2023 Careers Guide

Careers Guide 2023

Sparke your career with us…

Deciding on the firm that’s right for you is a big decision. Is the culture right for me? Will I receive quality work? Will there be people genuinely interested in my growth who can point me in the right direction? Does the firm embrace technology and take innovation seriously?

Why choose Sparke Helmore?

Sparke Helmore offers its lawyers a challenging and rewarding environment.

Working at Sparke Helmore provides all employees with a unique range of opportunities to expand their knowledge, with access to:

• Market-leading expertise—we are a full service national law firm. This means you will have the opportunity to gain experience in each of our Insurance, Government, Workplace and Corporate & Commercial practice groups.

• Real legal work—from your first day, you will have the opportunity to get involved in legal work that contributes to the firm and its clients.

• Training and development—a combination of formal and on-the-job training that covers technical and soft skills.

• Mentoring and networking—we have a proud reputation for mentoring and facilitating relationship building across the firm in a way that fosters personal and career development, networking and the sharing of knowledge, experience and learning.

• Opportunities to give back—through our Pro Bono and Community Programs.

What do we look for in our lawyers?

Our people are key to our success. We are always on the look-out for lawyers with potential to progress, who fit with our culture and align with our values, and who demonstrate, among other things, intelligence, interpersonal skills, commitment, energy and commerciality.

Sparke Helmore lawyers are:

• all-rounders, who are engaged in extra-curricular pursuits as well as their studies

• team players

• clear and concise writers, and

• confident and articulate communicators.

www.sparke.com.au/join-us/graduate-program/

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which we meet and gather, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and this always was and always will be Indigenous land.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We wish to thank all those who have made the production and publication of the 2023 Australian National University Law Students’ Society Careers Guide possible.

Our sincere appreciation goes to the authors who have contributed their wealth of knowledge and experience to the Guide.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or the Australian National University Law Students’ Society.

Although best efforts have been made to ensure that all the information in the publication is correct as at February 2023, this is subject to change without notice.

This publication is distributed free of charge with the understanding that the authors, editors, and any persons related to this publication are not responsible for the results of their actions or omissions on the basis of any information provided in this publication.

This information is advisory, and as such should not be relied upon as being professional advice.

Vice President (Careers): Lilli Black

Publications Director: Nikki Wade

Vice President (Sponsorship): Thu Vu

Careers Directors:

Carmen Truong

Gypsy Polacheck

Rafael Priest

Australian National University Law Students’ Society

The ANU Law Students’ Society is grateful for the support of the 2023 Careers Guide sponsors:

Naming Rights

Premier

Major

Careers Guide 2023

07 / Editor’s Note

08 / Law School to Career

Pre-penultimate opportunities

Applications 101

Requirements to practice law in Australia College of Law: PLT program

Leo Cussen: PLT program

23 / Private Practice

Clerkship Tracker

A clerkship to a graduate lawyer, with a side of travel

Try before you buy into corporate law; how a clerkship changed a perspective on working in commercial law

Experiencing the breadth of legal work as a clerk

The inside scoop on clerkship: what to expect, what to be aware of and how to ace it

Tips for university to slide into a legal practice transition

An interest in commerce, a career in commercial law

Is there only one path to private practice, Helen? Of course not.

34 / The Courts, the Bar & Advocacy

A spotlight on Anthony Hopkins

Learning from a leading legal force: two perspectives on being an Associate at the ACT Supreme Court

The ins and outs of life as a Judge’s Associate

Working as a judge’s Associate: the pathway to the Federal Court and the ACT Supreme Court Barristers - Specialists in many areas of the law Pathway to partnership? No, the Bar calls

48 / The Public Service

Creating precedent in public law with Emily Nance

Finding fulfillment in your career: the public value of legal research

Frank and fearless advice on Australia’s foreign investment framework: a legal career in the Australian Public Service

How to transfer skills learnt at university into practice with Bridie Adams

54 / Public Interest Law & Social Justice

Advocating for environmental protection: the perspective of a community lawyer at the Environmental Defenders Office

Using the law to empower others: an interview with a solicitor at Youth Law Australia

The pathway to defending animal rights: legal advice and advocacy

59 / Academia

Researching the troubled seas of International Law

The twists and turns of a path to academia, with a pitstop at the Olympics

Do you ever leave university, Jo? No, never.

To catch a money launderer: the academic pursuit of criminals and their ill-gotten gains

Teaching law students to ‘drive’: the practical side of a legal education

66 / Firm

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2023 ANU Law Students’ Society Careers Guide, sponsored by Sparke Helmore. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of pathways within the legal profession and practical advice for achieving your career aims.

In creating this Guide, the LSS Careers team has sought to incorporate a diverse range of content from across the legal field with the aim of providing a holistic perspective on the pathways open to ANU law graduates. The guide covers a vast spread of careers including corporate law, social justice and legal reform, international law, academia, and associateships. We hope that you will find a pathway in this guide that resonates with your career interest. I would like to express my gratitude to our corporate sponsors, ANU academics, recent graduates, and other professionals for their contributions. The variety of content within this guide I hope will provide realistic pathways from law school to the career of your dreams. We hope also that regardless of what stage you are at in your legal journey, the information contained in this guide will be useful.

As ANU’s peak representative body for law students, the LSS is also proud to present a host of careers-focused events throughout the year. Our flagship Clerkship Evening will be taking place on 8 May 2023 and will provide an invaluable opportunity for networking and knowledge-sharing between our corporate sponsors and law students. The LSS also holds firm visits, careers workshops and numerous other exciting offerings in the careers space across the year. I encourage you to keep an eye on our social media to learn more about the LSS’ opportunities in this space.

I would like to thank, first and foremost, the LSS Careers portfolio; Lilli, Carmen, Gypsy and Raf, for the immense amount of time and effort they have put into ensuring this guide is a valuable resource for law students. Their dedication has made this publication possible, and I am grateful for the commitment and professionalism with which they have approached this guide. I would also like to extend my thanks to Nikki, the LSS’ Publications Director, for her hard work in compiling the guide. On behalf of the entire LSS Committee I would also like to thank our sponsors, whose support allows the LSS to continue to provide diverse and high-quality events. In particular, we would like to extend our gratitude to Sparke Helmore for their support as the naming sponsor for this guide.

Thank you also to you for your interest in this publication. I hope that the 2023 LSS Careers Guide provides an interesting and valuable insight into the careers open to you as a law student and serves you in good stead as you begin your legal careers.

Please do not hesitate to contact myself or Lilli if you have any questions about the information contained within this guide.

Warm regards & happy reading!

Neha Kalele President at ANU Law Students’ Society

On behalf of the Australian National University Law Students’ Society, welcome to the 2023 Careers Guide, proudly sponsored by Sparke Helmore Lawyers. For this year’s guide, the LSS wanted to convey that there is no one specified way to have a successful career in the law. The team and I made a conscious effort to connect with and reach out to as many different legal professionals as possible, all with unique career pathways, to demonstrate that a law degree, especially an ANU law degree, can take you anywhere, opening doors both domestically and internationally. From academia to private practice, the APS to the Bar, we aimed to explore a diverse range of career avenues to show that law is so much more hundreds of pages of readings and to inspire the next generation of ANU law graduates.

If there is one piece of advice I’d like for you to take away from reading this guide, it is that you have the power to do anything you put your mind to. The support from those who have been in your shoes previously is out there, and many of the individuals who have contributed to this guide have also expressed interest in supporting ANU law students in whatever way possible. If we continue to foster our already strong culture of alumni supporting younger graduates and students, we can continue to show the rest of Australia that an ANU law degree isn’t just a five-year stint in Canberra. In fact, our community ties go far beyond Acton, and an ANU law degree can have a lifelong impact, shaping the careers of the future leaders and pioneers in the law.

So, remember to never be afraid to send that email, ask for advice or request someone who inspires you on LinkedIn! You too, like the many others who have come before you, have the power to have a meaningful impact on the lives of others, mould the legal institution for the better and forge a career that will make your university-aged self proud. Never doubt your abilities and convince yourself that you aren’t capable – after all, you miss all the chances you don’t take.

In addition, I’d like to extend my gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to contribute to this amazing guide. We have collated responses from many successful and inspirational legal professionals, a large majority who are ANU law alumni or have been a part of the ANU law faculty. I know that your advice will help many students as they navigate the world beyond university campus. To our wonderful sponsors, thank you again for your continued support which has made this publication possible for another year. I look forward to what I am sure will be an amazing year of collaboration.

To the Law Students’ Society team, I couldn’t have done this without you. My amazing directors, Rafael Priest, Gypsy Polachek and Carmen Truong, you have all been great to work with, thank you for your dedication to your roles. To Thu Vu, our Vice-President of Sponsorships, thank you for your tireless work liaising with sponsors to ensure that this guide could come to fruition and include materials from some of the best firms in the country. To Nikki Wade, thank you for putting your heart and soul into this beautiful guide. You should be incredibly proud of your efforts, we are eager to see what you do with our next guide! And to Neha Kalele, thank you for being such an amazing support over the past couple of months, this year is already shaping up to be an amazing one for the LSS and I cannot wait to see all of the wonderful things you accomplish in your year as President. And thank you reader for deciding to have a skim through this guide, I hope that it provides some inspiration and insight on how varied a successful career in the law can be!

Lilli Black Vice-President (Careers) at ANU Law Students’ Society

A law degree provides the optimal stepping stone to a vast array of diverse career pathways.

LAW SCHOOL TO CAREER

Studying law opens the doors to a wide range of career opportunities. You may choose to apply for a clerkship at a commercial law firm, or make the most of being in the nation’s capital and pursue a career in the public sector. You may also be passionate about giving back to the community, and choose to work in the law reform and social justice space. Alternatively, you may find yourself called to the Bar. If practising law is not the right path for you, you may wish to pursue a career in academia.

This guide intends to provide a snapshot into each of the above potential pathways, arming you with the insight and information you need to step into your career!

To kick things off, the Law School to Career section includes:

• Pre-penultimate opportunities: Where to find valuable early experience in the legal sector

• Applications 101: Tips and tricks to writing a captivating cover letter, assembling a stand-out CV, and acing the interview

• Requirements to practice law in Australia: The steps you need to take to practice law in each state in Australia

PRE-PENULTIMATE OPPORTUNITIES

Early experience working in the law is invaluable, allowing pre-penultimate students to get a taste of the many different pathways open to law graduates. Seeking out this experience can be daunting, but do not stress - there are many opportunities available!

Paralegal Work

Firms working in all areas of the law need the assistance of paralegals behind the scenes. Paralegal roles are often publicised on the ‘Law Students @ ANU’ Facebook page, ANU CareerHub, and other online job directories.

Clerking at a Barrister’s Chambers

If you are interested in a career as a barrister, there is no better experience than clerking in a chambers. These roles are publicised on similar careers platforms as noted for paralegal positions.

Working in the Public Service

Why not make the most of your time in the Bush Capital and venture into the legal domain of the public service? There are a range of paralegal, administrative, or research-based part-time roles available in government departments.

Useful Links:

https://www.ags.gov.au/employment

https://www.ag.gov.au/about-us/careers/currentvacancies

https://www.jobs.act.gov.au/opportunities

Working or Volunteering for a Community Legal Centre

Working or volunteering at a Community Legal Centre is an extremely rewarding opportunity to develop invaluable legal experience.

Useful Links:

• https://www.legalaidact.org.au/about-us/working-atlegal-aid

https://wlc.org.au/get-involved/

https://www.alsnswact.org.au/jobs

• https://www.alsnswact.org.au/volunteer

Student Editing the Federal Law Review

Renowned as one of the foremost law journals in the country, there are few better editorial opportunities than student editing the Federal Law Review. Keep an eye out on Wattle postings for application deadlines!

Important Resources:

Prosple – the ANU Law Students’ Society’s Careers Directory: https://anulss-careers.prosple.com/

ANU College of Law Careers and Employability Newsletter

ANU Careerhub: https://careerhub.anu.edu.au

• Law Students @ ANU’ on Facebook

• ‘Jobs and Internships’ on Facebook

Pre-penultimate years are the time to slowly curate your CV as well as to experience a taste of the many facets of the law. The ability to demonstrate a well-rounded character with diverse interests and experiences is of great assistance in the later-year application processes.

APPLICATIONS 101

No matter the pathway you choose to pursue, it will likely involve an application process that includes the following steps:

1. A cover letter

2. A curriculum vitae (CV)

3. A statement of claims*

4. An interview

*This is a separate document which may be requested by the potential employer. It is similar to a selection criteria, requiring the applicant to detail how they meet the requirements of the role. The precise skills or qualifications should be stated outright.

The Applications 101 section provides helpful tips and tricks for students applying for clerkships, internships, graduate positions, part time work, or volunteer experience. Here you will find:

• Writing a captivating and concise cover letter: tips, structure, and an example cover letter.

• Assembling a stand-out CV: tips, formatting, structure, and an example CV.

• Acing your interview: tips, and sample interview questions.

WRITING A CAPTIVATING AND CONCISE COVER LETTER

Reflect and plan

Start by reflecting on the experiences and achievements that have contributed to your development.

If you are struggling to critically reflect on your personal qualities, seek advice from your peers or colleagues. Discuss your strengths, weaknesses, and what you bring to a team.

Plan the structure of your cover letter.

Sample structure:

• Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Paragraph 2: The organisation that you are applying to

Paragraph 3: How you meet the selection criteria

Paragraph 4: How your personal values align with that of the organisation

• Paragraph 5: Conclusion and thanks

Frame your cover letter as the narrative of your pathway so far

Describe the experiences and achievements that have brought you to this point, and how these moments pushed you to apply for this role.

For example, if you are passionate about the environment, describe when you first developed that passion, how you volunteered at the Environmental Defender’s Office, specialised in environmental law or found a mentor working in environmental law reform. Demonstrate to the potential employer that this role is the natural progression in your pathway.

Go into greater depth on the significant achievements that may be overlooked on your CV.

If you have been provided with a selection criteria, carefully address each criterion.

Make clear the connection between your past experiences and the demands of the role.

3 4

Connect with the organisation

Take the time to research and consider the culture, focus, or interesting qualities of the organisation. Describe how and why you feel you would thrive in this environment.

If you are applying to multiple organisations, avoid the copy and paste approach as much as possible. Each letter should be tailored to each organisation, clearly demonstrating a considered understanding of their unique values.

Style and syntax

Keep your cover letter to a page in length. Short and concise sentences demonstrate your ability to write effectively.

Check for punctuation, grammar, or spelling mistakes with a fine-tooth comb!

ASSEMBLING A STAND-OUT CV

Career Objective

• This is a brief paragraph to inform potential employers of your intended career trajectory and aspirations. This should be 1-2 sentences long.

Education

Education should be presented in reverse chronological order.

• You should include the institution, course, year of entry, and expected year of completion.

You should also include any academic achievements, honours, awards, or scholarships that you have received while studying, in addition to your current GPA.

• Undergraduate students may include their secondary study, particularly if you have an impressive ATAR or entrance mark.

Your CV provides a summary of your education, employment history, skills, and professional and volunteer experience. It is an important opportunity to market yourself and highlight your strengths. The following tips are a guide to constructing a strong CV. 3

Work Experience

Work experience highlights the experiences, skills, and achievements that make you a strong candidate.

As with education, work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order.

