10 minute read
Clifford Chance
and Offshore Wind Deal of the Year (IJ Global Awards 2019). • WestConnex – the largest road infrastructure project in New South Wales.
Transport Deal of the Year (IJ Global Awards 2019).
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Competition/Antitrust
• Epic Games in private antitrust proceedings in the Federal Court of
Australia against Apple
Inc. and its local Australian entity Apple Pty Ltd. This was in relation to Apple’s operation of its app store and app payment processing alleging misuse of market power and other breaches of the competition provisions of Part IV of the
Competition & Consumer
Act 2010 (CCA), as well as unconscionable conduct. • Bunnings, in relation to its merger with Adelaide
Tools, which was subject to a Statement of Issues by the ACCC, as well as on various acquisitions in the hardware, home improvement and outdoor leisure sector. • Oracle Corporation on the ACCC digital platform inquiry in relation to adtech and other elements of the
ACCC Digital Platforms
Inquiry.
B&F
• Advising Citibank and
NAB in relation to
IOOF (the 174-year-old superannuation and financial advice provider): they became the successful bidder to purchase the
MLC Wealth business (its 134-year-old competitor) from current owner
National Australia Bank. • A large syndicate of banks and institutions providing
A$6 billion of financing to the successful MIRAled consortium on the part-privatisation of the Endeavour Energy electricity distribution business in New South
Wales, Australia. • Advising HSBC and the other Active Bookrunners in the syndication of
Glencore’s $9,975,000,000 refinancing of its Shortterm Syndicated Revolving
Credit Facilities.
R&I
• ADV Partners as co-owner of Global Sports Commerce, in relation to solvency and restructuring strategy before the Australian businesses (Techfront
Australia Group) entered into Administration due to pre-existing leverage and operation issues that were exacerbated by the
COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of many sporting events. • Acting on over 30 mandates to assist our major international clients in relation to the administration of Virgin
Australia Airlines Group, including negotiating with Virgin Australia, its
Administrators and their advisors and ultimately, in the successful implementation of the restructure by way of deed of company arrangement. • Acting for Deloitte in defending claims arising from the collapse of the
Dick Smith Group in 2012 with debts in excess of A$1 billion and in relation to multiple New South Wales
Supreme Court proceedings.
L&DR
• Kingsgate Consolidated
Ltd in a high-value claim under Australia-Thailand
Free Trade Agreement for unlawful expropriation of the Chatree Gold Mine • Tantalum International
Ltd in an ongoing dispute with the Arab Republic of
Egypt at ICSID. This is the first ever claim under the
Australian-Egypt Bilateral
Investment Treaty. • Churchill Mining Plc and
Planet Mining Pty Ltd in an ongoing ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Indonesia relating to the expropriation of their interest in a coal mining project in Kalimantan,
Indonesia. • Certain former and current
Australian partners of
Herbert Smith Freehills in relation to their defence of multiple proceedings in the Supreme Court of New
South Wales arising out of the collapse of the Arrium
Group, a major mining and materials group employing nearly 10,000 employees.
D&I
• Acting, on a pro bono basis, for an Applicant for a protection visa under the complementary protection regime. • Hosting our annual
Arcus (Clifford Chance’s
LGBTQ+ network) Pride Art
Exhibition, in partnership with Glamazon, Amazon’s
LGBT+ network.
What kind of pro bono work does the firm engage in?
As a leader in our field we are rightly held to high standards in all we do. We are committed to inspiring the trust of our stakeholders by making Responsible Business a central part of our strategy. We have over 6,000 people working for the firm, hugely talented and with a fantastic range of valuable skills and experience. Together, we can really make an impact. There’s also an important point here about individual development. Our people who are involved in this type of activity – whether it’s pro bono advice, mentoring local students, or working alongside clients on an environmental initiative – all have a much broader, more considered view of business life, and develop a wider range of really valuable life skills and business skills. For our lawyers, it’s a great way for them to understand the context beyond the immediate confines of the transaction or case.
Feeling that you can have a positive impact on some of the more pressing issues facing society is also hugely motivating, and that’s an important aspect of ensuring that everyone here feels that Clifford Chance is a really great place to work.
CLERKSHIP INFORMATION
During which periods do you offer clerkships?
Winter – June/July 2022
How many clerkship positions are available for 2021?
4 – 6
What tasks do clerks usually undertake?
Throughout the clerkship or graduate program you will be closely supported both informally and through formal mentoring with advice and guidance from your supervisor in each of your seats. We will make sure that your energy and time are focused on activities that will best develop your legal and business skills.
You could be drafting and proofing documents, conducting due diligence on a client’s acquisition target, meeting clients, preparing documents for a court hearing or creating a data room ahead of a major transaction. Most of your time will be spent working in teams where you will make an important contribution to their success – you may even run some smaller transactions for clients.
How can a clerk stand out or make a good impression?
Clients expect more from their lawyers than ever before. They look to us as business partners on their journey to achieve their objectives. It’s not just about precedents and compliance, but finding new ways to build relationships and deliver the results that matter. Focus on these core business skills and consider examples from your academic, professional and personal lives.
What are some things students should avoid doing in their clerkship applications?
Submitting a generic or “copy and paste” template application. This can lead to inadvertent errors (like putting the wrong firm name!) and delivers a less authentic submission. Reviewers want to know you have taken the time to consider the firm and how working there would align to your experience, skillset and goals.
