We also work with governments, Federal and State, as well as on major transactions that make the news. In the Perth office, we work with well-known organisations like Wesfarmers, Fortescue Metals Group, Hancock Prospecting, the Water Corporation, Cedar Woods, Seafarms and the WA Government on a broad variety of matters. Examples of our recent significant work include advising Coca-Cola European Partners on its proposed acquisition of CocaCola Amatil Limited, valued at A$11.1 billion, and advising ING on its implementation of the new ‘customer data right regime’ which implements open banking in Australia. What kind of pro bono work does the firm engage in? From local schools to global organisations, we have a long and proud history of helping those in need. We perform around 20,000 hours of pro bono and volunteer work each year, helping those who need it most. Corrs specifically provides pro bono legal services for disadvantaged individuals who might not otherwise have access to legal representation. As a graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to pro bono matters. We are the principal legal partner for the United Nations Refugee Agency in Australia. Other organisations we work with and support as part of our pro bono and community program include Hagar Australia, Justice Connect, The Salvation Army, The Big Issue, Very Special Kids, Oxfam and more. Corrs was also named the inaugural winner of the Legal Firm Award in the 2020 WA Attorney General’s Community Service Law Awards. These awards recognise the work
of those who have made an outstanding contribution to the benefit of the WA community. In Perth, we provide legal representation and support services through our work with the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA; Circle Green Community Legal, an independent, not-forprofit community legal centre specialising in employment law, amongst other things; and the Street Law Centre, a free outreach legal service for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in WA. For each of these CLC’s, Corrs provides one-day-a-week graduate secondees. The Perth office also supports Law Access by providing legal advice and administrative secondees sourced from our legal assistants.
CLERKSHIP INFORMATION During which periods do you offer clerkships? Summer and Winter. How many clerkship positions are available for 2021/22? In 2021/22, Corrs Perth will offer three, three-week clerkship programs which will be held in either summer or winter. Each program will have approximately 8-10 clerks. Overall, we anticipate recruiting 30 clerks for our Perth programs in 2021/22. What tasks do clerks usually undertake? The Corrs seasonal clerkship program enables you to work alongside some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high-profile work for major Australian and international clients. Our three week clerkships give you the opportunity to connect with partners and lawyers across the firm, learn what a ‘day-in-the-life’ at Corrs is like, and experience the type of work we do and the clients we partner with.
You’ll be exposed to a broad range of interesting matters. You’ll also have the chance to complete a broad range of tasks, such as conducting research, reviewing and presenting documents, attending client meetings, court hearings, mediations and settlements, as well as shadowing partners and lawyers in client meetings and business development activities. How can a clerk stand out or make a good impression? We look for people who can make a positive contribution to the firm and help us in delivering legal excellence and outstanding client service. During your time as a clerk with Corrs, it is important to be genuine, approach each task with enthusiasm, complete tasks to the best of your ability, be open to receiving feedback and strive for continuous improvement. In addition to this, if you have a great attitude, communicate well and have excellent attention to detail, this will help you stand out from your peers. What are some things students should avoid doing in their clerkship applications? There are a variety of obvious, and perhaps not so obvious, things students should aim to avoid when preparing and submitting clerkship applications. This includes: • Applications that are excessively long. We recommend one page for cover letters, and a maximum of 2-3 pages for resumes. Don’t use screen shots of academic transcripts either! • Applications not tailored to the firm. Make the effort to research the firm and tailor your application by referencing partners or deals that interest you and demonstrate why you would like to work at the firm. 84