• You should include the job title, employer, start date and finish date, duties, and responsibilities.

• You may like to divide this section into ‘Professional Experience’ and ‘Volunteer Experience’.

4 6 7

Other Achievements and Extra Curriculars

• This section will include any notable accomplishments and extra curriculars that may be relevant to the role or to your professional development, but do not fit into the education or work experience portions of your CV.

For example, a leadership role you held at university, or your involvement in a youth organisation or student society.

5

Interests

• Discussing your interest enables you to present yourself as a well-rounded, interesting candidate. It provides the potential employer with an insight into how you may fit in at the organisation.

Your interests may be raised as talking points during the interview, so make sure they are genuine!

Referees

You should provide at least 2 referees at the bottom of your CV. These individuals will be able to attest to your character, skills, work ethic, or past work experience.

You should include their full name, role, organisation, and contact information.

• It is important to ensure that you have received approval from your referees before including their contact information on your CV. Let them know to expect correspondence, and give them a brief description of the role and what your application entails.

Formatting your CV

It is important that your CV has a neat and professional look. Avoid bright colours or graphics that distract away from the substance of the CV.

Online sites like Canva have fantastic free and easy to use templates to format an impressive-looking CV.

ACING THE INTERVIEW

Congratulations! You have clearly made a positive impression with this organisation during the earlier application rounds. This potential employer has identified a number of positive qualities in you that suggest you would be a suitable addition to the organisation. The interview is your opportunity to reinforce those qualities and connect with the potential employer in person.

Tips

Research the firm: Which areas of practice do they specialise in? Who are their major clients? Have they recently been involved in any matters that are of interest to you?

Relate to the firm: Articulate what you see as the firm’s core values and ethos. Give a practical example of how you would demonstrate those values in practice.

Be personable and authentic: As a client service-based industry, legal employers will be noting the way you present yourself and engage with others. Arrive at the interview on time, ensure your clothing is neat and professional, and maintain positive body language throughout.

Practice: Run a couple of practice interviews with your friends and family to ease your nerves on interview day.

Sample Questions

Personal

• Tell me about yourself

What do you like to do in your free time?

Do you want to undertake further education?

• What book are you reading at the moment?

How would your peers describe you?

What is your worst and your best quality?

• What value matters to you most?

What quality do you think sets you apart from other applicants?

• When is it better to follow rather than to lead?

• Describe a time in which you were faced with a difficult situation. How did you overcome that situation?

Tell me about a risk you have taken in your life.

• Tell me something that is not on your CV.

Who is a role model in your life and why?

• If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would you have it with, and what would you ask them?

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10?

• If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

Sector-Specific

Why do you want to work in private practice / the courts / corporate advisory / government / international law and diplomacy / public interest law and social justice?

What are you hoping to gain from working at this organisation / firm?

• Do you have a particular interest in this sector?

What are some of the current issues in this sector?

• What do you see as the benefits and drawbacks of the changing legal environment?

Organisation-Specific

• Why do you think you are a good fit for this organisation / firm?

Why do you want to work for this organisation / firm?

• What do you see as the biggest challenges facing organisations / firms like this?

Situational

• Describe a time where you demonstrated our organisation’s value of ___.

• Describe a time where you found an innovative solution to a difficult challenge.

Describe a time where you handled negative feedback.

• Describe a time where you demonstrated leadership.

Describe a time where you had to respond to a group conflict.

• Describe how you deal with stress and highpressure situations.

Describe your proudest accomplishment.

• Describe a time where you set a goal, and how you came to achieve it.

Questions for the Interviewer

What was your pathway to this organisation?

• What do you enjoy about working here?

Could you tell me about an interesting project or matter you have worked on during your time here?

• What does an average day working here entail? What would the responsibilities of this role entail?

• What does the training process for this role entail?

• How are the teams / practice groups structured at this organisation?

In this role, would there be regular interaction between the clerk / graduate / intern / associate and the senior members of the organisation? Are there regular opportunities for feedback?

Does this organisation offer opportunities for pro bono work, and how often would those opportunities arise?

I welcome challenges and like to work hard, but how is work / life balance achieved at this organisation?

REQUIREMENTS TO PRACTICE LAW IN AUSTRALIA

Your academic qualification is only one of the steps required for admission to practice law in Australia. You will need to undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to obtain your Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP). You will also need to meet the requirements of admission enforced in the specific state you are seeking to practice in.

What is PLT?

After finishing your law degree Australian graduates seeking admission to practice law must complete Practical Legal Training to obtain their GDLP.

PLT aims to provide graduates with the practical skills and knowledge required to complement a theoretical understanding of the law in legal workplaces. PLT will familiarise you with the day-today tasks of a practicing lawyer in various areas of law.

Although some states offer alternative training options which graduates can complete in lieu of a GDLP, the GDLP is accepted in every Australian state and territory as a practical legal training qualification.

What does the course look like?

Although the course varies somewhat across institutions, the general requirements of the program are substantially the same. You will be required to complete a number of compulsory coursework subjects, elective subjects, as well as practical work experience / legal placement. The compulsory and elective subjects taken throughout the course will focus on skills, practice areas and values.

For the practical work experience portion of the course, a placement will typically be organised by the institution which you are completing the course through.

If you are completing an online course, you may be required to organise your own work experience.

The duration of the PLT course differs across institutions, and you can expect a full-time course to take anywhere from 15-24 weeks with approximately 25 hours of coursework each week. Part-time courses are also available to students who intend to study or work while completing the program, and take anywhere from 30-38 weeks with an expected 15 hours of course work per week.

Where and when should I complete PLT?

The Legal Profession Admissions Board requires that graduates complete PLT within 5 years of completing their degree. If this period is exceeded, graduates may be required to take a number of additional subjects before commencing their PLT.

Although ANU does not currently offer a PLT course, ANU law graduates can obtain their GDLP from any of the following institutions through an in-person or online course:

The College of Law

• Leo Cussen Centre for Law

• Bond University

Queensland University of Technology

• The University of Adelaide

• University of Tasmania, Centre for Legal Studies

University of Technology Sydney

• UNSW Practical Legal Training

It is important to note that if, following the completion of your degree, you are accepted into a graduate program, firms will often require you to undertake PLT at a particular institution of their choosing.

Once you have completed your PLT, you may be admitted to practice law at the Supreme Court of the state or territory that you are seeking to practice in. The requirements for admission differ slightly in each state or territory.

Admission as a lawyer in the Australian Capital Territory:

• https://www.courts.act.gov.au/supreme/forms/admission-asa-legal-practitioner/important-information-for-admissionapplicants

• https://www.courts.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0004/1429330/Quick-Guide-to-Admission-as-at-11August-2020.pdf

Admission as a lawyer in New South Wales

• https://www.lpab.justice.nsw.gov.au/Pages/admission-lawyer/ admission-lawyer.aspx

Admission as a lawyer in Victoria

• https://www.lawadmissions.vic.gov.au/

Admission as a lawyer in Queensland

• https://www.qls.com.au/Legal-Practitioners-AdmissionBoard/Admission

Admission as a lawyer in Western Australia

• https://www.lpbwa.org.au/Becoming-A-Lawyer

Admission as a lawyer in Tasmania

https://www.supremecourt.tas.gov.au/practitioners/ admission/

Admission as a lawyer in the Northern Territory

https://supremecourt.nt.gov.au/lawyers#Guidelines-onApplying-for-Admission-as-a-Legal-Practitioner

Careers Guide 2023

THE FLEX FACTOR PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING

PLT built by you, for you

• Want a career coach? We’ve got you covered.

• Prefer evening workshops? You got it.

• Tired of exams and essays? We are too. Consider them gone. At the College of Law you’ll get true self to how you study.

PLT DONE DIFFERENTLY: MARIANNE HIT PAUSE, THEN FAST FORWARD ON HER CAREER

Marianne Anderson is driven to learn and pursue professional excellence.

After immigrating to Australia in 2011 as a teen,

Study and support at the College

After graduating, I enrolled to get my PLT with the College of Law.

This is the story of how Marianne rose through the ranks from fast food to family law. And how she’s not done yet.

The juggling act

When I was 18, my family and I immigrated

I wasted no time leaping into work. I worked in retail. Fast food. Telecommunications. I

It wasn’t a glamorous experience. But ultimately, I’m grateful for the grit I cultivated from those times

challenging customers and doing calculations on the

Emerging legal ambitions

After three years on my feet, my family and I were secure enough to pause. And I had the

Blonde I enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws at Central Queensland University.

child. That, plus the fact that I was studying online, made academia tough. And slow-going.

law degrees are. But thankfully I gained realworld experience when I secured a role as a Legal Assistant with Kelly Legal in 2017. then, I was already looking ahead.

In my law degree, the large class sizes didn’t make for an intimate experience. Neither personalised support when I needed it.

to defer my PLT part way through.

Hitting pause: A program that adapted to my needs

I was pregnant with my second child when I I knew I needed to hit pause on my studies. The College accommodated my needs, without question.

Because life happens, with my family falling ill. Thankfully, the College understood my work and family commitments.

on time. They granted me extensions which

The College made studying fun, not stressful.

Just the beginning

Thanks to the assistance I received, I completed my put the theory to the test. And the skills I gained have carried across as I’ve supported clients at Kelly Legal. On 11 July 2022, I was admitted as a lawyer overjoyed. I savoured the moment.

Your Story, Your Career. Be the Whole Lawyer.

—

Discover Australia’s leading PLT program.

The legal profession is evolving. Clients and employers are not only seeking legal professionals with technical expertise, but lawyers who are empathetic, adaptable, creative and ethical. That’s why we’ve updated our Practical Legal Training (PLT) program to give law grads the skills to confidently enter the legal profession and thrive.

The Whole Lawyer

Four professional capabilities are taught and developed throughout our PLT program to help you become the whole lawyer – technical capability, human skills, character, and adaptability.

Technical Capability (TQ)

will enhance your ability to work with clients across a range of entry level practice areas. With the support of expert legal practitioners, you’ll run simulated client matters to learn essential legal and business skills, processes and procedures to work effectively with clients.

Human Skills (EQ)

are critical for effective client interaction, negotiation, and advocacy. Through immersive learning and an optional industry secondment, you’ll fast track your journey to becoming an empathetic lawyer with advanced emotional

The skills you’ll develop within each of these four professional capabilities are designed to help you be successful and confident in your legal career from day one.

Character (CQ)

helps you to become a values-driven and selfaware lawyer, acting with integrity. Explore ethics, professionalism and reflective practice through a program of mentoring lasting 20-weeks full time 30-weeks part

Adaptability (AQ)

has the power to transform you into a curious and creative legal thinker, capable of adapting to diverse circumstances and needs. Leo Justice Lab will set you up with legal tech awareness, critical mindsets and collaborative problem solving skills, to become a leading innovator in the future of law.

PRIVATE PRACTICE

A career in private practice offers lawyers the opportunity to work across an array of diverse practice areas, to participate in pro-bono matters, to undertake in-house secondments, or to travel overseas on an international transfer.

Below are a few potential practice areas:

Commercial law

• Consumer and competition law

Criminal law

Environmental law

• Employment law

Industrial law

Family law

• Human Rights law

Intellectual property law

• International law

Litigation and dispute resolution (LDR)

Public and admin law

• Banking and finance

Mergers and acquisitions

Superannuation and tax law

• Property law

The most common pathway to private practice is a clerkship. Clerkships allow the individual to get a taste for what a career in private practice will look like, while also gaining a foot-in-the-door to future employment at that firm.

Here in the Private Practice section you will find:

A clerkship to a graduate lawyer, with a side of travel

• Try before you buy into corporate law; how a clerkship changed a perspective on working in commercial law

Experiencing the breadth of legal work as a clerk

The inside scoop on clerkships: what to expect, what to be aware of and how to ace it

• Tips for university to slide into a legal practice transition

• An interest in commerce, a career in commercial law

• Is there only one path to private practice Helen? Of course not.

* Note that these dates are a guide. The deadlines may differ depending on the firm you are applying with.

A clerkship to a graduate lawyer, with a side of travel

I completed my clerkship with Ashurst, as part of their 2021-22 summer cohort. I am fortunate to be continuing my journey with the firm this year, as a Graduate Lawyer in the Ashurst Canberra office.

My Clerkship Experience

I appreciate that every clerkship experience can vary, however the plethora of opportunities and experiences I was exposed to really opened my eyes to practising within an international commercial law firm. Furthermore, it is an incredible opportunity to be part of tangible real-life situations, which compliments and extends upon what we learn in university. There were three key tenets that summarise my experience:

Professional: I rotated through the Dispute Resolution and Employment teams. I was able to immerse myself in the teams’ work by completing legal research and attending client meetings and hearings. In addition to the dayto-day tasks, the clerks were given projects such as preparing presentations on emerging trends in the legal market and delivering these to the office.

Social Justice: We were also able to opt-in to assist with important Pro Bono matters such as the Indigenous Cultural Evidence Project and Canberra Legal Centre Discrimination Cases. I also volunteered to assist the National Lead for Diversity and Inclusion and organise events.

Community/Social: Pre-COVID restrictions, we would regularly go out for lunch or after-work gatherings, attend the office Christmas party and team meetings/coffees. Ashurst did a splendid job of still making us feel ‘part of the team’ during COVID restrictions with regular virtual catch ups.

Key tips for success: Writing your application

1. Be Proactive. Start researching and engaging with firms you are interested in as soon as possible. You do not need to be in your penultimate year to start attending career fairs or partaking in pre-clerkship programs.

2. Be Genuine. Take your time to understand the unique nature of the firm. For example, read their socials, listen to their podcasts, and attend their Law Fair stands. Make sure to highlight the elements that genuinely fascinated you, and the reasons why, when writing the application.

3. Format. Break your cover letter down into easily identifiable sections.

Key tips for success: Acing your interview

1. Practise Makes Perfect. Get a group of friends or your loved ones together and give them a list of questions to ask you. You will thank them later!

2. Actively Listen. Answer the question being asked, not the question you want to answer.

3. Remain Calm and Be Yourself. Whilst the thought of an interview can be daunting, the interviewers want to get an understanding of who you are! There is no cookie-cutter version of a clerk, so be yourself and share what makes you unique.

Key tips for success: During Clerkship

1. Professional. Remain open-minded to new skills and ways of doing things. Make sure to ask for regular feedback.

2. Social Justice. Raise your hand to new experiences and reflect on your passions. For me, I am very passionate about increasing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Therefore, I actively sought out and created opportunities to further contribute to Ashurst’s meaningful initiatives.

3. Community/Social. Invest quality time and take genuine interest in getting to know your colleagues as people and find common passions!

Key tips for success: Your Growth

1. Be Flexible. Once you have completed your clerkship you have various opportunities to explore! Finish your degree or, like myself, take some time to travel and commence further studies overseas.

2. Be Kind to Yourself and Know Your Worth. Whether a clerkship is for you or not, know that you have so much to offer. Don’t be disheartened as there is not one singular process alone which determines your worth as a person and your potential as a lawyer.

Here to Help

I would be more than happy to provide guidance to any students who have further questions. Feel free to reach out to me and I will do my best to assist you in your law career journey.

Angelique Nelis Graduate Lawyer at Ashurst (Canberra)

Try before you buy into corporate law; how a clerkship changed a perspective on working in commercial law

Why did you decide to do a clerkship?

