8 minute read
AGH Law
at AGH Law and assisting the team with a range of corporate and commercial law matters.” (Lilley Carney, 2019 Vacation Clerk and 2020 Clerk).
How does your firm distinguish itself from other law firms?
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We take pride in distinguishing ourselves from other law firms and doing things differently. As a relatively recently formed law firm, we had the unique ability to design our firm from the ground up.
AGH Law has been designed from the ground up on agility, flexibility and modern technology. We focus on relationships, outcomes, and providing outstanding legal services and we aren’t held back by outdated models or systems. We believe that this translates into greater efficiency, transparency and ultimately lower costs and a much more enjoyable experience for our clients and especially our team.
Our culture is incredibly supportive and friendly, and we have a flat structure, so you get to work directly with all of our team members, from partners to lawyers. As a law graduate, you won’t find yourself working on small research tasks, you will be working directly with great clients on interesting transactions from the get go.
What significant work has your firm recently undertaken?
At AGH Law we work with a range of clients – from large ASX listed companies to burgeoning tech startups. Our clients span industries such as mining and resources, technology, retail and fashion, agriculture, property and more.
We have recently acted on the following transactions:
• Hong Kong based OliveX on its Australian IPO and subsequent acquisitions of UK-based software developer Volution and UKbased fitness and gaming app developer Six to Start (creator of the popular running app, “Zombies,
Run!”). • ASX-listed Marquee
Resources on its acquisitions of Argentinian and Australian mining assets. • ASX-listed Cycliq on its acquisition of AIRhub and its patented cycling technology. • ASX-listed Swift Media on its capital raising via a share purchase plan and placement, as well as its contracts with Atlas Iron,
Fortescue Metals, Inpex,
Roy Hill, Rio Tinto, Oracle and Telstra. • ASX-listed Consolidated
Zinc on various capital raisings via rights issues, placements and convertible notes.
Through our AGH Startup Hub we advise a large range of interesting startup clients in a range of industries.
What kind of pro bono work does the firm engage in?
AGH Law provides ongoing pro bono legal support to two groups that we sponsor; Ocean Heroes (a Perth based charity whose aim is to enhance the lives of those living with autism through surfing) and the Claremont Football Club, and we are always seeking out new ways in which we can provide pro bono assistance to those in need.
CLERKSHIP INFORMATION
During which periods do you offer clerkships?
We run a ‘flexible’ clerkship program, in that we don’t like to restrict ourselves to only taking on clerks within a specified time frame. You can work with us during your university break over a two week period, or for a day a week over a longer period of time. By the end of your clerkship you will have been exposed to a wide range of corporate and commercial legal work and you will know the team both professionally and personally. We think that this is the best way to gain a clear understanding of what your career could look like at AGH Law. If you’re interested in clerking at AGH Law, get in touch with our team.
How many clerkship positions are available in 2021?
Up to 6 clerkship positions.
What tasks do clerks usually undertake?
Clerks can expect to be involved in real, meaningful client matters from the get go. Clerks can expect to be involved in drafting documents and advice, conducting due diligence investigations, legal research, accompanying our lawyers to client meetings and participating in everyday life at AGH Law. On top of that, you will also be able to get to know everyone in the firm by attending social events.
On top of this, you will be exposed to the way that AGH Law does things – our operations, our technology and our culture. We encourage all of our clerks to get as involved as possible so that they can really experience what a career at AGH Law is like.
How can a clerk stand out and make a good impression?
The AGH Law team is forward thinking, ambitious and innovative, and our entire team plays a role in shaping the ongoing strategy of the firm. We reward efficiencies, outcomes and creative thought, and we encourage clerks to be bold and put forward their ideas and speak up.
We look for clerks that are enthusiastic, ambitious about their career, ask questions, show a willingness to learn and fit in with the firm’s culture by being a team player and getting to know the team personally.
Do you offer clerkships to non-penultimate year students?
Yes we do, and we certainly have in the past. Our flexible clerkship program means that we can take on nonpenultimate year students who we think have great potential. Non-penultimate year students that clerk with us can also reapply to clerk with us and apply for a graduate role in their penultimate year.
GRADUATE JOB INFORMATION
What does your firm look for in a graduate?
