Blackstone 2016 Careers Handbook by Blackstone Society

CA RE ERS H A ND BOOK 2016

PRO U D LY S U PPO RT ED BY

Acknowledgments UWA Blackstone Society 2016 Careers Handbook Produced by the UWA Blackstone Society with the generous support of Herbert Smith Freehills 2016 Careers Handbook Editor Danica Ferrone 2016 Careers Vice President Scott Montarello 2016 Careers Sub-Committee Ebony Back and Kenny Chen 2016 Handbook Designer Jamie Macchiusi 2016 Blackstone President Alex Cook Herbert Smith Freehills All members of the 2016 Blackstone Society, and particularly: Matthew Clark, Kelsey Montgomery and Holly Gretton The 2015 Blackstone Careers Committee Lauren Bourke, Adrian Fourie and Tom Burke

Contributors 2014 & 2015 Careers Committee Benjamin Tomasi Catherine Eagle Chris Bates Chris Field Claire Russo Cordelia Coleman Danica Ferrone Daniel Webb Ebony Back Emilia Sala FAWA (WA)

Garrett Bray Hannah Kim Holly Cullen Hon. Chief Justice Wayne Martin Hon. Christopher Carr Ian Shann James Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara Jamie Macchiusi Jelena Durmic Jessica Henderson Jilliane Osborn John Hammond Kaggen Ausma Ken Shao Kenny Chen Laura Willox Liam Bertelli Mark Bosnich May Kang Millicent Allan Murray Wesson Namitasha Gorings Nathan Amaral Nicholas van Hattem Nick Gvozdin Nick Stagg Rob Bentley Robyn Carroll Sam Panetta Sasha Dawson Sashi Perera Scott Montarello Sheldon Oski State Shi Stephanie Colquhoun Steven Penglis Tony Joyner Tony McCarthy Udo Doring UWA Consulting Society UWA ECOMS Venetia Stewart Yannis Vrodos

Contents Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................................3 Foreword Professor Holly Cullen........................................................................................................8 Editorial Scott Montarello, Danica Ferrone...........................................................................................9

Legal Opportunities.........................................................................................................10 Life at a Global Law Firm Tony Joyner....................................................................................................................12 Graduate at a Global Law Firm Claire Russo...................................................................................................................14 Life as a Family Law Specialist Ian Shann ......................................................................................................................15 Working in Commercial Law: An Unusual Path Venetia Stewart...............................................................................................................17 Boutique Law Firms: Pros & Cons May Kang......................................................................................................................18 PTC at Leo Cussen Rachael Dalton...............................................................................................................19 Media and the Law Tony McCarthy...............................................................................................................22 Benefits of Life as a Regional Lawyer Cordelia Coleman............................................................................................................25 Life at the Bar Jessica Henderson............................................................................................................26 Life as a Litigation Lawyer Steven Penglis ................................................................................................................28 Working as a Judge’s Associate James O’Hara ................................................................................................................29 The Challenges of Being Chief Justice Hon. Chief Justice Wayne Martin..........................................................................................30 Life as a Judge Hon. Christoper Carr........................................................................................................32 The Piddington Society Nicholas van Hattem.........................................................................................................35 Being a Defamation Practitioner Nick Stagg.....................................................................................................................36 The Journey to Become a Criminal Lawyer Laura Willox (Née Timpano)...............................................................................................37 Tips and Tricks for Resilience throughout the Clerkship Process Yannis Vrodos.................................................................................................................38 4

2016 Careers Handbook

Contents Careers

Government

and

Public Service...............................................................39

A Career as Senior Assistant State Solicitor Sam Panetta...................................................................................................................41 WhyYou Should Apply to the SSO Benjamin Tomasi.............................................................................................................42 The DPP: A Baptism of Fire Nick Gvozdin.................................................................................................................44 The Ombudsman:The Role and Opportunities. Chris Field....................................................................................................................46 Working at Community Legal Centres Catherine Eagle..............................................................................................................47 The Human Rights Law Centre:The People and Challenges Daniel Webb..................................................................................................................48 Government And The Law: Becoming Cottesloe Mayor John Hammond..............................................................................................................50 Aurora Internship Report Sheldon Oski .................................................................................................................51 Aurora Internship Report Sasha Dawson.................................................................................................................53 Clerking At the DPP: A Rewarding Experience Jelena Durmic................................................................................................................54 Working on Capitol Hill Ebony Back ...................................................................................................................55

Careers Beyond Law: Consulting, Investment Banking & More.........................56 Why Management Consulting? Kaggen Ausma ...............................................................................................................58 A Career in Management Consulting Mark Bosnich ................................................................................................................60 MBB Consulting Garrett Bray ..................................................................................................................62 Working in Investment Banking Liam Bertelli .................................................................................................................63 Life As a Buldge Bracket IB Intern Nathan Amaral................................................................................................................64 A Career in Tax Rob Bentley.....................................................................................................................66

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents International Opportunities.........................................................................................69 Clerking in the Magic Circle Stephanie Colquhoun .......................................................................................................70 Vodafone Legal Counsel: Going Global Jilliane Osborn................................................................................................................71 United Nations Internship:TheWork and The People Hannah Kim...................................................................................................................73 UN in NewYork: Opportunities and Lifestyle Millicent Allan................................................................................................................74 Opportunities in China: Gaining China Knowledge Professor Dr Ken Shao.......................................................................................................75 Interning in Barbados Namitasha Goring............................................................................................................77 Q&A: Pursuing a Career in China State Shi........................................................................................................................78 Advice and Reflections from China Udo Doring....................................................................................................................79 Working in International Aid and Development Sashi Perera....................................................................................................................80

Academia ........................................................................................................................83 Tips from a Life in Academia Dr Murray Wesson ..........................................................................................................84 Oxford BCL: One Path to Academia Professor Robyn Carroll.....................................................................................................86 A Teach For Australia Experience Jun Zhang.......................................................................................................................87 Postgraduate Study Selected Graduate Certificates.............................................................................................89 Postgraduate Study...........................................................................................................90 International Postgraduate Study..........................................................................................91

2016 Careers Handbook

Blackstone Careers Toolbox........................................................................................94 The Toolbox is designed to give you practical, useful information to help you throughout the year.

Important Dates in 2016 Law.............................................................................................................................96 Consulting......................................................................................................................96 Investment Banking..........................................................................................................97 Accounting....................................................................................................................98 Government .................................................................................................................98 Networking Networking Tips ............................................................................................................99 Networking Schemes .....................................................................................................100 Networking Etiquette.....................................................................................................101 Sample Documents Law Cover Letter...........................................................................................................102 Law Resume.................................................................................................................104 Commerce Cover Letter..................................................................................................106 Commerce Resume........................................................................................................108 Government Cover Letter................................................................................................110 Government Resume......................................................................................................111 Frequently Asked Questions Clerkships.........................................................................................................................112 Graduate Positions.........................................................................................................118 Court Associateships.......................................................................................................120 Information & Tips for UWA Graduates.......................................................................................123 Useful Links........................................................................................................................126 Useful Apps........................................................................................................................128 UWA Student Societies...........................................................................................................130 Career Pathways...................................................................................................................132 Glossary.............................................................................................................................135

Table of Contents

Foreword Professor Holly Cullen Faculty of Law, University of Western Australia: Associate Dean (Students)

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is fond of saying that there has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian. This can also be said for law students and graduates. By that, I certainly don’t mean that the career landscape is easy to navigate, nor that it comes with guaranteed success. What I do mean is that the range of opportunities is wider than in the past.

career of a law graduate often has a second, or even third or fourth, act. As you approach the job market, possibly with some trepidation, keep an open mind and remember that there is more than one way to achieve success and satisfaction as a law graduate.

As in previous years, the Blackstone Career Handbook provides both practical advice and insider perspectives. Whether you want to stay local in Perth, work for an international law firm or make your career in regional Australia, the Handbook will give you both information and food for thought. The Handbook does a great service in giving equal space to forms of legal practice that in some contexts struggle to make their voices heard as loudly as the bigger players. I urge you to read as many of the individual articles as you can. You may find that they open your mind to possibilities you hadn’t considered before. My own specialism is in international law, where UWA law graduates have made their mark in several fields. In the past two years, I have encountered people with UWA law degrees as: graduate trainees as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; working for the International Committee of the Red Cross in the Asia-Pacific Region; based at Columbia University and writing important reports on business and human rights; working for the Attorney-General’s Office of International Law as part of the team that prepared Australia’s case before the International Court of Justice in the Whaling in the Antarctic case. I would suggest keeping this handbook with you in the years that follow. Even if you find your dream job immediately after graduation, you may find that you want a new challenge after a few years.You may want to move to a new country, try a new form of practice or pursue advanced study. You may even decide to use your law degree in an unrelated field. Whatever your career path, the advice in this Handbook will be useful to you. The

2016 Careers Handbook

Editorial Scott Montarello

Danica Ferrone

2016 Careers Vice-President

2016 Careers Handbook Editor

The purpose of the 2016 Careers Handbook is to provide UWA law students with insights and advice from both within and beyond the legal profession. Given Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current economic climate, particularly in Western Australia, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find employment opportunities within the legal sector. However as the articles in this Handbook demonstrate a successful career has many forms and numerous paths can get you there. A law degree is merely equipping you with the tools to navigate the world beyond law school and providing valuable skills transferable to many professions. Therefore, as many contributors to this Handbook urge, do not feel pressured to apply for the standard law firm clerkships or disappointed if you do apply and do not receive any offers.While this is the more common path for the typical law student there are many equally rewarding and fulfilling professions beyond commercial law firms. To this end we have sourced over 40 new articles from a diverse range of professionals. Use these articles to gain insight and appreciation for where your law degree can take you. We have asked all of our contributors to include their key tips as part of their articles. We have drawn these out for you in bold in each article and strongly encourage you to read these. To summarise, there are four key pieces of advice from the articles:

a new area of law, commerce or even to a new country! 4. Develop a strong support network. No matter where you go in your career and life, having a stable and reliable support network of friends and family is essential to keeping you grounded and sane! We have also compiled a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Careers Toolboxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which provides practical application tips for various opportunities, important dates in 2016, sample cover letters and resumes marked-up by professional graduate recruiters and many other utilities to help you. Finally, a significant volume of work by many people has gone into the preparation of this Handbook. To name a few, a huge thank you goes to the Careers SubCommittee of Ebony Back and Kenny Chen, and to our Handbook Designer, Jamie Macchiusi. Also, a thank you to our Blackstone President, Alex Cook, and the entire Executive Committee on Blackstone. Most importantly, a big thank you to all of the contributors to the handbook who took the time to offer their advice and insights to us.

1. Find an area of work that you really like and which gives you a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Your career will sort itself out as long as you like what you are doing. 2. Keep everything in perspective. If you fail to get a clerkship or any other form of vacation work, it is not the end of the world. There are many paths to get you to where you want to be in your career. 3. Always be open to new opportunities. You may never know you have an interest in something until you try it for the first time. Be willing to move to EDITORIAL

Legal Opportunities The Legal Opportunities section of the Careers Handbook includes articles from: • A Top Tier Principal • A Graduate at a Global Law Firm • A Family Law Specialist • A Mid-Tier Senior Associate • A Boutique Law perspective • A Practical Legal Trainee • A Media lawyer • A Regional Lawyer • A Barrister

Proudly Supported by

• A Litigation Lawyer • A Judge’s Associate • A Chief Justice • A Federal Court Judge • The Piddington Society • A Defamation Lawyer • A Criminal Lawyer • A Recent Graduate

Future Focussed Press play on a forward thinking career choice • High performance culture • Competitive team spirit • Drive and passion to be #1

Life

at a

Global Law Firm

Tony Joyner Herbert Smith Freehills: Managing Partner

I have been asked to write about what it is like to work at a top tier law firm. And I suppose that is what Herbert Smith Freehills is in a technical sense. But that’s not how I think of it. It’s where I work, and it’s where a lot of people I like work. I graduated from UWA in 1986. Bob Hawke was Prime Minister and Crocodile Dundee was the biggest movie in the country. I had never really met a lawyer - I had just fallen in to studying Law because it seemed more interesting than Engineering, and I faint when I see blood, which is apparently a problem at Medical School. So Law it was. And I ended up liking it. It was rational, and interesting, and the people were smart and (mostly) funny. I ended up with the firm that eventually morphed into Herbert Smith Freehills by being interviewed by the Managing Partner. He was old and scary, and it was obviously inconceivable that I would ever be anything remotely like him. And somehow I’m still here. Old. Not that scary. I never resigned, though through mergers I have worked at 4 firms. In my first year I did basic work, and collected the partners’ dry-cleaning (a sadly extinct practice). Last year I attended meetings in London, Madrid, Dubai and Singapore. I still feel pretty much the same, though I don’t look it.

skivvy and became a technology lawyer. As time has passed and the economy here has grown, internationalised and changed, my practice has changed with it. There has been so much going on. It’s been fascinating being a small part of it. I have also had the opportunity of becoming involved in management. I am head of the office here in Perth. I am also a member of our global board. I also have really interesting roles within our Technology practice, and with our continuing strategy, both of which are fascinating when your firm is an international one. My experience has also meant that I have been able to take roles as a Director of the Lions Eye Institute and the Chamber of Commerce. I am also the Chair of Scitech. Great WA institutions, that I really enjoy working with and I only had that opportunity because of my career at here at Herbert Smith Freehills. There are great opportunities for energetic and interested law students in this city. It is blessed with some really good national and international law firms that have good offices here.You will get good training and do interesting work that will set you up as a quality lawyer for the rest of your life. I urge you to hunt the opportunities down with gusto. It’s an adventure!

The work is hard, and it is challenging.You have to think. You have to solve problems. You have to have energy and nous. All of which I truly love and enjoy. I am still here because I have never felt like leaving. What I have done has always been changing, and interesting. And, most importantly, the people I work with continue to be great. Just like law school: rational and interesting; smart and (mostly) funny. I started in banking, which morphed into property when banking became a little quiet. The GFC wasn’t my first financial crisis you know. I then moved to our Melbourne office for two years - what a great experience. When I came back I thought I’d like a change. It was 2000. The first Tech Boom was underway. I bought myself a black 12

2016 Careers Handbook

BE A PART OF EVERYTHING

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE CAREERS IN LAW Join Herbert Smith Freehills and you’ll do more than just experience life at a leading law firm, you’ll be a part of everything we have to offer - whether you’re working on a high-profile takeover, catching up with an overseas client or taking on some challenging pro bono work. It’s an environment in which your perspective, ideas and experiences will make a real difference. Don’t just experience everything, be a part of it.

SEARCH HSF GRADUATES FOR MORE GRADUATE EMPLOYERS 2016

Graduate

at a

Global Law Firm

Claire Russo Herbert Smith Freehills: Solicitor

I joined Hebert Smith Freehills as a graduate in March 2014. I first rotated through the corporate team with a focus in energy and resources, areas that, outside of a semester of Corporations Law, I had absolutely no experience in. To say it was daunting would be an understatement. However, the team was very welcoming and I was given a number of opportunities to learn. In the end, I absolutely enjoyed myself and ended up settling in corporate following my progress through the graduate rotation system. The team has a combined general corporate and energy and resources focus across a number of jurisdictions meaning there is plenty of variety in the work you get to do. It’s great to come into work and be able to get involved in a variety of different areas, especially when just starting out. Prompted by my newfound corporate interest, I successfully applied to complete my final graduate rotation in the corporate team in the Singapore office in March 2015. I gained exposure to transactions across Asia – from Malaysia to Myanmar and everywhere in between! Given Singapore is such a central corporate hub for the region, I also spent a lot of my time working with local lawyers, including at one stage coordinating advice and input from six different jurisdictions in the one transaction. As part of a small office, you are given a heft of responsibility and, while challenging at times, I had a fantastic supervisor who taught me a lot and was willing to assist when dealing with things I had never experienced before. My secondment also allowed me to travel to Hong Kong for the signing of a transaction I had been working on and I have also had the opportunity to return to the Singapore office since returning to Perth to follow up on matters. I completed my secondment with six other graduates from the London office, which allowed me to make new connections and made it much easier to start fresh in a new city (not to mention having an instant group of travel companions always up for a weekend getaway!)

As a junior in the corporate team, I am given the opportunity to develop skills across all areas of the practice group, while also being encouraged to focus on my specific areas of interest. I have assisted with drafting a sale agreement for a major infrastructure transaction, coordinating a team and preparing a due diligence report for the sale of Indonesian assets and preparing advices on the rights of joint venture parties for various oil and gas projects. The team itself is full of smart and talented people that will get down to business when need be, but don’t take themselves too seriously and can generally be quite a social bunch, which makes it much easier to come to work each day. Unsurprisingly, working in a law firm is not without its challenges. There is a big adjustment in moving from university life to the workplace and there have been many times when I’ve felt like I’m in over my head. My peers are invaluable in this regard. The graduates I started with at the firm and those I met on my travels have always been there for a chat, a frustration-venting rant or a couple of drinks on a Friday night. 1. Always be open to new opportunities, whether it be an area of law you never thought to pursue or a job in a different state or country. Your dream job might be somewhere you never even thought to look! 2. If in doubt – ask! There is no such thing as a stupid question and most people would rather spend the extra five minutes clarifying something than have you approach a task feeling lost and confused. 3. Develop a good support network of family, friends and colleagues. They will be invaluable when you’re starting out and as you develop your career, particularly during the more hectic periods. 4. You’ve got to be in it to win it. Someone has to get that exciting secondment or that amazing new job – why can’t it be you? Be confident and apply, the worst anyone can do is say no.

2016 Careers Handbook

Life

A Family Law Specialist

Ian Shann Frichot & Frichot: Family Law Consultant

My involvement in family law began as an unwilling litigant in Family Court proceedings! Almost 20 years after first being admitted, I was re-starting a legal career when my then-wife started proceedings in the Family Court. I consulted a senior family law barrister who advised that I offer to settle at my worst case expectations. He then helped me run my own case while starting up my own practice. Two years later we settled prior to trial – at my worst case level – and my ex-wife paid my costs. My family law career was launched. I learned first hand that the Family Court is an unpleasant place to spend time; I learned that pragmatic resolution was the preferable option. Getting started I soaked up as much information as I could – I attended every family law conference that was going, listened avidly to recordings and commentaries about family law and worked long hours in developing precedents I could use in my practice. I used non-legal language that my clients could relate to. I also focused heavily on the rules of procedure and court practice so I could understand how family law matters were transacted. Before returning to the law I’d had 20 years’ experience in a variety of businesses. This gave me a significant advantage in dealing with the practical issues that confront clients in family law matters. And I combined that experience with my involvement as a litigant in the family law system. These factors strongly influenced me to focus on my clients’ interests and gave me an empathy when assessing their family law issues. I set myself a target of obtaining Accredited Family Law Specialisation as soon as possible. This was essential because I would be practising family law exclusively and the discipline of preparing for accreditation would further advance my knowledge of family law. I was accredited in 1997, five years after my re-admission in WA. I also appeared in Courts as a barrister as often as possible – and, over the next ten or so years, prepared and conducted several trials in the Family Court. Fortunately, my focus on client interests and sensible outcomes meant that most cases I took on were settled

either before proceedings commenced or soon thereafter. Later in my career I developed and implemented family law workflows and fixed fee systems for a national firm. I also wrote a user guide about family law titled “Know Where You Stand”. Now I consult in family law to Fremantle firm Frichot & Frichot and undertake mediations as a nationally accredited mediator. My greatest buzz in practicing family law has always been the recognition of satisfied clients - clients who appreciated that the outcomes we achieved were fair and reasonable and realised that early resolution enabled them to get on with their lives and avoid the stress, time and money they would have wasted enmeshed in the family law system; clients whose relationships with former partners and their children had not been irretrievably fractured by years in that system. The opportunity to practise family law is a real privilege: you get to meet and work with a vast number of everyday Australians, all of whom have a different and interesting story to tell at a difficult and emotional time in their lives. The challenge is to apply your knowledge, expertise and common sense in their best interests: to create effective action plans and achieve sensible outcomes. 1. Focus first on the procedures and processes - the Family Law Rules and the Case Management Guidelines – these determine what you can and can’t do in any given circumstance; 2. Keep it simple – don’t complicate matters with legalese and complex proposals: explain possibilities to your clients in language and with examples they can understand; 3. Know the details of your client’s matters intimately and prepare thoroughly for appearances and conferences – don’t wing it as you’ll get found out, usually sooner rather than later; 4. Look for practical solutions in your clients’ best interests – that’s what they are paying you for, not the 6 minute time charges.

Legal Opportunities

GROW YOUR CAREER Law firms all say the same things. But what if there were a law firm that really is different from the others? At K&L Gates, we are a global community of entrepreneurs and self-starters, we are focused on innovation and we reject the “that’s the way it’s always been done” mentality. We are all in it together and genuinely enjoy working with each other and for our clients. LEARN WHAT MAKES OUR GLOBAL LAW FIRM DIFFERENT. Voted The Employer of Choice among law firms by Australasian Lawyer in the Gold Category.*

Watch our brand video. /klgateslaw

Check out our Facebook page. /klgatesgraduaterecruitingau /klgateslaw

PERTH

Application Dates Clerkship applications open: 18 July 2016 Clerkship applications close: 5 August 2016

* Law firms with more than 500 employees

Working

Commercial Law: An Unusual Path

Venetia Stewart ANZSLA: President; K&L Gates: Senior Associate

I took an unusual path to legal practice, and one which I expect is probably unlikely in the current recruitment environment where clerkships have gained increasing prominence. A friend (also a law student) and I decided mid-way through our final year at UWA that we would move to Melbourne the following year and take postgraduate studies in non-legal subjects (for me, it was a master of business and sports management). By the time we made this decision, clerkship applications in Victoria had well and truly closed, so I was left with little option but to wing it after I arrived. I accepted a paralegal position at Middletons (as K&L Gates was then known) working on the dispute between ExxonMobil and BHP Billiton that followed the explosion and fire at the Longford gas plant. Whilst I was a very small cog in the large wheel that was that litigation, I was exceptionally lucky to be exposed to some of the best legal minds in Australia who were retained to act for ExxonMobil. It was an invaluable experience, and I tried to absorb as much as I could. Shortly after the Longford dispute resolved, I became involved in the team advising Apache Energy in the aftermath of the pipeline explosion atVaranus Island, and a short time later relocated back to WA. It was in the midst of the boom years, and an exciting opportunity (though I certainly missed the food and wine of Melbourne’s restaurants!). Our team was retained mainly on large scale litigious matters, and the work was consistently stimulating and at a frenetic pace. After around 3 years working big hours in a close team, I was nominated as a Senior Associate. I am still in the same team, and although the market and legal environment have recently changed, each day still presents new opportunities and challenges. When I was at uni I expected to settle as a corporate/ commercial (or “front end”) lawyer, because I enjoy drafting and negotiation. Having spent the best part of 10 years in dispute resolution / litigation, I thought it might be helpful to say why I enjoy this area of practice. The highlight (for me) about litigation is the importance of strategic thinking in each move that you make: by knowing from the outset where you want (and don’t want!) the matter to end up, each move is a calculation. By adopting a strategic perspective, you work efficiently and effectively across a matter, and maximise your client’s

likelihood of achieving a good outcome. Clients expect the lawyers that they instruct to have an appreciation for the commercial realities of their business, and an understanding of the industry in which they operate. This can often present a challenge to graduates and junior lawyers who are accustomed to reciting legal principles and producing caveated answers. Client focus and commerciality is, however, (I think) one of the most important skills for practising in a commercial law firm. There is a surprising amount of non-legal (ie, nonbillable) work that is expected at a commercial law firm: from networking events, to continuing education, to mentoring programmes, to social functions and health initiatives. In busy times, the non-legal workload can be a difficult addition to the pressures of working life, but these activities are both inevitable and necessary; not only because they provide an important opportunity to develop business and non-legal skills, but also because they introduce balance and variety into a work day. One of the rewarding aspects of legal practice is that there are always opportunities available to expand skills and take on new challenges – you just have to be open to the opportunities when they present themselves. I am blessed to practice law in a busy and stimulating environment, as a member of a great team. I’d be lying if I said it was easy, as every day presents new challenges and expectations are high. But practice in a commercial law firm offers an immensely rewarding career, and gives practitioners a suite of legal and commercial skills that can lead to opportunities both in and outside legal practice. 1. Say yes to every opportunity that you can – you never know where it might take you. 2. Appreciate the fact that a law firm is a business; seek out opportunities to develop business skills as well as legal skills. 3. Adopt a sponge mentality and absorb knowledge from experienced people around you. 4. Be polite and collegiate, even to adversaries – the legal industry in Perth is small, and practitioners have long memories. Be conscious that first impressions last.

Legal Opportunities

Boutique Law Firms: Pros & Cons May Kang Frichot & Frichot: Solicitor

I started working at a boutique law firm about 4 months after graduation. I was one of the luckier ones who got offered a job after my employers had checked out “GradMatch”, the Law Society graduate clearing house. They gave me a call and after 2 interviews, I was hired.Working in the firm has been an amazing experience for me so far but with every job, I must say that it isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. I will highlight a few points about how it’s like to work in a boutique law firm. Firstly, the diversity. When I got my first interview with the firm, my soon-to-be-boss asked me if I was particularly interested in any areas of practice. I wasn’t and I thought even if I did, I wasn’t sure theory and practice were the same so I didn’t want to pigeonhole myself into a specific area so early in the piece. As I was not interested in anything specific, I got to work with all my bosses who were each good in different areas of practice. One day I could be doing a matter involving an estate dispute and another day I could be preparing schedules of damages for a catastrophic claim. I found the experience in practicing in different areas of law extremely rewarding because it helped me understand those areas of law better and decide which areas I would prefer to focus on. Secondly, the hours are great. I hear from a friend who is working in a big firm that she works long hours for weeks when they have an urgent project. I rarely have to do that. There have been a few occasions where I worked long hours, rushing to prepare documents for Court the next day but that was as far as it went. My bosses have also been very understanding when I have personal matters that require my attention. They would let me take some time off to deal with those matters so long as my work at the office does not deteriorate. As such, I have been able to maintain a good work life balance. Thirdly, close ties. Working in a boutique law firm, you tend to know everyone. It’s a small firm and there are only so few of you. Given this, it is quite easy to build close relationships with most of the people in the firm. Our office has about 14 lawyers and 10 support staff. I can’t say I am very close to everyone but I see them 18

everyday and we always catch up on whatever that we are working on. I am the most junior lawyer in the firm so knowing everyone really helps when I have to deal with a matter that I am not familiar with and I can easily speak to another lawyer who is familiar with such matters. Fourthly, the admin support. A slight disadvantage about working in a boutique law firm is that there aren’t as many support staff available. As I am a junior lawyer in the firm sometimes my work is given less priority compared to more senior lawyers. So, I mostly do my own typing, printing and filing. This can be a little tricky and stressful when there is a lot of work to pump out in a short amount of time. The good thing about this though is I have control over my files. I hate it whenever my files go to another person and when it comes back to me, the order of the file is a complete mess. Lastly, the research. I understand that in most boutique law firms doing research is not as easy or convenient. Most boutique firms do not have dedicated persons to do research let alone a good research provider as these providers can be quite pricey. This can be difficult when you have a lot of work on your desk, limited research mechanisms and a ton of questions which need answers. Luckily for me, my firm invested in a good research provider so doing my own research isn’t so hard. Working in a boutique law firm may not be as prestigious as working in big law firms, but it is still good experience and can pave the way to a dynamic legal career. So, if you have a chance to work in one, take it! Try to get as much experience as you can while you are studying. This helps to build a better understanding of how the law is applied and more importantly, your confidence. 1. Do not be disappointed if you have missed out on an offer from a big firm. Working in a boutique firm can be extremely rewarding as you gain a lot of experience in a variety of practice areas.

2016 Careers Handbook

2. If you do not think you have a job waiting for you after graduation, put your name in the Law Society graduate clearing house. Employers who are interested in hiring fresh graduates will check out the clearing house for potential employees. 3. Hone in on your research skills. It will definitely come in handy, not only because you

A Typical Week

for a

can find answers to your legal questions but it will impress your employers who may not have been taught how to do research when they were at university. I remember teaching junior and senior lawyers alike on how to do research such as what keywords or Boolean symbols to use and how to narrow down the searches.

PTC Trainee

Rachael Dalton Cahill & Rowe Family Law: Solicitor & 2015 Leo Cussen Graduate

A typical week for a Leo Cussen PTC (Practical Training Course) trainee in the full time on-site course involves a combination of seminars, practice and hearing days. Leo Cussen trainees are incredibly lucky that they have access to some of the best lawyers in the profession as the seminars are instructed by practising lawyers, barristers, retired judges and academics. During a seminar, you are provided with the knowledge and skills required to undertake client files and complete assessments.

professionals in the legal industry. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance or on the flip side, to put your hand up to help someone else. I believe that you learn when you move outside your comfort zone and an environment such as Leo Cussen is the perfect place to do that. My time there has provided me with the necessary skills to commence my career in the legal profession through an engaging and challenging hands on experience.

The Client File program is the main mechanism for assessment at Leo Cussen. Throughout the course you will work on ten client files from various areas of law. The concept behind running client files is to provide you with the foundation for working outside Leo Cussen and to develop skills such as letter writing, interviewing, drafting documents and costing. File work days at Leo Cussen are days in which you would spend time working on your client files and preparing for any upcoming hearings. Hearings that take place at Leo Cussen are designed to provide you with the skills necessary to appear in Court before a Magistrate or Judge. Undertaking these hearings at Leo Cussen has provided me with a strong foundation to be confident in my appearance work in Court. Transitioning from Leo Cussen into working life has been both challenging and rewarding. I commenced working full time about six weeks after completing Leo Cussen. Starting out as a junior lawyer is all about learning. Every day I learn something new. It is the time of your career where you have the best opportunity to learn from other Legal Opportunities

CAREER, YOUR CHOICE Johnson Winter & Slattery is a national law firm where young lawyers play a meaningful role in strategic and complex transactions and disputes, and build relationships with executives from Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful companies through close client contact. We have an established reputation for providing practical commercial solutions and outstanding client service.

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Our lawyers thrive in an environment that fosters collaboration with few internal administrative boundaries and is free from financial targets. Enjoy working across practice areas. Collaborate with diverse teams of specialists across the country.

Strong technical and client service skills are developed through structured mentoring and professional development education programs. Be mentored by Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best lawyers. Get regular feedback on performance.

Our hands on and proactive approach creates an environment in which ambitious lawyers become directly involved in significant opportunities from an early stage. Work side by side with partners and play a meaningful role in strategic and complex transactions and disputes.

Law students choose our firm because we provide an excellent learning environment, and an exceptional place to begin and develop your career. Our clerkship program is a realistic snapshot of your future as a lawyer at Johnson Winter & Slattery.