I was told the biggest mistake law students can make is assuming that they know what they want to do before trying it first. In my case, I was pretty certain I would not want to pursue a career in corporate law. A clerkship seemed the best way to test that, and being on the tail end of my two month clerkship I can definitely say it’s true that assuming is a mistake. Just as practising law is nothing like studying the course in university; assuming you don’t want a career in corporate law because – as in my case – “Suits just isn’t my vibe” can be equally untrue. I’ve found there are many myths and stereotypes surrounding a career in commercial law, but often in ways you don’t expect. This time around I’ve found I’m actually feeling excited for the semester to start to see all the ways my clerkship experience has coloured my law studies before I graduate. Even if I don’t ultimately pursue a career in corporate law, the skills and experiences I gained will be invaluable in any future path I take.

Key tips for success: Application process

There’s no set path for success in the application process so don’t stress so much, especially on particular areas that might not be your strength. Everyone I know has ended up a clerk for vastly different reasons. For example, it might be really easy to fixate on grades or think you must be on track for first class honours to be considered by certain firms. But it’s certainly not the case. One feedback I received was how valued my experience in student societies were. Whilst being in those societies certainly did teach me a lot of skills, at the end of the day I had joined those committees to have fun during university with my friends. There are many things that are valued in the application process, whether that be being able to say you play basketball recreationally with friends, or even resilience during a trip abroad. At the end of the day, time during university is precious and you’ll never get it back. Not getting a clerkship isn’t the end of the world either, even if it is your “dream firm”. There’s always graduate positions, or even getting poached a few years down the track. Remember, as cliché as it is: everything happens for a reason and everything always works out. It’s okay to stress a little bit less.

Key tips for success: Acing your interview

Just be yourself! Haha, just kidding (but not really). There’s no doubt interviews are extremely nerve wracking. If you’re anything like me, something about the process always gives me so much anxiety. I remember one time spilling water on myself out of nervousness in my interview for a position at a Dominos. It’s normal to be nervous in an interview, and in my experience, the interviewers during the clerkship process understand that and have always been really proactive in being friendly and never adversarial.

Helen Tong Summer Clerk at King & Wood Mallesons

My key tip is that going into a clerkship interview, tell yourself that your focus is on being friendly back (and in that way, to focus on being yourself). Think of it as a second date where the first went really well. How this looks in practice can be following up a statement the interviewer just said about themselves with a follow-up question that you would ask your friend if your friend had made that statement. They don’t expect you to act like a professional who’s been in the industry for several decades. It’s understood that you’re a student, and they’re looking to hire a student, so don’t be afraid to prioritise friendliness.

Experiencing the breadth of legal work as a clerk

What is your current role?

I have just completed two four-week rotations at MinterEllison here in Canberra. I started out in the Dispute Resolution team and finished off in Insurance and Corporate Risk (ICR).

There is such an interesting variety of work under the umbrella term of ‘commercial law’ - whether it be large commercial disputes, Royal Commissions, or individual compensation claims. This array of work was exactly why I pursued a clerkship. It is rare to have this kind of exposure as a graduate, let alone a penultimate student. Within my first week of my clerkship, I was tagging along to the ACT Supreme Court with the DR Partner, off to observe a hearing. People want to get you involved. They want you to ask questions and get as much out of the experience as possible.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of a clerkship?

Something particularly special about my clerkship experience was the small cohort of five clerks. This is something unique to Canberra offices. One (of the many) perks to a smaller cohort is the close relationship that you develop with your peers. Your fellow clerks are one of the many support systems in place. It is a group you can approach with questions or turn to for advice. At MinterEllison in particular, it will also be your graduate cohort!

By virtue of working in a smaller office, there is the added benefit of more hands on, challenging work. I was drafting correspondence, producing briefs to Counsel and assisting to review material for privilege. I had the opportunity to work on matters that I had expressed an interest in – and there was always a standing invitation to any upcoming meeting, conference or court attendance.

There is a learning curve in understanding how commercial law firms operate (recording your time, for example), however, the beauty of the clerkship is gaining the experience, without the pressure of being an admitted lawyer.

Key tips for success: Acing your interview

You will hear this time and time again - but prepare! Whether you’re sitting through a clerkship, grad or other job interview, there are certain questions or themes you can generally anticipate. Think carefully about times you have demonstrated a certain skill, faced a challenge and tie that into an interesting anecdote. It is critical that you draw the connection between your lived experience and the point you are trying to make. Simply saying ‘I have good time management’ isn’t going to convince your interviewer, you need to demonstrate this.

Practice your responses with family, friends or housemates – it’ll make all the difference.

Sasha Daniel Summer Clerk at MinterEllison

The inside scoop on clerkships; what to expect, what to be aware of and how to ace it

What is your current role and specialisation?

I completed a summer clerkship at Clayton Utz. Over the two months of the clerkship, I rotated through two teams, each for one month. My two rotations were: 1) Major projects and construction; and 2) Real estate.

Why did you decide to pursue a clerkship?

I have always wanted to pursue a career in law ever since high school – nah, not really. Going into uni and having spent most of it with online teaching during COVID-19 and reduced in-person interactions with lecturers, tutors and my fellow cohort – I did not know if a career in law would be right for me. This dilemma became more and more apparent in fourth year (the big application year) as I was still trying to carve out the answer to the question. However, looking back at the application season last year, I decided to pursue a clerkship because:

• I was curious to see how some of the knowledge and skills we learnt in university would apply in real life.

• I was inspired by the experiences and stories of lawyers and past clerks after attending firm events.

I was fascinated by the idea to experience at first-hand how a large law firm operate (beyond Suits).

I was motivated by the opportunities to learn and be challenged by diverse work in a fastpaced environment.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of a clerkship?

The most challenging aspect of my clerkship was the application and interview process. Throughout which we had to balance (often) various applications, networking events and interviews in addition to uni and work.

During the clerkship, the challenging aspects often came along with the rewarding aspects. The tasks were sometimes challenging as they were concepts in areas of law I had never studied before in uni. However, as long as I was able to ask questions and communicate timely with my team, everyone was extremely supportive and generous with their time to guide me through the tasks.

It was rewarding after completing each task and seeing how much I have learnt from my first draft to the final version. Overall, the clerkship provided me with rewarding opportunities to be challenged by diverse problems, finding solutions whilst working in a dynamic and caring team environment.

Key tips for success: Writing your application & Acing your interview

Know your story: As clichéd as it sounds, both the application and the interview are processes of the firm trying to get to know you and understand your motivations to complete the clerkship at the firm. Think about your journey – what were the different points in your life that have brought you to this point (when you are writing your clerkship applications) and incorporate these personal motivations to your clerkship application.

Preparation is key: Adapt each application and interview preparations to the firm. Research each firm’s values, culture and what they are looking for in a clerk before the interviews and think about how your past experiences demonstrate those aspects. Staying authentic to yourself and story when linking your past experiences is key – the firm wants to get to know you, not what you think they want you to be.

Stay organised: Many students might be applying to multiples firms (in multiple states even) as well as balancing various other activities. Therefore, it’s important to stay on top of the key deadlines and dates for events and interviews. This was the time I leaped into using my calendar and noted down

Tips for university to slide into a legal practice transition

Hi. I’m currently a lawyer working in Canberra. I graduated from the ANU in 2017 and was admitted to practice in 2018. I never studied the Commercial Law elective but experience in practice isn’t replicable. However, there are things that you can elect to do now to make the transition easier. It’s like when you’re told to study ‘university habits’ when you’re on the tail end of high school.

1. The usual parts of commercial law on the front end develops to litigation on the back end. Knowing the pitfalls of agreements and how to avoid them is super important to protect the client and uphold the integrity of the agreement. People enter contracts all the time – try reading something like your lease extra carefully to see if it aligns with the local residential tenancy legislation. If you’re ever asked to sign a legal waiver, think about how it works and how it could be relevant to the Torts course you studied in first year.

2. While you should read your assigned cases, make sure to also keep up with current cases – this is something that is necessitated by the Law Societies in each state and territory as Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Get notified of cases on Jade.io, the Federal Court and Supreme Court websites and Mondaq, which are free knowledge resources. Read full cases, particularly in appeal courts, where the complexities of the law itself are often explained from first principles and then developed. You will often find that legal principles relevant to you are explained in detail in judgments, even if not exactly relevant to your area. It will also help you develop an understanding of litigation procedure and how orders and costs work.

3. Being an effective communicator is more important than being able to recite case law. Knowledge of the law is but a small component of being an effective lawyer. You probably use too many words when a few will do the job. If you find yourself writing long emails or essays, consciously attempt to simplify and condense them so that they have two-sentence paragraphs.

4. Learn how to take effective notes, both electronically and by hand. A good file note of a conversation that you have had with a client or with the other side will sometimes be integral to successfully negotiating a deal or a resolution. You should eventually be able to take economical notes while also maintaining the flow of a conversation.

5. Other than that, make friends in law school and learn to help each other out. When you need to work in a team and when you progress all the way to training your own graduates and paralegals, that experience with explaining concepts to each other is totally transferrable. And you’ll probably come across each other again when you’re in legal practice, so having friendly faces around is always beneficial.

So that’s all. It’s cliched, but there’s a reason that they call it legal ‘practice’. Good practice habits begin now. Good luck.

Ashwin Chandekar Associate at Griffin Legal

An interest in commerce, a career in commercial law

What is your current role and specialisation?

I am a Lawyer in MinterEllison’s Transaction Solutions team. I work on corporate advisory matters, specialising in foreign investment and trade. In my role, I advise foreign companies in relation to a broad range of transactions, including acquisitions of entities and businesses with a connection to Australia. I advise Australian and foreign companies on trade matters, including importing and exporting, and Australia’s sanctions regime.

What attracted you to corporate law?

My interest in business attracted me to a career in corporate law. I have always had a fascination for organisations. I am constantly inspired by the way people can come together to achieve the unthinkable, and I believe that some of our greatest achievements are a result of our ability to work together.

My love of learning, and insistent desire to never take anything at face value, inevitably lead me to study law. I was thrilled to be surrounded by peers who would soon become earnest debate partners, and good friends, as we navigated through our legal studies to become legal professionals.

A great thing about the law is that it does not limit you to a particular industry, market, or geographical location. A person who decides to build a career in the legal profession can do so in an abundance of ways, finding themselves contributing to almost any field that interests them.

When deciding what kind of career I wanted to build, I was drawn to the areas of legal practice that allowed me to nurture my interest in commerce. I knew that I wanted to engage with organisations that make big impacts. I found that corporate law allowed me to be at the epicentre of commercial achievement, while belonging to a profession that is constantly challenging and encouraging me to grow.

Seeing how my work contributes to the evolution of our society on a day to day basis is what keeps me engaged. As a corporate lawyer, I have the privilege of being able to assist leading companies with achieving their goals. My clients are truly doing incredible things. Working alongside some of the nation’s top legal minds, I have a front row seat to the world’s greatest show.

What advice would you give to your university self?

Open every possible door that is available to you. As a student, you are spoiled with opportunities to meet people and to become involved. Reach out to people who are doing amazing things, learn from their experiences and see how they influence your own. The connections that you make within your community now will form the foundation for you build your career on.

Now is the time to lead. If you have areas of interest that are not well represented, or if you think things could be better, make a change. You don’t need a title or special permission to put your ideas into action, and you don’t need to follow the status quo. Your career is up to you, and you should build it according to how you want to use your unique skills, ideas and experiences to make your own impact. Even if that means doing something that hasn’t been done before.

Danica Smith Lawyer at MinterEllison

Is there only one path to private practice, Helen?

Of course not.

What is your current role and specialisation?

I am a Property Lawyer working in a small firm. I also dabble in wills and probate, but only when there’s a window with the property work. The firm I am working with will soon be celebrating its 4th birthday.

What was your pathway towards private practice?

My path to private practice was not the conventional get excellent grades and go to university straight after high school. It took me a while to wind my way to study law and then get admitted. I was a matureage student who, by the time I started my degree, had worked in two law firms, one in the NT and one in the ACT. It dawned on me one day that I liked the work I was doing and wanted to do more which I couldn’t do without the magical piece of paper. I was lucky enough to receive a job offer as a lawyer from my employer when I started studying. They provided support by allowing me to work parttime while working towards completing my Arts/ Law degree. I have stayed in private practice simply because I like it, but I don’t have much to compare it to. I spent about six years teaching practical legal training in the ANU’s Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, which stretched my ability to pivot and learn how to impart knowledge and skills to the next generation of lawyers. It was an enriching experience, and I returned to private practice when the ANU decided to decommission the School of Legal Practice.

What are the skills required to be a lawyer?

Besides having the legal knowledge to be a lawyer, one of the essential skills is to build a rapport with clients and communicate clearly both orally and in writing. If a client doesn’t understand your advice, then not only do they not understand what is involved in the transaction you are helping them with, but they can’t give informed instructions.

What are some of the challenges facing the profession?

In my opinion, one of the significant challenges private practice firms face is attracting and retaining young lawyers. I say this because, despite all the challenges the legal profession faced and conquered during COVID when it comes to flexible working arrangements (ie the ability to work from home), I see law firms returning to the old ways. That is, the requirement to work long hours in the office. I feel that younger lawyers want and need their employers to allow flexible working options to encourage and foster good habits regarding well-being and self-care. In my opinion, we can only be good lawyers when we recognise that we should not become consumed by what needs to be done for our clients and prioritise ourselves too. This means allowing ourselves to pursue our passions and interests away from the workplace. It makes us well-rounded and grounded human beings and great lawyers too! I’m one of those crazy people that loves their job, colleagues and clients!

Helen Rodriguez

Lawyer at Bedfords Legal

A career as an associate, tipstaff, judicial registrar, barrister, or prosecutor offers graduates a front-row seat to the law in action. These pathways provide a real sense of participation in the advocacy process, achieving just outcomes to legal disputes.

In the courts

Many law graduates will pursue a role as an associate or tipstaff in a state or territory court, the Federal Court, or the High Court. associates and tipstaff work directly with judges. Their specific duties vary depending on the jurisdiction of the court. In large part, however, they will engage in legal research, drafting, and general administrative tasks.

These opportunities provide immense insight into judicial reasoning, the process of dispute resolution, the inner workings of the courts, and the relationship between judges, associates, solicitors, and barristers. For graduates wishing to explore a career as a barrister in particular, the exposure, experience, and network gained from associateships is invaluable.

At the Bar

Many who pursue a career at the Bar are drawn to it by the intellectual stimulation and thrill of judicial advocacy it provides.

• There are a number of pathways to the Bar. Some graduates will go straight to the Bar from university. Others will gain career experience working as solicitors, associates, or tipstaff beforehand.

Here in The Courts, the Bar, and Advocacy section you will find:

A Spotlight on Anthony Hopkins: Barrister, ANU Associate Professor, and Special Magistrate

Learning from a leading legal force: two perspectives on being an Associate at the ACT Supreme Court

The ins and outs of life as a Judge’s Associate

• Working as a Judge’s Associate: the pathway to the Federal Court and the ACT Supreme Court

• Barristers - specialists in many areas of the law

Pathway to partnership? No, the Bar calls

Law and order: from a prosecutor to an independent advocate

Pre-penultimate students should keep their eyes peeled for opportunities to work within the Courts, the ACT or Federal Office of Public Prosecutions, or a Barrister’s Chambers.

