and dedication must ensue.

Best wishes, Yvonne Nehme

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME ASHLEIGH BARNES PRESIDENT UTS LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY

all sorts of directions. Contrary to popular belief, there is not one single yellow brick road with a corporate law firm as the emerald city. Rather, there are many different paths available to you, and our map will help to inform you of all of those varied destinations. Do remember, if you feel confused, put down that compass and go with your instinct.

Whilst articles plague our newsfeeds about an oversupply of lawyers, HBO television dramas showcase the glamorous lives of the rich and famous corporate sharks and the clerkship process is as highly coveted as ever before, many law students are burdened with the (mis)conception that their career prospects are dim. Some of us forget that despite this alleged excess of lawyers, our careers paths are broader than ever. That’s where this guide comes in!

The Careers Guide is an annual publication and the 2015 edition continues to be an invaluable asset. In creating this guide, the UTS LSS endeavours to provide you with a map chock-a-block full of highways, lanes, avenues and streets leading you in

Armed with a law degree, you will think and view the world differently, and this unique skill set is transferable and applicable in a range of domains. By the time you graduate from UTS, you will also be armed with a very unique and highly sought after set of Graduate attributes, including legal research, critical thinking, spoken and written communication, self and cooperative work management, analytical abilities, lifelong learning, cultural awareness and consciousness of ethics and the pursuit of justice. Law firms, the public sector, courts and alternate dispute resolution, corporate advisory and the social justice sector will all seek your skills - the world is your oyster!

After reading this guide, I hope you are no longer burdened by the misconception that there is only one way. Instead, I hope you are burdened by the understanding there are so many ways – and that in itself is the greatest challenge. Choice is the enemy.

Fortunately, it is never too early, or too late, to start considering your career choices. First years – consider this an

introduction to the legal profession. Senior students – we’ve done the hard work for you, peruse the following pages and start planning. However, please do note that our content is far from exhaustive, an innumerable range of volunteering opportunities, internships and paid positions await. We hope you find a career that is challenging, rewarding and worthwhile. We hope you use your law degree in the way that is right for you.

Lastly, whilst job opportunities are undeniably competitive, my personal advice is to give yourself the best possible shot, which means, first, apply and second, do things that strengthen your application.

Study hard, engage with extra-curricular activities, choose your electives wisely - it is never too early or too late to start.

I extend an enormous thank you to UTS LSS Vice President (Sponsorship and Careers), Francesca Elias Arciuli, and Careers (Publications), Yvonne Nehme, without whom this publication would not have been possible. They have worked tirelessly and demonstrated an unbelievable passion and support for your futures! I would also like to thank the UTS LSS subcommittee and editorial team, Olivia Fisher and Jessica Pham, each and every contributor, our designer, Elyse Kerr, and our phenomenal sponsors - you are all responsible for an amazing publication.

To hard work and doing what we love, Ashleigh Barnes 5

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN LESLEY HITCHENS DEAN UTS LAW SCHOOL

percentage work in the corporate and government sectors: corporate (19.3%); and, government (10.9%). In fact, the number working in the corporate sector in NSW has been steadily increasing. There are currently 2267 practising barristers.

However, these figures don’t capture the careers of law graduates who are not practising as solictors or barristers.

The UTS LSS Careers Guide provides a valuable insight into the range of careers available to a law graduate. There is no comprehensive data on the range of career paths pursued by law graduates and employment outcomes. So, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that there are only a few ways to use your law degree, so the Guide is valuable in reminding you of the variety of opportunities.

We know that in NSW, as at October 2013, there were 26,408 practising solicitors in New South Wales (see 2013 Profile of the Solicitors of NSW, Final Report (December 2013)). Whilst the majority are in private practices (69.8%), in NSW a substantial

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We know from other statistics that many of you will decide not to practise as a solicitor or barrister, or will move out of practice after a few years. You will be using your law degree in a wide variety of positions. A law degree can be a good foundation for these other career paths, whether you are based locally or internationally. The UTS LSS Careers Guide will be an important source of information here also. Since 2008, the UTS:Law degree has been embedding graduate attributes across its core and elective subjects through the curriculum and assessment.

This means at the same time as you have been mastering your legal knowledge you have been developing generic skills such as critical thinking, analysis and evaluation, and communication. Each of our graduate attributes is essential for practice, but they are equally valued by a range of employers outside the legal profession.

Extra curricula activities such as the Brennan Justice and Leadership program, BUiLD (Beyond UTS International

Leadership and Development), and the UTS LSS competitions also assist in the development of your graduate attributes and valuable professional skills. I regularly receive very positive feedback from law firms, lawyers, judges, and alumni about the quality of UTS:Law graduates. Workready; practically-oriented; commerciallyfocused; articulate; and good team-players are common descriptions I receive. This feedback indicates the value of a UTS:Law degree which focuses on rigorous legal knowledge and relevant skills.

There has been a lot of recent talk about employment in the legal sector, but very often this reporting does not give the full picture about the career paths available.

It is also easy to become concerned about employment opportunities if you only look through the narrow prism of clerkship programs, but you would be wise to remember another statistic: in NSW, firms with more than 20 partners account for only 0.5% of all firms.

So review the options and think carefully about how you might want to use your law degree, and know that you will be wellequipped for your chosen career path.

Best wishes, Lesley Hitchens

BORN GL BAL At Baker & McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave.

Like no other law firm, we were born global.

Right from the beginning we’ve been offering a genuinely global perspective and operating without boundaries around the world.

Our established global reach offers you an extraordinary career in the global economy, exchanging rich local insights and knowledge with the best legal minds from all over the world every day.

And our unrivalled regional and local development programs will make you a truly global lawyer. Fast.

We’re an entrepreneurial firm where new ideas and innovation are encouraged at all levels. A place where small teams and a personal approach to your career means you can go as far and fast as your talents and drive will take you.

Ready to explore our world? www.bakermckenzie.com/careers/australia/sydney/

Natalie Brunton Talent Management Consultant +61 2 8922 5747

Baker & McKenzie, an Australian Partnership, is a member of Baker & McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein with member law firms around the world. In accordance with the common terminology used in professional service organizations, reference to a “partner” means a person who is a partner, or equivalent, in such a law firm. Similarly, reference to an “office” means an office of any such law firm.

Baker & McKenzie handles information in accordance with our privacy policy. A copy can be found on our website.

APPLICATION TIPS

YVONNE NEHME

When it comes to applying for jobs, a perfect resume does not cut it anymore. There is also the cover letter, interview and networking (oh my)! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you in perfecting your application - whether that be for a job, internship or volunteer opportunity!

01 RESUME

02 COVER LETTER

When an employer receives a resume, they often take less than a minute to look through it. Hence, it must be perfect at first glance to avoid being dumped in the rejection pile.

A cover letter is designed to engage your potential employer, giving them a better insight into who you are and encouraging them to consider your resume favourably. It should not regurgitate the same information in your resume, but rather explain in three or four paragraphs why you are suited for the role.

Your resume should be easy to read and should allow the employer to skim through your education and experience. Be open to continually refining your resume so that it accentuates your strengths and accomplishments. Correct spelling and grammar is integral. There is nothing worse than a typo and it could reduce your chance of being shortlisted anywhere from 30 to 45 per cent.

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Keeping it short and simple is a must. Be sure to use plain English and to keep a positive tone throughout.

Consider using action verbs to highlight key aspects of your skills and experience. Name and contact details should be presented but try to avoid unnecessary personal information such as marital status, date of birth or gender. Ideally, aim to target your resume to the employer and only highlight relevant and recent experience.

Your resume is your key marketing tool in the early stage of the application process, so be sure to perfect it. It can always use some improvement and you may want to consider having someone else proof your resume.

It is essential that your cover letter is tailored to the position and firm or organisation to which you are applying. A formulaic letter is a no-go with potential employers. There is nothing worse than receiving a letter from an applicant who has forgotten to amend the name of the last firm they applied for.

Pick a font that is easy to read and use simple language. It is critical that you check your cover letter for any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors; and it may be best to ask a friend to proof read it for you.

In writing your cover letter, you must convey to the potential employer that you have the skills for the position. It is suggested that your letter covers the following: • An introduction about yourself and the purpose for writing your cover letter.

• Highlight appropriate skills, qualifications and experience to be considered for an interview.

• Provide practical examples that comply with the selection criteria.

• Tailor your letter and be specific about the role.

• Inject some personality into your writing to stand out above the crowd.

03 INTERVIEW

04 NETWORKING

Confidence is key when it comes to an interview.

It is always good to dress to impress. Looking neat, polished and presentable is a must.

Networking evenings can make you feel uneasy, especially if you have never been to one before. But being prepared to mingle is essential.

However it does not end there. Be prepared to do your homework and research the firm or organisation as well as particular practice areas you may have expressed an interest in. You may want to double check interview times and locations to avoid any mishaps from occurring. Allow plenty of time to get to there.

It is vital to effectively introduce yourself with eye contact, a smile and a firm but brief handshake.

You must be sincere and maintain active interest in conversation topics. Be prepared with questions to ask the other person such as: How do you like working for your company? What projects are you working on right now? You could also do some research before the event, to ask certain attendees specific questions about their projects or companies.

During the interview speak clearly and ensure you maintain eye contact. Keep your responses to the point and do not be afraid to ask the interviewer to clarify the question. Answer questions truthfully as there is nothing worse than being caught out lying.

At the conclusion of the interview, shake the interviewer’s hand and thank them for their time. Stay positive and don’t fret if you think you have blown it.

You never know, you may have actually wow-ed the interviewer.

The key to effective networking is developing a good rapport. During the course of the conversation, use the other person’s name a couple of times. Ensure you talk loud enough to be heard and carry a confident persona. Be wary of taboo topics such as politically contentious matters.

Good luck with the application process! I hope that by using some of these tips you will be successful, or bounce back to find new and exciting opportunities!

APPLICATION TIPS

Not many people follow up after a networking event.

But if you meet someone that made an impression, you may want to send them an email and thank them for their time. Not only is it the perfect way to provide your contact details if you do not have a business card; it does help them remember you for future opportunities. Be sure to keep your email brief and friendly.