Please visit our website for more information: http://www.jws.com.au/en/graduate-lawyer-careers

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At Allion we strive to ensure our lawyers are satisfied and supported in their careers. Our collegiate culture and close working relationships with quality clients offers rewarding career development opportunities. Practice areas you could be working in include: Corporate, Energy & Resources, Finance, Litigation, Property, Workplace Relations and Projects & Infrastructure.

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Media

and the

Law

Tony McCarthy Seven West Media: General Counsel

As General Counsel for Seven West Media (SWM) in Western Australia I am responsible for The West Australian, 22 regional newspapers, Channel 7 Perth and four radio stations. The role of General Counsel in a large corporation in Australia is usually a position involving corporate legal and company secretarial duties. My work at SWM is quite different. Some of my time is spent drafting contractual documents, ranging from the terms of multimillion dollar international newsprint purchase agreements to the terms and conditions of The West Footy Tipping Competition. Some is spent giving general commercial advice in all areas of law. Much of my time is spent legalling stories for publication and appearing in court on media related applications and trials. The pre-publication legalling of stories involves considerations of copyright, defamation, contempt of court and statutory restrictions on publication. Court appearances involve opposing applications for orders that proceedings in Court be suppressed from publication, applying for the provision to the media of copies or reproductions of evidence tendered in Court and defending contempt and defamation proceedings. Orders suppressing the publication by the media of court proceedings, enabling the release of the publication of evidence tendered in court and defamation and contempt proceedings are all matters that concern the balance that the law recognises between legitimate freedom of speech and necessary restrictions on that freedom for the protection of the rights of individuals or for purposes consistent with the interests of justice. That balance is vitally important to the rule of law on which we all depend for our personal freedom. Without it, individual rights become subject to unrestrained power, respect for the law is destroyed and a rational system of democratic government is impossible. On a daily basis I am opposed by other lawyers legitimately and conscientiously contending that the personal rights of 22

their clients will be unacceptably interfered with by my clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire to see freedom of speech and the principles of open justice allow them to publish what they see as necessary in the public interest. Frequently, those issues are determined by the judicial officers in the various courts of Western Australia. Acting in the best interests of clients, without fear, favour or conflict between personal interest and duty, is what these other lawyers, and all lawyers, do on a daily basis. Whether in a matter involving media law in the Courts or in uncontentious conveyancing or commercial matters, the skills and responsibilities of lawyers are daily relied upon to maintain the public respect in the rule of law that is so important to the daily lives of all people in Western Australia. A law degree will allow you to work in a wide variety of areas, legal and non-legal. If you do not ultimately practice as a lawyer your degree will not be a burden to you and may well helpfully enable you to follow other endeavours, so stick at it. If you pursue a career as a practicing lawyer you will have the opportunity, not without professional obligations, to participate in the legal process and contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the system of law we all benefit from. Where, and in what area of law, you might prefer to practice is likely to take some time to become apparent to you. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be concerned by the time that process may take. Be keen to experience as many opportunities as you can practically manage. Be realistic about what you take on, ask advice from others, work hard, prepare well and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be concerned about possible failure. Be open and forthright with your clients, colleagues and Courts. Be familiar with your ethical responsibilities and observe them. Take the opportunity, from time to time, to undertake some pro bono work, even a small amount. You will benefit from the contribution you make to those who would not otherwise have access to your expertise.

2016 Careers Handbook

After completing my articles at Parker & Parker in 1983 I had a conventional career as a commercial litigation partner with Parker & Parker and then Freehills for 25 years. Since I started practicing there has been enormous change in legal practice brought on, as in other areas, by the use of computers and the internet. Believe it or not, when I started practice documents were typed in duplicate on a typewriter and the standard method of communication was by letter which would take 3 or 4 days to be delivered to the recipient by the postal service. Law firms had large libraries where research was done by reading text books and the printed law reports!

contribute to the development of these, and many other issues in the future. That will be a challenge for all of you. Good luck with completing your studies and with finding an area of interest where you can put your skills to use in a way that brings you success and satisfaction.

Apart from increasing the pace of practising law, the length and complexity of commercial documents and litigation, the use of computers and the internet has given rise to issues so far unknown to the law which will give your generation of lawyers much to think about and do. How do we make affordable and efficient legal services available to all people when the cost and complexity of legal services has exploded since the introduction of computers and the internet? Does the principle of “open justice” mean that all court proceedings should be “live streamed” on the internet? If so, what should happen if something “pops up” in the course of a trial that means that a suppression order, on something already said and “broadcast”, should be made? How should the law deal with defamatory and contemptuous anonymous “bloggers”? Is it realistic to think that jurors will not do their own research on the internet, notwithstanding a Judge’s directions not to do so? How should the law develop when, on the one hand, we have vilification laws that prohibit conduct that objectively “offends” people, on the other hand we have incidents such as the Charlie Hebdo affair provoked by conduct that was objectively offensive to some people? Where does freedom of speech stand in that analysis? Whether you ultimately practice law or not, whether you do so in conventional legal practice or “in-house”, whether you practice in a commercial area or in litigation, a law degree is likely to give you the platform to be able to Legal Opportunities

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Visit www.allens.com.au/careers and www.linklaters.com/ukgrads to find out more.

Benefits

Life

as a

Regional Lawyer

Cordelia Coleman Ellery Brookman Barristers and Solicitors: Graduate

When I first started law back in 2009, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my degree though I was sure the answer would come to me down the track. Fast forward to graduation mid-year 2015, and I still didn’t know! The fear started sinking in… All I knew was that I wanted to practice law but didn’t want to get funneled into an area without trying everything first. At that point, I had been working as a legal assistant in a top tier firm in the city, as well as having clerked at a boutique firm in Kalgoorlie. After thinking hard about my options, I decided to take up the offer to come on as law graduate at the firm in Kalgoorlie, and I haven’t looked back! I guess I was at a slight advantage as my dad lives in Kalgoorlie, so it was through him that I was introduced to my future boss, at the gym of all places (networking never stops, and is definitely not contained to organized events). Regardless, all it really takes is a phone call or friendly email with your resume and you never know what may happen!

multiple levels of hierarchy between you and the client. Here, I am included in the decision-making which is a pretty amazing feeling for a fresh-faced grad. Outside of the office, there are lots of other young people in town who are also starting out whether it be in mining, medicine, dentistry or teaching. There are always things happening, and never a dull moment! For all of you who still haven’t made up your minds, or haven’t received the coveted clerkships on the terrace or even for those who have, I would urge you to consider working regionally. If I could offer any advice to students, I would say this – find the job that fits you! Be dedicated and focus on what you want and know that sometimes, you have to sacrifice some things to gain a lot more. Sometimes, the best opportunities lie a little further away…

One of the best things about working in the country is that people keep proper working hours! There is a great work life balance here and I have never worked past 5:30pm, with a one hour lunch break and no work on the weekends. The work itself is incredibly varied and hands-on, from large scale commercial litigation to drafting wills to reviewing complicated mining contracts and everything in between. I have already had my own clients, overseen matters through from start to finish and drafted letters of advice, all under the watchful eye of some amazing and very experienced solicitors! Moreover, country firms have a real down-to-earth vibe where you can gain exposure across the whole gambit of the client’s issues, rather than being subjugated to just a subset of any particular matter. I also feel that you acquire a deeper understanding of the subtleties of the client/solicitor relationship, which may not be so readily available in firms where there are Legal Opportunities

Life

at the

Bar

Jessica Henderson Francis Burt Chambers: Barrister

Being a barrister is not for the faint hearted. It demands strength of character, passion for advocacy, and pursuit of excellence. It will teach you the meaning of the two most misunderstood words in the modern English lexicon (‘irony’ and ‘literally’). I prepared well for life at the Bar. I was a mature age student, with a PhD in history, and the gravitas of advocacy came easily. I worked as PA to a senior partner before I did my practical legal training at Freehills - nothing perfects your drafting like dispassionately watching the evisceration of a junior associate’s work. I worked out my restricted practice in small firms where I volunteered for every court appearance. By the time I went to the Bar I was ready, and more importantly I knew I was ready. Then I had the benefit of the pupillage scheme and two outstanding silks for pupil masters. I loved it from the very first day. For those contemplating coming to the Bar, I offer the following observations. First, the profession comes with all the demands of self-employment. There is either too much work, or not enough. You may have nothing scheduled for weeks and then be offered three trials on the same day, which co-incidentally will be the one day that you have some unchangeable personal commitment. There is budgeting, debt-collection, the gut-wrenching uncertainty as to when you are paid, and endless selfpromotion. Secondly, the expectations and obligations are a step up again from anything previously encountered. When you declare yourself a specialist advocate you are expected to be a master of procedure and argument. You will be pushed for further explanation of every point you make. Your written submissions will be criticised for form and content. (‘First’ is followed by ‘secondly’ and not by ‘second’. My thanks again to the silk who tactfully left Fowler’s English Usage on my desk one morning with a guiding post-it.)

and discover that critical documents have not been filed and the Court will not have jurisdiction to hear the matter unless you prepare them, file them, serve them, and persuade opposing counsel to agree to proceed notwithstanding that service has been effected on the door of the courtroom. Fourthly, no one knows what you do. Tell people you are a lawyer they ask for advice; tell people you are a barrister they ask for coffee. And you’ll quickly get bored of the Jack Nicholson impersonations. (No, really – I can handle the truth, which is that yelling at witnesses is not acceptable in Australian courtrooms). Fifthly, you are left to pursue your own interests, with no restrictions but no supervision. Having worked for aviation firms in London, I specialised in aviation law. (A difficult area to master, but I am rarely asked for pro-bono assistance; my friends don’t own planes, but occasionally they lose their luggage on them). There is no one to check that I am keeping abreast of my field – it is for me to self-evaluate whether I am competent on any given matter. No, being a barrister is not for the faint hearted. But for me, going to the Bar was a journey home. 1. Go to Court and watch. If you get bored, reconsider your career choice. 2. Network. Being successful at the Bar requires having solicitors who brief you. Be nice to all your colleagues! 3. Appear in Court. Never pass up an opportunity to appear if you are competent to do so. 4. When you need advice, ask. Junior’s are supposed to need advice from their seniors. It would be weird if you didn’t.

Thirdly, you are in the hands of solicitors. It is not uncommon to receive a brief the night before a listing 26

2016 Careers Handbook

MOVE YOUR MIND

Graduates in Law

Aim beyond pure legal knowledge. Beyond commercial advice. Be known for something more: a clarity of thought and an instinct for problem solving that can influence governments and leading businesses the world over. Join us and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help you enrich and expand your worldview, grow your skills and influence new ways of thinking. In other words, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help you move minds.

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Life

as a

Litigation Lawyer

Steven Penglis Barrister

I am now in my fourth decade of legal practice as a litigation lawyer. I enjoy it as much, if not more, than when I started out all those years ago. The intellectual stimulation derived from commercial litigation never ceases to satisfy. In addition, the ability to help people who find themselves in difficulty, sometimes in a life changing way, is enormously satisfying. Add to that the “thrill of the fight”, life as a litigation lawyer is one which I can strongly recommend. I began my legal career in 1982 at a large law firm then called Freehill Hollingdale & Page. As we have a “fused profession” in Western Australia, I could (and did) practise as both a solicitor and barrister. Accordingly, I was able to do all of the work on most of my matters, starting with taking the initial instructions right up to and including arguing any appeal. In 2012, I left the firm (when it became Herbert Smith Freehills) and was “called to the Bar” (i.e. to practise solely as a barrister).The major differences between a law firm and the Bar are as follows. First, being in a law firm gives you a greater sense of “team” and comradery. At the Bar, whilst there is a level of comradery, in the end, we compete with each other. Secondly, at the Bar, you are wholly reliant upon your own ability and reputation to get work. At a law firm, to a large extent, the securing of new work is done on a co-ordinated and “team” basis. Thirdly, there is less capacity to “teach” junior lawyers at the Bar. In a law firm, because of the nature of the relationships, there is a greater focus and capacity to teach and be taught. So why go to the Bar? For me, apart from wanting a change after so many years at my firm, there were three main reasons. First, you are freed up from having to take phone calls throughout the day from clients and opponents and having to correspond with them. Rather, your day is spent solving legal problems and providing your considered views (advice) on them, preparing for court and appearing in court. Secondly, you can devote your time solely to your work: there are no administrative or supervision matters that need to be attended to. Finally, 28

you are your own boss. Even as a partner, indeed a senior partner of a large law firm, you still have to answer to others. At the Bar, you answer to no-one but yourself.The sense of freedom is liberating! Although these days we see more and more young practitioners joining the Bar, I would strongly recommend all graduates spend some years with a law firm. I say this so, in the context of employer and employee, you are exposed to as much training and different types of work as possible, and to do so in a highly supervised environment. You will then have the option to continue down that path, alternatively, and at any time, to change the path and join the Bar to practise solely as a barrister. Whether as part of a law firm, as a solicitor in sole practice or as a barrister, I can highly recommend life as a court lawyer. To take from its embryonic stages a dispute between parties, identify “the trees from the woods”, map out your strategy and then implement it, is extraordinarily satisfying, both intellectually and personally. It is also a great buzz when you win! 1. Be patient: you will enjoy a long and rewarding professional career, so do not make short term decisions which may not be the best for you in the long run; 2. Even within the one organisation, work for as many people as you can as you will then have a larger number of practitioners from whom you will learn (and you will also become better known within the firm and profession); 3. Always remember that you are part of “an honourable profession”. Never cut corners, always act honestly and ethically and, where you can, always look to “give back” to society; 4. Never lose your sense of humour!

2016 Careers Handbook

Working

as a

Judge’s Associate

James O’Hara Associate to the Hon. Justice Hall in the Supreme Court of Western Australia

An Associateship is one of the most rewarding, competitive, prestigious, and desirable opportunities available to law graduates and lawyers. It is a rare opportunity to work closely with one of the most eminent and distinguished members of the legal profession. The Associate’s day to day work varies dramatically. No two days are the same. The role principally comprises a number of key tasks. Firstly, as you would probably expect, Associates research and draft memoranda concerning a wide range of legal issues. However, research is not always confined to what the law ‘is’. If a matter raises an open question, research may extend to what the law ‘should be’, which is stimulating to be a part of that process. The thrill that a judge is interested in your research and opinion never wanes. Secondly, you prepare and execute various legal documents, being authorised under various legislation to do so. Few other roles are able to offer such a high level of responsibility and technical development at such an early stage of your career. Thirdly, judges ask their associates to proof and give opinions in relation to draft judgments (especially in the Court of Appeal). In this sense, you are privileged to be behind-the-scenes, and will gain an understanding of how cases are decided. Fourthly, if you are a General Division Associate, you are responsible for addressing the court in criminal hearings, as the ‘Clerk of Arraigns’, which includes empanelling juries, arraignments and taking verdicts. Finally, there are the administrative aspects such as liaising with counsel, legal practitioners, prisons and the media. All communication with the Judge comes through the Associate. It is an extraordinary situation to come straight out of law school and have senior partners and silks calling you saying, “Mr O’Hara, I’d like to discuss XYZ with you”.This affords Associates the opportunity to expand their professional networks from an early stage.

Judges tend to view Associateships as their opportunity to give back to the profession. To that end, judges take the time to explain the law and procedure to their associates. You are mentored by a Supreme Court Judge, who will most likely remain a career-long mentor and close friend. They anticipate the Associate will utilise that knowledge in their practice as lawyers, which ultimately benefits the court, the legal community and, most importantly, the public. Highly regarded by future employers, Associateships equip graduate lawyers with a unique skill set of skills and knowledge which are invaluable in legal practice. 1. Research each Judge before writing your cover letter. You can glean information from the types of cases they frequently hear, extra-curial speeches and swearing in speeches (which have the added entertainment of being humorous). 2. Good grades, extra-curricular activities and a genuine interest in the types of matters that Judge deals with are obviously relevant. However, more importantly, Judges are looking for the right personality type, given how much time a Judge and their Associate spend working together. 3. Interview formats differ between Judges. Some may be longer and involve a series of set questions, while others may be brief and more conversational. If you are fortunate enough to get an interview, be yourself. 4. Associateships are available in the Supreme Court, Federal Court and High Court. So you should not limit your applications to any one Court. Recruitment dates will vary between Courts. In the Supreme Court of Western Australia standard applications open mid-April and close in mid-May, with interviews and offers following in late May/early June.

Legal Opportunities

The Challenges

Being Chief Justice

Hon. Chief Justice Wayne Martin Supreme Court of Western Australia

There are about 120 judicial officers in Western Australia. Roughly half are judges and half are magistrates. I have the privilege of being one of them. Western Australia’s judiciary come from a diverse range of educational and professional backgrounds. Professionally, judges and magistrates are appointed from private law firms, the Bar, government legal agencies including legal aid agencies and occasionally from the academy. Regrettably, the demographic diversity of Western Australia’s judiciary does not match the diversity of our community. Women and ethnicities other than Anglo and Anglo-Irish are significantly under represented. I am optimistic that the ethnic mix of our judiciary will closer resemble the ethnic mix of our community over time, as the ethnic mix of those entering the legal profession has changed significantly over the last 10-20 years. Lawyers generally require about 20 years of practical experience before they reach the point at which they are appropriately considered for judicial appointment. Regrettably, I am not so optimistic in relation to gender balance. Women have comprised the majority of graduates from Western Australia’s law schools for more than 30 years. The under representation of women in the judiciary does not appear to be a timing issue, as the under representation has increased in the Supreme and District Courts over the last 10 years. It seems to me to be clear that there are structural barriers within the legal profession which discourage a significant number of women from pursuing career trajectories which would place them amongst those considered for judicial appointment. It is my hope that this will change, and the sooner the better. There is, however, one thing that all judges and magistrates in Western Australia have in common. At the time of our appointment we all took an oath or affirmation to faithfully serve the people and State of Western Australia and to “do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill will”. The language is a bit clunky and outdated, but the concept is clear enough. Every judge and magistrate in Western 30

Australia has a solemn obligation to provide justice to all, whether rich or poor, whether powerful or vulnerable, whatever their ethnicity, religion or gender, whatever their state of physical or mental health, and whatever the extent of their disadvantage or dysfunction. The inclusion of a promise to discharge this obligation in the oath or affirmation of office reflects its fundamental importance. The effectiveness with which we discharge that obligation significantly contributes to the quality of justice provided in this State. And the quality of justice, and in particular the extent to which justice is provided to all the residents of this State irrespective of economic status, gender, ethnicity, etc is a good measure of the civilisation and strength of our community. The obligation to ‘do right to all manner of people, according to law’ is fundamental to the effective discharge of judicial duties. It is also the most difficult objective to achieve and provides very real challenges on a daily basis to each and every member of Western Australia’s judiciary. That is because, speaking generally and somewhat imprecisely, the justice system which this State inherited at the time of colonisation is essentially adversarial. It proceeds upon the assumption that justice is best attained by adjudicating upon a battle between two combatants or contestants, although unlike Norman times, the battle is not physical and the jousting is verbal. Obviously the extent to which justice can be determined through such a process depends upon the extent to which the contest is fair. But the contest will only be fair if the contestants have equal access to the justice system and if the resources which they are able to bring to bear upon the contest are approximately equal. There are, of course, cases in which these preconditions are met, but there are many in which they are not. The law becomes more complex every time a parliament sits, and despite our best efforts, the procedures of our courts remain mystifying to many. The cost of legal representation (which is very often a practical necessity if the assumptions which underpin the adversarial process are to be satisfied) is beyond the reach of all except government, substantial business enterprises, the wealthy, and the increasingly select few

2016 Careers Handbook

who are eligible for legal aid. This leaves a large group who must, of necessity, represent themselves in court. One of the most difficult challenges faced by judges and magistrates is the obligation of providing justice to all in the many cases in which the scales of justice start out of balance because of the different level of resources available to the participants in the trial process. The provision of any form of assistance or advice to the less resourced litigant creates an immediate tension with the judicial obligation to remain aloof from the parties and scrupulously impartial.

find yourself amongst those being considered for judicial appointment, as I was. A good step in that direction is to study areas of law which you find interesting, where those options are available.

Of course, these are not the only challenges we face. Like most agencies of government, we are being called upon to do more and more with less and less resources. The quality of justice to which we all aspire is threatened by the practical necessity of getting through our caseload in a timely fashion. Practical necessity has caused us all to realise that justice is a relative concept, not an absolute, and judicial resources must be allocated to reflect competing priorities in that context. So how do you become a judge or magistrate? Probably the worst way is to plan a career with the objective of ultimately becoming a judge or magistrate. There was never any point in my career in which I took a particular path because it would improve my prospects of judicial appointment. Suitability for judicial appointment requires some fairly basic human qualities to be combined with demonstrated legal skills and experience. Honesty and integrity are, of course, essential, and humanity, compassion and an even temperament are highly desirable. The best way of demonstrating legal skill and gaining experience is by working hard, and in my experience the best way of working hard is by working in any area which you really enjoy. So, if you think you would like to be a judge or a magistrate, my advice would be donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t plan for it. Instead, find an area of the law that you really like, and which gives you a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment. If you enjoy what you are doing, you will do it well. And if you do it well, you will be given more and better work and you could Legal Opportunities

Life

as a

Judge

Hon. Christoper Carr Federal Court: Former Judge

In my opinion, working as a judge is in some ways very challenging work. In other respects, there is much less pressure than one is exposed to as a practicing lawyer. The challenging part is to keep up with the necessary preparation before hearing a case, hearing the case itself and then, if you reserve judgement (which I did in the vast majority of cases) writing and delivering your judgement as soon as you possibly can. Judgement unduly delayed really is justice denied. I can think of several judges who, in my view, scandalously delayed giving judgements which were usually none the better for all the extra time taken. Preparation before a hearing involves examining the pleadings to understand the issues, reading any written submissions and, where witness statement or affidavits have been filed, reading all of them, preferably in the couple of days before the hearing. I soon realised that you need a business-like approach which I gradually developed in my first few years on the bench. I must have got some things rights because after about five years, I was invited to give a talk to a group of Supreme Court judges about judicial technique. I remember that we were in what used to be the Supreme Court library. It was raining, the rook was leaking and I had to compete with the noise of rain drops failing into a strategically-placed bucked. I thought it was bizarre enough for me to be giving a talk to Supreme Court judges about judicial technique but the bucket backdrop capped it off. I can’t remember the details but there were little things well-organised folder systems for various aspects of a case and par-boiling. Par-boiling? Par-boiling is what I call starting to write your judgement even before the heading of the case begins. For the wrong sort of judge, it is very dangerous, because they fall into pre-judgement. But, generally speaking, par-boiling is beneficial and efficient. There is a lot of matter in a case which is non-contentious. You can start with a draft introduction, then set out the facts which are common ground and finally summarise the issues. I say finally because that is where the process should stop. It is surprising, in the average case, how few issues there are. I used to draft a list of them with succinct headings for later use in my judgement. Sometimes I would take that a little further after the hearing got under way. 32

I would hand down to counsel (with copies for any clients in court) a draft list of the headings which I was proposing to use in the judgement and ask them to let me know if I had left anything out or got anything wrong in my understanding of the issues which I was about to decide. I had two motives in doing that. First, to make sure I was on the right track in defining the issues to be decided. Secondly, to sheet home to all concerned that we were getting closer and closer to judgement and the time for working out their own solution to their differences (ie settling, rather than having my judgement imposed on them) was running out. I don’t know whether it was a particularly successful technique in encouraging settlements but I did get a few (not many) cases which were settled after several days of hearing. Where no such settlements emerged, I tried to impose on myself a time limit for reserving judgement, keeping a chronological list of them and working through them in that order. I used the analogy of paying a debt. It used to be the custom that an invoice should be paid by the end of the next month following the month in which it was rendered. I tried to do that with first instance judgements. Sometimes it was simply not possible. Surprisingly often I managed to deliver judgement in a shorter time so things tended to average out. Appellate judgements are more difficult in that regard (but often simpler to work out) because you have to wait for the other judges. Not always; there were lots of appellate judges I sat with who were faster on the draw than I. Less pressure than in legal practice? Yes, you don’t have to do all the work yourself. I don’t just mean the invaluable help you can get from a good Associate and other staff. But so much work is done by counsel on either side. Where facts have to be found, all you have to do is listen to the witnesses, follow the documentary trail, attend to the submissions, find the facts and, if there are legal arguments, work out where you think the weight of relevant authority lies. Much more fun than slaving away to a ridiculous timetable for, occasionally but not always, ever-demanding clients and losing sleep over whether you might have missed something important. If you are offered a seat on the bench, don’t turn it down too lightly.

2016 Careers Handbook

CELEBRATE YOUR INDEPENDENT SPIRIT WWW.CORRS.COM.AU/GRADUATES

Corrs is a place that celebrates individuals. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for spirited, determined graduates who think big and like doing things a little differently. In exchange for your energy and commitment weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll provide extraordinary learning and work opportunities here and on the international stage. If you want more, visit our dedicated graduate website www.corrs.com.au/graduates

The Piddington Society Nicholas van Hattem The Piddington Society: Convenor

The Piddington Society is an association of WA lawyers which exists to promote access to justice, provide legal education, support new lawyers and promote collegiality in the profession. Last year we were proud to launch the Piddington Justice Project - creating a new pathway for grads seeking work in the community sector.

as well as fun events (like our legendary conference and Perth Winter Ball). We’re grateful to continue to engage with practitioners at the highest levels of the profession, particularly the Judges and Silks who contribute their wisdom both at our events and within our management committee.

Piddington was formed in 2011 as a fun alternative to WA’s Law Society. We’re named after Albert Piddington - the shortest serving Judge of the High Court. Just like his Honour, you could say that we were here for a good time, not a long time.

Our first cohort of Piddington Justice Fellows started in January this year. They’re a great group and so far have given us great feedback for the Project. To follow their progress, please like us on Facebook or join our mailing list. Good luck with your studies and we hope to see you soon!

We started as a bit of fun. Our first event was “Dennis Does Dumplings” - a warehouse party thrown in homage of Dennis Denuto (the lawyer hero from The Castle). We’ve come a long way since then. In 2015 we raised $25,000 for community legal centres and charity. We raised the funds from our Justice Project crowd funding campaign and our Bali Conference. Held on the WA Day weekend, 160 delegates heard from the Chief Justice and other senior members of the WA bench, profession and Parliament. More information is available at www.piddingtonsociety.com In June last year we launched the Piddington Justice Project (www.pjp.org.au). Thanks to generous donations from philanthropists, corporates and legal practitioners, we raised funds to launch a new project to connect law graduates with community legal centres. Successful applicants pay the same PLT course fees as the leading providers, but thanks to our supporters, $1000 in funding is contributed to the legal centres to provided supervised workplace opportunities. We hope that people can be part of Piddington throughout their legal careers. Students are welcome to come to our monthly events, which are a great opportunity to meet with practising lawyers. Graduates can apply to join our graduate program, which we hope will be a great pathway to a career in the community justice sector. Once admitted, Piddington provides ongoing training

Legal Opportunities

Being

Defamation Practitioner

Nick Stagg Lavan Legal: Partner

I graduated from UWA in 1988 with an Arts degree. I started an economics degree the next year but hated it. Bored, I started taking photos of things & events near my home. I’d write some words around the pictures and started submitting my stuff to the local community newspaper. I got a gig with Community Newspaper Group, then a cadetship at The West Australian newspaper in late 1989. I worked at The West for about 3 years. Working police rounds got me interested in things legal, so on a whim, I applied to enter Law School as a “mature-ager”. I started my law degree in 1992, coincidentally with my younger brother. My media background helped me get articles at Parker & Parker in 1995. Parkers’ media team, headed up then by Bill Groves, who later became a District Court judge, essentially acted for all major print and electronic media outlets in WA. Given my media background, I knew all the journos, so I had good networks within the industry. I’ve been doing media/defamation/publication ever since. I’ve been very fortunate that I have been able to remain working in the media environment as a lawyer. I loved being a journalist and I remain passionate about things media. And that is a key tip for graduates – follow your passion. Passion is what gets you of bed in the morning, and keeps your brain ticking at all hours of the day and night. If you’re passionate about what you do, then you don’t have a job. You have meaning of life. I’m one of only a handful of defamation practitioners in Perth. Apart from media organisations, I have acted for company directors, doctors, sports people, politicians, schools & universities & academics, accountants, religious leaders, former lovers, new lovers – a veritable kaleidoscope of people. Social media has brought with it a new, fertile zone in which defamation and other publication laws are pushed to the limits.

cartoons, community group protest materials, PR campaign materials, announcements by schools to their communities on sensitive topics and a myriad of other things in between all those. There are a surprising number of provisions scattered across our statute books that place bans or limitations on publishing things, so I need to be across those. Media/defamation/publication matters probably account for about 50% to 60% of what I do. I otherwise advise businesses and corporates on a wide-range of areas of disputation that they encounter on a day to day basis, including negligence and contract issues, consumer/ trade practices issues, joint venture/partnership/trust disputes to name just a few. The life of a litigator is rewarding in terms of diversity and spice. My tips for law students are: 1. Follow your passions, everything else will follow; 2. Don’t learn your stuff – immerse yourself in it and understand it; 3. In a similar vein, forget getting your hands on other students’ notes and rote learning them – read the cases, then read them again (there’s no substitute for reading the cases); 4. Develop and cultivate your networks and contacts – without them, you will not have a practice; 5. Read widely, and often. The English language (the written and spoken word) is the lawyer’s tool, as the scalpel is to the surgeon, a calculator is to an accountant, or flour is to the baker or a trowel is to the brick layer.