Do you offer clerkships to non-penultimate year students?
To be eligible for the clerkship program, students must be able to commence a graduate program as of March or September 2023. Final year students are welcome to apply.
GRADUATE JOB INFORMATION
What does your firm look for in a graduate?
Our selection process is designed to identify people who have the right intellect, motivation and personal qualities to succeed as an international lawyer with Clifford Chance. To be successful you will need to demonstrate your potential to become a first-class lawyer and your willingness to take advantage of the many opportunities that you encounter. You will need to exhibit ambition, drive and commitment, the ability to articulate ideas clearly, and the desire to build relationships and deliver outstanding service. We’re also looking for business awareness, a keen commercial insight and a strong ability to lead and to manage.
When completing your application consider how you can best demonstrate these qualities and try to provide examples from your academic life, work experience or other activities. We’re also looking for intellectual curiosity, common sense, strong interpersonal skills, an interest in business and the capacity to assimilate detailed information quickly. These are the qualities that will determine your future with us – not your background.
How can students apply for a graduate position at your firm?
Graduate offers are primarily made from within the clerkship pool. Where we may decide to offer additional Graduate positions, these will be advertised and may be applied for on our careers website: https://careers.cliffordchance. com/apac/locations/australia. html
How many graduate positions are available in 2021?
2 – 4
Does your firm offer any international opportunities for graduates or junior lawyers?
Our extensive international network and the global nature of our business mean that it is both possible and beneficial for you to take one of your seats in one of our overseas offices. Secondments are an opportunity for you to acquire new skills and experience, develop your language skills and give you a valuable international perspective in a new business and cultural environment.
INTERVIEWS
What does your firm like to see in a clerkship or graduate job interview?
Clifford Chance is one of the world’s top law firms because we think differently. Tell us what it is that makes you different – not what you think we want to hear. Tell us what makes you tick because we’re not interested in recruiting a ‘type’. Competition is fierce and the process will be challenging, but the people we want to hire will relish the challenges it brings.
How can students best prepare for an interview with your firm?
As well as providing us with basic information about your background and education, this is your opportunity to tell us what it is that makes you exceptional – we receive a very large number of applications from people who’d like to join us, so you should think about how you’re going to set yourself apart. We want to know what you can bring to the work we do at Clifford Chance. This is a crucial part of the overall process, and we’ll be looking for excellent communication – make sure your answers do you justice.
CASUAL/PART TIME EMPLOYMENT
Does your firm offer any casual or part-time employment?
The firm may occasionally have casual or part-time paralegal positions available. Where this is the case, roles are generally offered to past or future clerks / Graduates.
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Level 6, Brookfield Place 123 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Jennifer Jacobs | jennifer.jacobs@corrs. com.au
5 offices - Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Port Moresby
Arbitration, Banking & Finance, Commercial Litigation, Corporate M&A, Employment & Labour, Energy & Natural Resources (ENR), Projects, Property & Real Estate, Restructuring, Insolvency and Special Situations (RISS), Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT)
ABOUT THE FIRM
What are your firm’s culture?
Corrs Chambers Westgarth is Australia’s leading independent Australian law firm. We’re known for delivering legal excellence, exceptional client service and outstanding results.
Through our long-term relationships with leading law firms across the world, we advise on the most significant global matters and connect with the best lawyers internationally to provide our clients with the right team for every engagement.
At Corrs, you’ll enjoy the benefits of working alongside a high-performing team with a shared commitment to our culture of excellence, collaboration, commitment and respect.
How do you distinguish the firm from others?
Corrs lawyers are known for their strategic approach with clients. We don’t just focus on legal advice, we provide our clients with strategic guidance to help them mitigate risks and achieve their business goals.
Our lawyers work together across practice groups to deliver exceptional results and support you in building your future, wherever you want to take it. Our success is based on the success of our people. We encourage individuals to play to their strengths and we bring our diverse and talented lawyers together to create topperforming teams.
The combination of these factors creates a firm that celebrates its independence, is open to new ideas, has the courage to think and act differently from the rest of the market, and thrives on new challenges and opportunities.
What are some notable awards your firm has recently received?
Corrs is consistently recognised as a leader in its field. We’re proud of our many awards for world class service, client results and for being an employer of choice.
From global guides, to Chambers Asia Pacific and Best Lawyers, Corrs lawyers are called out for legal excellence, commerciality and commitment to clients across our practice areas.
Corrs is ranked #1 – Australian independent law firm – Australia & NZ deals by value (2020 Bloomberg Global M&A Market Review Legal Rankings); ranked #1 in the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards Asia-Pacific for the Innovative Practice of Law; and a 2020 Australasian Lawyer Employer of Choice.
Our commitment to providing our people with the opportunity to build successful careers has made us a much sought-after employer. For almost 15 years, we’ve been recognised as an Employer of Choice by the WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation (replacing the EOWA Employer of Choice for Women award in 2014).
For more details on our recent awards and recognition, please visit our website.
What significant work has your firm recently undertaken?
We let our work speak for itself. We’re 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 and a number of global Fortune 500 companies.
We work with well-known organisations like AGL, Amazon, Australia Post, BP, Blackstone, CBA, Coca-Cola European Partners, Coles, eBay, Google, McDonalds, Medibank, Mirvac, NAB, PayPal, TPG Telecom (Vodafone) and Wesfarmers.