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WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY LAW DEGREE? YVONNE NEHME

Law graduates are highly sought after, with law considered to be an intellectually challenging degree instilling a good work ethic and analytical thinking.

A law degree may involve following a traditionalist route and establishing a career in private practice. But having a law degree does not mean that the only thing you can do is become a lawyer.

The versatile nature of the degree may mean working in a field beyond the legal industry.

Such sectors may include: • • • • • • •

Politics Finance Sports Diplomacy Health The media Environmental Protection

Private Practice STARTING OUT

Private Practice may mean working as a solo practitioner, in small or “boutique” law firms or perhaps a firm that has several hundred lawyers in cities across the globe. Generally, lawyers work toward becoming “partners” but the road to partnership is lengthy and entails many challenges along the way.

Government

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If the private sector is not of personal interest, then a career in government may be more appealing. An

array of government departments seek to recruit law graduates, with the Department of Attorney General and Justice, Public Defenders Office and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade being examples of only a few.

Barrister In addition to the normal requirements of becoming a legal practitioner, one must undertake the bar exams prior to becoming a barrister. Generally, a barrister would have previously practiced as a solicitor before practicing as an advocate in Court. Whilst it is possible to go straight to the Bar, it is uncommon due to the financial resources and connections required prior entry.

In-house Counsel A career as In-house Counsel within a public or private organisation is a common alternative to working in private practice. Organisations are increasingly employing their own legal practitioners rather than relying upon external legal advice. It is popular to have worked within a law firm prior to entering an In-house Counsel role.

Non-Law Corporate Advisory Many corporate advisory firms including management consulting firms, investment banks, and independent financial advisors hire law graduates for the complex problem solving skills acquired during law school.

Whilst having a business background may be handy, it is not essential for entry.

PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING DANIEL SLEIMAN

Before I started university, I remember having a conversation with a couple of lawyers who frequented the café where I worked. I don’t remember their names but I remember what they told me when I mentioned that I was going to study law. They said ‘don’t do it’. It was a peculiar piece of advice, yet shrewd and cautionary in retrospect.

After finishing my law degree, the sense of achievement I felt was fleeting. I now have to study some more, gain a (usually unpaid) work placement and undertake training. It may seem like constant hoop-jumping at times. And so, with unwavering perseverance, I am here to furnish you with an à la carte description of the practical legal training (PLT) you need to do if you want to practice law.

It is important to appreciate the high standards required of the legal profession. If you have a criminal record, no matter how trivial, or have engaged

Some students elect to undertake their PLT with the College of Law. There are some differences to note.

For example, the PLT work experience component offered at the College of Law is significantly shorter than 16 weeks. The subjects at the College of Law are also slightly more structured but are a little more expensive. The upsides to studying your PLT at UTS are the benefits of access to a university environment and to services, such as a better-resourced library.

Other considerations could include the rapport and affinity you may have developed with academic staff.

As a graduate law student and current PLT student at UTS, my choice was based on convenience as well as comfort with and confidence in the faculty staff.

Once you begin your PLT, any legal work experience you have done is to your advantage. In some circumstances you may be able to apply for credit towards the work experience component. My advice would be to get out early and get as much experience as you can.

In spite of the advice those lawyers gave me years ago, I did the law degree, and it was a worthwhile challenge. The PLT is the next trial and unlikely the last.

For some students it may be a few years away, but it is worth thinking about and planning for.

STARTING OUT

At UTS, you can undertake your PLT as part of your degree or as a graduate certificate. The PLT is where all your study is put into practice. Substantive law is extremely important, but it is easy to feel completely lost when you have to attend court or lodge an application. At UTS, it consists of three core units of study and sixteen weeks of work experience. You must retain an employer by your own means for the work experience component but need the faculty’s approval. PLT is an admission requirement, as noted within the Legal Profession Act 2004 (NSW), which governs aspects that relate to admission such as character.

in dishonesty, then your admission and your PLT placement may be jeopardised. It is possible to apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for early consideration. In some circumstances, you may need to apply for authority to work within a legal office from the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

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START YOUR LEGAL CAREER ON THE RIGHT FOOT WITH THE COLLEGE OF LAW

Give your legal career the best possible start with Australia’s leading provider of Practical Legal Training!

Flexible study options Multiple start dates throughout the year 75 or 25 day work experience options

CALL US 1300 856 111

VISIT US collaw.edu.au/plt

THE COLLEGE OF LAW AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST PROVIDER OF PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING

The College of Law sets the standard for Practical Legal Training (PLT) in Australia. The College is Australia’s largest provider of PLT, with campuses in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. We also conduct programs in Adelaide, Canberra and regional Queensland, as well as onsite sessions in London.

While we have a national approach which reflects an increasingly national profession, our course materials and lecturers are state-based to ensure that local variations in practice are incorporated into our programs. You get the best of both worlds.

The College of Law Advantage The College’s PLT program combines structured training with on-the-job experience and is designed to ensure that you are equipped to make a contribution quickly to your chosen workplace.

We offer the choice of full-time online, part-time online, part-time online evening and full-time on campus courses. With more than 85% of the coursework component of The College program delivered online, it will allow you the flexibility to manage other commitments and have 24 hour access to resources.

Students are on campus for 10 days of face-to-face onsites where you will participate in skills workshops, role plays (eg. advocacy), simulations (eg. conducting a conveyancing settlement) and feedback sessions under the guidance of our lecturers.

In addition to the structured activities, our lecturers are available to you for assistance when required in person or by phone and email.

All assessments are individually-based – there are no group assessments.

More Information For course dates or more information about our PLT program visit The College of Law website www.collaw.edu.au/plt, or contact the Student Services Team on 1300 856 111 or enrolments@collaw.edu.au

Start Dates Scheduled Throughout the Year Only The College offers more than six starting dates throughout the year, not just twice a year as most university PLT providers do.

Work Experience Options Choose from two work experience options to suit your circumstances:

OPTION A 25 days + the Clinical Experience Module which can be placed on FEE-HELP

OPTION B 75 days of work experience

Make the right choice for your future career and enrol in Practical Legal Training with The College of Law.

COPING WITH STRESS IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION Jerome DORAISAMY

The journey of law school is a rewarding and defining experience for any student but, transversely, it is also an arduous and challenging one. There are certain periods throughout that journey that give rise to levels of stress and anxiety that you may not have previously encountered before. Applying for summer clerkships, public sector internships and graduate positions can be exciting but also downright terrifying.

Thankfully, there are ways to deal with the anxiety and stress so as to best look after yourself during these periods.

STARTING OUT

Upon entering the second half of your law degree, you become inundated with a tidal wave of information pertaining to opportunities that you may wish to explore as you make the all important transition from tertiary education to a real-life vocation. The level of competition for employment is extraordinary, especially in light of the current job market. Exacerbating the conundrum you face is the idea of navigating career avenues that you may previously have not considered, or shutting yourself off to something that you think you should do.

So at face value it seems like it might be an overwhelmingly scary time! The good news is that it doesn’t have to be.

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Here are some tips to help you wade through myriad options:

01 Choose something that you want to do You are infinitely more likely to enjoy and succeed in a career that best suits your skills, interests and ambition. Law is a unique profession in that there are options aplenty in how you can utilize your degree and knowledge. Take the time to identify what you want from a vocation and do the research in extrapolating how to make it happen.

02 Debrief with people you trust on a regular basis In exploring career options, there is no such thing as too much advice. Find good mentors whom can provide institutional insight that you would be otherwise unable to obtain. Unload on your family and friends when you are feeling the pressure – they are there to help you through in every aspect of life, and this is no different. The bottom line is that you cannot afford to internalise everything…this is your future we are talking about!

03 Don’t stop doing the things you love in life Our hobbies and extra-curricular activities are what keep us grounded, stimulated and focused. More than ever before, you need these outlets in your life to stay on top of things. Your daily schedule may seem busier than before, but it is paramount that you make time – rather than find time – for the things you love.

What good is it to go through a day without doing something for yourself that you’ll enjoy?

04 Maintain perspective Some of the best jurists in our country, Michael Kirby included, did not attain summer clerkships with law firms. If you are not offered the position you desire, please remember that it is not the end of the world.

You have intellect and talent that far surpasses the majority of people your age, and you will be able to achieve anything you want. Keep trying, and opportunities will present themselves.

The Wellbeing Doctrines outlines a “how-to” guide for navigating your way through law school and the early years of legal practice, in managing your health and wellbeing so that you can be the most successful legal professional you can possibly be. With a foreword written by Sir Gerard Brennan AC KBE, former chief justice of the High Court, and interviews with over 50 partners, academics, senior lawyers, graduates and law students, this book offers a unique perspective on how you, the future generation, can be happy and healthy in law.

Stay tuned for more news on that front…but in the meantime, heed the advice above. Look after yourself and make the best decision for you – you won’t ever regret it!

LEGAL PRACTICE

The most important thing to remember in this entire process is to look after yourself; nothing is more important than your health and happiness. There is no point entering into the legal profession if you are not on top of your wellbeing – not only will you be unproductive and unsuccessful, but you will not be a functioning, capable, content person.

It is essential that you prioritise managing your health and wellbeing as you graduate into a legal professional. There are numerous resources and people out there who can help you achieve this, including a self-help book for law students and young lawyers that I am to release in May 2015.

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OVERVIEW OF TRENDING

PRACTICE AREAS OLIVIA FISHER

The early phase of your career cycle likely involves discerning your practice preferences. When doing so it is useful to remember that these practice areas are dynamic themselves, with each group offering varied experiences. Put simply, they are functions of economic trends, IT advancements and social forces.

So, at this juncture, what should you know about Australian areas of practice?

01 COMMERCIAL LAW Commercial lawyers advise their clients in relation to contracts, funding arrangements and transactions. At present, Australian business confidence is relatively subdued. Nevertheless, in January 2015, IBISWorld reported that commercial law work comprises 31% of industry revenue.

Maintaining strength:

LEGAL PRACTICE

Litigation, media law, insolvency and general commercial work are projected sources of reasonable revenue.

Down-trending: In the coming year, large firms will reduce investment in employment and insurance law.

Noteworthy:

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Engineering, Infrastructure and Construction • Expect activity amongst bigger firms.

