FLINDERS LAW STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
CAREERS
GUIDE
2 0 17
Editorial Team The 2017 Careers Guide is produced by the Flinders Law Students’ Association (FLSA), specifically, their Careers, Education and Wellbeing Portfolio. FLSA is a volunteer, not-for-profit student organisation and the representative body for law students at Flinders University. FLSA acknowledges the valuable input made by the Flinders Law School, the Flinders University Careers and Employment Liaison Centre, and the many student authors who have contributed to this publication. Editor in Chief William Jones Editors
Anthony Busuttil
Margaret Cusenza
Amy Hawes
Anthony Stoks
Celeste Craggs
Olivia Hanna
Content
William Jones
Sponsorship Celeste Craggs
Olivia Hanna
Production
William Jones
Printing
Adelaide Digital
Acknowledgements FLSA thanks the following internal and external contributors, without whom we would not have been able to present this publication. Adam Hamilton Adele Minge Alana Humphris Alexandra Meeuwsen Alistair Booth Ally Boemia Amy Ward Ann Thomas Anthony Stoks Audrey Lian Barnaby Grant Emeritus Professor David Bamford David Speirs MP Emily Crawford Geneva Sekula Georgia Pitsadiotis Hanna Daych Helen Kremmidiotis Jee Wee Ong Kerry Clark Professor Kim Economidies Kirsty Braybon Lizzie Bermingham Lucas Arnold The Honourable Melissa Perry QC Nicholas Cardone Nicholas Mitchell Olivia Hanna Senator Penny Wong Philippa Ewens Sean O’Flaherty Seisia Marley Shreeya Smith Taruna Heuzenroeder Wallmans Lawyers
Sponsors FLSA thanks our sponsors for supporting the Careers Guide 2017. Platinum Sponsor: Lipman Karas Silver Sponsors: College of Law Finlaysons Minter Ellison General Sponsors: Allens Baker & McKenzie Cowell Clarke Fisher Jeffries Johnson Winter & Slattery King & Wood Mallesons Thomson Geer
Foreword
The Honourable Melissa Perry QC Justice of the Federal Court of Australia Melissa Anne Perry was appointed to the Federal Court of Australia on 23 September 2013. Since 2011, Justice Perry has also served as a Squadron Leader with the Royal Australian Air Force, Legal Specialist Reserves. Justice Perry graduated from the University of Adelaide and was admitted as a practitioner in 1985. She was subsequently awarded an LLM and PhD in public international law from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. She practiced at the Bar from 1992 to 2013, being appointed Queen’s Counsel for South Australia in 2004. I am especially delighted to be asked to write a foreword to this careers guide as I was fortunate to meet and speak with many Flinders law students during my visiting judicial fellowship with the Law School in 2016. Thank you all for welcoming me so warmly during my visit. My pathway into the law was inspired by my father whose story may also resonate with some of you. My father was the son of migrants. His father had emigrated from Cyprus and my grandmother, from Liverpool in England. My grandfather worked as a waterside worker at Port Adelaide. As was the case with many Greek migrants at the time, my grandfather anglicised his name from Pieris to Perry and did not teach my father Greek.
No doubt, my grandparents wished to give their children the best possible chance to succeed. And yet that success did not lie in hiding who they were. My father with his passion for justice and hard work, rose through the legal profession to become a Supreme Court judge and I attribute that in no small measure to my mother who taught my father to embrace and be proud of his Greek origins. Importantly, I take from my father’s story that it is only when we can take pride in who we are, and do not feel that we must be invisible, that we can achieve our true potential to the betterment of society and in pursuit of our own happiness. I also take from my father’s story that there are no glass ceilings or artificial limits which others can impose upon our progress if we have the courage to reject them. Your background and who you are should never be seen as an impediment. Diversity enriches the legal profession and society generally. An essential attribute for any career is therefore to learn resilience and courage. When things seemed overwhelming or new or difficult, I would always picture myself diving into the deep end of the swimming pool, knowing that somehow I had always managed to swim. It is also important to be passionate about what you do in life and to recognise that your career is something unique to you. It is to be approached with a creative frame of mind. If I may be forgiven for mixing my metaphors, you do not have to follow the well-trodden paths that others have walked.
The law is a profession that naturally lends itself to such a creative approach. As a barrister, I loved putting together the pieces of the puzzle in preparing for litigation and never tired of the excitement of the courtroom. The cases which I remember most clearly are those where I felt that I was standing up for someone’s rights – someone whose voice might not otherwise have been heard if I were not there to represent her or him. But the law is also a springboard for many other careers. The law infuses almost every aspect of society and so a degree in the law, for example, can take you into politics, government, environmental protection, or the commercial sector. The complexity of modern society, the rate at which it is changing. and the challenges posed by issues such as climate change and the digital world, also afford opportunities to work with those in other disciplines such as science and mathematics, and to think in new and lateral ways. I wish all of you embarking upon your careers every success and much happiness.
The Dean’s Welcome Professor Kim Economides
The Careers Guide and Fair makes a vital contribution to the life of our School and I should like to congratulate FLSA for organizing this Guide to help you think about your options and plan your future career. I regularly hear plaudits about our graduates from senior judges and practitioners – as well as prospective employers - and am in no doubt that our students remain highly employable, particularly when it comes to entering legal occupations. We must be doing something right and it is very gratifying to know that our graduates succeed in a range of legal work, both inside and outside the legal professions. Our law graduates are of course highly skilled in the basics of handling legal rules but they are also able to bring a humane touch to lawyering. Unlike most other Australian law graduates, ours don’t actually need to do a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) in order to qualify as a lawyer, because our law degree already provides those skills. I believe the special legal education we offer - which emphasizes the importance of context and underlying legal values as much as technical skill - prepares you well for a dynamic and unpredictable legal services market coming to terms with the relentless and rapid pace of regulatory and technological change. These skills are transferable and highly relevant to a career within or outside the law. Our students emerge with a confident grasp of the nature and context of law in modern society and therefore are able to embrace the future without fear. Our courses offer students practical information and skills that prepare them well for professional life, whether or not their futures lie within the legal professions. We strongly encourage our students to take every opportunity to participate in clinical legal education, overseas visits, competitions and other extra-curricula activities as this
improves their transferable skills and is character building. Every one of our first year students now has the opportunity to participate in our clinical program, and meet live clients, for at least one full day. In the pages that follow you will find invaluable information on career pathways open to you – and I would encourage you to be open and flexible about what kind of lawyer or professional you will eventually become, and also how and where you will work. Don’t jump on bandwagons but do struggle to identify and find your own path, the one that is right for you. And if you are female or have an Indigenous background don’t let that hold you back. The legal services market is volatile, highly fragmented and there are real choices to be made about where, and how, you work. Private and commercial practice can certainly be rewarding but there is also the employed sector, working either for private companies or government, which can be rewarding in other ways. And you don’t have to practice in Adelaide: opportunities exist abroad working for NGOs and international organisations and, for some, working for community groups or in remote, rural or regional Australia may also have its attractions. Do you really wish to qualify as a lawyer and, if so, what kind of lawyer or advocate might you become? What interests or client groups do you intend serving and where do you prefer to live? Answers to these questions may help define your career choices and what kind of professional you aspire to become. Our graduates disperse into a range of occupations outside the legal professions and include: TV personalities, film directors, models, as well as senior public servants and budding politicians.
Last year George Pank won an Oscar for his documentary Amy that told the story of Amy Winehouse. Our other graduates include Victorian Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius; Renewal Adelaide General Manager Lily Jacobs; and recent winners of the coveted SA Young Lawyer of the Year award, Paul Gordon and Claire Victory, are just some of the Flinders law graduates whose success attests to their personal drive, community engagement and employability. Flinders Law School has also produced SA’s 2017 Rhodes Scholar, Jordan Gifford-Moore, who will be conducting postgraduate legal study at Oxford. Whether or not you decide to work as a lawyer it may be worthwhile getting some experience of legal work. This Guide will certainly help you with the mechanics of getting a job: putting together your CV, writing a cover letter and how to conduct yourself at interview. I urge you to take this advice on board and prepare well your job application once you have thought carefully about what it is you want to do. My thanks to all those who have worked so hard to bring this advice and information together in this Guide, which no doubt will be supplemented with further advice from prospective employers at the Careers Fair. My thanks also go to the exhibitors who make the Careers Fair possible, and whom I trust will continue to be impressed with the quality of our graduates. Finally, my very best wishes go to all those students finishing their studies this year; I wish you every success, both in your exams and your subsequent careers.
Editorial
William Jones Vice President, FLSA The purpose of this publication is to maximise the career potential of Flinders law students. We aim to educate students about the various career pathways available to them within the legal profession. On behalf of FLSA, I hope you find this guide informative and useful. It is no secret that the future of legal profession is about to face severe technological disruption. With legal practices being streamlined by new online and virtual processes, the workload for Lawyers is decreasing. .For this reason, students must begin to seriously consider their career path during their studies. Understandably, thinking about your future whilst at the same time making your way through your studies can be incredibly stressful. Use this guide as a tool to support yourself through your career decisions.
Creating this publication is a monumental task, one that cannot be achieved alone. My sincerest thanks goes to the Careers, Education, and Wellbeing portfolio of FLSA. Anthony Busuttil, Margaret Cusenza, and Amy Hawes, who have all done an outstanding job in helping produce this publication. I also thank the FLSA Committee in general for their ongoing support of the Careers, Education, and Wellbeing portfolio. In particular I would like to thank Celeste Craggs for her role in securing vital sponsorship for this publication and Olivia Hanna for her continuing moral, creative and professional support. This publication also relies on the contributions of both students and members of the legal profession. I am extremely grateful to those that took the time out of their personal schedules in order to share their experiences to the Careers Guide.
Within this year’s edition of the guide, we have several Flinders Law School Alumni who have shared their career paths with us. I hope you find their stories both inspiring and motivating. FLSA is also supported by the Flinders University Careers and Employee Liaison Centre (CELC). CELC is a free service for students to utilise in order to broaden their career potential. You will find more information on their services in the Applications section of the Careers Guide. Finally, I would like to wish you all the best in your journey from Flinders Law School to the legal profession. University is a time to explore your options in the world. Whether you go commercial, public, or beyond the legal profession, the key is to ensure you are passionate about your career choice. I wish you good luck with your studies and all your career endeavours for 2017 and your journey beyond.
Table of Contents Getting Started
A Guide to the Guide
pg. 10
Practical Legal Training
pg. 18
Casual and Part Time Work
pg. 35
Studies at Flinders
pg. 11
Admission
pg. 19
Legal Skills Competitions
pg. 41
Study Abroad
pg. 12
Extra Curricular Experience
pg. 22
Honours
pg. 16
Internships
pg. 23
Postgraduate Studies
pg. 17
Volunteering
pg. 28
Academia
pg. 67
Advising on Policy
pg. 68
Alternative Dispute Resolution
pg. 69
Mediation
pg. 70
Netball SA
pg. 71
Your Future Forging Your Career Path
pg. 46
Clerkships and Graduate Programs at Thomson Geer
pg. 57
The Law Graduate Oversupply
pg. 48
The Unique Adelaide Legal Market
pg. 50
Becoming a Barrister
pg. 58
Life at the Bar
pg. 60
In House Counsel: Vestas
pg. 53
The Crown Solicitor’s Office
pg. 61
Family Law Practice at Tindall Gask Bentley
pg. 54
Clerkships and Graduate Porgrams at Allens
pg. 62
An Insight to Practice at Lipman Karas
pg. 55
Legal Consultation
pg. 63
Australian Law Reform Commission
pg. 56
Working in the Senate
pg. 65
Working in State Parliament
pg. 66
Applications Developing your Resume
pg. 74
Applying for Clerkships
pg. 82
Social Media Useage
pg. 85
Writing your Cover Letter
pg. 78
Law Society Media Guidelines
pg. 86
Pre Interview Testing
Career and Employee Liaison Centre Services
pg. 83
pg. 80
The Interview
pg. 80
Networking
pg. 84
Employer Directory
Local Presence
Global Opportunities
Lipman Karas is a specialist legal practice representing corporate, government and private clients.
A career at Lipman Karas provides opportunities and experiences that are unrivalled in South Australia.
With offices in Adelaide, Hong Kong and London, our team has an exceptional track record of consistently outstanding results in some of the most challenging, complex and high profile commercial litigation in the Asia Pacific region and internationally.
Lipman Karas offers lawyers commencing their careers with a chance to work with recognised leaders in their field on litigation projects, investigations and inquiries that are unique in both magnitude, complexity and geographic reach. Clerkship applications close Tuesday, 18 April 2017. For information on the application process please visit lipmankaras.com.
Best International Firm for Work Life Balance 2014, 2015, 2016
Getting Started
A Guide to the Guide Getting started
The Flinders Law Students’ Association Careers Guide aims to provide insight into the many career opportunities available, and assist you in working towards your chosen career path. We hope the Guide will start your thinking about your career early so you can maximise your opportunities and gain an edge early on.
Using this guide
This guide is structured into four sections, each focussing on different stages of the career exploration and application process. Whether you are in your first year of studies or your penultimate, the information in this guide caters to all students no matter what stage you are in your career journey.
Section One: Getting Started
One of the most crucial elements of a successful career is a solid foundation. Section one addresses areas that students can improve upon before graduating from their LLB. These areas are: • Extra-Curricular Experience • Enhancing your Skills • Transition from Studies to Practice There are many different ways you can enrich your degree, such as undertaking Honours, choosing electives suited to your desired career path, and going on overseas exchanges. There are also experiences you can fit alongside your degree, such as internships, volunteering,or part-time work, Section One provides information on these experiences. Getting Started
Section Two: Your Future
The Flinders Careers and Employment Liaison Centre also offers a wide range of services and resources to assist Flinders students in the preparation of resumes and applications.
After binge watching Suits for a day straight, you may feel certain that legal practice is the right path for you, but there are many other factors to consider. Will you be practicing in the city or the country, in a small or large firm, in the private or public sector, and in what area of law?
Section Four: Employer Directory
Section two is divided into ‘Legal Practice’ and ‘Beyond Legal Practice’. It is useful to look at both of these sections regardless of your career aspirations.
Section Two of the guide will assist in addressing these questions, including first hand accounts from professionals across a variety of practice areas. Whilst it is common for law graduates to enter legal practice, this is definitely not the only option. Careers in government, politics, academia, and business are among the many options considered in the Beyond Legal Practice section of this guide. With technological disruption playing a big part in the legal profession now, it is important to consider all options when shaping your career path.
Section Three: Applications
After the planning stage comes the truly fun part: applying for jobs. Section three contains tips and tricks on drafting your CV and cover letter, information on pre interview testing, how to approach interview questions, networking and social media use.
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Given the diversity of employment options available to law graduates, it can be difficult to know where to start looking. The Employer Directory is a great place to get an overview of your potential employers in Adelaide, interstate, and overseas. Section four details a broad range of employers, from private law firms, public legal offices, and community legal centres, to government departments and private businesses. The Employer Directory is split into four categories: • Civil Legal Practice • Criminal Legal Practice • Private Non-Legal • Public Non-Legal
Changing your mind?
If you already have your dream career path in mind, by all means, strive to achieve it. However, if you decide you want to do something different, know this is okay too. As you progress through your degree you will discover new areas of law and careers you did not know existed. Over time your interests may change and so too may your dream career. Flexibility is a trait revered by employers.
Studies at Flinders Your degree
The LLB/LP
TosuccessfullygraduatefromtheFlinders Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, students must complete 144 units of studies. This is broken down as follows: • 90 units of core topics • 22.5 units of Legal Practice core topics • 31.5 units of option topics (Electives)
Course Rule
The best way to build a study plan is to follow the Course Rule for your degree. The Course Rule sets out the core topics and elective options for each semester, and can be found on the Flinders University website. It explains exactly which topics you must complete in which semesters, and when you have openings for electives (generally from third year onwards).
Students that fulfil the above requirements will be elligible to apply for admission to the Supreme Court of South Australia.
If you are studying a straight law degree, planning your study plan is a simple matter of following the Course Rule.
Students that wish to exit early from their degree with just a Bachelor of Laws may do so by request to the Law School. In this case, students must complete an extra elective topic.Students who wish to undertake their PLT via an external provider may do so if they exit early. For more information on external PLT providers, see page x.
Undertaking a second degree can broaden your career options and employability, and incase the diversity of your university experience.
A smaller number of students undertake the Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours), which will extend the duration of your studies. For more information on Honours, see page x.
Full-time or Part-time
To be classified as a full time student, you must be enrolled in at least 13.5 units (3 topics) of study within a semester. To be classified as a part time student, you must be enrolled in 9 units (2 topics) or less. You must seek special approval if you wish to overload topics, that is, study more than 22.5 units per semester. The degree is very flexible in allowing for part time study loads. It is very common for students to drop to a part time study load during certain semesters. While this will extending the length of your degree overall, it can be advantageous for your academic results and wellbeing.
Combined degrees
At Flinders, you can combine your law degree with any of the following: • Bachelor of Arts • Bachelor of Behavioural Science • Bachelor of Business • Bachelor of Commerce • Bachelor of Criminology • Bachelor of International Relations • Bachelor of Languages • Bachelor of Law and Society • Bachelor of Science You can apply to add a second degree onto your law degree after you have begun studying.
Bachelor of Letters
If you are interested in studying Creative Writing, English, Innovation/Enterprise, French Indonesian, Italian, Modern Greek, Spanish or Sports Performance Coaching, then consider adding a Bachelor of Letters to your degree. The Bachelor of Letters must be studied part time and will add an extra year to your studies at Flinders University.
Please note that if you are receiving Commonwealth Assistance such as Youth Allowance, you may be required to be enrolled in a specific amount of units within a semester. 11
Juris Doctor (JD)
If you have completed an undergraduate degree in a different discipline, but wish to complete postgraduate law then consider the Flinders Juris Doctor. Delivered primarily online with some on-campus workshops, this course enables you to gain industry experience and solve real word problems, along with the opportunity to network with other professionals.
Electives
Electives offered by the Flinders Law School differ each year, and usually run on a two-year cycle. If you have an idea of the career path you want to take, you can tailor your electives to your chosen field. Electives run in Semester 1 and 2, and during the mid year and summer breaks in the form of intensives. All students must complete at least one option topic that has been designated by the Faculty Board as an international/ comparative option; and at least one option topic that has been designated by the Faculty Board as an Indigenous/ Social Justice option.
Study Exchanges
Flinders offers a number of exchange programs giving students the opportunity to study abroad for varying lengths of time. For more information on Exchanges, see page x.
Flinders Connect
If at any point during your studies yourrun into a problem, you can contact Flinders Connect. Flinders Connect provides support in the areas of enrolment, finance, examinations and graduation. You can visit them on level 0 of the Central Library Building on the Bedford Park Campus. Alternatively, you can call them on 1300 354 633, click on the “Ask Flinders” icon on your student dashboard, or email them at askflinders@flinders.edu.au
Getting Started
Study Abroad The Sky’s the Limit
The experience of immersing yourself in a culture completely unlike your own is like no other. There is a huge variety of experiences available at universities in countries all throughout the world, which offer students the opportunity to gain a new perspective, learn the intricacies of a different jurisdiction, meet new people, and develop their adaptability. With globalisation on the increase, so too is the need for lawyers with international experience. If you have studied overseas, this suggests an ability to adapt to new situations and an enthusiasm to take on new challenges, and perhaps a familiarity with the local law or the local language. When applying for clerkship and graduate positions, there is an increasing requirement that you stand out from the crowd. Fortunately no two international experiences are the same, especially with the incredible range on offer. From short study tours and intensives to semester long exchanges there are opportunities to suit all time constraints in every stage of study.
Semester Exchanges
Flinders University offers outbound international exchange programs of 1 or 2 semesters duration during undergraduate degrees. This allows students to study interesting electives in a foreign country, which will ultimately increase employability. There are many locations available through Flinders Exchange Partner Universities; to study a law specialty, this includes the following institutions: • AIC Internship • Chuo University, Japan • East China University of Political Science and Law, China • European University, Viadrina • Johannes Kepler University, Austria • Keele University, UK
Getting Started
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Kyung Hee University, Korea Manchester Metropolitan University, UK Peking University, China Roma Tre University, Italy Stockholms Universitet, Sweden The National University of Malaysia, Malaysia The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Calgary, Canada University of Copenhagen, Denmark University of East Anglia, UK University of Leicester, UK University of Manitoba, Canada University of Surabaya, Indonesia Uppsala Universitet, Sweden York University, Canada
For more information, visit the Flinders University Study Abroad website.
Study Tours
Flinders law offers various rotating elective topics that allow students to study abroad to learn about foreign laws and legal systems. These topics are structured as intensives generally of around 4 weeks. Locations include : • Indonesia (LLAW3274); • China (LLAW3270); • India (LEGL3114). These study tours provide an excellent opportunity to get a snapshot of life in a different country, as well as gaining credit for your degree and increasing your prospects.
External Providers
External organisation AIM Overseas offers intensive academic courses taught at international universities. AIM assist and facilitate all Australia applications to the following programs, however the program
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themselves are structured and managed by the separate universities. The law related programs available are: • Comparative Contract Law, at Michigan State University, USA • Oxford History, Politics and Society Summer School, at Oxford University, UK • International Litigation and Arbitration, at Michigan State University, USA • International Human Rights Law, at Universidad Nacional de Lanus, Argentina • Oxford International Human Rights Summer School, at Oxford University, UK • International Environmental Law, at Maastricht University, The Netherlands • International Law and Human Rights, at Masarky University, Czech Republic • International Relations and Politics in the EU, at Maastricht University, The Netherlands Please note that programs may not always be available within a given year. For more information, please visit the Flinders University website.
International Human Rights Law at Oxford University A student experience
Author: Philippa Ewens, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Hons) During the mid-year break in 2015 I travelled to Oxford (UK) to undertake a 4-week summer school program on International Human Rights Law. The program is jointly conducted by the University of Oxford and the George Washington University (based in Washington, DC), and has been running annually since 1995.
The curriculum was intellectually challenging, and while the program does seek to provide a basic grounding in the field, the intensive nature of the course means learning is highly accelerated, therefore I would not recommend it to students who do not have prior exposure to international human rights law.
The program teaches participants about the theory and practice of international human rights law, in an intensive, immersive environment. Participants study two topics, Fundamental Human Rights Law or Advanced Human Rights Law (depending on your experience in the field), in addition to an elective topic of choice - mine being Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
I was particularly impressed with the calibre of faculty staff, who are internationally recognised practitioners and academics in the Human Rights field and bring a wealth of anecdotal insights to their teaching, including Ivan Shearer, Chip Pitts, Karima Bennoune and Charles Jalloh.
Plenary lectures and seminars ran from 9.15am – 3.00pm, Monday to Friday, with daily-required readings, in class assessments, and final exams. At the conclusion of formal class, special presentations are delivered from guest speakers including UN Special Rapporteurs, members of the UN Human Rights Council, politicians, senior academics, and human rights lawyers.
During the program, participants are residents of New College, one of Oxfords oldest colleges (home of various filming locations featured in the Harry Potter film series). Each participant has their own living quarters, and all meals are provided in the college dining hall, which fosters a traditional English boarding school environment. The course is available to law students and working professions, with participants coming from all over the world (I was one of only 3 Australians) and from a variety of backgrounds. In addition to law students, a large number were already working within the field for NGO’s, charities including the 13
Red Cross, as Military lawyers, and inhouse counsel for large corporates. There were a number of social activities incorporated into the program, including black tie events, day trips to the Country (such as a jousting tournament at Blenheim Palace), and pub-crawls. Given the contact hours, it is impossible not to make friends within the program; I was lucky to make an amazingly diverse group of friends, some of whom I remain in contact with. We took full advantage of our nights and weekends off, undertaking many activities including exploring Oxfords pubs and museums, punting, watching theatre shows and short trips to London (and for some, to Europe). Applications are submitted via AIM Overseas, and students can apply to receive credit from Flinders Law School for topics studied (generally 6 units in total). The program cost (including airfares) is around $12000, half of which may be applied to HECS via an OS Help Loan. For those interested in a career in international human rights law, or international law more generally, I highly recommend this program. The quality of teaching and curriculum, social and professional networking and unique student experience is worth the financial outlay and will be a great highlight of your time at law school. Getting Started
International Law in Geneva A student experience
Author: Ally Boemia, Bachelor of Laws and Legal (Hons), Bachelor of International Relations, Bachelor of Letters (French)
In June 2016 I was lucky enough to study in Geneva through Murdoch University’s International Human Rights Law program. Every year Murdoch Law School takes a group of students to Geneva for three weeks to study three topics: Australian Refugee Law, International Human Rights Organisations and Legal Protection of Human Rights. The topics are taught by people who are living and working in the human rights field in Geneva. This year we studied Refugee Law with Mary Anne Kenny, one of the top practitioners in Australian refugee law. Included in the trip is multiple site visits to some of the most important international human rights organisations. To name a few, we visited: the United Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organisation of Migration and Palais Wilson, and the original meeting place for the League of Nations which now houses the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We were also able to sit in during the CEDAW session reviewing Myanmar’s compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Getting Started
During these site visits we heard from people working in the international human rights law field and learnt about the current issues and struggles. My take away lesson was that the people working at the forefront of international human rights are just ordinary people who are all just trying to make the world a little bit better. The program also includes a networking night where we mingled with Australians working in Geneva. Although the teaching days are full on, you have three-day weekends and are strongly encouraged to travel during this time. Another great part of this program is that it occurs during mid semester break. There is a little flexibility to travel for a few weeks after the program and still make it back in time for Semester 2. But the best part is that you get to go to Geneva, the centre of international law. You walked down the road and on your left is the United Nations and a few minutes later you’re walking past the UNHCR building. Basically everywhere you turn there is another important international organisation.
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The Practicalities I found out about the program through a post on FLSA’s Facebook page. Alternatively, you can find all the information on Murdoch University’s website. As the program is organised by Murdoch University, it counts as crossinstitutional study. So you need to apply to Murdoch University (the forms and all the information is on their website) and obtain credit approval through Flinders by submitting an Ask Flinders request. You get credit for three topics which are counted as NGPs. I found it a little tricky to organise as I had to split the credit between my two degrees and had to work out alternative arrangements for my exams as the course date overlapped with Flinders’ exam period. But with a little ‘toing and froing’ it all worked out in the end and the Flinders’ Law School staff were happy to help and accommodating. I thoroughly recommend this trip. It is a worthwhile experience, especially for those interested in the United Nations, refugee law and international human rights law.
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Getting Started
Honours
Enchance your academia LLB (Honours)
The Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours) is designed to provide an enhanced program of studies for students of exceptional academic ability.
the results obtained in your final 6 graded topics plus a further 8 non-first level graded topics in which you obtained your highest grades. The Dissertation is worth 9 units; one elective topic must be undertaken in either Semester.
An Honours degree will refine and increase your skills in research, academic writing and critical thinking. It can be a valuable addition to your CV and may help to set you apart from other graduates. If you plan to pursue a career in academia or complete a Masters or Doctorate in the future, completing honours is an essential step.
Enrolled in honours from 2015
Transferring into Honours
The change in Honours policies from 2015 onward bring the Flinders Law Honours degree in line with national standards for honours degrees.
If you are not already enrolled in honours, you can transfer into the degree via application if you satisfy the following requirements: • GPA for all law topics over 5.5; • completed 72-108 units in the LLB/LP; • GPA of 5.7 for the most recent 36 graded units in the LLB/LP; • capacity to undertake the Dissertation elective topics in their study plan; and; • In the opinion of the Honours Committee could fulfill the requirements to be awarded honours.
Enrolled in Honours before 2015
For students who enrolled in the LLB/ LP (Hons) before 2015, honours result is based 25% on the result obtained in a 10,000 word Dissertation, and 75% on
Getting Started
For students enrolling in the LLB/LP (Hons) in 2015 onwards, honours will be based solely on the result obtained in a 13,000 word Dissertation, with the Dissertation being worth 13.5 units. Three elective topics must be undertaken, designed to be taken across two semesters.
Dissertation Supervisor
Proposal
and
Students should start to think seriously about a topic at least a semester before formally enrolling. Since the Dissertation is undertaken towards the end of the course, there will have been opportunities to consider a range of topics from which a dissertation might be developed. It is a student’s responsibility to arrange supervision with a member of the Law School staff. The Honours Coordinator will be available to advise students about the suitability of a potential supervisor to supervise in particular areas of interest.
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The deadline for submission of your proposal is 14 days before the beginning of the semester in which you commence your dissertation.
Honours Result
Honours Dissertations (in both streams) are due at the end of week 14 in the students final honours elective semester. The three categories of honours for students enrolled before 2015 are: • Honours 1 – GPA of 6.4 -7.00 • Honours 2A – GPA of 6.1 -6.39 • Honours 2B – GPA of 5.7 – 6.09 The four categories of honours for students enrolled from 2015 are: • Honours 1 – 85-100% grade • Honours 2A – 75-84% grade • Honours 2B – 65-74% grade • Honours 3 – 50-64% grade These calculations will be made automatically and after results have been finalised, students who have been awarded honours will be notified.