I also advise on the pros and cons of publishing everything from company announcements, electioneering and campaign materials, advertisements, pictures, 36

2016 Careers Handbook

The Journey

Become A Criminal Lawyer

Laura Willox (Née Timpano) Timpano Legal: Principal

I wanted to be a criminal defence lawyer from the age of 14. The moment I watched Sean Penn in Dead Man Walking. I thought I wanted to work on death row. I accept that is a goal that will never actualise, but the real passion behind what I do, is all connected to truly helping people who are, for the most part, enduring the toughest time of their lives. Whether it is helping them accept responsibility for a crime they have committed or supporting them to access justice through a process which can be very daunting, I love to be at the forefront of it guiding people through it all. As a graduate, I worked at Marks & Sands Lawyers (now Culshaw Miller) and practiced in general litigation. After 4 years, I was about to give the whole deal up and go and work in some café in Rome but fortuitously was present at a function for a speech Tom Percy QC gave on the Beamish and Button appeals in WA. From that moment my passion for criminal defence law was re-stimulated. I immersed myself in the field. I will never forget my first experience in the criminal jurisdiction at the Court of Petty Session (now the Magistrates Court). I found myself overwhelmed by the number of people waiting around to be ‘dealt with’ and how ‘real life’ that experience was. Looking back no amount of education could have prepared me for that moment, only large spoonful’s of understanding and compassion. Two life mottos I honour and stand by. Through grit, determination and real drive to build a practice in criminal law I took on every case, big or small. I moved to a firm who had a larger criminal law practice and continued to hone in on my skills both in dealing with clients and advocacy. In 2008, I took the plunge and opened up my own practice, Timpano Legal. I started on my own, but now employ solicitors with my main motivation being to help people access justice in an environment which shows real compassion and understanding. My firm of solicitors deal with clients from every walk of life. We deal with very minor to very serious offences and crimes.We often do a lot of the advocacy in respect of our matters but we heavily rely on barristers to appear in trials or sentencing matters involving serious crimes. Our job

when briefing counsel is to do everything required for the preparation of trial or in some cases sentence. Our work can range from conducting investigations upon further analysis of inadequate police disclosure to discussing technical scientific issues with experts. We do all of the legwork and counsel takes all of the glory for our hard work. Wink Wink! For me it’s the best job because we get to meet the individual, figure out the detail or the nitty gritty so to speak… My role as a criminal lawyer not only involves the legal aspect of assisting counsel, appearing in Court for sentencing, preparing for trial, preparing submissions for an appeal etc but it also heavily involves encouraging my clients to get support from other individuals that can provide counselling and therapy. Watching my clients ‘turn their life’ around is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. Other than my family, it’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. 1. Be confident. Never be afraid of contributing an idea or speaking to people in the profession about what it is that you want to do. Most lawyers will be happy to talk to you about anything. 2. Be studious but always ensure there is a balance. 3. Don’t say no to any opportunity in law. I didn’t like general litigation but for me, it lead to fulfilling my dream. 4. Offer your time as a volunteer with a firm or go and take a seat in a court room for a week and watch a real trial unfold.

Legal Opportunities

Tips the

Tricks for Resilience Clerkship Process and

throughout

Yannis Vrodos As I am sure countless articles in this year’s edition of the Careers Handbook will state, the clerkship process is exciting and challenging, but also very daunting at the same time. My goal in this article is to give you some of my tips and tricks for being resilient throughout the clerkship process. What is ‘resilience’? First of, what does it mean to be resilient? Resilient adj. 1.Resuming its original shape after compression etc. 2.Readily recovering from a shock, illness etc; buoyant Resilience is your ability to continue as you were when unexpected things occur, especially when this causes a deviation from your initial plans or intentions. In other words, ‘resilience’ is your ability to ‘get back on the horse when you fall off’. There may be a few bumps throughout your clerkship process, whether during the application phase or during your clerkship. The following tips should assist you should you be confronted with any! Tip 1: Have an external support network My first, and probably most important, tip is to have a support network outside of your law networks and friendship circles. During the clerkship process you and your friends are most probably going through the same stresses and applying for similar firms. This means that you may not be comfortable discussing the clerkship process with your law friends. Rather than not discussing it with anybody, though, my advice is to speak about this process with those outside of your law networks. The biggest benefit of this, from my experience, is that those external to your law networks will be able to provide you with valuable perspectives as people outside of the process. Tip 2: Work as a team with your fellow clerks Once you’re completing clerkships, my biggest piece of advice during the clerkship is to work as a team with your fellow clerks.Whilst the clerkship process is a competitive process, it does not mean that you cannot be friendly and work together with your fellow clerks. Some of my closest friends are people that I met during clerkships! Working as a team with your fellow clerks allows for you to assist each other in achieving the best results during 38

your clerkship experience. Here is an example of clerks not working as a team… Partner Our firm really looks for people who are critical and commercial thinkers. Clerk 1 Clerk 2, you really aren’t a very good critical and commercial thinker, are you? Clerk 2 Ahhh, um Here is an example of clerks working as a team… Clerk 1 Hi Clerk 2, I have capacity at the moment and noticed that you’re snowed under. Is there anything I can do to help? Clerk 2 Thank you so much for offering Clerk 1! There’s this one discrete task I’m working on which I don’t think I’ll be able to finish. It would be really good if you could give me a hand. I’ll just check if that’s ok with my supervising lawyer. Clerk 1 No worries. Looking forward to having a chat about your week at Friday night drinks! I recently read a motivational poster that said ‘build up those around you’; this really sums up this tip. Your goal during the clerkship process should be to build up those around you, and yourself, by working in a strong, cohesive team. Tip 3: Give it 100% Another tip for resilience during the clerkship process is to give 100% of your effort to the process. Generally, we are happier when we know we’re giving something our best. Putting in 100% of your effort allows you to focus on completing your work to the best of your ability, rather than stressing and second-guessing yourself throughout the process. This is the best way to achieve the goals you set yourself for this process. Tip 4: Keep things in perspective My final tip for resilience during the clerkship process is to keep the process in perspective. If you don’t get the clerkships you were hoping for it isn’t the end of the world (even though it may feel like it is at the time). Part of this perspective is also being able to have the courage to admit that certain careers paths aren’t for everybody – however, applying for clerkships and giving commercial law a go is a fantastic way to sample one of the many careers paths that a graduate of a law degree can pursue.

2016 Careers Handbook

Careers in Government and Public Service The Government section of the Careers Handbook includes articles from: • A State Solicitor • A Professional Assistant at the State Solicitor’s Office • A Former DPP Lawyer • The WA Ombudsman • A Solicitor at a Community Legal Centre • A Director at the Human Rights Law Centre • A Former Mayor • An Aurora Intern at the Cape York Land Council • An Aurora Intern at YMAC • A Clerk at the DPP • An Intern at Capitol Hill

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STAY TRUE.

So, a little while after I started at Clayton Utz, I joined the social committee. A powerful assembly fuelled by lunchtime pizzawielding lawyers making important decisions like choosing the Christmas party theme. They knew I liked pizza, but had no idea I was gay. You see, I wasn’t out at work yet and this became a genuine source of anxiety for a good two years. But In May 2015 this all changed... To listen to Luke’s full story, go to: claytonutz.com/graduates Academic brilliance certainly counts, but graduates who thrive here have something extra – a natural passion for connecting with people and a strong sense of self. That’s what staying true is all about. If you have these qualities, Clayton Utz is for you.

A Career

Senior Assistant State Solicitor

Sam Panetta WA State Solicitor’s Office: Senior Assistant State Solicitor

My name is Sam Panetta and I am a Senior Assistant State Solicitor within the WA State Solicitor’s Office. My main area of legal practice concerns “State Agreements”. In my context, these are agreements, ratified by an Act of Parliament, that the State enters into with private companies for the development, usually, of a resource project (eg a mining or petroleum project) or resourcerelated infrastructure (eg a railway).

Office and commenced my current role.

My role involves: • advising the State (i.e. departments and their Ministers) in relation to legal issues concerning State Agreements and their underlying resource developments;

Nevertheless, after nearly 20 years of legal practice, I find the State Agreements practice area challenging. The legal issues and the problems they concern are often both complex and significant in terms of their implications. State Agreements underpin the majority of WA’s big resource projects, which employ the majority of WA’s resource sector workforce and provide the State with a very significant share of its revenue through royalties. One of the things that I enjoy about my role is the sense that in seeking to protect and advance the interests of the State, that the broader WA community benefits.

Having been in both government and private practice, I believe our Office entrusts junior lawyers with more challenging and variable work, greater responsibility and more autonomy – with the calibre of our senior solicitors, it is measured and supported independence conducive to the development of sound and high quality legal skills.

• providing legal advice to the State in negotiations for new State Agreements, variations of State Agreements or the termination of State Agreements; • drafting new State Agreements, variation agreements and termination agreements; • providing advice in relation to the formulation of ratifying legislation for State Agreements; and

I also find my practice area interesting.As State Agreements provide a legal framework for the development of the resource project, just about all legal practice areas can be relevant in considering legal issues involving a State Agreement (e.g. resources law, environmental law, water law, native title, aboriginal heritage, land law, contract law, administrative law, statutory interpretation, litigation, taxation law etc). Accordingly, there is plenty of variety in my work and opportunity to work with, and experience the camaraderie between, colleagues in our Office.

• providing advice to Ministers of the Government in the course of Parliamentary consideration of State Agreements and their ratifying legislation. I have been working in the State Agreements area of our Office for approximately 10 years now. I initially started my legal career in 1995 as a professional legal assistant in the State Solicitor’s Office, when I was a final year law student. That role involved providing legal research support to the then Crown Counsel and Crown Solicitor on all sorts of matters. I completed my articles in 1997 and worked as a junior lawyer with the Office doing both advising and counsel work. In 1999 I was seconded to a government department and effectively worked “in-house” for nearly 2 years.

Tips for Law Students: 1. When you are starting out, try as much as you can – even things that you may not think you will like. That is the only way you will truly know what legal practice areas or roles will work for you. 2. Perhaps the corollary, resist “specialising” too soon.

In 2000 I commenced employment with a private national law firm for approximately 5 years in a general resources and infrastructure practice. In 2005, I returned to this Government

Public Service

Why You Should Apply

to the

SSO

Benjamin Tomasi State Solicitor’s Office: Professional Assistant

I have been asked to write a short piece on why the State Solicitor’s Office is somewhere you should consider applying to work. I have worked at the Office for a little over a year now, and I can say with confidence that it is one of the best places to start a legal career. There are three primary reasons for this. 1. Work Government legal practice is endlessly interesting, challenging and (sometimes) frustrating. Working in the Office gives you the chance to encounter and contribute to extremely important public interest matters. For example, perhaps you are interested in working on large scale commercial matters. This Office is responsible for nearly every major infrastructure project in the State, from highways and ports to stadiums and hospitals. Even the contracts for Elizabeth Quay went through this Office. You might not know that the State of Western Australia is the single largest employer in the State. If your interest is in employment law, there is a place for you here. This Office is recognised as one of, if not the, leading native title practice in the country. If this is your area of interest, then it is certainly somewhere you should think of applying. None of this is to mention all of the litigation run in the Office, from small scale regulatory offences (the infamous fishing licence prosecutions) to large commercial litigation involving complex government contracts. I have worked on several major pieces of litigation in the Supreme Court, Federal Court and High Court in the space of 12 months. Imagine what you could do in an entire career! If you envisage working as an advocate, this Office is certainly the best place to start out.

development as a lawyer, and as the saying goes, pressure makes diamonds. Many senior practitioners, including judges and silks, started their careers in the Office, and I am sure many of them would say that their early experience in this Office shaped their paths. 3. People In my experience, the best thing about working at the Office is the people you work with. Some of the best legal minds in the State work here, and being able to learn from them is a very fortunate position to be in. Everyone, from the tea lady to the State Solicitor is very warm and accommodating, making this an incredibly supportive environment to start as a young legal practitioner. The Office has a reputation for only taking high achieving students, and to an extent this is true, but academic achievement must always be coupled with an ability to work in teams and demonstrated time management skills. If you can show that you are hard-working, motivated and able to solve complex legal problems, you are in with a chance. I would not discourage anybody reading this from applying for a clerkship or graduate position at the Office. As a senior practitioner always says to me, the worst they can say is ‘no thanks’.

2. Responsibility From the very beginning, you will be given responsibility for management of files. This can be extremely daunting, but ultimately makes you a better, more organised legal practitioner. Having carriage of a matter as a graduate or restricted practitioner is not experience you would get in many other legal practices. It really fast tracks your 42

2016 Careers Handbook

TODAY’S TALENT TOMORROW’S LEADERS DLA Piper offers legal careers on a different scale, working with leading companies and talented people on the world stage.

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DLA Piper is a global law firm operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. Further details of these entities can be found at www.dlapiper.com Copyright © 2016 DLA Piper. All rights reserved. | FEB16 | 3033592

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AMBITIOUS FOCUSED

The DPP: A Baptism

Fire

Nick Gvozdin Frichot & Frichot: Director

Having spent a number of years working in a small suburban practice in Fremantle following my admission in December 1994, in 1997, the “bright lights of Perth” beckoned. For reasons that are still unclear to me, and without too much forethought, I decided to put my hat in the ring for a Crown Prosecutor position at the State DPP. Not knowing what to expect, and with no expectation of success given my very little experience in criminal law, I was taken aback at being offered the position. What I encountered at State DPP could only be described as a baptism of fire. I found myself in a young dynamic office which was incredibly busy and very challenging. Although my job description included a provision of advice to police and the drafting of indictments, however, by far the most challenging aspect of the job was representing the Crown in court in all different types of appearances. As a young lawyer, I found the experience of working within the DPP an invaluable experience and one that could not have been replicated anywhere else. There is no greater feeling of satisfaction that follows from preparing a case for trial and having presented your case to the best of your ability to a judge and 12 complete strangers on a jury. Ultimately, it was not about whether or not a conviction was obtained, but the satisfaction of knowing that I had presented the case in the clearest and strongest terms that I could, such that the jury had all the evidence there for them to consider and deliver their verdict. As for the jury’s verdict, expect the unexpected! My first 4 trials all resulted in acquittals. I was ready to hang up my wig. My next 6 all resulted in convictions. I then started to “eye” the position of being the DPP. Ultimately, you will learn it is not about that. It is about performing a public service, and doing it to the best of your ability. Often I had to go to court with little notice, and as a result, I became a proficient runner. Let’s just say that smelly robes and wigs are something that I do not miss! Where else can you find yourself in court with more than 30 files to present to the court on any given day? Further, nothing quite prepares you for being swamped by over a dozen defence counsels prior to the judge entering the 44

room, all wanting to talk to you about their client and wanting to know your attitude to sentence. Ultimately, a stint as a prosecutor gave me fantastic grounding and I acquired valuable skills that have held me in good stead for the balance of my career. These include of course the courtroom advocacy experience that allows you to hone your advocacy skills. Further, the ability to time manage is something that you are forced to learn as it is the only way of dealing with the significant work load that you will encounter. Further, you will be afforded the opportunity and challenge of engaging with many other lawyers in the profession, all of varying skills and experience. Embrace the ability to learn from those who will inevitably be more experienced and skilled in their craft. It allows you to learn from some brilliant legal minds. As a junior prosecutor, you will from time to time be given the opportunity to assist more senior prosecutors on various cases and you will learn much from that process. They all have their individual style, although ultimately, you will acquire your own. Many of those who were fellow prosecutors have progressed to become judicial officers, and many others have progressed to the bar. In short, I would highly recommend a career in the DPP, particularly for a young lawyer. I found it a rewarding experience and I certainly learnt a great deal and took much from that 4 year period. Ultimately, a career in the DPP does not ‘pigeonhole’ you because those skills are transferrable to other areas of law. 1. Learn to operate under pressure, because you will find yourself in that position. 2. Time management, time management, time management. 3. Take every opportunity to learn from those more experienced than you. 4. Take a deep breath and don’t be afraid to throw yourself in the deep end (within reason of course). It’s scary, but rewarding when you come up grasping for air.

2016 Careers Handbook

The Ombudsman: The Role

and

Opportunities

Chris Field Western Australian Ombudsman

The principal role of the Ombudsman is to investigate the administrative actions of State Government agencies, local governments and universities. The Ombudsman undertakes these investigations following a complaint or by their ‘own motion’ (that is, without a complaint). In undertaking investigations, the Ombudsman has all the powers of a standing Royal Commission. In doing so, the Ombudsman is a critical access to justice mechanism for Western Australians. The Ombudsman also plays a role in protecting and promoting the rule of law and parliamentary democracy. In addition, the Ombudsman has important roles to review certain child deaths and family and domestic violence fatalities as well as scrutinise and report on a range of powers exercised by Western Australia Police. The Ombudsman is a member of the Western Australian Integrity Coordinating Group, consisting of the Public Sector Commissioner, Corruption and Crime Commissioner, Auditor General, Ombudsman and Information Commissioner. The Ombudsman is also an ex-officio State Records Commissioner. In Western Australia, the Ombudsman undertakes the role of Energy and Water Ombudsman, investigating and resolving complaints about electricity, gas and water services providers. I graduated with Arts and Law (Honours) degrees and commenced my career as an articled clerk, then lawyer at Arthur Robinson and Hedderwicks (now Allens Linklaters). I held the roles of Executive Director, Consumer Law Centre Victoria and Chairman, Australian Consumers’ Association (now Choice). Immediately prior to my appointment as Ombudsman in 2007, I was an inaugural Member of the Governing Body of the Western Australian Economic Regulation Authority. I enjoy every aspect of the role of Ombudsman, both as an officer of the Western Australian Parliament and as a CEO. The role of Ombudsman has developed significantly since its establishment over 40 years ago in Western Australia. The role involves the exercise of leadership and executive 46

management, knowledge of a range of legal disciplines, particularly administrative law, an understanding of public administration, public policy and public sector accountability. I also have the opportunity to engage with the work of Ombudsman on an international level, including Ombudsman vitally involved in developing democracies. In 2014, I was elected to the position of Treasurer and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of the International Ombudsman Institute, having previously served as the President of the Australasian Pacific Ombudsman Region of the Institute since 2012. Additionally, I enjoy the opportunity to teach law students, particularly as co-coordinator of the unit Government Accountability – Law and Practice at UWA. Any role you undertake should be challenging – if it isn’t, you should find one that is challenging! The Ombudsman must show care to never become a defacto rule-maker, nor question the laws of the Parliament (beyond any powers provided in the Ombudsman’s legislation). The Ombudsman, like all public officers who spend other people’s money, must ensure that their work is undertaken as efficiently as possible. My office also places a strong emphasis on evidence-based recommendations about material matters that consider both the benefits, and costs, of recommendations as well as the potential unintended consequences of recommendations. 1. The harder you work, the luckier you get. 2. Pursue your passions and what you enjoy – it will be what you are best at and it will also make the hard work seem not so hard. 3. Don’t worry too much about planning every aspect of your career – do today well and tomorrow will look after itself. 4. If you are given the opportunity during your career to undertake public service, always remember it is a great privilege and must be undertaken with the utmost integrity, responsibility and humility.

2016 Careers Handbook

Working

Community Legal Centres

Catherine Eagle Welfare Rights and Advocacy Service: Principal Solicitor

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are independent not for profit, community-based organisations that provide free legal and related services to the public. There are around 190 CLCs across Australia. Some of these are generalist CLCs that provide services on a range of legal issues to people within their geographic area. Some CLCs offer specialist legal services in areas such as credit and debt, employment law, social security law (welfare rights), immigration, etc. Some CLCs provide services targeted to particular groups, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children and young people and the homeless.

and is a much more efficient use of our resources than responding to complaints from individual clients. Because of the extensive client work we do we are well placed to put forward alternatives for the legislators/bureaucrats to consider. For example, if we see lots of clients who have been overpaid by DHS rather than just assisting each one we make suggestions to DHS about how they could reduce the number of overpayments. I work in a CLC so that I can use the skills I have gained as a lawyer in an area of real need and where I think I can make a useful contribution. Salaries for lawyers in CLCs are probably still the lowest in the profession but for me the combination of job satisfaction and flexibility as well as the opportunity to work with great people (colleagues and clients) outweigh that consideration.

Most clients of CLCs face economic, social or cultural disadvantage, are often experiencing multiple interrelated problems, and frequently their legal problem may affect their and their family’s entire life circumstances. I have been a solicitor for about 28 years and I have worked in Melbourne (large national firm), Darwin (in a ‘large’ territory firm and then a generalist CLC) and Perth (in a small firm and then a specialist CLC). For the past 11 years I have been working at Welfare Rights & Advocacy Service which is a specialist CLC providing legal assistance to clients about Social Security law and tenancy law.

Top Tips: 1. Find your area of interest. Try to find a job you are really interested in and then do it as well as you can. 2. Listen and learn from everyone you work with - colleagues and clients.

This is not an area of law that private firms/legal aid/ generalist centres usually advise about - it is complex and changes frequently to reflect changes in government policy. Most of my time here I have been the only solicitor and I work with paralegals who have extensive knowledge and experience in this area of the law. As well as providing direct services to clients – legal advice about an issue, representation etc we are well placed to see the result of changes to the law or implementation of government policy – how people are affected by the rules when they change. Where there are unintended or harsh consequences we meet with/write to the relevant Minister, or the appropriate people within the Department of Human Services to point out the issues and recommend changes to the legislation/ departmental policy or how services are being delivered. Often tackling an issue at this level removes problems for many people Government

Public Service

The Human Rights Law Centre: The People Daniel Webb

and

Challenges

Human Rights Law Centre: Director of Legal Advocacy I’m in the privileged position of being able to say that I absolutely love my job. I love it because I work with brilliant people who I admire and who I learn from and because I’m constantly challenged. But the main reason I love my job is that I spend every day working on issues that I am deeply passionate about. I’m currently the Director of Legal Advocacy at the Human Rights Law Centre. We use strategic litigation, advocacy and United Nations engagement to defend human rights in Australia and in Australia’s actions overseas. Much of my focus is on Australia’s treatment of people seeking asylum. My work has taken me to the UN in Geneva, the High Court in Canberra and inside the Manus Island detention centre – a truly confronting experience which I’ll never forget. Prior to joining the HRLC I worked at Victoria Legal Aid. I started as an articled clerk working across civil, criminal and family law and later specialised in mental health and disability advocacy. I visited prisons, hospitals and detention centres and was regularly on my feet in courts and tribunals throughout the state. While not without its challenges, legal aid work was fantastic. It was a great education and incredibly fulfilling to provide direct services to people who really needed them. I also spent a year as The People’s Lawyer in the Republic of Kiribati, the principal lawyer at Kiribati’s version of legal aid. Kiribati is a group of 33 coral atolls in the central Pacific and has a population of around 100,000 people. I appeared regularly in the High Court and Court of Appeal and travelled with the High Court on circuit to the outer islands. It was certainly a challenging 12 months but without doubt the most enjoyable and rewarding of my life.

a tendency to view career decisions too proscriptively – like you need to sit down and identify precisely where you want to be in 20 years time and plot a strategic path to get there. But that hasn’t been my experience. I recommend doing what interests you and doing it well. Doors will open and you will enjoy your work life a whole lot more. My second piece of advice is to use your university summer breaks well. Enjoy them, but also use them to get as much different work experience as possible. I spent my university breaks interning at the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights in Phnom Penh, Transparency International in Port Moresby and at the Cape York Land Council in Cairns. All were funded, so interning needn’t come at great personal expense. Using your summer breaks to get out there and try different types of work will hold you in good stead when it comes to applying for graduate jobs and will also help clarify in your own mind what really interests you. My final piece of advice is to realise just how many options a law degree gives you. My friends from law school are all over the world doing incredibly different things. One did further study at Oxford and now works in Indigenous health. Another is an aviation law expert in Geneva. Another has just come back from an Australian Government posting in Ghana. Our law degrees have given us opportunities to do vastly different things right around the world. You have far more choices than you realise, so think a little outside the square before making yours.

My first piece of advice to law students is actually something I was told in my final year of university - do what you’re interested in without worrying too much about where it may or may not lead. There’s 48

2016 Careers Handbook

Be Individual. Be Committed. Be One of Us! Be the lawyer you want to be. Be part of a global network, with local opportunities. Be part of our and your development plans. Be part of a team who will offer you the right role. Be at squirepattonboggs.com

Government And The Law: Becoming Cottesloe Mayor John Hammond Town of Cottesloe: Former Mayor Practising law is always challenging. I say this because the practice of law impacts on every part of your life – from the amount of time it consumes to the never ending intellectual challenge that it will always provide you. The practise of the law is also rewarding particularly when you are able to assist a client resolve a legal problem. This assistance may include obtaining compensation for a motor vehicle accident, or recovering an employee’s under payment of wages. This is an enormous variety of situations where the lawyer can positively assist a member of community redress a legal wrong. I commenced my legal working life as a lawyer at Kott Gunning which had been in operation since the early 20th century. That was way back in 1985! In those days lawyers were exposed to every area of law – including personal injuries, crime, family law, commercial law and general litigation. You were also expected to appear in Court from the first few days that you commenced (of course, only the Courts that articled clerks were allowed to appear before). I left Kott Gunning in 1992 and commenced Hammond Worthington which, after several name changes, now trades as Hammond Legal. Whilst at Hammond Legal I stood for election as a local government Councillor and then as Mayor of the Town of Cottesloe.

Studying and practising law affords you the opportunity to: • Become involved as member of the community in different causes; •

Have a good knowledge of how government’s work (probably why so many lawyers end up as politicians;

•

Protect people from dangerous or illconsidered actions or decisions.

For today’s lawyers I would recommend: 1. Quickly find the area of the law that you enjoy and specialize in that area or areas. The law is far too broad to practise in too many areas; 2. Don’t be guided by just financial considerations – job satisfaction is always measured by how happy you are at work. I know many rich lawyers that hate their jobs; 3. Always treat the other side and your client with respect; 4. Always be prepared to accept that you may be wrong – constantly analyse your response to a situation; 5. And most importantly – take an interest in activities outside the law (to keep you fresh!).

Between 1997 and 2003 I practised law full time and held the position of Mayor. Starting my own firm in 1992 was exciting as well as worrying. You worry about whether you will have enough work and whether you should be doing this without the protection of a well established firm. The excitement is generated by the new instructions, surviving and then doing reasonably well. When I wasn’t involved in local government I held positions on different charitable bodies including the Heart and Lung Transplant Foundation of WA, WTV (Channel 44) and the RSL. 50

2016 Careers Handbook

Aurora Internship Report Sheldon Oski Cape York Land Council: Former Intern

The Aurora Project internship program organises legal internships for law students at Native Title Representative Bodies (NTRBs) and other organisations working in Indigenous affairs more generally. Aurora internships provide a chance for law students to develop valuable practical legal and research skills in a diverse range of tasks in order to sharpen their skills. It also provides an opportunity to gain hands on experience and insight into working in the area of native title, land rights, policy development, social justice, human rights, public interest law and Indigenous affairs more generally.

I was involved in a number other interesting tasks, including assisting with some work on a negotiation between a PBC and a mining company about the renewal of a 20-year mining lease, and proof-reading draft Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA). I was also directed to research and write memorandums on a number of legal issues, including the legal precedence in relation to overlapping native title claims under Native Title Act, and background research on the Queensland State Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s procurement policies, and how they would affect proposed employment provisions in an ILUA.

I had the privilege to spend four weeks with the friendly people at the CapeYork Land Council (CYLC) during the winter break in 2014. CYLC was a NTRB first recognised in 1993 and covers the Cape York Peninsula in Northern Queensland. NTRBs are organisations appointed under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) to assist Indigenous people with all aspects of their native title claims.

In all, my Aurora internship with CYLC was an amazing experience I am never going to forget. I would strongly encourage everyone to consider applying for an Aurora internship. For information, check out http://www.auroraproject. com.au/nativetitleinternshipprogram.

The work at CYLC was interesting, varied, challenging and stimulating. Much of CYLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work during the period I was interning surrounded a large regional native title claim that was being made over the whole of Cape York not previously covered by native title determination. During my internship, I helped with a very large mail-out to traditional owners and Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs) about the claim. Although at times tedious, it is was incredibly important that the notice was given and I understood how this task stood in the general scheme of what the CYLC was doing. I was also fortunate enough to attend the first two of twenty-three authorisation meetings for the regional claim, the second of which was held in the regional town of Mareeba. Authorisation meetings involve traditional owners giving consent for a claim to be made, and these experiences gave me an invaluable insight into decisionmaking processes in indigenous culture and the impact centuries of discrimination still have on indigenous people today.

Government

Public Service

Careers at Allen & Overy Visit us at www.allenovery.com/careers Allen & Overy means Allen & Overy LLP and/or its affiliated undertakings

Get connected to the rest of the world Be part of something exciting

Aurora Internship Report Sasha Dawson Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC)

were being properly looked after. Aurora also organised a number of social events for those completing internships across Perth to get to know one another.

In early 2015 I heard about of the Aurora native title internship, a program that places students on a voluntary basis at organisations working in Indigenous affairs across the country. I had been searching around for legal experience outside of corporate clerkships, and I was passionate about Indigenous affairs and social justice, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity for me. I decided to apply, and after a pretty lengthy application process and interview, I was accepted into the program for 5 weeks over the winter holidays.

I would recommend the Aurora internship for anyone interested in aboriginal affairs, or even a student who wants to see how they can gain experience in a noncommercial setting. For those looking to work after graduation in Indigenous affairs, Aurora is also a longterm network through which you hear about career opportunities across the country, and is a great way to develop a network of people who are passionate about social justice. I learned so much from the experience, and look back on the internship fondly.

I was placed at Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), a centre based in the Perth CBD that does legal, heritage and anthropological work for Indigenous groups in the Murchison – Gasgoine region. During my 5 weeks atYMAC, I completed very varied tasks from summarising recent decisions, preparing appeal documents, attending court sessions, and performing legal research. This work not only taught me a lot about the native title system and the legal hurdles that indigenous groups are up against, but I also learnt about court procedures, and improved my research and writing skills dramatically. In particular, I learned a lot from working on an appeal that YMAC was launching from a negative decision they had received – in a case that had been running I was in pre-primary. As the legal team at YMAC is small, I was given a lot of responsibility in preparing the documents for the appeal book, which allowed me to go back into the history of the case and see how an application progresses from start to finish. Through this, I was struck by what seemed to be such unfairness in the native title system, and saddened by the stories of how the culture of the group had been progressively lost since settlement. However, this reality was also incredibly motivating in completing my work, and provided for an opportunity to hear insights from those working at YMAC about Indigenous affairs.

1. Perfect balance. I think the hardest part about law school is finding the right balance between good grades, legal experience, extra curricular activities, and actually enjoying university life. Start working on this early and don’t put all your attention onto only one aspect – it’s one of the biggest regrets of people applying for clerkships. 2. Discuss your passions with others. Opportunities will often come your way because people already know it’s something you might be interested in – and not because you personally found the opportunity yourself. When you aren’t afraid to share your values and ideas, you develop a network of people who will have you in mind when your dream job comes across their desk. 3. Don’t take advice from everyone. This may seem like a weird thing to say in a ‘tips’ list, but so many times I’ve listened to the advice of successful people, only to realise that it really didn’t apply to me or my goals. Be selective in who you listen to, and seek out people who are similar to yourself, or who have achieved what you hope to.

In many ways, the internship was also structurally very similar to a clerkship at a big firm. We were regularly attending training sessions about the work that the organisation does, and YMAC was always on the lookout to give us interesting tasks to get stuck into. The Aurora team was also always in contact with us, ensuring we Government

4. Stop freaking out. It’s so easy to think that everyone in law school is doing so much better than you. But actually, not everyone has a paralegal position at a small corporate firm at age 14. Just chill and trust that you’re going to be fine. &

Public Service

Clerking At

the

DPP:

A Rewarding Experience

Jelena Durmic Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions: Former Clerk

Working at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has been my dream since before I even started law school and I was lucky enough to secure a two week summer clerkship this year. If you also have this dream or are considering criminal law as a pathway, have a quick read of my experiences to see if it is right for you.

highly recommend it because you are given a great deal of responsibility from the get go and are thrown into a wide array of challenging and confronting matters that make you feel a real sense of purpose when you get through them.