50% of those surveyed in the Commonwealth

Bank – Beaton Legal Market Pulse – Quarter 2 2014/15 (‘Market Pulse’) identify these areas as investment targets.

Telecommunications, IT and Intellectual Property • Common to these practice areas is a crossborder technological reach. The proliferation of start-ups and issues pertaining to privacy and data retention will only increase the practice area’s popularity.

Corporate • Corporate advisory (including M&As) and capital markets remain areas of growth. The practice area is increasingly internationalised, with the Law Council of Australia’s Fourth Legal and Related Services Export Survey reporting it to command a 28.4% share of the total value of Australian legal exports.

Banking and Finance • Practitioners will benefit from Australia’s above-global trend growth in wealth management and financial services, as identified

by Deloitte’s 2014 Positioning for Prosperity report. Positive returns are anticipated by mid and top-tier firms alike.

Energy and Resources • Many firms hold dimmed revenue expectations. However, increasing exports to Asia will grant lawyers work in areas such as regulatory compliance.

02 PROPERTY LAW AND

CONVEYANCING Demand for assistance in transferring property title is strong. The trend is bolstered by a low commercial interest rate relative to the historical national norm.

Market activity is also fuelled by foreign investment.

In the future, procedures underpinning real property dealings are likely to streamline the area’s growth.

Electronic conveyancing is one such example. The technology was finally rolled out to law firms in 2014.

03 GOVERNMENT LAW Practitioners apply public law principles to government actors. Big firms faced falling returns in government law over 2014-15. However, Market Pulse confirms that mid-tier firms are gearing up to invest in the area.

04 CRIMINAL LAW

05 FAMILY LAW

06 IMMIGRATION LAW Immigration lawyers navigate the legislative materials influencing their clients’ ability to settle in Australia.

Their work often concerns the visa applications of students, workers and families. They advise and appear for clients in relation to these matters. The practice area has a stable outlook at this time.

07 PERSONAL INJURY LAW Motor vehicle and work-derived detriments influence practitioner demand. The combination of a reduced role for manufacturing and improving safety conditions has muted revenue growth for five years.

In its July 2014 Personal and Workplace Industry Lawyers Market Research Report, IBISWorld predicts that the rise of mining and building projects will prod revenues upwards by 1.3% in the year to 2015.

Ultimately, the legal market is shaped by responses to operating conditions. Arming yourself with knowledge about the prospects for key practice areas can provide you with another lens through which to focus your careers search.

LEGAL PRACTICE

Practitioners are involved in the processes surrounding prosecution for committing an act denoted by the Crown as a crime. In December 2014, Vanessa Kleinschmidt of the Law Council of Australia suggested that a $6.5 million cut to the Expensive Commonwealth Criminal Cases Fund would handicap the ability of Legal Aid NSW to fund representation for serious indictable matters.

Divorce rates are currently declining in Australia.

However, according to Jennifer McMillan of the College of Law, litigation over increasingly pricey estates will supplement demand.

The practice area addresses the rights of persons engaged in relationships that involve domestic arrangements, marriages, civil unions or children.

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BIG OR SMALL - WHICH FITS RIGHT FOR YOU? OLIVIA FISHER

Buying into the notion of ‘working in private practice’ may be as confounding as it is exciting. This accounts for the importance of breaking down the concept of ‘private practice’ into more manageable bites.

One way of undertaking this is to compare the settings where private practice plays out: small and large law firms.

SMALL The “small firm” comprises anything from the solo operator to a single-digit number of practitioners.

It draws in a lower rate of profit than its larger counterparts. This does not mean you should overlook the small firm in your job search! Many rely heavily on paralegals and support staff such as secretaries.

Indeed, the small firm can be excellent place to kickstart your career. It is typical for the principal solicitor to adopt a hands-on approach. You will likely notice this cultural feature during recruitment, which may seem condensed compared to that of a mid-tier or large firm. Opportunity for direct contact with senior solicitors can lead to more personalised feedback.

Like any other employer, a small firm will require your accountability to staff and clients…unless your firm has an alternative fee arrangement you should expect to bill your hours! However, if you enjoy a relatively more lateral management structure then a small firm could be the choice for you.

LEGAL PRACTICE

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Small firms will naturally command a smaller client base than larger firms, but you can anticipate greater familiarity with those clients’ files. This is especially true if the practice has ‘inherited’ families or it services a given client in relation to disparate matters.

The role of specialisation should be weighed when understanding the small firm. This applies to the expansion of its definitional parameters to include both full-service suburban firms and city-based boutique firms. The latter tend boast expertise in a single or limited number of areas, such as intellectual property. These are on the rise as legislation, technology and even the court system evolve.

In any manifestation of the small firm, you can expect to develop your skills and practice preferences.

MID-TIER AND LARGE The “large firm” employs dozens or even a hundred partners. It produces higher profits and salary offerings. You can expect the big firm to invest more conspicuously in telecommunications and technology, due to its greater resource base. The “mid-tier firm” bridges the gap between small and large firm in relation to all of the aforementioned aspects.

Indeed, mid-tier and big firms typically house human resources departments and abide by specific recruitment processes. You will notice that in Sydney, for instance, many of these firms accept applications for clerkships over June and July each year. Their graduate programs are similarly systematic.

Upon commencing employment with a mid-tier or big firm, you can expect a well-rounded induction to firm life. In an extracurricular sense, you will receive invitations to various firm and inter-firm events. Technically, you will be afforded opportunity to participate in mentorships and rotate through practice groups. You can expect a more elongated management hierarchy than that of a small firm.

Regardless of the group where you settle, you can expect your big firm client base to include large corporations, financial institutions and high net-worth individuals. This is increasingly the case for mid-tier firms, which benefit from their capacity to provide such clients with both diminished fees and a similar level of reputational quality.

Both of these firm types hold offices in multiple states. However, large firms retain an additional feature of internationalisation, being connected to overseas branches.

Comparing the features of small firms with midtier and large firms may assist you in aligning these employment experiences with your own values and subject interests.

aspire. contribute. thrive.

summerclerks

aspire. what are your hopes and ambitions for the future? contribute. how will you make a difference to HDY, our profession and our community? thrive. what do you need to reach your full potential?

PRACTISING AS A BARRISTER DR. PhIlippa RYAN

When I first went to the Bar, everyone said, “You are so brave!” This was not helpful. I was already scared enough. I wanted to hear that my success was assured.

Perturbed, but not put-off, I pressed on with my plan.

So how does one go to the Bar? To start with, you need a legal qualification. I was fortunate to have completed my law degree and practical legal training at UTS. When I graduated from UTS Law, I was work-ready. There is no requirement that you work as a solicitor before going to the Bar, but I did and I think it was helpful. I had seven years experience as a paralegal, judge’s associate and solicitor. Those years gave me an insight into the work of solicitors, barristers, judges and court staff. All of this informed the way that I approached my practice at the Bar. Importantly, the firm I worked for as a solicitor briefed me at the Bar. Once you have made the decision to go to the Bar, you need to find at least one (preferably two) tutor(s). For your first year, your primary tutor will be your mentor and supervisor. They will introduce you to solicitors, help you get briefed, supervise your work and provide valuable practical advice.

THE BAR

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Next, you need to apply to do the Bar Exams. Twice a year, the Bar sets three exams, each lasting three hours. They are difficult. To make matters worse, the ‘pass’ mark is 75%. The three subjects are: Evidence; Ethics; and Practice and Procedure. Once you pass the exams, you need to enrol in the Bar Practice Course.

This is a really valuable month-long intensive training program. It is also a wonderful opportunity to make friends with people who have made the same lifechanging decision as you.

At the end of the Bar Practice Course, you will be given a restricted practising certificate and you can start taking briefs. It is a great feeling. I can remember my judge saying how much he missed the Bar and what a wonderful life it is. I now understand what he meant.

What does a barrister do?

Barristers talk a lot, solve problems, drink coffee, and work very long hours. We care passionately and equally about every matter. The work is challenging, creative, demanding, exhausting and satisfying.

Reputation is everything and if you are naturally curious and a bit of a perfectionist, these qualities will hold you in good stead. I would recommend you adopt the three As: affordable, affable, available.

I used to think that there was a ‘type’ who would succeed at the Bar. I thought it was the exclusive domain of great orators, debaters and wits. I was wrong. You can be shy, nervous, arrogant, highhanded, obsequious, hesitating, strident, reticent or demonstrative. All seem to be able to make the grade.

The key is ethical authenticity. When it comes to style, keep it honest and keep it real.

As for appearing in Court, it is like nothing else. I once cross-examined a plaintiff who paid $20,000 for an Australian passport, which he purchased in the arrivals hall at Kuala Lumpur airport. He gave evidence under oath that he ‘genuinely believed this is how Australians get their passports’. On another occasion, a judge with an Irish surname set a matter down for St Patrick’s Day and added that it would be appreciated if all could please appear sober.

If you are thinking of the Bar for your future, think ahead: be prepared, keep your costs to a minimum (particularly in the first two years), work hard, be flexible, solve problems and recognise the limits of your expertise. Never underestimate the willingness of your colleagues to assist.

Do you need to be brave? Absolutely – but only in the sense of backing yourself. Harness those nerves and make them work for you.

LIFE AT THE BAR IMOGEN BAILEY

Barristers are one of two species of lawyers practising in many common law jurisdictions, including Australia.

The key difference between the two (aside from their slightly different taste in courtroom attire) is that solicitors usually deal more directly with clients and may engage in more transactional-type legal work, whereas barristers specialise in courtroom advocacy and the preparation of arguments at trial. Unlike solicitors, barristers are self-employed, and gain work by being instructed or retained by solicitors to act on behalf of their clients. Working at the bar can be a dynamic and independent profession that offers unique rewards and challenges alike.

So how do I get to wear the wig?

Before you can apply for a barrister’s practising certificate, you must be admitted to the Supreme Court in your jurisdiction as a solicitor. It is advisable that you first spend at least a few years working as a Solicitor, so you have established some connections and developed a reasonable professional reputation to lean on once joining the bar.

Aspiring barristers in NSW must then pass all three bar exams and complete the joint components of the ‘Readership’ program - undertaking the Bar Practice Course & reading with an experienced barrister tutor for a minimum of 12 months.