Publication
Students who receive high marks for their Dissertation are encouraged to consider submitting them for publication in the Flinders Law Journal. If you would like any further information regarding honours please visit the Flinders Law School website or contact Professor Brendan Grigg, Honours Coordinator.
Postgraduate Study It’s not over yet
Further Study
If you are nearing the end of your law degree, the idea of beginning further study might be the last thing on your mind. However, not only does postgraduate study enrich your knowledge of an area of law that interests you, it also boosts your employment prospects, creates the opportunities for a career in academia, and allows you to study overseas. Whilst the majority of Australian universities offer postgraduate studies, international institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Harvard and countless others, all offer a Master of Laws. Other degrees ranging from Masters in International Human Rights Law to Doctor of Science of Law are also available internationally.
What are your options?
Broadly, undergraduate law students have four options for higher study. These are Masters of Law (LLM) by Coursework, LLM by Research, the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Masters of Law (LLM) by Coursework
LLM Coursework commonly requires students to complete eight topics. These topics focus on specialised areas of law, and require a greater depth of study than the areas you studied in your undergraduate degree. The LLM by Coursework generally follows a structured lecture and seminar/tutorial program. Assessment differs across universities; some assess students based solely on their coursework, and others require an 8,000-15,000 word dissertation.
Masters of Law (LLM) by Research
LLM by Research is purely researchbased. Students must develop a research topic and write a supervised thesis, generally of 35,000 to 50,000 words. They are expected to find their own supervisor, such as a university academic with relevant experience. Students may need evidence of a research background before they are allowed to undertake this degree. This means that students who have already completed a research thesis, or who have had pieces of academic work published, have a greater chance of being approved to undertake this degree. Generally you must also have achieved an undergraduate law degree with Upper Second Class Honours as a minimum. Depending on your performance, your LLM by Research can be a ‘stepping stone’ to PhD candidature.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Fulbright Scholarship
A PhD is the highest award you can obtain for legal study, and will put you in good stead if you are working towards a career in academia.
John Monash Scholarship
The highly acclaimed PhD also requires candidates to develop a unique research topic and write a thesis under the supervision of an appropriate university academic. The research topic must be highly specific and unexplored. The final thesis can be anywhere from 70,000 to 100,000 words. It can be completed in 2-4 years full-time, or 3-8 years part-time. Universities require at least Upper Second Class Honours in your undergraduate law degree before you can undertake a PhD.
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
The SJD consists of a coursework component and a research thesis, and is roughly equivalent to a PhD. The candidate must develop their own research topic, and the thesis can be between 50,000 to 75,000 words. If studying full-time, this course generally consists of one year of coursework, followed by two or three years of developing and writing the thesis. Depending on the university, you may have to complete an LLM by Coursework before undertaking this Doctorate. You must also have at least Upper Second Class Honours in your undergraduate law degree.
Prestigious Scholarships
There are a number of prestigious scholarships that students may apply for to undertake post-graduate study.
Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships
The Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships are internationally competitive, merit-based scholarships funded by the Australian Government that support Australians to undertake study, research and professional development in 125 countries worldwide. A scholarship or fellowship recipient will receive: tuition fees; travel allowance (up to $3000); establishment allowance (up to $2000 for fellowships, $4000 for scholarships); Monthly stipend ($3000); health insurance; and travel insurance. Selection criteria includes: record of high academic achievement and/or relevant work experience; statement on how the program would further the applicant’s academic and/or professional career; statement on how the program will benefit Australia.
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The Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarships support Australian students to enrol in a U.S. postgraduate program (such as a Masters) and supports Australian PhD students to undertake research and/or study in the U.S. A scholarship is valued up to AUD$40,000, a recipient will receive: living, travel and establishment allowance for a program of 8-10 months duration; funding for program events; and health insurance. Selection criteria includes: record of high academic and professional merit; feasible and relevant program proposal that has definable outcomes; and ambassadorial skills.
The John Monash Scholarship is awarded to 10-15 outstanding Australian graduates annually, to enable them to study abroad at the world’s best universities. A scholarship is valued up to AUD$60,000 per year (for up to three years). Selection criteria include: outstanding intellect demonstrated by academic excellence, also language and music skills, or publications; leadership; a defined research or study program; and benefit to Australia.
Rhodes Scholarships
Nine scholarships are available to Australians annually to study at the University of Oxford. Each state offers one scholarship; in addition there are three Australia-at-large scholarships. Scholars must not be older than 25 on 1 October of their year of commencement at Oxford. A scholarship recipient will receive: all tuition fees; application fees; personal stipend; and return airfare. Selection criteria include: literary and scholastic attainments; character and service; and leadership.
Robert Menzies Scholarships
The Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Foundation offers two post-graduate scholarships in law: the Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Scholarship in Law for study at U.K. universities, and the Sir Ninian Stephen Menzies Scholarship in International Law for study at various overseas universities. A scholarship recipient will receive AUD$75,000 per year to meet tuition fees and contribute to travel and living expenses; a personal living allowance; and return airfare. Selection criteria include: academic excellence; leadership; service of others; extra-curricular activities; and ability to contribute to life of the university. SA Law Foundation Fellowship The SA Law Foundation Fellowship offer scholarships and grants for legal research, public education on legal matters and/or training. Fellowships, internships and grant applications can be found on their website.
Getting Started
Practical Legal Training (PLT) Transition to Practice
The Flinders LLB/LP is unique in that it is the only undergraduate degree that leads directly to admission as a legal practitioner in Australia without further study. Practical Legal Training combines the legal theories learned during law school with practical skills necessary and invaluable to a career in legal practice.
Similarly, LLAW 7003 Practical Legal Training: Criminal Litigation Practice will give students a taste and understanding of what an entry-level lawyer will undertake in criminal practice. As PLT topics are a strict requirement for admission to practice, they are often marked by participation and attendance.
To be eligible to practice as a barrister and solicitor in South Australia, all law students must complete Practical Legal Training as part of their academic and practical requirements.
LLAW 7002 Practical Legal Training: Transactional Legal Practice incorporates both learning the legislative and common law requirements and practical process in commercial and corporate law, property, and estates.
PLT at Flinders
Here at Flinders Law School, students who have successfully completed their studies of the Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice will be eligible to apply for admission to the Supreme Court of South Australia. Flinders University is the only South Australian university to have integrated the core principles of PLT into its topics of substantive law and the compulsory practice topics relating to specific areas of legal practice.
PLT Core Topics
There are four core Practical Legal Training topics in the Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice at Flinders. The four topics are as follows: • Practical Legal Training: Civil Litigation Practice (LLAW7000 • Practical Legal Training: Legal Practice Management (LLAW7001) • Practical Legal Training: Transactional Legal Practice (LLAW7002) • Practical Legal Training: Criminal Practice and Advocacy (LLAW7003) In LLAW 7000 Practical Legal Training: Civil Litigation Practice, students are given an introductory understanding of what an entry-level lawyer will undertake in civil practice.
Getting Started
Placement
LLAW 7001 Practical Legal Training: Legal Practice Management involves a 225hour placement at an approved ‘legal office’, which students can complete this is a 6 week full-time placement or as a part-time equivalent. A legal office can include a private practice, community legal service, government or semi-government department, or a corporate legal office. The placement is a great opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learnt as the placement requires students to complete certain tasks such as interviewing, advising, undertaking legal research, drafting legal letters, filing documents at court, and engaging in advocacy. Placement can be organised either of two ways. Firstly, students can organise their own placements, which are to be approved. This is ideal for students who are completing clerkships. Secondly, the Law Society of South Australia can organise placements for students wishing to complete their placement full-time. However, there are a limited number of placements that can be organised this way.
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PLT throughout the Degree
The topics of substantive law take place throughout the LLB degree and are specifically designed to continue building on what students have done, and allow students to gain a greater understating of legal issues from a real-life perspective. Skills that are explored in substantive law topics include: Legal Research • LLAW1211 – Legal Research and Writing (Research I, Writing I) • LLAW2222 – History of Legal Ideas (Research II) Drafting • LLAW1224 – Advanced Contract (Writing II) • LLAW2224 – Corporate Law (Drafting) Interviewing • LLAW2211 – Torts 2 (Interviewing) Team work • LLAW1213 – Introduction to Public Law (Group Work) Ethics • LLAW1211 – Professional Skills and Ethics (Ethics I) • LLAW3211 – Corporate Law 2 (Ethics II)
Undertaking PLT Externally
In some situations, students may prefer to graduate with a Bachelor of Laws and complete the Practical Legal Training at a later date. Students who choose this option will be required to complete a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GLDP). If studied full time a GDLP will take 6 months to complete. External institutions where students can complete a GDLP include ANU Legal Workshop, The Law Society of South Australia, The College of Law and the Leo Cussen Institute.
Graduating & Getting Admitted Transition to Practice
Graduating
Flinders hold three rounds of graduations ceremonies during the year. If you are a domestic student, you will only be eligible to graduate in a ceremony in April or September. The December round is reserved for Doctor of Medicine and international students.
Application Process
There are a number of steps in applying for admission: 1.
Graduating in absentia
If you are unable to attend a graduation ceremony you may apply to graduate in absentia. Absentia conferral dates occur more frequently than ceremonies however you will not be able to attend a ceremony at a later date. If you apply to graduate in absentia, your parchment will be available for collection from Flinders Connect or you can elect to have it mailed.
Getting Admitted
After graduating, in order to legally practice law in South Australia you must apply for admission to the Supreme Court of South Australia. Once you have been admitted, signed the Roll of Practitioners, and received your restricted practicing certificate, you are able to commence practice. For information and assistance in completing the admission process contact the Ethics and Practice unit of the Law Society of South Australia on (08) 8229 0200 or visit their website. To be eligible for admission you must satisfy the Board of Examiners that you are of good character and that you have met the admission requirements set in the Supreme Court Rules and LPEAC Rules. Once admitted, you will be a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia and a Commissioner for taking affidavits in the Supreme Court of South Australia.
Admission Requirements
To apply to be admitted as a legal practitioner, you must satisfy both the academic and practical requirements in the Supreme Court and LPEAC Rules. Successfully completing a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice at Flinders University satisfies both of these requirements without any further study. If you choose not to undertake the legal practice component of the Flinders law degree, but still wish to practice, you will not to complete your Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with an alternative provider. To prove your character you must disclose to the Board any criminal charges you have faced, if you have been bankrupt, or if you have found to be engaged in academic dishonesty.
2. 3.
4.
5.
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Prepare and lodge originating application for admission at the Law Society of South Australia. The application includes: • an affidavit in support of the application; • a copy of a document certifying completion of your academic and practical requirements; • a copy of your drivers license/ passport/birth certificate; and • notice of your application for admission to be placed on the Law Society website Your application goes before the Board of Examiners at their once monthly meeting for consideration. After each Board of Examiners meeting, a list of successful applicants is displayed on the Law Society website. Approach a legal practitioner with a current practicing certificate to move your application for admission in the admissions ceremony. Generally, students approach a practitioner who is a friend or colleague. A rehearsal ceremony is held before the formal ceremony where you will sign your name to the Roll of Practitioners. Your family and friends are invited to watch the formal ceremony that takes place in the Sir Samuel Way building. Once admitted, you are eligible to apply for a restricted practising certificate from the Law Society of South Australia.
Restricted Practising Certificate
It is illegal to practice without a practicing certificate. When issued with your first practising certificate it will be subject to a two-year restriction period of supervised practice. This is, practice that is controlled or managed by an approved legal practitioner, usually the principal of the firm you are employed at. The fee for a practising certificate is currently $585. You apply for your practicing certificate through the Law Society of South Australia.
Practising Interstate
Once admitted to practice in your home jurisdiction, it is relatively simple to practice as a lawyer interstate under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (Cth). You can apply for mutual recognition through the Law Society of South Australia.
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Practising Overseas
New Zealand The Mutual Recognition Act means that there are very few barriers for Australian lawyers to practice in New Zealand. Australians, once admitted in their original jurisdiction, can apply for automatic admission in New Zealand. Hong Kong Australian lawyers with between two to five years experience practising in Australia will need to take qualification exams. Australians will need to apply for a work visa in Hong Kong that will often be sponsored by the employer. Singapore Most Australian lawyers will find work in Singapore at ‘offshore’ firms. In Singapore, these ‘offshore’ firms are not allowed to advise clients on Singapore law but rather work on deals involving UK or US law. Australian’s require an Employment Pass to work in Singapore as a lawyer. England To practice in England, Australian lawyers must register as a Registered Foreign Lawyer with the Law Society of England and Wales. They can also be admitted as a solicitor or barrister by passing the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test. Australian lawyers will have to apply for a work visa, which is often taken care of by the employer and applied for on your behalf. Canada Each province regulates admission to legal practice., thus requirements differ between provinces, however the nine common law provinces simply require Australian lawyers to apply for a permit to be a practising foreign lawyer. Australian lawyers must apply to the National Committee on Accreditation for an evaluation of their legal qualifications. Lawyers may also be required to pass examinations in specified areas of Canadian Law.. Some provinces require that the lawyer must be a permanent resident of the province to which they want to apply. United States Admission to practise is regulated a state level and requirements often vary between states, and only certain states accept foreign lawyers. Typically, an Australian lawyer will need to pass the Bar Examination in the state they wish to practice.
Getting Started
Getting Started
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Extra Curricular Experience Spice up your CV
Beyond good grades, the most common piece of advice for those looking to set themselves apart from other graduates is get involved in extra-curricular activities
Section One of the Careers Guide provides a snapshot of the following categories of extra curricular experiences:
Get Involved
Internships are paid or unpaid practical work experience. Internships are available both during your degree and after graduation.
Employers are on the lookout for well-rounded candidates. By joining student societies, community groups, sporting clubs, or cultural associations, you will expand your experience and develop a variety of skills. Balancing extra-curriculars with study demonstrates effective time management and organisational skills.
Internships
Volunteering
There are a number of organisations across Adelaide who are always looking for law students to contribute to community legal services and not for profit organisations.
Furthermore, these experiences allow you to meet new people, make new friends, and ultimately get more out of your time at university.
Getting Started
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Casual and Part Time Work
Casual and part time work within and outside of the legal field is a valuable undertaking for all students, allowing you to develop skills and providing content for your resume.
Legal Skills Competitions
Competitions are a fun way to practice your legal skills, challenge yourself to work to a deadline, perform under pressure, and make friends.
Internships LLAW3264: Social Justice Internship A student experience
Author: Seisia Marley, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, Bachelor of Arts I had the fortunate opportunity to intern at the Flinders Legal Advice Clinic (FLAC) as part of the Social Justice Internship. FLAC is a community legal centre which exists on the foundation of a hard working Clinic Manager, supervising lawyers and other key staff at Flinders University. Under the supervision and guidance of qualified lawyers, I developed critical practical skills while also gaining a better understanding of law as a profession. In addition to the formal learning, I enjoyed the social experience of working together with a great group of interns. FLAC has allowed me to learn and develop confidence as a law student, while also reinforcing the importance of community legal work. The role of the intern Interning at FLAC was a fantastic way to develop critical practical skills which can’t be learnt in the classroom. It was great to be involved in every part of the process from start to finish: I opened and managed files, prepared interview statements, researched, drafted letters of advice and other administrative duties. More importantly, I learnt how to follow a process, meet deadlines and work under pressure.
FLAC undertook a wide variety of legal matters which were often quite complex. This made each matter interesting and exciting while also allowing the interns to receive experience in many areas of law. Social Justice Internship The Social Justice Internship counted as an elective topic. The theory component covered content such as access to justice, ethics, professionalism and more. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on the practical experience in the clinic. I was able to develop a broader understanding of the legal profession and the positive possibilities for its evolution into the future, moreover, the important role community legal centres have to play in access to justice and how this can be developed in the years to come. Working as a team At FLAC, I worked with a group of interns in a team. This was an opportunity to build and reflect on my teamwork skills. It was insightful to observe the different ideas and approaches each intern contributed to problem solving. We always completed tasks with another intern and this enabled us to come to the best possible solution. I enjoyed my time working with the other interns; it was a great way to make new friendships and challenge my approach to problem solving.
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Valuable feedback We received continual feedback throughout the semester which created the optimum environment to learn and develop emotional intelligence. The Clinic Manager and supervisors gave us insightful feedback on the work we produced. In addition, all interns completed reviews of one another throughout the semester. Therefore, not only did we receive feedback on the hard skills needed to complete the work, we also received feedback on the essential soft skills which add to the quality of the work, efficiency of the clinic and the general experience of working with others. The experience was great preparation for working in the law profession. It was however more than this, the experience was an insight into what the role of a lawyer is and the platform the legal profession can give to people who need legal advice. For me, it highlighted the rewarding nature of assisting those who rely on our profession and its resources. I now have a broader understanding of what is involved in a legal clinic or firm and, more importantly, the deeper implications the profession can have on the community. This challenging but rewarding experience has equipped me with a set of skills and confidence to start my career in law.
Getting Started
AMST3016: Internship Program: Washington DC and South Australian Attorney General’s Department A student experience
Author: Olivia Hanna, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, Bachelor of Arts The Washington Internship Program is an opportunity for students in the American Studies major in the Bachelor of Arts, or the new International Relations degree, to intern for a Member of Congress for seven weeks during our summer holiday period. The application process includes prerequisite American Studies topics, alongside a statement of interest, onepage CV and an academic writing sample. The program is a nine-unit topic (AMST3016) requiring an oral presentation and 7,000 – 9,000 word research paper on return. The program is now in its 17th year, thanks to Professor Don Debats and his connections with respected members of the American political community. Don’s teaching has ensured that the Flinders University interns continue to have an excellent reputation on Capitol Hill. I was placed with Congressman Mike Kelly, a Republican representing Pennsylvania’s third district. He has traditional conservative views on political issues, giving me a great point of comparison to conservative politics in Australia. He is a member of the House Ways & Means committee, the chief tax policy writing committee, said to be the most powerful committee in the House of Representatives. He also sits on the subcommittees of Tax Policy, Social Security and Trade, and chairs many caucuses. As the office intern, my responsibilities included simple tasks like distributing newspapers and journals before the staff arrived, refilling the coffee machines and swapping snacks with other offices for some variety in our kitchen. I also got to sort and respond to the mail each day, including letters, faxes and emails.
Getting Started
Answering the phones, delivering documents to the House floor, getting letters and funding requests signed by other members of Congress, taking constituents on tours of the Capitol building and assisting with training the new intern made up the bulk of my daily activities. There were also opportunities for me to write research memos for the staffers prior to their meetings, on issues as differing as graduate medical education, chiropractic care legislation, telemedicine, road safety, and the privatization of airspace. Although health care policy is not one of my interests, my research paper was about the political discussion surrounding the regulatory requirement that employers must provide contraceptive coverage in their employee health cover plans, regardless of religious affiliation or belief. Being religious himself, Representative Kelly took a public stand against this mandate, and I was able to write about his involvement and how religious employers fought it. Upon returning to Adelaide, I undertook a further placement with the South Australian Attorney-General’s Department. I was assigned to work in two parts of the department: Justice Sector Reform and Legislative Services. In this role I worked three days per week for five weeks, and was responsible for researching assigned issues and creating memos to provide to my superiors. For the most part I worked independently, and was able to brief my supervisors and in turn, the Attorney-General, on bills that were introduced in state parliament, and how several of our existing Acts could be updated to reflect changes in technology, or better address issues like young offenders. 24
Moving forward in my career, I now have the recommendation of a U.S. Congressman and the support of many congressional staffers behind me. I have a niche piece of research to show for my experience, plus several complex memos on issues of state law. I have extended my research and writing skills beyond what any other ordinary topic would have demanded of me. My fellow interns and I are uniquely positioned with our practical experience of the American political environment, something only 100 Flinders University students spread across almost two decades can attest to. Along with the skills I developed and connections I made, I was also able to critically evaluate my career trajectory. Prior to this experience I had always assumed that becoming an elected representative was in my future. However, observing the roles and responsibilities of both Representative Kelly and the different staffers expelled many of the preconceptions I had about working in politics. Reflecting on all the tasks I was involved with and conversations I had, I am now pursuing policy development and a career path with less public scrutiny. If there is one thing I’ve learned, constituents can be constantly unsatisfied and extremely critical of their elected representatives, leaving this kind of career path quite uncertain and volatile. Job security has become much more prevalent in my career search. Without a doubt, this program has been a turning point in my journey. I would highly recommend it to any student who is genuinely interested in American politics, and would do it all again if I had the opportunity.
Handa Centre for Human Rights in Cambodia A student experience
Author: Hanna Daych, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, Bachelor of International Studies At the beginning of 2016, I was sitting in a lecture, scrolling through Facebook as you do, when I stumbled on the status of a law tutor I had in first year. ‘Fantastic opportunity to intern in Cambodia’, it read. ‘Contact me for further details’. I had never thought a whole lot about Cambodia and I wasn’t particularly looking for an internship. I was at the start of my fifth year of a degree which will take six and I decided that if I was going to have an adventure before graduating, this was the last chance! I messaged the tutor and he replied with an application form. I filled it out, attached my cover letter, CV and sent it off! Before I knew it, I was spending four months interning with the WSD Handa Centre for Human Rights in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. My main task involved monitoring the Khmer Rouge Tribunal at the Extraordinary Chambers of the Court of Cambodia. Observing this trial allowed me to understand a significant aspect of Cambodian history and the historical context of the legal and justice-based issues affecting Cambodian society.
I was fortunate to observe many aspects of the trial of two former leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime; Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan. Their trial dealt with charges of mass murder, crimes against humanity, genocide, and many other violent acts. I learnt the various criminal charges prescribed by international legal instruments and treaties, and witnessed how these were enforced under local Cambodian law and through the local criminal trial procedure. One of my tasks was to monitor the application of international and local law and assess the extent to which it complied with human rights principles and with fair trial rights, tracking violations of fair trial principles, who caused them (prosecution, judges or defence), how they were addressed and their possible impact on the outcome. I also monitored and recorded the credibility of evidence provided by witnesses. The WSD Handa Centre also ran numerous workshops for legal educators, including university lecturers and tutors working in human rights, as this is a taboo subject among Cambodian academia so finding support and resources can be very challenging.
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While I was interning, the Centre was also creating a television series which showcased the stories of Cambodian people who had been subjected to forced marriages during the Khmer Rouge regime and were acting as Civil Parties in the tribunal. Participating in these workshops and observing the making of the series, offered me an invaluable opportunity to truly understand Cambodian society today and to understand the impact of the Khmer Rouge on the lives of citizens and on the legal profession so many years later. This was a unique opportunity to work with a great team in a very supportive environment, and to gain an insight into Cambodian and international law, Cambodian society, and to broaden my knowledge of the diverse roles and career paths available for lawyers interested in international work and passionate about human rights.
Getting Started
International Internships with Projects Abroad Commercial Law Internships in China Projects Abroad offer internships with prestigious and well established Chinese law firms in Shanghai and Chengdu. These firms largely work with western clients in areas such as taxation, mergers & acquisitions, contract law, and intellectual property law, among others.
matter would be settled in a German court. The solicitor pointed at this clause and cried, “No, no, no. In China, we arbitrate!” This means that rather than waste time and money in court, the Chinese prefer to find a resolution to a dispute by ‘coming to the table’’.
With an international outlook, the firms value the input and perspective of overseas students who often find responsible and productive roles during their stay; it is a busy and professional placement while enjoying international travel.
About the internships Interns have many roles; they are useful to the firm through their knowledge of western legal systems and culture, this means the interns will be given responsibility and asked for advice. The firms are keen to have western interns and for those willing to create good relationships, numerous valuable experiences will follow. Students will prove they are adaptable, resourceful and can operate in a cross-cultural context; a reference from a partner of an international firm is a fantastic recommendation.
International experience is increasingly an asset for students and an internship in China offers an opportunity to work within a different legal system and to learn through firsthand experience the culture of business relationships and legal practice in a country which will be a significant partner in Australia’s future. As Lily, a student at the University of Adelaide found, insight and responsibility can start early in an internship; ‘During my first week as an intern at Jade Fountain PRC Lawyers, a solicitor asked me to amend a distribution agreement between a German firm and a Chinese company. One clause stated that if a dispute arose between the parties, then the
Getting Started
The internships last for a minimum of one month and can be taken at any time throughout the year and there are no closing dates for applications. Projects Abroad work with around 30 firms in Shanghai and Chengdu, giving a broad spread of opportunity for interns. There are always other students on placements, from across Europe and North America meaning that Australian students not only gain an insight into
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Chinese practice but do it alongside peers from around the world with whom they live and explore the city and further afield. These internships have a minimum duration of four weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks. The start dates are very flexible and whenever students participate there will be other students on nearby placements. The cost for placements starts at $4605. Accommodation is in apartments shared with other students and full time Projects Abroad staff are always on hand to ensure the placements are working well and that students are comfortable. Projects Abroad Projects Abroad, founded in 1992, organises internships and volunteer opportunities in 30 emerging countries, with commercial law internships in China and Mongolia; and human rights internships in Argentina, South Africa, Ghana, Togo, Tanzania, Cambodia, and Morocco. For more information contact Projects Abroad: 1300 132 831 info@projects-abroad.com.au www.projects-abroad.com.au
Overseas Law & Human Rights Internships For law students and graduates alike, an overseas internship can be not only a substantial point of difference but an opportunity to practice their skills in a human rights setting to the benefit of communities with no access to advice or representation. Projects Abroad arranges a number of overseas legal internship opportunities, from human rights based work to more commercial placements across the emerging and developing world. The human rights work runs in countries including Ghana, Argentina, Cambodia, Mongolia and Tanzania. In the longest established programme, based in Cape Town, South Africa, they run a dedicated Projects Abroad Human Rights Office (PAHRO) that works with vulnerable individuals and groups in the Cape Town area, through community initiatives and partnerships with local NGOs and grassroots organisations. With the guidance and supervision of practicing attorneys, interning in South Africa offers a practical and constructive way to support positive action amongst disadvantaged communities. The role of PAHRO interns is diverse - working on anything from research and education, to awareness raising and case work.
The legal cases that are encountered at PAHRO are wide-ranging. From refugee status determinations to criminal matters and even family law, interns have the opportunity to gain valuable practical legal experience. University of Western Australia intern, Alyssa Buttrum-Virco reflects on her time spent directly on cases; “overall, the level of autonomy when working on legal cases was seriously unexpected for me, as well as the calibre of task you are entrusted with. I was required to draft outlines of submissions and heads of arguments for refugee appeals cases, and unfair dismissal hearings. The opportunities you get at PAHRO to develop legal skills and gain exposure to practical client interactions was incredible.” PAHRO also run outreach and social justice initiatives, which aim to provide education to individuals in the community on human rights and access to justice. These initiatives allow interns to work with the male and female juvenile detention centres, as well as shelters for abused women and other community centres to run educational workshops. Adelaide Law student Dorcas Wong remarks, “
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These workshops were great as not only did it offer a break from the office, but it also provided an invaluable opportunity to experience ‘the real South Africa’ and to hear the voices of the South African people themselves. Towards the end of my stay, I found that we were not merely empowering them, but were also being empowered through their responses and the stories they shared with us. It became clear that there was a sense of mutual learning and respect that flowed from each other.” Undertaking internships in South Africa, Ghana and Argentina gives students a varied workload of casework and participation in social justice and research initiatives. Students with specific interests in areas such as housing or women’s rights might choose to work on placements with a more singular focus such as in Tanzania or Cambodia.
Getting Started
Volunteering
Extra Curricular Experience Volunteering is one of the most beneficial activities you can undertake while at university. Volunteering allows you to assist the community, meet new people who bring with them different life experiences, and strengthen your ability to interact socially. Volunteering is also great way to expand your CV and enhance your career prospects. There are a variety of volunteering avenues open to students including peer mentoring, community legal centre, oncampus student clubs and associations and off-campus organisations.
Peer Mentoring
The Peer mentoring program sees existing law students act a mentor to an assigned group of first year law students.
Community Legal Centre (CLC)
CLC volunteering provides a unique opportunity to apply your legal knowledge practically, which will not only assist your studies, but is an excellent way to identify which areas of law you may be interested in pursuing professionally. Non-for-profit CLCs often rely on the input of volunteers to conduct their services.
• Southern Community Justice Centre; • WestSide Laywers; • Welfare Rights Centre; • Womens Legal Services. You can find volunteering opportunities around Australia on the CLC Volunteers website.
On Campus Student Clubs and Associations
Joining clubs and societies on campus is a great way to make friends, develop professional skills, impact student life, and explore your areas of interest. Clubs and Associations at Flinders University include: • Criminal Justice Student Association; • Flinders Law Student’s Association; • Flinders University Student Association; • Greens; • Labor Club; • Liberal Club; • Red Cross Club.
The following CLCs in South Australia are currently accepting volunteer applications: • Environmental Defenders Office; • Flinders Legal Advice Clinic;. • JusticeNet SA; • Roma Mitchell CLC;
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A full list of on-campus clubs and associations can be found on the Flinders University Student Association website.