During my clerkship I got to do a variety of things. On the first two days I participated in a Junior Prosecutors’ Advocacy Course (JAPAC) which was a real practical way to get some great tips and advice from some of the best prosecutors on how to be a good advocate. One thing I will always remember from the course is to never say to a judge, ‘Your honour, I seek to tender this evidence’.

Tips for Law Students: 1. Get involved in Blackstone and everything they have to offer- it really helps when you actually have something beyond your grades at uni to talk about in an interview.

The next few days I was given my own file briefs where an accused had pleaded guilty and the file was being fast tracked for sentencing. I had to sort through evidence which included watching police video record of interviews and looking at juicy text messages to draft an indictment memorandum and subsequently the indictment. Lastly, I got to attend court on a wide range of matters but my favourite would have to be the 5 day manslaughter trial with a whole basket of issues ranging from causation, to arguments of self-defence, accident and alternative charges.

Good luck!

2. Try and get some legal experience as early as possible- whether it is voluntary or paid, it makes you stand out. 3. When applying for clerkships start writing your cover letters some time in advance because then you can keep going back and adding to them so they are perfect. I for example started writing mine 3 months before applications opened. 4. Don’t worry if you don’t know what kind of law you want to get into yet. It’s good to experience a variety of areas and it would be a shame to close yourself off to certain options just because maybe you didn’t enjoy the unit at uni.

The application for a clerkship at the ODPP is very different because there are no interviews. Due to this I would recommend that you spend a lot of time perfecting your cover letter and making it at least two pages long on your experiences, why you want to work at the ODPP, what you could bring to the ODPP and why criminal law is for you. Always keep at the back of your mind that at the end of the day, your CV and cover letter are all that they have to go off so it is fine to sell yourself completely. A clerkship at the ODPP may not be as glamorous as the top tier commercial law firms- there’s no specific orientation program, no free goodies and no buffet lunches. In in my opinion however, it is one of the most interesting and most rewarding of them all and I would 54

2016 Careers Handbook

Working

Capitol Hill

Ebony Back Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program: Former Intern

The UCWIP internship is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work in the United States Congress while living in Washington DC. Founded in 1999 by Mr Eric Federing, a former senior adviser to Congress, the pro-bono program facilitates mentoring and learning while sustaining the Australian-American bilateral relationship.

The internship is made all the more spectacular by the events organised by Eric. These included briefings with US-Ambassador Kim Beazley and Australia-Ambassador Jeff Bleich, a meet-and-greet with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and the opportunity to attend her opening of A Centenary of Australian War art exhibit at the Australian Embassy, a visit to New York to meet the Australian Mission to the United Nations, meeting with a former speachwriter for Obama-Biden 2012 and Secretary of State Kerry as well as professionals from the House Press Gallery, the US State Department, Politico Magazine and Facebook/Instagram. Eric also provides the opportunity to learn more about US history by encouraging interns to take part in a trip to Philadelphia to learn about the birthplace of the American Republic and another to Gettysburg, the scene of the pivotal July 1863 Civil War battle.

UCWIP invites 12 to 14 students to participate in the program each year which runs from December to February. Successful applicants are awarded a placement in a participating Congressional Office, based on preferences submitted as part of the written application. Students work full-time and perform administrative and substantive duties within their respective offices while receiving unique access and educational perspectives into the US Congress. My internship was in conjunction with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and its then-Chairman Mr. Robert Menendez. Menendez is a Democrat and the senior Senator for the State of New Jersey.

I have forged lifelong friendships with the other Australian interns as well as the people I met while in the US. For me the experience has been one of the most valuable I have had, and I am extremely grateful to Eric for providing students across the country with the opportunity to be involved.

During my internship, in addition to clerical duties of replying to emails, phone calls and mail, I was tasked with drafting reports and documents relating to New Jersey’s education reforms, cyber/computer laws, RILR v Johnson in U.S. District Court (a class action lawsuit challenging the Obama administration’s policy of detaining asylum seekers as an intimidation tactic), a Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission summary report, a NASA Budget Fiscal Year 2015 summary report and contributed to the ‘S 407: Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act of 2015’ (a Bill for stricter gun legislation after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting).

For more information, you can check out ‘Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme (UCWIP)’ on Facebook.

A huge benefit of the internship is the opportunity to attend briefings and events in your down time. For me, these included a tour of the White House, and the chance to sit in on a Supreme Court hearing, as well as numerous hearings and briefings on current political topics.

Government

Public Service

Careers Beyond Law: Consulting, Investment Banking & More The Careers Beyond Law section of the Careers Handbook includes articles from:

• A McKinsey Business Analyst • A Director of a Boutique Management Consulting • A McKinsey Associate • An Investment Banking Associate • An Intern at an Investment Bank • A Tax Partner at a Big Four Accounting Firms

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2016 Careers Handbook

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Why Management Consulting? Kaggen Ausma McKinsey & Company: Business Analyst

Management consulting offers law graduates a rare opportunity to work directly, on a daily basis, with a group of highly intelligent individuals. It’s exciting, challenging, exhausting, and fundamentally rewarding. When I look back over my first six months I’d credit the daily focus on problem solving and the continual development of client relationships skills as the central drivers of this fantastic environment. Problem solving as a career People hire management consultants to find unique solutions to difficult problems. The trick isn’t so much to get really smart people in a room, but to have a structured approach to a problem. It’s hard to see the difference this makes until you’re in a team room, whiteboard marker in hand, going through the seventh iteration of how we should structure the problem. I cannot think of a time when our initial hunch was even close to what we decided as the ‘crux’ of the problem.

and leave, but truly unique consultants create an answer tailored to their clients, both in terms of their needs and their personalities. A few helpful tips Finally, a word on interviewing. Skipping over the generic advice on practicing case studies and honing your analytics, a consultant need not be a master of any content when they walk into the interview. Many on my starting cohort had never opened Excel, or never heard of ‘working capital’. You should have a basic knowledge, basic accounting and a little general business. What will set you apart though is your ability to structure your answer. Show how you think, and literally draw out your approach. Your communication should also reflect this, structured and top-down. A final word, be genuine. Don’t try to have every answer, accept suggestions, and have fun!

Refreshingly, the problem solving is not limited to ‘business problems’. It often feels most of our in-depth discussions centre on how we as consultants can ensure our recommendation gains traction and generates all its potential value. This requires a new consultant to quickly climb the steep learning curve of client relationships. Building your best asset, client relationships Few other careers will have you in one-on-ones with senior executives six months into your career. It’s a point of pride amongst consultants that everyone gets a seat at the table. We solve the client’s problem as one team, and we interact with the client as one team. For a new graduate this can be the hardest skills to develop. There almost inevitably will be meetings you have where the client wishes you had never entered the room. But far more frequently you’ll have a meeting, or a discussion, where you win or see their genuine enthusiasm for the work, or in consultant lingo, when you get their ‘buy-in’. There are many things that make consultants enjoy their work, but consistently it’s the people who invest in their client’s problem who get the most satisfaction out of the job. As a consultant it’s all too easy to provide an answer 58

2016 Careers Handbook

Interested in a career in

Management Consulting? Azure Consulting works with some of Perthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prominent businesses to solve their most important business problems. We recruit from a variety of academic backgrounds and we are always interested in high quality candidates.

For more information, go to www.azure-consulting.com.au or www.facebook.com/azureconsultingwa

AZURE CONSULTING

Azure Consulting

A Career

Management Consulting

Mark Bosnich Azure Consulting: Director

Management consulting is an interesting, varied and credible alternative to a legal career. As a UWA law graduate (Class of ‘99) I have never regretted the decision to pursue a consulting career over one in law. As a Director of Azure Consulting – a firm where one third of our staff have law degrees – I believe that law graduates should strongly consider a career in consulting. What is Management Consulting? Management consultants work with businesses to resolve their most pressing issues and to help them reach their full potential. This may be through the provision of analytically driven advice, or working with management to drive transformative change in their organisations. The work is enormously varied, ranging from resetting strategic direction, advising on growth options, improving performance, or undertaking an organisational restructure. Why is it a Good Career? There are numerous reasons why management consulting is a compelling alternative career to law: • The work is incredibly varied: Management consulting is delivered as projects, and no two projects are the same – the industry, client and problems always differs.

•

The work is interesting: Consulting engagements are essentially problem solving, and problem solving is intrinsically interesting.

•

It accelerates your business acumen: You gain real insight into what drives value across a variety of companies and industries.

•

It develops a broad range of skills: Consulting requires a broad range of skills, both “softer” (such as engaging and influencing clients, communicating with impact) and “harder” (such as analysing financials, interrogating complex data sets). Consulting builds a suite of useful professional skills, rather than honing narrow technical competences.

•

It is satisfying work: Consulting facilitates change in an organisation; you have the

opportunity to deliver real change, and observe the impact of your work. Why Do Law Graduates Make Good Consultants? Consulting requires a broad range of skills, which is why we recruit from a variety of backgrounds. That said, law graduates have a number of positive attributes for a consulting career: • Ability to present a compelling case for change: Law graduates have learnt how to prosecute a strong and rational point of view. •

Structured and methodical thinking: The methodical nature of legal research is similar to the structured manner in which consultants approach the problems of their clients.

•

Confident verbal communications: In our experience, law graduates have confidence in their verbal communications, whether from their mooting, trial advocacy or negotiation experiences.

•

Strong written communications: Most critically, law students have had years of experience in essay writing using simple language to communicate complex issues within a strict word limit. As a result, they write persuasively, concisely, and well!

Why a Boutique Consulting Firm? I have had the good fortune of working for three types of consulting firms – small boutiques, global strategy houses and a consulting practice in a Big Four Accounting firm – and while each have their respective advantages and disadvantages, I have enjoyed my experiences in a boutique environment more: • Accelerated development: In a boutique, senior leaders work directly with junior staff, helping accelerate their development. Additionally, you are more likely to work directly with clients earlier in your career, and have the ability to “step-up” on projects. •

Greater flexibility: Project delivery tends to

2016 Careers Handbook

be more flexible, with the project structure governed by the needs of the client rather than around rigid project structures. •

Real impact: Our clients tend to be midmarket, making it easier to enact change and make a real difference.

•

Entrepreneurial culture: Being part of a smaller firm means that each staff member plays a meaningful and important role in helping the firm itself reach its full potential.

Tips for Applying for a Consulting Role: The application process for consulting shares many similarities with law firm applications, but has some nuances that need to be kept in mind: 1. The covering letter actually matters! Too many times an otherwise strong application is let down by a shoddy covering letter. Put effort into crafting a short, sharp and tailored letter that conveys why a firm should consider you over other applicants. 2. Work experience is valuable: A range of work experiences on your CV – whether professional services internships, or part time jobs throughout university – help demonstrate that you are serious about building your future career. 3. Practice case studies: If you make it through to consulting interviews, they will invariably involve a series of case studies.The case study will make or break your interview, and you need to be prepared. There are a number of practice guides available online that you should seek out.

Consulting

Banking

Management Consulting:

The Role

and

Its Benefits

Garrett Bray McKinsey & Company: Associate

McKinsey is a top tier global management consultancy serving leading businesses, governments, NGOs and notfor-profits. Part of McKinsey’s stated core mission is to create an unrivalled environment for their staff, and since joining in 2014 my experience would support this claim. An extremely diverse group of people work at McKinsey. My colleagues range from lawyers, to doctors, to musicians, to mathematicians, to political scientists and economists. My own background is engineering—I was a UWA undergrad before spending 6 years designing bridges, buildings and infrastructure at a specialised consultancy. I had not heard of McKinsey until I went back to study my MBA part time, when I started to learn about the possibilities involved in working at a top tier management consultancy. I had three reasons for wanting to work for McKinsey. First, I wanted to experience a broader range of industries and functions; I enjoyed being an engineer but I wanted to know more about what I don’t know. Second, I wanted to be involved in high-level decisions, the ones that executives and boards have to make. Third, I wanted to work alongside the exceptional level of talent that McKinsey attracts.

I have heard McKinsey described as a rollercoaster and a leadership factory, and I think this is accurate. It is certainly a high-pressure job and with that comes highs and lows, however the development opportunity is truly remarkable. Apprenticeship and learning by doing are central, however the structured learning through week long, world-class executive training courses around the globe demonstrate the priority investment that is your professional development. As for beyond consulting, the countless executives, members of parliament and successful entrepreneurs that make up McKinsey’s alumni are a shining example of where these opportunities can take you. For those finishing their course, it is hard to go past McKinsey as the ultimate graduate destination. However, it also presents an exciting career option for those who, like me, first want to apply their primary profession.

If I reflect on my original criteria, I consider all three have been met. In the space of 18 months I have worked across industries as diverse as mining, healthcare, utilities, infrastructure and agriculture in different parts of Australia and New Zealand, and even automotive in Germany. Functionally, I have gained experience across strategy development, service operations, industrial relations, organisational design and transformational change, with billions of dollars of bottom line impact for our clients. In my role, I work closely with members of executive leadership teams and their senior managers, even presenting to their CEOs. Our internal team rooms make for a dynamic environment; highly accomplished individuals from all corners of the world coming together to crack challenging problems.

2016 Careers Handbook

Working

Investment Banking

Liam Bertelli Citi (Melbourne): Associate

Overview Investment Banking is a unique job that requires intensity, a passion for finance and strong presentational and analytical skills. Law students often find themselves at the top of the recruitment list as a legal degree (especially coupled with commerce / economics) immediately showcases a lot of these qualities. From starting at Deloitte in Perth, I was fortunate to get a lateral job in Citi’s IB team in Melbourne in 2014 and can share my experiences from the other side of the intern recruitment process. Typical Day You’ll hear this a lot but there’s no typical day in IB. If you come in as an intern, you’ll be asked to do a variety of tasks from helping building pitch books, building financial models, analysing companies (both qualitatively and quantitatively) and looking into company strategy. This will, however, all depend on whether you’re on a deal or not but is generally similar to the requirements of an analyst.

Key tips - be razor sharp on: (a) technical analysis (valuation, etc); (b) what’s happening in the broader market; (c) what industry coverage you’re most interested in (and why); and (d) why you want to get into IB (and the specific bank). Also, juniors will generally have a decent say in these processes - so be personable as you’ll be working with these guys and girls the most. Key Takeaways The recruitment process can be challenging but the rewards are certainly great. An internship is the best way to land a graduate job and shows you how these places actually work. Don’t be intimidated by the process - be yourself and show your genuine enthusiasm and desire to work in finance.

If you’re coming in with limited excel or powerpoint knowledge, it’s best to brush up prior to starting. Also note that you’ll most likely have to build your own pitch book (including supporting financial model) and present your idea to your team at the end of your internship. Be prepared but thoughtful as this is best way to show your team what you’ve taken on board over your time with the bank. Work Culture The hours are long, but days are exciting and go quickly given the team mentality. Good work culture is imperative in IB, so understand if you’d fit in socially prior to joining. Recruitment Process The processes amongst the bulge brackets are largely the same (resume, rounds of interviews, exams, etc). However, having been on the other side in these processes, it’s quite obvious who’s done their homework and who wants to work for your bank. Consulting

Banking

Life

as an

Investment Banking Intern

Nathan Amaral Barclays Capital (Sydney): Intern

In the summer of 2014/15 I interned in the Investment Banking (M&A) division of Barclays Capital in Sydney. It was an unforgettable experience and I firmly believe there are not many better places to work than at a bulge bracket investment bank. What is Investment Banking? Investment Banking is mainly mergers & acquisitions, they are the main advisor to an entity when they are pursuing an acquisition, or are selling down major assets. Law firms traditionally advise entities on the legal aspects of an acquisition and minimise any foreseeable risks. Investment banks advise on the strategic rationale of the decision, the valuation, and other financial issues such as financing. Unlike law firms, investment banks earn their money on a success fee (a % of the deal value). I will break this down into pros and cons.This is important as some days I felt on top of the world thinking I was in the best place ever, and a few hours later I was hating life, thinking how much being an investment banker sucked. Pros As an analyst (graduate) at an investment bank, you will be most likely to earn more than any of your friends. Base salary is around 100k, and there will be a bonus on top of that. It appears that as you progress through the firm, this salary will increase exponentially. You will also be challenged and gain exposure to large business deals. Eventually when you have had enough of the industry, I’ve been told your exit opportunities are broad with most people going into other corporate financed based roles or private equity firms. Cons Investment banking is notorious for its ridiculous working hours.Your standard hours as an analyst in Australia range from 70-100 hours a week. When I was in Sydney, I was regularly working past 1am, and I was in the office for a few hours most weekends. This is the main reason why people decide against investment banking. The second issue is that even though you’re working on billion dollar deals and your learning curve is very high, I’ve had people 64

tell me that the work gets repetitive and boring. I’ve been told you may find yourself doing ‘simple’ repetitive work in excel for hours, and this streamline does not change for the first five or so years. I can definitely see this happening in banking, but I believe just about every industry including law has this pattern. How difficult is it to land a job? Getting a 10 week summer internship at a bulge bracket (top tier) investment bank is a very competitive process. There are nine top tier banks in Australia, and each of them hires about 10 interns each year. From there they will hire between 50%-100% of their intern group depending on incoming deal flow. So we can approximate there are between 45-90 graduate jobs across Australia, with about 5-10 graduates usually coming from Perth. The good thing right now is that last year, investment banks seemed to have hired more interns than over the past 5 years due to the amount of deal flow coming from Australia’s infrastructure sale. Either way there are 5-10 positions for UWA students in banking, and if you compare that with about 60-70 top tier law positions in Perth, you’ll find that it’s significantly harder to land a position in investment banking. How to beat the eastern state students Regardless of the odds, it is actually not that difficult to land a position if you’re focused. There are two main hurdles as always. The first one is securing your interview and making your CV standout against the rest of the aspiring bankers. This is the same way as you would prepare for law - so strong grades, EC’s and work experience. It is not necessary to have previous relevant banking experience but you do need to show an interest in finance. Being a law student does not help you on the job, but it does help you standout against other candidates in the application process. Next come the interviews with most banks having 2 rounds of interviews with around 2-3 interviews every round. This will be a mix of behavioural and technical questions, so be somewhat prepared. For more information, see the guys at FAWA - the investment banking club, who have this material covered.

2016 Careers Handbook

The Internship All I will say is that it is tough, but you don’t need any previous experience or knowledge. The hardest part is that usually all the other interns have done 3-4 internships before this one and are as smart and driven as you. However this is one of the best parts about banking- you’re working with some of the most driven and intelligent minds in the corporate world. There are too many things to say here, so if you need any advice contact me once you get the internship. Four Tips: 1. Grades/Experience/EC’s – are no 1. 2. You do not need any previous finance or even commerce experience 3. 95% of banking positions will be on the east coast 4. The competition is tougher than law, but it is very possible to secure a position

Consulting

Banking

A Career

Tax

Rob Bentley PwC, Tax & Legal: Partner - WA Mining Tax Leader

I commenced my career in Melbourne when I started my own café and catering business. I quickly learnt that a career in hospitality may not be for me and I enrolled in Deakin University to study Law and Commerce. I worked in the business through university and also spent some time assisting in matters before the Industrial Relations Commission for the Trade Union movement. I enjoyed tax at University (strange I know) and the thought of working at a large multinational organisation such as PwC appealed to me. I leant towards PwC rather than a traditional law firm mainly due to the wide range of services you get exposure to as part of advising on a transaction. For example, you get to work with other PwC global network firms, see a transaction unfold from an accounting and commercial standpoint as well as legal and tax and also see how synergies are extracted post transaction. I started at PwC in our Melbourne office in 2001 as a corporate tax graduate and I am still at PwC 15 years later. Given how much the firm has changed in those 15 years is, my role has evolved and changed significantly over this time. The majority of my career at PwC has been specialising in international tax, mergers and acquisitions. Working in this field involves engaging a number of large ASX listed groups as well as foreign multinational companies with significant Australian operations. My areas of focus are tax consulting services with a particular interest in cross border tax planning, acquisitions, tax effective financing, repatriation planning, tax due diligence and structuring assistance (both vendor and purchaser), recapitalisations and foreign tax credit planning. As tax becomes increasingly talked about in the media, the Federal Senate inquiry into corporate tax avoidance, an impending Federal election with tax reform at the front of people’s minds it has never been a more exciting and fulfilling time to work in tax, in my opinion. A career highlight and personal milestone for me was in 2009, I moved to Washington DC with my wife and then 2 month old daughter for a 12 month secondment in a 66

US national role focussing on cross border tax planning. We then moved straight to Perth, where I was faced with the daunting task of starting from the beginning again in a fresh team, totally different market with industries I had never considered and built up my client base and became a Partner in July 2010. In order to build a presence in WA, I took on a firm role to promote and speak at the Federal Budget Breakfast in May each year. It has been a career highlight and made me extremely proud to turn that event from 40 attendees to 1,000 attendees over a few years. I enjoy being able to mix politics, business and tax, and I have learnt a tremendous amount from taking part in this event each year. I love a challenge and being able to flex my role every few years and this is something PwC has been able to provide me; right from beginning as a graduate, all the way through to becoming a Partner. Four tips for current law students: 1. Networking – the networks you made at University can become crucial at all stages of your career – whether it be a future client, an advisor on another side of a transaction or a business referral. Make sure you invest in your networks early and you will reap the benefits later on. 2. Personal brand – first impressions count. Practise and refine your personal elevator pitch – the 20 second summary of you and what makes you stand out from the crowd. 3. Diversification – Whilst good marks at university are ideal, often the best candidates have the most diverse experiences. Make sure you keep up your sporting activities, interests in current affairs, volunteering, a part time job and make time for other experiences outside of study. 4. Resilience – Law school and getting your first job can be a stressful experience. Developing resilience techniques will help you become a stronger person and will put you in great stead for the challenges of working life.

2016 Careers Handbook

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What youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re capable of doing, is extraordinary. At PwC we make it possible for you to get the extraordinary done. Assisting you to develop the skills, knowledge and network with which to build an exciting and inspiring career. Find out more now at pwc.com.au/careers ÂŠ 2016 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

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“I always knew I wanted to get into a role which allowed me to utilise both the legal and commercial aspects of my university learning, but it wasn’t until I undertook vacationer work at EY in Perth that I recognised a role at EY would provide me with this opportunity. I work in tax controversy, which is a tax legal services team. In addition to providing advice on often contentious and complex tax issues, my team helps clients manage disputes with the tax authorities, and if necessary, provides representation in litigious proceedings. In my role as a consultant and solicitor, I assist with all aspects of my team’s engagements. I have the opportunity to work with large national and multi-national corporate clients. EY has a fantastic learning culture that is complimented with countless training opportunities that have allowed me to learn a lot.”

Shea Lukey, Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce

At EY, there is no one career path for everyone. You’re encouraged to create a path that reflects your individual talents and aspirations. With EY you can influence the future of your career, the businesses you work with and even the world you live in. We’ll work with you to help you succeed professionally and personally. Your journey starts here ey.com/au/careers

Using the knowledge you’ve gained from your law studies, you’ll help all types of companies, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multinationals. We’ll provide you with experiences that’ll shape your career for years to come. Because when you grow, we do too.

One decision, life time of opportunities Our Vacationer Program is a great way to experience the working world during your summer (or winter) holidays. Show us what you’re capable of and you may be invited to join us after graduation in a full-time position. Our Graduate Program will put your knowledge to the test. Build your technical skills. Join us full-time as a graduate and you’ll get early responsibility, support and training. We also offer our Game Changers Club and Career Compass Program to students who are due to graduate in 2018. Please see our website for more details.

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International Opportunities The International Opportunities section of the Careers Handbook includes articles from: • A Clerk at a Magic Circle Firm • An In-House Lawyer in London • A United Nations Intern in Cambodia • A United Nations Intern in New York • A UWA Professor specialising on China Law • An Intern in Barbados • An M&A Tax Partner in China • A Director of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in China • A Lawyer working in International Aid & Development

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International Opportunities

Clerking

The Magic Circle

Stephanie Colquhoun Linklaters: Vacation Clerk

In November 2014, I was fortunate enough to fly to London for a four-week internship with the leading global law firm Linklaters. I had always dreamed of living and working overseas and was drawn to the clerkship because of the incredible opportunity it offers every year to Australian law students. It’s hard to get past the fact that the application process for the Linklaters Australian clerkship is long. The process begins online in March and culminates with a day of testing and interviews in Sydney or Melbourne in June. The clerkship itself is also designed to push you and includes tasks such as presenting at a mock client pitch and being interviewed as to your advice for a mock legal scenario. And while the process was long and stressful, it was definitely worth it – successful clerks receive an offer of a two-year graduate contract in London upon finishing their law degree. The whole application process is designed to ascertain three key things: 1) you have the necessary academic abilities; 2) you are interested in international affairs; and 3) you are willing to move to the UK. Despite understanding this, I was still surprised by the somewhat unorthodox approach taken by Linklaters. Throughout the application process and clerkship, I was struck by the fact that Linklaters did not seem overly concerned about the content of my legal or commercial knowledge. Time and again I was told: “Linklaters can teach you everything you need to know in order to do your job well. What Linklaters needs is people who can learn, think and ask questions.” It sounds cliché, I know, but this statement really resonated with me. It was also a refreshing change from Australian clerkship-speak. The Linklaters ethos is best encompassed in a view that diverse teams make strong teams, and our clerkship group was a testament to that. Between the 10 Australian clerks, we possessed a range of dual degrees, differing levels of commercial knowledge, diverse employment backgrounds and varying interests in social, legal and political issues. The similarities between the Australian 70

clerks were, however, simple: a strong inquisitive side, a willingness to step outside of our comfort zones and an eagerness to move to London. The Linklaters clerkship was split between two ‘seats’ lasting for two weeks each. I spent my first seat in Competition and my second in General Corporate. Even though the type of work was similar to what could be expected during a clerkship in Australia, the international nature of the work made even these basic tasks very cool! For example, I found myself using my German language skills to read further into a very important competition law judgement pending in Germany, and a research task for a client involved me comparing corporate board requirements as legislated in Madagascar and Kenya, Linklaters made our four-week stay in London very easy. In addition to paying for our flights and accommodation, Linklaters also held numerous events designed to acquaint us with life in London. These included a ‘champagne experience’ on the London Eye, a visit to the theatre and an evening at the Christmas Markets. The Christmas period is also a fantastic time to witness the firm culture, and numerous networking events and Christmas functions were open for us to attend. There’s no denying that London is an amazing place to work. The clerkship at Linklaters provided an incredible opportunity to experience law in an international setting surrounding myself with, quite simply, some of the best in the business. Linklaters has worked on some of the biggest legal matters, including the News of the World scandal and collapse of Lehman Brothers. While these are impressive, it was the knowledge and experiences of the lawyers that most impressed me. There is nothing quite like having people from six different countries working in the same team, or sitting in the lunchroom being surrounded by foreign languages and perspectives. If you have any interest in working overseas, I really recommend applying for this clerkship. There is no single ‘Linklaters person’ and therefore it is always worth applying, no matter your experience or background.

2016 Careers Handbook

Vodafone Legal Counsel: Going Global Jilliane Osborn Vodafone London: Intellectual Property Legal Counsel I am responsible for the protection and enforcement of Vodafone’s intellectual property. Working at Vodafone’s global headquarters, I advise other lawyers in theVodafone group, marketeers, engineers, tax, business and external affairs teams on intellectual property issues. I manage Vodafone’s global trade mark, design and domain name portfolios (from filing applications through to litigation and licensing), multi-jurisdictional intellectual property litigation and all brand protection efforts. I advise on global sponsorships, advertising campaigns and social media/internet issues. To give an idea of my wide range of work, on an average day I can be applying to register a three dimensional trade mark for our retail store concept, advising on how to avoid ambush marketing during the Rio Olympics and on the appropriate creative commons copyright licence to ensure Vodafone-created emojis can be installed on smartphones or apps. What steps I took to get to where I am now Before I joined Vodafone, I worked in the intellectual property teams at Norton Rose Fulbright in Melbourne and Wrays, a specialist intellectual property firm, in Perth. After studying intellectual property at UWA, I knew intellectual property was the area I wanted to specialise in, so I opted to join Wrays after graduating, instead of joining a larger firm where I would rotate through different practice areas for at least two years. A healthy dose of hard work and a good sense of humour mixed with a bit of humility and confidence enabled me to secure my role at Vodafone when I moved to London without a job three years ago. Admittedly it is a bit of dream job!

a reduction in post-qualification experience. If you speak another language, it will definitely open doors to other countries. 1. Build up legal work experience at university. It makes it easier to get your first legal role upon graduation. 2. Don’t underestimate the power of good grades. Your academic transcript follows you around longer than you’d think (including getting accepted into post graduate programs)! 3. If you know what type of law you are interested in, don’t be afraid of ‘breaking the mould’ and seeking opportunities in that area after graduation. Speak to practitioners in that area for insight and to make sure. 4. If you want to work abroad, consider obtaining experience at a global brand (in-house or private practice) so that potential employers recognise something on your CV.

Transitioning from working domestically to internationally Intellectual property is one of the few legal areas where Australian law is not completely different abroad, so it was relatively easy to transfer my skills and experience abroad. Other transferable areas are commercial and corporate law. The UK is comparatively an ‘easier’ jurisdiction to work as an Australian qualified lawyer, as compared to civil law countries or the USA. If you are interested in working abroad, do be prepared to accept International Opportunities

“ I don’t just want to learn”

“ I want to learn with the best” At Jackson McDonald you will work for one of the leading independent law firms, alongside some of the best lawyers in the business.

You will have contact with clients from the start, doing work that really matters. We won’t try to turn you into an identikit lawyer, but ensure your unique strengths are fully utilised. With a dedicated Learning & Development team, it’s an environment that allows you to flourish, build on your strengths and enjoy your life.

If you want job satisfaction and a say in your future, then get in touch and find out how our people-focused approach can help you achieve your ambitions. Hu m a n R es ou r c es T (08) 9426 6736 E hr@j ac m ac . c om . au

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United Nations Internship: The Work Hannah Kim

and

The People

United Nations, Extradordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia: Intern In early Semester Two last year, after investing an entire day on researching legal volunteer work, I stumbled on a website called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Social Justice Opportunitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Amongst many other unique positions, there was an advertisement for internships at the United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials. I remember applying to intern for the Trial Chamber at around 12am, realising that applying for jobs could also be a form of procrastination. Having just completed a semester of the JD, I believed that this was a long shot and I decided to forget about my application. However 3 months later I received a very random email from the United Nations, notifying me that I had been shortlisted for an internship with the Trial Chamber in the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). I was initially very confused but eventually I recalled that fateful August day, and after a pretty awkward and technologically challenged phone interview, I received my formal acceptance a week later. I work with a team of Legal Officers, and two other interns, assisting the international Trial Chamber Judges of the ECCC. The current proceedings, Case 002/02, involves the trialing of Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea who were the top cadres, next from Pol Pot, in the previous Khmer Rouge regime. Although it has only been a month since the start of my internship, I have already been tasked to do extensive work such as: documenting the history of proceedings of Case 002/02, conducting research and identifying applicable international law, producing this research through memorandums to present to the Judges, summarizing witness and civil party testimonies and providing my opinion on the truth of the facts. Aside from this, my favourite task has been to conduct the written record of proceedings, which involves me sitting awkwardly in the Chambers and documenting important segments of the hearing, whilst being live streamed for the international community to see â&#x20AC;&#x201C; well, at least my mum.