Once issued with a practising certificate, barristers take residence in shared office space known as chambers.

A number of barristers will usually reside within a floor and share the costs of clerks, staff and office equipment. Barrister’s chambers are a collegiate environment, in which barristers rely on each other from time to time for advice and assistance. As barristers make up a relatively small portion of the legal field, the bar is quite a close-knit and social community.

Advocates working in criminal or family law will usually find themselves in the courtroom more often than civil practitioners. For many, no two days are the same.

The early months of your practice can be a difficult and lonely stage, where it may be some time before you receive any briefs. However, once your practice is established and you have settled into the lifestyle, it can be an exciting and rewarding profession.

Why join the bar?

As a barrister, you become your own boss, and as such your individual flexibility is second to none in the realm of legal practice. Barristers usually specialise in one or more particular areas of practice and as such, you can choose to focus your practice on your own areas of interest and skill. Self-employment means that you lack a fixed wage, but have the luxury of determining your own work/life balance and are able to pursue a varied practice. It also means that you have a unique relationship with your clients, and are able to help them in a unique and powerful way.

However, the bar is not for everyone. Running your own show requires organisation and persistence, and sometimes long, gruelling hours of work in preparation for a trial. It also usually requires a personality that lends itself to advocacy and analytical argument.

Advocacy can be an incredibly rewarding and exciting career path. If you relish winning an argument, can think on your feet and enjoy being the centre of attention every now and again, the bar may be the place for you.

THE BAR

What is it like being a barrister?

Often life as a barrister can be a roller-coaster ride between busy periods and dry spells, in which you never know when your next case might come in. A day at the bar may include court visits for small matters, drafting and preparing advices, delivering a problematic cross examination or¬ negotiating settlements or contract terms for your client.

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JUDGE’S ASSOCIATE & TIPSTAFF ROLES EMMA WHITE Tipstaff to the Hon. Justice Peter Hall, Supreme Court of NSW (2014)

In 2014 I was the Tipstaff to Justice Hall in the Common Law Division of the NSW Supreme Court. I can confidently say that working for a judge is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding employment experiences anyone could ever have, primarily due to the mentoring relationship that you build with your judge.

Why should I apply?

If you aspire to work in litigation (either as a lawyer or barrister), being a tipstaff is the best possible job you can accept prior to working as a lawyer.

By working as a tipstaff, you will have the opportunity to sit in trials from their beginning to end on a daily basis for an entire year, which will significantly develop your legal knowledge, understanding of procedural requirements, and advocacy skills. It is rare for junior lawyers to be given such an opportunity.

THE BAR

Further, throughout your time at the courts you will be involved in complex and challenging cases, whilst also being mentored by a judge. I was very fortunate to find myself with a judge who would always take the time to explain a particularly tricky aspect of a case to me, and even point out the deficiencies in cases presented by various parties! As a result of learning what judges do and don’t like in the courtroom, your career as a litigator will be very well-served.

Life in the day of a tipstaff

22

In my time at the Supreme Court, I sat through murder trials, sentencing hearings, criminal appeals, and civil hearings. We even went “on circuit” to Maitland for a workers compensation case.

However, no two chambers operate in the same way, and the work of each tipstaff will largely depend on the way your judge works (and most commonly, on your judge’s ability to do online research!).

The best part about the job for me was that no two days were the same. Sure, there were administrative tasks I had to do every day (such as collecting the mail and getting the judge’s lunch), but the rest of my day was entirely dependent on the judge’s case load. I was regularly asked to prepare summaries before a hearing commenced, manage the evidence handed up in court, conduct research on particular points of law, proofread judgments, and liaise with the parties prior to and during the hearing. I was also lucky enough to have the opportunity to be significantly involved in the drafting of judgments.

Application process Tipstaff positions typically last for one year (a “law term”) and are given to graduates who will be in their first year out of university.

Applying for a tipstaff position is not at all like applying for a clerkship, because the application process is determined by each individual judge. This means that, unlike a clerkship, there are no uniform application/ interview/offer dates and no clear guidelines on what is expected in an application. It also means that you will need to apply to each judge individually.

Most judges accept applications anywhere from 3-24 months before your intended commencement date, however, I would recommend that you apply approximately 12 months in advance.

To apply, just send a cover letter, CV and copy of your academic transcript to the judge’s associate, either via email or post. The cover letter should introduce you and your interests, why you want the position, and what you can offer in the position (eg does your work experience as a paralegal mean you have good research skills?)

Tips

If you are successful in being offered an interview, the judge’s associate will contact you. This typically occurs in the first half of the year prior to your intended commencement, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear anything for a few months after applying.

•

•

Quality not quantity: Pick a selection of judges you would like to work for and spend your time preparing cover letters tailored to each judge (There is nothing worse than sending a generic cover letter discussing your love of commercial law to a judge who specialises in criminal law!).

If you know a judge has a particular specialty, point out any interests you have in that area and/ or your marks for those subjects (Did you do an administrative law moot? Did you get the subject prize for Corporate Law?).

Use the interview process to build rapport with the judge.

THE BAR

Because each judge conducts their application processes differently, each judge will have a different interview style. However, from my experience and from talking to fellow tipstaves, the interview is largely a “getting to know you” exercise. This is due to the fact that each chambers is comprised solely of the judge, associate and tipstaff, so the judge will want to ensure that you are a “good fit”.

•

23

PRACTISING IN COMMERCIAL LAW KATIE RICKARD

What is commercial law?

Commercial law is a broad area of law that is used to describe the body of law that applies to the rights, relations and conduct of parties that are engaged in trade and commerce. Commercial law can therefore cover a broad range of practice areas including but not limited to banking and finance, corporate, capital markets (both debt and equity), commercial litigation, intellectual property, tax, competition and project finance. In the Australian market, law firms range from boutique firms specializing in one or two main areas, to the large domestic and international firms specializing in a multitude of areas. Additionally, commercial lawyers can also be found practising ‘in-house’ at large companies and organizations, government and non-government organisations.

How did I get involved in commercial law?

In my third year of university, I had had enough of hospitality jobs and decided to apply for paralegal jobs in order to get some legal experience. Since I had no prior legal experience, I literally applied for every paralegal job on Seek.com. I got a job at a small commercial law firm in the city where I obtained a broad range of experience, particularly in conveyancing, insurance and litigation.

COMMERCIAL LAW

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Over the Summer 2013-14, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to undertake a clerkship at Allen & Overy, Sydney. Allen & Overy is a global law firm specializing in corporate, banking and litigation with offices located across 32 countries. Consequentially, during my clerkship, I not only completed 2 rotations in the Sydney office within the corporate - private equity and the project finance teams, but also spent a week in each of the Hong Kong and Shanghai offices.

In March 2015, I took up my graduate position at Allen & Overy, where I am currently completing a rotation in corporate – M&A. In the future, I hope to complete a graduate rotation in one of the Asia-Pacific offices, and work overseas in the London or New York office.

At Allen & Overy, I have already had the opportunity to be involved in multiple high profile, cross border transactional work which is a career goal I had set for myself back when I chose to study law.

What commercial lawyers do (including skills and capabilities required)?

Day to day work of a commercial lawyer includes drafting advice and court or transactional documents, correspondence, whether face-to-face, verbal or written with clients and the other side, tracking legal and regulatory developments and engaging in a range of legal research.

As a commercial lawyer, I believe the most important skill is commercial awareness; understanding the business needs of the client and communicating this throughout the transaction. Together with commercial awareness, a commercial lawyer needs strong teamwork, communication, problem solving, planning and organization skills. Developing and enhancing these skills are still a work-in-progress for me and I’m sure every lawyer can say that they need to work on a particular area of skills.

Tips to students who wish to pursue a career in commercial law: •

•

•

It is never too early to get experience in commercial law. While subjects at uni are a good basis for you to assess if you find a particular area of law interesting, you will never know until you try it!

Don’t undervalue any hospitality or retail experience you may have – law is a client driven business so your customer service skills are a major asset to you.

Start to think about a basis career plan – if you know what you want to do with your career early on, it will help you determine which practice areas and law firms are for you.

My goals are clear.

We’re achieving them together.

‘I knew where I wanted my early legal career to take me, and the opportunity to practice in a foreign jurisdiction during my international rotation to Singapore was a key milestone.

Practicing English law in one of the busiest financial centres in Asia, and negotiating investment between global corporations, was exactly the experience I was looking for.

I gained deep insight into my practice group and our key sectors, and gained a vast amount of invaluable experience.

Back home, I’m working with the people I met overseas, and in those jurisdictions in which I now have first-hand knowledge. With my early goals fulfilled, I feel more confident that I can achieve the bigger ones.’

Adam Hunter, associate, M&A/Equity capital markets, joined February, 2012

To see how you could define your own path within our global legal practice, visit: nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com/australia

Progress with purpose

Corporate advisory and civil litigation BRIGIDA JOHNS

I have been working as a paralegal at a mid-to-top law firm for almost a year in Corporate Advisory and Corporate Litigation.

To draw a relatable comparison, working in a corporate law firm is not like Suits (sorry Harvey Spector). This inaccurate legal drama portrays a skewed view of the corporate legal profession laden with greed, secrecy, unethical conduct, inadvertent sexism (only one female in position of power) and all young-to-middle age white employees. On the contrary in real life, the employees of the office are helpful, accommodating, strictly ethical and wonderfully diverse (in terms of gender, race, age and disability).

What is corporate advisory?

It’s providing solutions, project management and guidance for large-scale corporate transactions.

Specific corporate advisory services include mergers and acquisitions (merging two companies together and buying another company), due diligence, joint ventures, Corporations Act and ASX Listing Rule compliance issues, IPOs and many more.

What is corporate litigation?

It’s representing business enterprises and providing strategic litigation and dispute resolutions. Specific litigation services include breaches of contracts, employment relations and regulatory compliance.

CORPORATE ADVISORY

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A lawyer where I work told me an analogy that litigation is the well prepared student that trudges along slowly getting work done over a long period and corporate advisory is the student that pulls an all-nighter to get the assignment done. Corporate advisory and litigation differ in the way that litigation is slow, steady and planned because the time frames are set by the court. Whereas corporate advisory can be fast paced and demanding as the client sets the time frames.