We look for intelligent, enthusiastic and ambitious graduates that are forward thinking. Maintaining a great culture is also very important to us, so we look for graduates that have a willingness to get involved in the culture of our firm and uphold our values so that it is always a great place to work.
How can students apply for a graduate position at your firm?
Reach out to our friendly team and start a conversation. Even though we run a more ‘flexible’ clerkship process, we also understand that many firms work to specific offer dates, and we are happy to work to those dates in terms of offering positions.
How many graduate positions are available in 2021?
Up to 4 positions.
Does your firm offer any international opportunities for graduates or junior lawyers?
Not currently.
INTERVIEWS
What does your firm like to see in a clerkship or graduate job interview?
Someone who has a genuine interest in our firm and the way that we work, as well as the work that we undertake. We like to see enthusiasm and ambition, but we also want to meet the real you!
How can students best prepare for an interview with your firm?
Do your research. Learn about who we are, the work we do, and why we’re different to other law firms.
CASUAL/PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT
Does your firm offer any casual or part-time employment?
Yes, from time to time.
How can students find these opportunities and apply?
Get in touch with us. We love to hear from ambitious students who want to get a head start on their legal career.
Allens
QV1 – Level 37 250 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000
https://www.allens.com.au/
Manreet Singh | student.careers@allens. com.au
Banking & Finance, Projects & Developments, Corporate, Disputes & Investigations
ABOUT THE FIRM
What are your firm’s core values?
• Driven by excellence • Eyes on the horizon • In it together • Courageous & creative • Fostering greatness
How would you describe your firm’s culture?
Shaping the future is in our DNA – whether it’s helping our clients see around corners and take advantage of new opportunities; fostering growth and opportunity so our people can thrive, make a difference and be their very best; or contributing to the development of sustainable, diverse, equitable and just communities where everyone is recognised and included.
Continuing to shape the future means committing to a truly purpose-led culture, built on values that reflect who we are, where we’ve come from and who we want to be.
How does your firm distinguish itself from other law firms?
Comparing firms can sometimes feel like an impossible task. While we think there are a few things that make us unique – like our twoyear graduate program which offers two 12-month rotations and a commitment to invest in your career for the long term, our illustrious list of alumni and the fact that we’re one of Australia’s longest running businesses – it’s our culture and the way we work together that really sets us apart.
Culture can be a tricky thing to put your finger on from the outside. We’ve had almost 200 years to build ours, and it’s what we think makes Allens such a great place to build a career, but don’t just take our word for it. We’ve drawn back the curtain on our culture, so you can see whether it’s one you’d thrive in. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter and visit our early careers website for the inside scoop.
What are some notable awards your firm has recently received?
• #1 law graduate employer by both the Australian
Association of Graduate
Employers (AAGE) and
GradAustralia. • Top Intern Programs 2020
List (AAGE). • Law Firm of the Year (> 500 lawyers) in the 2020
Australasian Law Awards. • Employer of Choice for
Gender Equality for the past 15 years (The Workplace
Gender Equality). • Named a LinkedIn Top
Company in 2020. • Listed in the 2020 AFR
BOSS 100 Most Innovative
Companies and highest
ranked law firm. • Tier 1 firm in 15 practice areas in Australia in the
Asia Pacific Legal 500 rankings. • Awarded Private Equity
Legal Adviser of the Year by Mergermarket Australia
M&A Awards 2020. • An elite band one firm in 17 practice areas in Australia in the 2020 Chambers Asia
Pacific results. • A Bronze employer in the 2020 Australian
LGBTQ Inclusion Awards (Australian Workplace
Equality Index).
What significant work has your firm recently undertaken?
In 2020, we worked alongside our clients on some of the largest, most complex and urgent transactions and disputes in Australia, including: • Victorian Government;
Department of Justice & Community Safety in relation to COVID-19 Hotel
Quarantine Inquiry. • Santos on its acquisition of
ConocoPhillips’ interests in northern Australia and
Timor-Leste for US$1.265 billion. • $4.2bn WestConnex refinancing. • $2bn equity raising of
Sydney Airport. • First State Super’s successful merger with
VicSuper. • Destination Brisbane