However, the internship is not just about the work I do at the Chambers. Not only do I experience a very different culture, but I have also had the privilege of interacting with many individuals within the legal profession and law students from various countries, as well as the local Khmer people. It is not often the case that you have the opportunity to meet a Legal Officer, who has worked fifteen years at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, or have brunch and play tennis with a well regarded, South Korean District Court Judge. The former individual is our Senior Legal Officer, Ken Roberts, who has been involved with international law since the early days of his career in West Africa. For current law students who are interested in a career in international law, he says: 1. Inform yourself of the various legal job opportunities out there: information about our future employers are so easily accessible online. Approach and learn from people in the profession; seek mentors. 2. Build your CV: whether it be through volunteer work or learning another language, this will become very useful later in your international workplace. 3. Be prepared to have your friends and family spread out across the world; the country that you would typically call home will become very unfamiliar to you over time. I have kept this piece to a bare minimum, but please feel free to email me if you have want to know more: Kim. Hannah@eccc.gov.kh.

International Opportunities

New York:

Opportunities

and

Lifestyle

Millicent Allan Australian Mission to the United Nations: Intern

I have recently returned from NewYork City, where I was lucky enough to intern with the Australian Mission to the United Nations. The Australian Mission is the nucleus of Australia’s engagement with the United Nations (UN). Each year, the Mission hosts a number of interns, who assist with its work during the annual session of the General Assembly. Each intern is selected to work on one of the General Assembly’s six committees, and matched with a supervisor. I was chosen to work on the First Committee, which focuses on issues relating to disarmament and international security. My days generally consisted of attending meetings at the UN, taking notes at briefings, undertaking research or writing cables to Canberra. I met diplomats from around the world, and negotiated on issues such as nuclear weapons, counter terrorism and the weaponisation of outer space.

Mission’s staff to be supportive and accommodating. My fellow interns were an instant social and support network. Our cohort got along particularly well with two visiting Australian parliamentarians, with whom we travelled upstate and spent Thanksgiving. If you are thinking of applying for the internship program, be sure to demonstrate your genuine interest in working at the United Nations. Research the work of each of the six committees, and consider which one aligns best with your interests. The program is one of the most rewarding experiences I had during my time at university. I encourage all who are interested to apply. The internship runs from September 15 to December 18.

The internship brings with it a range of other unique and exciting opportunities. During the three months I spent at the Mission, I heard from world leaders including United States President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande and Chinese President Xi Jinping. I saw Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon speak at a concert celebrating the UN’s 70th anniversary, and assisted with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop’s official visit. I was invited to a dinner at Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird’s residence, and attended functions hosted by the Netherlands, New Zealand and Venezuela. The chance to live in New York was a major bonus. I rented an apartment in the Lower East Side, and spent my nights and weekends exploring the city’s sights, riding my bike through Central Park, wandering around museums and checking out the seemingly-endless array of bars and restaurants. The internship also brings with it the opportunity to connect with a range of interesting people. I found the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s brightest diplomats to be particularly rewarding, and found the 74

2016 Careers Handbook

Opportunities

China:

Gaining China Knowledge

Dr Ken Shao Faculty of Law, University of Western Australia: Professor

China is now Australia’s largest trading partner. That relationship will only expand in the 21st century. According to The Australia-China Relationship Survey 2015 conducted by The Australia-China Young Professionals Initiative (ACYPA), Hong Kong and mainland China topped the list of desirable places to work. Australia has a perfect image in China and future opportunities in agriculture, clean energy, education, tourism and many others will require a lots of Australian China experts. One should be open minded when seeking career opportunities in China. It can be practicing law, working for companies, NGOs and even starting up your own business as young entrepreneurs. However, 71% of respondents to the above ACYPA Survey felt they had no leadership support for gaining Asian work experience. The solution, we believe, must start from the provision of true China knowledge learning experience, followed by real-world fieldwork and work opportunities. That is why at UWA we offer a unique and top-level Chinese law course. It has an all-in-one focus designed to provide true China knowledge in Chinese business law, culture and history and future reforms and enable students to study with the next generation of Asian and global leaders in legal practice, government, business and the not-for profit-sector. The course is founded by Professor Dr Ken Shao, a leader in Chinese Law and culture education programs for the non-Chinese Learner. It is taught by leading academics and practicing lawyers of the fields. The course also contains a China Engagement Tour, which provides highlevel learning and interaction opportunities in a number of major cities in China with practicing lawyers, industrial leaders, likeminded high achievers and future China experts of Asia and the world. Students are exposed to globally leading entities operating in China, such as Rio Tinto, King & Wood, and Huawei, in the forms of seminars, guided tours, panel discussions and dialogues. These functions are designed to give students first-hand experience in understanding how to work in China and

what it looks like. The UWA Chinese law course has 5 units to choose from: 1. Working with China: Business in a Socio-legal Context (6 points) 2. Intellectual Property and China’s Innovationbased Economy (6 points) 3. China-Australia Relations: Trade, Finance and Law (6 points) 4. Practical Issues with Chinese Contracts and Commercial Laws (6 points) 5. Engagement Tour of China (6 points) Three essential ‘tips’: 1. Proficiency in Mandarin is an increasing advantage for working in China. However, professional skills and cultural competence are far more important. I have seen too many Westerners who can speak Chinese and get satisfied only with that. Their understanding of China, on the other hand, is full of errors and fragments. 2. Learning China Knowledge is a long process. Don’t expect that you will become a China expert after attending a course or language training. However, the earlier you access China knowledge education, the more advantages you have down the track. 3. Having Chinese friends, travelling to China as tourists or having worked in a team for China-related projects do not entitle you a China expert. A proper learning process is a must and will ultimately define your competitiveness in the future. For further details, please visit: http://www.studyat.uwa.edu.au/courses/graduatediploma-in-chinese-business-law

International Opportunities

graduates.minterellison.com

Interning

Barbados

Namitasha Goring Attorney-General’s Chambers & The Fair Trading Commission Barbados: Intern

The image of a group of government lawyers drafting and amending legislation does not usually generate much excitement but my opportunity to work at the Chief Parliamentary Counsel’s Office in Barbados as an intern was like the wonderment of discovering a busy ant colony beneath a seemly dull surface. What good fortune was this to be polished by razor sharp lady lawyers translating complex government policies into crisp statutory language all without crossing the red line that is the separation of powers doctrine? How is it possible to avoid remaking a policy when there are sometimes gaps in the information given by a particular ministry? What do you do when the proposed bill is simply overly ambitious or it creates tension in the relationship between the state and the citizen and is clearly on a collision course with judicial impulse for violating the Constitution?

legal profession’s top brass. These were long and complex but it was deeply satisfying to be part of a team committed to keeping a watchful eye on the behaviour of business dynasties. My Career Tips: 1. Follow your natural inclinations. It’s easier to be passionate about your work this way. 2. Be flexible and open-minded. Life happens and requires different skills from you at different times. 3. Working in different countries requires you to be attentive to various cultural and social codes. Be on the look out for the unwritten ones! 4. Be patient, nothing worth having happens overnight.

The creativity of working with these grain lines when fashioning new laws was what I found most interesting about my work there. I was also intrigued by the ‘cab-rank’ approach to delegating work within the department the effect of which was that no one specialized in a particular area. This professional ‘pick and mix’ mitigates boredom and was a perfect fit for my very curious personality type because before statutory language and syntax, many questions must be asked. Will an ‘Anti-Social Behaviour Act’ really solve truancy, drunkenness and gang activity? What exactly is a terrorist? Is graffiti art or vandalism? This intense experience at the Chief Parliamentary Counsel’s office served me well in my work as the first Legal Officer at the Fair Trading Commission in Barbados. Under the watch of an intellectually tough mentor it was my task to assist with the drafting of regulations to accompany the Utilities Regulation Act. At the time, this seemed like a mammoth project. Added to that, a series of rate increase hearings for the only telecommunications provider involved some of the International Opportunities

Q&A: Pursuing A Career

China

State Shi KPMG China: M&A Tax Partner

Can you briefly explain your career path that has ultimately led you to becoming a Partner at KPMG in China? I joined KPMG as a graduate in 2004. I have always worked in the tax division providing tax advisory and tax compliance services to clients of various background. For the initial several years, I was focused on multinational companies investing into China. I went to the US for an internal program between July to December 2007. Upon return from the US, I was promoted to tax manager in July 2008.

Since the GFC in the second half of 2008 when many Chinese companies were looking for overseas investment, my focus shifted to assisting Chinese domestic companies in tax structuring and M&A tax services for the overseas investment opportunities. I went to KPMG Australia in October 2010. My role was mainly to assist Chinese companies in investing in Australia and help them to understand and comply with the local tax requirements afterwards. I was promoted to senior tax manager in 2011 and became a tax director in 2014. In Oct 2015, I rejoined KPMG Beijing as a M&A tax partner specialising in the TMT sector and international tax service offerings.

How did you find the transition, and what differences did you notice, between working at KPMG Australia and USA compared to KPMG China? The transition moving around between Australia, USA and China is not difficult for me. I believe this is a great advantage to work for a global firm like KPMG.

In regards to the difference, it is more the business culture. China’s business culture is more built upon relationship and trust. We need to invest time and effort to build a trusted relationship before your client is willing to do business with you. This is not saying that relationship is not important in Australia or US, but more important in Chinese culture. Of course, professional capability is the key factor – our clients engage us to assist them in resolving problems, not for fun.

2016 Careers Handbook

Advice

and

Reflections

from

China

Udo Doring Australian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai: Director

What does your job entail? My job entails leadership of the largest Australian chamber in China, a 21 year old, non- government funded organisation, with around 20 employees. We have proudly grown to have over 500 members. The work of the chamber is to promote Australian business in China and promote Chinese business and investment in Australia as well. I feel that it is the best job in the world; I get to talk to new businesses who are coming to China, get to hear what’s going on ‘on the ground’ as well as encourage and advise businesses.

Udo’s advice for current law students: 1. Invest in relationships. It’s cliché to say ‘it’s who you know not what you know’ but in China you learn very quickly that business is based on relationships. 2. Take gambles and calculated risks, put yourself out of your comfort zone. Don’t play it too safe. 3. Do what genuinely interests you. Law has applications in broad areas, it does not mean you have to be a lawyer so find something you really enjoy and apply what you know to it.

What steps did you take to get where you are today? I was keen to get out of university as fast as I could so I finished studying very quickly (through summer semesters) and then looked to go overseas as often as I could, for both personal interests and professional endeavors. I think the reason why I’m in China is because I believe this is where the long-term future for Australian business is. I did not have a clear idea of what I was going to do at first, but I made sure to network with as many people as I could. What attracts you to work in China? It is the most dynamic market place in the world at the moment, and the center of the growth. When we look at developed markets, it’s all about ‘market share’ where you may be looking at 0.1% of a specific area, whereas China’s markets are growing exponentially in all sorts of areas. This means that no one is an expert in China. Things change every day and that’s what keeps it exciting.

International Opportunities

Working in International Aid and Development Sashi Perera International Organisation of Migration: Consultant I surprise myself as I sit down to write this, I cannot believe that it has been just over six years since I graduated from UWA with a double degree in law and commerce. I have spent that time working with refugees and migrants in five different countries. I still remember all the questions that nobody directly answered in law school so I will start with the following. I was an average student at university, my family is not loaded and I do not have any sweet connections to any workplace anywhere. I do not say this with pride, I say this so that you can understand that if you’re in the same position, you are going to be okay. Remember that you are attending the top law school in the state and that not everyone has the capacity or the motivation to be a Rhodes Scholar or to graduate with first class honours. I know that you are in an environment where you feel everyone is smarter than you. You can console yourself with the fact that at the very least, you are not an idiot and there is a place for you somewhere in this world. I studied refugee law while I was on student exchange at the University of Copenhagen in 2006. I found it strange at the time that we were discussed the issues that arose in Australia as a result of the rescue of a fishing boat by the MV Tampa in 2001. I find it beyond belief now that the debate on refugees still rages in Australia, ten years on. After my time in Denmark, I came back to Perth and started to volunteer at CASE for Refugees (now known as The Humanitarian Group). I phoned around to every immigration agent in Perth and finally managed to wheedle my way into Rothstein Lawyers. It was a tiny firm but it specialized in the only area that I was interested in, immigration and refugee law. I remain grateful for the training I received at that firm over the next three years, working for a very dedicated principal. When I wasn’t working, I was volunteering with organisations such as CASE, Amnesty International and the Red Cross to obtain as much experience in the area as possible. When I decided that I wanted to obtain overseas experience, I emailed many, many different places and got back very few (all negative) responses. After three

months of trawling online websites and chasing up contacts, I was crestfallen. I was qualified, I had solid work experience, why didn’t anyone want me to work for them for peanuts? Unfortunately, this is the nature of the international aid and development field - it is a competitive field and it is difficult to get your foot in the door without being obnoxiously persistent. I finally found a placement with Vietnam VOICE in Manila through the recommendation of a colleague. After three months in the Philippines, I was recruited into the UN Volunteers program and was assigned to the UNHCR in Turkey. I worked as a Refugee Status Determination Officer for the UNHCR, conducting interviews with asylum seekers and determining whether or not they met the legal definition of a ‘refugee’. It was incredible to work in the Ankara operation, which was the biggest urban UNHCR operation in the world at the time. Once my contract in Turkey finished, I moved to Tanzania where I worked as a Legal Advocate with Asylum Access for a year. Then it was on to Cairo to work as a Staff Attorney with St Andrews Refugee Services where I had to cut my contract short due to security reasons, after a bomb went off less than 150 metres from the office. I moved back to Tanzania to work as a consultant for the International Organisation of Migration and well, here I am. I was trained as a spokesperson for the UN in Tanzania last year. My work has exposed me to the myriad of issues faced by individuals displaced by events as far back as the Vietnam War and as recent as the crises in Syria and Burundi. In the Philippines, refugees who fled in the aftermath of the Vietnam War became stateless persons once the government shut the refugee camps down. I worked with Vietnam VOICE to assist the resettlement of these individuals, who were exposed to a smorgasbord of exploitation as a result of their status for almost twenty years. In Tanzania, the encampment policy has resulted in over 60,000 refugees, predominantly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, living in a camp for over fifteen years. The 100,000+ Burundian refugees who

2016 Careers Handbook

arrived in 2015 are likely to be in store for the same fate. This is an area that I love working in. While I am aware that it sounds exciting, there are many disadvantages. The frustrations that you have to work with in developing countries are endless (a long list of things in differing degrees of severity, from corrupt government officials to arming yourself against dengue outbreaks to cows blocking up roads and delaying your journey). Further, progress in refugee issues is made slowly, you will make much less money than your friends, you will never know which country youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end up in next and the problems you work on will at times, be unsolvable and overwhelm you. For me, the negative aspects are far outweighed by the positive ones. I am constantly learning interesting things about the world that I live in, working in different places with passionate and extraordinary colleagues and with clients whose stories are never the same. It is not a path for everyone but if it appeals to you in the slightest, go for it. Try to spend your first years out of university getting experience in an area that you want to be qualified in. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do this, volunteer in relevant places. Keep your eye out for paid volunteering assignments through websites like Reliefweb, UNV and AVI. If you can afford to intern, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t apply at just the headquarters of organizations, go to the smaller field offices that need you and have more interesting, hands on work. If you know a second language, it may help you, depending on which country you end up in. At this point I have had lessons in ten different languages but am not fluent in anything except English. It has never been an issue because so much of the work in refugee law is conducted through interpreters anyway. In all this, it is important to remember, there is nothing wrong with entering the corporate world. The training you receive in a corporate law firm is unparalleled and you can always move into the development sector afterwards, the two are not mutually exclusive. It is not the path that I chose but this is the luxury of living in our time, there are so many different ways to get to where you want to be. In summary, get out there. Be persistent and find your place. Trust me when I say, the world needs you.

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Academia

The Academia section of the Careers Handbook includes:

• Information on postgraduate study options And articles from: • A Constitutional Law Lecturer • An Oxford BCL Graduate • A Teach for Australia Associate

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Tips From

Life

Academia

Dr Murray Wesson Faculty of Law, University of Western Australia: Senior Lecturer

I studied law in South Africa in the late 1990s, an exciting time to be a young person as the country moved beyond apartheid and attempted to embrace its new democratic identity. It was also an exciting time to be a law student. The new constitution was highly ambitious, had been central to the political transition, and required a reassessment of much of South African law.

your area of research. This is beneficial for the lecturer and the students. Typically, academic jobs also involve administrative roles. For example, in 2016 I will be the Faculty Academic Misconduct Adviser, dealing with issues of plagiarism. Each of these roles involves different aptitudes, which means that an academic career can be demanding but also challenging and rewarding.

In retrospect, I can draw a line between the excitement that I experienced in constitutional law lectures then to where I am now. It was my interest in these issues, as opposed to what I perceived to be the drier commercial subjects, that inspired me to look beyond legal practice in Durban. I successfully applied for the KwaZulu-Natal Rhodes Scholarship, completed a Bachelor of Civil Law and DPhil at Oxford, and worked as an academic in the United Kingdom and now Australia.

For those drawn to academia, my third tip would be to at least be admitted and experience what legal practice has to offer. My particular path, which involved not returning to South Africa, meant that I wasn’t admitted, given that the requalification requirements were prohibitively lengthy in the United Kingdom. If nothing else, gaining some experience of legal practice will help clarify if academia is the right choice for you, and inform any subsequent academic work that you might do.

So my first tip would be to follow your interests. Life is short and you might as well invest your time and energy in issues that you care about. Despite this, I’m also surprised to find myself living and working in Perth. If you had spoken to me twenty years ago, I would have told you that my future was in South Africa, where I would work as an academic or practitioner or both and contribute to the development of our new constitutional dispensation. My younger self would never have projected that I would now be raising three children in Western Australia. It’s important to recognise that you change as you get older. So my second tip is somewhat contrary to my first: life may be short, but there is also plenty of time to reinvent yourself. As for a career in academia, as students you will be most familiar with our role as teachers. However, there are many facets to an academic career beyond teaching. A key part of the job is also research, or the publication of books, chapters and articles, often with the support of research grants. Ideally, there should be a synergy between research and teaching so that you teach within 84

Finally, a PhD is now the standard route to an academic appointment. If you decide to embark on a PhD, my fourth tip would be to think carefully about the topic, where you want to study, and your potential supervisor. You will have to live with your PhD for several years so it’s important that the topic absorbs you. Publications from your PhD will define the first part of your academic career and possibly also your areas of teaching so don’t rush into a PhD that isn’t right for you. It’s no secret that academia is less lucrative than many of the other careers available to law graduates. However, academic life also involves many privileges. There are not many jobs that allow you to spend your days reading, writing, teaching, and interacting with talented colleagues and bright young people such as yourselves. Good luck with your future endeavours.

2016 Careers Handbook

GDLP ANU Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice

ANU Legal Workshop Your direct pathway to Legal Practice The ANU Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) is Australia’s largest university-based accredited practical legal training program. The ANU GDLP provides you with the qualification to be admitted as a lawyer in Australia. The program adopts a unique online teaching approach that places you in a ‘virtual law firm’. This innovative approach provides you with practical insight, deepened professional awareness and real-world knowledge. The ANU GDLP also provides you with the flexibility to balance study with employment. With ANU Legal Workshop, you can: > attend any one of over 20 introductory five-day workshops held around Australia – you don’t need to relocate for study; > tailor coursework and professional placement requirements – selecting a longer placement and less coursework, or vice-versa; > choose from a wide range of elective subjects – with online flexibility; and > extend your GDLP – and gain an additional competitive edge – with the ANU Master of Legal Practice. Whatever choice you make, you’ll benefit from flexible online study, learn from some of Australia’s best legal experts and gain a qualification from one of the world’s leading law schools.

ANU Legal Workshop The Australian National University

T +61 2 6125 4463 E lwsa.law@anu.edu.au W legalworkshop.law.anu.edu.au/gdlp

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Oxford BCL: One Path

Academia

Professor Robyn Carroll Faculty of Law, University of Western Australia: Professor

My experience of studying for the BCL in the Law Faculty at Oxford University was typical of most students: exciting, hard work and, at times, terrifying. It was highly simulating to be taught by world leading and influential academics in interactive seminars with highly motivated and academically high achieving law graduates. The academic staff often uses the BCL curriculum and seminar discussions to develop their research ideas into journal articles and books, which means that students are actively participating in the academic process. The work load is heavy with extensive reading lists to be completed before class. Students are required to read and analyse cases and other reading material independently and critically and be willing to share their views on the law and its development. The reward for the hard work is the stimulation and satisfaction that comes from critical discussions and the development of your skills of legal analysis and scholarship. To study at Oxford you need to be a member of an Oxford College. Students in the BCL belong to many different colleges. Undertaking this degree therefore provides you both with the opportunity to study and socialise in the Law Faculty amongst a highly talented cohort and at the same time to experience college life in Oxford: a wonderful experience of its own. The steps I took that played a part in my successful application to Oxford are similar to those taken by students today. I worked hard and achieved high grades in my undergraduate studies; I spent two years working in the State Solicitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Office (formerly the Crown Law Department) before completing my final year of law and my articles of clerkship before applying to Oxford; I tutored in business law units at UWA for 3 years before studying the BCL; and I talked with numerous BCL graduates about the degree before I applied. The benefits of my post-graduate study have been many. It provided the entry qualification for my academic career. It provided me with a deeper understanding of the common law and private law scholarship, insights into civil law and the importance of comparative law. I have 86

had ongoing relationships with many of the academics and fellow students I studied with and have taken the opportunity to visit them when I am overseas. Information on the Oxford website confirms my experience that BCL graduates pursue a range of careers after completion of the degree. The most common career path is to legal practice, either as a solicitor or a barrister. Some graduates go on to complete an MPhil and DPhil at Oxford or a Masters or PhD elsewhere and move into an academic career. Friends I made in the BCL are now, for example, superior court judges, partners in law firms, barristers, law professors and solicitor-generals. I was at Oxford in the 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Everything I hear suggests that the experience today is much the same. I suspect that competition for places is higher than it was and there are some excellent students who will not have the opportunity to undertake a BCL. Many of the benefits I have described here can be achieved by undertaking postgraduate studies in similar programs at other universities. My advice is to not limit your choice of universities: look around for other highly ranked schools that offer courses that interest you. There are many opportunities for prestigious and valuable postgraduate studies in law. 1. Achieve the best grades in your degree that you can and seek out senior academics for references: you will need an outstanding first class degree or equivalent to be selected into the BCL. 2. Research postgraduate degrees in the UK, USA, Canada and other countries before deciding that the Oxford BCL is the only degree for you. 3. Use your time as a UWA law student and in law related employment to work out why you want to study postgraduate law, where it will take you and what aspects of the law interest you. 4. If you see yourself in an academic career in the future, think about how the BCL or other masters level postgraduate degree will take you there now that a doctorate has become an essential qualification for most academic appointments.

2016 Careers Handbook

A Teach For Australia Experience Jun Zhang Teach For Australia: Cohort 5 Associate

My career trajectory was ticking along as planned – I’d spent close to six years finishing a dual Arts/Law degree. I had completed two enjoyable clerkships and was set to go into a graduate position at a big corporate law firm. But something just didn’t feel right. I’ve always had an overarching aspiration to contribute something meaningful to society and to have a positive impact on others’ lives. Commercial law just didn’t quite fit with this philosophy. However, Teach for Australia gave me an opportunity – a life-changing one that has changed my whole trajectory. Instead of heading to a corporate office, I decided to move interstate and become a teacher in a disadvantaged school in the outer suburbs of Melbourne. Teach for Australia recruits aspirational graduates to become ‘Associates’ and teach in an educationally underprivileged school for two years. Its vision is ‘an Australia where all children, regardless of background, attain an excellent education’. Acceptance into the program is competitive; a highly selective screening process ensures that only individuals with the right skills, attitude and mindset are offered a sought-after position. However, there is also no set number of places available – if you meet the benchmarks, you will be offered a position. After six weeks of intensive training, I was placed in a classroom as a fully fledged teacher and hit the ground running. It was a steep learning curve but there was support every step of the way. As I taught, I was also completing a Master of Teaching on scholarship. Working with my students is one of the most rewarding things that I have ever done. I won’t say that it was easy or always enjoyable. The stories of many kids were often heartbreaking, and evidence of how the system has failed them is very apparent. How can we, as a country, have a two-tiered education system based on socio-economic status? I never imagined that what I saw could be reality. There were some kids whom I could help and some who slipped through the gap, but my work gave me a purpose and made every day meaningful.

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After one year of teaching, I was appointed Head of Department for Languages and began to work with the school leadership team. It was another totally new learning experience and taught me the complexities of our education system. My time as an Associate made me realise the depth of educational inequity in this country, and the multifaceted dimensions that make up this problem. TFA seeks to address these different facets by building a movement, united in an essential purpose. Some Associates remain in the classroom, continuing amazing work with students each day and moving into school leadership positions. Other Associates, like myself, took the experience and leadership training and moved (or returned) to other industries – now a part of a movement to make systemic change – whether as business leaders, policy makers, law partners, academics or entrepreneurs. Often the skills learnt as an Associate will put you years ahead of your peers. Perhaps I will go back into Law one day (as some Associates have) – for now I’m working in the education not-for-profit space and doing my part to ensure that every Australian has access to the same great education that I did. Tips for current Law students: 1. Be resilient – don’t be afraid of failing or making mistakes 2. Work towards the eight core competencies – leadership, learning and self-evaluation, problem solving, humility and empathy, communication, planning and organisation, and commitment. 3. Embrace a growth mindset of professional and personal development 4. Apply early (there can only be so many Legal Studies teachers each year!)

Your journey to a world-class career begins here Baker & McKenzie is Australia’s first global law Baker & McKenzie is Australia’s first global law firm. We’ve been developing global lawyers in firm. We’ve been developing global lawyers in Australia for more than 50 years – each started Australia for more than 50 years – each started out as a law student, just like you. out as a law student, just like you. Become a world-class lawyer. Become a world-class lawyer. Join the firm that was born global. Join the firm that was born global.

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Postgraduate Study Selected Graduate Certificates Australian Migration Law

Chinese Law

The Australian Migration Law and Practice qualification is the entry level training course accredited by the Migration Agents Registration Authority (“MARA”). Please note that migration agents must be Australian citizens or permanent residents according to the MARA. For further information on the requirement for migration agent registration contact the office of MARA: www.mara.gov. au.

The Graduate Certificate in Chinese Law offers a unique opportunity to study Chinese Law, to travel and gain an understanding of Chinese culture whilst also generating international connections. China is a growing international superpower and an understanding of Chinese law and culture is invaluable, opening up significant career opportunities.

This course is offered locally at Murdoch University as a Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice. This course is offered interstate at the Australian National University (“ANU”) and Griffiths University as a Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice. The course is also offered interstate at Victoria University as a Graduate Certificate in Australian Immigration Law and Practice.

Dispute Resolution Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) refers to a process of resolving disputes outsides of formal litigation. ADRs have become increasing important in recent years as an alternative to judicial proceedings. A dispute resolution certificate provides both essential knowledge and practical skills in negotiation, mediation, conciliation and facilitation of a wide range of conflicts. This course can be studied locally at Murdoch University as a Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution. Dispute Resolution is also offered at several interstate universities.The University of Technology Sydney (“UTS”) and Griffith University both offer a Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution. This course is also offered at the University of Queensland as a graduate certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution.

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This certificate is offered at Murdoch University. The qualification requires studying a semester at Murdoch University and 4 weeks of study at the East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai. UWA offers a Graduate Diploma of Chinese Business Law. The course is suited to those in full time employment or recent graduates. Students have the opportunity to take the Engagement Tour of China as an elective.

Commercial Law A Masters of Commercial Law enables graduates from any qualification to gain a comprehensive insight into commercial law. The broad range of subjects enables participants to gain an understanding of the various areas of commercial law. This Masters degree is more suited for non-legal graduates, however legal graduates who wish to specialise in an area of commercial law find it a useful qualification to have. This course is offered locally at the University of Western Australia as a Master in Commercial and Resources Law. This course is offered interstate at the University of Sydney, Melbourne University, Monash University and La Trobe University as a Master of Commercial Law.

Postgraduate Study: Doctorates A doctorate is the highest qualification available to law students (indeed to any students). Successful applicants complete an original research thesis (generally around 60,000 to 100,000 words) that makes a substantial contribution to their related field of study. Some doctorates require students to complete coursework units before they commence work on their thesis. These coursework units are undertaken to ensure students have a level of expertise to ground them in conducting their research. Acceptance into a Doctoral program will typically require a recognised undergraduate degree in Law (usually with first class or high second class Honours) or a recognised Masters qualification in law with a strong average mark. Doctorates will generally require a commitment of 4 years full-time study or the equivalent part time (although this can differ between institutions). Generally speaking, students with an interest in pursuing a career in academia (university lecturer etc.) will benefit most from gaining a doctorate as many tertiary institutions prefer academic staff to either hold, or be working towards a doctoral qualification. There are many different legal doctorates to choose from, all of which will have the same basic requirements of a major research thesis, but each will differ in the precise qualification obtained. Students should consider carefully what area of study interests them and which doctoral qualification will best suit their needs. A number of options are briefly outlined below.

Laws The Doctor of Laws is a common legal doctorate which offers a more legal specific qualification than the PhD. This course is offered locally at the University of Western Australia. This course is offered at Melbourne University, Monash University and the University of Queensland.

Juridical Science A Doctor of Judicial Science is sometimes also referred to as a Doctor of Laws, and is equivalent to a PhD. A doctoral qualification in Juridical Science is offered locally at the University ofWestern Australia as a Doctor of Juridical Science. The qualification is also offered interstate at Monash University and the University of New South Wales as a Doctor of Juridical Science. An equivalent degree is offered at the University of Sydney as a Doctor of Juridical Studies.

Criminology A doctoral qualification in Criminology is offered locally at Edith Cowan University as a Doctor of Philosophy (Criminology, Justice, Law). The qualification is offered interstate at Griffiths University as a Doctor in Philosophy and the University of New South Wales as a Doctor in Philosophy (Criminology)

Philosophy This is the most common and general doctorate and is known as a PhD and can be studied locally at Murdoch University or the University of Western Australia.