So what is the role of a paralegal in corporate advisory and litigation?

Paralegals field a wide variety of tasks; there are no limits to the number of obscure tasks a paralegal can complete. On my first day of work I was asked to look

up a section of the Palau National Code – that day I learnt that Palau is a country.

The main paralegal tasks in corporate advisory includes: • Researching case law that supports/opposes a legal precedent.

• Completing ASIC searches and preparing relevant forms (you will fast learn the location of the ASIC Sydney office).

• Preparing and drafting memos.

• Due diligence (DD is the investigation of a business prior to signing a contract with a certain standard of care. Can be a legal obligation but can also more commonly apply to voluntary investigations).

• Administrative tasks such as hardcopy/online filing, photocopying, scanning and printing documents.

The main paralegal tasks in litigation include: • Document discovery – this can be a very long and tedious process. A discovery involves tranches of documents being swapped between parties; this allows for the other side to obtain materials that are in possession/power of your side that enables both parties to build their cases. It is the role of paralegals (and lawyers) to search through each document (last one I completed had over 250,000 documents!) and sort them into respective categories. A document discovery can take days, weeks or years.

• Redacting documents – this is the process of removing text or images from an original document that is privileged or confidential (this is usually communication between lawyer and client) when giving a discovery.

• Administrative tasks such as consistency checks with the redactions, hardcopy/online filing, scanning and printing documents.

As a paralegal you will complete a broad range of tasks and learn invaluable skills that will equip you in years to come as a lawyer (or partner). It is a fantastic opportunity to work in any law firm. I would suggest applying to small boutique firms (as many are advertised on UTS Careers page) and then work your way up to larger firms (unless of course you feel you are more suited to smaller firms!). Send out your resume to as many laws firms as early as you can so that when clerkships come around, you are equipped with previous legal experience.

Sally Dole Thomson Reuters Graduate of the Year, globe-trotter, music lover Corporate Tax Consultant, KPMG Sydney

Go

Beyond Your horizons For graduate Sally Dole, life is about being open to new experiences and new opportunities.

To learn as much as possible; to gain a more holistic and well-rounded view; to consistently stretch and better yourself.

Sally has combined overseas work with her love of music, politics, travel and meeting new people. It’s this global and wide-ranging perspective, that helps Sally in her day to day work at KPMG. It’s this approach of always striving for your best and taking chances that KPMG looks for.

If you want a career for all of you, talk to us. kpmg.com/au/grads

© 2014 KPMG, an Australian partnership. All rights reserved. VICN11566PPC.

ABORIGINAL LEGAL SERVICE JOHANNA FISHER

As budding practitioners, we’re constantly bombarded with information about clerkships in prestigious corporate firms - but for those wishing to pursue the criminal law route, knowing how or where to begin your career can be a little more difficult.

However, there are a wealth of organisations out there that offer interested law students the opportunity to get their foot in the door and experience criminal law in action.

One of these organisations is the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) , which runs a fantastic student volunteer program. I have spent the past year and a half working with the ALS in Redfern, and it has proved to be an enriching, interesting and insightful look into the criminal justice system.

What is the ALS?

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Founded in 1970, the Aboriginal Legal Service is a community legal centre which provides legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons. The ALS provides advice predominantly in relation to criminal law matters, however some offices provide assistance in children’s care and protection matters, as well as family law matters.

From its humble beginnings, the ALS has expanded considerably, and the service now comprises 23 offices around NSW and the ACT, with offices being found in most regional and rural centres – however the Redfern and Parramatta offices have the most volunteers.

The work undertaken by the ALS is not confined to the courtroom – the organisation also provides support to

members of the community through its field officers, who liaise with clients and their families in relation to legal and social matters. The service also runs the Custody Notification Service (CNS) – a 24 hour helpline for indigenous persons who are taken into police custody. The CNS enables Indigenous persons to speak to a legal representative upon being taken into custody, and most importantly, it allows ALS staff to make sure that person is OK. Since the CNS began there have been no Aboriginal deaths in custody.

How do I become a volunteer?

You might already know about the ALS from one of your friends or colleagues who have volunteered with the organisation – or this might be the first time you’ve ever heard of the ALS. Either way, if you’re interested in criminal law, wishing to gain experience and learn about the justice system, or simply learn more about indigenous issues, the ALS is a fantastic place to work.

I became involved with the organisation after hearing about my friends’ experiences as volunteers. At the time, I was looking to gain some exposure in the criminal law field, and I was also interested in working in a community legal centre. The ALS gave me the opportunity to explore both those paths.

Application for the volunteer program is by way of email expressing your interest to Sheri Misaghi, Regional Administrative Co-ordinator (details below).

Applicants will receive an application package which must be completed and returned prior to being offered an interview. Intake is on an ad-hoc basis, however it can be quite competitive due to the large number of interested students. Ms Misaghi receives all the applications and depending on the preferred office on

the application form, she will forward the application to that office for their review and direct the response to the applicant.

Volunteers sign up to a three month contract, with an option to extend by invitation from the ALS. Most people involved in the volunteer program are currently studying at uni or completing their PLT – and the program is flexible in terms of the number of days a volunteer can commit. However, it is only open to people who have not yet been admitted as a solicitor.

What does volunteering entail?

Volunteer work is highly varied, and often involves assisting with the preparation of court documents, letters and bail applications.

Work undertaken also varies depending on the office in which you work - for example, Head office volunteers may become involved in policy reform while Parramatta volunteers may get involved with Parole Board matters.

You may also be required to assist solicitors with legal research and the preparation of court documents.

However, volunteers are not allowed to give out legal advice.

Possibly the best part of the volunteer program is the

During my time at the ALS in the Redfern office I have had the opportunity to attend Central Local Court, the Downing Centre Courts, Bidura Children’s Court and the Supreme Court of NSW. Attending court provides a fantastic opportunity to understand court process and see some real advocacy in action. You will also get an opportunity to witness mentions, sentencing and bail applications – all of which form an integral part of any criminal lawyer’s work in practice.

If you’re looking for a great way to kick off your career in criminal law, volunteering at the ALS is a great place to start.

Even if criminal law isn’t your forte, I encourage you to apply – I guarantee it will challenge you to give something back to the community and understand some of the wider socio-economic issues that affect the criminal justice system.

Application Details Sheri Misaghi Regional Administrative Co-ordinator sheri.misaghi@alsnswact.org.au For more info on the ALS volunteer program visit http://www.alsnswact.org.au/pages/volunteer

SOCIAL JUSTICE + PUBLIC SERVICE

This includes making contact with clients, their families and other organisations in order to chase up documents that may increase their chances of getting bail.

opportunity to attend court with solicitors and provide assistance as necessary.

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COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES YVONNE NEHME

What do they do?

Community Legal Centres are independent community organisations that not only provide accessible legal services but also empower individuals with the ability to be their own advocates. They strive to promote human rights and facilitate systemic change through community legal education as well as law and policy reform. General services offered include, and are not limited to: information and referral, advice, as well as casework and representation in particular areas of law.

Legal centres in NSW: There are approximately 39 generalist and specialist Community Legal Centres in NSW. Specialist Community Legal Centres in NSW focus on a certain aspect of law or target a particular group of individuals and organisations.

SOCIAL JUSTICE + PUBLIC SERVICE

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Examples include: • • • • • •

Australian Centre for Disability Law (Surry Hills) Financial Rights Legal Centre (Surry Hills) Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (Kent St, Sydney) Welfare Rights Centre (Surry Hills) Women’s Legal Services Limited (Lidcombe) Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre (Marrickville)

Conversely, generalist Community Legal Centres operate expansively across the state, providing legal assistance to individuals that fall within their catchment area.

Examples include: • Central Coast Legal Centre • Inner City Legal Centre • Macarthur Legal Centre • Marrickville Legal Centre • Redfern Legal Centre • Southwest Sydney Legal Centre

How to get involved What better way to develop your skills whilst at law school, than volunteering at your local Community Legal Centre.

As a volunteer you may find yourself conducting initial client interviews; maintaining legal resources, client files and documentation; responding to general inquiries; referring clients to appropriate agencies; as well as, drafting letters and other legal documents.

If you are keen to get involved, visit: http:// clcvolunteers.net.au, and check out which Legal Centres are currently seeking volunteers.

course UTS: LAW

ď °

LPAB ACCREDITATION

FLEXIBLE DELIVERY

The UTS PLT Program is fully accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board of NSW.

> Offered full-time and part-time.

UNIVERSITY QUALITY

> Distance mode with limited on-campus attendance. > On-campus mode offered as both day and evening classes.

> Gain a university qualification taught at the Level 8 Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) standard.

> 3 intakes per year: Summer, Autumn and Spring.

> UTS PLT subjects focus on a student’s competence in the required knowledge, skills and values as set out in the LPAB Admissions Rules (referred to as Competencies). All assessments are based on the Competencies and are marked in accordance with the UTS policy of criterion-based assessment.

GET A HEAD START

EMPLOYER ENDORSED

VALUE FOR MONEY

The program is highly regarded in the legal profession including top tier legal firms, government and in the private sector.

Our fees compare very favourably against other providers and FEE -HELP is available to cover the cost of completing PLT.

> Lectures recorded.

> At UTS you can concurrently undertake your Practical Experience with your PLT coursework subjects.

> Usually you may commence PLT when you have

completed all core law subjects and have no more than two electives remaining.

law.uts.edu.au

Further information on gaining admission as a lawyer in New South Wales is provided by Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) via lpab.lawlink.nsw.gov.au UTS CRICOS PROVIDER CODE: 00099F

PLAINTIFF LAW FRANCESCA ELIAS ARCIULI

What is “Plaintiff Law”?

Plaintiff Law is the area of law that focuses on the party suing in civil litigation, and plaintiff lawyers are the professionals that represent that party. Plaintiff lawyers typically practice in areas of: • Personal injury; • Compensation law, including general, workplace, medical, military, aviation and motor vehicle compensation; and • Other negligence matters.

Many of the larger plaintiff law firms also participate in class actions and other proceedings focused on human rights law.

In a nutshell, when you think ‘compensation’ you should think ‘plaintiff law’.

What makes plaintiff law unique?