Off Campus Organisations
There are a large number of volunteering positions available in various community and charity organisations. While these have less of a legal focus, they can allow you to make a genuine difference in the lives of the community. Such organisations include: • Amnesty International; • Australian Red Cross; • Australian Refugee Association; • World Vision; • St Vincent de Paul Society SA; You can find volunteering opportunities around South Australia on the VolunteeringSA website.
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 Australia’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 Australia’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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Getting Started
Justice Net SA A student experience
Author: Alana Humphris, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Pratice (Honours) Bachelor of International Relations What is JusticeNet and how did you find out about its volunteer program? JusticeNet SA is a not-for-profit, legal referral service that provides free legal service to applicant’s who cannot afford a lawyer. The referral centre is run by lawyers and volunteers who take enquiries over the phone and match up applicants with lawyers who are willing to take on a number of pro-bono cases every year. JusticeNet also provides a free self-representative service in the Supreme and Federal Courts.
in social justice, rather than those who just want to volunteer a couple of times to bulk up their resume.
I had never heard of the before, but I received an volunteer positions so I have been volunteering June 2016.
This means sometimes we simply refer applicants to other free or affordable legal services. However if we are someone’s last option then we conduct an interview over the phone to try and ascertain the relevant information required to start compiling a file.
organisation email about applied and there since
The Application Process I sent an email to Louise Young at JusticeNet with my CV, academic transcript and a cover letter explaining that I was interested in Social Justice and hoping to work with either Indigenous Australians or Asylum seekers in my future career. I then had an informal interview with Louise who was mainly interested in what I wanted to get out of the opportunity. JusticeNet are only want applicants who are genuinely interested
Getting Started
What are the tasks you would complete in an average day volunteering at Justice Net? Volunteers handle over the phone enquires which is like the first interview stage of a new applicant. As JusticeNet is the last port of call, we cannot accept anyone who hasn’t tried a community legal centre or legal aid first.
Other tasks include conducting merit assessments of cases, drafting letters or briefs to solicitors and counsel, filing, researching, writing articles for the website, etc. Did you find the work fulfilling? I really enjoy being able to get practical legal experience while helping out an organisation that does so much for people who are in the worst situations. If I was volunteering at a firm who was
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simply making money I do not think I would have the same enthusiasm to work there. All the lawyers that work there are really dedicated and lovely to work with. Do you have any tips for students looking to volunteer at Justice Net SA? Volunteering is very important to have on your CV. If you’re looking to score a clerkship or a part-time clerk position most firms wont look at you if you have not done any community work. Secondly it is a great way to show that you haven’t just studied in a dark room for 5 years at university. Last year I was very apprehensive about applying for anything as I had never done any practical legal experience outside of university. JusticeNet is perfect for that first step because they start you off with really simple tasks and soon gauge how experienced you are and adjust the tasks they give you accordingly. Positions are highly competitive but there is no harm in applying, email Louise Young at <admin@justicenet. org.au> with a cover letter, transcript and CV.
Flinders Law Students’ Association (FLSA) A student experience Author: Olivia Hanna, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, Bachelor of Arts As someone who participated in many extra-curricular activities in high school, I was eager to get involved with FLSA as soon as they introduced themselves at New in Law. I ran for a number of roles in my first year at university but was not elected. In 2015, I again applied for several roles and was elected as the Education Officer. This meant I worked closely with the Vice President, Careers Officer, Wellbeing Officer and First Year Representative for our portfolio. My role was small, and included attending the Law School’s Teaching and Learning Committee meetings to report on developments in and issues facing our degree. As Education Officer I was also able to trial a formal feedback process where students submit statements relating to any problems or concerns arising from their degree, which I then discussed with the Director of Studies. I also had the opportunity to take initiative in developing Wellbeing Week from the previous year. Following my success in gaining product sponsorship for Wellbeing Week, I applied for the executive role of Sponsorship Director and was elected for 2016.
As Sponsorship Director I was responsible for procuring financial support for FLSA from state and national law firms. This involved crafting individual packages that would suit both the firm and FLSA’s needs, which was not always easy. Most of my work had to be completed before I left for an internship program held in the United States during January and February, because firms make decisions about sponsorship very early in the year. I was very successful in this role, increasing our sponsorship by 50% from the previous year. I also had involvement with every other portfolio on the committee to ensure we were meeting our sponsorship obligations, and our own commitment to being a professional organisation. It did take a lot of dedication, but the relationship I now have with human resources representatives in a number of firms has been extremely worth it, particularly as I will start applying for clerkship programs in the next year. Two years wasn’t enough for me, so I of course ran for President and was elected unopposed for 2017. Every president has a vision for their tenure, and mine has always been to increase our efficiency, productivity and professionalism. When applying for positions in the future, I intend to be able to draw on my experience with FLSA as evidence of my skills, initiative and work ethic. FLSA absorbs a few hours of my time each day.
Across my three terms in FLSA, I have made new friends almost every day. My professional skills have improved exponentially, across writing, oral presentation and communication. I can confidently approach my peers and academics, and am well-connected with human resources representatives at firms across the state. By the end of my term I will be able to demonstrate tangible leadership skills, as well as my ability to maintain a long-term commitment. Volunteering for FLSA has also given me incredible insight into careers in the legal profession. I now know in depth the attributes that firms are looking for in their applicants. We are an incorporated association, so I’ve had the opportunity to discover corporate law on a practical level before even completing the topic. I’ve also developed more confidence in myself in applying for a clerkship, something that I didn’t think I would do. The FLSA committee members often start out as strangers or acquaintances, and people come and go on a regular basis. The course of our term brings us together as a close-knit group, forming those networks your lecturers will often speak of. We put in a tremendous effort, sometimes for little recognition or thanks, but I sincerely enjoy and believe in what we do. The commitment required does mean you have to be organised and level-headed, but it is worth it, if you have relatively altruistic intentions.
The Refugee Advocacy Service of South Australia An interview with Taruna Heuzenroeder, Chairperson
What is the Refugee Advocacy Service of South Australia (RASSA)? The Refugee Advocacy Service of SA Inc (RASSA) is an association incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1985 (SA). We are a specialist community legal centre for refugees and people seeking asylum, and a member of the South Australian Council of Community Legal Centres and the National Association of Community Legal Centres. Through our Migration Assistance Project we provide migration advice and assistance to applicants for protection visas under the ‘fast track’ process introduced in late 2014. How did you first become involved in RASSA? What motivated you to join the advocacy service? I first became involved with providing legal assistance to people seeking asylum in 2001/2002, when I was a law student. I began volunteering with lawyers involved in a group known as the Woomera Lawyers Group, who were providing pro bono assistance to people detained in immigration detention in Woomera, in remote South Australia. When RASSA was formed in 2002 I was involved in setting up its first office, and acted as coordinator of the service until we were able to obtain funding to employ a solicitor. What do you believe to be the most rewarding aspect about volunteering at RASSA? The most rewarding aspect of the volunteer work I have done with RASSA has been the opportunity to use the skills my legal training has given me to make a fundamental difference in the lives of people seeking asylum. The experience of our legal system for people seeking asylum can be profoundly traumatising.
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Without skilled legal assistance applicants for protection visas have no real opportunity to establish that they are entitled to our protection. Most do not have the means to purchase such assistance, which is why pro bono services such as those provided by RASSA and JusticeNet are so important. How do you balance your work, volunteer and personal life and do you have any tips for students in the same situation? With difficulty! I have a young child and have practised part-time at the Bar since he was born. I am on too many committees. I know that many law students feel extremely busy. I was certainly busy when I was a student, juggling university commitments with multiple part-time jobs. However, I recognised at the time that the opportunity to be involved with RASSA was one which I couldn’t afford to miss. It is also my experience that students have more freedom to devote to volunteer work than they will once they are employed as solicitors, with the pressure to make billable hour targets. Can you tell us what a volunteer would be tasked with in a day at RASSA? Volunteer work with RASSA might involve spending the day in our office updating client files and filing in basic details on visa application forms. If you are enrolled in the Clinical Practice Course it might involve sitting in on an interview with a client. There are also many other areas where volunteers can help RASSA, including organising fundraising events, preparing grant applications, research memos or draft policy documents. Like any small not for profit we need help in many areas. I would really love someone with graphic design experience to help put together our next annual report, for example.
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How can students become a part of RASSA? Have a look at our website and find out about the services we offer. Contact us via email and let us know what you can contribute in addition to your legal training. Become a member. Like our Facebook page. Come along to one of our events and chat to a member of our board. Any final advice for students looking to broaden their extra-curricular experience? Make it a priority to ensure that you have practical experience before you graduate. Seek out connections in the profession and cultivate mentors wherever you can find them. Be willing to contribute your time in a variety of different roles. Don’t assume that you will be able to do strictly legal work in a volunteer position. Motivation and organisational skills are often more valuable for volunteer law students than their fledgling legal skills.
Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) An interview with Alistair Booth, ALSA President 2014-2015
What does ALSA do? The Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) is the peak representative body for Australian law students. Almost all law student societies and associations from Australia are affiliated with ALSA, as well as having strong relationships with similar organisations overseas, ALSA exists to represent and advocate for the interests of all law students at a national level as well as working closely with LSS’/LSAs to ensure students have the best university experience possible. Three times a year, the ALSA Committee meets with LSS/LSA representatives for Council, which gives them a chance to network and workshop with students from across Australia and the globe, developing ideas and initiatives which they can take back to their university. This is on top of the online networking opportunities which ALSA also provides. Further to this, ALSA regularly engages with the media and other legal bodies to voice the perspective of law students, ensuring their interests are always represented. However, the highlight in the ALSA calendar is the annual Conference, where 500 law students come together from around the world for a week of Council, competitions, education forums, and huge social events – an experience not to be missed during your time at Uni! What tasks were included in your role as President? Like any of the various law student societies and associations, ALSA has a very broad spectrum of activities, initiatives and services. Whether it’s organising online forums, writing media releases, providing networking and workshopping opportunities for LSS/LSA representatives at Council, running national competitions, or hosting a 500 person, week long conference, the roles and responsibilities of the ALSA Executive and Committee are very broad and demanding. As President, it is your responsibility to coordinate and manage all that ALSA offers and ensure that your team is best equipped and supported. You are also responsible for chairing ALSA Council as well as representing Australian law students at both a national and international level. However, your main role as President is to look after the health and wellbeing of your Committee as well as all of the Councillors from around Australia. As law students, many of us are highly driven, motivated individuals who want the very best for the societies and associations we represent. Naturally, this can be quite a stressful and overwhelming job, taking a toll on our
personal health and wellbeing, as well as leading to tension and conflict with those around us. As President, it is your number one priority to manage this situation, keep everything positive, remind people of the bigger picture, solve conflicts, and ultimately, look after your peers to ensure they can do the best job possible. Was the work fulfilling? How do you feel it benefited your career? Look, I won’t lie, being the President isn’t always sunshine and roses. Looking after the team, managing expectations, resolving conflicts, and ultimately having the responsibility of ensuring that over 25,000 law students nationally were in the best position possible to graduate, was no easy task. However, in saying that, it is without a doubt that my time with ALSA was one of the best experiences of my life. In my two years with ALSA (one as a Councillor and the other as President), I met some extraordinarily gifted, talented, caring, amazing individuals who impressed me beyond belief. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the students they represented was beyond remarkable and it was a true honour to meet these people who will go on to do extraordinary things. I was also very blessed to work with such an amazing team who not only delivered such wonderful initiatives and opportunities to law students, but also acted as a pillar of strength and support to me, and their colleagues. It was very humbling to hear at the final ALSA Council meeting for 2015 that the LSS and LSA representatives felt that their time and involvement with ALSA made a huge difference to their own experience as well as to the opportunities they offered to their law students and this alone made my whole time worth it. From a career perspective, my time with ALSA allowed me to practice skills that I’d learnt in the classroom, as well as learn and practice new ones I picked up along the way. From every day business practices such as email format and banking forms, to more specific legal related skills such as negotiation and complex contracts, as a member of the ALSA Executive, you are responsible for running a company with a large budget, many stakeholders and an array of products and services offered. These skills and experiences cannot be taught and are invaluable for your future career.
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Ultimately, being a part of ALSA (like any extra curricular activity) is a real compliment to your studies. Any tips for current law students? What advice do you have for students looking to volunteer their time during studies? One of the biggest traps I’ve seen my peers fall into whilst at Uni is their constant focus on the future, at the expense of focusing on the now. Everything they do (or don’t do) seems to form part of some “grand plan” that they’ve devised which often leads them to miss out on the opportunities and experiences available today, in the hopes that there will ‘better’ ones available tomorrow. I know this because this was me when I started University back in 2012. After graduating in 2010 and taking a gap year to muck around in 2011, my goal when I started Uni was to knuckle down, focus on my studies, and get out of there as quickly as possible. It wasn’t until I was given some wonderful guidance by a then older student, and now wonderful friend, about all the amazing opportunities and experiences that Uni life has to offer that I realised how important it was to focus on the now and get involved. Further to this, as I began to do more and more, I realised how much each aspect of my extra curricular life assisted in making me a better student. Not only did I understand my studies more (because I was developing and practicing skills learnt inside and outside the classroom), but I was able to find an interesting part time job through networks and opportunities that I had got involved with, which has provided me even more of an opportunity to learn. However, apart from helping your studies or your career, there is one reason above all to get involved – it’s fun! Law school is challenging – I don’t think anyone can deny that. The workload is large, the nights of study long, and the pressure significant. As such, whether it’s running around at a weekly social soccer game, performing a skit at law revue, or going for a drink with your mates after a LSS/LSA meeting, getting involved provides great support networks and friendships that will last a lifetime. Getting involved at University beyond the classroom, having a job and keeping good grades is definitely possible – it just takes good time management and self discipline – a skill that will be of great use in the years to come!
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Casual and Part Time Work Extra Curricular Experience
Depending on your type of work, having a casual or party time job can also demonstrate an ability to work within a professional team, provide customer service, and manage your time. There are a number of jobs in the legal profession that are available for students during their studies. Some of these include:
Administrative
Firms and some courts hire students in administrative roles. Keep an eye on the Career and Employer Liaison Centre mailing list.
Rounds clerk
Chambers research assistant: A number of barristers employ students to help with research. Some chambers advertise these positions but most do not. If you are interested in finding a barrister to work for, write them a letter expressing your interest.
Clerkship
Clerkships provide a useful means of gaining experience in the legal profession, which may lead to further employment after graduation. A clerkship is a shortterm position at a law firm that typically runs from 3 to 12 weeks over the summer or winter break. Most clerkships run on a full-time basis, however, some firms prefer to run clerkships on a part-time basis (2-3 days per week) over a longer period of time. Why should I apply? Most law firms recruit their graduate solicitors from their pool of clerks, so if you are interested in entering private legal practice, completing a clerkship is almost crucial. When and How to apply As a general rule, firms will offer clerkships to penultimate and final year students. However, it is a good idea to apply for clerkships sooner rather than later, even if you are not yet in your penultimate year. If you are interested in particular law firms, visit their websites or check the Employer Directory in this Guide for information
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about their programs, practice areas, and application dates. There are also a number of jobs available at Flinders University.
Research Assistants
A number of academics in the Law School and other schools in the university hire students as research assistants. These sort of jobs are not usually advertised widely, so it is important to check your emails closely to find out about these sorts of opportunities
Campus Jobs
Casual and part time employment is often available with Flinders University
Tutoring
The University offers personal tutoring services to Indigenous students through the Indigenous Tutoring Assistance Scheme (ITAS), and at various times need new student tutors. There are also opportunities to tutor around the University, such as within the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Health Sciences.
Getting Started
Clerkship: Crown Solicitor’s Office A student experience
Author: Philippa Ewens, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Hons) I recently completed a summer clerkship at the Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO), running from 28 November - 3 February 2017. The CSO is responsible for providing legal services to the Government of South Australia, and is made up of five legal sections: Crown Counsel; Civil Litigation; Commercial, Environment and Native Title Section; Outposted Lawyer Section; and Public Law Section; I was placed within the Crown Counsel section, which was my first preference due to its exclusive focus on complex litigation that traverses all CSO practice areas. Within this section, I acted as law clerk to seven Counsel, and the acting Crown Advocate. The greatest strength of the program has been the breadth of practice areas that I have been exposed to, including: administrative law, personal injury law; industrial law; child protection; migration law; liquor licensing; taxation law; constitutional law; and criminal law, within the High Court, Supreme Court, District Court, Youth Court, Coroners Court, and Industrial Relations Court jurisdictions.
This made for a great learning curve, as well as ensuring that every day was engaging and presented diverse problem solving challenges. My role in these matters involved the commission of a range of tasks, primarily including research into specific questions of law, examination and extraction of evidence from matter files, drafting outlines of argument for submission to the court, and attending meetings (e.g. witness proofings) and court appearances. I have found the CSO to be a highly welcoming environment. Practitioners are approachable and willing to involve you in matters that you express an interest in. Lunchtime sporting events and a weekly tea club are a great way to meet lawyers in other sections (there are ~190 in total!), and staff are encouraged to attend the Attorney General’s Department In-House Continuing Professional Development sessions (e.g. which included a presentation by Independent Commissioner Against Corruption the Honourable Bruce Lander QC on the newly established Judicial Conduct Commissioner role).
I was lucky to be a part of a fantastic section team who included me in team meetings, coffee runs, Friday night drinks and Christmas celebrations. I also completed the clerkship program with a great group of law students from all three South Australian universities; as we were all placed within different sections across the CSO, our lunches were a opportunity to learn more about the different types of matters in progress across the Office. Despite there being no formal transition from summer clerk to graduate lawyer, at the conclusion of the program, I was fortunate to be offered an ongoing position until I commence my graduate contract, while another of the clerks was offered a paralegal contract. Applications for the 2017/18 clerkship close on 30 April 2017; I strongly encourage students with an interest in all practice areas within the civil jurisdiction to apply.
Working at Nemer Essey Lawyers A student experience
Author: Adam Hamilton, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours), Bachelor of Business (Entreprenurship), Bachelor of Letters (Chinese) How did you become aware of this opportunity? The position which I currently hold title to was advertised via the Flinders Law School Facebook page. I was fortunate enough to see the announcement only a couple of days before the applications closed. What was the application process like? The application process initially involved submitting a CV and academic transcript via email to the firm. It was then up to the firm to read through each application and decide which applicants were the most suited for the position. Fortunately, I was chosen from my application and was then called in for an interview. This was an initial interview, whereby I was asked a number of varying questions such as ‘what is success to you’ and ‘who is your favourite superhero’.
Getting Started
These questions were simply to identify my personality and create discussion. The interview was concluded with a very minor spelling test, alongside general discussion of the position. Fortunately I was asked to come back into the firm for a second interview one week later. This interview was only brief and gave me an opportunity to ask any questions or queries I had regarding the position or firm. Roughly a week later I was informed via a phone call that I had been successful in the application process. What tasks are included in an average day at Nemer Essey? At Nemer Essey Lawyers I am responsible for daily administrative duties, such as drafting letters to clients and other solicitors, photocopying documents, filing, proof reading and editing documents. Further, I will occasionally perform research tasks ranging across many different areas of the law.
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I will often welcome and direct visitors and clients into conference or interview rooms. I am also required to perform Rounds at the LTO, Stamp Duty Office and Magistrates Court within both the Civil and Criminal Jurisdictions. How do you think this job supports your studies and career prospects? My position at Nemer Essey Lawyers is directly relevant to not only my studies but also my career prospects.
Clerkship at Johnson Winter & Slattery Author: Nicholas Mitchell, Associate I joined Johnson Winter & Slattery JWS as a Summer Clerk in January 2015 and started as an Associate after my graduation and admission in September 2015. While most law firms offer largely similar clerkship programs, a JWS clerkship has several points of difference, which stem from the organisational and cultural differences between JWS and its competitors. As a result, it is a fantastic place to further your career development and take important steps towards becoming a successful lawyer. Firstly, JWS operates as a collaborative team rather than in sections or silos. While senior lawyers have their expertise and specialisation in one or two areas, junior lawyers and clerks are encouraged to be involved in a variety of the firm’s different practice areas and work with a range of partners and clients. There are no formal rotations or allocations in the clerkship and graduate programs; instead you are given a great degree of freedom to pursue the areas that most interest you. In my 2 years at JWS, I have worked across practice groups with clients in a wide range of industries. I have been give opportunities to practise in almost every field JWS is involved in, such as corporate law, dispute resolution, insolvency, energy and resources, employment, intellectual
property, regulatory issues, and projects and construction. Many of the firm’s matters and clients have needs that stretch across different practice areas, which in turn provides clerks and junior lawyers with many opportunities to try different areas. While I am primarily a member of the dispute resolution team, I am regularly handed opportunities to expand my horizons and try something new, even after finishing my graduate year. JWS’ collaborative culture also extends across offices and levels of experience. Whilst working in the Adelaide office, I have had the opportunity to travel interstate to meet with clients and work with talented lawyers from other JWS offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane on matters covering all corners of Australia. Additionally, JWS operates on a ‘lowleverage’ model where the partner-toassociate ratio is about 1:1. This allows junior employees to observe and learn from experienced partners on a daily basis. I have found every partner in JWS to be approachable and willing to assist their junior colleagues.
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They have a wealth of experience and expertise which they regularly share, and are always open to discussing questions about the law and legal practice. These mentoring relationships develop naturally due to the nature of the firm’s structure and are invaluable to junior lawyers’ career development. Finally, despite being much smaller than Australia’s biggest law firms in terms of number of lawyers, JWS has a long list of leading Australian and international organisations amongst their clients. When working with these clients JWS focusses on complex transactions and disputes that present engaging legal issues to work through. Each day presents a new opportunity to work with some of Australia’s best companies and organisations, and in turn, a new opportunity to learn more about Australia’s commercial sector. I would recommend a clerkship at (JWS) to any law student interested in a career in legal practice, as you are exposed to top-tier matters and clients while working alongside top-quality people.
Getting Started
Working at the Independent Bar A student experience
Author: Ann Thomas, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Hons), Bachelor of International Studies How did you hear about this job opportunity? For the last six months I have been clerking for a barrister at Bar Chambers. I heard about this job opportunity through a friend who was working for the barrister at the time. The position was originally intended to be a short term position where I would undertake a complicated research task while my friend was taking some time off. However, when my friend left chambers I was luckily asked to take on her role as an ongoing clerk. While my experience highlights the importance of making friends and connections in the legal profession, it also highlights the importance of accepting any opportunity that comes your way. The initial research task required approximately two weeks’ worth of work, and at the time I was excited to be doing any legal work no matter the duration. I had no idea this would lead to a more permanent position. Through undertaking this small task and working hard I was able to effectively market myself for this ongoing position. What tasks are included in your position at the Bar? The barrister that I work for has a number of areas of expertise including criminal, civil, commercial and appellate advocacy. This has meant that I have had the opportunity to be involved in a variety of different matters and tackle a variety of interesting legal issues. My main task at chambers is to conduct the necessary research involved in litigation matters.
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This has included extensive research into tort law and whether it can be extended to fit a client’s novel circumstances, as well as research on evidence and procedure. My job has also involved me summarising witness statements, proofing court documents, finding case precedents, compiling authority and tender books, attending court, and, actually one of the more challenging tasks, deciphering complex medical terms and procedures! One of the most interesting experiences I have had whilst working at chambers was the opportunity I was given to attend a military trial and experience a different type of legal setting. How do you feel this job has supported your studies and career prospects? This job has helped me further my career prospects by providing me with invaluable legal experience. I think the most useful skill which I have learnt throughout my work at chambers is the skill to be able to teach myself new areas of law very quickly. Going out into practice I soon realised that much of the law I had been taught at law school was essentially only a foundation, providing a basic rather than a comprehensive understanding of the law. The laws which I deal with are often unknown to me and require me to teach myself how they work.
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At first this was daunting, however, over time I have become more confident and less anxious about encountering new areas of law, knowing that I will be able to teach myself (and always ask my barrister for help!). The position has also allowed me to improve my research skills and write to a more professional standard. My job is first and foremost to make my barrister’s job easier. This ultimately means that my research has to be thorough, but also precise, and that any written documents must echo my barrister’s style of writing. What is it like working within the bar community? Working at chambers has been a wonderful opportunity where I have gained a lot of experience and made great new connections with prominent barristers. It has also made me into a more confident and professional person. I would highly recommend seeking legal experience or work from a barrister to anyone interested in litigation.
Professional Development The Cowell Clarke Way
Author: Nicholas Cardone, Flinders Graduate When I think of the Careers Fair, I think of two things: - The countless supply of stationery, merchandise and food on offer; and - Most importantly, the defining chat I had with lawyers from Cowell Clarke. In 2014, I was two years away from completing my university studies and began mapping out where I wanted my law degree to take me. With experience as a rounds clerk in another Adelaide law firm, I knew I wanted to work in the legal profession. However, I was unsure whether it was too early to apply for a clerkship, or whether I had the ability to succeed as a clerk. One fateful evening in April sealed my fate. After talking with two lawyers from Cowell Clarke about their clerkship program and the firm’s culture, I knew that I wanted to be a clerk at Cowell Clarke (or a ‘Cowell Clerk’ as some might say). I applied for the summer clerkship program at Cowell Clarke and completed a four week placement in December 2014. Fast forward to 2017, I am a full time law clerk (and soon-to-be Lawyer) in Cowell Clarke’s financial services team. Cowell Clarke is the perfect professional environment for a clerk and junior lawyer for three main reasons: the summer clerkship program is perfectly structured, mentorship and support is continually offered by all staff, and the firm’s culture and forward-thinking mentality is exceptional. Clerkship Program 2017 is an excellent time to be applying for Cowell Clarke’s summer clerkship program. Cowell Clarke will be accepting clerkship applications in association with the South Australian Law Students’ Council Uniform Clerkships scheme. Applications for PLT placements are also currently being accepted for 2017.
Cowell Clarke’s summer clerkship program is structured so that you will complete two rotations. The first rotation is in our litigation team, which includes practice areas like commercial litigation, insolvency & reconstruction, building & construction and employment & industrial relations. The second rotation is in our advisory team, which includes corporate advisory, capital markets, banking & finance, IP & IT, property, environment & planning, and tax & revenue. These rotations give you exposure to a broad range of work, and will help you decide which areas of law you enjoy and could see yourself practising in the future. During my summer clerkship, I assisted various lawyers with legal research, client correspondence, drafting court documents (e.g. affidavits) and drafting commercial documents (e.g. trust deeds). Having this broad variety of work was invaluable as it helped me develop skills in a number of key areas, and gave me the opportunity to observe an array of different working styles within the litigation and advisory practice groups. Support and Mentorship Being a summer clerk is tough – you will be asked to work on challenging matters with senior lawyers and partners, often not knowing what you are doing or whether you have done a good job. Cowell Clarke is unlike other firms in that all staff create an environment that supports creativity and personal development. Mistakes are seen as an opportunity to reflect and develop your skills, and each lawyer within the firm goes out of their way to impart their wisdom and provide advice about the legal profession. There is also no shame in asking a lawyer for help – every lawyer at Cowell Clarke is happy
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to assist you in developing your research, drafting and communication skills, or even clarifying your misunderstanding of a task you are working on. Cowell Clarke also values and supports your mental health. I was fortunate enough to have been offered a continued clerk role after my summer clerkship, however, I had to work this around my full-time university schedule, while at the same time completing my honours thesis. The firm was happy to work around my schedule and supported hours that prevented me from ‘burning out’. Culture and Forward-Thinking Mentality Cowell Clarke prides itself on fostering an enjoyable working environment. Friday night drinks are always a hit and our Social Club Committee organises events ranging from Adventure Rooms to ten-pin bowling on a regular basis. Programs such as yoga classes, boxing classes and the City to Bay are offered and there is support to attend networking and professional development activities. The firm has also developed Cowell Clarke Connect, an online platform that delivers legal services through nontraditional technological means. This is an exciting new development in the legal industry which displaces many of the ‘traditional’ approaches to the practice of law. Being involved with such an innovative project has broadened my perspective, and has set me up well for the future of legal practice once technology develops further. Many of the solicitors I work with, including a partner of the firm, have started their legal careers as a law clerk at Cowell Clarke, and their longevity is a testament to our clerkship program and wonderful work environment. Don’t pass up the opportunity to start your career at Cowell Clarke – you will not regret it!
Getting Started
– Careers @ Cowell Clarke — Cowell Clarke are commercial law specialists. Our clients look to us to create value and manage risk. Our lawyers provide legal services, commercial advice and support to clients in all sectors of business and industry, across Australia and internationally. We offer summer clerkships, ongoing part-time law clerk positions and PLT placements.
