DLA Piper

What tasks do clerks usually undertake?

Our clerkship programme starts with an induction. This induction provides an advanced introduction to the legal sector and the firms practice groups. It also builds your professional skills and workplace capability. Throughout the induction there will be opportunities to hear from and network with senior members of the firm.

Once you are inducted you’ll have the opportunity to complete work placements in our different practice groups. You’ll be given real responsibilities. Whether you’re attending a court hearing, contributing to a client meeting or assisting a large corporate transaction, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to reach your potential.

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

We are seeking applicants that are considering a career in Law and becoming a future graduate solicitor. We do not expect applicants to have had prior experience in Law. When applying, we’d encourage you to think broadly about your experiences and achievements from your recent-past and ensure these are clearly articulated on your CV.

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

Complete our online application form and upload a copy of your CV. This should showcase your achievements and experiences. You will then be asked to complete a response to a commercial awareness question. We don’t require you to submit a cover letter. These are not reviewed.

Do you offer clerkships to non-penultimate year students?

Yes. We accept applications from final year students.

What does your firm look for in a graduate?

Our people come from a diverse range of backgrounds. That’s what sets us apart. Opening up a range of different and unique perspectives, allows us to service our clients better.

You will need a strong academic record, and a real passion for developing a career as a lawyer. But it goes further than that…

Among other things, we’ll be looking for candidates who are naturally inquisitive, have plenty of drive, and can show a genuine commitment to their chosen career path.

By bringing your authentic self to work every day, you’ll have an instinct ability to build relationships with peers, colleagues and clients alike.

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

Priority offers will be made to candidates who participate in our clerkship programme.

How many graduate positions are available in 2021?

We typically offer around 20 positions across our four Australian offices - Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

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

On our International Graduate Programme graduates are provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to complete our International Induction in London with their global counterparts! Experiencing a full week of inspiring key note speakers, networking events and team building activities, graduates will be leveraging our international network right from day one. During the Graduate Programme, we also offer graduates the opportunity to apply for an international secondment. This usually lasts for six months and gives graduates the opportunity to work in one of DLA Piper’s overseas offices. As well as experiencing life in a different country, graduates develop legal knowledge in another jurisdiction and grow their professional networks across the firm.

INTERVIEWS

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

Be your authentic self and show your passion for developing a career as a lawyer.

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

If you are invited to an assessment day, you will take part in a series of exercises, including a partner interview, analysis presentation and a group exercise. There is no preparation required before you attend the assessment day.

CASUAL/ PART TIME EMPLOYMENT

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

The firm sometimes offers Paralegal opportunities

How can students find these opportunities and apply?

careers.dlapiper.com

Gilbert + Tobin

Brookfield Tower 2 - Level 16 123 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000

3 offices https://www.gtlaw.com.au/

Aileen Ferguson | AFerguson@gtlaw. com.au | (08) 9413 8400

Energy + Resources, Disputes + Investigations, Corporate Advisory

ABOUT THE FIRM

What are your firm’s core values?

Gilbert + Tobin’s vision is to build a truly outstanding law firm, renowned for our commitment to client service, and distinctive in our superior team of talented, creative, and enthusiastic lawyers. We will foster a vibrant and open culture, providing personal and professional growth for all our people. We will live out our responsibility to support our community and contribute to our society.

How would you describe your firm’s culture?

Our culture is unique with a focus on innovation and change. We are not constrained by tradition, so we are always open to new ideas and different perspectives on how to deliver the best outcomes to our clients. We work within a flat structure, which means our clerks and graduates have direct access to lawyers and partners who are experts in their fields, as well as matters that will improve their skill sets and career prospects.

We offer an informal and relaxed environment, approachable partners and lawyers, diverse teams, and friendly people who care about the firm and the highperformance contribution they make, irrespective of their role.

How does your firm distinguish itself from other law firms?

Our culture is unique, and at its heart it is a paradox. It is energetic and proactive, incredibly driven and ambitious – but also understated, funny, and generous.

This is what underlies the positive, productive, and personal relationships we build with each other, and with our clients. Interactions that embrace what it means to be an individual. Constantly looking for ways to bring out the best in ourselves as well as others.

Our clerks and graduates are often attracted to the firm by the egalitarian, open structure. Our people have the opportunity to go as far as they want, the pace is fast and constant, but you will get to work on matters that interest and stimulate you early in your career. G+T challenges people irrespective of their role – and that pushes you to do, and be, better.

What are some notable awards your firm has recently received? 2021 Best Lawyers Australia

Gilbert + Tobin was named ‘Law Firm of the Year’ for Corporate Law in the 2021 edition of Best Lawyers. This follows on from Gilbert + Tobin being named ‘Law Firm of the Year’ for Corporate Law and for Private Equity Law in the 2020 edition of Best Lawyers.

75 partners are recognised by Best Lawyers, representing over 88% of the partnership acknowledged as leading in their areas of expertise. Among these, eight partners are named as Best Lawyers ‘Lawyer of the Year’, including three M&A/Corporate Advisory partners.

2021 Chambers & Partners

41 partners are recognised by Chambers in 22 areas of law. We are ranked Band 1 in Corporate/M&A, Equity Capital Markets, Private Equity, Competition & Antitrust, Acquisition Finance, Charities, TMT and Fintech.

We are the only independent Australian law firm to rank Band 1 in Corporate/M&A, ECM, PE & Competition. 2020 Beaton Client Choice Awards

Gilbert + Tobin was named winner of the 2020 Beaton Client Choice Awards for the Best Provider to Mining, Oil and Gas.

What significant work has your firm recently undertaken?

Our public website highlights the significant work our firm undertakes and is updated on a regular basis.