agreement to acquire Senex Energy’s Cooper Basin portfolio of assets for $87.5 million • AMP in high profile general protections proceedings before the Federal Court brought by a former employee and in-house legal counsel, Larissa Baker Cook, whose employment with AMP was terminated for serious misconduct. The claim involves allegations of whistleblower complaints regarding the fee for no services issues arising from the Royal Banking Commission • Aurora Travel in relation to threatened class action and series of related claims relating to the “Greg Mortima” cruise ship which was affected by COVID-19 cases and became stranded off the coast of Uruguay • Plaintiffs in a class action against Swann Insurance and IAG, securing a settlement of $138 million (the second highest settlement in 2020). What kind of pro bono work does the firm engage in? We never lose sight of the responsibility of the legal profession in the broader community. Our focus is on helping low income, disadvantaged or marginalised members of the Australian community and the organisations which support them. We work with many established and emerging charitable organisations taking over their legal issues so they are free to focus on helping the people and causes they support. Just a few of our pro bono clients include Desert PeaMedia, KYUP!, The Social Outfit, Be Centre, Council for Homeless Persons, Noah’s Ark, St Vincent de Paul Society Sydney, Legal Aid NSW and Mary’s House. We have ongoing secondment arrangements with Marrickville 115
Legal Centre, Youth Law Australia, Law Access and PIAC. We participate in a regular clinic advising self-represented persons involved in litigation in the Supreme and County Courts in Victoria, and accept legal briefs from Legal Aid NSW. We also work closely with Justice Connect and Law Access to obtain referrals to assist numerous other charitable organisations with matters such as constitution reviews, mergers, lease disputes, obtaining Deductible Gift Recipient status, employment advice, privacy advice, defamation and contract disputes. We are signed up to the National Pro Bono Target with the Australian Pro Bono Centre as a part of our ongoing commitment to the community.
CLERKSHIP INFORMATION During which periods do you offer clerkships? We offer three intakes over summer and winter: • Monday, 22 November 2021 to Friday, 17 December 2021 • Monday, 17 January 2022 to Friday, 11 February 2022 • Monday, 27 June 2022 to Friday, 22 July 2022 How many clerkship positions are available for 2021? We usually take between 6-8 clerks in Perth over the summer and winter intakes. What tasks do clerks usually undertake? The day in the life of a clerk is learning in the flow of your work – you add value to our matters from day one: • There’s no limit to your exposure. You have the freedom to work closely with any partner and lawyer across all of our practice areas. • Be supported by a
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Mentoring Partner and Buddy Graduate/Associate who will kick-start your learning experience. Involvement in complex and challenging matters and see how they evolve. You may learn something unexpected and unusual through detailed research in those matters and writing articles. Honing in your skills by reviewing, proof-reading and drafting contracts and memorandums. Supporting on the ground by attending and understanding the courts. First-hand exposure to the inner workings of a matter by attending and sitting in on client calls and meetings.
What are some things students should avoid doing in their clerkship applications? Be prepared and submit your application before the deadline. Our clerkship program is very competitive. Make sure you also give your application one last “fresh-eye” review before submitting to avoid any last minute errors. Do you offer clerkships to non-penultimate year students? Placements are offered to penultimate and final year law students.
GRADUATE JOB INFORMATION What does your firm look for in a graduate? If you are enthusiastic, driven to succeed and want to continually develop your skills, you’ll fit right in. We’re looking for graduates who have not only excelled academically, but have great communication skills, thrive in a collaborative environment and want to deliver legal advice to create the best outcomes for our clients.