— Summer clerkship applications Cowell Clarke participates in the South Australian Law Students’ Council Uniform Clerkship Scheme, which prescribes the following dates: Applications Open
Our programs are an integral part of the commencement of a career
9am — Monday 3 July 2017
in law. They can also lead to a full-time position as a graduate
Applications Close
solicitor. Our clerks experience the broadest range of practice
5pm — Monday 24 July 2017
areas, with rotations through property, corporate & commercial, and our various dispute resolution teams. While the focus is on variety, we are also happy to accommodate particular areas of interest. You will have access to and work with senior lawyers who are recognised as being the best in their fields. You will have direct
Commencement of Interviews 9am — Monday 31 July 2017 Offers of Clerkship 9am — Monday 28 August 2017
client contact. An element we believe sets us apart from other law
Communication of Decision
firms is the focus that our partners have on creating a supportive
9am — Tuesday 29 August 2017
and enjoyable work environment. You won’t be expected to work 16 hours per day. We recognise that it is not the time you spend at work, but rather what you do when you are there.
For further information about our clerkships and career opportunities Getting Started
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at Cowell Clarke visit www.cowellclarke.com.au/careers
Legal Skills Competitions Extra Curricular Experience
Competitions are a fun way to practice your legal skills, challenge yourself to work to a deadline and perform under pressure, and make friends. While competitions can be a little nerve wracking, the benefits gained are invaluable. As well as increased confidence and technical skills, students receive personalised feedback on their abilities from judging panels, which can include law school staff and members of the profession.
FLSA Competitions
FLSA runs a number of legal skills competitions every semester. These include client interviewing, witness examination, negotiation, mediation and mooting. There is also a first year moot, exclusively for first year students (though first years are encouraged to enter any competition that interests them).
ALSA Competitions
FLSA competition grand finalists may be asked to represent Flinders University at the national Australian Law Students’ Association Conference, held annually in July. This seven-day conference gives students the ability to compete against other universities from across Australia and New Zealand.
International Competitions
Further, you may be able to gain international experience through legal skills topics at the Flinders Law School. Mooting is one example, as Flinders offers the topic LLAW3273 Mooting and International Appellate Advocacy. This prepares students specifically for the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot, or the International Humanitarian Law Moot.
The Jessup Moot finals are held at Australian National University at the beginning of the year. The top two Australian teams from this final go on to compete in Washington, DC.
Competition Volunteers
Competing is not the only way to be involved - students can volunteer as ‘clients’ in client interview or mediation competitions, or ‘witnesses’ in witness examination, also students with recognised academic aptitude may contribute a problem question as the hypothetical set of facts for a particular competition round.
FLSA First Year Moot A student experience
Author: Helen Kremmidiotis, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, Bachelor of Music (Classical Performance) In 2016, I competed in the Flinders Law Students’ Association First Year Moot. The competition consisted of five rounds, each focused on a different area of law studied by first year law students. Each competitor was given a mentor who provided useful tips regarding formalities of the court room, as well as encouragement and support throughout each round. The competition was a highly valuable experience; one that all first year law students should have. I found it very easy to do all of the ‘behind the scenes’ preparation for each stage of the competition. I would plan out my arguments and make a list of all the cases that I thought would be relevant. I would then sift through cases and pull out the most relevant information, ensuring that I had everything that I found written down to be best prepared for any questions from the judges. I would write out what I intended to say as well as case notes, and when it came to presenting, I had a very solid understanding of my argument. This was certainly very beneficial when it came to presenting, particularly in answering questions from judges most accurately/concisely, and in accordance with the law, on the spot.
However, verbal presentation of my arguments was highly challenging for me. I had never been good at public speaking, and it was rare to find myself in such a setting. I had to work really hard to find ways of managing my nerves without affecting the quality and effectiveness/ persuasiveness of my presentation. Expression and clarity in speech were major weak points for me, but I developed a number of skills and tricks to help myself get through; skills that will be helpful not only in my law degree, but also in my career. My experience competing in the Flinders University First Year Moot 2016 was a highly rewarding and worthwhile experience. Not only did it provide me with a simplified insight into what law in the real world looks like, but it also significantly improved my public speaking skills.
The extra research required to present a strong argument also further consolidated my knowledge in first year law topics and enabled me to have a deeper understanding of topic content. This was noticeable when working through hypothetical problems in class; I found I had a broader knowledge of related cases and how they could apply to a given situation. The experience also enabled me to gain clarification as to where I want to be at the end of my degree. When I began my law degree, I was unsure as to whether I would be practicing law when I completed my degree, but this competition helped me to realise that it is certainly something I can envision myself doing.
I knew this was something I needed to improve to succeed further in my law degree and potential future career as a lawyer, and the moot was the ideal way for me to do this.
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Getting Started
Sir Harry Gibbs Constitutional Law Moot A student experience
Author: Anthony Stoks, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours) Bachelor of International Relations Explain how the Gibbs Moot is structured The Sir Harry Gibbs Constitutional Law Moot was a wonderful opportunity to further develop practical advocacy skills as well as establish relationships with students from around Australia. My knowledge about the possibility of competing at a national competition was limited, and I only participated in the FLSA-organised Constitutional Law Moot internal competition because a friend encouraged me to do so. However, with previous experience having mooted in the First-Year Moot two years previously I was wellprepared to participate. After several internal rounds, and upon making the Grand Final (which was held at the South Australian Federal Court), there was the opportunity to attend the national competition in Melbourne. The structure was similar to how the internal competition was organised, it just happened to involve many more teams. There were four initial rounds, after which the highest eight scoring teams went into the quarter-finals with the same approach taken to determine the semi- and grand-finalists. Unfortunately, we were unable to make the later rounds but were afforded the incredible opportunity to sit-in and observe the grand-final. Where teams advocated in front of former High Court Justices.
Getting Started
What was it like competing against law students from all over Australia? Being able to compete against law students from all over Australia reinforced the high level of academic competition for places in the legal profession. There are many differences in style, approach, and perspective, which will change how I look at legal problems in future. Perhaps more importantly though, is the relationships that can develop out of these events. Despite the academic competition, there are also strong friendships which can arise and further networks which can be established. What was it like being judged by prominent members of the profession? Presenting in front of prominent members of the legal profession was less intimidating than people might think. There may have been a stepup for the grand-finalists advocating in front of former High Court justices, however, the initial rounds were about confidence in submissions rather than intimidation from the judges. The most valuable outcome from this opportunity was understanding how different people interpret the same facts.
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Prominent members of the legal profession have different understandings, and that was a necessary learning experience for me. There might be an obvious interpretation which initially jumps out from the facts, but there is always another interpretation. Being able to defend your interpretation or understand the alternative and adapt accordingly are fundamental to being successful in the legal profession. How do you feel Gibbs Moot benefited your studies, legal skills development and career prospects? The Sir Harry Gibbs Moot was invaluable for my future studies. Firstly, the practical skills of researching and advocacy are ever-transferrable legal skills. Secondly, the people I met from all over Australia are undoubtedly going to be important networks when pursuing a career in the legal profession, especially if practicing outside of South Australia. Thirdly, it put into perspective my achievements so far in studying law. It is a competitive area, there are people out there who have different skills and a better understanding of certain areas, but those people are still law students. People who will graduate at similar times, be employed by similar firms, and might even be future colleagues. Thanks to the Sir Harry Gibbs Moot I have greater confidence when tasked with undertaking practical legal training, the motivation to work even harder during my studies to achieve the best I possibly can, and an expanded network of people I can call upon when it comes to entering a highly competitive job market.
FLSA Client Interview A student experience
Author: William Jones, Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, Bachelor of Arts Client interviewing is an important skill for all law students to be familiar with and develop throughout the course of their studies. LLAW2211:Torts 2 [Interviewing] provides Flinders students with an introduction to basic interviewing skills. I would strongly encourage all Flinders law students to enter the FLSA Client Interview Competition. Firstly, if you are nervous about competing as I was, Client Interview is a great competition to enter. Client Interview requires teams of 2 to compete each round. This allows competitors to compete with people they know and have a natural rapport with to facilitate conversation with the client.
Each round, your team is emailed a vague piece of information about 2 hours prior to the interview. In higher rounds, this time is much longer allowing for lengthy preparation. Your task is to ask as many questions of the client to ascertain and deconstruct as to why they have requested an interview. For example, the first brief I received simply said “Heather would like to discuss an issue with her neighbour’s dog”. Once the interview was under way and my team had asked some questions, it turned out that Heather had a criminal history and the matter was much more complex than anticipated. I had also made a few mistakes which my partner had to quickly fix.
After the interview is finished, competitors are given the chance to reflect upon their performance. Feedback is also provided by the judge. Judges in early rounds can be a mix between experienced students and staff within the Law School. In later rounds, students are judged by staff and practitioners, allowing for deep and insightful feedback. I think the most useful skill one develops by participating in Client Interview is the ability to identify legal issues from the facts presented. We as students may be able to achieve a distinction or higher on an assignment, but the real test is being able to put that theoretical skill into practice. Developing these abilities early in your degree is essential in order to best supplement your career path.
Bar Reader’s Association: Mediation Client A student experience
Author: Audrey Lian,Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Hons) Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) How did you hear about this volunteer position? I heard about this volunteer position from an older law student who had volunteered in previous years. She made a post on Facebook detailing the commitment and what it entailed, and that is how I got involved. Networking with members in the legal profession and your peers is a fantastic way to hear about jobs/ opportunities that could interest you. Everyone has their own experiences and contacts that they are more than willing to share with you.
I went through the mediation matter with the lawyer and they talked to me as they would with a real client, trying to understand what was important for me and what outcomes I wanted to achieve.
What tasks were included in this role? The role involved getting a statement of facts and a scenario contract. As a mediation client actor, I needed to familiarise myself with my character and their circumstances. You do not need to commit everything to memory, but just have a good understanding of your role and the materials provided to you prior. On the day, I was assigned to a lawyer who was undertaking their Bar Readers Course.
What did you get out of the experience? Being a volunteer mediation client was a fantastic opportunity to better understand the process of mediation. You personally observe and learn a lot from the day, but you also get to hear the feedback lawyers receive from their mentors. This was a beneficial experience for me to develop personally and become more confident. Additionally, volunteering with the Bar Readers Course exposes you to members of the legal profession, and this can be a good networking opportunity.
After this brief interview, my lawyer and I went into a mediation with the other party, their lawyer, and the mediator. It is mostly the lawyers who do the talking and negotiating, but sometimes they will refer to you on your opinions as the client.
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Would you recommend the program to other students? I would thoroughly recommend this opportunity to other students! This type of volunteering is directly applicable to studying law, and gives you a keen insight into how the law works in real life situations. It is a low commitment volunteering opportunity that will be useful when competing in law competitions or out in practice with real life clients.
Getting Started
JOIN THOUSANDS OF S AT I S F I E D L A W S T U D E N T S ACROSS AUSTRALIA PLT Plus – today’s most in-demand Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice program, delivered by The College of Law. Now in its second year, our new and improved program puts you first. With a renewed focus on flexibility, convenience and practical relevant training, it’s no wonder more students are choosing PLT Plus over any other program. Now it’s your turn to discover what the fuss is all about.
5 Reasons to choose PLT Plus YOU’LL BE MORE ‘PRACTICE-READY’ PLT Plus places greater emphasis on task-based, hands-on learning. It’s also the only program that offers a Legal Business Skills Series – equipping you with vital workplace skills such as time management, leadership and communication.
Y O U ’ L L S T U D Y H O W A N D W H E N Y O U WA N T With only 5 days of face-to-face attendance plus full-time and part-time study options, PLT Plus is truly flexible. We also offer 10 courses a year in South Australia, allowing you – not us. to study at a time that suits
you
Y O U ’ L L B E M O R E AT T R A C T I V E T O E M P L O Y E R S As Australasia’s largest provider of PLT, The College of Law has a global reputation for excellence. We are also the preferred provider to 9 of the top 10 law firms in Australia.
YOU’LL GET MORE SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE With one-to-one lecturer support, pre-submission feedback and comprehensive Practice Papers to take into the workplace, our goal is to help you succeed the moment you enter the professional workforce.
YOU’LL ENJOY BENEFITS TO LAST A LIFETIME As a PLT Plus graduate, you receive lifelong discounts on all our short programs – plus ongoing invitations to our alumni and networking events. What’s more, two PLT Plus subjects entitle you to automatic credit towards the College LLM program.
Getting Started
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Your career. Maximised.
For course dates or more information about our PLT Plus program visit The College of Law website www.collaw.edu.au/pltplus or contact our Student Services Team on 1300 856 111 or enrolments@collaw.edu.au The College of Law is Australasia’s largest provider of Practical Legal Training (PLT), with campuses in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. We also conduct programs in Adelaide, Canberra and regional Queensland, as well as onsite sessions in London. The College of Law’s PLT program leads to the award of a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) which makes you eligible to apply for direct admission to your state or territory.
Your Future
Forging your Career Path Exploring your Options
Graduating with an LLB enables to you work in a wide range of areas, in both the legal and non-legal sector. The legal sector includes positions such as solicitor, barrister, in-house counsel and judicial officer. The non-legal sector includes employment in government, academia, politics, and private business.
Legal Practice Civil and Criminal
The first major distinction in practice is between civil and criminal practice. Civil practice is focused on actions between private individuals, such as contract disputes. Criminal law, conversely, is focused on criminal actions between the State and an individual.
Transactional and Litigation
The distinction is simple. Transactional practice is focused on conducting legal transactions, such as drafting and executing contracts. Litigation practice is concerned with disputes that have arisen between parties, focusing primarily on matters going to trial for determination by the court.
Firm Size
Working in the legal sector is not confined to large-scale corporate firms. You may be interested in working in family law at a rural firm or sampling multiple practice areas while working at a community legal centre. Firms range in size from boutique to large, with the working environment differing between all of them.
Your Future
Practice Areas
Students are not required to choose an area of specialisation during their studies beyond selecting elective topics; however, upon entering the profession young practitioners are faced with the question of what area of law they wish to practice in. Law firms generally specialise in particular areas of law, even a multiservice firm will have a greater reputation in some practice areas over others, therefore graduates should consider what areas appeal to them when they decide where to apply for work. It is important to note that in some firms (particularly larger sized firms) practitioners will be assigned by the firm to particular area of practice where they have demand for staff. It is also important to note that the categorisation of practice areas will differ depending on the individual firm. Some firms will group practice areas together where other firms may separate them. The following is a brief list of some common areas of practice: Banking and Finance The area of banking and finance typically focuses on transactional work required to secure finance for clients involved in major projects, such as businesses requiring funding, as well as regulatory issues. Construction Law Practice in construction law typically involves the negotiation management of major construction contracts and dispute resolution arising out of major construction projects.
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Corporate Law Corporate practice is a very wide area that can range from corporate governance, such as preparing for shareholders meetings, to major corporate transactions like mergers & acquisitions Family Law Family law focuses on legal issues relating to families, such as marriage, divorce, and child and property disputes. Insolvency Law Insolvency relates to legal matters arising out of insolvent companies. This can include advising liquidators, conducting litigation arising out of liquidation or working to restructure failed companies. Media and Intellectual Property Media and IP law focuses on the legal rights attached to intellectual property and the publication of media content, and can include areas such as defamation. Property Law Property law encompasses the negotiation and execution of property transactions, including leases and sales of property. Environmental Law Environmental law focuses on the regulation of natural resources, such as minerals and gas, and can include litigious and transactional practices. Taxation Law Practice in tax law will typically involve interpreting how constantly evolving tax legislation applies to particular business transactions, or involvement in tax related actions with the ATO.
Making a decision
Beyond Legal Practice
Government (Non Legal)
Government (Legal practice)
Throughout your degree you will have been trained to read and process large amounts of material in short periods of time, understand complex information, and construct persuasive arguments. These analytical skills are highly valued in the workplace.
Examples of government agencies where graduates can seek non legal employment include Ausaid, the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission, the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Taxation Office, and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission.
Eventually most practitioners will need to choose an area of specialisation for their practice. However, it is recommended not to choose upon graduation but to ‘try before you buy’ by seeking out work in multiple areas before deciding where to settle. Exactly when a practitioner will choose a practice for specialisation will be a personal decision, however, there is always room to move between practice areas throughout a legal career.
There is a multitude of career opportunities open to law graduates within the government sector, at both a State and Federal level. Working in legal practice within public sector affords immense fulfillment as you can play an integral part in influencing society, and, depending on the role, can have access to a better work/life balance than in private practice.
Australian Government Solicitor
The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) is a large agency that provides legal services to the Commonwealth Government and its agencies. The AGS has offices in all Australian capital cities and provides services across approximately forty practice areas. Examples of other Federal Government agencies that lawyers can seek employment include the Attorney-General’s Department and the Crown Solicitor’s Office.
A law qualification equips graduates with a variety of employment options, which are not limited to the legal practice, it can also pave a way to careers in private business, government, academia, politics, ADR, not for profit organisations and professional support.
You will have also developed transferrable skills in research, writing, and problem solving, which are equally valuable. It is important to highlight the skills and abilities you have developed through your studies because although future employers may not be looking for lawyers, they will be looking for the skills you have acquired through your law degree.
Government jobs in Australia go well beyond legal practice. Many individuals with legal qualifications work in various Government roles that do not involve practicing the law, yet rely on legal knowledge and understanding.
Many departments and agencies offer placement and graduate programs. See the Public Non-Legal section of the Employer Directory for more information.
Companies in the private non-legal sector also target law graduates, particularly those with a relevant combined degree. Roles are available in banking, insurance, audit, finance, tax advisory, and executives such as company secretaries. Political careers are highly suitable to law graduates. Drafting legislation at the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and advising Ministers on the legal aspects of policy are two examples of pathways outside of traditional legal practice that are directly relevant to what you have studied throughout your degree.
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Your Future
The Oversupply of Law Graduates: a new perspective Author: Barnaby Grant, Lee & Partners It would be nothing new if this article expounded the staggering rise in the number of Law Graduates seeking to enter the profession every year, or the substantially smaller number of jobs becoming available. I could quote statistics from the Financial Review showing that the number of graduates in Law around Australia has jumped from 6,149 in 2001 to 12,742 in 2012.
TEACHING For many graduate teachers, finding that first job can seem just as daunting as for a law graduate. Many of my friends who have graduated from teaching have struggled to find jobs near the city, and indeed most of them who are employed are on short-term contracts, rather than the coveted permanency desired by anyone with a mortgage.
I could complain about the deregulation of university fees, the low cost to run a legal degree, and the ‘cash-cow’ approach apparently being taken to this popular course. I could lament the changes to the small claims jurisdiction, the outsourcing of junior work, the changes to workers compensation, and the pitiful funding for the Legal Services Commission.
“Teacher glut hits university graduates’ job hopes”, screamed one headline. “A glut of teachers has led Australia’s biggest education department to hire just 6 per cent of graduates on full-time contracts this year.” NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli said universities were training too many teachers who would not find jobs. Similarly, “Graduate glut puts trainee teachers on the scrapheap”.
I could cite anecdotal evidence about the struggling young would-be lawyer, brimming with confidence and debt, hoping for the perfect job that their distinction-average isn’t going to get them. I could even decry the growing complexity of various areas of law, with more regulations and rules affecting practitioners than ever before, making it harder for young lawyers to really find their feet, and more expensive for firms to hire junior lawyers, simply because of the necessary time to train them. But this article is not going to do that, partly because it has been done numerous times before. Instead, this article is going to take an anecdotal look at other professions, and perhaps look at the lessons that can be learned from them.
Your Future
NURSING The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (“the Nursing Union”) says that each year about 8,000 Australian students graduate with a nursing qualification, but that there are around 3,000 nurses who cannot find work. In that case, the Nursing Union blames the large numbers of foreign workers on 457 visas. “It can’t be a coincidence that at the same time as thousands of new nurse graduates across the country are unable to get jobs, the same amount of people are getting jobs, coming in as temporary skilled migrants on 457 visas.” This is analogous to the situation in law, but instead of lawyers coming in from overseas, many law firms are beginning to out-source legal work.
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Michael Roff, chief executive of the Australian Hospitals Association, says: “We could probably employ more [graduate nurses] if there was some more support for supervision…” I again note the analogy to law, whereby the cost to firms in time taken to train new lawyers is immense. But like teaching, predictions are that the over-supply will not last. “There are currently more than 300,000 nurses working in Australian hospitals. Unions and employers agree that demand for nursing will grow as the Australian population ages. Health Workforce Australia estimates that by 2025 there will be a shortage of more than 109,000 nurses across the country.”... CONT
...CONT OTHER FIELDS Other fields which appear to be suffering an oversupply of graduates are Dentistry, Journalism, and Communications and Media Studies. The major newspapers are shedding journalists and editors like they are going out of fashion, as content is produced as cheaply as possible. The number of dentists has already exceeded the figure reportedly required by 2020. The Australian Dental Association is advocating for a cap on student numbers. Is this sounding familiar? “The Good Universities Guide lists 59 undergraduate courses in communications. There are also 43 postgraduate programs offering communications courses. Another 93 pre-graduate (TAFE) courses offer communications. “Not only is there an oversupply of graduates, there is an undersupply of skills that are in demand. The skills now most valuable in communications are vastly different to what was valuable 20 years ago.” Even some surprising fields, such as Engineering, are providing (anecdotal) evidence that obtaining jobs is hard to do, straight out of university. Also anecdotally though, is the message that once that first job has been obtained, it is much easier to secure ongoing employment. WHAT CAN WE LEARN? Looking particularly at Nursing and Teaching, I would suggest that a strong take-home message is that “the first job is the hardest to get”, and that graduates should widen their horizons when looking for employment. I believe that this message is applicable to law, also, where many regional and rural firms struggle to find and retain skilled lawyers.
A strong focus on geographically wider employment would benefit those regions, but also the profession as a whole. Wouldn’t it be great if our next leading lights in politics and law were educated and trained in the country? I would also caution writers in this field against narrowing their view to their own profession. Yes, there is an oversupply of law graduates, however I believe that this has to be assessed in the context of an oversupply in other professions as well. Calling for caps on university enrollments might reduce the pressure on those who get into those courses, but will inevitably add to the pressure in other fields where those potential graduates might end up. Shouldn’t we, as a profession, also be eager to attract the best and the brightest, and the bigger the pool the better?
I think we should be looking at ways to use this enormous pool of talent available, and to attempt to keep as many of them as possible engaged in the ever-developing profession. Supply and demand seems to be cyclical, and I suggest that the future of graduates in the profession is not as grim as it sometimes seems. I also believe that there is a lot we can learn by considering the problems facing other professions, and how those problems are being dealt with. *References to quotes and statistics can be found on the Law Society of South Australia’s Webpage
Looking at the problems facing communications graduates, I would also recommend a consideration of the changing nature of the law. As technology evolves, what skills are we going to need? I suspect that the traditional firm handshake and ability to quote Justice Kirby will no longer be the most useful skills for a graduate lawyer, to be replaced with IT experience (if not qualifications) and client relations skills. Finally, some recent figures indicate that firms are again hiring, and that the number of employed lawyers has risen. There are areas of law which are growing quickly, (particularly Family and Estates law), and new areas of law are emerging. New technology is enabling savvy lawyers to be more efficient, and I believe that this will begin to address some of the issues with the rising cost of legal assistance.
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Your Future
The Uniquness of the Adelaide Legal Market Author: Wallmans Lawyers
When pondering your career after graduating, take a moment to consider what it is that makes the Adelaide legal market unique? What Adelaide can offer you that the East Coast cannot and how you can realise success and opportunity right here in your home state? Whilst there are an increasing number of graduates in Adelaide that fail to find full time work within four to six months of graduating, there still are many valid reasons to consider Adelaide as the place to launch your career. If you understand how the local market works and how to position yourself to target the right firm, then you will find Adelaide is actually, full of opportunity, both personally and professionally. Adelaide is considered one of the world’s most liveable cities for its lifestyle, services and high standard of living. Our affordable housing, competitive wages and employment conditions make it a very attractive place to work. South Australian based firms offer great opportunities in terms of quality of work and range of clients, and with many of Australia’s leading lawyers based here, fantastic mentoring opportunities are afforded to graduates. Adelaide is often labelled a “big country town” but it is this big town intimacy that affords you one of the most valuable ways to access opportunities - through networking.
Your Future
Law students have the opportunity to attend regular networking events where they can meet people and establish important connections something that is less likely in the larger eastern states. The nature of the clerkship recruitment process is competitive across Australia. However, unlike many of the larger, multi-national firms based in the eastern states, several local firms offer a more intimate approach. For example at Wallmans we often host a networking event as part of the process, which provides opportunities to establish important connections, even if you are unsuccessful in securing a clerkship. The Firms in Adelaide tend to take a more personal approach to their recruitment. This is where the contacts you have established become so important. All it takes is a recommendation, a useful tip or a heads up on a vacancy from your connection and you could be on your way to finding your dream job. In addition to networking, it is essential that you make an effort and get as much practical experience in your area/s of interest. The more work experience that you can gain in a legal environment the better, but also be prepared think outside the square. Consider opportunities to work in complementary fields in a legal firm including in administration, finance or facilities.
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You never know what doors may be opened by allowing yourself to take the road less travelled. Be persistent. Whether paid or unpaid, if you do it and do it well, you will be rewarded. When considering potential employers, students should align themselves with organisations that share and exhibit the values you consider important. Does your potential employer have clear career progression pathways that foster your future career ambitions? As an employer, Wallmans offers a unique mix of quality work and clients, mentoring opportunities with industry experts and a supportive, team environment. Whilst working hard is important to us, so are opportunities to connect socially and develop professionally. Our clerks consistently provide us with feedback that we offer a high quality clerkship program. We are described as professional, supportive, sociable and genuinely interested in the careers of our future lawyers. Enquire about a clerkship with us today. More information available at https://wallmans.com.au/career
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Your Future
Your Future: Legal Practice
Your Future: Legal Practice
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In House Counsel: Vestas An Interview with Emily Crawford
Tell us about your career path since graduating from Flinders Law School After completing my PLT placement at Wallmans, and graduating from Flinders Law School mid-2011, I was offered a job at Finlaysons, where I had previously been a summer clerk. However, I had also applied to a couple of international LLM programmes. When I was offered a place at the Copenhagen University LLM, I decided not to wait to pursue my goal of completing a LLM internationally, and plunged straight in. I moved to Copenhagen in July 2011. Whilst I studied I worked part time at one of Denmark’s largest Corporate/M&A law firms, Gorrissen Federspiel, working in both the M&A group and then the competition law group. Towards the end of my LLM, I took a semester off and completed an internship at the Danish Institute of Human Rights, working in their human rights and business department. Upon graduating from my LLM in mid-2014, I moved into working full-time at Gorrissen Federspiel as a consultant in their Compliance & CSR group. After six months of this, I decided to branch out into my real interest – human rights and business – and applied to work at Vestas Wind Systems in their CSR department. I’ve been at Vestas over 1.5 years now. Can you tell us about any extracurricular activities you undertook during your studies that supported your career goals? There were several extra-curricular activities I undertook which in one way or another helped support my career journey. I was elected student representative on the Flinders University Council for two years, I mentored new students to International Studies, and I was also a volunteer at the NGO Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement. I balanced my extra-curricular activities with working 15 hours a week, sport and spending time with friends and family. It is important to pursue your interests and try things out, without being motivated purely by the CV factor.
Before you obtained your current role at Vestas, I understand you completed an LLM at the University of Copenhagen. Can you tell us how postgraduate studies has supported your career? In Europe, a full university degree generally consists of a bachelor (3 years) and a master (2 years). Despite the Flinders LLB/ LP equipping graduates for full time work, having the “LLM” after my name made it easier for this to be translated to the local job market. The most significant influence completing a LLM at Copenhagen University had on my career was that firstly it opened my horizon in considering which careers options were in fact available. The idea of working with human rights in a corporate setting was new to me before taking the subject CSR at Copenhagen University. Secondly, it gave me time to try a few new things such as undertaking an internship and working in a foreign law firm. Just knowing what options there are has supported my career significantly. What attracted you to work in-house for Vestas as opposed to working in a firm? I have moved away from a “traditional” means of working with law, and in my job I work broadly with the intersection between human rights and business. After working in a few law firms, and studying a mixture of international law, corporate law, and human rights, I decided that the best way to combine my interests was to work in an international company. I was attracted to Vestas due to its international renewable energy profile and the fact that the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) department is primarily focused on social risks and opportunities to the business, both internally and externally. I have come to appreciate that law school has equipped me with strong analytical skills, which can be broadly transferred to various working environments. With a law degree in hand, the opportunities of working outside a law firm are in fact plentiful. What happens in an ‘average’ day in your position at Vestas? I start my day riding to work (rain or shine, usually rain). With the flat hierarchy being the norm in Scandinavia, I work in an open office with my manager and colleagues sitting next to me. I have a friendly chat with them first thing in the morning, and we discuss any news updates which may be relevant to our work. I check my emails and respond to the urgent ones, and then launch into a task which requires a fresh morning outlook. My tasks vary
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considerably. It may be drafting the new Modern Slavery Act Statement for Vestas, creating a code of conduct training programme for our manufacturing workers, drafting a social compliance clause to our supplier contract templates, advising our procurement department on sustainable supply chain management, brainstorming with colleagues on our new sustainability strategy, trend spotting business and human rights risks or opportunities, attending a conference, travelling to a Vestas subsidiary… in every day I can be sure that it will include engaging with numerous stakeholders. Vestas is an international company with subsidiaries globally, and our CSR work traverses numerous departments, meaning that it is necessary to collaborate with colleagues across the company. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects about taking up a position in an international setting? One of the most challenging aspects about working internationally is that in addition to starting a new job, you must also settle into learning about a new country and culture. Fortunately for me this was a gradual process as I studied my LLM in Copenhagen, and could therefore blend studying in an international environment with working in a Danish law firm. There are of course personal challenges that come with living so far away from home in a foreign environment. However, the process of moving to a foreign country, learning a foreign language, succeeding in the competitive foreign job market, and also feeling like I have made Copenhagen my home, has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Do you have any advice for students looking to gain a career in an international setting? Be prepared for some challenging moments. If this is something that you would really like to explore, then my best advice is to jump straight in and give it a good shot. My ticket to Copenhagen was originally a two week holiday in France as a graduation present. An LLM offer a few weeks before leaving pushed me to make a decision. And I do not regret it. Once you decide to take the plunge, the next thing you will need is a great deal of persistence. And remember, although Australia is geographically very isolated, it is only a flight away so you can always go home if things go belly-up.