Useful Resources

ACT Supreme Court Associateship

https://www.courts.act.gov.au/supreme/about-the-courts/corporate-information/employment-as-anassociate-in-the-act-supreme-court

NSW Supreme Court Associateship

https://www.supremecourt.justice.nsw.gov.au/Pages/sco2_aboutus/sco2_careers.aspx

Federal Court Associateship

https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/about/employment/associates

High Court Associateship

https://www.hcourt.gov.au/employment/applying-for-an-associateship-with-a-justice-of-the-high-courtof-australia

ACT Office of the Director of Public Prosecution

https://www.dpp.act.gov.au/employment/employment_opportunities_at_act_dpp

A Spotlight on Anthony Hopkins: Barrister, ANU Associate Professor, and Special Magistrate

What is your current role and specialisation?

I am an Associate Professor at the ANU College of Law who works three days a week as a Special Magistrate in the ACT Magistrates Court. Prior to being appointed to the bench in May 2021, I was a criminal defence barrister. My work at court as a magistrate primarily involves sitting with Elders in the Galambany Circle Sentencing Court in which First Nations people who have pleaded guilty can choose to be sentenced. Sentencing law and principle applicable in the Circle Court are the same as the mainstream, but the process is very different. All participants sit in a circle and the emphasis is on listening to and learning from a conversation that takes place between the Elders and the participant who is to be sentenced for their offending. The Galambany Court exists to recognise the intergenerational and ongoing impact of colonisation as well as the continuing strengths of First Nations peoples and their communities. It respects First Nations authority that rests with the Elders in the Circle. My teaching and research at the ANU College of Law is similarly focused on Indigenous justice, the impacts of colonisation and the importance of listening deeply to First Nations voices.

What was your pathway towards the Bar and the Galambany Circle Sentencing Court?

My journey of listening to First Nations voices and understanding the historical and ongoing injustice experienced by First Nations people began in law school.

A third year internship in Central Australia working for what was then the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service (now the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency) accelerated my understanding and firmed up my commitment to working with and for First Nations people in the criminal justice system. Then as now, First Nations people were grossly overrepresented in prisons and in the criminal justices and child protection systems more generally. It is a deepening crisis of epic proportions that reflects a failure to listen to and partner with First Nations peoples and their communities. After finishing law school I returned to work as a criminal defence lawyer in Mparntwe/Alice Springs and surrounding Aboriginal communities, living with and learning from my Warrumungu and Luritja wife, those I worked with and my clients. Later, following three years living on the coast in Northern New South Wales, raising our children, we moved to Canberra where I began my career as an academic, teaching the next generation of lawyers. In 2010 I took the bar exam, joined the bar and worked as a criminal defence barrister. Since then I have balanced legal practice and academic work in various configurations, being guided by my commitment to justice and taking what feels like the next right step. There have been some missteps along the way but even those have been critical to me finding my way to the present.

What are the skills required to be a barrister and a Special Magistrate?

There is no doubt that a barrister and a magistrate must have a high degree of technical proficiency with the law. Statutory interpretations and the application of precedent to the often complex factual circumstances of a case before the court are the ‘tools of the trade’. Rules of evidence and procedure must be understood. Distilling key issues and making persuasive arguments, or assessing them, are essential capacities, along with writing and speaking clearly and simply in submissions to court or in expressing reasons for a decision. Honesty, integrity, humility and a willingness to be open about, reflect on, and learn from the mistakes we make underpins all of this. Trust lost in the eyes of the court or your fellow lawyers is not easily regained.

But the practice of law is much more than this. Technical legal skills are nothing without an understanding that their purpose is to enable justice. Justice is about the lives of those the law impacts. And, as is now being increasingly understood, justice is about the protection of the environment on which we depend to live our lives. My understanding of justice has been shaped by learning about the experiences of injustice and suffering of those I have worked with. Opening to the pain of this lived experience can be overwhelming. For this reason, I have come to understand that compassion as the foundational attribute of a legal practitioner or judicial officer who is committed to law as a practice of justice. Though the development of compassion is not generally discussed at law schools, neuroscience has confirmed what practitioners of mindfulness and compassion meditation have long known: compassion is a skill that can be cultivated. In my own experience, the cultivation of compassion for others, and for myself, has been invaluable to avoiding burnout and continuing to remain true to a practice of justice.

Anthony Hopkins

Barrister/ Associate Professor at ANU College of Law, and Special Magistrate

What advice would you give your university aged self?

Looking back now at my university aged self, I can see a young person with a commitment to using law for the benefit of others, but without a clear idea of how that would manifest. I can also see a deeply anxious young person with an ingrained fear that I would never be up to the task and that my best would never be good enough. Anxiety and a sense that I am an imposter remains with me to this day, unshaken by the objective evidence of achievement. What has changed is that I am now much more friendly with these thoughts and experiences as they arise. This acceptance means that the thoughts and fears, along with the sensations in the body that accompany them, pass more quickly and have less control over my life. This is a work in progress.

So, to my university aged self, I would say. Trust that your path will emerge from taking what feels like the next right step, look for mentors whose values align with yours and be open to the fact that you will take the wrong path from time to time and that there is learning in this. Most importantly, I would say to my young self: take up the practice of mindfulness and compassion meditation as soon as you can! It won’t just make it possible to be the best lawyer you can be, it will radically increase your experience of joy and connection in the world.

Learning from a leading legal force: two perspectives on being an Associate at the ACT Supreme Court

What was your pathway towards being an Associate?

Lilli: During university, I sought out volunteering opportunities – I wanted to see what the law looked like in practice, rather than just in classrooms. I was interested in social justice, so I volunteered at Legal Aid and then in the Aboriginal Legal Service here in the ACT. This gave me a glimpse of how community law firms and the justice system operate. During this period, I sat in the ACT Magistrates Court as an observer. After getting some experience working as a legal researcher at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), I applied and was thrilled to get a short-term position with Magistrate Taylor. As I was passionate about therapeutic justice, I then applied and worked for the subsequent six months at the ACT Supreme Court Drug and Alcohol List with Acting Justice Refshauge. During this role, I applied for an associateship with Chief Justice McCallum, and was lucky enough to get that position. All have been an incredible opportunity to experience the different parts of the justice system, and I am so lucky to have worked for such intelligent and ethical judicial minds.

Grace: During my studies, I found it hard to distinguish which area of the law I found most interesting (from a vocational perspective). I sought out a variety of legal positions to allow myself to get a taste of as many areas of the law as I could. This included volunteering at the Aboriginal Legal Service, a position as a law clerk at a barristers chambers, a paralegal position at the Crown Solicitors Office in NSW and a corporate clerkship at MinterEllison at the end of my penultimate year. I left university with the clarity that I was passionate about litigation, but remained unsure about how I would specialise within it. I ultimately completed a graduate program at MinterEllison in 2021 and applied to be the Tipstaff to McCallum JA, as her Honour then was, at the NSW Court of Appeal to begin in 2022 (to my delight, I was successful!) A few months prior to starting, I received a call from her Honour telling me that she had been offered the position of Chief Justice in the ACT and that she would love if I would join her. Naturally, I said yes and have found it to be the most enriching learning opportunity I have had in my professional life thus far; although I imagine this will remain the case for the entirety of my career.

What attracted you towards an associateship?

Lilli: A teacher and mentor I was very lucky to have at university, told me once that being an associate is one of the best roles you can have when starting as a lawyer. They said it was the best way to see how the legal system worked, and to learn what good (and not so good) advocacy looks like. This really peaked my interested and turned out to be very true advice!

Grace: The most attractive element of associateships at the time of applying was the opportunity to observe and learn from the advocacy of senior and experienced practitioners. A career at the Bar was something that I found enticing, but did not feel certain about. I thought an associateship would be a great opportunity to reflect more on my future career path and work closely with a judge as experienced and esteemed as McCallum CJ. I was particularly attracted to the Chief Justice’s social justice lens on the law and the value her Honour has placed on access to justice throughout her career.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working as an Associate?

Lilli: For me personally, as an Aboriginal woman, the biggest challenge as an associate is working within a system that so disproportionately harms Aboriginal people. However, each of the judicial officers I have been so fortunate to work with as an associate have shared my concerns and values. They have shown me that it is possible to work within the justice system, while simultaneously encouraging the evolution of that system to ensure it provides justice for all. So, relatedly, that has been the most rewarding and meaningful aspect of my associateships: witnessing up close how leadership can balance the law and compassion in its application and future.

Grace: The most rewarding aspect of being an associate is certainly the experience of working closely with the leading minds of our profession. It is a rare opportunity to be able to work so closely with someone as senior as a Supreme Court judge at these early stages of one’s career. The mentorship of the Chief Justice is truly invaluable.

As far as challenges are concerned, at the ACT Supreme Court associates have more involvement in criminal trials than you might think. In fact, it is the associate empanels a jury and an associate who takes the verdict when a jury has concluded their deliberations. Criminal proceedings can also tend to be confronting from time to time. However, we are very lucky to be supported by court staff and our judges when these cases arise.

What advice would you give your university aged self?

Lilli: Try to strike the balance between getting practical experience and focussing on your studies. I think at different points I focused too heavily on either my employment or university. It is important to get experience, but take the time to enjoy what you are learning and figure out what you are passionate about. That’s what is most important.

Grace: Don’t seek out employment opportunities for the sake of making your resume look impressive. Instead, use employment opportunities while you are still in university as an opportunity to explore different areas of the law and learn a lot in the process. I would also tell myself to not be frightened to reach out to members of the profession for advice or mentoring. There are a lot of generous practitioners out there who are genuinely interested in the development of young lawyers and law students. Take advantage of those opportunities.

Lillian Ireland (L) & Grace Hartley (R)

Associates to the Hon. Chief Justice McCallum of the ACT Supreme Court

The ins and outs of life as a Judge’s Associate

What is your current role and specialisation?

I am currently a legal Associate / Researcher to the Hon. Justice Preston, Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court of NSW. In this role, I work on a variety of complex environment and planning law matters, at first instance and on appeal from Commissioners, and assist Justice Preston with his academic work and conference presentations. Justice Preston also sits as a Judge on the NSW Court of Appeal and NSW Court of Criminal Appeal. Prior to this role, I was an Associate to the Hon. Judge W J Neville at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. I worked on a variety of family law and general federal law matters, including migration, sexual harassment, unfair dismissal and bankruptcy.

What does an associateship involve, and why should you apply for one?

An Associateship is an incredible opportunity to work closely with a Judge and develop an innate understanding of how the law is analysed, argued and applied. Being an Associate involves reviewing matters before hearing and briefing the Judge on the facts and legal arguments; assisting the Judge in Court by taking notes, closely listening to the parties’ submissions, tendering exhibits and identifying relevant legislation and cases for the Judge; discussing a case with the Judge after a hearing; and assisting with preparing, writing and editing judgments. If the Judge also engages in academic work, you may also have the opportunity to assist in additional legal research and writing.

An Associateship is typically for a 12-month period. During this time, you will valuably develop your legal research and writing skills, advocacy, understanding of court procedures and practical legal skills. It’s pretty much a crash course of the do’s and don’ts of being a lawyer and barrister – directly from a Judge. An Associateship is also an incredibly fascinating and fun experience. It’s a fast-paced, exciting job where you are always working on new cases, new legal research and trying to wrap your head around complex legal arguments with your Judge.

Note that the terminology for an associateship can vary between states (and even each Judge’s chambers). In NSW, a Judge’s Associate will often perform mainly legal secretary duties, and their Tipstaff will assist in Court and with legal research. In Commonwealth courts and most other state courts, the Tipstaff role is also referred to as an Associate.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of an associateship?

An Associateship entails some challenging aspects. Primarily, a Judge needs to be able to rely on their Associate. This means that your organisational skills, attention to detail, thoroughness in your research, and understanding of the case facts and legal arguments need to be to a quality that your Judge can confidently rely upon.

An Associateship also entails many very rewarding aspects. Whether you’re working with a Judge in criminal law, family law, environmental law or corporations law, you’re going to be working on important matters and making a real difference to people’s lives. Assisting a Judge to work through legal arguments, evidence and submissions, and come to a decision that is the most accurate application of the law is a very rewarding process. Most Judges will be enthusiastic about involving their Associate in this decision-making process, debating the legal arguments and possible outcomes, and training their Associate up to enter the legal profession as an exceptional lawyer.

Lily Morton Associate to the Hon. Justice Preston, Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court of NSW

Working as a Judge’s Associate: the pathway to the Federal Court and the ACT Supreme Court

What was your pathway towards being an Associate?

I graduated from the ANU in December 2020 with a combined LLB (Hons)/BSc degree (majoring in science communication). During my studies, I worked as a Research Assistant to a number of academics as well as for the National Judicial College of Australia (Commonwealth Sentencing Database). This experience gave me a strong research background over a number of areas, skills which I had also developed through my law degree. During my studies I was also heavily involved in mooting and clerked at Allens in Sydney (rotating through the Technology, Media & Telecommunications and the Mergers, Acquisitions and Capital Markets practice groups). For those considering applying to be an associate, I would recommend doing some advocacy-based activities. Aspirations to go to the Bar are something that many judges are looking for in a future associate due to their interest in mentoring the next generation of advocates. After all, most judges were barristers in their former working life. In addition, such activities will give you some insight into whether the work might be something that you would enjoy.

Following graduation, I worked as an associate at the Federal Court of Australia based in Sydney (working for an IP-specialist judge) before commencing work as an associate at the ACT Supreme Court. The work across the two courts has been exceptionally varied. In the Federal Court, I worked on matters in the areas of Administrative Law, Corporations Law, Intellectual Property Law (Copyright and Patents) as well as some federal crime. As part of this work, I was also exposed to general matters of practice and procedure. In contrast, the ACT Supreme Court work has been focused largely on criminal law or general personal claims in tort or contract. This difference in focus was what drew me to working at the different courts and is a key matter in selecting which court (and, by extension, which judge you apply for).

What are the skills required to be an Associate?

Broadly, the work of an associate can be divided into three areas: in-chambers tasks (including preparing research briefs or memos as well as general administrative tasks), in-court tasks (managing documents for the hearing, managing any court technology – and paying attention to the submissions) and proofreading tasks. Overall, individuals with excellent attention to detail, the ability to jump between different tasks, manage competing priorities and individuals who are highly organised will do well. As a general rule, each judge at a superior court will have two staff, so the ability to work in small teams in close proximity is also essential. Depending on the judge you are working for, you may have more (or less) research-based work. In particular, judges will often involve their associates in extracurricular research activities such as for the preparation of speeches – so some legal research skills will also help.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working as an Associate?

The most rewarding aspect of the role is the ability to work so closely with a leader in the legal profession. Judges are highly skilled legal specialists having dedicated decades to honing their skills in practice (and, as noted earlier, generally at the Bar). Learning on the job from individuals with that experience is an invaluable aspect of the role of an associate. Similarly, being able to see how court systems function behind the scenes can provide context to how decisions are made, and how good advocates can best advance their client’s position.

In terms of the challenges, it is worth noting that every matter that has made it to court is a matter where the parties (rightly or wrongly) think there is a genuine dispute to be litigated (at not insignificant cost). There are very few easy cases. The work, while varied and interesting, can often be challenging to grapple with, both in terms of complexity but also in terms of subject matter (in some areas, of course, more so than others – and it would depend on your personal interests).

