RECENT CLERKS • The interview process was quite conversational and more friendly than expected;
Academia Others
• HSF has an excellent reputation for all aspects of commercial law, both within Australia and • I had fortunately already worked in a commercial internationally; law firm for a few months, as well as in a finance • The opportunity for international secondments; company, so I was able to talk to both of these • The exceptional graduate training that comes experiences in applications and interviews when with being at a firm like HSF; asked about commerciality. However, I know • A strong culture of corporate social many people who had different experiences responsibility, impactful pro-bono work and and were able to speak about commerciality diversity and inclusion policies; and by staying aware of current affairs and business news. My tip would be to read a publication • From hearing about HSF through relationships such as the Australian Financial Review every built throughout the degree, whether through so often during the application and interview firm presentations, networking events or process. Pick a news story that you find interesting otherwise. because it will be easier for you to speak about something you’re interested in. But, don’t get too stressed about these questions – they’re not asking you to solve huge commercial disputes or run a transaction just yet!
Government
• Both HR representatives and senior lawyers made a noticeable effort to get to know the applicants. Examples included the breakfast networking event where there was a oneto-one ratio of student applicants to lawyers (ranging from graduates to partners) and the “HSF Interview Workshops” event, which was helpful because the presenters gave clear examples of what to do and what to avoid;
• However, I do not believe that it is fatal if you do not have any or much commercial experience. You can use any relevant work or life experiences in your interview to demonstrate an interest in commercial law. For example, I discussed how overseas work motivated me to work in an industry with a wealth of opportunities. Moreover, interesting and unique non-commercial experiences are just as relevant to demonstrate an interest in commercial law. My advice when thinking of how to answer the ‘why commercial law’ question is to be honest and draw upon applicable as well as diverse/ unique experiences (whether they be through work, volunteering, hobbies, life etc).
Criminal
Why did you apply to, and accept an offer from HSF?
• I was fortunate because I had a wide variety of work experiences to talk about. Although I had not worked in commercial law before, I had previously been exposed to the commercial environment working in finance and accounting. This was helpful. Firstly, they aided in illustrating why I am passionate about pursuing a career in commercial law. Secondly, they gave me an idea of what practice groups interested me. Lastly, they gave me applicable examples of how I have developed my professional and personal skills.
Courts
CLERKING AT HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
Commerciality is a topic that students are frequently asked about in applications and interviews. What unique experiences did you have, and how did you speak to them to demonstrate your interest in commercial law?
Commercial
the market for at least the following 3 years. That said, no one knows what their ‘forever’ holds when they graduate – the first few years can be trial and error. Working at a large law firm employer gives you scope to change path if you need it as well as grow within your speciality once you find it.
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