2016 Careers Handbook

International Postgraduate Study If you hold a strong interest in pursuing the study of law at an advanced level upon the completion of your LLB/ JD then it really doesn’t get much bigger and better than Oxford, Cambridge,Yale or Harvard. Postgraduate study at these universities attracts not only the leading law graduates but also the world’s best academic resources and most acclaimed legal professors. The following outline of your options for graduate study outside Australia is by no means exhaustive, and focuses on the various ‘taught’ programmes offered by the big four at the expense of purely research-based degrees. As a general rule these programmes are exceedingly expensive, and you will undoubtedly find it just as important (as courseselection) to secure one of the various postgraduate scholarships available to applicants at each institution.

Oxford University

Master in Law and Finance (“MLF”) Oxford’s MLF is a programme launched in October 2010 which acts as Oxford’s response to the overwhelming business and industry consensus that many graduates coming with the ‘old-world’ Masters degrees (BCL, LLM) are simply not commercially savvy enough. In providing an interdisciplinary study of the law in its economic and financial contexts this course is tailor-made (with components created via industry-collaboration) for those looking to take their qualification into the corporate law, financial regulation and investment banking sectors. In short, the MLF is an intensified, ten-month, postgraduate version of an LLB/ Finance double-degree. For more information see: http://www.law.ox.ac.uk/ mlf/index.php

Bachelor of Civil Law (“BCL”) Representing Oxford’s equivalent to UWA’s Masters of Laws (LLM), the BCL is widely considered to be the most academically demanding post-graduate taught law course offered in the Common Law world. Despite its name the degree is essentially a Masters in English law designed specifically for those holding Common Law first degrees (although there is a civil law equivalent offered). Students choose four courses (one of which can be a 12,000 word dissertation) from a selection of roughly 30 options. The world-renowned BCL differs from other LLM-type programmes insofar as lecture and seminar format teaching is complemented by intensive smallgroup tutorials typically containing 2 or 3 students and a tutor. Much of the prestige associated with the degree is due to the opportunities provided to students in venting their arguments and ideas in a one-on-one manner with the leading academics. The general academic standard expected is also considerably higher with most offered courses being primarily assessed via three-hour closed book exams or lengthy dissertations.

Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice Oxford’s Diploma in IP Law is their vocational offering of sorts designed for those lawyers who have already begun or plan to begin practicing in Intellectual Property. Although offered part-time and containing an intensive component, this programme is more comprehensive and prestigious than a week-long summer intensive in IP. It is taught over the space of twelve months and comprises both a two-week on-campus intensive component and a rolling series of weekend workshops held between October and June in London law firms. The dual teaching roles given to both IP academics and practicing lawyers give this programme a unique flavour. For more information see: http://www.law.ox.ac.uk/ postgraduate/odip.php

For more information see: http://www.law.ox.ac.uk/ postgraduate/bclmjur.php

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International Postgraduate Study Masters in International Human Rights Law (“MIHRL”) The MIHRL is a course specifically designed for those practicing lawyers or scholars of human rights law who want to complete high-level study in human rights law without having to abandon their current career or overseas residence. The central focus of the course is maintaining the right balance between imparting knowledge of the substantive laws, their implementation and human rights advocacy skills and strategy development. The programme is usually described as extremely difficult and does require significantly more assessed work than comparative LLM degrees. The programme is offered part-time over 22 months and is made up of two periods (totaling 9 weeks) of summer intensive classes at Oxford, a 7 month online learning component and a 12,000 word dissertation; all the while working full-time. For more information see: http://humanrightslaw. conted.ox.ac.uk/MStIHRL/ Scholarships at Oxford If you wish to find out more about some of the competitive scholarships at Oxford see: http://www. law.ox.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships.php. For more general information on these and other programmes see: www.law.ox.ac.uk/postgraduate

Cambridge University Master of Laws (“LLM”) The Cambridge LLM is a highly prestigious 9-month postgraduate course in English law which is almost entirely identical to Oxford’s BCL in terms of structure, assessment, teaching format and intellectual rigour. The course allows students to select four “papers” (courses) to write for their final exams, one of which can be a dissertation (18,000 words). The academic facilities, class sizes and closeness of contact with tutors at Cambridge are second to none, alongside Oxford. At Cambridge, the LLM student can choose to either gain a specialisation in commercial, European or international law or take a combination of courses in these or other

law subjects. Every year there are approximately 25 courses to choose from. For more information see: http://www.law.cam. ac.uk/courses/llm.php Masters in Corporate Law (“MCL”) The Cambridge MCL is essentially the slightly younger sister to Oxford’s MLF. Like the LLM, the MCL runs for 9 months and is primarily taught via lectures and seminars culminating in written examinations. For all intents and purposes it has the same substantive content as the Oxford MLF with an exclusive focus on corporate legal issues and an emphasis on both industry and academic insights in a transactional setting. Its distinguishing feature is that students take a total of six courses throughout the year (four one-term modules and two full year courses) instead of four in the LLM. For more information see: http://mcl.law.cam.ac.uk/ why-the-mcl Diplomas Cambridge offers two one-year research programmes (with no course work), which lead to either the Diploma in Legal Studies or the Diploma in International Law depending on the nature of the topic of research. Both programmes must be undertaken full-time and involve the submission of a 30,000 word dissertation after three academic terms.The Diploma in Legal Studies is a ‘catch-all’ degree that is suitable for those dissertations on topics outside the field of international law. For more information see: http://www.graduate. study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/lwlwdpilw OR http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/ directory/lwlwdplgs Scholarships The Faculty of Law at Cambridge offers a limited number of academic scholarships and economic hardship grants to prospective students. See http://www.law. cam.ac.uk/admissions/funding- opportunities.php for more information.

2016 Careers Handbook

Yale University

Harvard University

Master of Laws (“LLM”) It isn’t a surprise to find out that Yale’s LLM is essentially the North-American cousin of BCL with its 9-month duration from September until May, its strong focus on small group teaching and its extremely competitive annual intake of just 25 students. Notably, admission to the Yale LLM requires a clear commitment from the applicant that he or she will seek a career in law academia, although word of mouth indicates that a miniscule number of places remain open to those highly qualified individuals holding promising leadership positions in public sector organisations. Due to its significantly low intake, Yale has been able to advertise their postgraduate programme as offering complete and ultimate flexibility for those applicants intending to pursue careers in teaching law and further scholarship. Yale ensures that LLM students have unhindered access to postgraduate versions of most subjects offered by the law school, with no specialisation requirement or recommended pathway for research. If you intend to practice law, rather than pursue a career in academia, perhaps Oxford or Cambridge’s more practical MLF/MCL programmes are more suitable.

Master of Laws (“LLM”) In substance, the Harvard LLM is every bit identical to its Yale counterpart and is sought after with the same ferocity by both international and U.S. students alike.The Harvard programme provides incoming international students with exposure to U.S. law, seminars from the preeminent legal scholars of our generation, and access to the largest academic law library in the world. Harvard students really are given unbridled personal choice in planning how they wish to structure their 9-month degree with over 250 law courses to choose from, including limited scope for taking a course from another Harvard faculty (non-legal).The silver lining of choosing Harvard’s LLM is two-fold. First, the assessment structure is uniquely flexible allowing students to choose between either writing the shorter ‘LLM paper’ (75-100 pages) on a specialised practice area they wish to pursue in a professional capacity and the more extensive ‘LLM thesis’ for those pursuing academic careers. Second, Harvard has arguably the single most extensive variety of extracurricular and co-curricular courses (not-forcredit) in the world. These range from workshops on legal writing and feminist approaches to law, to seminars on the intricate laws of chess in Cambridge, MA.

For more information see: http://www.law.yale.edu/ academics/llmprogram.htm

For more information see: http://www.law.harvard. edu/prospective/gradprogram/llm/

The Doctor of the Science of Law (“JSD”) Yale also offers a further one-year postgraduate degree available exclusively to highly gifted Yale LLM graduates. The JSD has an extremely rigorous application process, requiring students to transform into a scholar upon their submission of a ‘substantial’ dissertation and is probably only recommended to those students content to spend much of their adult lives in New Haven, Connecticut.

Doctor of Juridical Science (“SJD”) As you have already guessed the SJD is essentially Harvard’s JSD equivalent designed for aspiring legal academics seeking a sustained period of independent study. LLM graduation at Harvard is a pre-requisite, and the submission of a substantial dissertation and ‘oral defence’ of that dissertation is expected. In a similar vein to the LLM, the SJD tends to be made up of predominantly international students seeking to make themselves more marketable as academics or practitioners in their home countries. In the alternative many international students use their Boston residence to create a network of US professional references in the event that they are able to sit for the bar and gain admission to practice in some US jurisdictions.

For general postgraduate information see: http://www. law.yale.edu/admissions/graduateprogram.htm For scholarship information see: http://www.law.yale. edu/admissions/outsidescholarships.htm

For more information see: http://www.law.harvard. edu/academics/degrees/gradprogram/sjd/index.html For general postgraduate information see: http://www. law.harvard.edu/academics/degrees/gradprogram/ index.html ACADEMIA

Toolbox The Careers Beyond Law section of the Careers Handbook includes information on: • Blackstone’s Careers Events • Important Application Dates in 2016 • Networking Tips • Sample Cover Letters and Resumes • Frequently Asked Questions • Useful Links and Apps • UWA Student Societies • Career Pathways • A Glossary of Careers Terms

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2016 Careers Handbook

Blackstone Careers Toolbox Events, Opportunities and Other Information Blackstone holds a number of careers events throughout the year.We also promote various job opportunities and endeavour to provide students with relevant information. Everything the careers team does is designed to showcase possible career pathways and assist students in improving their employability so that they can get their dream job, whatever it may be. Perth Law Careers Fair This is a free annual event that UWA hosts jointly with Murdoch, Curtin, ECU and Notre Dame. All the major law firms, manegement consulting and accounting firms, and various government departments will be there. They come down to promote their workplaces, answer any questions you may have and give you freebies. Date: Time: Venue:

Tuesday 10 May 2016 12:00 - 3:00pm Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

Mid Year Careers Fair The Mid Year Careers Fair is a free annual event held in the Law Courtyard. All the major firms attend and it is right before clerkship applications are due. It is a great opportunity to fine tune your applications, meet firm representatives and get answers to those questions you’ll only think of once you’ve started the applicaiton process. Date: 2 August 2016 Time: 12:00 - 2:00pm Venue: TBC Clerkship Assistance During both Semester 1 and 2, there will be various career presentations run by law firm representatives, intended to assist students in improving their clerkship applications. Workshops will cover a range of common topics including cover letter and resume writing, networking and interview techniques. They’re a great resource so stay informed and don’t miss out! Career Nights Building on the Careers Handbook, we will host various presentations throughout the year run by industry professionals. These presentations will be followed by cocktails and networking opportunities. Firm Directory Mid way through Semester One, the Blackstone Careers team will be publishing the Firm Directory.This is a handy resource where you can find firm names, basic details and contact information. Check this out especially around clerkship application time. Stay Informed • Join Blackstone Opportunities on Facebook. It alerts members to all the events we run and any oppotunities we become aware of; from part time work to graduate employment. •

Visit our website (http://blackstone.asn.au/careers/). Here you can find the Careers Handbook, Firm Directory and current career opportunities.

•

Like the Blackstone Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/blackstonesociety).

TOOLBOX

Important Dates in 2016 Law OPPORTUNITY

STATE

APPLICATIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN CLOSE

OFFERS

Clerkship Applications (standard)

Monday 18 July 2016

5pm Friday 5 August 2016

Wednesday 21 September 2016

Clerkship Applications (standard)

VIC

Monday 11 July 2016

Sunday 14 August 2016

Tuesday 11 October 2016

Clerkship Applications (standard)

NSW

Wednesday 15 June 2016

Sunday 17 July 2016

Friday 23 September 2016

Clerkship Applications (standard)

QLD

Tuesday 1 March 2016

9am Monday 21 March 2016

Monday 9 May 2016

Clerkship Applications (standard)

Monday 21 March 2016

5pm Monday 11 April Monday 30 May 2016 2016

Only offered to participants in clerkship programs

This depends on the individual firm

Scheduled for JulyAugust 2016

Graduate Positions (priority offers)

VIC

Only offered to participants in clerkship programs

This depends on the individual firm

9-11 August 2016

Graduate Positions (priority offers)

NSW

Only offered to participants in clerkship programs

Friday 15 April 2016

Friday 10 June 2016

Graduate Positions (priority offers)

Consulting OPPORTUNITY

STATE

APPLICATIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN CLOSE

OFFERS

Azure Consulting Graduate Applications

Friday 12 February 2016

5pm (WST) Sunday 6 Soon after 6 March March 2016 2016

Bain & Company Graduate Applications

Monday 8 February 2016

5pm Thursday 3 March 2016

April - May 2016

BCG Graduate Applications

Early February 2016

5pm Wednesday 2 March 2016

April - May 2016

McKinsey & Company Graduate Applications

Wednesday 10 February 2016

Midnight Sunday 28 February 2016

April - May 2016

2016 Careers Handbook

Important Dates in 2016 (continued) Investment Banking OPPORTUNITY

STATE

APPLICATIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN CLOSE

OFFERS

Azure Capital Graduate Applications

Scheduled for April 2016

Conducted on a rolling basis

Azure Capital Internship Applications

Scheduled for June 2016

Conducted on a rolling basis

Citi Graduate Applications

Australia-wide

Opening soon

Sceduled for mid2016

Soon after closing date

Citi Summer Internship Applications

Australia-wide

Opening soon

Scheduled for mid2016

Soon after closing date

Goldman Sachs Graduate Applications

Australia-wide

Currently open

Goldman Sachs Summer Internship Applications

Australia-wide

Currently open

JP Morgan Graduate Applications

VIC/NSW

Opening soon

Scheduled for April 2016

Conducted on a rolling basis

JP Morgan Winter Internship Applications

VIC/NSW

Opening soon

Scheduled for April 2016

Conducted on a rolling basis

JP Morgan Summer Internship Applications

VIC/NSW

Opening soon

Scheduled for April 2016

Conducted on a rolling basis

Macquarie Graduate Applications

Australia-wide

Opening soon

Scheduled for April 2016

Conducted on a rolling basis

Macquarie Internsnship Applications

Australia-wide

Scheduled for May 2016

Scheduled mid-2016

Conducted on rolling basis

UBS Graduate Applications

Australia-wide

Opening mid-March 2016

12pm AEST Thursday Soon after 7 July 7 April 2016 2016

Australia-wide

Melbourne: 12pm Opening early June in AEST 7 July 2016 all locations Sydney/Perth: 12pm AEST 21 July 2016

UBS Internship Applications

TOOLBOX

12pm AEST Thursday 7 April 2016 Melbourne: 12pm AEST Thursday 7 July 2016 Sydney/Perth: 12pm AEST Thursday 21 July 2016

Soon after 7 July 2016

Soon after closing date

Accounting OPPORTUNITY

STATE

APPLICATIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN CLOSE

OFFERS

Deloitte Vacation and Graduate Applications

Australia-wide

Wednesday 17 February 2016

On rolling basis until all positions are filled

Ernst & Young Vacation and Graduate Applications

Australia-wide

Monday 15 February 2016

Thursday 31 March Conducted on a 2016 (7 April 2016 in rolling basis other states)

KPMG Vacation and Graduate Applications

Australia-wide

Monday 15 February 2016

12am AEST Sunday 27 March 2016

PWC Graduate Applications

Australia-wide

On a rolling basis Opening March 2016 until all positions are filled

Conducted on a rolling basis

PwC Vacation Applications

Australia-wide

Monday 29 February 2016

Conducted on a rolling basis

Thursday 31 March 2016

Conducted on a rolling basis

Government OPPORTUNITY Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Graduate Applications Australian Government Solicitor - Graduate Applications Aurora Internship Applications (Winter 2016 internship)

STATE

APPLICATIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN CLOSE

OFFERS

Australia-wide

Policy Graduate Program: 18 February 2016 Management Graduate Program: 3 March 2016

Policy Graduate Program: 22 March 2016 Management Graduate Program: 29 March 2016

June/July 2016

Australia-wide

Tuesday 1 March 2016

Friday 15 April 2016

June/July 2016

Australia-wide

9am AEDT Monday 7 5pm AEDT Friday 1 March 2016 April 2016

Department of Treasury WA 4-6 week long internship

Opening soon

Scheduled for May 2016

May 2016 Conducted on a rolling basis

All WA government vacancies are advertised on the WA Government Job Board: see www.jobs.wa.gov.au

* All dates are correct as of the date of publication. It is essential to double-check all dates closer to the closing dates.

2016 Careers Handbook

Networking Tips Networking is one of those nebulous concepts that many people think they should be doing but don’t know where to start. For students, networking is largely about making a good impression with people who can furnish you with advice, a reference and maybe even some work experience. Building a network of professional contacts is an easy and effective way to prepare oneself for a career whilst still studying. Kick start your professional network today!

A Four-Step Guide to Getting Started: 1. Have a clear goal •

Be able to articulate exactly what it is you hope to learn in one or two sentences. For example acquire new information, build new relationships, eliminate a certain position from your possibilities list.

•

Use those goals as the basis of your initial contact

2. Perfect your focus •

Know who you are, what you want, and what you have to offer. Practice explaining it with precision.

•

A great way to perfect your focus is by preparing an ‘elevator pitch’ of yourself. An elevator pitch should briefly summarise your relevant aspirations, experience and any other interesting or relevant facts about yourself.

3. Put yourself out there •

Once you have perfected your focus, the onus is on you to put yourself out there! Get involved with online networking, mentoring schemes or societies. Use your focus and goals to make educated decisions about which networking schemes are right for you. For some networking schemes to get you started, see below.

4. Follow up and follow through •

Do your homework on the person, the industry and recent matters they may have been engaged in. Follow up initial introductions with an email and always be respectful. For advice on sending follow up emails, see ‘After the networking event’ below.

TOOLBOX

Networking Schemes

What is it? • LinkedIn is a social networking website that connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful. With more than 300 million members worldwide, including executives from every Fortune 500 company, LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network on the internet. What are the benefits? • Gives you a professional presence online and provides a point of reference when applying for volunteer work, clerkships and jobs. •

Provides you with recent news and business updates of your connections.

•

Keeps you connected with other students, work colleagues and former/prospective employers allowing you to form strategic alliances based on your desired career-pathway.

•

Gives you email alerts to notify you of recommended jobs.

How do I get involved? • It is free to create a LinkedIn profile. During the set-up process, LinkedIn will automatically suggest connections based on your email contacts and address book. Once you have created a profile, update it with your relevant experience, skills, interests, organizations and achievements. A simple search of one of your friends will allow you to begin connecting with people you know. Create an account now at www.linkedin.com

What is it? • GradConnection is a free platform that lets you choose exactly what industry opportunities you want to hear about, and delivers them straight to your inbox. You can research the companies on the site, talk to other graduates in the forums, and be found by employers viewing your GradConnection student profile. What are the benefits? • Free to create a profile, or you can register through Facebook and automatically connect with your Facebook friends. •

Create and update your profile so that employers can discover you and invite you to their graduate program.

•

Receive email updates on relevant employment opportunities based on your degree and graduation date.

•

Employers run active forum sessions for students that allow you to speak directly to representatives from their graduate careers team.

How do I get involved? • There are 217,380 students registered with GradConnection worldwide. It is quick and easy to create a profile based on your degree, university and current city. To create a profile, register at http://au.gradconnection. com/register/

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2016 Careers Handbook

Networking Etiquette Preparing for a networking event • Silence your phone, its a trap. A vibrating phone can be very distracting during a conversation. •

Mind map possible questions and have a think about how you might answer them. Do some research and have some topical conversation to contribute. If the event is a speech/issue specific, have a thorough understanding of current news and issues.

•

Having something to say that can politely extricate you from a situation can be very useful

•

“Please excuse me. I need to ask Hayley something before she leaves. It has been nice talking to you.”

•

“Do you mind if I grab your contact details? I should try to talk to other people in the room before they leave. It’s been great talking to you.”

•

Prepare an elevator pitch.

During a networking event • Work your way around the room - break out of your comfort zone. •

Enter groups decisively and do not loiter at the edges of the group.

•

Make sure you introduce yourself when you enter the group - they don’t know who you are, but don’t kill or change the conversation.

•

Make sure you listen actively. A good rule of thumb is 80% listening and 20% speaking.

•

Ask open questions to allow for the conversation to evolve.

•

After introductions, start the conversation with a social topic. Try to avoid jumping straight into questions such as ‘what average do I need to get a clerkship interview’. Topics such as travel, sports and food are a good way to start the conversation.

•

As the conversation evolves you could ask questions which relate more to their career and professional experience.

•

If you have agreed to exchange information, introduce the other person to someone, give a recommendation, give the other person access to something or invite them to an event make sure you exchange contact details. Politely ask for their business card and/or email address.

•

Make sure they are comfortable and willing to give you their contact details. If the other persons seems reluctant try not to take it personally, professionals are very busy and they may not have the time.

After a networking event • When deciding whether to follow up with a new contact, reflect on the conversation and whether they can offer you a benefit and vice-versa •

When following up make sure the subject line contains a trigger for the conversation/event and the body includes whatever you decided to exchange at the event. For example, if you decided to invite them to an event make sure the email includes a link to the event

•

Remember, the aim of professional networking is a long-term relationship. Networking for immediate or shortterm returns is unlikely to be fruitful from a career point of view.

•

When emailing for the first time, always use a professional manner. In the instance that you receive a reply that is more casual than your initiating communication, this may indicate that the person is more comfortable with you using an informal manner. In any case, it is always better to start professionally and adapt your manner depending on how your contact reacts.

TOOLBOX

101

Sample Law Cover Letter Kindly annotated by Norton Rose Fullbright Sample Cover Letter

Harvey Specter 1 Suits Road Mosman Park WA 6012 0439 300 520 harveyspecter@gmail.com

ATT: XYZ HR Manager Mid-Tier & Associates Level 50, 1 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Dear XYZ Re: 2016/2017 clerkship applications I am in my penultimate year of my postgraduate Juris Doctor for law at the University of Western Australia. In order to complement my studies, I am interested in gaining experience in the legal profession and, in this regard, I would like to be considered for a place in Mid-Tier & Associates’s clerkship program during the summer of 2016/17. I have always been interested in pursuing a career in commercial law and I have endeavoured to supplement my university studies accordingly. During the semester and the previous holidays, I was employed as a paralegal at Law Firm A. In my time at Law Firm A, I was exposed to commercial legal practice, in particular, gaining experience in lodging documents, liaising with clients, legal research and drafting legal documents. I have also been involved in legal competitions at university such as negotiation and mediation and mooting in order to develop the skills required for commercial practice. I believe my strong work ethic and experience in positions of responsibility separates me from other candidates. My peers have also elected me as a careers representative on the Blackstone Law Student’s Society which shows that I am can relied and trusted upon. My volunteering work at the Community Legal Centre have also made me an effective communicator in professional and social environments. I believe my commitments to extra-curricular activities have provided me a balanced outlook that is well suited to the dynamic environment of commercial legal practice. A clerkship at Mid-Tier & Associates would be an invaluable opportunity for me to further develop my experiences in the legal profession. I believe there is wealth of knowledge to be gained from the diversity of your employees, offices

102

2016 Careers Handbook

Comment [NRFA1]: All of these details must be correct – a quick google search will ensure you have the correct spelling, address and contact details of the organisation you are applying to. Comment [NRFA2]: Don’t forget to update the correct name here as well!

Comment [NRFA3]: Instead of clerkship applications a specific title here will be appropriate ie “Clerkship Application to firm X” Comment [NRFA4]: This is redundant and unnecessarily wordy. Comment [NRFA5]: As above.

Comment [NRFA6]: This whole section could be reduced to one sentence focussed on the key points – interest in the firm’s clerkship, and eligibility to apply to the program.

Comment [NRFA7]: Elaborate on “been involved” – did you enjoy the competitions? Has it sparked some interest in a particular area of the law? Comment [NRFA8]: Unfortunately you will be competing with lots of other candidates in this position – this is a vague statement and doesn’t add a lot of value. Comment [NRFA9]: This is a broad, sweeping statement. Try and be specific about what it is that attracts you to the law and why you are suitable. Comment [NRFA10]: As above.

Sample Law Cover Letter (continued) Kindly annotated by Norton Rose Fullbright

Sample Cover Letter

and areas of practice. I am particularly attracted to Mid-Tier & Associates’ balance between excellence in the profession and support of community based initiatives. I believe this balanced working environment will allow me to develop into a well-rounded young professional. I would greatly appreciate the consideration of my application for a clerkship at Mid-Tier & Associates and look forward to hearing from you. Please find attached a copy of my curriculum vitae and academic transcript for your consideration. Yours sincerely, Harvey Specter

TOOLBOX

Comment [NRFA11]: Specific firm information might be useful here if included in the right context.

Comment [NRFA12]: Avoid being too repetitive with above – but a few words thanking the reader for their consideration can be a nice way to end your letter.

Comment [NRFA13]: These words are redundant if you’re applying via portal or email (not physically mailing your covering letter). Comment [NRFA14]: Although it can vary from reader to reader, most suggest a cover letter needs to be one page or less.

103

Sample Law Resume Kindly annotated by Norton Rose Fullbright

Sample Resume

Name: Date of Birth: Address: Contacts:

RESUME PERSONAL DETAILS

Harvey Specter 01 January 1994 1 Suits Road, Mosman Park 6012 Mobile: 0412345678 Email: harveyspecter@gmail.com

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY January 2016 Mike Ross & Associates Position: Three-week full time vacation clerk; Corporate Team This involved attending client meetings and direct client interactions, drafting legal documents and various research tasks. July 2015 – Present Law Firm A Position: Paralegal This job comprises of preparing discovery, drafting correspondence with clients and filing and lodging Court documents July 2014 – November 2014 School of Law, University of Western Australia Position: Tutor Tutored 3 classes a week in LAWS 1101 Introduction to Law and assisted in marking exams and assignments. July 2011 - June 2015 Jessica’s Café Position: Barista and waiter This position included opening and closing the café, taking customer orders and payments, making coffees and serving food and drinks

104

2016 Careers Handbook

Comment [NRFA1]: This layout is very bland. Personal details could be more dynamically displayed – effective resumes can utilise headers, tables, or underscores to emphasise important details or titles. It’s also a good idea to utilise headers and footers for important information (your name or number in every page) and page numbers if necessary (over 2 pages).

Comment [NRFA2]: The “Name” “Date of birth” “address” and “contacts” here is unnecessary and the information should be the focus. As above, these details could be organised in a more interesting way. Comment [NRFA3]: Alternative terminology here could be ‘Experience’ Comment [NRFA4]: Again, the formatting here is very bland. The organisation and position should be emphasised first. The word ‘position’ is redundant here.

Comment [NRFA5]: These descriptions are not listed clearly. Bullet points or other formatting would be better. Ensure examples are succinct and specific, where possible.

Sample Law Resume (continued) Kindly annotated by Norton Rose Fullbright

Sample Resume 2015 – Present 2012 – 2014 2002 – 2011

EDUCATION

Comment [NRFA6]: If you’re applying for a position straight out of university, it’s a good idea to list your education and other scholastic achievements before your experience.

University of Western Australia Juris Doctor GPA 5.8, WAM 68.8%

Comment [NRFA7]: Expected completion of your course is a must.

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Commerce – majoring in Business Law and Accounting GPA 6.10, WAM 72.3%

Pearson Specter Litt Senior High School Western Australian Certificate of Education; Certificate of Excellence Australian Tertiary Admission Rank: 96.00 SKILLS

Leadership Skills • 2011 House Vice-Captain • 2011 School Prefect • 2010 Peer Support Leader • 2010 Preparatory School Mentor Volunteering Skills • 2014 Ignite Mentoring • 2008 – 2011 Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal • 2007 Volunteer Tennis Coach, Local Club Miscellaneous Skills • Fluent in Chinese speaking • Moderate experience with all Microsoft Office application REFERENCES Mike Ross Jessica Pearson Partner, Mike Ross & Associates Teacher (08) 9123 4567 (08) 6123 4567

TOOLBOX

Comment [NRFA8]: Tailor your headings and subheadings to your personal experience and skill set. Have you written articles? If so, put them under a “Publications” section. Have you been involved in the community? Put these under a “Community Engagement” section.

Comment [NRFA9]: To add life and colour to your achievements or skills, and where it may not be obvious, a short description might be appropriate – ie “assisted new students settle into school by facilitating weekly activities with other students”.

Comment [NRFA10]: As above, ‘miscellaneous’ is not a good choice of heading. Comment [NRFA11]: If you’re going to display a language skill, ensure you specify the dialect and fluency, ie “fluent Mandarin speaker, intermediate written skills”

105

Sample Law Cover Letter Kindly annotated by Azure Consulting

Professional Services Firm 101 223 New York Street New York City, NY 1000

Bart Simpson 742 Evergreen Terrace Springfield WA 6019 +61234567890 bart.simpson123@gmail.com

To whom it may concern, APPLICATION FOR SUMMER VACATION PROGRAM

Comment [MB1]: Where possible name the intended recipient, or at least the role; you should be able to find this from the firm’s website

My name is Bart Simpson and I wish to apply for the vacation program at Professional Services Firm 101 for the Summer 2016/17 period. I am a hard-working, conscientious and motivated student currently in my fifth year of a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (Corporate Finance) double-degree at the University of Springfield. My interest in applying for the vacationer program with Professional Services Firm 101 derives from the excellent reputation the firm enjoys across the global financial services sector. Professional Services Firm 101 is known for its trusted advisors, in various areas of expertise, to the most influential businesses, governments and non-profits across the world. As well as its well-known brand in the market place, several other factors have attracted me to Professional Services Firm 101 including its adherence to giving back to the wider community through its corporate responsibility. My own social conscience is best exemplified by my voluntary work abroad. In 2011 and 2013 I assisted small villages, orphanages and hospitals throughout Indonesia and India, helping those less privileged than myself. Professional Services Firm 101’s pro bono engagements, with partners like ‘Charity Number 1 America and micro-financing specialist ‘Good Finance’, speaks volumes about its commitment to the community and is something that I admire and wish to be part of. I believe that I have developed the personal attributes and technical skills that would benefit Professional Services Firm 101. These have been fostered by a multitude of vacation and employment experiences I have benefited in the legal and financial services industries. I believe I am ready-to-wear my experiences in the legal and financial services industries. For almost two years I balanced my full time studies with part time work at a boutique commercial law firm in Springfield. I was provided with a unique opportunity to develop my legal and commercial skills outside university. I met the work with enthusiasm and a desire to learn which helped me to overcome the challenges I faced in my position. I have adopted a very focused approach to my studies with an TER of 97.65 and maintaining a Distinction average at university. I have balanced my studies and work by being actively involved in the ABC Amateurs Football club over the last three years. During my time at the club I have captained the A-Colts side and represented both Reserve and League teams. Football has assisted me in the development of my own interpersonal and leadership skills and has taught me the importance of working together as a team - a value I feel would resonate at Professional Services Firm 101. Thank you for considering me as an applicant. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to further discuss my application. Yours Sincerely, Bart Simpson.