What advice would you give your university aged self?

The best advice that I could give would be to try every experience that university has to offer. There is no one ‘best’ path through law school. I think there is a tendency at university and, in particular, law school, to compare yourself to your friends and peers – but at the end of the day no one will care if you didn’t get a specific paralegal job in first or second year, nor will it hinder your career endeavours. After all, I didn’t work at a law firm until the two months I spent as a clerk in Sydney (and I left early to come back to Canberra to run a mooting competition). There are many different ways to develop the skills that you will need in the future, and many ways to showcase that in an interview. If you are not enjoying working in a particular role, be it the people, the work or the practice area, there are always other opportunities. As one door closes, invariably, another will open.

Most importantly of all, however, have fun. At the ANU you have access to wonderful teachers (I note here that I am slightly biased, as I do tutor Property and Contract Law), a lovely campus environment and, for at least most of you, the convenience of being able to get from one side of the city to the other in a half-hour – noting of course that not all spaces in Canberra are as accessible as they should be. There is plenty of time for work and stress later in your life, and your university years will (hopefully) be some you look back on with fondness.

Andrew Ray Associate, ACT Supreme Court; Visiting Fellow, ANU College of Law

Barristersspecialists in many areas of the law

What is your current role and profession?

My current role is barrister. I try not to be too “specialised” (one of the reasons for going to the Bar was being able to work across many areas of law, which you often don’t get to do as a solicitor). Most of my work at present is in the areas of human rights, discrimination, employment, administrative and commercial law.

What was your pathway towards the Bar?

My pathway from graduation was: backpacker> solicitor > judge’s associate > student (overseas) > solicitor (overseas) > barrister. It took about 13 years to make my way to the Bar after being admitted to the profession. I knew I wanted to go to the Bar quite early on, but I had other things I wanted to do first and for some reason being at the Bar felt like an “end point”.

What attracted you to the Bar?

It was a combination of factors. One factor was being attracted to the challenge of doing something difficult - and it is difficult (in a good way, mostly). Another factor was being inspired by the stories I heard when I was a judge’s associate. And probably the most significant factor was that as the years of being a solicitor went on, I realised how much I wasn’t attracted to many of the things required in a law firm (marketing, client management, staff management). The part of being a lawyer that I liked doing was the law itself, and going to the Bar was a way to focus on that.

What are the skills required to be a barrister?

I don’t think there is one specific set of skills necessarily. Barristers who focus in certain areas of law may need particular skills which other barristers don’t need so much. And more generally there are many different ‘styles’ of barrister to suit different types of work and different types of clients. However, I would say that all barristers need to be able to work under pressure and think quickly. They need to be comfortable working ‘in public’ in the sense that a significant part of their job is done in open court for everyone to see (including their mistakes). They need to be happy to read a lot (because there is a lot of reading!) and they need to have the self-discipline to spend long periods of time alone at their desk without anyone making them do it. Almost every barrister I know works exceptionally hard, so I would also add that they need to have the capacity for hard work!

What advice would you give your university aged self?

Looking back I don’t think I would have done anything much differently - so I would simply reassure myself that yes, it is okay to go and pursue all those different experiences you yearn for (travel, study again, work overseas, move cities, fall in love etc) and not be settled into your job too permanently as soon as you finish university. While I have said to myself at times that I should have gone to the Bar earlier in my career, when I think back that would mean missing out on some of the experiences I had and I don’t think I’d really want to do that. Remember: you’re the author of your own story, so make sure it’s one where you actually want to be the main character!

Prue Bindon Barrister at Key Chambers

Pathway to partnership? No, the Bar calls

What is your current role and profession?

I am currently a member of the NSW and ACT Bars. I specialise in the area of professional liability and specifically medical negligence work.

What was your pathway towards the Bar?

My pathway towards the Bar was as follows:

1. Studied A-Levels in the UK (2 years).

2. Studied Law at University in the UK (3 years full time).

3. Applied for and completed summer vacation schemes at several global law firms in year 2 of University.

4. Researched, applied for, interviewed at, and obtained offers from law firms for a training contract whilst in year 2 of University. Accepted offer from preferred firm.

5. Completed practical training element at College of Law in London (LPC – Legal Practice Course (Corporate - Large law firm stream)) (1 year full time).

6. Completed a training contract as a Trainee Solicitor with a global firm in its London office (2 years). Rotated through four 6 month ‘seats’ in different practice areas.

7. Qualified as a solicitor in UK, practised as a solicitor in London (2 years). Completed client secondments.

8. Re-qualified in NSW (taking 5 subjects on the LPAB and 3 modules at the College of Law in one semester whilst working full time).

9. Admitted as a Lawyer in Australia, practised as a solicitor/Senior Associate at global law firms in Sydney for 4.5 years. Completed client secondments.

10. Sat the NSW Bar exams in February 2017 and passed on first attempt.

11. Completed the Bar Practice Course (NSW Bar Association) in September 2017.

12. Completed the NSW Bar reading year in September 2018.

What attracted you to the Bar?

I was attracted to the Bar for two main reasons. The first was that I was on the ‘pathway to partnership’ programme at my firm in Sydney and over time I was not convinced that partnership was ultimately going to be for me. This was because I did not enjoy the business development and staff management side that comes with senior roles at large law firms. I wanted to practice law and I was a keen litigator and I loved being in Court rather than be back at the office managing budgets, staff issues, clients and complying with service level agreements. The second was when I was the instructing solicitor at an inquest and I had briefed Counsel. Counsel was questioning a witness and I sat behind the bar table and thought to myself: ‘I could do just as good, if not a better job at this’.

What are the skills required to be a barrister?

To be a barrister especially a woman at the Bar you have to have a certain level of resilience, things will not go your way 100% of the time, there are times when you will be incredibly frustrated by a whole variety of things that you cannot control, the ability to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, put those things behind you, and do your very best in the next matter is very important. You also actually need some management skills and interpersonal skills when working with solicitors and others that brief you. They rely on you to lead them and their client through the litigation. Most importantly you need emotional intelligence skills. Litigation is a stressful business for all involved, these skills will help you with dealing with your instructing solicitors and their clients, your fellow members in chambers, your clerk, chambers staff, Court staff and your opponents.

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What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working as a barrister?

The most rewarding aspect of working as a barrister is getting the just outcome in a case and seeing the difference that outcome can make to someone’s life. I also purchased my Sydney chambers in 2021, became a member of my floor as opposed to a licensee, and designed and renovated my chambers in 2022. Achieving that was also very rewarding for me.

The most challenging aspect at times is the sheer volume of work, the demands on your time, not having time for yourself, anyone or anything else, periods of intense work in the lead up to and during a hearing (I think of it as paddling, catching and riding out a big wave) (12 hour plus days, for 6 - 7 days a week including weekends), working to tight time frames, and timetables which come with bouts of intense periods of stress and pressure.

What advice would you give your university aged self?

The advice I would give my university aged self is work hard at university, but also focus on developing non-academic skills as well such as self-awareness and emotional intelligence, leave your comfort zone: travel, have other interests outside of the law, associate yourself with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, make and utilise professional connections. Don’t pigeon hole yourself in terms of your future legal career too early, ensure that you organise and undertake work experience in areas that not only interest you but also in other areas so that you get a feel for what is going to be good fit for you when you graduate. Don’t worry about following a set path, doing what other people want you to do, or what your fellow students are all doing, it is important you consider, seek out and do things for you and seek out a career that is going to be fulfilling and rewarding for you.

Jennifer Hillier

Barrister at Selborne Chambers & Burley Griffin Chambers

What is your current role and profession?

My current role is barrister at Key Chambers; I am entering my 7th year at the Bar. I do not have a specialisation; my practice is quite diverse and that is intentionally so. My areas of practice include crime, care and protection matters, coronial matters, administrative law and Royal Commissions.

What was your pathway towards the Bar?

My pathway to the Bar was unconventional but interesting.

My initial degree after high school was a Bachelor of Hospitality, which was essentially a business degree with a focus on hospitality management. On completion of that degree I held a number of managerial roles in the hospitality, retail and recruitment fields. I also spent a number of years travelling, including working on the QE2 cruise ship for a period of time seeing the world.

I decided to study law in my early 30’s; I enrolled fulltime in straight law at UTas and completed my degree in 3 years, and was awarded first class honours. During my 3rd year I was pregnant with our first child; he was born 6 weeks before my final assessment. I then studied my Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at ANU and was admitted thereafter. I then studied my Masters in Legal Practice at ANU whilst at home with two children.

My first legal role was at Blumers, where I stayed for 6 months before having our third child. After that I worked at the ACTDPP for 2 years as a prosecutor, followed by 5 years at the Commonwealth DPP as a senior prosecutor.

I was then called to the Bar in 2016.

Katrina Musgrove Barrister at Key Chambers

What attracted you to the Bar?

A number of aspects attracted me to the Bar. The primary factor was a desire to undertake advocacy. As a prosecutor I had experienced the thrill and sometimes sheer terror of advocacy and I wanted more of it. I was also attracted to the diversity at the Bar; no two matters are the same and as my practice is varied, it provides me with intellectual challenge and variety I enjoy. The other aspect of the Bar that appealed to me was the autonomy of being selfemployed and ultimately being responsible for the decisions I make.

What are the skills required to be a barrister?

There are a number of skills required to be a good barrister. Knowledge of the law, especially the Evidence Act, and the ability to learn quickly and legal research are some of the primary skills required and they probably go without saying.

The skills often overlooked but critical are management skills. Time management is absolutely essential; if you can’t manage your time you will be forever chasing your tail, late with work and late to court. That adds unnecessary levels of stress and annoyance not only in your own life and practice, but more importantly to your instructing solicitor, perhaps your client and definitely to the Court. Self-discipline is also another critical skill; when the pressure is on you need to be able to step up and perform and that often means choosing work over social activities, time with family and often sleep.

You also need to be able to admit your mistakes and learn from them. They hurt, it is painful but to improve you need to be honest with yourself.

The other skills I think are critical to being an effective barrister are communication and people skills. The ability to relate to people, communicate effectively, listen properly and manage relationships and expectations are critical. Such skills are used daily, whether it be in taking instructions, crafting submissions, addressing the Court or in crossexamination. It is these skills that I developed in my myriad jobs before law that really assist me be an effective barrister.

What advice would you give your university aged self?

Be brave in your choices, follow your passions and back yourself. Importantly, be humble and realistic enough to admit you do not know everything, cannot do everything perfectly, and sometimes will need a little help, and recognise that is OK. Have fun and try to make positive change, however small that may be.

Law and order: from a prosecutor to an independent advocate

ANU students are known for their keen interest in politics, foreign affairs, and social justice. Public law offers the perfect opportunity to utilise those interests in tandem with the skills developed through law school.

The pathways in public law are extremely diverse. Public servants may begin their career in a graduate program at the Attorney-General’s Department, transition to the Australian Government Solicitor, and settle in the Treasury in its law division. Diplomats may begin their career at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, before travelling to work in an international embassy, a consulate, or for the United Nations. There is no single avenue, rather a number of flexible pathways with a great deal of fluidity and choice

Here in the Public Service section you will find:

• Creating precedent in public law with Emily Nance, Deputy Chief Solicitor at the Australian Government Solicitor

• Finding fulfillment in your career: the public value of legal research

Frank and fearless advice on Australia’s foreign investment framework: a legal career in the Australian Public Service

• How to transfer skills learnt at university into practice with Bridie Adams, lawyer at the Australian Government Solicitor

Useful Resources

ACT Office of the Director of Public Prosecution

https://www.dpp.act.gov.au/employment/ employment_opportunities_at_act_dpp

Attorney-General’s Department

https://www.ag.gov.au/about-us/careers

Australian Government Solicitor

https://www.ags.gov.au/employment/currentvacancies

Commonwealth Ombudsman

https://www.ombudsman.gov.au/what-we-do/ careers/current-vacancies

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

https://www.dfat.gov.au/careers/careers

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/ careers

Department of Industry, Science and Resources

https://www.industry.gov.au/about-us/work-with-us Treasury

https://treasury.gov.au/the-department/ recruitment-and-careers

The United Nations

https://un.org.au/careers/

https://unjobs.org/duty_stations/australia US Embassy and Consulates

https://au.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/jobs/

Creating precedent in public law with Emily Nance

My name is Emily Nance. I am a Deputy Chief Solicitor within the Dispute Resolution Group of the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS). I specialise in administrative law advice and litigation but, as one of the professional leaders of AGS’ dispute resolution practice, work across various disciplines including law enforcement, information protection and regulatory matters. My career path has been pretty unusual by current standards because I have made my entire career at AGS, starting as an articled clerk in 1996. I find that work as a public sector lawyer is immensely rewarding because it involves questions of the public interest and public policy, not private rights or disputes. I realised as a law student that I was not interested in whether company A or company B would succeed in a contract dispute or merger and I am very lucky that, at AGS, I have been involved throughout my career in interesting cases that have set important precedents.

It is the opportunity to play a part in significant governmental decision making, regulatory and enforcement work affecting broad sections of the population which has kept me working in the public sector, and which make the work both varied and immensely rewarding. Public sector lawyers handle the legal matters that you read about in the media dealing with the topical issues of the day, from the Djokovic case to penalty proceedings brought by AUSTRAC, to national security, inquests, class actions and Royal Commissions. The variety of matters, from individuals seeking merits review of governmental decisions through to significant cases in the Federal and High Courts as well as the opportunity to work with brilliant lawyers across the Commonwealth and at the Bar are what has kept me practising as a public sector lawyer throughout my career..

Working as a public sector lawyer has its challenges. Sometimes it can be difficult to obtain instructions from senior public servants and Ministers with competing priorities and there is often significant consultation required before decisions can be made, even in the running of litigation, in contrast to the private sector where responsibility and lines of authority can be more streamlined. At the same time, the opportunity to work with subject matter experts within the public service who are similarly motivated by the opportunity to work in the public interest is a really enjoyable part of the work and those individuals provide invaluable insight into the administration of a range of legislation, policies and programmes.

The highest standards are expected of public sector lawyers and their clients at all times and, in the Commonwealth sphere, a thorough knowledge of the Legal Services Directions 2017 is essential because of the way in which they affect the Commonwealth’s conduct in all aspects of litigation, from the briefing of counsel through to the arguments that are advanced on the Commonwealth’s behalf and considering whether a proceeding should be settled. It is a real privilege and responsibility to play a part in ensuring that the Commonwealth meets its obligation to act as a model litigant.

While working as a public sector lawyer can be stressful at times, the quality of the work that we get to do is second to none. If you are lucky enough to combine that with a supportive work environment and talented colleagues (as I have), then it becomes hugely rewarding career path.

Emily Nance Deputy Chief Solicitor at the Australian Government Solicitor

Finding fulfillment in your career: the public value of legal research

What is your current role and profession?

I currently work in the Law and Bills Digest team in the Parliamentary Library, which operates to provide high quality information, analysis, and advice to Senators and Members of the House of Representatives in support of their parliamentary and representational roles. A number of research teams operate in the Parliamentary Library with expertise across different subject matters, including law, economics, defence, statistics, and social policy.