Your Future: Legal Practice
Family Law Practice
An Interview with Georgia Pitsadiotis, Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers Tell us about your career path since graduating from Flinders Law School I commenced working as a Clerk at my current firm in November 2013. I graduated in December 2014 and was offered a position as a Lawyer in March 2015. I was then promoted to an Associate in July 2016. Can you tell us about any extra curricular activities you were involved in during your studies that helped secure your current role? I was involved in the Flinders Legal Advice Clinic both through the Social Justice Internship topic at Flinders and then later, as a volunteer. The skills you are exposed to in that setting are invaluable, in my opinion. I definitely recommend it. What tasks are involved in an “average day” within the Family Law section of Tindall Gask Bentley? Meeting with existing and new clients and then actioning what may be necessary following on from those appointments. This includes drafting correspondence, drafting documents, considering material from the other side, liaising with Counsel and preparing for Court and conferences. It varies greatly each day, as drafting an Affidavit for a children’s matter is so different to drafting an Affidavit for a property settlement matter.
Your Future: Legal Practice
I remember being quite surprised at how often I needed to use my (not so excellent) mathematics skills! Family Law often delves deep into the personal lives of others. What is it like working in an often emotional and stressful area of law? Sounds cliché – but being able to remove yourself from work when you get home is very important. I care about my clients a lot, however, I am not going to be able to help them or give them the correct and impartial advice they require if I am emotionally invested. Matters in this jurisdiction can often be quite sad and shocking, so I believe it is important to establish a good support network. I am extremely fortunate to work with a supportive team and under a Partner who is a wonderful mentor. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your work? It is challenging to see clients claw through often a very (if not the most) difficult time in their lives. The most rewarding part for me is having the understanding of how important the Family Law jurisdiction is in Australia and being able to guide people through the process. Seeing a matter to its conclusion and assisting people to reach the next chapter of their lives is really rewarding.
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What do you believe are the necessary traits one must possess in order to work in Family Law? Being a good communicator, developing good relationships with Counsel, having the ability to accommodate to various audiences and of course, knowing the law. I believe that with Family Law in particular, clients need to feel comfortable to share their story with you and also feel that you will utilise that information to assist them in the most appropriate and effective way. Do you have any advice for students looking to gain a career in Family Law? As previously mentioned, getting involved with Flinders Legal Advice Clinic, or a similar service, is a great start. Completing the Family Law elective if it is meets with your study schedule is a great idea too. Furthermore, familiarising yourself with the procedures of the Federal Circuit Court and the Family Court goes a long way. Attend networking events and introduce yourselves to Family Law practitioners and barristers – speaking from experience, you just never know what it may lead to.
Insight from an LK Senior Associate I started at Lipman Karas as a winter clerk. What immediately struck me about the firm in my first week still rings true as a Senior Associate eight years later. LK stands apart for three reasons: the quality of the work, people and culture. Work LK is an exciting place to practice law. As a lawyer at LK you have the opportunity to work on some of the most complex, challenging and interesting litigation projects in Australia and internationally. These cases require in-depth legal analysis and the distillation of large amounts of factual data. Young lawyers at LK work directly with principals, as well as counsel and independent experts, on all aspects of their projects, with leading national and international firms acting on the other side.
approachable. They understand that the best results are achieved by working as a team where everyone participates. Each member of the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution is valued and recognised. Culture The culture at a law firm, like any place of work, is extremely important. LKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture is open and community oriented. The firm has an active social and community programme, with regular social gatherings, fun walks/runs and community initiatives. The firm regularly undertakes pro bono work. Junior lawyers are encouraged to contribute to the direction of these programmes, which in turn offers them an insight into the role and functioning of a law firm beyond our core practice of law.
People
LK takes a genuine long term interest in its lawyers. It has a strong training programme but more importantly, it treats its lawyers as individuals. After clerking at LK for six months, I took a leave of absence to undertake an associateship with Justice Vanstone in the Supreme Court of South Australia before returning to the firm after wards. The firm was also supportive in my undertaking part-time postgraduate studies. I recently took a period six months of unpaid leave to travel and have recommenced in the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s London office. Other young lawyers at LK have pursued similar paths.
The practitioners and support staff at LK are experts at what they do. They are dedicated, intelligent and resourceful. LK offers unrivalled opportunities for work and to learn from leaders in their field.
As the firm has grown, LK has remained an exciting and rewarding place to practise law, steadfastly maintaining its high standards in relation to its projects, people and the opportunities offered to staff.
But the LK experience is not about technical and strategic acumen only. The people that work at LK are friendly and
Lucas Arnold Senior Associate
Within eighteen months of being an Associate at LK, I found myself assisting in court in the appeal Westpac v The Bell Group Limited, which was at the time the largest civil litigation action in Australian history. Other junior lawyers at the firm get similar experience, working on major projects in Australia, Hong Kong, England, the US and several other Asian and offshore jurisdictions.
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Your Future: Legal Practice
Australian Law Reform Commission Author: Shreeya Smith, Legal Officer
What attracted you to work in law reform as opposed to the traditional corporate/commercial firm career? After a stint in legal practice, I settled into a career in public policy and then law reform. What I enjoy about law reform, and policy development more generally, is that you get the opportunity to engage with the big picture. I chose to work at the Australian Law Reform Commission because, unlike in many other policy roles, you have the opportunity to dedicate attention to a particular policy area and think deeply about it. Often, working in policy, you are acting reactively, responding to the immediate issues in front of you. By contrast, at the ALRC, over 12 to 16 months, you can focus on an area, engage critically with the issues, and develop proposals for reform. I don’t simply apply the law—I can think about how it can be changed and how it can work better. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects about working at the ALRC? The most challenging and rewarding aspect of being a legal officer at the ALRC is the opportunity to work across quite different areas. For example, when I started at the ALRC in 2014 I was working on the ‘Freedoms’ Inquiry, and looking at how to ensure that any encroachments of traditional rights, freedoms and privileges by statute are justified.
Your Future: Legal Practice
Currently I am working on how the law can better respond to, and prevent, elder abuse. Later in the year I will join the team working on the Inquiry into the overrepresentation of Indigenous Australians in the prison system. Generally an inquiry runs for 12 to 16 months, and with the completion of an inquiry you begin working on something completely different. It can be quite daunting trying to get across a new subject area when you first start on a new inquiry, but it is also very rewarding. Working at the Australian Law Reform Commission and on different law reform inquiries also presents a fairly unique opportunity to meet prominent experts from the law, government and industry, across a range of law and policy areas, and to discuss and road-test your ideas with them. This can be unnerving, but also exhilarating. What tasks are involved in an ‘average’ day at the ALRC? An average day at the ALRC varies depending on the stage of the law reform inquiry. Early in an inquiry a typical day is likely to involve reviewing reports of previous inquiries considering similar issues, reviewing academic literature and considering practice in other jurisdictions. There are periods of concentrated legal research and writing as we head towards the release of a consultation document or report.
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Each inquiry has at least a couple of consultation phases, and during these periods you organise and attend consultations with stakeholders, to better understand what the issues are and to test your ideas and proposals. While legal officers tend to each focus in on a discrete area of an inquiry, we are constantly involved in a collegiate interrogation of our ideas, with regular discussion and debate amongst team members. There is a vigorous peer review process which seeks to test ideas as they develop through the course of the Inquiry. If they stand up, they potentially become recommendations in the final report to government. Do you have any final advice for students looking to gain a career at the ALRC? If you are interested in a career in law reform, there is no better place to hone that than the Australian Law Reform Commission. My top tip for getting the gig, is to try and get a couple of years of legal policy experience under your belt, either at a government department or on one of the many inquiries that are currently under way. A demonstrable interest in social justice will also serve you well.
THOMSON GEER CLERKSHIP – AN INSIGHT Alexandra Meeuwsen - Graduate Lawyer
A clerkship with Thomson Geer is a great way to gain an insight into the operation of a successful, fully integrated national corporate law firm and what it can offer you in your career You are given the opportunity to learn from and work with lawyers and partners who are continually recognised locally and nationally for their knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. Thomson Geer values and invests in continued development and training for their practitioners. Opportunities are regularly offered and include training in hard skills, such as technical use of software, and soft skills, such as conflict resolution training and managing work life balance. Thomson Geer offers in-house continued professional development and encourages involvement with relevant professional organisations and associations. But don’t worry, it’s not all work and no play. We have weekly drinks on Friday night, which provides an opportunity to get to know each other socially and professionally. We have a Social Club that arranges various events throughout the year including quiz nights, wine tours, cocktail nights and a Mid-Year Ball. The Clerkship The four week clerkship program begins with induction. It was evident from the outset just how invested Thomson Geer was in our development. These first few days we heard from current graduate lawyers about the firm culture and general practical expectations. It was nice to have advice and reassurance from people who had been in our position only 12 months before. More senior lawyers from each department also provided insight into their practice area and the type of work they do. This gave a clear picture of the services we offer and the diversity of our clients. Clerks are assigned a practice area and supervising partner but are encouraged to experience work with other teams. During my clerkship I worked in the Property team but also assisted the Corporate, Tax and Employment teams. The opportunity to experience multiple practice areas was extremely beneficial and allowed me to reflect on areas of practice I would consider pursuing. The types of work that the clerks were given included drafting, reviewing transactional documents, researching and drafting memos, attending client meetings, discovery and attending court. The work you do is real and worthwhile. We were supported throughout our clerkship including weekly meetings with HR to debrief and raise any concerns. We were each assigned a mentor who worked in our practice group – my mentor was a great support and gave lots of practical assistance. He was always approachable and made time for any queries I had. The Graduate Program Graduates at Thomson Geer are recruited straight from the clerkship program. The graduate program runs for 12 months, including rotations in different practice areas. Graduates are assigned a mentor, who guides you in relation to your work and performance. You are also assigned a buddy, who is generally another young lawyer, to offer support and advice more generally about being a young lawyer and the transition from University to working life. The firm encourages graduates to become involved in matters and to engage directly with clients. The training is also ongoing with New Lawyer Training sessions being run every month or so to assist the graduates to learn practical skills. These sessions were based on topics such as drafting, court appearances and how to manage files. The most valuable aspect of the graduate program is the rotations. As a young lawyer you are able to learn new legal skills and knowledge from different teams and then take that experience into the practice area in which you ultimately practice. Reviews are also offered quarterly through the graduate program. These reviews allow you to implement and act upon constructive advice before your conclusion with the practice area. The review process is a valuable part of your continued development. Participating in the clerkship and graduate programs at Thomson Geer, whilst at times challenging, is very rewarding. I encourage you all to apply for a clerkship with Thomson Geer and wish you the best of luck with your applications.
ADVICE | TRANSACTIONS | DISPUTES Domestic & Cross Border www.tglaw.com.au Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide
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Your Future: Legal Practice
Becoming a Barrister Pathway to Advocacy
What is a Barrister?
All South Australian lawyers are eligible to practise as both Solicitors and Barristers. Solicitors engage the services of Barristers to act on behalf of the Solicitors’ clients in court. Barristers are specialist advocates with an advanced understanding of the law and court procedure. Additionally Barristers provide advice on legally difficult or complex matters and develop sophisticated legal strategies. In court a Barrister will present the client’s case and examine and cross-examine witnesses. Barristers generally practise as independent lawyers in Chambers instead of law firms.
Your Future: Legal Practice
Bar Reader’s Course
To become a barrister, practitioners must undertake the Bar Readers Course, operated by the SA Bar Association. The Course consists of two components: seminar series and reading period. The seminar series curriculum is divided into six units which cover topics such as: role and responsibility; preparation for court; advocacy; chamber work, pleadings and other court documents; alternative dispute resolution; and courts and tribunals in South Australia. The Course involves reading, for a period of three months, under the supervision of a mentor who has been a practicing Barrister for at least five years.
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Upon successful completion of both components of the course the applicant will be enrolled as a member of the Bar Association . A certificate of satisfactory completion will be obtained after a further period of review by the mentor of the applicant’s legal work. The applicant will then be a fully qualified member of the Independent Bar.
Finding Chambers
After completing the Bar Readers Course, the next step is finding somewhere to practice. Finding Chambers in South Australia is a relatively informal process. In limited instances a Chambers with vacancies will advertise via the SA Bar Association website.
graduates.minterellison.com
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Your Future: Legal Practice
Life at the Bar
An Interview with Kerry Clark, Murray Chambers Tell us about your career path since graduating from Flinders Law School My first taste of legal practice was as a law clerk at Cowell Clarke during a winter university break (third year, fourth? Can’t remember!). It was then, and still is, an excellent firm. I will be forever grateful to Natalie Abela (then an Associate, now a Partner) for hiring me. We have remained friends and she briefs me now that I am at the Bar. I think there might be a lesson there… Next step was a summer clerkship at JWS (at that stage an Adelaide only, medium firm made up of young-gun partners who had left an establishment firm). I managed not to disgrace myself at the Christmas party and was ultimately offered parttime work as a clerk through to the end of my PLT. I then became a full-time junior solicitor with all the benefits JWS offered to newly admitted practitioners – working across all areas of practice in the firm to help you find your niche, no billable unit targets, great training, friendly partners at the top of their game, high profile clients and a generous salary. I probably didn’t realise at the time just how good it was. After about a year at JWS, judges started inviting me to interviews for Associateship positions. I had almost forgotten the applications sent before I became permanent at JWS. What to do? I had a great job, it would be crazy to quit (and take a huge pay cut), right? Well yes, but I didn’t quit. I requested a year’s unpaid leave of absence and the partners at JWS agreed. I spent a fantastic year working with Justice David Bleby in the Supreme Court safe in the knowledge I had a job to go back to. I understand you were once an associate at Johnson Winter & Slattery. Can you tell us what attracted you to the bar after working at a well established Australian firm? It was the year as an Associate in the Supreme Court that first piqued serious interest in going to the Bar. I was able to watch some very talented advocates and thought “wow, I wish I could do that.” I also saw some pretty average performances which made me think, “I could have done better, how does this guy get briefed?” Working in the courts demystifies the whole process. It is invaluable to know what goes on after submissions are done and the court is adjourned.
Your Future: Legal Practice
I was also inspired to go to the Bar by barristers I worked with as a student on pro bono refugee and asylum seeker cases in the early 2000s. Still, I was not ready for the Bar two years out of law school. I returned to JWS and spent another couple of years there, this time focussed mostly on litigation rather than the mixture of transactional and litigious work I had done previously. I was seconded to a client, Santos, to work on a large-scale arbitration for a period. JWS was also rapidly expanding interstate and I spent considerable time in the Sydney office working in media law. When I was about 4 years PQE and 27 years old, a room became available at Murray Chambers. Head of chambers, Brian Hayes QC took me out for coffee and said it was mine if I wanted it. To this day, I am not entirely sure how this came about. The rest is history, as they say. I have been here 9 years. Conventional wisdom at the time was that I was too young and most people waited to become a partner in a firm before making the transition to the Bar. I have seen this change over the last 5 years and now it is not so unusual to start out with less experience. Nonetheless going to the Bar is always a gamble, and a scary financial proposition when compared to a comfortable law firm salary. You’ve been involved in several not for profit associations such as Justice Net SA and Women’s Lawyers SA. What is it like balancing life at the bar with volunteering? It is easier to do these things when you are at the Bar because you are in charge of your time and how you spend it. The immediacy of client demands is one step removed. Having said that, I was still at JWS when I became President of Women Lawyers SA and the firm was supportive. I am a firm believer in participating in the profession beyond paid work. If you don’t, you can’t really say that you are a professional, you’re just a business person. What do you enjoy the most about oral advocacy? The intellectual challenge of the exchange with an intelligent, engaged Bench.
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What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects about working at the Bar? Challenging – keeping on top of different areas of law and constant changes to the court rules, long hours. Also, money. Rewarding – variety of work, professional freedom, colleagues. Also, money! With the oversupply of graduates and technological advances disrupting the future of the legal profession, do you have any advice to students on how to best prepare for their career path? In-person interaction and contacts are so important, and they always will be despite technology. You won’t get a job by simply connecting with me on LinkedIn and sending out bulk, non-tailored email requests for work experience. Try to remember that most of the people in hiring roles are not of the “messaging” generation. They like voice calls, pale ale and cappuccinos. Not Snapchat, craft beer and single origin cold drip. Be humble. In your first couple of years you are basically an untrained liability so don’t mistake yourself for Michael Ross in Suits. It doesn’t work that way in real life. Be open to career paths you might not have considered, or which aren’t your first choice. Do you have any final advice for law students interested in pursuing a career at the bar? Be a judge’s associate if possible. Work as a solicitor for at least 3 -5 years in the area you want to be briefed in. Start planning (and saving) several years before you make the move. Make contacts at the Bar, and it there is a particular chambers you wish to join, talk to the head of chambers. Many have a list – get your name on it. Finally, keep in touch with all your uni friends – they might brief you one day!
The Crown Solicitor’s Office An interview with Sean O’Flaherty, Senior Solicitor, Public Law Section, Crown Solicitor’s Office About me I am a Senior Solicitor in the Public Law Section of the Crown Solicitor’s Office. After graduating, I commenced as a solicitor in 2009. In 2010 to mid-2011 I was an associate to Justice Bleby of the Supreme Court of South Australia, before returning to the CSO. The Crown Solicitor’s Office The CSO is an office in the SA AttorneyGeneral’s Department. Essentially, it is the SA Government’s solicitor, and provides legal services to Ministers, agencies and departments, in diverse areas including constitutional law, administrative law, native title, employment, property, commercial, major litigation and law reform projects. The CSO does not have private clients and does not act for the public. It employs approximately 250 staff, comprising 190 lawyers and 60 support staff in five main sections: Commercial, Environment & Native Title; Public Law; Civil Litigation; Crown Counsel; and the Outposted Lawyers. The CSO is headed by the Crown Solicitor, and lawyers also work with the Solicitor-General on complex matters and constitutional issues. A typical day in the life of a CSO lawyer The work of a CSO lawyer is highly varied, so it is difficult to generalise a typical day. The Public Law Section has practice areas that cover regulatory prosecutions, employment matters, administrative and constitutional matters, general advice work, and child protection matters. A CSO lawyer will typically spend his or her day providing written or verbal advice to a number of different agencies and government departments. He or she may also have matters in court that day, and may need to attend directions hearings or other interlocutory matters in a number of State courts. A CSO lawyer’s work will often require meeting the client and discussing the advice or the legal proceedings in person.
What I think is particularly notable about the CSO experience for junior lawyers is the immediate exposure to significant experiences. Junior lawyers are readily given the opportunity to appear in court matters, liaise directly with clients and to work directly on complex and interesting legal work. At the same time, junior lawyers are assisted by experienced, senior members in the office as “matter managers”. This occurs formally in the settling of work, but also informally in an office wide spirit of “open door” offices, where Senior Solicitors and Executive Solicitors readily assist junior lawyers on an ad hoc basis. Standout experiences and rewarding aspects of the work I have been given incredible opportunities and great experiences during my time at the CSO, including from very early in my career. In particular, in my first year of practice, I was given the rare opportunity to appear as junior counsel to the Solicitor-General in a Full Court hearing of the High Court of Australia in Canberra. Since then, I have regularly appeared as counsel in many matters in hearings in the Federal, Supreme, District and Youth Courts and the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. I have also had the opportunity to work on significant areas of law reform, such as the reforms to the Compulsory Third Party insurance scheme, the taxi industry and the introduction of Uber, and the formation of the Basin Plan under the Commonwealth Water Act.
Whilst the work is certainly demanding at times ,the CSO strives to ensure a positive work/life balance in its employees, particularly as many of our employees have young families. The “social solicitors” of the Public Law Section’s social committee also ensures we gather as a group at various social events, as well as participating in office-wide social functions. Clerkship/graduate opportunities available The CSO offers placements to students wishing to complete their Practical Legal Training, as well as summer clerk positions. Graduates can apply to the CSO Graduate Pool, in which successful applicants are placed in the pool for 12 months and notified as vacancies arise. More information about these programs can be found on the CSO website: www. cso.sa.gov.au. Advice for students In the competitive job market we are now in, it is important for students to do what they can to enhance their CV. This doesn’t necessarily just mean getting good grades, but also experiencing extra-curricular activities such as law school competitions (I particularly had fun in the Jessup Moot and the Sir Harry Gibbs Constitutional Law Moot as a student). Getting experience in clerkships is also valuable, and I highly recommend those interested in advocacy to apply to be a Judge’s associate (but get in early, they’re highly competitive!).
On a smaller scale, the nature of the CSO’s work is as varied and interesting as the areas in which the SA Government provides services and in which there is State regulation. My work has not only been challenging, but varied and very rewarding, as many things can have an impact government-wide.
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Your Future: Legal Practice
GENEVA SEKULA At the start of 2015 when my law school was abuzz with the prospect of completing clerkships, I had not decided if I was even going to apply. I had heard a lot about cocktail nights and canapés and interviews, but I didn’t know much about what completing a clerkship actually entailed or why I should sacrifice my beloved summer holidays to do one. Having spent the summer at Allens, I can definitely recommend doing a clerkship. It’s an invaluable way to see the inner workings of a commercial firm.
opportunity to experience first-hand how commercial law operates in a different legal system. I had some memorable experiences zipping through Saigon traffic on a motorbike and visiting tourist hotspots; certainly different to the weekends I would have been having at home! Although I didn’t come back particularly fluent in business Vietnamese, I definitely came home with a broader international perspective on commercial law, and felt privileged to have been able to experience life in one of the Asian offices.
I was unspeakably nervous on the first day of my first rotation. I had never worked in a law firm before and I was concerned that I didn’t remember an awful lot from my first year Contracts class at university. I needn’t have worried. That first day I hardly got through any work because the people in my team kept stopping by to say hello, have a chat and see how I was going with everything. I was amazed at how genuinely interested everyone was in getting to know me and making sure I was feeling confident in my work.
I was exposed to lots of different work during my time at Allens. I helped to draft letters, write research memos, conduct title searches, proofread contracts, and attend meetings, among many other things. But the summer was much more than simply doing a job. It was an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the firm and we went to a number of seminars which helped to shed more light on the culture of the firm. We heard about Allens’ pro bono work and presence in the community and about the alliance with Linklaters, we heard from a panel of partners who gave us insight into their career progression with the firm, and we heard from a panel of graduates who answered any and all of our questions. I attended Christmas parties (yes, plural), was invited to welcome yum cha, and had many, many coffee catch-ups with lawyers and other clerks. Beyond the legal work and the firm, the clerkship is a great way to expand your social networks. We also went to inter-firm trivia nights and the clerk cruise, and had lots of other opportunities to get to know each other, and the clerks at other firms.
This was indicative of the wider culture of the firm and I was deeply impressed by how supportive and enthusiastic everyone was, and how much time the lawyers were willing to take to explain tasks to me or answer my questions. The firm instigates a formal support network with a buddy, development lawyer and supervising partner, which was a great source of comfort and helped to keep me on track. But, beyond that, there were plenty of lawyers who were keen to get involved with the clerkship and offer their help and feedback. One of the reasons I decided to go to Allens was because I saw it as a firm where there would be opportunities to work overseas, and having an international dimension to my career was important to me. I hadn’t ever guessed that my first chance to travel with Allens would be in my sixth week working for the firm. After the Christmas break, instead of boarding a train to Wynyard, I found myself boarding a plane to Ho Chi Minh City where I was to complete a three-week rotation. The Ho Chi Minh City office was very different to the Sydney office. For one thing, it was a lot smaller, and the contracts were in both Vietnamese and English. I had an amazing time in Vietnam experiencing different food and a different culture, but also having the
Allens is a firm full of opportunities. In 10 weeks I travelled internationally, went on an overnight trip to a client office, went on a tour of a coalmine, experienced a Women at Allens panel, visited the Sydney Children’s Hospital, and had the chance to work on pro bono matters. I can’t tell you exactly what to expect from an Allens clerkship, because you never know what opportunities will be there for you to take. The clerkship program gives you the chance to peer inside a commercial firm and to think about your future. I loved my time with the firm and can’t wait to start my career. A clerkship with Allens feels like unlocking the door to an incredible future and I would recommend it to anyone.
CLERKSHIPS AND GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN A GLOBAL NETWORK
Your Future: Legal Practice
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15306D
Legal Consultation
An Interview with Amy Ward, You Legal Tell us about your Career Path since graduation from Flinders Law School? I worked as a criminal defence lawyer in Adelaide for three years and then I decided to move overseas for international experience. I worked for Norton Rose Fulbright in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This was a real highlight for me – I loved the experience at a top tier firm and the training I received. I did a Masters in International Development and then in 2011 I spent time in Syria learning Arabic and working for the UNHCR. Unfortunately, the civil war started whilst I was there so I spent the remainder of the time working in aid and development in Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine. I came back to Adelaide and during 20122014and worked as a legal policy officer for the Attorney-General’s Department. I loved getting experience in the public sector. For the past two years I have been advising on large construction & infrastructure projects in the Middle East and working as a legal consultant with You Legal. What attracted you to move into the field of Legal Consultation after having a career in legal practice? At the moment, working as a legal consultant means that I am essentially working as a ‘freelance lawyer’. You Legal works like a virtual law firm so we are still a legal practice and advise clients but we don’t have ‘bricks and mortar’ offices or partner equity overheads. This means that we can still offer high quality legal services but within a different pricing framework. It also means that clients, who might otherwise have found lawyers too expensive, find that our approach fits with their business model. I have the freedom to work whenever, wherever. As long as I have my laptop I am good to go!
What tasks are included in an “average” day at You Legal? You Legal provides legal advice on a wide range of corporate and commercial arrangements ranging from start-ups and SMEs through to long-established Australian and international companies. Tasks include reviewing contracts and providing advice on ‘red flag issues’ or amending contracts so that they protect the client’s interests, drafting template contracts (such as employment agreements, services agreements, supply agreements, consultants appointments etc). We also provide advice where clients may be in a dispute or facing a potential dispute. How does your position at You Legal differ to someone acting in-house? I don’t work for one client as an in-house lawyer or sit in their offices. Companies and organisations can now procure legal services in a way that matches their need for legal services (i.e where there is overflow they can outsource to us) as opposed to taking on a full time in-house employee. I still work closely with clients to understand their business model, future requirements and vision and most importantly I make sure that any legal assistance I provide is user-friendly for the client and commercially minded. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your role at You Legal? The most rewarding aspects of my role are the variety of work available, the flexibility of location and when I choose to work and I love working with clients and You Legal. The challenging aspect is that work can ebb and flow so I am getting used to managing times where there is a great deal of work and times that are quieter.
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Can you tell us about any extracurricular activities you took part in during your studies that helped you secure your role today? I worked as a law clerk for a barrister and then I also worked as a law clerk for a boutique construction law firm. The relationships I established back then are still very much part of my life today. I would try and get as much practical experience as possible. I also think any volunteer experience is useful particularly in a legal context. Any final advice to current law students looking to broaden their career prospects? I think the legal profession is facing disruption as an industry and sector. This is not only in the form of technology but also the way clients are procuring legal services. There is a great deal more competition than there used to be. I think it is critical that law students are aware of these disruptions and how it may affect them going forward. I worked hard during my time at university to network and build professional relationships (which I still continue to do today). I would suggest students do the same. I would also suggest that students try and find a way to differentiate themselves or find a niche – a second specialised degree, a language or unique professional or overseas experience – to combine with the legal qualification.