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2016 Careers Handbook

Comment [MB2]: This is quite generic; where possible tailor the response to that of the firm to leave the reader in a position to believe that the applicant truly wants to work at this firm above all others. Comment [MB3]: This appears as if it were possibly taken from the firm’s own website. At worst the statement makes the applicant appear lazy; at best the statement adds nothing to the application, so take it out. The objective of the covering letter is to introduce yourself and present your case as to why you should be considered for the role – don’t tell the reader things they already know

Comment [MB4]: Stick to statements of fact. The belief of the applicant isn’t helpful to the task of the reader to determine whether the applicant is deserving of an interview. Comment [MB5]: Delete this comment; it doesn’t add anything to Bart’s desirability as an applicant, and at worst the reader will mentally respond with “I hope so, given they are applying for a job here”. Avoid generic, bland statements like this. Comment [MB6]: Avoid subjective, difficult to verify statements like “I worked with enthusiasm” etc. Comment [MB7]: Avoid open ended or curious statements like this. The reader is left wondering “what challenges….I wonder what happened?” rather than being impressed by the force of the suitability of the writer for the role. Comment [MB8]: The firm invariably has selection criteria. Make sure the application clearly specifies how the recipient meets those criteria Comment [MB9]: Avoid generic statements like this. You could insert any client name into this sentence. Further, the applicant has already mentioned that they were captain of the team, which is sufficient to demonstrate leadership skills.

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Sample Commerce Resume Kindly annotated by Azure Consulting

Bart Simpson

742 Evergreen Terrace, Springfield WA 6019 +6123456789 bart.simpson123@gmail.com

Education 2012-Present

University of Springfield Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) (majoring in Corporate Finance) I am in my penultimate year of study, expecting to graduate at the end of 2017.

2014

Yankees College As part of University of Springfield’s Study Abroad Program, I took classes in Corporate and Investment Finance, two of which were Masters of Business Administration classes, in the Yankees School of Management during Fall Semester at Yankees College (New York, USA).

2007-2011

Springfield Elementary TEE Subjects: Applicable Mathematics, Calculus, English Literature, Economics and History. ATAR: 97.65 Springfield State Prize in Economics (2011). Subject First Prize in Calculus (2011) & Economics (2011) Leadership: Head Prefect of the College (2011), First XIII Football Captain (2011).

Comment [MB1]: As a general rule, avoid Times New Roman as a font. Recruiters are screening hundreds of CVs, and TNR is the most common CV font. Pick a font that is classic and professional, but stands out (eg Garamond, Helvetica) Comment [MB2]: It is useful to include here the WAM of each of your courses; it makes it convenient for the reviewer rather than having to go to the academic record and make the connection.

Comment [MB3]: TEE was a long time ago, and much water has flown under the bridge; the ATAR is a useful (but not sufficient) metric, but I don’t see the need to outline which TEE subjects you studied

Professional Experience 02/2015

Vacation Clerkship: Top Tax Lawyers Springfield Advised lawyers on a number of tax, estate and succession, and superannuation matters. Responsibilities included: drafting internal research memorandums, client letters and emails.

12/2014

Vacation Internship: Globe Finance Completed a vacation placement in Globe Fiance’s Pricing team. I worked within a group that helps multinational corporations structure their intercompany transactions within ‘arms’-length’ band so as to reduce global tax and pricing risks. I was exposed to: transfer pricing planning and documentation, dispute resolution matters, business model optimization.

02/2014

Volunteer: Santa’s Little Legal Helpers – Criminal Appeals I helped prepare applications for special leave to appeal for criminal appellants. Responsibilities included: drafting research memorandums, preparing and filing court documentation, discovery and other administrative duties.

2012-2014

Part-Time Employment: Lionel Hutz Law – Legal Clerk I balanced full-time studies with part-time work as a legal clerk at a boutique commercial litigation firm. Responsibilities included: drafting letters and research memorandums, assistance at court hearings, preparing and filing court documentation, settlement and conveyancing services, general administrative and secretarial duties.

2009-2011

Comment [MB4]: Typos are a “no no”; the document instantly loses credibility in the eyes of the reader as it implies that the writer didn’t value it enough to check. Comment [MB5]: Get the punctuation and grammar right. Little things like this let the resume down.

Comment [MB6]: It would be helpful to give an indication of the quantum of PT work. Was it 4 hours a week or 24 hours a week? The amount of PT work undertaken helps provide a framework to assess academic results within

Sales Assistant: Moe’s Bottle Shop Responsible for opening and closing the shop, providing advice to high-spend clients, organising wine-tasting and sales drives.

Extra-Curricular Activities 2014

2013

108

Springfield Investment Bank Challenge Awarded first prize in the State Final of the Springfield Investment Bank Challenge. Our team provided advice to takeover and target companies using valuation models, economic and financial statistics to determine an appropriate takeover strategy.

Comment [MB7]: The reader is not interested in what your team did; the applicant should specify what they did.

Big Dog Law Firm Trial Advocacy Competition: ‘Semi Finalist’ In this simulated trial, I acted as counsel representing the prosecution or the defendant. The competition gave me exposure to the rules of evidence and enhanced my skills in oral persuasive argument.

Comment [MB8]: This is better

2016 Careers Handbook

Sample Commerce Resume (continued) Kindly annotated by Azure Consulting

2011 & 2013

2008-2015

Voluntary Work Indonesia & India Provided relief to school teachers in small villages, in orphanages and medical institutions throughout Indonesia and India. I have since raised over $8000 for an orphanage in ‘Light Home’ Orphanage in Mumbai. Other Voluntary Activities Participated in ‘University Picnic for Kiddies’, annual Springfield Heart Foundation Marathons, and am a founding member of the Springfield College Law Club Society.

Comment [MB9]: It would be more useful to give the name of the organisation that you worked with to give greater comfort that this experience is real, given that names can be checked/verified. Providing a vague and open statement like this is actually difficult to verify.

Hobbies & Interests 2012-2015

ABC Amateurs Football Club Represented the A-Grade Colts (captain), Reserves (captain) and League teams.

2011-2015

Springfield Shredders Active member of Springfield Shredders recreational gym.

2010 & 2011

Languages

Springfield School Sports Association Member and Captain of Springfield Elementary First XIII Football Team.

English (Native proficiency)

Comment [MB10]: This is not really relevant to the application, and doesn’t help distinguish the applicant from other applicants Comment [MB11]: As a general rule, what happened in high school should stay in high school. What you chose to do within a framework of organized activities is less relevant than how you chose to allocate your free time as an adult – unless, potentially, you had some kind of leadership position that can attest to your character

Spanish (Elementary proficiency)

Referees Lionel Hutz

Moe Szyslak

Principal of Lionel Hutz Law 0411 111 111

Comment [MB12]: This is a good referee, as it is a relationship that spans a number of years and provides a better judge of character than a short clerkship would. As a general rule, only specify referees if requested by the firm.

Owner of Moe’s Bottle Shop 0422 222 222

TOOLBOX

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Sample Government Cover Letter Kindly annotated by Benjamin Tomasi

19 October 2015 000 Hay Street Perth WA 6000 Marty McFly 1 Sunshine Way, Nedlands, WA 6000 email@gmail.com.au 0404 000 555

Comment [BT1]: On the whole, nothing in this letter stands out. Keep in mind that the people sorting them will see hundreds. Make yours interesting! Dot points are a good tool. For example: Three primary reasons motivate this application: •A •B •C

Dear Mr Brown,

Deleted: Emmett

Application for paralegal position

Comment [BT2]: Mr is more formal.

In support of my application for the State Solicitor’s Office paralegal position I include a copy of my CV and academic transcript.

Comment [BT3]: This is an abrupt way to start a letter. Remember, this letter is the first thing your prospective employer reads. Try: -Please accept this letter and attachments as my application for position X.

Deleted: Re:

I am in my penultimate year of the Juris Doctor at the University of Western Australia. From 2012-2014 I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society and Communication Media and was awarded the UWA Graduates Prize in 2014. I have enjoyed various other opportunities, including taking on leadership positions and studying abroad. In 2014 I was awarded a scholarship from the Department of Foreign Affairs to study Communications at the University of Singapore. I have developed strong interpersonal and organisational skills in my roles as a UWA mentor for international, first year, mature age and pre-law students, as the Blackstone Law Society Education Representative and as a committee member of my local government youth advisory council. My employment experiences include working in the office of Ms Jennifer Parker MP. This role included arranging meetings, drafting official documents including letters and speeches, sorting mail, diary management, filing, photocopying, and research. During this time I assisted with work relating to newly settled refugees, local schools, legal matters, local and state government, and the local community. This experience has helped me hone my research, writing and drafting skills and allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of government departments and agencies. In addition, I have worked as a legal assistant at Community Legal Centre A. This has helped expand my knowledge of the law and developed my skills in a professional legal environment. I have also participated in legal skills competitions such as Open Mooting and Negotiation in order to develop the skills needed in a commercial practice environment. I believe I can not only meaningfully contribute to, but learn from, the invaluable experience offered at the State Solicitors Office.

Deleted: o Comment [BT4]: Make sure you get the name of the place you're applying correct. This goes for all applications. Comment [BT5]: The majority of paragraphs start with 'I' or 'my'. Of course, you are talking about yourself. However, this gets mindnumbingly repetitive. Deleted: of Law Comment [BT6]: Make sure you get the name of your course right. Details matter! You can also abbreviate. People know what a JD or LL.B. is. Comment [BT7]: If you have a good academic record or have won prizes, this is a good place to highlight it. In my experience, this is extremely important when applying to the SSO. Comment [BT8]: This is good; be specific. What leadership positions? Comment [BT9]: This is all fairly irrelevant. Just say 'law students'. Words matter, and you only have a page worth of them. Don't waste any. Comment [BT10]: …sounds boring! Don't list things like this. Be snappier. Comment [BT11]: This is good! Highlight why you have an interest in working in government.

Comment [BT12]: Working in government legal practice is not like a 'commercial practice environment'. It's critically important to emphasise why you want to work in public law. Comment [BT13]: A personal bugbear is meaningless phrases like this. It does not tell the reader anything about you.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application and I look forward to your response. I can be contracted on 0404 000 555.

Deleted: I t

Yours faithfully,

Comment [BT15]: Faithfully for somebody you don't know. Good rule of thumb: if you start with Dear Ms X or Mr Y, use faithfully. If you start with a first name, sincerely is fine.

Marty McFly

Deleted: sincerely

110

Comment [BT14]: Unless the person can offer employment by text, check your spelling!

Deleted:

2016 Careers Handbook

Sample Government Resume Kindly annotated by Benjamin Tomasi

Curriculum Vitae: Marty McFly

1 Sunshine Way, Nedlands, WA 6000 DOB: 01/01/1991 | email@gmail.com.au | 0404 000 555 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS • 2015 University of Western Australia Graduates Prize Recipient • 2014 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Scholarship Recipient to Singapore University EDUCATION

Comment [BT1]: It would be worth putting your high school education too. One line is sufficient.

2010 – 2014

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Arts Course weighted average mark: 70% GPA: 5.8

2015- Present

University of Western Australia Juris DoctorCourse weighted average mark: 70% GPA: 5.8

Comment [BT2]: I would organise this so it goes in reverse chronological order. It makes more sense, and is consistent with the other sections. Comment [BT3]: Again, get the name of your degree right. Deleted: of Law

LEGAL EXPERIENCE Legal Community Centre, July 2015 Work Experience and Mentoring Program

Comment [BT4]: What did you actually do? Some dot points would be useful.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY – PROFESSIONAL Assistant to Ms. Jennifer Parker, Feb – June 2015 Electoral Office • Drafting official documents including letters and speeches, liaising with constituents, undertaking policy research, volunteering and community engagement. Bartender, Jan 2009 – Jan 2014 Function Event and Service Staff • Customer service, events and function organization. Perth Public Relations, March 2013 Public Relations and Event Management • Working with media and event staff, press release drafting and publishing, prepare events and other miscellaneous administrative tasks.

EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERING • Volunteer Indigenous Community Program/Education Assistant Broome and Cable Beach Primary School, Nov-Dec 2011 o In conjunction with six other volunteers, organise and run a school program for Indigenous and in need children aged between 7 and 11. • ASeTTS Refugee Family Volunteer Tutor, from Aug 2015 • University of Western Australia Debating Team, 2013-2015 • University of Western Australia Netball Team, 2015 INTERESTS • Native title, administrative law, commercial law, government sector, and litigation. • Cultural activities, including visiting art galleries, museums and learning about history, and • Travelling and experiencing new cultures, landscapes and food.

Comment [BT5]: This is the appropriate place to put the detail, not your cover letter. I would suggest fleshing this out a little. Comment [BT6]: I would not describe this as a professional job. That's fine, but don't put the qualification in the heading of this section.

Comment [BT7]: Have you competed in any legal competitions? In the cover letter, being on Blackstone in some capacity was mentioned. Those things ought to be included.

Comment [BT8]: Quaere whether this is experience or volunteering. Might be more appropriate in interests.

Comment [BT9]: Don't make things up or stretch the truth. Who on Earth would list 'litigation' as an interest, unless they are talking about enjoying Boston Legal/Suits? This section is for things you like doing beyond the law!

REFEREES Professor C, Discipline Chair, School of Law, University of Western Australia +61 00 000 000 | email@uwa.edu.au Mrs. M, Manager of Bartenders-are-us 9000 0000 | email@gmail.com

TOOLBOX

Comment [BT10]: If you can, use a professional referee. Would Ms Jennifer Parker be willing to provide a reference? If so, that would be better.

111

Frequently Asked Questions Clerkships A clerkship is a 2-3 week placement in a law firm. It is an opportunity to gain insight into what practical legal work is like and find the firm that suits you best. They’re very important if you aim to work at one of the Top-Tier firms because these firms tend to only hire graduates that have completed a clerkship with them. It is also critical to note that completing a clerkship placement does not guarantee a graduate position at the firm. Undertaking the clerkship process for the first time can be a daunting task. In an attempt to assist you we’ve compiled answers to FAQ’s by industry proffessionals. Further queries can be addressed to the Careers Vice-President at careersvp@ blackstone.asn.au

Application Stage When do I apply? • Most applications open 18 July 2016 and close at 5pm on 5 August 2016. • Some firms may be different, so make sure you check our Firm Directory on the Blackstone website! • Also, know where you want to apply before applications open becuase they take an inordinate amount of time to complete. • Students should also be aware that the process drags on into Semester Two and is a big time commitment. Do I need to be a penultimate-year student to apply? • No. Applying when you’re not in your penultimate year is beneficial for you. It’s good practice and you can learn from all your mistakes for next time. And when you apply again, it shows that you really want to work there. I’m not really sure what area of law I want to practice in yet, or if a career in law is right for me.Where should I start, and how should I get the ball rolling? • Very few people know what they want to end up doing when they’re at Uni. Start by asking yourself what you actually want. What interests you? What do you find exciting? What would you prefer to avoid? • Come to Blackstone Careers Evenings and actually read the articles we’ve sourced! • Clerkships are a good way of getting a better idea of whether a career in law is right for you. Keep an open mind and you’ll get the most out of the experience. • Consult as widely as you can and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Start by talking to friends and family, research the firms and talk to firm representatives. The Blackstone Firm Directory should give you a better idea of how to distinguish the firms. Think about whether you’d like to work at a big international firm with a great reputation, or a smaller firm where you’ll get more responsibility early on and get to know everyone in the office. • Then prepare a list of places you’d like to apply. If you feel like you have no idea, apply for numerous firms. It’s not uncommon for students to apply to 15-20 different firms. The legal market is tough right now, so you’re increasing your chances if you apply to multiple firms. • The next step is to refine your resume and start writing your cover letters. See below for more tips, and check out our sample letters and resumes in the toolbox. What if the clerkship process isn’t for me? • One particular path may not be particularly suited to you. Clerkships are only one way of getting experience to aid in your future career choice. There are plenty of other internships and opportunities available, there’s a huge amount of opportunity out there, just apply. • Don’t let yourself get trapped by the law school mentality that clerkships are the only legitimate pathway – they are most definitely not. Studying law is a great stepping-stone to heaps of different jobs and careers. 112

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Frequently Asked Questions Clerkships What is CV Mail and how does CV Mail work? • CV Mail is an online platform that stores your application data so that you can save time when completing multiple applications. It means that you only have to complete the firm-specific parts of the application, like why you want to work for that firm specifically. It’s very easy to use, but does take a lot of time the first time you use it, so factor this in to your schedule! How do I prepare a cover letter? What should it include? • There is no set format for a good cover letter, but it should ‘sell your story’. A great cover letter will show off your achievements and focus quite heavily on why you want to work at a specific firm. • Make sure you state what year of study you’re in and when you intend to graduate. • A cover letter must not be more than one page. • If you have a particular interest in an area of law which you know the firm specialises in, make mention of this. On that note make sure you research firms thoroughly. • It’s also recommended to get your family and friends to proof read your cover letters. Your cover letter needs to appeal to as many people as possible. I have no directly relevant experience on my CV.Will this put me at a disadvantage? • No. Most students will not have worked in a law firm before applying for clerkships. It’s important to emphasise the experience you do have, and how the skills and expertise you have acquired from this experience are applicable to the position you’re applying for. • For example hospitality, retail and other service industries are highly valued. Law is also a service-based profession. Your retail job may have given you the interpersonal skills necessary to ascertain the needs of a client in order to provide high-quality, personalised service. • Think about the role you are applying for and the skills firms are looking for. Prepare your cover letter and resume in a way that shows the reader you have the skills of experience they are looking for. • Don’t pad out your resume to make it look more impressive. It is far more important to focus on your strengths and achievements that will distinguish you from other candidates. • Resume should be clear and concise. Present your work experience and education from most current and work backwards. The best resume’s are maximum two pages in length. • Have a look at our sample cover letters and resumes above. Various HR representatives have put a lot of time into them - we think there’re very helpful. To whom should I address my cover letter and application? • In most instances, the application will advise you to address your cover letter and/or application to a specific person in the firm. In some instances this may be the Office Manager or Head of Human Resources. In others, in may be a Partner or Principal of the firm. • If you’re unsure, call the firm and ask. Make sure you make a personalised cover letter becuase if you don’t it advertises that you haven’t researched the firm. Should I manage my social media presence during the application process? • Yes, to be safe. We don’t have proof that firms check Facebook profiles and the like, but if you’re worried, change your name, your Facebook URL, ‘censor’ your photos and posts, or even deactivate your account for a couple of weeks.

TOOLBOX

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Frequently Asked Questions Clerkships

Interview Stage When should I expect to hear if I’ve been offered an interview? • There’s no set date. However, don’t expect firms to start contacting you for at least a couple of weeks after the application deadline. Firms will gradually start calling and emailing students that they wish to interview. How should I prepare for an interview? • As a starter Check Lawyers Weekly, the New Lawyer, the Financial Review and similar websites for information on recent transactions of the firm you are interviewing at to give yourself an edge. An example of how this may be useful is, “I am particularly interested in the disputes practice of X firm, especially the recent transaction of X I read about”. • Know your resume well and be able to talk about everything listed on it.The interviewer will ask you questions from it. • Prepare ‘stories’ based on your experiences that you can use to answer behavioral questions. • Read the firm’s brochure or visit their homepage. Talk to people who work at the firm or have worked there as a seasonal clerk to get a feel for what to expect. • Look out for upcoming careers fairs or seminars to talk to firm representatives. • Make a list of questions that are likely to be asked. Prepare answers to these questions that demonstrate desireable skills based on experiences you’ve had. What is an ‘elevator pitch’? • An elevator pitch is essentially a 30 second answer to the question “tell us a little bit about yourself ”. Some professionals are known to write and memorise their elevator pitch, and update it regularly. It’s good preparation to know exactly what you’d say to this question in an interview. Make it engaging, and use it to highlight some of your strengths and key achievements. Will I know who is interviewing me? • Maybe. Some firms will let you know. If they don’t, and you would prefer to know, it’s not impolite to give them a call and ask. However, don’t be surprised if they don’t know yet – in a lot of cases the firm will figure out who is free to conduct interviews the week of. • If you are told who will be interviewing you, make sure you do some research on the person interviewing you. Know their background, their expertise, where they have worked previously, any of their extra-curricular activities, where they studied etc. This will make it easier for you to connect with your interviewer during the interview. Most information is available from Linkedin, the firm’s website, and Google search. Is presentation important? • Yes. This is by and large common sense. It’s not hard to dress well - shine your shoes, pick a professional outfit and do your best to look the part. • Make sure you have a firm handshake (girls, you too) and remain composed.Your handshake must remain consistent amongst females and males and not doing so might cost you the job! The firm representatives expect you to be nervous but you’ll impress them if you appear calm and collected. If you stumble or make a mistake don’t let it bog you down. • Most of all, be yourself! 114

2016 Careers Handbook

LAUNCH. JOIN THE GAME-CHANGERS OF AUSTRALIAN LAW If you share our ambition to be the best, Gilbert + Tobin will place you on that trajectory. We employ a diverse mix of talented and ambitious people who are attracted to the firm because of its entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach and capacity for change. These are the reasons we enjoy a reputation as the most successful corporate law firm to emerge in Australia in many years. We advise many of Australia’s and the world’s leading organisations and focus on the most dynamic sectors. Our clients and projects span Australia, Asia and emerging African markets.

Our Perth office employs some of Australia’s leading practitioners in:

+ Corporate Advisory + Energy + Resources + Litigation. We also practice in the following areas nationally:

+ Banking + Infrastructure + Competition + Regulation + Intellectual Property + Pro Bono + Real Estate + Projects + TMT + Project Services.

If you want to work for a first-tier corporate law firm, and you want to be the best you can be, we would be delighted to hear from you.

“

We are an egalitarian, open-minded meritocracy committed to the growth and development of our people.” Danny Gilbert, Managing Partner

FIND OUT MORE AT ME.GTLAW.COM.AU

Frequently Asked Questions •

Clerkships

Offer Stage When are clerkship positions offered? • Offers Day is 21 September 2016. If you’re lucky enough to get an offer (or even a few offers), you’ll receive a phone call from the firm any time between 9am and 11am. Do I have to accept the offer straight away? • No, you have until 11am to decide. It’s very common to thank a firm for their offer and ask if you can call them back with your decision. This gives you the chance to consider everything on the table, make sure dates match up, and make a considered decision. Best not to keep the firms waiting for too long though! • If you haven’t received an offer by a particular firm by 9.30am, it’s perfectly okay to give the firm a call and ask whether or not you will be receiving an offer. It’s not awkward doing this, and the firm representatives are traditionally very nice about it. What if I don’t receive any offers? • Before Offers Day, write a list of one or two opportunities you want to pursue if you don’t receive a clerkship (e.g. aiming for an Aurora placement or Projects Abroad legal placement). If you’re set on working in law, have a strategy for contacting boutique firms who don’t offer a formal clerkship program. Smaller firms and regional firms are often very keen for student help. That way, if things do not work out on offers day you can see it as the start of new goals. • Most importantly, don’t let it get you down. Clerkships are one small way of getting experience, and there’s heaps more out there that you can do. Chin up! How long will my clerkship be? • Generally, clerkships in winter are for two weeks, and clerkships in summer are for three weeks. Can I choose when I want to do my clerkship? • Firms will let you put in preferences, and you should make it clear in your interview which is your preference. Then, on Offers Day, they will offer you a particular period. You may be able to change dates on the day, but it’s best to let them know your preference well in advance just in case. What is expected of me? • That you be yourself. Firms want to see how you fit in with the culture of the firm, and whether they should put the time into training you and taking you on board. • It’s also expected that you will work hard and put in effort to meet and get to know the staff. It’s important that you are enthusiastic and keen to learn more about the firm, even though the work can get tedious when you’re essentially at the bottom of the food chain. It’s also important that you’re professional and courteous (and not drunk at Friday night drinks…). How can I prepare for my clerkship? • The UWA law library runs a few research workshops before clerkships that you can attend for a refresher. The rest (get some sleep the night before, etc) is pretty much common sense. What can I expect from my clerkship experience? • Expect to be given real work for real clients. You may be given tasks that include sitting in on client meetings and taking notes for your supervisor, drafting correspondence for a file, researching case law or legislation on a complex issue and writing a memorandum for your supervisor detailing the findings of your research. If you work for government departments, professional services firms or in other internships, your work will vary. Expect the work you’re given to be really quite different from what you’ve learnt at uni, and embrace it. 116

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Start a strong legal career

At Civic Legal, you’ll quickly become part of the team. Our office is

For any queries, contact:

friendly, and everyone will take the time to get to know and welcome

admin@civiclegal.com.au

you. That’s just the way we work. Learn more about our global network Our senior lawyers will give you the support you need to gain valuable experience in our local government, insurance, litigation and commercial practice areas. You will discuss the background, the context, and the next steps in every matter you work on. Get your legal career off to a great start at Civic Legal – we are one of Western Australia’s premier boutique law firms.

civiclegal.com.au

Lawyers you want to work with

Frequently Asked Questions Graduate Positions Graduate positions are the link between the culmination of your studies and your entry into professional life. Graduate programs give you the practical training and hands on experience necessary to aid your entry into the profession. In the legal profession, a firm’s graduate program typically includes year long practical legal training or articles.

Application Stage When should I start thinking about graduate positions? • Obviously, the earlier you plan for your future the better prepared you will be for applying for graduate positions. As a rule of thumb, students should be keeping an eye on the market from the penultimate year of their degree in order to make informed decisions about where they want to apply during their final year. Where can I browse graduate jobs? • In most instances, graduate jobs will be advertised through a firm’s website. Like the clerkship process, research is the key to finding the firm and position that suits you. CvMail is a great starting point if you’re looking to apply for several positions quickly. For other initial points of reference, see the useful links section below to browse available positions. When do applications open? • Application dates vary. That said, most of Perth’s biggest firms will be accepting applications from 18 July 2016 to 5pm on 5 August 2016. Offers day is on 21 September 2016. • However, these dates do not apply to every firm. The best strategy is to keep an eye on the firm’s website through the first half of the year while researching which firms you want to apply for, and check out of our Firm Directory. What should I include in my application? • In most instances, an initial application will require a cover letter and CV. Depending on the firm, you may also have to undertake personality or competency testing, or answer further questions pertaining to the firm, the position and your suitability for the job. What should I include in my cover letter? • There is no set format for a great cover letter. That said, a great cover letter will show off your achievements and focus quite heavily on why you want to work at that specific firm. This involves a lot of research and attention to detail, but it’s worth it. It should ‘sell your story’. • Obviously, if you have worked at that firm before your cover letter should reflect on your experience with the firm and why you want to work for that firm. • If you have experience at other firms, draw on points of difference that make that particular firm more appealing than other firms. Check out our sample cover letters! To whom should I address my cover letter? • In most instances, the application will advise you to address your cover letter and/or application to a specific person in the firm. In some instances this may be the Office Manager or Head of Human Resources. In others, in may be a Partner or Principal of the firm. If you’re unsure, call the firm and ask. I have already clerked with the firm, will I have to interview again? • Maybe. It depends on the firm. Some firms will host a sociable event where all applicants can attend and get to know each other.

TOOLBOX

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Frequently Asked Questions Graduate Positions

Offer Stage When can I expect to receive an offer? • The date of offers will vary from firm to firm. In most instances, the relevant date will be advertised with the application. Offer dates may also vary depending on whether a firm only offers priority offers or market offers as well. What is a priority offer? • Priority offers are now made by many firms to applicants who have previously worked or undertaken a vacation clerkship with that firm. The recommended priority offer date for 2017 graduate positions and 2018 deferred graduate positions is 29 July 2016. Offers this year will be valid until 5pm. What is a market offer? • Some firms also use the standard offer system where all interested applications are required to submit an application and proceed through an interview process before offers are made. Do I have to accept my offer straight away? • No – in most instances you will have until 5pm to respond to the offer. I didn’t receive any offers, what are my options? Don’t stress, there are multiple options open to you. Here are a few: 1. Grad-Match – this is a clearing house for graduates who have not yet obtained a graduate position. Resumes are placed on the Grad-Match register for three months. Practitioners wishing to employ graduates can contact the Society to review the resumes held on the register. Practitioners can then contact the relevant graduates direct. You can contact Grad-Match at membership@lawsocietywa.asn.au. NB: You must be a member of the Society to participate. •

Your application: •

Please complete the application form and include it with your submitted documentation

•

Please create one PDF document including the following documents in this order: Covering letter, Resume, including at least two referees and their contact details and best time for contact and a copy of your official academic transcript to date. Please do not include these results in the text of your resume. Any application not following the above format will not be considered.

2. Young Lawyers Committee Graduate Telephone Advisory Service - the Telephone Advisory Service for Articled Clerks provides access to a Panel of Practitioners who have expressed willingness to assist articled clerks with matters pertaining to their employment as an articled clerk. All discussion are conducted on a confidential basis.The advice given by Panel members does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer/client relationship unless specifically agreed between the articled clerk and panel member. This service is a benefit to YLC members only and the names and contact information of our panelist to members are available when requested. 3. Get in touch with a legal recruitment agency: •

Michael Page – www.michaelpage.com.au

•

Hudson – www.au.hudson.com/legaljobs

•

Parkes legal recruitment – www.parkesrecruitment.com.au

•

Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment – www.bplr.com.au/legal-recruitment-perth.html

4. Expand your horizons. There are plenty of rural law practices in WA that are desperate for law graduates. Try something different and apply! 119

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Frequently Asked Questions Graduate Positions What is College of Laws? • The College of Law is the school of professional practice for lawyers which aims to prepare graduates for admission to practice. It offers Practical Legal Training programs. Law graduates must complete the College of Law or articles before they can be admitted to practice. • In simplistic terms, you cannot call yourself a lawyer until you have been admitted to practice. You are a law graduate, not a lawyer, once you graduate from UWA. What are articles? • Articles are the 12-month process undertaken by articled clerks. An articled clerk is an apprenticeship in a professional firm including law firms, where the apprentice is contracted to a specific partner. Law graduates must complete the College of Law or 12 months as an articled clerk before they can be admitted to practice.