I assist my team in fulfilling the information, analysis and advisory services that the Library provides its clients. Our work includes publishing Bills Digests, products which provide an independent perspective on and analysis of legislation before the Parliament; writing and providing confidential advice to individual clients, and; developing research publications on topics for which there is a strong client demand for information, or such demand is anticipated. I currently co-produce, on a recurring basis, a disallowable instruments update, which is a publication designed to assist clients to monitor what disallowable instruments have been tabled in both chambers of Parliament and to give a snapshot of what these instruments do.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in the public sector?

My work can be challenging, particularly where I do not operate as a specialist in any particular area of law and I am not aways sure what new topics will demand time and attention. The converse of this challenge is that I find my job immensely fulfilling, as I am constantly presented with opportunities to learn more about interesting legal concepts that are relevant to the work of the Parliament. In my professional career so far, I have found that one of the strongest determinants of my work satisfaction is the sense that the work I do actually matters, and provides value both to my team and the Australian public more broadly.

What was your pathway towards the public sector?

I commenced my public service career in a graduate program with what was then the Department of Education, Skills and Employment. Prior to that, I had worked as a court guide at the High Court of Australia, delivering presentations on the functions of the Court and significant cases to school groups and members of the public. The great benefit of my graduate experience was exposure to both policy and legal work across rotations in different teams. I think it is important, when working in a legal role in the public sector, to understand how the various entities operating in the public sector interact and work with each other and with the arms of the government itself, in order to properly appreciate the role one serves and to better deliver legal services.

What advice would you give your university-aged self?

If I were to give advice to my younger self, I would emphasise the importance of appreciating every moment of time spent at university – even the more arduous times. I have met incredibly intelligent, funny, kind and good-natured peers while studying, and in both study and work, I see that no-one is immune to the risk of burn out and fear of failure, which appear to me to be particularly salient in legal work. While academic achievement and professional earning potential are not insignificant and should be considered when undertaking tertiary education, achievements and top-tier salaries should be a means unto an end, the end being happiness and satisfaction. Social status and prestige are neither sacrosanct nor sure-fire means of achieving happiness and satisfaction. People can spend their whole lives while never introspecting and reflecting upon what actually makes them happy; don’t make that mistake.

Daniel Greiss Research Assistant at the Parliamentary Library

Frank and fearless advice on Australia’s foreign framework:investment a legal career in the

Australian Public Service

What is your current role and profession?

I am a Deputy General Counsel in the General Counsel’s Branch, in Treasury’s Law Division. I manage a team of five people, giving legal advice on Australia’s foreign investment framework, among other things. Our work spans administrative law, secrecy frameworks, general statutory interpretation, preparing legal instruments, advising on conditions to impose on investors, providing input to policy and guidance materials and Ministerial briefs, and a range of other issues that arise in the administration of the framework. It’s a complex and topical area to work in, and I’ve grown a lot as a lawyer in my time here.

What was your pathway towards the public sector?

My legal career has been largely in the public law space. I came to Treasury in 2021 from the Department of Social Services, and the Department of Human Services prior to that. In those agencies I gave legal advice, and developed legislation, in relation to programs including child support, social security, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. I found these roles incredibly rewarding as a lawyer; you can certainly see the impact of your work on the Australian public. My first job after university was in the Department of Finance’s graduate program, which was a great way to build my understanding of government and establish a network as a new public servant.

What attracted you to the public sector?

Coming out of university, I was attracted to a role in the Australian Public Service as there are so many different career paths available, and graduate programs offer wonderful learning and development opportunities. I was also really interested in how government works – particularly how policy becomes law, how administrative decisions are made, and how the public service works with Ministers and Parliament. I also enjoy advice writing and workingthrough complex problems to help clients develop solutions, and I really value my role as a supervisor and leader.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in the public sector?

The work is rewarding in many ways. I feel that I’m utilising my skills every day but also continuously learning. It’s exciting to see how my work contributes to achieving government objectives, and agencies like Treasury give a unique perspective, since the work is so central to the core business of government. Public sector legal work can also be challenging because policy and legislative priorities can change quickly, so it helps to be adaptable and open-minded.

What advice would you give your university-aged self?

I would tell my university-aged self to seek out information about plenty of different graduate opportunities, and think critically about my strengths and development areas, when choosing which path to take. Having said that, it’s very unlikely that your first job out of university will lock you into a lifelong career. Be flexible and explore a variety of opportunities and experiences, particularly early in your career, to get a feel for your interests and working style. I would also point out that most skills are transferable – for example, your legal skills might make you a great policy or compliance officer. Finally, I would emphasise that cultural fit in a workplace and organisation are just as important as the work you do and can be the key to thriving in a role.

Karishma Pettit Deputy General Counsel, Treasury

It’s an exciting time to work in public law with lots of new initiatives being progressed in areas like housing, energy, anti-corruption, and administrative appeals reform. There’s a lot of fascinating and varied work available for government lawyers all over Australia.

How to transfer skills learnt at university into practice with Bridie Adams

What is your current role and profession?

I am a Lawyer in the Law Enforcement team at the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS), which means I largely work on matters involving law enforcement agencies for the Commonwealth.

What was your pathway towards practicing law in the public sector?

I studied a Bachelor of Laws (Hons)/Bachelor of International Security Studies at ANU. My Honours thesis was on post-sentence orders, where terrorist offenders are supervised in the community or detained in custody at the conclusion of their sentence. This translates directly into the work I do now in the Law Enforcement team at AGS.

In my first couple of years at university I did a mixture of volunteer and paid work for the United Nations Women National Committee Australia, where I was working on national and international security and humanitarian issues impacting women in the Asia-Pacific Region. I then commenced as Legal Researcher and later Senior Legal Research at the National Judicial College of Australia working on the Commonwealth Sentencing Database. In this role, I wrote commentary on federal sentencing trends and cases that was published online and used by academics, barristers and judges. I also was Senior Student Editor at the Federal Law Review and the Australian Yearbook of International Law. In my penultimate year at university I commenced an associateship for Chief Justice Murrell at the ACT Supreme Court, where I assisted with judgments and evidence in and out of Court, as well as drafted speeches for the Chief Justice’s public speaking commitments. Upon her Honour’s retirement, I became Senior Associate to Justice Elkaim. During this role I completed my Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and am now working as a Lawyer at AGS.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in the public sector?

Under the Legal Services Directions certain types of legal work are “tied” (being constitutional law, Cabinet, public international law and national security law), meaning only AGS and other tied providers can do this work. This type of work is technically complex and intellectually challenging, particularly because the legal problems that arise are typically incredibly novel, of high stakes and the factual background is often high profile. This means the work is both challenging and incredibly satisfying as I am working on the forefront of important and complex legal issues.

What advice would you give your university-aged self?

While good grades are important, I have found that building transferrable skills while at university has been invaluable to my career. In my interview for my associateship, I was able to point to my experience student editing academic articles at the Federal Law Review and Australian Yearbook of International Law as examples of my attention to detail and a skill that would transfer well to editing and proofreading judgments. Internship courses such as the community legal clinics are also an excellent way to get exposure to client-facing work while still at university. Practical experiences like this at university are helpful to not only make you very employable but also build your confidence. Keep an eye out for extra circular opportunities that will be helpful down the track and invest in your academic skill set is the advice I would give to any university student starting out in Law.

Adams Lawyer at the Australian Government Solicitor

Bridie

A career in public interest law and social justice provides law graduates the opportunity to utilise their legal qualification to spur on real change in the community and within the legal system.

PUBLIC INTEREST LAW & SOCIAL JUSTICE

Public interest lawyers work to improve the access, representation, and experience of marginalised groups in the legal system. This pathway is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding for legal practitioners.

For upcoming graduates inspired to pursue a career in social justice, community law centres have a number of graduate programs and internship offerings that will be advertised at the links on the right.

Working with a reform body, such as the Australian Law Reform Commission, is an avenue worth considering for graduates with an interest in policymaking.

Useful Resources

ANU Law Reform & Social Justice

https://lrsj.anu.edu.au/

Australian Law Reform Commission

https://www.alrc.gov.au/about/careers/

Aboriginal Legal Service ACT/NSW

https://www.alsnswact.org.au/jobs

Women’s Legal Centre ACT

https://wlc.org.au/get-involved/work-with-us/ Legal Aid ACT

https://www.legalaidact.org.au/about-us/workingat-legal-aid

Here in the Public Interest Law & Social Justice section you will find:

• Advocating for environmental protection: the perspective of a community lawyer at the Environmental Defenders Office

• Using the law to empower others: an interview with a solicitor at Youth Law Australia

• The pathway to defending animal rights: legal advice and advocacy

Advocating for environmental protection: the perspective of a community lawyer at the Environmental Defenders Office

What is your current role and profession?

My name is Jemilah and I am the Head of Legal Education at the Environmental Defender’s Office. I specialise in legal education and community lawyering – which is essentially about empowering communities to use the law to protect the environment. My team lets people know where the law might provide a solution to their concern –and helps them develop a legal strategy to achieve environmental outcomes. We do this using a range of techniques, including community workshops, factsheets, publications in addition to traditional legal advice. I work across the country and focus primarily on climate change, biodiversity and freshwater issues. But over the years I have developed expertise in a wide range of environmental laws (mining, planning, private conservation etc), and laws relating to Aboriginal cultural heritage.

What was your pathway towards working at the Environmental Defenders Office?

I have a BA/LLB and was admitted to practice in 2008. I started working for the EDO before I was admitted. Back then, EDOs were state-based so I worked for EDO NSW. I also volunteered for environmental organisations like the Nature Conservation Council to get to know people in the movement and to develop my understanding of the key environmental issues of the time.

What attracted you towards the Environmental Defenders Office?

I had wanted to work for the EDO from the age of 14. I come from the mid-north coast of NSW where native forest logging is a big issue. I saw what was happening to my own beautiful backyard and I couldn’t bear it. I went to protests as a kid, but I decided the law was where I could make the greatest difference

What are the skills required to work as a lawyer advocating for environmental protection?

Other than great legal skills, it helps to have a good understanding of environmental issues generally. We have scientists to help us with the technical aspects of our work, but I often wish I’d done a science degree along with my law degree. People skills are a must. You need to be able to form trusting relationships with your clients and collaborate with other lawyers. It’s also vital that you listen attentively and communicate clearly so people understand what you are saying. I strive to always use plain English when explaining the law or giving advice which is a skill I am constantly developing.

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

Working for EDO is a dream come true. I feel like I can make a difference and I’m working with like-minded people who are all working towards a common goal. We get to work with amazing clients on exciting and cutting edge legal matters. It’s never, ever boring. But the work is challenging. For one thing, environmental laws can be hugely complex and there are just so many of them! One of the hardest parts of the job is being across the various laws in the various jurisdictions, especially when they are constantly changing! The law can be a great tool for change, and when a community feels informed and empowered, they can achieve stunning outcomes. But it’s never easy and progress can feel painfully slow.

What are some of the challenges currently facing the Environmental Defenders Office?

I think the EDO is the most wonderful organisation. It’s full of talented, passionate people who do a great deal with limited resources. I think our biggest challenge is meeting the needs of the moment. If we doubled our staff, it still wouldn’t be enough. We’re often up against well- resourced opponents and so we have to be careful to use our limited resources to achieve maximum impact.

Jemila Hallinan Head of Legal Education at the Environmental Defenders Office

Using the law to empower others: an interview with a solicitor at Youth Law Australia

What is your current role and profession?

I am the Legal Communications Officer and a Solicitor at Youth Law Australia. Youth Law Australia is a national, technology enabled legal service that provides free and confidential legal advice to Australian children and young people. We provide legal information and advice over the phone, by email and over live chat.

My job is to help provide legal assistance, and to help maintain a legal information website that attracts over 1.5 million page views each year.

What attracted you towards Youth Law Australia?

The opportunity to work with children and young people was the main thing that attracted me to working with Youth Law Australia. It’s also exciting to work across 8 different legal jurisdictions.

Recently, Youth Law Australia launched an online chat that provides legal information to people in real time. It’s been an amazing opportunity to be involved in the launch of this project that enhances access to justice for young people.

The ability to facilitate young people’s opportunities to participate in their legal issues is something I’m passionate about, and working at Youth Law Australia has helped me grow my passion for social justice.

What skills are required to work at Youth Law Australia?

At Youth Law Australia our clients are children and young people, so one of the most important skills is being able to communicate well. We have to take complex legal concepts and translate them into language that our clients will understand – and that’s not always an easy task!

It’s also important for us to be trauma-informed in the way we approach our lawyering. Our clients come to us in what is often the most stressful time of their lives, so approaching our advice with compassion and empathy helps us to provide the best service. We work to build rapport with our clients to build trust.

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

The most rewarding part of working at Youth Law Australia is being able to help children and young people through challenging times. It’s a privilege to empower them with practical steps they can take to resolve their issues.

We often see our clients going through stressful times and sometimes the facts of their matter can be distressing, particularly when it involves family violence. However, it helps to follow the young person along in their journey and be able to eventually resolve their situation as best they can.

What advice would you give your university aged self?

Relax. Take a deep breath in. You have time to figure things out.

Emily Jol Legal Communications Officer and Solicitor at Youth Law Australia

When you’re at uni and surrounded by lots of ambitious students, it’s really easy to feel like you’re falling behind. As I’ve started out in my career, it’s become clear that everyone is on their own journey and will get there in their own time. The timeline and social pressures to have everything figured out can feel really overwhelming. The best thing you can do, is figure out how best to look after yourself and not focus too much on comparing that with what other people are doing. Make choices that align with your values and follow what you’re passionate about. Everything else will follow.

The pathway to defending animal rights: legal advice and advocacy

What is your current role and profession?

I am one of the solicitors at the Animal Defenders Office, providing direct support to Tara as Principal Solicitor and Executive Director. My primary work usually involves providing legal advice at the after-hours clinic, as well as involvement in advocacy and law reform, and community outreach. I have also assisted with some of our organisation’s tribunal and court casework.

What attracted you towards the Animal Defenders Office?

My interest in law and a legal career stemmed from a desire to advocate for and help individuals that were vulnerable or without a voice, especially when navigating the legal system. I always admired the tenacity, progressive legacy and holistic nature of community legal centres in both their legal representation and advocacy for just laws. I took a strong interest in animal rights including adopting a vegan ethos and saw the ADO at an information stall for an animal rights film. I was immediately attracted to the ADO’s unique mission to advocate for the interests of their human clients and the non-humans they protect, I reached out on their website and after an initial chat with Tara, joined as a volunteer and the rest is history!

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

The unique thing I have noticed about animal law is it encompasses many different types of laws and legislation in ways that are not always apparent for other subject matter. Given the ADO’s small size and massive demand for legal assistance, if you put your hand up the ADO will happily give you a shot for any work you can provide, no matter your level of legal experience or expertise. I have had the opportunity to develop skills in criminal law, commercial, probate, environment, medical, patent, science as well as court work and litigation with little former experience in my paid work. It has been an excellent way to broaden my skill set as a young(ish) lawyer. I’ve also had the opportunity to represent community in parliamentary and ministerial forums that would never have been afforded to me at my level of experience in my paid work.

Above all however, our work has often saved many animals’ lives and made a massive difference to the quality of life of their human carers and advocates. I am also proud of what we have achieved to change the minds of parliaments and communities on how Australia’s laws should be used to protect (and not harm) animals.