Your Future: Legal Practice
Your Future:
Beyond Legal Practice
Working in the Senate An Interview with Senator Penny Wong
What does your role as Labor Senator for South Australia involve? What are the main duties that you are involved in on a weekly basis? My primary responsibility is to represent the people of South Australia in the Senate – the people who elected me. That means considering legislation, debating the issues of the day and taking part in Senate committees which examine legislation and public policy issses in detail. It also means meeting constituents and organisations who wish to raise issues; attending community events, ranging from citizenship ceremonies to school graduation nights; and giving speeches and media interviews to articulate the policies and values of my party. As Labor’s Senate Leader, I also have responsibility for coordinating the Opposition’s strategies and tactics in the upper house. How did you arrive at this position? Can you tell us a little about your career path? My family moved from Malaysia to Adelaide when I was eight years old. I went to Coromandel Valley Primary School and Scotch College. My plan was to become a doctor, but during a gap year in Brazil I did some volunteer work in hospitals and realised I didn’t have the stomach for medicine – literally! So I studied law and arts at the University of Adelaide which is where I got interested in politics and became active in the Labor Party. After graduating I worked for the trade union covering furniture industry employees. Then I moved to Sydney to work as a Ministerial adviser to the NSW Government on forest policy. I came home to Adelaide in 1997 to work as a lawyer with Duncan Basheer Hannon. I won preselection to stand for Parliament for Labor and was elected to the Senate in 2001. During Labor’s time in Government I served as Minister for Climate Change and Water and Minister for Finance and Deregulation. Now we are in Opposition I am Labor’s leader in the Senate and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs
Were you involved and interested in politics while you were studying law at university? Do you see this as being necessary for those who are considering a career in politics later in life? Studying law was certainly where I developed my interest in politics. I would encourage anyone with an interest in political issues to get involved during your time on campus. Law can help prepare you for a political career. It gives you a strong knowledge of our system of government and the legislative process, and it can hone your debating skills. Perhaps that is why so many Parliamentarians have law degrees. But it’s not the only path – and it’s certainly not compulsory to get involved in politics at university. It’s important to have people from a diverse range of backgrounds involved in politics at all levels. You are the first woman to hold both Leader of the Government in the Senate and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. Can you describe this achievement and its significance for women? I am a strong advocate for equality for women and participation by women in all fields, whether politics, business, the professions, academia, sport or community organisations. Parliaments and governments better represent our community if they reflect our diversity.
In your experience, what are the biggest challenges you face as a politician? Politics is a contestable and adversarial environment. At its best, that leads to better public policy outcomes and more accountable government. But it does present the challenge of learning to handle vigorous criticism including, at times, personal negativity. Politics can also be an all-consuming pursuit – which makes it hard to find enough time to spend with your family. With such a busy schedule, how do you maintain a work-life balance? Do you have any strategies to keep your mental health in check? Striking the right balance between work and life isn’t easy and many people, not just politicians, find this a challenge. I try to prioritise family time when I can and to catch the early flight home so I can have breakfast with my family. On mental health management – keep a sense of perspective and the right priorities. Finally, if you could provide one piece of general advice to students wishing to follow a similar career path, what would it be? Find your own voice.
What has been the highlight of your work in politics thus far? It was a great privilege to serve in a Labor Government from 2007 to 2013. People go into politics because they want to make a difference and make Australia a better place – and being on the government benches is obviously the best place to pursue those goals.
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Your Future: Beyond Legal Practice
Working in State Parliament An interview with David Speirs MP
I had my last law lecture a couple of weeks after the Global Financial Crisis struck in 2008. Legal firms were pretty quick to dampen down their recruitment strategies and graduate positions dried up. I wasn’t too fussed about this. I never had a passion for the law in the sense of courtrooms and judges, and nothing horrified me more than the prospect of slaving away on tedious contracts and negotiations in the corporate law arena. But I did appreciate the foundational nature of the law, the fact that a civil society runs on the law and that good governance needs to be underpinned by good lawmaking. I find the mechanics of society fascinating and saw law as a fundamental part of this. During my time at uni I had been doing some work in the public service and found myself in a role within the Cabinet Office in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Between 2008 and 2014 I worked in various policy development roles in areas as diverse as international education, housing, local government and strategic planning. I drew on my knowledge and understanding of the law on a regular basis in these positions. At the same time as working in the public service I’d gotten myself elected to the City of Marion council, representing my home suburb of Hallett Cove and within 11 months found myself taking on the role of Deputy Mayor. Your Future: Beyond Legal Practice
My time on council paved the way for me to contest the 2014 state election, taking on the Labor-held seat of Bright in Adelaide’s south western suburbs. I had always lived in this part of Adelaide and was heavily involved in the community through surf life saving and environmental work
Another great project to have been involved in is the development of a vision for Glenthorne National Park, a new national park in Adelaide’s southern suburbs. I believe this has the potential to deliver incredible environmental dividends for our state.
I’d been doing along the coast. I strongly believe in an intensely grassroots form of representation and spent months doorknocking thousands of houses to connect with the electorate I sought to represent. This paid off with a decent swing to me on election night and I entered Parliament at the age of 29.
Day-in-and-day-out I find myself using the foundational knowledge from my law degree, whether that be in providing guidance to constituents, analyzing legislation or formulating policy. My legal training has proven invaluable in ensuring that I can do this job well.
Being a parliamentarian is definitely not a ‘normal’ job. It has many challenges and being in-public eye is a unusual thing. But there are plenty of positives too. The job has influence and can be used to make a real difference. My proudest achievement to date has been pioneering the state’s first accessible beach at Seacliff beach through a project called ‘Beach for All’ which sees a wheelchair friendly mat rolled out across the sand on weekends and public holidays during the surf life saving season. The project has now been replicated all across Australia.
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For me this isn’t a ‘forever’ job, its something I’m blessed with being able to do for a season and I hope that however long or short that season is, I can leave a lasting legacy for my local community and more broadly a cross our state.
Academia
An interview with Emeritus Professor David Bamford My career trajectory Career planning is not something I can give advice about - that is because I have never planned a career. As a result I have had several. I ended up at Royal Military College Duntroon because a school friend was very keen to get in and when he told me, the selection procedure involved a couple of days away from school, I was happy to go along , never having considered it before. I ended up in politics because the local Member of Parliament offered me a job the day before I was about to decide whether I wanted to be a cadet journalist with the ABC (I really wanted to be a historian but who needs historians?). I had never considered doing law until working for the MP made realise how important legal skills were if you want to reform law. I became a barrister by accident – I had left the legal firm I had been working for with no fixed plan because I wanted to work parttime and help raise my children. Within a week I was being briefed by solicitors who knew I was no longer working in a firm to represent their clients at trial. I fell into academia when Flinders rang up and asked me to help develop some of the professional skills programmes that made their law programme so unique. This has worked for me because I have not been personally ambitious for money or position but always wanted to do something that was socially useful, interesting, and varied. Legal Practice v Academia In some ways the last twenty years has seen me transition from a legal practitioner with academic interests to an academic with an interest in the way law works. While that transition has meant I have earnt less than had I stayed in legal practice, it has given me the opportunity to take a broader perspective. In practice one is usually far too busy worrying about today’s work and tomorrow’s case – one does not have the luxury of sitting back and asking ‘why are we doing this, this way?’ ‘is there a better way of doing it?’ I doubt I read an academic article in years when in practice and the only cases I read were the ones immediately relevant to the sort of legal practice I was engaged in.
Academic work has been a real privilege – I get to work with interesting and intelligent people many of whom will be the future leaders of our community. I get paid to think about whether there are better ways of doing things and to contribute the development of legal education, the justice system and legal practice. I am, to large degree, able to determine where to put my intellectual endeavours and that keeps changing all the time. It has taken me to many places around the world.
All societies have justice systems and we can learn a lot from other societies (who in some cases have better systems than ours).
The hours are no less – in fact the distinction between work and non-work can become blurred because as an academic you are interested in ideas and almost any experience can influence ideas. Academic work inherently involves performance anxiety – whenever you speak or write publicly, you are effectively on stage but with your own script as well. But the autonomy that comes from being an academic is almost incomparable. While there is now a lot of accountability, provided you are achieving the desired outcomes, there is considerable freedom about how you go about achieving those outcomes
I have also been very fortunate to have been invited to be a key speaker at conferences around the world – most recently as a key speaker at the World Congress on Procedural Law in Istanbul where I reported on a comparative law research project I had led working with academics in nine countries around the world (England, Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, South Africa).
Civil Litigation – Research and Teaching Again I fell into Civil Litigation. I actually wanted to teach Administrative Law but some- one was already doing that and my experience as a litigation solicitor and barrister meant that I was ideally suited to teaching it. When I started I was determined not to repeat how it had been taught to me – basically a set of mechanical rules. I was keen to try to explore why we have the justice institutions and procedures we do have and to ask whether there was a better way. As students who have heard me will know, the issues around civil justice raise difficult questions at all levels. It is a fertile field for legal philosophers trying to unpack the theoretical foundations and values of the justice system through to the empirical researcher wanting to understand what is actually happening in the justice system. While civil litigation has long been an essential part of legal education, it is only in the last twenty years that it has become a truly ‘academic’ (in the best sense of the word).
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International Visiting Professorships I have been very fortunate in having opportunities to teach and research at law schools in different part of the world. These include in England, Canada, United States, Indonesia, South Africa, Finland and Sweden.
Want a Career as an Academic? The route for the legal academic has changed dramatically over the last twenty years. Back then, few legal academics had doctorates. Now doctorates are an essential requirement for most academic posts. For the more highly desired positions, those beginning their careers may well need to have published in academic literature as well. Like legal practice, success does not depend on raw intellectual ability. Success is much more a product of the personal attributes of personal organisation, discipline and perseverance! Being able to work with people is also essential. The old concept of the brilliant lone academic, holed up in their office with their books and avoiding colleagues and students, is rapidly disappearing. It has been a privilege to work as an academic and I recommend it to anyone who has an intellectual curiosity and an interest in trying to make the world a better place.
Your Future: Beyond Legal Practice
Advising on Policy
An Interview with Kirsty Braybon, Senior Policy Advisor Department of State Development â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mineral Resources Division Working as an advisor to the Government on policy and legislation provides a unique opportunity to interpret, apply and shape the law. Mineral Resources Division The Mineral Resources Division of the Department of State Development regulates mining and exploration activities in South Australia. My primary role within the Division is to project manage the Leading Practice Mining Acts Review, which is a comprehensive review of the South Australia Mining Acts (Mines and Works Inspection Act 1920, Mining Act 1971 and Opal Mining Act 1995). Regulatory reform is a complex and multilayered process, which requires a whole team of people. My role within that team is to understand the current framework of the Mining Acts, identify the issues within the Acts, propose solutions to those issues, and oversee the delivery of a draft amending bill. Each of these processes are achieved through comprehensive engagement with stakeholders, both internal and external to Government. The role of a policy officer or adviser will differ between Government Departments and the current projects or Government policies. These roles may involve advising the relevant Minister, preparing briefs to Cabinet, drafting or updating policy, managing legislative or policy reform, advising the Department on policy or legislation, engage with stakeholders, or liaising with other Departments or the Commonwealth.
Your Future: Beyond Legal Practice
Career trajectory after graduating Flinders Law I grew up in a mining town in the Pilbara region in Western Australia, therefore, it seemed fitting to strive to be a mining lawyer. After completing my Bachelor of Law and Legal Practice at Flinders University I organised for an energy and resources partner in an Adelaide law firm to supervise my required 6-week practical legal training. During this time, I was offered a graduate positon. I worked as an energy and resources lawyer for 6 years specialising in petroleum law, mining law and corporate law in both a mid-tier commercial law firm and boutique firm. During this time, I worked for mineral resource companies in respect to farm-in, farm-out and joint venture agreements, mineral rights agreements, share and asset acquisitions and disposals, capital raisings and project financing. I also worked for petroleum companies advising on ASX compliance, land access arrangements, drilling and well development contracts, and a wide range of service contracts and compliance issues. This also included a secondment to the in-house legal team of South Australian resources company, Arrium Ltd, where I assisted in a large corporate restructure.
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I went on to do a Master Degree in Commercial and Resources Law from the University of Western Australia majoring in petroleum law and published a research paper on compensation and land access agreements in an Australian mining and petroleum law journal. I began presenting on various areas of mining law and petroleum law, including at the national Australian Mining and Petroleum Law conference. In 2014 and 2017, I assisted Senior Warden, Dr Andrew Cannon in teaching mining law to undergraduate law students at Flinders University. When a role within the Mineral Resources Division advising on proposed amendments to the Mining Act became available, I knew it was time to move from private practice to the public sector. An opportunity to shape the future of mining regulation in South Australia is rare and I knew immediately that this was an opportunity I could not miss. Advice for students Innovation in all industries, including the legal industry is developing at an alarming rate. As a result, the legal industry, the expectations of lawyers, clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs, and the delivery of services are all changing. Lawyers need not just legal skills but other skills like engagement, marketing, human resources, management, IT and sales in order to meeting the needs of a changing market. My advice to students is to build and develop your skills in and around the law. A diverse set of skills will ensure you can deliver more than just sound legal advice but will prepare you for changes in your career which may be in and out of the legal industry.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Getting out of the Courtroom
It is no secret that litigation can be lengthy, costly and risky. Fortunately there are many options outside of the adversarial courts system that people can use as avenues to resolve disputes.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an umbrella term, given to the process by which an independent qualified person assists disputing parties to reach a resolution or settlement. There are three primary categories of ADR; facilitative, advisory, and determinative. Facilitative ADR requires the assistance of an ADR practitioner to identify the contested issues and provide options and alternatives to encourage an agreement. Mediation, conciliation, facilitation and facilitated negotiation are all facilitative processes of ADR. Advisory ADR is where a dispute resolution practitioner advises the parties on the law and factual matters, again, with the aim to achieve a resolution. Conciliation is an example of an advisory process. Determinative ADR might involve a formal evidence hearing with the objective of making a determination. An example of this determinative process is arbitration.
Benefits
lawyers encourage participation in ADR to reduce the costs to clients. Additionally the flexibility of ADR can be found in the fact that parties can elect the process they deem appropriate and also elect to choose the ADR practitioner. Unlike court hearings and court decisions which are published and available to the public, ADR is usually private and confidential. This confidentiality and not being obliged to seek the assistance of a legal practitioner (thus lowering litigation costs) are both incentives for disputing parties to use ADR. ADR is often considered less threatening to participants. Legal rights are given prime attention in courts and tribunals, but in ADR parties can raise their own interests and concerns. The process of ADR is less formal than in courts and tribunals and chances of success are higher than in said traditional processes.
Mediation
Mediation is renowned for its informal nature in helping and encouraging parties to solve their issues without the interference of the courts. Mediation aims not to deliver judgements but rather to assist the parties to reach a settlement. As a mediator you will cater for both parties by being a neutral third person.
To become a mediator you need to complete an accredited Certificate in Mediation. LEADR & IAMA, recognised under the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS), are one institution that offers this services. For information on LEADR & IAMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certificate see their website: http://www.leadriama.org/ training/mediation-training
Arbitration
Arbitration is the process where two or more parties refer their dispute to an independent third party who then makes a binding decision. IAMA again offers a Professional Certificate in Arbitration. See their website for details.
Experience
For experience whilst at law school, students should consider an internship or relevant volunteer work. The Southern Community Justice Centre, the South Australian Mediation Services, and the Mediation Office all offer volunteering positions. Students are also encouraged to undertake topic LLAW3241 Dispute Management, taught by Dr Rhain Buth, and participate in the two ADR based competitions offered by the Flinders Law Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association: Negotiation and Meditation. The legal practitioner who practices ADR can expect to find the activity fulfilling and satisfying as ADR is a highly successful alternative to traditional processes. The ADR practitioner can be assured that the client has been spared the often stressful court procedure and had also saved time and money on lengthy legal processes.
Within courts and tribunals the disputing parties are precluded from controlling the process whereas the ADR process gives the parties more control over the outcome of the process. ADR is a flexible and practical tool and it aims to resolve partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; disputes in a cost effective way. Many
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Your Future: Beyond Legal Practice
Mediation
An Interview with Adele Minge, Caseworker at Mediation SA I have been a fulltime caseworker at Mediation SA (MSA) for the last 2 years. After completing a double degree of Law and Behavioural Science at Flinders University I began volunteering at our head office, Southern Community Justice Centre (SCJC). A few months later I started casual work with MSA (formerly known as Community Mediation Services) and from this I was offered the permanent position of Intake Coordinator when it became available. For a time I worked both as an intake and caseworker before being promoted to my current position. As a caseworker I receive files after we have written to the other party/parties inviting them to participate in mediation. As mediation is a voluntary process if they choose not to respond or decline to mediate, there is nothing more that we are able to do. However, hopefully they wish to enter into mediation and from there we work towards seeking a negotiated outcome that everyone is comfortable with. Our services are available to everyone in South Australia, free of charge. Mediation SA also provides training and education for the community on Conflict Management and Dealing with Difficult Behaviours. The training focuses on what triggers people to react the way they do and how to manage conflict situations in a more positive manner.
Your Future: Beyond Legal Practice
The majority of our casework is conducted over the phone by speaking with each party separately. Conference calls can be used as well as face to face mediation sessions or interviews. We can receive information via letter or email from clients but we cannot negotiate via these methods. At all times confidentiality is maintained. This is extremely important as it builds trust and ensures our credibility as a service. Our process is completely non-legal. We remain neutral and impartial and cannot make any decisions. We assist parties to try to keep an open mind so that all possible options or solutions can be explored. Flexible and imaginative outcomes are able to be reached, depending on the willingness of parties. However when parties are no longer able to negotiate they may need to go to court for a decision to be made on their behalf. We adapt our processes to meet client needs. Therefore we can travel to neutral locations close to where parties reside, we can work after hours if needed and we can use interpreters if there is a language barrier. With clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permission we are also able to communicate with their support people, such as counsellors or Housing SA managers, in order to better understand their perspective and background which can aid in reaching an outcome. At times mediation is not suitable. This can be due to such things as intervention orders, mental health concerns or the possibility of threats or violence. Throughout mediation, especially with behaviour matters, parties are always welcome to contact the police or other agencies if needed.
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Part of my role is assisting colleagues when needed, helping train volunteers/ students and also attending local community forums. Our service finds the process of having volunteers assist us to be a valuable and rewarding experience, passing on workplace skills which can then be used in their future employment. As a member of a small, close-knit team, I need to be flexible and assist others as needed. This includes answering the phone, administrative tasks and providing support with colleaguesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; casework as requested. Staff meetings take place once a month while casefile meetings occur more frequently, as the need arises. Even though I have an understanding of the law I cannot give any clients legal advice. At times this can be a hindrance. I can outline my concerns and refer them to seek legal advice if they feel that this could be helpful. Clients who do seek legal advice find that this can aid in mediation negotiations. I find it is most rewarding when parties are able to give and take to reach an outcome that they can all live with. Through this process everyone gains a better understanding of the otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective and although the outcome is not everything they wanted, they are happy with it because it is their outcome, they controlled the process. Having started my career as a volunteer, I would recommend that all experience is helpful. Obtain as much of it as you can, make connections and be known.
Netball SA
An Interview with Lizzie Bermingham, General Manager of Sport Development Tell us about your career path since graduating from Law School I graduated from the Flinders University Law School at the end of 2006 at which time I also completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing and Management) at the University of Adelaide. At the end of 2005 I was fortunate enough to undertake a clerkship at Finlaysons. This was my first exposure to working for a law firm and during my clerkship I primarily worked in the Insurance business unit. Upon completion of my clerkship I was offered permanent employment as a graduate solicitor in this unit. Finlaysons is a long standing firm on the Motor Accident Commission (MAC) legal panel, acting on behalf of MAC/Allianz Australia SACTP (claims managers for MAC) the with respect to defending compulsory third party motor accident claims. As a graduate solicitor in the Insurance unit I gained great experience in the Court environment including independently negotiating the resolution of personal injury claims (up to $1 million value) with complex liability and quantum issues, elements of fraud and issues of “reputational risk” for the MAC. During my time at Finlaysons I also pursued an opportunity to undertake work with the Banking and Finance team in another litigation based role. This work involved acting for major Australian and international banks and other financial institutions, leading insolvency and commercial advisors and corporate borrowers. After I had been practising for four years I started to consider my long term career prospects and I determined that I did not want to pursue being a Partner of a large commercial firm and most importantly I wanted to work in an industry and role that I was passionate about. I decided that I wanted a fairly significant career change and I applied for the role of General Manager – Sport Development in October 2011. I have now been working for Netball SA for just over five years and I find my role very interesting, challenging and rewarding.
What appealed to you about working at Netball SA rather than the traditional corporate career? There were many aspects about working in sports administration and the role of General Manager – Sport Development that appealed to me rather than working for a large commercial firm. I am very passionate about providing people the opportunity to play sport (particularly young children) as I believe that leading an active lifestyle and playing a team sport has significant benefits. My current role at Netball SA allows me to utilise many of the skills I developed as a lawyer whilst working in an industry that I am passionate about. Can you tell us about any extracurricular activities you participated in during your studies that may have helped you secure your current position? During my University studies I was always busy balancing a number of extra-curricular activities which included working part time as a manager for an IGA supermarket and playing sport. Working in a managerial role at the supermarket exposed me to key operational aspects of running a business, including managing staff and delivering a high level of customer service. I have played team sport since I was a child and I believe that this has helped me to develop leadership skills and work effectively in different team environments which has assisted me in the workforce. What are some of your responsibilities as the General Manager of Sport Development? As the General Manager – Sport Development I report to the Chief Executive Officer and am responsible for the technical development of netball and increasing participation in netball through coach and umpire development, community and market engagement, competition development and member services (30,000 membership base).
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The key responsibilities include: - Managing and developing staff. Leadership and oversight with respect to the delivery and management of key participation programs and competitions. - Developing, implementing and reviewing departmental budgets and Operational Plans. - Engaging with key stakeholders. What aspects of your law degree interplay with your career at Netball SA? There are many transferable skills from working as a lawyer that I have been able to utilise during my time at Netball SA. The most valuable transferable skills include written and verbal communication, analytical and problem solving, and time management and organisational skills, including meeting structured key performance indicators. For example, my role is responsible for drafting grant applications (which determines funding levels) and strong drafting skills are required for this responsibility. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your work? The most rewarding aspects of my role is watching the “end result” of the work of the Sport Development team, such as a NetSetGO clinic where children aged 5 to 10 years old are having a wonderful time being introduced to netball. Managing staff can be very challenging and is the most time consuming aspect of my role. However, it is also very rewarding to work with my team and watch them develop and grow in their roles. Any final advice to current law students looking to increase their career prospects? I have learned that having a strong professional and personal network often provides excellent career opportunities. I would encourage students to focus on developing and growing their personal and professional networks whilst at University and when entering the workforce.
Your Future: Beyond Legal Practice
Beyond the books... Your future is in your hands. Undertaking real work and interacting with people at every level of our business, you will work with respected practitioners across our diverse practice areas. Your clerkship will provide a unique practical learning experience where you will benefit from an unparalleled introduction to commercial law over the next 12 months. Our commitment to attract, develop and retain the best team is fundamental to the delivery of service excellence. Apply now for our 12 month clerkship program which is open to students with anticipated admission to practice in late 2018/19. Applications Open 1 March 2017 Applications Close 28 April 2017 Clerkship Commences 17 July 2017 For further enquiries call our People and Development Department on 08 8235 7400. Submit your application at Finlaysons.com.au/careers Your Future: Beyond Legal Practice
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Applications:
This section of the guide contains information on how to prepare for job applications. FLSA thanks the Flinders Careers and Employee Liaison Centre for supporting us in creating this publication
Developing your Resume Author: Careers and Employer Liaison Centre
Developing Resume “Perfect grades were not the only attribute that got you a position. The firm also looked at life experience, travel and other skills including languages.’ - DLA Piper partner Dan Brown, cited in ‘The secret to getting a graduate job at a top-tier law firm’, Australian Financial Review, Jan 28 2016 at 11:26 AM, by Marianna Papadakis & Edmund Tadros Your resume (or curriculum vitae – the terms are interchangeable) is so much more than a dry listing of dates, details, awards, jobs and the like. Although you have spent hours labouring over your resume, it is likely that the reader may spend no more than 30 seconds to a few minutes reviewing it. To stand out from the crowd and pique the reader’s interest, you will need to balance brevity with providing a comprehensive overview of all your relevant experience. To get you in front of the employer, your resume needs to provide information that distinguishes you from everyone else in the pile. After all, it is your own marketing document. In this article we challenge you to consider how you might present this information in an engaging and memorable way. First up, let’s look at the basics. Step 1: Analyse Yourself Basically, what’s your story? This is where potentially any part of your work, life and study experiences might make you unique; you just have to make the connections clear to the reader. So are you the law student who plays sport socially or competitively, has participated in the City to Bay, worked in hospitality alongside completing a clerkship, or are you achieving good grades and volunteering for The Young Workers Legal Service? Are you studying a combined degree, while working 20 hours per week in addition to studying, plus volunteering in community legal services or did you undertake a placement through the Aurora Project, and assist with fundraising for the Red Cross? Have you worked in retail and consistently achieving key performance indicators, is currently training for their first trailblazer run, as well as assisted in unique community support projects, served on the FLSA Committee, and participated in the Flinders University Constitutional Law Moot?
Applications
Each of the activities mentioned here can speak to all kinds of skills and qualities – team work, the ability to organise yourself, motivation and initiative, the desire to make a difference, and to set and achieve goals. Taken together, your own experiences are what can set you apart as a unique individual. As you can see from the quote at the start of this article, employers are interested in your broader experiences and what they say about you. So let the employer see you as a well-rounded individual with a personality, but do so being mindful of the particular sector you are targeting. Step 2: Analyse the Employer It goes without saying that each application must be tailored and targeted and this does take time. It can even take multiple versions of your resume! Consider how diverse the legal sector really is, from multinational firms to social justice organisations to smaller suburban law firms. When you are drafting applications you should be familiar with how the employer describes themselves, their culture, and their unique approach to services and so on. As well as your academic ability, what are they looking for? Initiative? Commercial awareness? Team work skills? Curiosity? Imagination? Analytical skills? Without parroting their brochure, you may wish to use some of their key words in your application. This will show that you have done your research and that you are genuinely interested in this particular employment opportunity. Step 3: Create a Coherent Package Plan your resume structure and use headings and sub-headings to organise your information and highlight the most relevant aspects of your experience. Prioritise your most attractive information based on your understanding of what the employer needs to know about you. Step 4: Present it Professionally Aim for readable document that is comprehensive but an appropriate length, usually between two to four pages. Some employers will have specific requirements or page limits, so ensure you have read the application carefully. Avoid a prose-heavy structure in order to make the resume more visually attractive. Using bullet points effectively will be helpful here.
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Step 5: Captivate with your Content Your resume relates your career story, so celebrate this and deliver a positive presentation of what you have done. Whether you are describing a clerkship, legal volunteering or working in retail, show how you added value to what each organisation was trying to achieve. Go beyond bland and over-used statements like ‘provided customer service’ or ‘time management.’ Describe how your responsibilities and the skills you have developed demonstrate your potential to make a difference to the organisation to which you are applying. For example, working as a Food and Beverage Attendant at a sports stadium might reflect skills in delivering exceptional levels of client service and an ability to relate professionally with VIP clientele. Working on a project such as the FLSA Careers Guide demonstrates writing skills, as well as the ability to work to deadlines. Some of you might find that an sub-heading for your achievements can enhance your resume. This might include getting a promotion, winning a work performance award or receiving an academic award. Check for Errors Check meticulously for any grammatical or spelling errors. A well-proofed resume will also demonstrate your attention to detail. More Resources For the A-Z of writing your resume, go to the Flinders University Careers and Employer Liaison Centre’s FLO site. You will find templates, samples and extensive resources to guide you through strategically developing this vital document.
It’s obvious this is a Resume as it starts with their name as a title.
Matt Flinders 2/56 High Street, Old Town, SA 5999 Mobile: 0400 123 456
International students could include details of their visa, emphasising working conditions here.
Email: mattflinders@gmail.com Twitter: @pedalmatt LinkedIn: http://au.linkedin.com/matt-flinders CAREER STATEMENT
To contribute my strong commercial focus and interest in taxation as a Graduate Accountant to achieve effective solutions for clients, drawing on my business sector internship, combined with 5 years’ community and customer service experience. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS 2013 – Current
Student Member Accounting Association Australia
2013 – Current
Subscribe to The Taxation Institute of Australia’s quarterly student e-newsletter ConTax
EDUCATION
Highlight current education as this is the primary credential for the graduate role.
Tertiary 2012 - 2014
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Also include major projects, technical skills, field work experience and so on, depending on your discipline area.
Flinders University Grade Point Average 5.39/7 Key subject areas:
Include a couple of topics which give relevant knowledge for the position, and support the career statement.
-Taxation Law and Practice -Company Accounting -Auditing
Detail date and training provider.
Professional Development 2014
Principals of Taxation (1 day) – Tax Training Group
2012
Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate - Adelaide Include activities that differentiate you such as awards, prizes and school leadership roles.