OTHER LEGAL PRACTICE

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Due to the wide array of circumstances in which negligence and personal injury matters may arise, plaintiff law offer practitioners diversity in practice.

Further, it can satisfy their desire to help others.

For example, you could be representing an ex-miner that suffers mesothelioma as a result of their former employers’ negligence. Or, you could be fighting for just compensation for victims of abuse. You could be advocating that safeguards are maintained for some of our most vulnerable Australians as the nation transitions into the NDIS, or perhaps be helping someone in an unfair dismissal claim.

Plaintiff lawyers play an important role in the legal system, representing victims and, in many situations, the ‘underdog’, so that the party who has caused harm is held accountable. Practising in this area of law requires passion, empathy, resilience and dedication.

Where do I start?

If from the sound of the above plaintiff law appeals to you, why not get a head start whilst still at law school?

Apply to small and medium firms while studying to get experience and expose yourself to the work and daily routine of lawyers who do this work everyday.

No plaintiff law firms currently run clerkship programs in NSW, although some do run interstate in Victoria and Queensland. You can find out more information about these opportunities at survivelaw.com.

When coming to the end of your law degree, you may wish to apply to graduate trainee programs which some of the larger firms, including Maurice Blackburn and Slater + Gordon, run in NSW. While other plaintiff or personal injury law firms may not have targeted trainee programs, many take on graduates as junior lawyers.

FAMILY LAW MICHELLE SMERDON

The statistic one in three marriages end in divorce never becomes more obvious than when you begin working in family law. Family lawyers typically deal with situations where the latter of: “for better or for worse” comes into play. Following the breakdown of a relationship, family lawyers become involved in two key areas: property settlements and child matters.

In a property settlement, a family lawyer’s role is to ensure that proper disclosure of assets is adhered to and the division of assets between the parties is fair according to the parties’ contributions at the beginning and during the relationship, as well as in accordance with the parties’ future needs. If there are children of the relationship, the family lawyer may be involved in drafting parenting plans regarding child custody arrangements, that are in the best interest of the child and advising clients in relation to child support entitlements. The majority of family law is administered in accordance with the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and in instances where the parties cannot come to an agreement, family lawyers litigate in the Federal Circuit Court or Family Law Court on behalf of their client.

Family lawyers may also be utilised in adoption applications, in cases of parenting rights following artificial insemination or surrogacy, or to draft a Binding Financial Agreement.

As I applied for clerkships, I was devastated to discover that the field offered limited clerkships, if not nonexistent. I had fallen in love with family law during my first paralegal job working in a small commercial firm in the city. The firm had one family lawyer, who would later become my link to securing my vision as a family law solicitor. I then worked as a paralegal at the Crown Solicitor’s Office in the child protection team

My experience My calling for family law stemmed from the personal nature of the job – positively assisting an individual during one of the worst times of their life felt like an excellent use of a law degree. However, family law involves significantly more than helping a client through a divorce, and often matters of emotion do not operate easily within the confines of the law.

There is a large amount of judicial discretion in family law and rules of evidence often do not apply which means that outcomes vary significantly between cases. Further, in cases of property settlement where significant assets are being divided between the parties, I have found that a proficient level of mathematics and business knowledge is beneficial.

Finally, the traditional family unit of a mother, father and two children is becoming less common and family law is changing in order to conform to society’s view of what a modern family is. Family law legislation now encompasses de facto partnerships and parenting rights following artificial insemination and altruistic surrogacy arrangements.

OTHER LEGAL PRACTICE

How did I secure a family law solicitor role?

and gained experience in adoption law and family court interventions. My connection with the previous family lawyer and my experience in family law quickly secured me a solicitor role in a family law firm in North Sydney. Experience in family law as a paralegal will stand you in good stead for future employment as a family lawyer. Further, proactively approaching family law firms to canvas any employment opportunities is an excellent way to show your dedication and to secure a role before it is advertised.

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MEDIA/ARTS LAW INTERVIEW - JULIAN HEWITT

My name is Julian Hewitt and I’m a partner of Media Arts Lawyers and run our Sydney office. I represent a lot of great Australian musical talent (like Chet Faker, Vance Joy, Peking Duk, Flume, Courtney Barnett) as well as a raft of creatives and creative businesses – including tech start ups, film producers, magazines, fashion houses and advertising agencies.

What does working in the field of media arts law involve?

of playing and touring, and moonlighting in a few commercial firms to pay some bills, I took a job with my band’s lawyers at the time, Media Arts Lawyers.

A lot of our work is deal negotiation, strategy and structuring - but there is, of course, conflict resolution and litigation. We tend to run as ‘general counsel’ for a lot of our large clients and bring in specialists (in say insolvency, immigration etc) as required.

What would have to be the biggest challenge you have encountered?

What particular skills are required to excel as a media arts lawyer?

The hardest challenge is often to get the best result for a client without affecting their work or their relationships – very rarely artists make decisions that are purely commercial, the challenge is to understand what is important to them.

A good temperament, a very strong background in intellectual property and contract law, and a passion for creative industries. You also need to be very practical and commercially minded.

What tip/s would you give to a law student wishing to pursue a similar career?

What would be the highlight of your role?

OTHER LEGAL PRACTICE

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Working with people I like and admire and respect, who I would choose to associate with whether they were clients or not.

How did you decide on practicing in this area?

I didn’t really plan it. I had a job in corporate / M+A with one of the national firms after university, and decided to play music instead. After many years

Become involved in the industry. The majority of our hires are young lawyers who are already very active in music (as an artist, manager, promoter etc) or in film (as a producer, director etc) or whichever area they’re passionate about, and have built up their own connections and networks before they’ve even started working as a lawyer, and understand the culture of that industry and what is important to make a project a success. A strong commercial law and IP law background is also invaluable.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA LAW ASSOCIATION

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

The Communications and Media Law Association (CAMLA) invite you to join as a student member.

Being a member of CAMLA is an enjoyable way to keep up to date with developments in media and communications law, and to meet other people who work in this interesting and rapidly changing area.

Our members include people with a diverse range of roles and views, including in-house media and communications lawyers, academics, law firms, public interest advocates and others.

If you join, you will receive an annual subscription the Communications Law Bulletin which contains high quality articles from leading practitioners on current media and communications law issues.

You will also receive invitations to CAMLA events including seminars and our social events and pay reduced members rates for those functions. CAMLA also run an annual essay competition and hold special events for young lawyers and law students.

Students can join CAMLA at the special rate at $45 for one year (ordinarily $130).

To join, please contact CAMLA via camla@tpg.com.au or 02) 4294 8059 or visit www.camla.org.au.

IMMIGRATION LAW SCOTT PRESWICK

Are you interested in assisting endangered asylum seekers with securing refugee status? Or perhaps assisting transnational corporations with the immigration of skilled employees on international assignment? If so, you may be the perfect candidate for a challenging and rewarding career as an immigration lawyer!

Immigration law is concerned with the regulation of immigration, deportation and citizenship. It is an exciting and evolving area of law for a prospective lawyer to pursue. Everyday practice for an immigration lawyer may involve assisting clients in applications for visas, liaising with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, drafting submissions and representing clients in appeals.

Becoming a Migration Agent

OTHER LEGAL PRACTICE

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The Migration Act 1958 requires that any person intending to advise on legal aspects of immigration must register as a migration agent. Registration as a migration agent is not exclusive to law graduates, but it is required of them if they intend to practice.

Law graduates must register with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority, which includes paying a fee, to become a registered migration agent. The process takes approximately eight weeks. Once registered, migration agents are governed by a code of conduct and have continuing professional development requirements that must be satisfied each year.

Immigration Law: Human Rights As the words ‘economic refugees’ and ‘indefinite asylum seeker detention’ may remind you, immigration law has become one of the most heavily reported areas of law in the media. The most hotly debated topics regard the legitimacy of asylum seekers, and the legality of indefinite refugee

detention. Immigration lawyers interested in human rights may find themselves working or volunteering at community legal centres such as the Refugee Advocacy and Casework Service and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, or even at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Such lawyers may assist asylum seekers in their applications for refugee or humanitarian visa status, and may be involved in appeals to the Refugee Review Tribunal.

Immigration Law: Private Practice Immigration lawyers operate out of specialist immigration firms, as well as generalist and/or commercial law firms, in an immigration practice area.

‘Big Four’ professional services firms have also begun to introduce immigration support to clients who are serviced by their legal departments. When servicing corporate clients, immigration lawyers may assist in processing employees’ applications for permanent and temporary skilled migration. For private clients, matters may also include special visas for students, investors, visiting academics, as well as applications for permanent residency and citizenship. Law firms in Sydney that practice in immigration include Fragomen and Craddock Murray Neuman Lawyers.

Migration Law: Government Those interested in immigration law may also choose to work in the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. The Department is the government agency responsible for the regulation of immigration, and thus the primary statutory organisation encountered by an immigration lawyer. Employees of the Department are involved in processing visa applications from the government’s perspective. The Department annually recruits graduates from a variety of disciplines, with applications opening in the first half of the year.

Practising in international Law JESSICA PHAM

If you want to make your career more stimulating and need a refresher, you may want to contemplate working abroad with your law degree. Despite it being challenging to tap into the international market, it is extremely exciting, and many lawyers find the experience rewarding.

So what does practising in international law entail?

There are various forms of international legal practice and endless career options that involve the application of international and foreign law.

Some potential career paths include working at a law firm with a multinational practice, a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), an international intergovernmental organisation such as the UN or the World Bank, an international court or arbitral body or even for a foreign government.

So how can I practice international law?

There are many ways for you to practice law internationally. However, it is important to keep in mind that it may be challenging and time consuming.

Your law degree, whether it be a single bachelor of laws, or a combined degree of laws will be

Students can also start by taking clerkships with law firms that promote opportunities to work internationally. Some of the firms include Allen & Overy, King & Wood Mallesons or Linklaters. Allen & Overy is an international legal practice, operating in regions with active practices in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, The Americas and The Middle East. Allen & Overy offer a four-week summer placement for penultimate and final year students, taking in applications two years in advance. King & Wood Mallesons is a powerhouse legal brand in the Asian region. It is focussed on opening up the fastest growth region for clients, and thus offers a 4-8 week summer clerkship for students at its Hong Kong office. Linklaters is now the leading law firm in Europe and Asia. It also has a very strong presence in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Linklaters offer a clerkship for students for the duration of 4-8 weeks. These firms, along with many other firms and companies, similarly offer summer clerkships for students which provide global insight into the world of international law, and may constitute the foundational steps for a career practicing law abroad.