One challenging aspect of our work is we are very small in size but get requests for assistance and advice across Australia. As such, our demand significantly exceeds our capacity, and it can feel frustrating not having the capacity to help everyone who asks for it. But we do what we can and I have always admired our volunteers’ energy in getting it done in what feels like very David vs Goliath circumstances!

What advice would you give your university aged self?

Take any chances and opportunities you have to meet and engage with your peers, both in studies, initiatives that interest you and all the social stuff in between. These relationships will go a long way not just for career networking but also to help collaborate with stakeholders you will inevitably encounter in your professional path.

At the same time, don’t be hard on yourself or feel like you are not doing enough as a law student or aspiring legal professional. You are doing great!

Farnham Seyedi

Solicitor at the Animal Defenders Office

ACADEMIA

Legal academia is concerned with the pursuit of legal study, critical discourse, and research.

Academia is a challenging, yet highly fulfilling career path. Academics play an integral role in contributing to law reform, and exploring the strengths and weaknesses of the existing legal system. Academics are at the forefront of legal innovation.

The pathway to academia is extremely diverse, and it is often the academics with versatile and extensive background experiences that have the best foundation for a career in academia. Academics will often practice the law before completing a PhD. The path is not rigid, however. Many of the legal academics at the ANU have had careers in the public service, at research thinktanks, or are continuing to practice the law as a solicitor or barrister while teaching.

Here in the Academia section you will find:

• Researching the troubled seas of International Law

• The twists and turns of a path to academia, with a pitstop at the Olympics

Do you ever leave university, Jo? No, never

To catch a money launderer: the academic pursuit of criminals and their ill-gotten gains

• Teaching law students to ‘drive’: the practical side of a legal education

Researching the troubled seas of International Law

What is your current role and profession?

Professor of International Law at the ANU College of Law with a particular interest in the law of the sea, international polar law, and international law as it operates in Australia.

What was your pathway towards a career in international law?

I completed a BA/LLB at the University of Queensland, and then progressed to an LLM at the University of Alberta in Canada. The LLM was a coursework/thesis program where I wrote a 250 page thesis on the law of maritime boundary delimitation. I followed that up with a MA (Political Science) at the University of Calgary in Canada where I completed another coursework/thesis program and wrote a thesis on Antarctic governance. On returning to Australia, I commenced as a tutor and then a lecturer at Sydney Law School, where I undertook a PhD on international law and the polar regions. I have been a full time academic since 1988.

What attracted you to international law?

In high school, I was always interested in developing a career that would allow me to pursue my interest in international relations and politics, and which could give me an opportunity to also travel. At law school, I discovered that public international law –as practised by government and researched and taught in universities – very much allows for that.

What are the skills required to be an academic?

Fundamentally you need to be engaged, invested, and enthusiastic about your research. These are really core skills for any ANU academic. It also helps if you have an awareness as to why international law matters to your students, your colleagues, and society. Being able to passionately communicate your knowledge of international law also helps.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in academia?

I particularly enjoy working on matters of national and global significance. These are matters at the forefront of public debate – such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, or international law and climate change – which gives the areas I research and teach in an immediacy, all the way from the ordinary citizen to the highest levels of government. The challenges are that new issues constantly emerge which means you need to be capable of considering new and novel issues that you may not have adequately researched or thought about previously; such as international law and its significance during a pandemic!

What advice would you give your university aged self?

Be patient and enjoy yourself.

How do you see international law evolving in the future?

International law will increasingly become mainstream; that trend is already evident and can especially be seen in Europe. Australia will continue to embrace international law because of the influence it provides to middle powers. International law will also continue to expand and develop in newer areas such as international climate law, and cyber law.

What are some of the challenges currently facing international lawyers?

The science/law interface that is reflected in areas such as autonomous ships at sea, drones and armed conflict, climate change, cyber law, and international health law as reflected during the pandemic are ongoing challenges. They will require international lawyers to expand their skills beyond their distinctive discipline area.

Donald Rothwell Professor at ANU College of Law

The twists and turns of a path to academia, with a pitstop at the Olympics

What is your current role and profession?

I’m fortunate to wear a number of hats. I’m a senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, working on whistleblower protections, secrecy and free speech. I’m also an honorary lecturer at the ANU College of Law, where I research on the implied freedom of political communication and teach constitutional law and conflict of laws. I also write, mainly for The Guardian and The Saturday Paper.

What was your pathway?

Luck! I was fortunate to juggle my law degree with work as a journalist, and as a paralegal at a local Canberra firm, working in employment law. As graduation approached I didn’t want to give up any of these areas. I was told by several people that I needed to pick, to narrow, to focus – but I didn’t want to! I was lucky to get a job in London working in legal policy at the International Bar Association, and they were willing for me to continue writing on the side. I was there until Covid hit, when I returned to Australia and ended up at the Human Rights Law Centre. And for most of that time I’ve kept researching, tutoring and now lecturing at the ANU, as a visiting fellow and now as an honorary lecturer.

I feel balancing my different interests/skills has been a positive – I’m a better lawyer because of my media background, and I’m a better writer because of my legal skills. I have been fortunate to have accommodating employers – perhaps not every workplace would give you a month off to cover the FIFA World Cup, or the Olympics. But I feel if you work hard and demonstrate your value, most places are happy to accommodate.

What advice would you give your university aged self?

As someone who did not want to pursue what might be described a ‘traditional’ legal career pathway – clerkship, graduate program, commercial law etc – I was sometimes stressed at the lack of clear opportunities for junior lawyers in other areas. That remains a challenge and I’m not saying there’s a right answer, but I would tell my university-self to worry less about the future and be more open to saying yes to opportunities, taking risks and being comfortable that it would all work out. I did not have a clear idea of what I wanted to do after graduating and that stressed me out, particularly seeing friends with clear, linear pathways ahead of them. But it works out. With hindsight, perhaps I could have stressed less.

What are some challenges currently facing the profession?

The legal profession has a long way to go towards being the diverse and inclusive profession it needs to be. Especially at senior levels, the profession does not reflect society. That must change. While working at the International Bar Association, I worked to address bullying and sexual harassment in law – too many legal workplaces remain toxic and too many lawyers perpetrate inappropriate conduct against others. We all have a role to play in ensuring safe, supportive and inclusive workplaces.

Kieran Pender Senior lawyer at the Human RIghts Law Centre and Honorary Lecturer at ANU College of Law

Do you ever leave university, Jo? No, never.

What is your current role and profession?

Professor. I work on the human rights responsibilities of business and investment actors, and the future of the human rights idea more generally.

What was your pathway?

Started as a Level B lecturer in 2002 at Sydney Uni law school after tutoring first at a residential college there.

What attracted you to academia?

Being nerdy and conceptual; shaping my own research agenda; teaching others esp. younger students; being on a campus

What are the skills required to be an academic?

Self-motivation: it can be quite isolating on the research side as we are not like our science colleagues in labs, but mostly writing alone.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in academia?

Students’ learning intellectual growth journeys are rewarding. There is nothing too challenging really.

What advice would you give your university aged self?

Do not rush to finish uni, make the most of all you can do.

How do you see legal academia evolving in the future?

We have to be more cross-disclipinary and speak / listen to other fields of understanding.

What are some challenges currently facing the profession?

Balancing research with teaching and administration... this is an ancient challenge.

Jolyon Ford Professor and Associate Dean at ANU College of Law

To catch a money launderer: the academic pursuit of criminals and their ill-gotten gains

What is your current role and profession?

I am a lecturer at the ANU College of law, and my primary area of research is financial crime and economic sanctions. I teach master’s courses in financial crime law and transnational anticorruption laws, as well as contribute to the teaching of undergraduate criminal law and evidence courses.

A simple way to describe my research is to say that I study how the law tries to prevent criminals from using their ill-gotten wealth with impunity. This, in essence, is the objective of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulation. For instance, an article I wrote last year in the Criminal Law Review explored the UK’s experience of introducing unexplained wealth orders, which were both lauded and criticised globally as a radical development in the law, which I thought was much overstated. Lots of my current work also concerns economic sanctions, and I testified on their use in the context of a recent Senate inquiry into Australian responses to repression in Iran.

What was your pathway?

I completed a PhD in law in the UK, and then worked for four years in a defence and security I think tank in London, which ran a financial crime research program.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in academia?

There is no doubt in my mind that the most rewarding aspect of legal academia is the virtually unfettered freedom to work on whatever issue piques your curiosity. The main challenge is striking a balance between producing work that is academically rigorous, on the one hand, and practically relevant, on the other hand. As academics, we have the benefit of being able to consider legal issues in depth, untainted by commercial pressures or client interests, but there is a risk of seeking theoretical sophistication for its own sake. In my view, the best legal scholarship combines theoretical insight, practical relevance and awareness of the broader social context. And one of the advantages of being at ANU is working with many colleagues who produce precisely that kind of research in their respective areas!

Dr Anton Moiseienko Lecturer at ANU College of Law

Teaching law students to ‘drive’: the practical side of a legal education

I am currently the Head of Education Delivery for Leo Cussen in the ACT. In this role I oversee the delivery of Leo Cussen Practical Legal Training (PLT) programs in Canberra, and mentor and teach PLT students about the practical skills needed for a career in law. Upon completion of the program, graduates receive a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) enabling them to apply for admission as a qualified Australian lawyer. Leo Cussen is proud to deliver their Canberra-based programs at the ANU Law school as part of a collaboration between the two organisations.

Prior to my current role, I worked in family law and family violence law in Canberra. While I enjoyed acting for clients in various forums, after a few years I realised that my favourite thing about being a lawyer was being able to mentor junior colleagues. The value that I gained from and could contribute to these relationships, prompted me to consider a career in legal education. I am very grateful that I have followed that path.

My current role is not strictly speaking that of an academic. Although I deliver the PLT program, I still hold a current practising certificate and am classed as a lawyer, rather than an academic. Rather than teaching and analysing the law itself, I focus on teaching the skills that help lawyers apply the law in practice - for example, being able to negotiate, appear in a Court, and draft legal documents. I like to use the analogy that law school is learning what the law is, and PLT at Leo Cussen teaches you how to handle the law with clients, lawyers and judges. Another way to look at it, is that as a student, you have spent the past 4 to 5 years building the car, and we teach you how to drive it (intentionally, carefully, enjoyably and within the speed limit).

One of my favourite skills that I teach is how to conduct a client interview. It is often a skill that is overlooked or minimised because on the surface it seems easy - but this ease is often misplaced. In my experience, learning how to appropriately communicate with a client and discover information is an art form that takes constant practice, with continually changing goal posts in the different clients that you meet. Fortunately, it is fun to teach and practice, and I am very proud of my students who I have watched develop high skills in this area. Being able to build rapport with your client and skilfully elicit information will positively impact the course of the client matter.

On reflection, a career in law is a very changeable and exciting prospect, and we are very privileged as lawyers to have the opportunities we have. If I had some words of wisdom to tell my universityaged self, it would be to take time and enjoy the experience of studying at ANU. We study and work on a beautiful campus, surrounded by excellent and engaged peers. Sometimes this privilege is hard to remember when you are balancing study and paid employment. But, amongst that, there is freedom and new experiences to be had which is a very special thing.

I would encourage anyone who has an interest in both the law and in developing others to consider a career in legal education. The exciting thing about this career path is there are so many options, ranging from very research-heavy jobs, to developing advocacy and client-facing skills. It is a very special role to be able to develop and influence a profession through education that is so important to our society.

Tiffany Long Head of Education Delivery at Leo Cussen (ACT)

you enrich and expand your worldview, grow your skills and influence new ways of thinking. In other words, we’ll help you make the difference.

Begin now at ashurst.com/careers

My Clerkship Experience

Anneke Watson, Seasonal Clerk

Studied: Bachelor of Laws (Hons)/Bachelor of Arts Rotations: Employment, Digital Economy & Transactions

Why Ashurst

I chose to work for Ashurst due to its reputation as a leading multinational law firm which offers exciting opportunities for career progression. The more I researched about the firm, the more attracted I became to both its stellar professional reputation and its inclusive, down-to-earth culture. Ashurst’s values of quality, collaboration and out-of-the box thinking ensures that its lawyers are always delivering effective and creative solutions to client problems, making it the perfect firm to begin a career in law.

Your work as a clerk

In my clerkship, I rotated through the Employment team and the Digital Economy and Transactions team. In my Employment rotation I wrote advices, conducted legal research and drafted court documents. While rotating through Digital Economy and Transactions I attended numerous client meetings, conducted case-law research and assisted in preparing a presentation to a client. I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of the work in both rotations and appreciated the opportunity to be involved in tasks with practical significance to the firm.

As a clerk I also worked on four different team projects. This included an optional pro bono research project for the firm, an additional pro bono project for Canberra Community Law, a project based on innovating the clerkship recruitment process and a presentation on a chosen area of Commonwealth commercial activity.

Social aspects of the clerkship

The social experience at Ashurst is one of my favourite aspects of the firm. From Friday afternoon drinks in the office, to team development dinners, there are always plenty of events going on. Importantly, as a clerk, you are always encouraged to attend any and all social events and made to feel very welcome.

Career development at Ashurst

I was extremely impressed with the level of investment that Ashurst puts into the professional development of its clerks and graduates. At the start of our clerkship, we had a two-day induction which helped introduce us to the firm, including a research tutorial (which I wish I could have done at the start of my degree!). The Ashurst Canberra office is also extremely collaborative, so there are lots of valuable opportunities to learn and work with a variety of senior lawyers over the course of the clerkship. Each clerk also had a junior lawyer allocated to us as a buddy who mentored us throughout the process and answered any questions we had.

Ashurst in the community

Ashurst is renowned for its commitment to giving back to the community. Ashurst treats all its pro bono work as extremely important – in fact, all pro bono hours count towards its lawyers’ billable targets. Over the course of the clerkship, I had the opportunity to work on a pro bono project for Canberra Community Law. My team was responsible for creating a presentation on social security law that could be presented to and utilized as a resource by volunteers working in this area. This gave an overview of the laws governing key payments such as the Disability Support Pension, Youth Allowance and Jobseeker.

Application tips

My biggest piece of advice on applying for a clerkship is to create a narrative for yourself, using the experiences you have accumulated through your work, sport, studies or volunteering to highlight what you can bring to the firm. Ashurst is not looking for any particular person so don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd. I would also strongly recommend talking to everyone you can at clerkship events or through your own personal network to gain an accurate impression of the firm and what distinguishes it from other top tier law firms.

Who should apply

An Ashurst clerkship is a great way to spend the summer. You will have the opportunity to work in an incredibly friendly and supportive office with industry-leading experts while developing skills you will be able to take with you throughout your entire career.

Staying true to your direction is what

STAY TRUE.

claytonutz.com/graduates

We’ve built a culture that sets us apart from other law

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

Are you a law student in your penultimate year of

GRADUATE PROGRAM

It’s not just about wearing a suit. so we understand why transitioning from law

That’s where we come in. Our national Graduate Program bridges the you the skills and knowledge to build a strong •

You’ll get…

• Mentoring

from some of the best lawyers in Australia

Choose your next move wisely

A better place to work

Our business model is di erent to other rms. We o er our graduates the opportunity to get hands-on experience, working on market leading legal work in a down-to-earth environment where people thrive.

Our lawyers take on the work that re ects their ability, not their job title. You’ll also bene t from your own structured and bespoke professional development program.