Frequently Asked Questions Court Associateships Associates are employed as part of the personal chambers staff of a particular judge. They provide legal research, in-court duties and other support for that judge. Associate positions are generally not advertised and the selection of associates is conducted directly by the judges. The Australian Law Students Association also produces an annual Guide to Associateships. It can be viewed here: http:// alsa.net.au/publications/judge-s-associates-guide

The HIGH COURT of AUSTRALIA: How do I apply? • Applicants who are interested in an associateship with a particular Justice should apply directly to the Justice whom s/he is interested in working with. Alternatively, applicants without any particular preferences should apply to the Chief Executive and Principal Registrar, Mr Andrew Phelan, who will raise your interest at a meeting with the Justices. • Applicants should include a current updated CV and an academic transcript with their letter. What qualifications are required? • Competition for appointment is very strong and it is normally expected that an appointee will have graduated with first class honours, preferably with research experience and often having other experience working for a law firm, university or another court. When can I apply? • There are no specific closing dates for applications. Justices generally appoint their associates two or three years in advance. Therefore, applicants should indicate the years they are available for employment in their application. How long is the associateship? • The employment period is generally for 12 months. Where can I get more information on the role? • For more information and contact details, visit the High Court of Australia website at http://www.hcourt.gov. au/employment/applying-for-an-associateship-with-a-justice-of-the-high-court-of-australia TOOLBOX

120

Frequently Asked Questions Court Associateships The SUPREME COURT of WESTERN AUSTRALIA How do I apply? • Interested applicants should keep updated with the current vacancies listed on the Supreme Court website. Information is also circulated via UWA student email closer to the application opening date. Applicants should include in their application a covering letter, a CV that includes up to date information of current skills and work history, a current academic transcript (or a certified copy), which is required to be scanned if you choose to apply through e-mail. How long is the associateship? • Generally the length of tenure for each position is 12 months Where can I get more information on the role? • For more information on the Judges of the Supreme Court WA, see http://www.supremecourt.wa.gov.au/J/ judges_and_masters.aspx?uid=4857-3149-4999-2650 • Information will be circulated via UWA student email later on in Semester One.

The FEDERAL COURT of AUSTRALIA How do I apply? • Generally, associate positions in the Federal Court are not advertised and the selection of associates is conducted directly by the respective judge. • To apply, applicants are required to: • Decide and indicate in which Court registry you would like to be considered for work; • Prepare a CV that includes an academic transcript and a general application; • Indicate any particular availability periods for which you wish to be considered for employment; and • Forward applications directly to the judge or to the District Registrar in the appropriate registry. How long is the associateship? • This employment is up to a period of 12 months. Where can I get more information on the role? • A list of Federal Court judges can be found at http://www.fedcourt.gov.au/about/judges/current-judgesappointment/current-judges. For further details, visit http://www.fedcourt.gov.au/about/employment/ associates

The FEDERAL CIRCUIT COURT of AUSTRALIA (formerly the Federal Magistrate’s Court) How do I apply? • The FCCA is based in most major Australian cities and continues to conduct regular sittings in other regional and metropolitan settings. • Positions for associateships are advertised at www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au. Applicants are required to include a job application cover sheet, a current resume and a statement of claims against each selection criterion or two-page expression of interested detailing suitability for the position. How long is the associateship? • Generally the length of tenure is 12 months. This may vary depending on the position. 121

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Frequently Asked Questions Court Associateships Where can I get more information on the role? • Interested applicants can browse available positions at www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au. For further information on the application process, visit www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/html/general_info_applicants.html.

The FAMILY COURT of AUSTRALIA How do I apply? • The Family Court advertises positions for associates when they are needed.Therefore, it is important to continually check for current vacancies. • Your application must include a Family Court of Australia coversheet (found on the website), a comprehensive statement of claims against the selection criteria, a resume including your skill and work history up to date and certified copies of relevant qualifications. You will be further directed on the job vacancy page as to where you should send the application. How long is the associateship? • Family Court associateships are non-ongoing positions for a period of 12 months with the possibility of becoming ongoing. Where can I get more information on the role? • For more information on Family Court of Australia vacancies, visit www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/ FCOA/home/about/Careers/Current_Vacancies. The Court also maintains a temporary employment register of people interested in non-ongoing employment with the Court and although these are generally used to fill short term positions, there will be opportunities that arise from time to time for longer term contracts and ongoing positions www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/FCOA/home/about/Careers/Temp_Register/

The DISTRICT COURT of WESTERN AUSTRALIA How do I apply? • The court welcomes written expressions of interest from persons who wish to be considered for positions as either an associate or an usher to the judge. Ushers assist their respective judge, and associate, by undertaking various clerical duties and making sure that the court sittings run smoothly. • Applications require a letter of application and an up to date CV that includes personal details, work history, current skills, academic achievements and references/referees. Law graduates require the approval of the Legal Practice Board before employment as an Associateship will count towards the requirements of Articles clerkship. Any queries relating to this should be address to the Board. • Applications will be kept on file for a period of 12 months How long is the associateship? • 12 months Where can I get more information on the role? • For more information on the role, visit www.districtcourt.wa.gov.au.To browse available positions visit www.jobs. wa.gov.au. For further details about the application process, visit www.districtcourt.wa.gov.au/E/employment.

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Information & Tips for UWA Graduates Chris Bates - Managing Director - KBE Human Capital KBE Human Capital is Western Australia’s leading Legal and Accounting Recruitment firm. We advise lawyers with a minimum of 2 years’ post admission experience through to Equity Partner level, partnering with over 80 leading national, international and boutique firms to help them secure WA’s highest quality lawyers.

Applying to Law Firms

With WA”s law schools producing an increasing number of graduates, the market for junior practitioners remains competitive. You must therefore take a strategic, proactive and persistent approach to your job search in the private practice market.

National/International Firms

Larger law firms implement their own structured graduate recruitment processes, with the details of each firm’s process found on its website. To be seriously considered by a national/international firm, you must demonstrate a strong academic record with a history of extra-curricular activities. The larger firms tend to receive a significant volume of applications so try not to be disheartened if you do not make it through the initial screening and interview processes. National/international firms often provide an excellent entry level salary, a strong emphasis on training and development, as well as quality experience that will be highly regarded by most other law firms when it is time for a career change. Experience at national/international firms is also generally a pre-requisite for any move overseas or interstate. In comparison with smaller firms, you will often gain less direct client contact with a lower level of autonomy/ responsibility in the first few years of your career.

Smaller/Boutique Firms

For those who are not interested in the larger national/ international firms, a more innovative approach may be used to secure a position. Smaller firms receive fewer applications and you are more likely to secure employment through being persistent and clearly demonstrating that you will add value to the firm. Suburban firms tend to 123

have less structured hiring processes which means they are more opportunistic when it comes to employing new team members. You may wish to call firms of interest to enquire about their recruitment needs, and potentially even offer to work unpaid for a short period of time. If the firm indicates they may have capacity to hire additional fee earners, we would suggest submitting your C.V. and following up with a phone call the following week to ensure they have received your details. Your aim should be to arrange a meeting with the relevant decision maker at a time that is convenient for them. As a starting point, it may assist to create a list of firms and then contact them periodically regarding any potential opportunities.

Partnership/Special Counsel – How to Move up the Ladder in Private Practice Many young lawyers have ambitions to rise through the ranks and become Partners or Special Counsel. To achieve this, you must ensure that you excel against your firm’s performance metrics.

Performance management processes take a variety of forms. It is important to gain an understanding of your firm’s specific performance management structure so as to understand how you will be measured and ultimately how your salary will be set and reviewed. To begin, it is worth recognising that each law firm is a business and exists to turn a profit. Whilst every firm is slightly different, the most common factors used to measure performance are: • total annual billings and the ratio of your salary to revenue generated; • charge out rate; • the market rate for a lawyer with your level of post admission experience; • technical expertise; • autonomy/supervision; and • business development/networking. We would advise that you seek regular feedback from your supervising Partner or relevant manager, whether you secure a position within private practice or in industry.

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Information & Tips for UWA Graduates Chris Bates - Managing Director - KBE Human Capital Career Mapping and Planning – Typical Career Pathways in the Law Some of the more common career pathways within the legal profession include: • progressing to Partnership or Special Counsel; • joining the Bar; • working as an in-house lawyer or a commercial role; • various roles within government; and • working interstate and overseas. Each of the above pathways takes a great deal of thought and planning, and our team would be delighted to provide you with some career advice and guidance as your career progresses. For those looking to work overseas, it is important to consider jurisdictional and requalification issues. Generally speaking, it is easier to transition into other common law jurisdictions such as Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK and Middle East. Lawyers seeking international experience will almost always require 3+ years of experience at a highly regarded national/international firm. This also applies to lawyers who are hoping to secure a position in the eastern states. Alternative Employment Options One of the common misconceptions for graduates and junior lawyers is that you are limited to joining law firms and related organisations upon completing your studies. In fact, there are many options available as a result of completing your legal studies. The skills developed throughout your degree are transferable to a range of interesting and challenging industries and we commonly see graduates and experienced lawyers transitioning into other fields. Some of the more common opportunities/industries available to lawyers include: • joining accounting firms; • management consulting; • various roles in banking and finance; • opportunities in the property sector; • career pathways in management. In addition, there are a range of opportunities within the non-commercial sector that you may wish to consider,

from junior board positions working for not-for-profits to providing a range of services to charities and other organisations. We would encourage you to leverage your networks to the extent possible in opening doors to potential career opportunities. Networks always prove invaluable in the Perth market, and building/maintaining your professional network commences with your graduate group at university and continues all the way through your career. Good Luck! I hope you find the above information useful as you embark on what I am sure will be an exciting career journey. I would strongly encourage you to remember that no two journeys are the same and that there are many opportunities out there for those who are willing to work hard and seek them out. From a personal perspective, I was lucky enough to graduate from this law school in 2006 and have worked as a lawyer, accountant, built and run four companies from the ground up, bought and sold a mine site in Brazil, chaired two law firms, hosted a range of charity events, and now sit on numerous commercial and charity boards. If you had told me that was the path that lay ahead of me 10 years ago, I probably wouldn’t have believed you as I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do or where my career would take me. The one thing I can guarantee you is that life will present you with many opportunities – some will be extremely positive and some will challenge you to your very core – but it will be an incredible adventure if you move forward with a positive attitude and remain open to whatever opportunities life throws your way. If I can provide you with one piece of advice as you enter the workforce, it would be that you only live once so follow your dreams and live out your passion; make the most of every single moment, and try to relax and enjoy the journey – if you don’t ask, you certainly don’t get! All the best for what I am sure will be a successful and very enjoyable career, and I look forward to meeting you in the future. Onwards and upwards!

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Practical Legal Training The building blocks for your legal career

At Leo Cussen Centre for Law, you learn about the realities of legal practice from leading legal professionals who support and encourage your development as a lawyer. Our training is founded on the principle of ‘learning by doing’, with no exams. At Leo Cussen you will build practical legal skills and gain the confidence to make choices about your career. PLT at Leo Cussen is: • • • •

Practical Comprehensive Designed to meet the National Competency Standards for Entry Level Lawyers Guided by a Mentor

Choose the course that suits you best: • • •

Online (Full-time) Online (Part-time) Onsite (Full time)

Our PLT courses are designed for law graduates seeking to apply for admission to practise law in all Australian jurisdictions. Our graduates work in a variety of professional environments in Australia and overseas including: • • • • • • • •

Private legal practice In house legal practice Community and legal aid practice Government Policy & Research Politics Business And more ...

For more information visit - leocussen.edu.au/apply

facebook.com/leocussencentreforlaw linkedin.com/company/leo-cussen-centre-for-law

leocussen.edu.au

2016/2017 July 2016 intake: Apply by 13 May 2016 January 2017 intake: Apply by 18 November 2016 Nb: After first round offers are made, places may still be available after these dates.

Useful Links UWA www.blackstone.asn.au/careers • The Blackstone Careers page posts regular updates regarding careers events and opportunities. Also see https://www.facebook.com/blackstonesociety www.facebook.com/groups/1440706356166639 • The Blackstone Opportunities Facebook page is run by the Blackstone Careers and Volunteering teams. Posts are about casual employment opportunities and information about careers and networking events. www.careers.uwa.edu.au • The UWA Careers Centre is a useful point of reference for current students and graduates. It details current careers news, events and opportunities. https://uwa.careerhub.com.au/students/login?ReturnUrl=%2f • CareerHub is UWA’s online job portal. Employers post employment opportunities to the portal which can only be viewed by UWA students. www.law.uwa.edu.au • The faculty website page posts regular news and upcoming events in the faculty. Also see – https://www. facebook.com/UWALawSchool guides.is.uwa.edu.au/tips-clerks •

Compilation of research resources for law clerks including FAQS and a legal research competencies check.

www.blackstone.asn.au/interview-skills/ •

Interview skills compiled by Blackstone for a variety of interview types including phone, one on one and group interviews.

Australia www.survivelaw.com •

Survive law is a useful website that compiles tips and tricks, current news and issues in the profession and employment opportunities. Also see https://www.facebook.com/survivelaw.

www.beyondlaw.com.au •

BeyondLaw allows you to upload your resume and peruse available positions in the profession. It also has sections dedicated to career pathways and cover letter/interview tips. Also see https://www.facebook.com/beyondlawAU.

www.foolkit.com.au/wa/lawyers/students •

A compilation of tips, careers information and general resources in one easy to access place.

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Useful Links www.lawjobs.com.au • An easy point of access to opportunities in the industry. Like BeyondLaw, you are able to upload your resume and apply for many jobs quickly. LawJobs also compiles articles on topics from motivating yourself through the job search, to useful apps for law students. www.rrrlaw.com.au • RRRLaw gives current and aspiring legal practitioners an insight into what life is like in rural, regional and remote Australia by breaking down myths and highlighting the exciting opportunities available to lawyers across Australia. www.forums.whirlpool.net.au • An Australian internet and technology discussion forum covering a diverse range of topics. Is particularly useful during clerkship and graduate application periods where students can contribute advice and answer queries their peers may have about specific firms. http://blog.linkedin.com/2014/05/20/if-i-were-22-80-influencers-share-lessons-from-their-youth/ • A compilation of career advice of 80+ professionals reflecting on what they would do if they were 22 again.

International www.lawcareers.net • Lawcareers.net is the premier law careers website in the UK. The website posts news and regular updates on summer scheme and traineeship dates for firms in the UK. www.lawjobs.com • Lawjobs.com is a global recruitment site based in the USA that connects legal employers with qualified candidates. Its global network reaches attorneys, paralegals, business development executives and legal professionals. www.intlawcareers.net • A website dedicated to providing useful, clear and accessible information and advice for those pursuing a career in international law. ILC includes job listings, career advice and an international law careers guide. https://law.duke.edu/career/1l/toolkit/ • Duke University is the number 10 ranked law school in the USA. The careers toolkit for Duke University compiles a useful collection of articles, tips and advice on preparing oneself for a career in the profession. http://blackstone.asn.au/international-human-rights-internships/ • List compiled by the Blackstone Society of international human rights internship opportunities. http://blackstone.asn.au/international-internships/ • List compiled by the Blackstone Society of international legal internship opportunities.

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Useful Apps

AUSTLII - Free This application is compatible with both iOS and Android phones. AustLii combines all Australia’s free to access resources into the one app, allowing for access to Commonwealth Law from every state/territory and cases from 140 courts, tribunals and boards.

LAWSAUCE - Free This app will help users to quickly find the right online resource for a specific law report series, a legal journal, or legislative materials for many jurisdictions. Identify a task such as finding a law report series, or the acts of a country, and once the jurisdiction is selected, pick the title from a list, and then link through to the site.

FREE LAW LEXICON DICTIONARY - Free

This free app gives you access to the Second Edition of Black’s Law Dictionary. Black’s Law Dictionary is the most trusted name in legal definitions & you now have access to over 30,000 definitions for all your school and business needs.

WESTLAW - Free

Tap into the world’s most advanced legal research system wherever you go! Access Westlaw features such as WestSearch, Keycite, Folders, History, Document Notes and Highlighting, search our database content, which have all been redesigned for the iPad

CAMSCANNER - Free

This application turns your phone into a photocopier. Simply take a picture and the application will crop, enhance and create a PDF file. Allowing you to upload them to any file or cloud.

AGLC REFERENCE - Free

A quick reference guide with helpful examples designed to assist law students in their application of the AGLC (Australian Guide to Legal Citation).

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ISTUDIEZ PRO - $4.49

iStudiez Pro helps you to keep track of your assessments and organize your busy student life.

LAW SOCIETY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA- Free

The comprehensive iPhone/iPad application has been developed by the Law Society of Western Australia for use by its members. It is an essential tool for members of the local profession and is free to download.

AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION - Free

A complete pocket copy of the Australian Constitution.

A.L.S.A - Free

The official app of the Australian Law Students’ Association.

LINKEDIN - Free

The mobile app for the world’s largest and most sophisticated professional networking website.

iWrite Legal - Free

iWrite legal is an app designed to help legal writers improve their writing skills. The app provides writing tips and legal writing checklists to overcome writer’s block and to thoroughly revise, edit, and proofread a legal document.

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UWA Student Societies Finance Association of WA (FAWA) As an independent student body, FAWA aims to enable UWA students from a multitude of disciplines to engage, develop and express their interest in finance and business outside the boundaries of the formal university curriculum. FAWA provides a conduit through which motivated students can further advance their passion for commerce whilst developing the requisite core skills for their future careers as young professionals in the business arena. FAWA’s Objectives • Promote networking between our members and industry professionals •

Cultivate a forum for interaction between students who share an interest in finance and the corporate sector, and inform members about further education opportunities outside formal university curriculum

•

Support our members in developing the professional skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the business arena

•

Provide our members with insights into the various career opportunities available in banking, finance and business related areas

Many of our events aim to connect students with industry professionals, enabling students to gain insights into the industries and companies that exist and the careers they offer, as well as obtaining pragmatic advice on maximising chances of landing a graduate offer at the end of university life. Look out for our upcoming networking events including: • FAWA’s Annual Business Breakfast (March 2016) •

FAWA’s Annual Women’s Corporate Cocktail (2nd semester)

•

Azure’s Future Corporate Leaders Series (late-May)

•

Investment Banking Week (March) - attend workshops by Azure Capital, Citi, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Lazard and UBS.

For more information, head to our website at www.fawa.com.au, and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ FinanceAssociationofWesternAustralia. To stay up-to-date with our upcoming events by receiving our newsletter as well as discounted tickets, sign up as a member at www.fawa.com.au/membership.

The UWA Consulting Society

The UWA Consulting Society is a multi-disciplined society that operates to provide opportunities for students from all faculties to gain exposure to the world of consulting. As a member of the UWA Consulting Society you will receive invitations to a large number of firm-sponsored events, networking opportunities and skills development workshops throughout the year. Our Goals: 1. To be a leading UWA society with an emphasis upon membership diversity, encouraging high-achieving students to join us from all faculties 2. To increase awareness of potential consulting career pathways across campus 3. To foster long-term sponsorship relations with consulting firms, which provides our members with significant networking opportunities 4. To provide a supportive community for our student members - facilitating professional and personal development events that give them a competitive edge.

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Here are some of the networking events that Consulting Society have planned for 2016: Semester 1: • Feb 29th: BCG Think Tank: The Future of Perth •

2nd March: Azure Consulting – How to Apply for Management Consulting jobs

•

8th March: Strategy& - How to nail a case study

•

PwC Case Study Challenge

•

Intern Speaker Panel & Sundowner

Semester 2: • Introduction to Management Consulting •

Graduate Panel & Sundowner

Want to get involved? Follow us on LinkedIn/Facebook and sign up as a member on our webpage! Find us at: http://www. consultinguwa.com/.

ECOMS

The Economics and Commerce Students’ Society (ECOMS) is the faculty society for all commerce students and has been on campus since 1949. Over the years we have done some awesome things but we also understand that the main reason that you are at university is education and as such our education portfolio comes first. As the commerce faculty society at UWA ECOMS provides representation for students to the University and the Guild on educational issues facing students. The service that we provide does not end at educational representation though with separate portfolios dedicated to Business and Social events. ECOMS is dedicated to providing students with events where they can network, socialise, and learn all at the same time. ECOMS’ Objectives: • Represent commerce students’ interest on Educational Council •

Present students with the opportunity to meet and network with firm representatives from our corporate sponsors

•

Provide workshops focused on developing students’ professional skill base

•

Pair with clubs on campus to offer events focused on cross-faculty networking

•

Organise a range of social events, from relaxed sundowners to the largest university ball in the Southern Hemisphere

ECOMS works hard to ensure that students are able to develop working relationships with their peers and firm representatives that will hold them in good stead for what we hope will be long and prosperous careers in diverse industries. All of this starts with a world class education in your desired field of study and ECOMS are committed to representing your interests with the University. For more information and to stay updated on all of the latest from ECOMS make sure you visit our website at www.ecoms. org.au, and check out our Facebook page for all the latest on how you can get involved and links to all of our upcoming events at https://www.facebook.com/ecoms.

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Career Pathways This guide outlines the practice areas that match up to the units you may have completed or you are planning to complete in 2016. This is useful for: • Demonstrating your interest in a particular area when applications come around (for example, I have achieved a Distinction in unit X and would like to learn the practical side of area Y in your Z team); and •

Planning your degree around the area you are interested in practicing in (although we recommend trying a variety of units in Law School).

Semester offered in 2016

Unit Code * LLB Unit ** JD Unit

Unit Name

Group A/ Group B Unit

LAWS2209*

Advanced Torts Law

Group A

• Medical Negligence; • Personal Injury; • Insurance Law; • Employment Law; and • Sports Law.

LAWS3340* LAWS5503**

Conflict of Laws

Group A

• International Law; • Public Law; and • Litigation.

LAWS3320* LAWS5820**

Legislation in Practice

Group A

• Relevant to most practice areas; and • Policy-making.

Semester 1

LAWS3383* LAWS5135**

Insurance Law

Group A

• Employment Law; • Corporate Law; • Insurance Law; • Medical Negligence; and • Personal injury.

LAWS3354* LAWS5165**

Public International Law

Group B

• International Law; and • Public Law.

Group A

• Intellectual Property; • Media Law; • Competition Law; • International Law; • Management Consulting; • Corporate Law; and • Projects.

Group A

• Mining and Resources; • Corporate; • Dispute Resolution; • Projects; • Real Estate; and • Environmental Law.

LAWS3338* LAWS5150**

LAWS3371* LAWS5144**

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Relevant practice areas (non-exhaustive list)

Intellectual Property

Mining and Energy Law

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Semester offered in 2016

Unit Code * LLB Unit ** JD Unit

Unit Name

Group A/ Group B Unit

Relevant practice areas (non-exhaustive list)

LAWS3338* LAWS5150**

Introduction to Intellectual Property

Group A

• Intellectual Property; • Media Law; • Competition Law; • International Law; • Management Consulting; • Corporate Law; and • Projects.

LAWS3302*

Environmental Law

Group A

• Environment Law; • Mining & Resources; and • Projects.

Semester 2

LAWS3362* LAWS5132**

Income Taxation Law

Group A

• Taxation Law; • Banking & Finance; • Corporate Law; • Mergers & Acquisitions; • Projects; • Accounting Firms; and • Corporate Tax.

LAWS3370* LAWS5128**

Consumer Law

Group A

• Competition Law; • Corporate; and • Management Consulting.

LAWS3376* LAWS5118**

Introduction to Family Law*/ Family Law**

Group A

• Family Law; • Wills and Probate; and • Litigation.

LAWS3358* LAWS5534**

Indigenous Peoples and the Law

Group A* Group B**

LAWS5167**

LAWS5114**

Comparative Law

International

Environmental Law

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• Public Law; • Mining & Resources; and • Policy-making.

Group B

• Public Law; • International Law; and • Dispute Resolution

Group B

• Environment Law; • Dispute Resolution; • International Law; • Public Law; and • Corporate Law. 133

Semester offered in 2016 Nonstandard teaching period

Unit Code * LLB Unit ** JD Unit

Unit Name

Group A/ Group B Unit

Relevant practice areas (non-exhaustive list)

LAWS3307* LAWS5576**

International Commercial Arbitration

Group B

• Litigation; • Public Law; • International Law; • Competition Law; and • Corporate Law.

LAWS3327* LAWS5117**

Advanced Evidence and Proof

Group A

• Litigation; • Criminal Law; and • Corporate Law.

Group A

• Dispute Resolution; • Employment Law; • Family Law; • Corporate Law; • Personal Injury; • Medical Negligence; and • Wills and Probate.

Group A

• Employment Law; • Corporate Law; • Insurance Law; • Dispute resolution; and • Personal Injury.

LAWS3336* LAWS5158**

LAWS3360* LAWS5360**

Negotiation and Mediation

Employment Law

LAWS3313* LAWS5813**

Legal Issues for Not-for-Profit Entities

Group A

• Corporate Law; • Management Consulting; • Public Law; and • Policy-making.

LAWS3366*

Forensic Advocacy

Group A

• Litigation; and • Criminal Law.

LAWS3378* LAWS5378**

Government Accountability: Law and Practice

Group A

• Public Law; • International Law; and • Politics.

Please note: Firms have differing names for certain practice areas. We recommend you check their website to find the appropriate names for the equivalent practice area. The following are common names for similar practice areas or areas which fall underneath each other: • Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Insolvency;

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•

Commercial Law, Mergers & Acquisitions and Insolvency;

•

Minerals & Resources and Environment Law;

•

Projects, Real Estate and Construction; and

•

Public Law, Constitutional Challenges, Native Title, Litigation for State Projects. 2016 Careers Handbook

Glossary Recruitment terms Articled clerks: • An articled clerk is an apprentice in a professional firm including law firms, where the apprentice is contracted to a specific partner. If the apprentice completes 12 months of clerking, they can be admitted to practice. Back end/front end distinction: • This distinction refers to the type of work legal professionals do. Front end includes legal advice given in setting up business activities and operations (including mergers and acquisitions, contract) whilst back end refers to the work required when legal problems arise, typically exclusive to litigation. Clerk (pronounced “Clark”): • A clerk is a law student in the process of completing a Clerkship. Clerkship (pronounced “Clark-ship”): • These are holiday work experience programs which are offered to law firms. They are an opportunity for law students to test out the firm and the type of legal practice, as well as providing firms with an opportunity to test out students before offering graduate positions. For the majority of law firms, this represents their major source of graduate intakes. The clerkship process is detailed in the FAQ section of this handbook. College of Law: • The College of Law is the school of professional practice for lawyers which aims to prepare law graduates for admission to practice. It offers Practical Legal Training programs. Commercial awareness: • Refers to a candidate’s general knowledge of business, their business experience and their understanding of the industry that they are applying for. CV (CurriculumVitae)/Resume distinction: • Technically CVs are more structured, detailed (typically two pages long) and can be used for various job opportunities while a resume has a more flexible structure, shorter (typically one page long) and tailored for each job opportunity. However, the two terms are nowadays often used interchangeably. Cvmail: • Global e-recruitment software used by many of the top tier firms nationally. See https://www.cvmail.com.au for more information. PLT (Practical Legal Training): • Practical Legal Training or PLT is a structured training program assisting law graduates to develop their skills and is an essential requirement prior to being admitted as a legal practitioner. This can be received through the College of Law, the Australian National University (ANU) or Leo Cussen Centre for Law. Rotations: • Law graduates (and sometimes clerks) are given the opportunity to work in 2-3 different teams before deciding to specialise in an area of law. The rotations typically last for 4-6 months. TOOLBOX

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Glossary Legal terms Boutique: • This refers to a small law firm, typically with fewer than 100 employees, which specialises in a niche area of law.

Magic Circle: • The Magic Circle is a term used to refer to what are considered the five leading law firms in the United Kingdom, in addition to the five leading London-based commercial barristers’ chambers. This is comparable, and has some overlap with, the Australian top tier firms.

Mid tier: • This represents law firms in Australia that are considered to lie below the “top tier” firms for reasons such as lower revenue, fewer employees or a less prestigious reputation.

Standard hierarchy of legal professionals: • Partner • Senior Counsel • Senior Associate • Associate • Lawyer • Graduate • Paralegal • Vacation Clerk

Silver Circle: • Silver Circle refers to a group of corporate law firms based in London which are considered to sit below the “Magic Circle” in terms of employees, revenue and reputation. This is similar to the Australian mid-tier law firms.

Select government departments: • ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission); • ATO (Australian Tax Office); • SSO (State Solicitor’s Office); • DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions); • CDPP (Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions); • ASIC (Australian Security and Investments Commission); •

DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and State);

• RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia); • AG (Attorney General’s Office); • AGS (Australian Government Solicitor); 136

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Glossary Sir William Blackstone: • A famous English juriist, judge and politician from the 18th century. He is most noted for writing the Commentaries on the Laws of England.

Top tier: • A term used to refer to the largest law firms in Australia, including both domestically owned and operated firms and international firms. They are regarded as the most prestigious law firms and typically have the largest number of employees and greatest revenue. The top tier firms include Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons, Allens Linklaters, Ashurst LLP, Clayton Utz and Minter Ellison.

Barristers v solicitors: • Barristers: A legal professional who has specialist skills in advocacy and will often specialise in a particular area of law. Barristers are usually engaged or briefed by solicitors to act for a client, and typically are the ones that present the case in court. There are different categories of barristers and these include: Queens Counsel, Senior Counsel and Junior Counsel. • Solicitor: Solicitors provide expert legal support and advice to clients. They take instructions from clients and advise on necessary courses of legal action. Clients can be individuals, groups, public sector organisations or private companies.

White Shoe Firm: • A term used to describe the leading professional services firms in the United States, including law, which historically has been based on the Fortune 500 companies.

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Glossary Commerce terms Big 4 (Ernst & Young, KPMG, PwC, Deloitte): • Refers to the four largest leading professional services networks, typically focussing on taxation, auditing, consulting, actuarial (and sometimes legal).

Commerce Professions: • Management Consulting - This refers to professionals that assist companies to achieve their desired targets and improve their performance. It includes four main service areas: • 1) Strategy and Operations: - This is the broadest area of Management Consulting. Strategy consulting is focused on changing a company’s high-level targets and decisions to improve their performance. Operations Consulting is focused on how the company can achieve these targets; • 2) Human Capital - This is a management technique that positions employees as an asset that can be leveraged and enhanced to improve future performance. • 3) Digital Consulting - This is similar to Strategy consulting, but targeted specifically towards a company’s online presence. This is normally focused on the consumer facing side of their digital strategy; and • 4) Supply Chain Management - This is about improving, through increasing efficiency or otherwise, a company’s supply chain process. The supply chain is a system by which a product or services transitions from supplier to customer. • Accounting (otherwise known as Auditing): CA • Tax advisors/consultants: trained tax professionals who assist individuals and companies with tax solutions. It includes four main areas: (1) Employment taxes (can include global assignment taxes; (2) Transfer pricing; (3) Corporate tax; and (4) Indirect taxes (GST etc) • Investment banker: This is a professional that assists individuals, public institutions and corporations in a variety of financial activities. Typically, the major component of their business is assisting companies in raising capital, but it also includes, services provided assisting with mergers and acquisitions and trading of derivatives and other securities. • Economist: Refers to an individual involved in the development, study or application of economic theories. It is largely an academic field, however, professions also exist within large corporations and government institutions such as the RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia).

Investment banks: • Includes JP Morgan, UBS, Citibank, Macquarie, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse. MBB (McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, BCG): • Refers to the largest three Management Consulting firms globally. Mining and resources firms: • Includes BHP, Shell, Apache, Woodside, Chevron, Rio Tinto: These firms typically have in-house counsel (some even run internships over the summer).

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2016 Careers Handbook