Corrs Chambers Westgarth

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.

• Applications riddled with spelling mistakes, or addressed to the wrong firm – yes, this happens multiple times every year!

Take the time to thoroughly proofread your application or have someone else read it for you. • Applications full of weird fonts, unusual bullet points or graphics. Your application should be clean and easy to read – don’t distract the reader unnecessarily from your key messages and experience, or make it hard for them to review. • Applications that simply repeat information verbatim in the cover letter and questions. Please don’t cut and paste from your cover letter to the answer the online application questions – the firm is asking these questions for a reason and wants to read something different!

Do you offer clerkships to non-penultimate year students?

Yes – we do accept applications from non-penultimate year students.

GRADUATE JOB INFORMATION

What does your firm look for in a graduate?

The reason we continue to attract exceptional graduates and lawyers is simple: we provide you with the opportunity to work with great people; to work on careerdefining matters from the start of your career; and to work and/or study internationally.

As with our clerks, we celebrate diversity in our graduates and are looking for candidates who can bring a variety of ideas and experiences to the firm. In particular, we look for well-rounded individuals who can demonstrate exceptional academic performance, evidence of work experience (law or non-law related), as well as experience in leadership positions, volunteering or community service, and other extracurricular activities.

In addition, we are looking for genuine, hard-working candidates who have great communication skills and approach their work with enthusiasm. We also look for candidates who are keen to learn, open to receiving feedback and continually improving themselves.

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

Previous clerks will be eligible to receive a priority offer for 2022 Graduate positions. Corrs contacts eligible clerks about the priority recruitment process in June, with offers made in late July.

If necessary, Corrs will open applications to the general market after the priority offer process.

How many graduate positions are available in 2022?

Corrs anticipates recruiting 8-10 graduates for our 2022 Graduate Development Program in the Perth office.

Does your firm offer any international opportunities for graduates or junior lawyers?

We invest in international experiences that help our lawyers grow their skills, cultural understanding and relationships worldwide.

Our International Study Scholarship supports the continuing professional development of exceptional legal staff. The Scholarship provides financial support for the completion of further study at Oxford, Cambridge or a US equivalent (full-time on campus).

Over the last seven years, we’ve sent 46 secondees to 14 countries worldwide. We have sent our lawyers on secondment to some of the world’s leading firms in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore, China, Spain, France, India, Germany, Brazil, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

INTERVIEWS

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

Interviews can be a stressful or daunting process, so being nervous is understandable and perfectly ok – most candidates are! With this in mind, we take a relaxed approach to interviews – think conversation, rather than interrogation.

Ideally, we are looking for candidates who can build rapport with their interviewers and are comfortable articulating their experience, as well as demonstrating why they are studying law and pursuing a commercial law career. We want to know why you applied to Corrs and what you know about us as a firm. We also want to get to know you as a person, so come ready to talk about your hobbies, interests or passions outside of the law too.

The interview should also be a two-way discussion, so asking questions is definitely encouraged and welcomed.

How can students best prepare for a clerkship or graduate job interview with your firm?

Don’t underestimate the importance of good preparation for your interview, as a lack of planning will be evident to those interviewing you. A few key tips on preparing for an interview at Corrs are:

• Plan your trip: Make sure you know where the firm is located and how you plan on getting there. Will you take public transport, drive in or get a lift? • Be well presented: Organise

what you are going to wear in advance and don’t leave it to the last minute. Is the outfit professional, comfortable and ready to go? • Arrive early: This ties in with planning your trip.

Make sure you arrive 10 minutes early to your interview as this demonstrates you are organised, prepared and punctual. • Research the firm: Check out the firm website, as well as media or newspapers to pick up any current issues or news items relating to

Corrs, our clients or the legal industry in general. • Re-read your application:

This will jog your memory on what you submitted and allow you to easily answer any cover letter or resume specific questions you may be asked. • Relax: We want to get to know you as a person, so try to relax and go with the flow of the conversation, rather than being too stiff or rehearsed.

CASUAL/ PART TIME EMPLOYMENT

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

We recruit casual paralegals to support our busy practice groups throughout the year. Please note that these opportunities are typically offered to candidates in our seasonal clerkship pool but, from time-to-time, we recruit from the open market.

How can students find these opportunities and apply?

Expressions of interest for casual paralegal opportunities can be submitted via email to the local People & Performance Consultant for their review and consideration. Interested applicants will need to provide a copy of their resume and latest academic transcript, together with an indication of their availability.

We have sent our lawyers on secondment to some of the world’s leading firms...

Location Firm Location Firm

Amsterdam De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek Madrid Uría Menéndez

Chile Carey Milan BonelliErede

Dusseldorf Gleiss Lutz Mumbai AZB & Partners

Frankfurt Hengeler Mueller

Hong Kong Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Jakarta Soemadipradja & Taher London Slaughter & May, Macfarlanes, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and CMS New York Cravath Swaine & Moore and Skadden Paris Bredin Prat

Singapore Allen & Gldehill

Tokyo Nishimura & Asahi

DLA Piper

Level 21 240 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000

90 offices globally https://www.dlapiper.com/en/ australia/

Virginia Rigby | graduaterecruitmentAUS@dlapiper.com | (08) 6467 6000

Corporate, Employment, Finance, Projects & Restructuring, Litigation & Regulatory, Real Estate

ABOUT THE FIRM

What are your firm’s core values?

In everything we do connected with our People, our Clients and our Communities, we live by four values: Be Supportive, Be Bold, Be Collaborative and Be Exceptional.

How would you describe your firm’s culture?

We’re a global business that’s redefining the expectations of a law firm. We operate across more than 40 countries, but we’re still locally connected. That’s because trusting, collaborative relationships with our clients and each other are at the heart of our success. We’re creating exceptional experiences, outcomes and growth for our clients and people.

We make this happen with a culture where you bring your passion and individuality to work every day. No two careers – or two people – are the same at DLA Piper. We want you to reach your full potential as part of a diverse, global team that thrives on collaboration, seizing opportunities and commercial edge. Here, personal growth goes hand in hand with professional development to shape your individual career journey.

How does your firm distinguish itself from other law firms?

We help the world’s top companies with their businesscritical issues. Many of the deals we work on are complex and challenging – transcending not just practice areas, but borders, languages and legal systems.

As a firm, we never stand still. We think nimbly and seize opportunities. We’re ambitious and are never afraid to innovate. So if you possess these qualities too, there could be a bright future for you at DLA Piper.

What are some notable awards your firm has recently received?

What significant work has your firm recently undertaken?

DLA Piper in Australia is a full service business law firm providing clients with an extensive breadth and depth of service across four capital cities nationally.

As trusted legal advisors to approximately a third of the ASX 100 companies or their subsidiaries and all levels of government, we take great pride in our reputation as a firm that is friendly, accessible and easy to do business with.

What kind of pro bono work does the firm engage in?

In 2020, our global network devoted over 200,000 hours to pro bono initiatives. This alone makes us one of the world’s largest providers of pro bono legal services.

We run legal clinics in most countries where we are based. For you, it’s an opportunity to help vulnerable people in your community. Working with law centres and frontline agencies, you could find yourself providing advice on topics such as asylum and immigration, unlawful detention, or even business advice.

There’s also the opportunity to help further afield too. New Perimeter, our non-profit affiliate, enables our lawyers to provide pro bono legal assistance in under-served regions around the world.

CLERKSHIP INFORMATION

During which periods do you offer clerkships?

Summer

How many clerkship positions are available for 2021?

Approximately 35 across our Australian offices.