TAFE Secondary 2011
Year 12 SACE Old Town High School Volunteer Peer Mentor & Student Representative, Council Representative
Use a footer to include your name and page numbers. 75
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Writing your Cover Letter Author: Careers and Employer Liaison Centre
The goals of your one-page cover letter are to get the reader’s attention, motivate them to peruse your resume with interest, and inspire them to want to meet you in person. This sounds like a lot to achieve in a limited number of words, but take it step by step to achieve attractive and interesting text. Opening Paragraph State why you are writing and name the position for which you are applying, and where it was advertised (if applicable). Instead of immediately opening with, “I am writing to apply for X,” try to include attention grabbing variations such as: “With a strong interest in Y, I am writing to apply for X,” or “Having undertaken a placement in Z, I …” or “With my background in ABC, I…” Middle Paragraphs Next, you must show the employer why you are the best fit and why you are genuinely interested in them. A good place to start is underlining the key-words in the job advertisement or recruitment brochure that indicate what skills and qualities are desired. Use this as your checklist to show convincingly that you meet their requirements. Now, this doesn’t mean regurgitating your resume. Rather, aim to give a sense of the ‘big picture’ through touching on what you have to offer across your placements, volunteering, employment, and other relevant experiences.
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Instead of trying to cover each experience sequentially, aim to integrate your information. For example: ‘Through X, Y and Z, I have achieved A, B and C, which will enable me to E, F and G.’ Don’t just list what you have done, rather actively show how your activities demonstrate the skills and qualities sought. For example, a study exchange to Copenhagen could be used to reflect anything from global awareness, intercultural competencies, adaptability, initiative and so on.
Selection Criteria: When it’s more than a resume and cover letter For some legal positions, your application will require much more than the cover letter and resume approach. If you are applying for positions in the public sector, or in a university, you are likely to be asked to respond to selection criteria in some manner (and if you don’t adhere to the instructions, your application is unlikely to be considered). You could also be responding to application form questions.
Anyone recruiting law graduates will be able to spot a generic application a mile away. Thoroughly researching each organisation you apply to helps convince the reader you are passionate about working with them specifically.
As any good lawyer does, make sure you understand your instructions! Read the selection criteria document thoroughly, download any applicant guidelines and speak to the listed contact if you have any questions.
This takes more than a quick look at their website. Find their practice area strengths, size, client focus, type of cases, corporate partnerships, competitors, reputation/ awards, media coverage, as well as their culture and community values.
Draft your application, being aware that any application you write provides evidence on your ability to write clearly and logically. Refer to a variety of your experiences: academic, paid and unpaid, community work and employment, with an emphasis on the examples closest to the legal role.
Many organisations will have a commitment to pro bono activities and community engagement, formally known as Corporate Social Responsibility. So for example, if disadvantaged youth is a focus and you have volunteered as a youth mentor, you might show an alignment to the values of the firm in a practical way. Final Paragraph Refer the reader to your enclosed resume, application form or responses to selection criteria if applicable, academic transcript and any other relevant attachments. Finish the letter on aspirational, warm and positive note.
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You may also refer to the skills gained through extra-curricular activities. Review your application critically, once again proofing your writing for errors and fluency. It can be helpful to have someone else review your application for their feedback before you submit.
Paragraph 1 – About you
Anne Smith 12 Smith Avenue Marion SA 5043 0494 447 9XX Anne.smith@gmail.com 20th August 2015 Ms Kat Westall Recruitment and Retention Manager HUD Bank Ltd 10 Bank Street Adelaide SA 5000
Introducing yourself and stating why you match the position. It also show your excitement/ interest.
Paragraph 2 – About the company This shows that you have done your research and exhibits why you are interested in the company.
Paragraph 3 – How you match the role This reinforces your match to position.
Dear Ms Westall, RE: Customer Service Officer
I am contacting you in relation to the advertisement for a Customer Service Officer with HUD Bank th Ltd, which I viewed at seek.com.au on the 10 of August 2015.
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When I read your advertisement I knew this was a position I had to apply for. The mix of customer service and finance has some strong synergies to my background, including my current employment as a Store Team Member at Coles and my successful completion of a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at Flinders University, South Australia.
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Through reading your company profile, I am very interested to note that your company has undergone such aggressive growth in the last two years. I am very interested in joining the HUD Bank success story providing me the opportunity to contribute my proven customer service skills and knowledge of accounting principles to your aide organisation’s mission.
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As mentioned I have spent the last five years working the checkouts at Coles, which is a fast paced and demanding role. I still enjoy this job, as it gives me an opportunity to deal with and serve such a broad range of customers, but I am now keen for my career to be focused towards a more corporate setting. I feel that although this role is customer service focused, the additional knowledge and skills I have gained from my accounting degree will enable me to provide a higher level of service for your customers. In conclusion, I am very excited about this opportunity and welcome any questions you might have. My resume is attached to assist you with further information on my knowledge, skills and experience. Yours sincerely,
Anne Smith
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Pre Interview Testing
Author: Careers and Employer Liaison Centre Many large employers use testing as part of their selection process for graduate recruitment. Selection testing is often conducted by psychologists or by human resources/recruitment consultants, who are accredited in administering and interpreting that particular test. They may be used to preselect a small number of candidates to be interviewed from a large applicant pool. They are likely to be used in conjunction with other forms of assessment (for example, an assessment centre, interview etc.). The test may be in a pencil and paper form, or it may be computerised. You may even complete some assessments as part of online application processes.
Aptitude tests
Some of the most common tests are ability or aptitude tests. They assess certain abilities - numerical, verbal, diagrammatic reasoning, critical thinking to name a few. All of the ability tests will have a time limit and there will be a right and a wrong answer. Aptitude tests are strictly timed and typically involve verbal, numerical and diagrammatic reasoning. Work quickly but accurately throughout and have a good night’s sleep the night before.
Personality tests
Personality tests may also be used in graduate recruitment to provide a profile of a personality type or particular characteristics. The personality assessments are generally untimed. When undertaking personality tests, be yourself, don’t try to reinvent your personality. They are designed to look at personality factors, e.g. motivations, interests or team style. You won’t know what they are looking for so it’s best to go with your instinctive reaction. Questions are designed by psychologists to detect when someone is being less than honest.
Remember
Test results are just one part of the picture when decisions are made. Interviews are often used to follow up the results of a personality questionnaire.
How to prepare for psychometric tests
Practice can help you know what to expect. The following will provide some examples. •
Saville Consulting: Practice tests and Preparation Guides - https://www. savilleconsulting.com/PracticeTests
•
SHL Group: Tips on how to succeed with Assessment, and examples
of verbal, numerical, and inductive reasoning questions - https:// www.cebglobal.com/shldirect/en/ practice-tests/ •
Procter and Gamble : Download a practice test on questions similar to those used their Problem Solving Test as part of their selection and recruitment processes.http:// downloads.pgwebtools.com/ practice_reasoning_test.html
Can I perform better?
Most test developers would suggest that their tests couldn’t be studied for. On the other hand, some commentators argue that practice questions help you to develop your confidence and speed in tackling the types of questions you may encounter on these tests. You may become more familiar with the format of questions, and be able to refine your approach to different sorts of questions so that you are more efficient. You may also feel more relaxed about the process!
The Interview
Author: Careers and Employer Liaison Centre Preparation is the key to success at interview. There are many aspects to preparing, which fit into the following four areas: • Know yourself • Know the firm • Know the interview format • Know your plan To know yourself is about being able to engage on a genuine level with the interviewer so they have a true understanding of who you are. So, who are you? The first step is to go back to basics and work out why you chose law in the first place. Your answer must be genuine, but perhaps avoid admitting that you chose law because Suits is your favourite show. What did you enjoy about your law degree? What subjects got you excited? What direction are you thinking of heading with your career? Be honest here, don’t just tell them what they want to hear. But make sure your response is at least in line with the organisation’s area/s of specialty.
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The practice of law is diverse, and you will find there are areas of law that suit you better than others. Work out what motivates you, and the answer to this cannot be vague. For example, helping people is a good motivator, but you need to go deeper. If it really motivates you, you will be able to speak passionately about this area. OK, skills are the next piece of the puzzle. What are you good at? The number of people who freeze up at this point in the interview is crazy. Generally speaking people are not that great at selling themselves and cannot answer the question “why should we hire you?” You need to work out three or four things you are really good at, and have evidence to back these claims up. You need to speak confidently about your skills, so do not start the sentence with “umm I think I am OK at…..”.
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What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Questions about this might arise, as the interviewer tries to figure you out. Often this is the thing that they remember the most, and is a great chance to find some common ground. Unless of course you collect Justin Bieber merchandise, which we suggest keeping to yourself. Know the organisation As we discussed in our articles on writing applications; check out their website, including the news section, about us and any annual reviews. Google them (and yourself while you are at it). Have a look at the partners/key staff on LinkedIn (you can logout and view their public profiles so they don’t know). ...CONT
... Cont Do you know someone who works there? Have a brief chat to them about the workplace. If possible try and work out who their main clients are, and who their main competitors are. There is nothing worse than drawing a blank when asked “ why do you want to work for us?” So have a good read and work out what they do which aligns to your values and motivations. The information you find on the firm can also come in very handy when they ask, “Do you have any questions for us”? You can use this information such to create intelligent questions. Know the interview format Graduate positions often involve various assessment methods, including one on one interviews, group interviews, assessment centres, psychometric testing and cocktail parties. The key here is to at least know what you are in for, and who you are meeting. Each of these interview formats require a different approach, so visit the Careers FLO site for more information (http://www.flinders.edu.au/ careers/). If you have adequately prepared, you will be well positioned to respond to most interview questions. Remember that your responses, while professional, do not have to be perfect; they just need to be genuine. Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question or instructions, this is much less embarrassing than going off on the wrong direction. You can also practise some interview responses via our interview training program “Big Interview”, also available via the Careers FLO site. Law is one of the few professions where a cocktail party or corporate lunch may be part of the selection process. These are a great opportunity to get to know some of the firm’s employees and vice versa. Try not to be the person who corners one of the partners and chews their ear off. Ideally get them talking about themselves. Of course you must act in a professional manner at all times. Try and observe how others are acting and what the corporate culture is.
Know your plan By now you should have a good idea of who you are and what you can bring to the firm. Before the interview take a step back and try and work out exactly what the firm is looking for. Then develop examples of things you have done which exhibit these skills. For example, if they are looking for someone with a “strong eye for detail”, ensure you have an example where you have shown this. Another part of your plan might be to go for a 5km jog the morning of the interview. Work out what calms your nerves and do it, this will help your performance at interview. If you are confident with who you are and what you can bring to the firm this will give you the best possible chance of success. Knowing this will help you be more natural at interview, allowing the interviewer to get a clearer picture of who you are and what you can bring to the organisation. With any luck this will all help you be that little more memorable. Interview Questions ‘Why you?’ questions Why did you become interested in the legal field? What practice areas you are interested in, and why? What is your favorite subject at law school? What can you bring to a team? Where do you see yourself in five years time? How do you think this Clerkship will help you in your career? Do you have any weaknesses you can identify, and have you tried to address these? Are there any relevant or interesting things about you which are not included in your CV? Behavioural questions These questions are your opportunity to demonstrate that your previous experience in the workplace, co-curricular roles, legal competitions, or other activities that have prepared you for the position you are applying for.
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Tell us about a time when you had to convince someone of your point of view. Tell us a time when you have found working in a team environment challenging. Describe a time that a conflict has arisen in a team situation and how have you dealt with it. When was the last time you had to work to complete a task against a deadline? Describe the most significant presentation/ report you ever had to complete. Situations/Scenarios Questions Your client is determined to take a case to court even though there is little chance of winning and have advised strongly against doing so. What would you do? Has a recent corporate deal captured your attention: Which side in this deal would you like to work for if you were a lawyer and why? How would you reconcile being assigned a case you were morally opposed to? How do you deal with poor instructions? Trends and issues: What do you think is the most important issue facing the legal profession at the moment? What area of law do you want to reform and why? ‘Why us?’ questions The organization will be interested in why you chose to apply to them in the first place. This is where your prior research will come in handy. Your Turn to ask questions Finally, you will probably be given a chance to ask the interviewers a question or two. This is your chance to demonstrate your initiative, as you can show you have already researched and considered the role itself.
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How to prepare your clerkship application
Author: Jee Wee Ong, King & Wood Mallesons Preparing for your clerkship application should start well and truly before you put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard). In fact, you should start now! The best clerkship applications are the ones that clearly show the employer you are the kind of person that everyone wants to work with. While employers look for excellent technical legal skills, there are a host of other attributes that add significant weight to your application. What does this all mean? It’s really simple actually. It just means be an awesome and interesting person! If you play an instrument or a sport, keep doing it. You could also join a committee, community legal centre, or even shadow a barrister. The more activities you get involved with, the more your application shows how “well-rounded” you are as a person, and how great you would be as a colleague. It is also good to start researching the types of law firms out there early, especially in relation to what they look for in an individual. Every firm is different, but it’s highly likely most employers want similar attributes, at least at the clerkship and graduate level. For example, firms probably want someone who can communicate clearly or works well in a team. Try and get involved with activities that allow you to explain each of these attributes.
law firms at networking events and you’ll eventually find that partners are just as easy to speak to as anyone else! Cover letter Your cover letter is your first opportunity to show the firm who you are and what you can bring to the firm. The best cover letters have a clear structure and are succinct. While most of us will usually spend countless hours meticulously crafting the perfect cover letter, it is still important to remember who the audience is and how long they are likely to be able to spend reading it. Essentially, try to draft a letter that is simple, reads well, and uses plain language. And make sure you proof-read! There will be plenty of other opportunities to show off your writing abilities, but a cover letter is not the place for big words or long impressive sentences. However, it is a great opportunity to demonstrate attention to detail. It can be a good idea to ask a friend or family member to proof-read your cover letters too, as their fresh set of eyes might find small errors you missed. Further, try to avoid the use of too many types of fonts, or fonts that may distract the reader. The ultimate aim of a cover letter is to show the firm why you are interested in applying to that particular firm and what it is about yourself you wish to highlight.
Perhaps you work as a sales assistant and communicating with customers is key to the success of the role. Make this known in your application. Also take note of which key words the firms use to describe their ideal candidate, and if you feel you embody those attributes, use the same words to describe yourself. It’s an easy way to personalise your application to each firm.
The last thing you want is the reader commenting on how beautiful the fonts are (as flattering as it may be!) and completely missing how awesome you are as a person (which is the main point). For example, do mention the fact that you have gone on an exchange (if you have), especially if you are applying to international firms, as firms are increasingly looking for “global citizens”.
Attend the yearly LIV careers fair and start speaking with people from the different firms. This is one of the best ways to understand how different firms operate, and the kinds of areas they specialise in. It can be daunting when you are starting out to speak to partners and senior associates, so take every opportunity to speak with
Resume A resume should also have a clear structure and be easy to read. Keep it short (maximum 2 pages) and maintain consistency by using the same font style and size as that of your cover letter. Make sure you include basic personal details such as your name, address, phone
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number and email, but no more (not even a picture!). Also include university education details such as the name of your course, overall result and expected completion date. Also note that some firms prefer you to provide your ATAR result. Make sure you read the information page on each firm’s website to make sure you’re including the details they want. When providing employment information, separate your legal experience (if any) from your non-legal experience in reverse chronological order with the most recent experience first. Ensure you include details such as your position, frequency (if not fulltime), period, location (if overseas), and notable achievements in the role. Use the resume as another opportunity to show off any awards, achievements and extra-curricular activities. This could include activities such as leadership positions in university or sporting clubs, or awards from mooting and musical competitions, as well as simply listing some of your hobbies. You’ll be surprised how often these resume details come up during your interviews! As mentioned above, the idea is to paint a holistic picture of who you are as a person and more importantly, you’d be someone that they would love to invite for an interview. Always ask yourself when drafting your resume (and cover letter) whether you are the kind of person that firms can’t wait to interview. If you can get yourself to that stage, you’re pretty much set!
Careers and Employer Liaison Centre Services
Author: Careers and Employer Liaison Centre Your Future Career At Flinders University we believe the journey is just as important as the destination. That’s why we offer you career support from day one. Our careers team offer a wide range of services to students and graduates, including programs to develop graduate skills, career advice, professional mentoring programs, access to employers and much more. Some of the programs available to you include: Horizon: Professional Development Award The Horizon Award program provides you with formal recognition for activities, programs and experiences that add to your skill development beyond your course work. Use the Award to shape your University experience, add to your skill set and expand your networks. It is highly flexible with three certificate levels – silver, gold and platinum. You tailor the program to suit your needs and requirements and can choose programs and activities that align with your personal goals and fit around your study, work and other commitments. When you complete a certificate level you will have developed key skills for the global workplace, and be able to articulate these skills, attributes and qualities to employers. Horizon Award Workshops These sessions further develop your abilities and place an emphasis on the practical skills necessary in the workplace, while also giving you an opportunity to better understand how to apply these skills through your studies. These sessions are open for all currently enrolled Flinders University students at NO COST! Topics range from Critical and Innovative Thinking, Conflict Resolution and Negotiation, Networking and the Workplace to Work Planning, Working Effectively in Teams and more.
Leadership programs The student leadership programs combine leadership workshops on a range of topics throughout the year with practical handson leadership experiences. You will gain a foundation in aspects of leadership and develop your employability skills and knowledge of the characteristics of leadership. Our Annual Leadership Program at the end of each year gives you the opportunity to explore personal characteristics, prepare, develop & broaden your leadership skills and understanding. Internships, vacation work and skilled volunteering opportunities Student and graduate employment email service In addition to students and graduates undertaking their own job search the Careers and Employer Liaison Centre regularly lists vacancies and opportunities relevant to students (such as clerkships, Aurora Internship Program etc.) and recent graduates of Flinders University (including graduate programs and positions). You can register to have these vacancies emailed directly to you. The WorkReady Internship Program is available to all enrolled students who wish to gain work-experience in industry. Volunteering opportunities are also made available to students as well as graduates who wish to contribute to their community whilst enhancing their employability skills. Get a career mentor Join the Flinders Ignite Mentoring program and get in touch with an industry mentor who can assist you in preparing for your transition through university into your new career.
Employer engagement opportunitiesExpos, Forums and Networking The Careers and Employer Liaison Centre also regularly presents and sources events, information sessions, student challenges and opportunities held on campus and externally, and together with the Flinders Law Students’ Association brings you the annual Law Careers Evening. Tailored career advice At the Careers Centre FLO site students can access our extensive range of online resources, including booklets, checklists, brochures, useful weblinks and more. The Careers Centre team offers their services in Flinders Connect and are available to talk to all students to assist them with their student experience and transition into graduate employment. On arrangement, we can conduct consultations via telephone or SKYPE and a resume or cover letter email service is available for basic feedback. Join the Flinders University Careers LinkedIn Group to connect with employers, alumni and industry professionals. Engage in career related conversations and enhance your professional online presence: www. linkedin.com/groups/4413402 Plus, each year the Careers Centre and FLSA combine resources to present various sessions tailored for Law students. So there are plenty of ways to connect with the Careers Centre throughout your studies at Flinders University. When you are ready…we are here to help Phone: 8201 2832 Email: careers@flinders.edu.au Website: www.flinders.edu.au/careers FLO:Register for our programs, explore careers and access the extensive resources available to you! Use the resources on FLO to find more information and assistance. To enrol on the Careers Centre FLO site just visit our website and click on the ‘Go with the FLO’ icon on the right hand side of the screen and follow the instructions.
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Networking It’s who you know
Networking and developing professional relationships is a valuable asset in paving your career path. Whether you already know someone working in the profession or are just beginning to become involved, there is never a better time than now to increase your connections. Networking assists career development in terms of meeting people, learning new ideas and connecting with people in your field. It is important to start building networks before penultimate and final year to get you ahead when applying for clerkship and graduate positions. Networks can be a source of advice, can reveal hidden career opportunities and can provide personal recommendations and references. It is also important to develop networking skills early to give you added confidence during interviews. Location, location, location Networking can be done anywhere and everywhere. The Flinders Law Careers Fair is a great place to meet potential employers and firms. The Annual ALSA Conference is also an event where you can meet other law students from across the country. A fantastic opportunity to meet connections and develop networks is through the Connect@Flinders Mentoring Program. Students are paired with alumni who support students in planning their career, provide advice and increase student’s networking. Networking opportunities constantly arise outside of formal programs and events. Be on the look out and take advantage of all opportunities to network.
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Preparation If you know a networking opportunity is coming up, it pays to be prepared. Researching the individual or firm will equip you with a conversation starter at the very list. Demonstrating your knowledge to the individual or firm shows dedication and commitment. However it is important not to go overboard. It may help to have a goal of what you want to get out of the conversation. Having some questions prepared to achieve this will make you seem confident and ensures the individual or firm’s limited time doesn’t feel wasted. First impressions We’ve all heard it a thousand times, but first impressions count! Be sure to introduce yourself to the people you want to meet – don’t wait for them to make the first move, show initiative and take it upon yourself to make the connection. As you introduce yourself offer a firm handshake, friendly smile and make eye contact – this helps people to remember you. Once you have made the important introduction, don’t lose their interest – make sure you have something to say. What to say A good first step is to explain why you wanted to meet the person. You might want to mention your degree and the topics that interest you most. It is not at all inappropriate to discuss non-study related topics. Networking is about developing a relationship and you’ll want to stand out from the crowd.
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If you are networking with a specific short term goal, such as gaining a clerkship, you may wish to ask the person about their workplace and the clerkship process. Following up After meeting someone for the first time it is important to send a follow up communication. It is best to follow up a networking connection within a couple of days as the person will still have a clear memory of you. An email or handwritten note is appropriate. The key things to include in your follow up communication are •
Who you are
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Where you met the person: Eg. My name is Sally Jones and I was lucky enough to meet you at the ALSA conference last week
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Something nice about the person: If it was a speaker say what you enjoyed about their speech. If it was someone you met at a function let them know how much you appreciated them taking the time to talk to you
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What you would like now: For example, clerkship information, or the opportunity to have a coffee with them
Keep in mind that networking is about both immediate and long term opportunities. It is equally as important to make connections as it is to maintain them. The point of networking is to develop strong professional relationships that you can take advantage of both now and in the future, whether that be next week or in 5 years.
Social Media Use With recent media reports announcing two thirds of Australians are using social media, you now have an unprecedented opportunity to develop your reputation, network, conduct research and job search with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Engage with Employers
Visit organisations’ and associations’ websites – start following them via their social media platforms, be they Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or others. Join groups relevant to your career to network, take part in discussions, monitor trends, issues and discussion points. Before you start active participation, observe online discussion to get a feel for how the group communicates. This can give you easy access to job vacancies, matters firms have been involved in, and their other organisational activities, staff profiles, updates and opinions. Many law firms have a Facebook page aimed at graduates and summer clerks or offer Twitter, LinkedIn, RSS feeds and or even have an iPhone App. You can follow organisations, receive media releases, legal updates, news and opinion pieces via RSS feeds and more.
Protect your Reputation
In any context where you interact with potential employers, the way you present yourself is vital – make your digital profile work for you, not against you (google yourself to ensure your online presence is professional and appropriate). Staying connected online can be instrumental to making and maintaining professional contacts. However, if you are not careful about what you post online, a less-than-professional online presence can determine the outcome of some job applications. It is not uncommon for employers to Google their applicants.
It is important to monitor your online presence and ensure your profiles do not reflect anything that will come back to haunt you. Here are some tips for social media etiquette that will ensure your online activity does not affect your job applications or professional reputation.
It is in your interest to utilise Facebook’s privacy settings. Setting your profile to private is a simple but effective strategy to make sure your online presence stays online, and does not bleed into other aspects of your life. It is easy to think you are somehow anonymous online when saying something ignorant, or when having a go at a friend or colleague. However, people can still find a way to read what you say, and anything you post can resurface later in life. You must be careful about what you post particularly when you are job-hunting. If you use Twitter, protect your tweets so they are no longer public. Even if you feel you have nothing to hide, it is better to be safe (and private) than to endanger your employment prospects. Think carefully about what you post on Facebook, and carefully moderate what you are tagged in. Refrain from adding your colleagues on Facebook until you get to know them properly. Adding colleagues prematurely looks unprofessional, and if you attempt to ‘friend’ someone particularly senior at work, this may have a negative effect in your next performance review. If your workplace is more relaxed, and adding colleagues and supervisors on Facebook is the norm, you must be particularly careful about what you post. You can modify your settings so that specific people can only view certain sections of your profile.
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LinkedIn is an excellent means of ‘connecting’ with your professional contacts, staying up-to-date with your network and colleagues, and maintaining a professional profile online. Your LinkedIn profile is essentially an online CV. You can list your professional achievements, engage in discussion on professional forums, and gradually develop a profile filled with your skills and recommendations. LinkedIn allows you to keep track of your connections’ job changes and achievements, and you can update your network when you take up a new position or celebrate a professional anniversary. However, if you choose to set up a LinkedIn profile, ensure it stays up-to-date. While a well-maintained and professional LinkedIn profile looks good during the job application process, a profile that is out of date can have the opposite effect.
Social Media Etiquette
Be sensible about what you post online. Make sure your personal and professional social media profiles do not overlap, and avoid any posts or photographs that link you to drugs, excessive alcohol, immaturity, illegal activities, or extremism in any sense. Social networking is an incredible tool, and may be considered a professional necessity by some employers. Staying connected to your colleagues online can help you discover new career opportunities and will help you stay in the loop about developments in your chosen profession.
Applications
The Law Society of South Australia Social Media Guidelines Excerpts from the Law Society of South Australia’s “Guidelines on the Ethical use of Social Media by Legal Practitioners” These Guidelines are not rules of conduct and do not have the force of law. Their purpose is to highlight troublesome issues relating to the use of social media in the practice of the law, and explaining the risks for practitioners that are associated with those issues.
Ethical risk areas Confidentiality
Practitioners owe their clients a duty of confidentiality. The use of social media may expose practitioners to the risk that client confidential information may be inadvertently disclosed. For example, in circumstances where the fact that a client has sought legal advice is itself confidential, if a practitioner tweets that he or she is in a certain location, either through text or geotagging, the legal practitioner may unintentionally disclose that he or she is working with an identifiable client and thereby breach the duty of confidentiality.
Applications
Duty to the administration of justice
Every practitioner owes a duty to the court and to the administration of justice. Practitioners must be extremely careful not to say or do things in social media channels that could be viewed as bringing the law into disrepute. Whilst this risk exists in all forms of communication, the informal nature of many social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and blogs may greatly increase the risk. In addition, care must be taken to ensure that opinions are not expressed on the merits of potential or current legal proceedings as this could be an interference in the administration of justice and a possible contempt of court. Similarly, adverse or demeaning comments about judicial officers and fellow members of the legal profession should never be made as they would be likely to diminish public confidence in the administration of justice.
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Other risk areas Defamation
Defamation law allows those who believe their character and reputation has been harmed to sue for damages and other relief. The laws of defamation apply to communications made on social media channels.
Employees’ use of social media
Individuals working in a law practice should not say anything in their personal social media channels which may be interpreted as coming from or representing the views of their law practice and/or which may impact adversely on the law practice.
Risk to reputation
A practitioner’s reputation is a very valuable asset but can easily be destroyed. This is especially so in the world of social media. For example, if something which is damaging to a practitioner’s reputation goes viral on the internet, it will be extremely difficult for the practitioner to repair the ensuing damage to reputation.
Employer Directory This section of the Careers Guide provides a catalogue of various employers that law students and graduates may consider applying to. The section is comprised of six different sub sections to give you the most comprehensive overview of career options. These are Civil Legal Practice; Criminal Legal Practice; Suburban & Rural Practice; Community Legal Practice; Private NonLegal; and Public Non-Legal
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
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Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Allens www.allens.com.au Offices Brisbane Hanoi Ho Chi Mihn City Jakarta Melbourne Perth Port Moresby Singapore Sydney Ulaanbaatar
Major Practice Areas Arbitration Banking & Finance Capital Markets Client Products Climate Change Company Secretariat Competition Law Construction & Major Projects Energy Environment & Planning Financial Services Regulation Funds Management Insurance Intellectual Property Litigation & Dispute Resolution Mergers & Acquisitions Patents & Trade Marks Personal Property Securities Privacy & Data Protection Private Equity Real Estate Regulatory Investigations Resources Restructuring & Insolvency Superannuation Tax Technology & Outsourcing Water Workplace Relations
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Allens is an international law firm with offices throughout Australia and Asia. On 1 May 2012, we formed an integrated alliance with Linklaters. This has resulted in the two firms working together closely for the benefit of clients around the world. The Allens and Linklaters integrated alliance provides our clients with access to market leading lawyers through a global network of 40 offices across 29 countries, including to emerging markets in Africa, Asia and South America. The alignment of our complementary practices enables us to offer an integrated service to clients, with one point of contact, a unified team drawn from the best resources of each firm, and consistent quality advice and support.
Our clients
Allens has some of the world’s longest ongoing client relationships, stretching back more than 150 years. It’s a fact of which we are immensely proud and one we never take for granted.We work with many of the world’s leading organisations - including 55 of the world’s top 100 companies and more than 75 of Australia’s top 100 companies. Whether you’re a global multinational or a suburbanbased company with a bright idea, our commitment to providing excellent service remains the same: combining technical excellence with commercial insight to provide the clearest of answers.
