Clayton Utz

What tasks do clerks usually undertake?

Research, writing and drafting memos/letters, attending court and client meetings, pro bono, and assisting with preparation of matters for hearings.

How can a clerk stand out or make a good impression?

Clayton Utz employs people with a wide range of backgrounds, skills, interests and competencies. We look for people who can contribute new ideas, who take a creative approach to solving problems, are personable, practical, and commercially-savvy, as well as flexible.

What are some things students should avoid doing in their clerkship applications?

Spelling mistakes! Attention to detail is critical so make sure you allow enough time to review your application in full prior to submitting it.

Do you offer clerkships to non-penultimate year students?

NB: These can be First or Final year students Yes. Although the clerkship is aimed at students in their penultimate year of study, if you are in your final year, please outline in your application why you weren’t able to undertake a clerkship in your penultimate year by answering the relevant question.

GRADUATE JOB INFORMATION

What does your firm look for in a graduate?

We’re looking for people who are personable, practical, and commercially-savvy, as well as flexible. Our lawyers undertake complex and innovative legal work, so it’s important that our clerks and graduates are motivated individuals who are willing and ready to tackle challenges.

How can students apply for a graduate position at your firm?

Apply for a clerkship, as we hire most of our graduates through our clerkship programs. Occasionally, additional opportunities may arise and these will be listed on our website.

How many graduate positions are available in 2021?

Approximately nine to eleven.

INTERVIEWS

What does your firm like to see in a clerkship or graduate job interview?

Someone who is wellrounded. We value all types of work experience, volunteer experience, extra-curricular activities, club participation, sporting or other involvement as well as unique experiences such as study abroad, travel or immersion programs. Strong candidates are able to demonstrate that they have personality, confidence, problem-solving skills, flexibility, resilience and an eagerness to learn.

How can students best prepare for an interview with your firm?

Spend some time on our website reading about our practice areas and the work we do, research the people who will be interviewing you, and prepare a couple of questions to ask at the interview. Be prepared to discuss the specific practice areas in which you’re interested, and why.

CASUAL/ PART TIME PERFORMANCE

Does your firm offer any casual or part-time employment?

Yes.

How can students find these opportunities and apply?

On our website, they can create a profile and register a Job

Clifford Chance

Level 7, 190 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Mel Urqhart | Grads.Australia@ CliffordChance.com | (08) 9262 5555

32 offices in 21 countries

Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Banking & Finance, Corporate

ABOUT THE FIRM

What are your firm’s core values?

We have identified and embedded across our firm the core elements that make up our unique culture – the ‘Clifford Chance DNA’. These values, designed to unite, differentiate and help drive priorities and strategic action, make up the eight Clifford Chance Principles: • Exceeding clients’ expectations • Local excellence, global standards • An ambition for success • Investing in talent • An adaptable and approachable team • Thinking ahead • Strength through diversity • Community You can learn more in the ‘About Us’ section of www. cliffordchance.com

How would you describe your firm’s culture?

We are a premier global law firm committed to setting the standard for excellence in legal skills and client service around the world. Joining us means sharing that commitment, a drive to innovate and grasp new opportunities as we help our clients to address a wide range of business, financial and legal issues.

We’re looking for the brightest and most talented individuals irrespective of background – ambitious people who offer new ideas and fresh perspectives, and who will ultimately be able to give our clients a competitive advantage. If that sounds like you, and if your aim is to work at the cutting edge of commercial law, with outstanding legal and business training, and equally impressive ‘on the job’ experience, take a closer look at Clifford Chance.

If global law firms are competing to provide the same kind of professional services, you might think we would all end up the same. The fact is, firms vary in spirit, culture and atmosphere. We’re one of the world’s largest law firms, but it often doesn’t feel like that. We have a professional, cando culture. Partners are hands on with the work and newly qualified lawyers are expected to demonstrate leadership behaviour from a very early stage. Every single person is critical to the success of the team.

How does your firm distinguish itself from other law firms?

What makes Clifford Chance lawyers different? Firstly, our collaborative and adaptable culture. We work together across borders, languages and legal systems, sharing insights and expertise to achieve our clients’ commercial goals. Secondly, we’re pioneers, working on many ‘first of a kind’ deals. Finally, it’s the nature of our people. Highly professional and self-assured, with an entrepreneurial streak, they embrace our culture of learning and are more than happy to share their expertise and knowledge.

What are some notable awards your firm has recently received?

2020 – Asia-Pacific Law Firm of the Year – Chambers and Partners 2019 – International Law Firm of the Year – IFLR Awards 2019 – International Firm of the Year – The Asia Legal Awards 2018 – Debt and Equity linked Team of the Year – IFLR Awards 2019 – Banking & Finance Team of Year – Australasian Law Awards 2020 – ADR Practice of the Year – ADC ADR Awards 2021 – Global firm, 2nd place – Champions of Pride Lawyer’s Weekly 2020 – AWEI – global status – Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards

What significant work has your firm recently undertaken?

Corporate

• Partners Group, on the M&A aspects and development and financing aspects on the Murra Warra wind farm project, one of the largest wind projects in Australia. Australian

Green Deal of the Year, PFI

Awards 2020, Asia-Pacific

Renewables Deal of the

Year, Infrastructure Investor

Awards 2020. • Formosa I – the first commercial scale offshore wind farm project in Taiwan.

Renewable Deal of the Year