There are also fundamental steps as to seeing whether your interest lies in practicing law internationally. At UTS, the university provides students with opportunity to study their law subjects abroad for either one or two semesters with its partnering universities located in Asia, Europe or the Americas.

PRACTICING BEYOND THE BORDER

The international practice of law involves litigation or arbitration, transactional work or other forms of representation or advocacy with a transnational dimension. It requires knowledge of public and private international law as well as knowledge of the law within a given foreign jurisdiction. This may mean that you need to re-study the law whilst in that foreign country if you do have the desire to practice in international law. The three most common areas of international practice include human rights law, international business and litigation. However, and fortunately, international law and its practice also covers the entire spectrum of topics covered during law school.

internationally recognised. Nonetheless, you may need to study additional subjects abroad or re-sit the entrance exam to be recognised as a lawyer in that foreign country, as laws vary between nations.

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EXPERIENCE: LINKLATERS CLERKSHIP tim broune

The Linklaters Australian Clerkship provides law students with the opportunity to work on incredible multi-jurisdictional legal matters in one of the world’s largest financial centres.

More importantly, however, it can be a gateway to a training contract where one can acquire great legal experience, increase independence and broaden international horizons at an age when the possibilities are almost unlimited!

THE APPLICATION PROCESS Linklaters only recruits a small number of Australians each year for their clerkship programme and therefore has a very rigorous recruitment process. I found the process quite challenging, but was also thankful for the experience that I had gained prior to applying for other clerkships based in Sydney.

The process begins with an online application due in May. The online application is slightly more detailed than that used by the Australian firms. My application included details of my university results and work experience, as well as short responses to questions about my extra-curricular activities, interest in commercial law and understanding of a relevant commercial issue.

In June, Linklaters sends their recruitment team (including partners and HR) to Sydney and Melbourne for a week to interview potential clerks shortlisted from the applicants.

The interview lasts a whole day and is quite intensive as it includes a work simulation and critical thinking test in the morning and two interviews in the afternoon. I found the work simulation exercise quite challenging but really enjoyed the interviews in the afternoon, particularly given the opportunity to speak with an incredibly experienced Linklaters partner.

PRACTICING BEYOND THE BORDER

38

a joint social with some English students. The clerk group was very diverse but we all got on well and had a lot of fun with the Linklaters HR team at many of these events.

The clerkship included two rotations in the practice groups of our choosing. I rotated in the banking and dispute resolution practice groups. I really immersed myself in both of the practice groups to the point where I felt that I had built a role for myself in each team by the time that I Ieft. I think this sense of involvement can be attributed to sharing an office with an experienced lawyer and being involved in real, challenging work.

Some highlights of my rotations included reviewing and amending complex financial agreements, working on a high profile financial regulatory investigation and attending a meeting with a leading barrister in one of the ancient Inns of Court.

My return home after the trip and subsequent clerkship in Sydney really drew my attention to the scale of Linklaters.

The office is comprised of approximately 2000 people, with 1000 lawyers and 1000 support staff. The building includes just about everything you could possibly need including a gym, doctor, dentist, subsidised food court, café and shop, as well as extensive work resources including a library and 24-hour document production services.

Shortly after my interview day I was offered a position in the Australian Clerkship and suddenly the next few months of my life was filled with preparations for a 1-month trip to London!

I highly encourage more UTS students to join the growing list of UTS alumni working at Linklaters, both for the incredible experience of working at a magic circle firm and for the thrill of living in such an animated city.

THE CLERKSHIP

TIPS FOR GETTING INVOLVED

I arrived in London in late November, only 48 hours after completing my final exam for the semester! Linklaters paid our travel expenses and provided us with serviced apartments about 15 minutes walk from the office. This was just the beginning of a most hospitable experience provided by Linklaters. There was never a dull moment with Linklaters regularly taking us out for social activities including formal dinners, lunches, drinks, a ride on the London Eye, a play on the West End, cooking classes and

• • • •

Get involved - All firms, not just Linklaters love wellrounded people.

Be prepared - Learn about Linklaters and keep up with global business news.

Ask for help - Ask previous Linklaters clerks for advice!

Practice your interview skills - Remember that professional success is not just about “knowing your stuff” but also about establishing good relationships, the first of which is with your employer!

Linklaters is committed to recruiting and training the best graduates from around the world – and that includes Australia. For more information about our 2015 Australian Clerkship in London or our opportunities in Hong Kong, please refer to our graduate recruitment website.

Hong Kong Pathfinder & Summer Vacation Scheme

Deadline: 6 April 2015

Hong Kong Training Contract

Deadline: 30 April 2015

London Clerkship

Deadline: 9 May 2015

www.linklaters.com/careers

ESTABLISHING YOUR OWN LEGAL PRACTICE jessica pham

Setting up your own legal practice can be an exceptionally rewarding and worthwhile endeavour as it provides you with the satisfaction of being not only a lawyer, but also an owner and a leader. It also allows you to witness many achievements such as how many successful cases you have won and clients you have aided, in addition to providing hefty financial advantages.

as you cannot be fired, but are instead able to oversee the operations of the legal practice and track work that has been done by the other lawyers that you choose to take on. This ensures that you are able to control the culture of the legal practice and how ethical the practice remains. Another benefit is the windfall, where you able to work just as much as previously, however, receive a greater amount of income.

However, this venture also consists of multiple challenges, whether they are financial, emotional, mental or physical strains.

How to establish your own practice

The challenges of establishing your own legal practice For many, there is extreme anxiety associated with the workload and working longer hours than regular lawyers, as you must track the progress of each and every employee, case and result. Not only that, but you have to manage many logistical matters such as rent, salaries, maintenance issues, practicing certificates, fees and fines. This will not only impact you, but also impact those around you such as friends and family members.

OTHER AVENUES

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The benefits of establishing your own legal practice Despite the various challenges, there are potentially so many more advantages to establishing your own legal practice. Not only do you get to be the lawyer you studied to be, but you can also be your own boss and leader and make your own rules based on what you learned from past experiences. You also have the opportunity to inspire others to lead like yourself, work for what you believe in and ensure that your legal practice is run well. There is also a sense of security,

Before launching your own legal practice, it is important that you assess your personality to see whether this is the path you would like to pursue. Some questions include whether you are a leader, competitive, organised and a risk taker. It is also significant to see whether you are able to dedicate your time and money into this risk, as in some circumstances, does not end successfully. Like other legal practices and businesses, you will also need to know which area of law you would like to specialise in and who your target clients are.

You will also need to search for a location for your office and hire efficient and a correct number of lawyers and employees to help you run your business. You will need to follow significant regulations and laws as to how you should run your legal practice. It is important to note that you also want to encourage an ethical culture within your business, and in hiring, ensure that your employees are inspired to similar things that you are.

Finally, you will need to register as a business, purchase and choose software that determines how you conduct your business and find insurance that suits what you will cater to.

CROWN SOLICITOR’S OFFICE There are eleven different practice groups at the CSO covering a variety of areas of law: • • • • • • • • • • •

Administrative Law Commercial litigation and property Torts – service Torts – justice Criminal Law Inquiries Child Protection Constitutional and Native Title Employment Law Government Criminal Law

What skills did you have to get your job?

At the time I applied for the position I had experience working in an administrative capacity in a small litigation practice and a large corporate law firm. I also had worked as a volunteer at a legal centre. I drew upon my university experiences, such as mooting, to respond to the application questions.

The application itself was quite extensive and included a cover letter, resume, academic transcript and responses to questions related to work experience and relevant skills.

Paralegal contracts are temporary positions and renewable approximately every four months. They only extend up to three years.

The type of work you will do as a paralegal will most likely depend on which practice group you work in.

My role as a paralegal in the Child Protection Practice Group involves working on adoption applications and assisting solicitors with the preparation of their matters. This includes drawing court documents, preparing affidavits, summarising subpoena material and performing legal research.

What is your day-to-day experience?

In the Child Protection Practice Group I work closely with solicitors on their matters and as such gain experience not just in the drafting of documents but also in corresponding with clients, briefing counsel and attending court for mentions and hearings.

For more information about the Crown Solicitor’s Office go to www.cso.nsw.gov.au

By Joanna Mooney – CSO Paralegal INTERNSHIPS

What was your recruitment experience?

What type of work do you do?

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Aurora project Jamesina McLeod

Some things are emphasised a lot during a law degree.

IRAC. The desirability of corporate clerkships. How difficult it is to find a grad job at the moment.

Other thoughts are not emphasised enough. How much money you’ll spend on coffee, for instance. Or how rewarding native title law can be as a potential career path.

To assume native title is a niche area of practice is a mistake. A forgiveable one, considering most universities only touch upon it briefly when teaching property law, meaning interested students must take an elective if they want to learn more and are lucky enough to have one available. But a mistake all the same, as I learnt over the university winter break during my six-week internship with The Aurora Project.

What is the Aurora Project?

The Aurora Project is a government-funded organisation dedicated to skilling up students and strengthening organisations responsible for providing education and legal support to the Indigenous community. Established in 2006 on the back of a report into the professional development needs of lawyers working at Native Title Representative Bodies (NTRBs), The Aurora Project makes a point of connecting students with government bodies, NTRBs and, in my case, barristers who have seen native title law grow and refine since it was introduced to the Australian legal landscape. The possibilities for placements are incredibly diverse and range across Australia, from the Northern Territory Magistrates Court to the Aboriginal Legal Service in Redfern. You’re only limited by how far and for how long you’re willing to venture.

INTERNSHIPS

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My time with Sydney barrister, Susan Phillips, took me to far south-west Queensland, where trekking through red earth and dodging emus became second nature as we spent a fortnight preparing for a preservation of evidence hearing. Practising as a barrister is often viewed by law students as equal parts exciting and terrifying. Long hours, early starts, preparing court aids and sifting through maps, submissions and affidavits for over 20 witnesses certainly form an accurate description of my internship.