There are no barriers to your success with us.

About us

Johnson Winter Slattery is a leading independent Australian law rm.

We advise major corporations, funds and governments on their most challenging transactions and disputes. We have 80 partners and 180 lawyers located in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth.

Great change is here. Shape the future with Allens

With us, you’ll be more than a lawyer. Our people are technical experts, but they’re also trusted business advisers who think bigger, more broadly and more strategically. Together, we solve complex legal challenges, and collaborate across practice areas and disciplines to guide our clients.

We also work across borders, thanks to our alliance with Linklaters. This provides opportunities for our firm and our people, including annual rotations in Linklaters London, Hong Kong and Singapore being available to our graduate lawyers.

An early legal career at Allens includes highly tailored training. Developed in partnership with the University of New South Wales, our Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice will help you transition from law graduate to legal expert and trusted business adviser. With access to study leave and support from your team at Allens, you'll be on track for admission mid-year.

In a rapidly changing world, we seek opportunities to innovate by embracing creative thinking, new approaches and emerging technology. We don’t just seek opportunities to benefit ourselves and our clients; we believe strongly in driving positive change to do right by our community too, as demonstrated through our strong pro bono practices.

Our teams are open, inclusive and encouraging, giving you the opportunity to learn and grow while feeling supported. You’ll have the flexibility to drive your own career, and we’ll recognise your achievements and hard work as you progress through the firm. Are you ready to begin?

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

A clerkship at Allens is the first step in a rewarding legal career, and will give you invaluable insights into our work and culture. With support from a buddy and development supervisor, you’ll work on real matters for real clients and be involved in a variety of projects. The programs:

 run from three to 10 weeks;

 are available at our Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney offices;

 feature ongoing support, including a buddy system; and

 include exposure to one or two practice groups.

GRADUATE PROGRAM

In each rotation, you’ll gain a depth of experience that comes from seeing matters through to the end, and get exposure to stimulating legal challenges. At Allens, we don’t work in silos, meaning you won’t be limited to working with only one partner or by your practice areas. You’ll work alongside a range of partners and lawyers, giving you exposure to a wide variety of tasks. Working with different teams and leading organisations, you’ll grow a solid skills base and develop the agility needed to thrive in our ever-changing world. The programs include:

 two 12-month rotations in different practice areas;

 secondment opportunities in London or Asia, via our alliance with Linklaters, or with clients;

 ongoing supervision, coaching and mentoring;

 completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (via UNSW); and

 a 12-month weekly legal seminar series (Cornerstone Program).

At Allens, we’re focused on equipping our people with the skills and experience they need to be the lawyers of the future. We’re ready to define tomorrow. Are you?

GET TO KNOW US

What areas of law do we practice?

Across our two Australian offices, Perth and Sydney, we advise clients on their most complex matters in areas including Corporate, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Antitrust & Competition and Global Financial Markets

Why are we different?

Our teams work across borders, languages and jurisdictions and share insights and expertise to achieve our clients’ commercial goals

Secondly, we’re pioneers and work on many ‘first-of-akind’ deals.

Finally, it’s the nature of our people - highly professional and self-assured, with an entrepreneurial streak We embrace our culture of learning and collaboration.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

W ho is eli g ibl e f o r clerkships ?

Students must be at least in their penultimate year and are available to participate in the 2025 Graduate Program.

Wh e n a r e o ur clerkship

p r o gr am s h e ld ?

Sydney: November 2023 – January 2024

Perth: November – December 2023

How many clerks do we take?

Sydney: 8 – 12

Perth: 4 – 6

To submit your application, scan the QR code below.

When should students apply?

You can apply between these dates

Sydney: 5 June – 2 July 2023

Perth: 26 June – 30 July 2023

What kind of work can a clerk expect to do?

Our clerkship program is designed to provide you with a real insight into a legal career at Clifford Chance in Australia. Throughout the program, you will work alongside all levels of lawyers, including partners, while you assist with real-time matters

You will have two rotations which allo w you to experience two different practice areas.

Throughout the clerkship you will hear from various practice areas across the region which helps you develop a comprehensive understanding of life at a leading international law firm

GRADUATE PROGRAM

Do w e m ak e g raduat e o ff e rs t o t he o p e n m a r ket , o r ju s t th ro u g h cl er k s hip s ?

Graduate offers are primarily made from our clerkship program wider market we will also consider applications from students who have not participated in our clerkship program.

However, if we decide to open applications to the

H o w many gr aduat e j o b s do w e o ff er ?

Sydney: 6 – 10

Perth: 2 – 4

Our significant work

We let our work speak for itself, and are proud to work with some of the biggest organisations in the world on their most important matters.

Our clients include more than half of the top fifty ASX‑listed companies, some of the largest privately owned companies in Australia, Federal and State Governments, and a number of Fortune five hundred companies.

Corrs’ Lawyer Development Program

The Lawyer Development Program is designed for lawyers in the formative stage of their career. It aims to build the capabilities and relationships that will drive career progression and underpin future successes, as rapidly as possible. Unique features of the program include:

• Mentor partner – Each lawyer is allocated a mentor partner (in most cases their supervising partner in their first rotation) who remains in this role throughout the program and potentially beyond. This will build a personal and enduring relationship that transcends everyday transactional work. Lawyers will also be supported in each rotation by a supervising partner and SA/SC who will source meaningful and challenging work.

• 12 x 6 x 6 rotation structure – We have extended the first practice group rotation from 6 months to 12 months to ensure lawyers have time to learn on the job and build strong capabilities and relationships in their first year. In the second year, when lawyers have an increased level of experience and confidence, they will complete two 6 month rotations in order to gain exposure and build relationships across different groups.

• Formal learning – The program incorporates comprehensive formal learning opportunities including our national Graduate Academy, local Graduate Orientation, practical legal training with the College of Law, practice group induction sessions, and the national Legal Excellence program.

Diversity & Inclusion

We strongly believe that diversity in all its forms should be embraced and celebrated. This benefits our people, our clients, our firm and the industry at large. Our culture is defined by excellence, collaboration, commitment and respect.

Community & Pro Bono

We think it’s important to contribute to the community and to facilitate access to justice. We perform around 20,000 hours of pro bono and volunteer work each year, helping those who need it most. We feel that it is our responsibility to ensure legal services are available not only to those who can afford it, but to those who cannot, to those who are disenfranchised and to those who have genuine legal issues of public interest that need to be pursued.

Wellbeing Program

Our wellbeing program provides a range of initiatives to assist people in maintaining good overall health. Some of our activities include mixed netball, pilates and yoga, touch football, cricket day, Friday night drinks, family days, trivia nights, End of Financial Year party and Christmas Party.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth is Australia’s leading independent law firm. We’re known for delivering legal excellence, exceptional client service and outstanding results.

ARE YOU READY TO BE BOLD?

There’s never been a better time to be part of Gilbert + Tobin.

From day one, our flat structure allows you to take ownership of challenging work and cutting-edge projects. Work directly with partners and team leaders – nobody is too important to take time to explain things clearly, or give a helping hand. Our open and welcoming culture underpins our continued success in Australian corporate law. Through our pro bono practice, we are actively making a di erence, every single day.

If you’re comfortable being challenged, as well as challenging us on the way we think and operate – you’ll fit right in. We’re not worried about you being you. We’re counting on it.

gtlaw.com.au/careers

WHEN IT’S TIME TO CHOOSE SIDES. CHOOSE OURS.

Hugo Law Group is a market leader in Criminal Law, working exclusively in this field. We deliver specialist criminal defence representation in NSW and the ACT, providing exceptional support to people facing serious criminal charges.

With decades of experience, we pride ourselves on delivering personalised and meticulous service to all of our clients.

With some of the most highly regarded lawyers in Sydney and Canberra, our team will provide you with an exceptional opportunity to work amongst leading criminal lawyers with decades of experience and the chance to move to other jurisdictions and gain a wealth of knowledge.

Take the next step of your journey with a team that’s in your corner, offering advice, support & encouragement for the next phase of your career.

T A K E C H A R G

We’re King & Wood Mallesons The top tier international law firm, from Asia, for the world The world’s leading organisations turn to us to unlock opportunities and deliver smart, considered, and confident advice. Where others see problems, we see possibilities

Our impact:

Innovation is in our DNA We equip our people with the skills to partner with our clients and bring to life pioneering solutions which will help them to adapt, reinvent and evolve We believe innovation comes from giving our people room to grow. At KWM, our people are encouraged to shape their own career path, supported every step of

the way with world-class training, coaching and hands-on experience.

Diversity of thought, perspective and experience is critical to our culture We provide a broad, inclusive and open environment in which our people are fully supported to bring their whole selves.

We are making progress towards our target of 40% female representation at partnership level

Our programs

Our LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Network at KWM (LINK) raises awareness of and advocates in relation to LGBTIQ+ issues and concerns, and promotes inclusion, provides support and builds a sense of community for LGBTIQ+ identifying people and allies

SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

Applications open: 5 June 2023

Applications close: 2 July 2023

How to apply: Via our online application system Head to our website link below

We offer clerkships that give you insight into what it’s like to be a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons You’ll get to know our people, the way we work, our culture, practice areas, clients and more

You will learn the day-to-day skills to get you started, the core practice teams at King & Wood Mallesons, our culture, and our people You’ll find that people from every part of the business will help you by sharing their knowledge and supporting you through the early stages of your career and beyond

GRADUATE PROGRAM

We offer a unique future-focused experience and invest heavily in your development to support you throughout your journey You will benefit from a bespoke comprehensive learning and development program tailored specifically for our graduates

Our commitments:

Over 90% of our lawyers delivered 44,240 pro bono hours in FY22

Over 231 organisations received legal assistance in FY22

Source 100% renewable energy for our Australian operations before 2024

Our graduate program has an emphasis on legal excellence, technical expertise, commercial skills, knowledge management, legal project management, innovation, social and self-development and client focus

We offer:

Over $766,000 was raised & donated via DigDeep® (workplace giving project) to 27 community organisations in FY22 Becoming certified carbon neutral by December 2022

Culture of innovation, collaboration and high performance

Multiple career pathways where you can shape your future World-class training and coaching to unleash your full potential. High impact work for the world’s leading organisations.

Relationships that last a lifetime

Key contact:

K A Y L U

and re-certify our Environmental Management System by June 2022 Undertake various energy, paper, water and waste reduction initiatives (ongoing)

PEOPLE & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR CANBERRA

TEL +61 2 6217 6645

EMAIL KAY LU@AU KWM COM

careers kwm com/en/graduates-australia

From Day One you will have challenging, meaningful work, gain exposure to clients, be given a good level of responsibility, work in a supportive and collaborative team and have regular access to our partners.

The training you receive throughout your clerkship will ensure you are thoroughly prepared and ready to get involved in and contribute to client work straight away.

The program begins with a comprehensive orientation which includes training and development activities.

Join our clerkship program and become part

out what it’s like to work at Maddocks.

Early careers at MinterEllison

Our clerks and graduates tell us that three key things make the MinterEllison experience:

1. Experiencing high profile matters in a top tier firm

2. Our culture

3. Our learning and development programs

Learn by working on real challenges

Right from the start you’ll work on real client engagements, preparing you for any challenge. Discover new areas of practice, and learn the technical knowledge and tools you need to achieve your career ambitions.

An award winning start to your career

Winner, Most Popular Clerkship Employer

Top100 Graduate Employer Awards 2023

Top Graduate Employers 2023

Australian Association of Graduate Employers

graduates.minterellison.com

Finalist, Most Popular Law Employer

Top100 Graduate Employer Awards 2023

Top Intern Programs 2022

Australian Association of Graduate Employers

Five reasons we’re different

Great roles in great matters

Our industry go-to-market strategy is key to achieving our growth ambitions. You could be working on the matters changing the landscape of law and legal practice.

Feed your curiosity

Our learning programs will help you build the skills you need to be the trusted advisor of tomorrow.

A focus on you

Our wellbeing program, leave policies and entitlements ensure our people are supported.

An inclusive culture

It’s no surprise that the MinterEllison workplace culture is awarded key inclusion awards and benchmarks. We’re truly inclusive and value diversity in all its forms.

A passion for social justice

You’ll have the chance to join our pro bono and community investment program to help address disadvantage.

For information and to apply visit graduates.minterellison.com

Together we are change nav igators

We are a truly global law firm who offer the opportunity to experience what life as a Graduate would truly entail through our clerkship program. To find out more about our global credentials, please scan the QR code.

The only constant is change.

We’re embraci ng t he new cha l lenges faci ng you r orga n i sat ion – f rom globa l i sat ion to emerg i ng i ndu str ies, f rom cha nges i n societ y to adv a nces i n te ch nolog y a nd in nov at ion. We a nt icipate shi f t i ng dy na m ic s a nd se e t he possibi l it ies

It ’s how we’re able to solve you r most comple x problem s

We don’t si mply ad apt to cha nge. We t h r ive on it

L aw a rou nd t he world nor ton rosef u lbr ight.com

Sparke Helmore’s Graduate Program: become part of our family

The Sparke Helmore Graduate Program is a rewarding way to kick-start your legal career, joining a firm that make it all about you.

The first year of practising law can be daunting. Our Graduate Program is designed to guide you through the experience, providing you with comprehensive training and mentoring as well as networking opportunities. You will benefit from specialised soft skills training, equipping you with the tools and knowledge you need to become a capable practitioner and strong all-rounder. You will also have access to the firm’s mentoring program, which pairs you with a senior lawyer in another practice group to give you a broader understanding of the firm and its other areas of law.

We operate in a way that puts our clients and our people at the heart of everything we do—we’re proud to be described as down to earth, practical and easy to deal with. When you join our Program, you will interact every day with our loyal and exceptional client base and quickly become involved in matters that will engage and challenge you, giving you unparalleled opportunity to grow and experience what the law is really like.

Our culture provides the foundations of a welcoming and inclusive environment and we encourage people from all backgrounds to join us. Hear from Nicola, one of our recent graduates, about a day in her life as part of the Sparke Helmore family.

8:30am | I arrive at the office and the first thing I do is check my emails and message my team, who work across Sydney and Canberra, to say, “good morning”.

9:30am | It’s time to get caffeinated! A group of us head to the new fancy staff café to take advantage of the amazing coffee machine and chat about any new or challenging matters we are working on.

10:00am | I’m appearing in the NSW Personal Injury Commission this morning. The client would like a hearing date so I spend time going over the file and making sure I’m ready to answer questions. The online process is a bit nerve-wracking so, I check in with the Senior Associate around the right online etiquette and terminology for the directions I’m seeking.

11:00am | Personal Injury Commission appearance done! Time for me to draft an update advice to the client. Once the advice is drafted, after some sound-board with the Senior Associate, I will send it to the Partner and arrange to get his input about my proposed strategy.

1:00pm | Time to take a break with a few of my colleagues.

2:00pm | The Partner I work for has an open door policy so, as I’m a bit stuck on what to do in one of my files, I give him a call to discuss my ideas and get his thoughts.

6:00pm | Before leaving, I do one last scroll through my emails to see if there is anything urgent. I’ll write myself a to do list for the next day and then I’m done for another day!

If you want to know more, why not take a moment to visit our website and learn more about Sparke Helmore’s Graduate Program.

www.sparke.com.au/join-us/graduate-program/

Nicola Strangward