But so too does gaining the trust of members of an Indigenous community, spending time in their homes and becoming intimately familiar with their memories of a culture and landscape that has shaped their identity.

My key responsibilities drew mostly on administrative skills, assisting with document management (printing and folding family trees that stretch out to over 5 metres each is no joke) and making myself useful wherever possible to both the court, the counsel and the clients. This varied from photocopying and taking lunch orders to dodging

kangaroos and emus in a 4WD, communicating by radio while doing a logistical run through a national park that the court would be visiting the next day. The chance to observe how lawyers, anthropologists, and the Federal Court interact within a highly specialised land rights system is one that would benefit any law student. I learnt that native title law is unique, but certainly not so niche so as to be limiting; specialised knowledge about native title overlaps with general principles about land and corporate law, evidence, litigation and dispute resolution applicable in countless other scenarios.

Program requirements and application process: The Aurora Project’s application process is competitive and students must demonstrate an interest in Indigenous affairs and or administrative/property law. The program offers a summer and winter intake coinciding with semester breaks. If successful in your written application, you will be invited to attend an interview where you can discuss your top preferences for organisations. The Aurora staff go to great effort to take into account your specific skills and interests when matching you with an internship, which usually lasts for 4 to 8 weeks depending on the organisation and/or the student’s availability.

Why you should consider applying?

As someone who knew they had an interest in advocacy but wasn’t sure what areas of law they wanted to practise in, the opportunity presented by this internship was tremendously helpful in giving me an insight into the lives of the barristers, solicitors, and governmental and judicial bodies that facilitate native title claims. Many of the personalities I met were memorably passionate about and committed to their work – a refreshing reminder for beleaguered law students that this is possible in a law career. The life of a native title lawyer is incredibly varied – you travel to remote locations, liaise with people from many walks of life and navigate a legal framework that is still developing and refining itself. For my part, I found the experience incredibly fulfilling, exciting and worthwhile as both a student and a future practitioner.

For a full list of internship placements, application requirements and deadlines and summaries of other students’ experiences, visit www.auroraproject.com.au or contact placements@auroraproject.com.au.

Applications for the winter 2015 round of internships will be open from 9am AEDT Monday 2nd March through 5pm AEDT Friday 27th March 2015.

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW Jack fogl

Over the summer break of 2014 I headed to Phnom Penh for a three month internship at the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). This special Cambodian Court, with the assistance of the United Nations, has been charged with ascertaining the truth behind the alleged crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.

When applying, I decided to put the Defence Support Section as my first preference and I was fortunate enough to be accepted. There were two principal reasons why I wanted to work for the Defence. From a legal point of view, I have always been interested in defence and fair trial rights. Additionally, on a more personal level, I wanted to challenge myself to separate any preconceived notions I may have had about the regime and really focus on the work and the client. We are told at law school that this skill is fundamental and necessary in the legal profession and I knew that the ECCC, with its confronting subject matter, would pose a real challenge.

I was one of two interns in a team of 9 national and international staff. My duties were primarily focused on trial preparation. This involved both research and evidentiary analysis. It also meant I was in the Chambers at least two days a week, monitoring and analysing the trial. I truly loved this work, and found

Secondly, and this feeds off my first point, you need to be a fairly independent person. In a workplace that relies heavily on interns, there is a high turnover of both work and workmates. This is not an exclusive feature of international criminal law, but is something you must be prepared for. Whilst you do become well versed in farewell speeches, you will also have the amazing opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. I left Cambodia with some lifelong friends.

Finally, and again this may seem obvious, but a grasp of another language aside from English never hurts.

At the ECCC there were three official languages (English, French and Khmer). Whilst the Interpretation Unit translated the proceedings, and most evidence was also translated, I found that it was really helpful to understand French. It allowed me to analyse translations, communicate with others in the court and access evidence that had yet to be translated.

My three months in Cambodia were invaluable. I learned a great deal, made some great friends and was privileged to get the opportunity to work with and learn from some very talented and generous colleagues. I would highly recommend such an experience to anyone who has an interest in human rights or international criminal law.

INTERNSHIPS

Within the Defence Support Section, I was fortunate enough to work on Case 002, which was at the trial stage by the time I arrived in Cambodia. I was on the defence team for Nuon Chea (otherwise known as Brother Number Two) who is on trial for genocide, crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and violations of the 1956 Cambodian Penal Code.

that I learned the most inside the courtroom where you see the preparation applied in practice.

In terms of working in the field of international criminal law, my internship made me appreciate some of its challenges. First, and most importantly, you need to be passionate about the work. I know this may seem trite, but this zeal is absolutely essential as the hours can be intense, the bureaucracy can be tedious and the lifestyle transient.

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NT Darwin

Placement MLP Masters

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ANU Legal Workshop Master of Legal Practice featuring the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice The ANU Legal Workshop is Australia’s largest university-based legal practice program provider.

The Master of Legal Practice (MLP) is our exciting new program that features the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP). Providing you with more choice, the Master of Legal Practice gives you the option of completing only the Admission to Practice courses (GDLP component) of the program – and gaining admission to legal practice – or continuing your study to graduate with an MLP. We also offer: > flexible online delivery > your choice of 20, 40, 60 or 80 day legal placement > direct or reciprocal admission to legal practice nationally > staff who are practising lawyers and skilled legal practice teachers.

Whatever choice you make, you’ll get the benefits of flexible online study – allowing you to balance study with work or personal commitments – and a qualification from one of the world’s leading law schools.

Information W law.anu.edu.au/legalworkshop/mlp T 02 6125 4463 E lwsa.law@anu.edu.au facebook.com/ANULegalWorkshop CRICOS# 00120C | March 2015

Experience at the Refugee Advice and Case Work Service (RACS) Nesha Jeyalingam

Volunteering at the Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) was a rewarding and eye-opening experience as a law student. While I had gained legal work experience while studying at university, by my final year I realised that I had never gained human rights legal work experience even though I had a great interest and passion for this area of law. In my final year of studying law, I decided to apply as a student volunteer at RACS, which involved committing to volunteer for one day each week.

What I loved most about volunteering at RACS was being surrounded by like-minded people and being exposed to heartfelt issues and stories. The staff at RACS from the receptionists to the lawyers and to the other volunteers were all incredibly friendly, supportive and passionate. The stories you hear from clients while working at RACS and the issues that

The only regret I had while volunteering with RACS was not getting involved earlier. If I had heard about the experience earlier or been more proactive to look into the options available I would have loved to been involved with such an organisation from my first or second year at university. The people, the work and the area of law are incredibly interesting and motivating, and the more time and effort you can commit, the more you will gain from the experience.

I absolutely loved my volunteer experience at RACS. The friendly environment, incredibly moving and constantly changing area of law, and the added bonus of wearing whatever you felt like made the experience truly rewarding and one I will never forget. While I am only now just stepping into the real-life world of the legal workforce after travelling around the world and still finding my feet in the big legal world out there, my passion for human rights law still remains and my experience at RACS has definitely provided me with skills that will help me in whichever career path I choose to take.

INTERNSHIPS

Each day at RACS was different, interesting and rewarding. Tasks varied from complex research tasks about immigration or refugee issues, to taking phone calls with clients to hear their stories and make notes for the lawyers, to helping set up for information nights, and to sitting in meetings with lawyers and clients. These range of tasks helped me to strengthen my research skills, enhanced my communication skills and strengthened my passion for human rights law.

you are exposed to when working in immigration and refugee law can be emotionally difficult and challenging. However, RACS provided an environment that was open, honest and supportive, which made it such a rewarding experience to volunteer at RACS.

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CANCER COUNCIL LEGAL REFERRAL SERVICE LAUREN FITZPATRICK

The Cancer Council Legal Referral Service (CCLRS) assists cancer patients and carers across Australia to access legal and financial services, when they would otherwise be unable to do so, because of cost, illness, or other barriers. The CCLRS helps clients receive advice on issues such as wills and estates, power of attorney, early access to superannuation, credit and debt issues, insurance claims and disputes, applying for Centrelink benefits, and employment and discrimination issues. If cancer patients and carers pass the means test, they qualify for free assistance from the Cancer Council. If they do not pass the means test, they can choose to have paid assistance.

I applied for the CCLRS volunteer summer clerkship in my penultimate year, and after its completion, I continued as a volunteer in the student internship program. Law students can also apply to complete their Practical Legal Training (PLT) work experience placement at the CCLRS. I have always wanted to use my law qualification to make a positive contribution to the community and the lives of others. The CCLRS presented an invaluable opportunity for me to pursue my interest in improving access to legal services for disadvantaged groups in the community.

INTERNSHIPS

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The CCLRS provided me with hands-on experience in the delivery of legal and financial services to hindered clients. My main responsibilities included contacting clients to take instructions in order to assist them with their legal and/or financial matters, and drafting written reports to brief external lawyers and financial advisors. I was then required to communicate directly with the lawyers and financial advisors, enabling me the opportunity to follow cases from the client interviewing phase, all the way to the delivery of the legal and/or financial advice to the client.

I developed a range of skills while volunteering at the CCLRS, including client interviewing, legal research, fact investigation and analysis, and legal drafting.

In particular, having the opportunity to directly contact clients enabled me to develop and adapt my communication and interviewing techniques to a variety of situations. I was presented with a range of emotional clients and their families, and while it was often essential for me to listen and express sympathy, I also had to ensure that I obtained the necessary information to complete a referral to a lawyer and/or financial advisor.

My experiences at the CCLRS further opened up my eyes to the opportunities available to law students. It proved that law students cannot only apply their skills in the private sector, but can also contribute to the not-forprofit and community law sector in a variety of ways.

The development of my written and oral communication skills, as well as my hands-on experience with clients, has been looked upon highly by employers. Further, my organisational and time-management skills, through managing various clients at a time at the CCLRS, are highly favourable by employers.

The CCLRS provided me with a challenging and rewarding experience by exposing me to real legal work in a supportive environment, in one of Australia’s largest cancer charities. I was able to make a small contribution to assist in bridging the barriers to access to justice, which was an incredible privilege.

The CCLRS elevated my passion in the area of social justice, and in all future undertakings, I am sure that my work will continue to reflect this passion.

NOTES

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