Our services
Allens provides access to leading lawyers and resources throughout Australia and Asia, covering all commercial issues, from acquisition finance to workplace relations. We are praised for our innovative approach to complex work and delivering marketleading solutions to clients.
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Clerkship at Allens
Gain first-hand exposure to life as a lawyer at Allens. Get involved in work as soon as you set foot in the firm. Work alongside lawyers and partners; learn from their feedback and enjoy their support. And get a feel for who we are and why we’re different. You’ll come away with all the insights you need to make an informed decision about your future.We offer a range of experiences across a number of different practice groups and sectors. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can look forward to. • An induction program that introduces you to our people and the work we do. • On-the-job training with support from a partner and junior lawyer who’ll act as your supervisor and buddy. • The opportunity to work with many of Australia’s and the world’s top 100 companies. • Tasks similar to those of a junior lawyer. • An opportunity to hear first-hand from our Partners and Corporate Service teams on topics ranging from Allens as a business to Allens in the community. • Sports and social events where you will really get to know us. • The chance to get involved in our community work. • An opportunity to build a network of peers. We accept applications from students who are in their penultimate or final year at the time of application.
ABOUT US
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
If you want to make the most of your career in law, our global network is the perfect place to start. Our worldwide capabilities give us access to the most interesting markets, the most exciting clients and the most significant and complex transactions. For you, this means the chance to work on market-leading deals with some of the most experienced and talented lawyers in our industry, together with access to international secondment opportunities from early in your career.
Initiative A curious mind is vital, as is plenty of initiative. The more adaptable you’re prepared to be and the more energy you bring, the more you’ll get out of your career here. You’ll be able to steer a path that turns possibilities into realities.
Excellence
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
Excellence is essential; it’s a guarantee we give our clients. Intellectually rigorous, driven and eager to learn, you’ll set the highest standards for yourself and strive to be the best you can be.
It begins with our people
Commerciality
It’s our people who make us great. It is our priority to ensure they are constantly challenged, recognised, rewarded and empowered throughout their careers.
Successful lawyers understand that law is more than an academic pursuit. It’s about understanding the client – their objectives and the challenges they face – as well as the wider commercial environment in which we operate.
Our unique way of working
Resilience
We adopt a flexible approach to the way we work, which builds strong and diverse teams, and is one of the reasons our lawyers tell us a career here is so rewarding. You won’t be limited to working with a particular partner or group. Instead, you will have the opportunity to drive your career by working with a range of lawyers and partners.
Positive people thrive in our environment. We look for people who can build sustainable careers with us; people who successfully juggle a busy life and varying commitments while maintaining their wellbeing. Like us, you’ll believe that leading a full, active life outside the law can make you a better person to work with.
We make the complex simple
Well-rounded
We are known for the quality of our legal minds. That’s why we attract some of the most complex legal work, and why our lawyers are recognised as the best in the profession.
Our clients often tell us we have ‘great people’. And it’s true. We look for diversity – people who bring a fresh perspective and energy to everything they do, with the ability to create strong relationships with each other and with clients.
Life-long learning
Teamwork
As a graduate, we’re committed to giving you the best professional and personal development opportunities. Our training programs provide graduates with practical legal education of the highest professional standard. You’ll build your knowledge of the law and business and find an area of law that inspires you. We will support you with leading learning and development programs to round out your skills and put you on the path to becoming a market-leading lawyer.
The ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with others is of fundamental importance to working successfully at a commercial law firm. Negotiations involve work with multi-disciplinary teams across borders and successful lawyers work to reach the best possible outcome in transactions, mediations and arbitrations.
CLERKSHIP PROGRAM Come and explore a career with us by applying for one of our clerkships. Our clerkships offer ambitious penultimate-year law students an insight into the workings of a large corporate law firm, and offer an exceptional opportunity to experience our work, people and culture. Anything is possible with us – provided you are willing to work hard and are committed to achieve whatever you put your mind to.
Attention to detail Lawyers are expected to have an accurate and meticulous approach to their work. You need a good eye for detail to be able to communicate effectively on paper with both colleagues and clients. Attention to detail is part of providing a quality service to our clients.
HOW TO APPLY www.allens.com.au/careers ww.linklaters.com/ukgrads www.linklaters.com/hkcareers 15306D
Arnold Bloch Leibler www.abl.com.au
Offices Melbourne Sydney
Major Practice Areas Banking & finance Commercial & Corporate Competition Litigation & dispute resolution Native title & public interest law Property & development Public companies Reconstruction & insolvency Taxation Technology & intellectual property Workplace advisory
Arnold Bloch Leibler is a premier Australian commercial law firm that has earned a reputation for its passion, results and its innovative and commercially focused advice. The firm is regularly involved in some of the most important landmark transactions in the country and assists its clients with their most important or difficult legal matters - when their reputation is at risk, in crisis situations or when embarking on key initiatives. The firm provides strategic legal and commercial advice nationally to a diverse range of leading Australian corporations, high-net-worth individuals and large family businesses as well as international corporations. Arnold Bloch Leibler exists for those who expect more. From our results and client commitment, to the commerciality of our advice, our aim is to set the standard. As a specialist commercial law firm, we have earned a reputation for achieving exceptional results. This is the product of our approach. Our attitude to finding solutions to clients’ problems is commercial and goal-driven. We take time to learn our clients’ businesses and each problem is tackled with commitment and creativity. Arnold Bloch Leibler is regularly involved in some of the most important transactions in Australia. It consistently ranks among the handful of firms with the level of expertise and breadth of practice to meet the varied and complex needs of this country’s leading commercial enterprises. Yet at Arnold Bloch Leibler, we do not pretend to be all things to all people. The firm offers a select, client-focused package of services, encompassing commercial, dispute resolution, litigation, property, finance, insolvency, taxation and technology areas. However, as client issues do not always fit into specific practice areas, we draw resources from throughout the firm to build flexible teams tailored to meet client needs. They do not just negotiate, litigate or mediate: they innovate. Arnold Bloch Leibler represents a large proportion of the individuals and family groups identified in Business Review Weekly’s annual review of Australia’s ‘Rich 200’. And over the years, we have attracted the new breed of entrepreneurs from each
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
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generation. Many have remained clients since establishing their enterprises. Some have selected us for our reputation in meeting the demands of many of Australia’s most successful business people. Others, who have seen us in action and witnessed the quality of our work first hand, have later selected us as their advisers. Today’s business climate can create hurdles that individuals and institutions must overcome to achieve their goals. Arnold Bloch Leibler’s success in assisting clients to resolve legal and commercial complexities, difficulties and impasses is renowned. Our people have the knowledge and judgement to translate your most difficult problems into creative, cost-effective solutions. Seasonal clerkships After years of lectures, assignments and exams, you are probably planning to sleep in late and relax during the holidays. Tempting as that may be, if you want to get ahead, consider doing a seasonal clerkship at Arnold Bloch Leibler. A seasonal clerkship at Arnold Bloch Leibler offers you the opportunity to experience firsthand life as a lawyer and our stimulating and unique culture. We do not hide behind smoke and mirrors. Instead, we offer a programme where you have the opportunity to be an integral part of our firm. Generally, we only take students in their second-last year of study. Our experience has shown that, by this stage, students have reached a level of their education that can be developed further with us.
Australian Government Solicitor www.ags.gov.au
The Attorney Government Solicitor became part of the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) on 1 July 2015 and is now one of 4 groups within AGD. It has an independent functional identity within AGD and is unique among legal service providers because we are a government agency set up to provide legal services to the Australian Government and its various departments, entities and agencies. AGS is one of Australia’s largest national law practices, with more than 300 lawyers and an office in every capital city. AGS is one of Australia’s largest national law practices, with more than 300 lawyers and an office in every capital city. We successfully contest for work against Australia’s top-tier law firms. We also undertake tied work (non-contestable) in the areas of constitutional, national security and public international law, as well as Cabinet matters. We are dedicated to government and assist the AttorneyGeneral as First Law Officer to ensure that the Australian Government has access to high-quality legal and related services
to advance the national interest. We work in government and public law, and specialise in constitutional and legislative interpretation across all the portfolios. AGS has an unmatched High Court practice and also provides extensive commercial law services to government. AGS conducts the Australian Government’s constitutional litigation, which involves essential and core aspects of our system of government that can have enduring and whole-of-government implications beyond the interests of any particular portfolio. Such considerations require a specialised level of legal expertise and central coordination. AGS delivers services through 3 national legal practice groups: Office of General Counsel AGS Commercial AGD Dispute Resolution.
Offices Canberra Melbourne Sydney
Major Practice Areas Government and administrative law Corporate and commercial law Dispute resolution and litigation
Information about the 2018 Graduate Program will be available later in the year.
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Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Ashurst
www.ashurst.com Offices Adelaide Brisbane Canberra Melbourne Perth Sydney For international see website
Major Practice Areas Capital Markets Commercial Contracts Commodities Construction Corporate Data Protection and Privacy Dispute Resolution Employment Environment Finance Intellectual Property Investment Funds Native Title Outsourcing PFI/PPP Planning Private Equity Project Finance Public Sector & Government Real Estate Insolvency & Reconstruction Tax
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Ashurst is a leading international law firm advising corporates, financial institutions and governments. Our core businesses are in corporate, finance, dispute resolution, and the development and financing of assets in the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors. In November 2013, Ashurst LLP and Ashurst Australia (formerly Blake Dawson) merged to form one global team. We have 28 offices in 16 countries. With over 400 partners and 1,700 lawyers in total, we offer the international insight of a global network combined with local market knowledge. We provide consistently high quality, commercially relevant legal advice worldwide, and build teams that are specific to our clients’ needs, combining specialist legal skills, industry experience and regional know-how. We have a track record of successfully managing large and complex multi-jurisdictional transactions, disputes and projects. Our focus is on getting to the heart of your legal needs and delivering practical, commercial solutions. In Australia, we work with leading global companies and government clients. Our clients include 73% of the top 100 ASX companies. We are proud to have advised on many of Australia’s and the world’s largest and most complex deals. We bring together lawyers with the required technical knowledge, direct industry experience and regional capability to support your legal needs and projects in Australia, Asia and across the globe.
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Clerkships at Ashurst
Wondering what life as a lawyer might be like? Ashurst’s clerkship program will help you make the transition from academic life to professional practice. A seasonal clerkship is a snapshot experience of the commercial legal profession and will influence your future career decisions. A clerkship is typically undertaken in the penultimate year of your Law degree.
Who are we looking for?
We appreciate the diversity of skills, experiences and perspective brought to Ashurst by all of our people. We also recognise that attracting the best talent with complementary strengths is critical to achieving the best team-based outcomes for our clients and our people. We look for the character and strengths we know are key to success from graduate through to partnership. You will excel at Ashurst if you demonstrate academic capability and commercial awareness, show an ability to build rapport with a range of people, and work well in a team-based environment. We also expect that you will have resilience, motivation and a willingness to learn. Our clients expect the highest quality legal skills, commercial advice and first class service – but they also want lawyers who enjoy working with them, and each other. From experience, graduates who have balanced their studies with other activities like part-time work, university competitions, law society positions, exchange programs, sports and hobbies tend to have a range of other skills they can offer the firm like teamwork, leadership, time management and commercial awareness.
Baker & McKenzie www.bakermckenzie.com
At Baker & McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. Like no other law firm we were born global. Baker & McKenzie was conceived and built as a global law firm, so thinking and working globally is embedded in our culture and we understand the challenges of the global economy. We were formed in 1949 when an entrepreneurial Chicago attorney, Russell Baker, met the litigator, John McKenzie. McKenzie shared Baker’s vision of creating the world’s first multicultural, global law firm and our first office outside the USA was opened in Caracas in 1955. We are now the world’s largest law firm by markets, revenue and headcount and have a network of 77 offices in 47 countries around the world. Our most recent offices to be opened were Johannesburg, Casablanca and Lima in 2012, Seoul and Dubai in 2013 and Brisbane and Yangon in 2014. We opened our first office in Asia Pacific in Manila in 1963, and have grown to 17 fullservice offices across 13 jurisdictions. With more than 1,000 locally qualified lawyers across the region, and 77 offices globally, Baker & McKenzie is the firm with the greatest depth and breadth of coverage across the dynamic Asia Pacific markets. We have been a global law firm in Australia since 1964 and our Australian practice is now the fourth largest in our network with more than 85 Partners and over 180 lawyers across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Baker & McKenzie Australia offers our people access to complex, market-leading matters for leading multinational and domestic companies and the ability to work with some of the world’s best legal minds – people who know the law and who understand business. We have an unrivalled ability to provide training and secondment opportunities across our global network. Locally, we have an inclusive culture of learning, coaching and opportunity where you will work in small teams on matters that often cross borders. We value people who think ahead and get noticed.
Clerkships
We consult with our summer clerks before they commence to understand whether there are any areas of law in which they are particularly interested or practice groups which they would like to experience. We structure their placements according to these preferences where possible.
Summer clerks will complete a placement in one of our specialist areas but are encouraged to seek out work from other practice groups. Right from the start, our summer clerks get involved in real work. You will be exposed to our Australian and international clients through client meetings, shadowing, research and other everyday activities within your assigned practice group. Our summer clerks work closely with other lawyers and are guided by a supervising partner/senior associate and associate ‘buddy’. You will develop practical and legal skills through our national learning program for junior lawyers and by attending workshops specifically designed for summer clerks, as well as firm-wide sessions on a range of legal and non-legal topics. You will also be supported at every stage by our graduate team in Talent Management who will facilitate a comprehensive development program for you - including induction and skills development (such as business communication, networking skills and other skills crucial to ensuring you have a successful clerkship). We will also provide you with opportunities to enable you to network with colleagues around the firm - through our ‘speed networking’ program, social events with your buddy, our partners and lawyers, and our end of year party.
Offices Melbourne Sydney Brisbane For international offices see website
Major Practice Areas Banking & Finance Mergers and Acquisitions Private Equity Capital Markets Commercial Real Estate Construction Dispute Resolution & Litigation Employment & Industrial Relations Energy, Resources, Infrastructure & Corporate Technology, Communications & Commercial Intellectual Property Media Tax Environmental Markets
You can also gain more practical experience on completion of your clerkship through casual research clerk work with the Melbourne office during your final year of university and before you commence with us as a graduate. In addition, summer clerks who accept a graduate role with the firm can also apply for an ‘international clerkship’, with the opportunity to work for up to 4 weeks in one of our overseas offices in the year following their clerkship. We look for people who enjoy a challenge and seek new opportunities; who share our global perspective; who have sound academics and are practical in their approach; who like taking responsibility and getting things done; who express themselves confidently while staying open to new ideas; and who seek a friendly and inclusive culture that encourages making a difference to our local and global communities. The majority of our graduate roles tend to be filled by former summer clerks. However, the firm will also consider students who, within the two years preceding the date of offer, have completed a minimum of 30 days paralegal work with the firm in accordance with the LIV Traineeship Guidelines 2015. This allows us to recognise people who have invested in us through a previous clerkship/paralegal work and with whom we have established a positive working relationship.
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Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Camatta Lempens www.camattalempens.com.au
Offices Adelaide
Major Practice Areas Practice Areas Bankruptcy Civil Dispute Resolution Commercial Litigation Corporate and Commercial Criminal Law and Traffic Law Domestic Partnership and Same Sex Relationship Issues Estate Planning Estates and Probate Family Law Franchising Insolvency Liquor Licensing Mergers and Acquisitions Personal Injuries Property, Conveyancing and Commercial Leasing Wills
Camatta Lempens Pty Ltd Lawyers long established Adelaide law firm. We practice in commercial and litigation, corporate and commercial personal injury, native title, criminal family law, and estates.
is a civil law, law,
Our client base is incredibly diverse. We act for local, national and international businesses across a range of industries, as well as individuals. We are particularly active in the not-for-profit sector.
Camatta Lempens is committed to offering a safe, flexible and pleasant workplace. At the same time, we ensure that our people are rewarded for hard work with highly competitive remuneration and benefits, as well as rich opportunities for professional development and advancement. As a midsize Adelaide firm we are large and reputable enough to attract quality clients and work, but small enough that our senior lawyers are accessible and that all staff make real contributions to our matters.
Cosoff Cudmore Knox www.ccklawyers.com
Offices Adelaide
Major Practice Areas Practice areas Commercial Disputes Commercial Transactions Construction & Engineering Mergers & Acquisitions Private Client Services Taxation & Tax Disputes Technology & IP
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Cosoff Cudmore Knox is a commercial law firm with a strong reputation for resolving complex commercial matters quickly and cost-effectively. We take on the largest law firms in Australia, with an outstanding success rate. We offer clerkships throughout the year for law students in their final or penultimate years of study. Applications are generally accepted in the middle of each year for places in the following calendar year. Clerkships typically run for four to eight weeks, and can be part time (at least two days per week) or full time as studies allow. Students who are undertaking preadmission practical legal training courses may count their clerkship towards any practical experience requirement.
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We seek motivated, hard-working people who are interested in working with experienced lawyers on complex legal matters, and who want to be part of the ongoing growth of the firm. Clerkships at Cosoff Cudmore Knox include the opportunity to be involved in first class commercial legal work, personal mentoring by one of our lawyers, a comprehensive induction process, regular and constructive assessment of your work, and priority consideration for graduate positions. E: cc@ccklawyers.com T: 8211 7955
Corrs Chambers Westgarth www.corrs.com.au
Corrs Chambers Westgarth is a premium independent law firm. We work with our clients as true partners in their business. We bring insight, innovation and agility to create success for them on a global stage. Corrs has a strong history spanning more than 170 years but we are firmly focussed on creating opportunities for our clients in the rapidly changing business landscape of today and tomorrow. Our vision as a world class law firm is to drive Australia’s competitiveness and its economic engagement with Asia. We have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth as well as a strong partnering relationships throughout the Asia Pacific region and worldwide. Our independence and our network of the world’s best independent firms provide a competitive advantage for our clients. That gives us the flexibility to deliver the most effective and expert solution for their international needs. Corrs is led by our Chief Executive Officer, John W.H. Denton AO and Chairman, Stephen Price. Our clients want a different type of law firm that is strategic, creative, flexible and able to work in their worlds. These are the qualities that characterise and differentiate our people - world class lawyers who are prepared to think big and do things differently. With more than 600 lawyers, including 120 partners, our people are consistently recognised for world class services and results. This year, 57 of our partners and special counsel were named leading lawyers in Chambers Asia Pacific and Global Guides and 129 were listed as Best Lawyers in the annual Best Lawyers peer review. We have built a culture of collaboration and excellence in which each person is encouraged, supported and trained to be world class. This is the key to excellent results for our people and our clients.
Clerkships at Corrs Chambers Westgarth Your first step towards a career at Corrs is a Seasonal Clerkship. In fact, the majority of our graduates are recruited through our Seasonal Clerkship Program. Our program will give you an insight into what working at Corrs is like and how we differ from many other law firms. It will also give us an opportunity to learn about you and discover the qualities that make you different. Each of our offices has a Seasonal Clerkship Program. The dates, durations and formats vary slightly. As a clerk, you will be closely supervised by partners and senior lawyers. Junior lawyers will also be on hand to answer any questions you have about the firm, and who can settle you in and provide you with an informal level of support and guidance during your time at Corrs. The Program is a great opportunity for you to experience the people, clients, work and culture that differentiates Corrs from other firms. You will have the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high profile work for major Australian and international clients across all industries. You will be exposed to a broad range of interesting matters, plus perform tasks such as conducting research, reviewing and presenting documents, attending client meetings, court hearings, mediations and settlements, as well as shadow partners and lawyers in client meetings and business development activities. It’s the perfect way to discover the area of law that excites you the most.
Offices Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney
Major Practice Areas Capital Markets China Climate Change Communications and Technology Competition and Regulatory Construction, Major Projects & Infrastructure Corporate Cyber Security Employment, Workplace Relations & Safety Energy & Resources Environment & Planning Financial Services Foreign Investment into Australia Global Regulatory Government Health India Intellectual Property Litigation & Dispute Resolution Mergers & Acquisitions Property & Real Estate Restructuring & Insolvency Royal Commissions & Inquiries Tax
Liv Priority In accordance with LIV (Law Institute of Victoria) guidelines, students who have completed a clerkship with this firm are eligible for priority graduate offers.
Our commitment to our people has made us a much sought-after employer. We are consistently recognised as an Employer of Choice, and are the only large national law firm to be awarded ALB Gold Employer of Choice two years in a row – as voted by our staff in an independent national survey. 97
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Cowell Clarke www.cowellclarke.com.au
Offices Adelaide Sydney
Major Practice Areas
Cowell Clarke is a specialist commercial law firm based in Adelaide. We act for clients in all sectors of business and industry in Australia and internationally.
Clerkships and placements are an integral part of the commencement of a career in law. They can also lead to a full time position as a graduate solicitor.
Through our exclusive membership of ALFA International ® the Global Legal Network, we give our clients access to specialist legal resources virtually anywhere they have business worldwide. Clerkships
You will have access to and work with senior lawyers who are recognised as being the best in their fields. You will have direct client contact. In addition, every clerk is given an opportunity to work in our corporate & commercial, dispute resolution and property practices. While the focus is on variety, we are also happy to accommodate particular areas of interest. You will also have the opportunity to participate in our Professional Development Program, including sessions tailored especially for you.
Agribusiness Banking and Finance Building, Construction & Infrastructure Commercial Transactions Competition & Consumer Law Corporate Cowell Clarke has an outstanding Career Debt Recovery Development Program which includes Defence Summer Clerkships & PLT Placements. Dispute Resolution From time to time, we also have ongoing Employment & Industrial Relations part time clerk positions available. Energy & Resources Environment, Planning & Sustainability We offer several Summer Clerkships, Equity Capital Markets between November and February each Financial Services year. As we participate in the South Franchising Australian Law Students’ Council Uniform Health Clerkship Scheme, the application dates Insolvency & Turnaround are as prescribed by the Scheme. We Insurance accept applications for PLT Placements on Intellectual Property & Information Technology an ongoing basis. International Trade Personal Property Securities Act Pharmacy
An element we believe sets us apart from other law firms is the focus that our partners have on creating a supportive and enjoyable work environment. You won’t be expected to work 16 hours per day. We recognise that it is not the time you spend at work, but rather what you do when you are there. We work with you to ensure you make the most of your experience at Cowell Clarke. Our clerkship program enables our clerks to experience the broadest range of practice areas, with rotations through property, corporate & commercial, and our various dispute resolution teams.
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
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Clayton Utz www.claytonutz.com.au
Clayton Utz is one of Australia’s leading law firms, with a reputation for standing out – and for being outstanding. With 187 partners and over 1,300 employees across six offices, we continue to build on our reputation for confident, innovative and incisive legal advice. With a genuine commitment to client service, we are trusted advisers to a diverse base of private and public sector organisations. Our clients include many of Australia’s top financial institutions, multinational corporations operating in a range of sectors, and state and Australian government departments and agencies. We are also a global leader in pro bono, with one of the largest pro bono practices of any law firm outside of the US. As an independent firm, we have relationships with leading firms around the world. That means our clients can be confident they have access to the best possible advice, wherever and whenever they need it.
We offer the sharpest legal minds. The clearest advice. And an unshakeable sense of what’s possible.
Clerkships
Our Clerkship Program will expose you to the fast pace of a full-service commercial law firm and show you the law in action. You’ll be working under the guidance of some of the sharpest legal minds in Australia, on challenging, complex and high-profile transactions and matters. You’ll be mentored by partners and lawyers who are leaders in their fields, in a firm where individuality is embraced and innovation actively encouraged.
LIV Priority
In accordance with LIV (Law Institute of Victoria) guidelines, students who have completed a clerkship with this firm are eligible for priority graduate offers.
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Offices Brisbane Canberra Darwin Hong Kong Melbourne Perth Sydney
Major Practice Areas Banking & Finance Capital Markets & Securities Competition Construction & Major Projects Corporate/M&A Energy & Resources Environment & Planning Governance & Compliance Insurance & Risk Intellectual Property International Arbitration International Trade Legal Technology Services Litigation & Dispute Resolution Native Title Private Equity Product Liability Real Estate Restructuring & Insolvency Taxation Telecommunications, Media & Technology Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Crown Solicitor’s Office www.cso.sa.gov.au
Offices
The Crown Solicitor is responsible for the provision of high quality legal services to the Government of South Australia. The Crown Solicitor’s Office provides legal advice to Cabinet, Ministers and government agencies, represents the Government of South Australia before courts and tribunals, drafts legal documents for the government, provides conveyancing and other property related services, investigates on behalf of government, and resolves native title claim issues through negotiated agreements.
Adelaide
Major Practice Areas Civil Litigation Commercial, Environment and Native Title Public Law Outposted Crown Counsel
Clerkships The Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO) and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Summer Clerk Program offers 12-14 law students an opportunity to gain practical legal experience within a government environment, and undertake work within a legal practice. Law students completing their final years of study are invited to apply for a summer clerk program. The CSO and ODPP are interested in students who are high achievers in both their academic and personal lives, with good interpersonal skills, relevant legal work experience and references. The CSO and ODPP Summer Clerk Program offers successful applicants the opportunity to take part in a structured program, including training and development sessions covering a range of legal and non-legal topics: •Introduction to a State government agency. •Tour of the Attorney General’s Department library, and training in the use of on-line facilities. •Training in drafting and legal research. •Information session management systems.
on
practice
•File and matter management. •Assisting in client matters, supervision.
Students offered clerkships will be remunerated for the full eight weeks. Each summer clerk is allocated to a section within the ODPP or the CSO, or alternatively will be outposted by the CSO to various government agencies. Summer Clerk Programs are offered for a period of eight weeks each year, commencing in Late-November. Summer Clerkships conclude in time for students to attend the first Practical Legal Training Program offered by the Law Society. Practical Legal Training The CSO offers placements to students wishing to complete the practical legal training component of their professional qualifications. Placements are offered to approximately six students three times per year, for a period of six weeks (225 hours) in accordance with the guidelines set by the Law Society. Potential applicants are advised that the dates available for 2017 are as follows: 27 February 2017 to 7 April 2017 15 May to 23 June 2017 21 August to 2017 to 29 September 2017 Applications will be considered as they are received and will be filled on a rolling basis. Once the PLT allocation has been met we will no longer be able to accept any more applications, therefore we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. For more information about the program and how to apply, please visit our website. E: cc@ccklawyers.com
Clerkship Application Dates Office
Period
Apps Open
Apps Close
Interviews
Offers
Adelaide
Summer
Now
30 April
June (approx)
July (approx.)
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
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under
DLA Piper
www.dlapipergraduates.com.au DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, positioning us to help companies with their legal needs around the world. We strive to be the leading global business law firm by delivering quality and value to our clients. We achieve this through practical and innovative legal solutions that help our clients succeed. We deliver consistent services across our platform of practices and sectors in all matters we undertake. Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies developing industryleading technologies. They include more than half of the Fortune 250 and nearly half of the FTSE 350 or their subsidiaries. We also advise governments and public sector bodies.
In Australia we are trusted legal advisors to approximately a third of the ASX 100 companies or their subsidiaries and all levels of government. We spend time getting to know our clients, so that we can understand their businesses and provide strategic legal solutions that are practical and commercially focused. Clerkships A clerkship is a great way to gain insight into our firm. It is also an important step if you are interested in a graduate position with us, as our clerkship pool forms the basis of our graduate recruitment. During your clerkship you can expect to do a variety of things both in and outside the office. The tasks you are involved in will depend on the team you are assigned to and the work they have on at the time. Some common examples include accompanying lawyers to court, attending client meetings and mediations, and assisting on large corporate transactions.
Offices Brisbane Canberra Melbourne Perth Sydney
Major Practice Areas Corporate Employment Finance and Projects Intellectual Property and Technology Litigation and Regulatory Real Estate Restructuring Tax
All clerks are assigned a buddy (usually a current graduate) and a supervisor (senior associate or senior lawyer) who will support and guide you through the clerkship.
DMAW Lawyers www.dmawlawyers.com.au
DMAW Lawyers is a leading South Australian based commercial law firm providing services throughout Australia. Our approach is to develop focused team environments that offer true expertise in practice areas important to our clients. Experience suggests that this is the best structure to provide our clients with the specialist skills, flexibility and the responsiveness necessary to achieve the results that they seek and expect. We are committed to the delivery of prompt precise results of real value to clients. Our lawyers bring genuine expertise and experience in the areas of legal practice that are important to business.
We also pride ourselves on understanding our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; businesses, and we bring to the table a commercial approach and the experience of having been involved in a variety of industry and business sectors. Clerkships at DMAW Lawyers We offer summer clerkships. Applications are invited from penultimate and final year law students for clerkship intakes over November / December and January / February each year. Clerkships are for a duration of 4 weeks and involve a range of genuine work and activity on client instructions, closely supervised by our Senior Lawyers. Contact can be made by speaking to The Manager - People & Development, on 61 8 8210 2222. E: hr@dmalawyers.com.au
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Offices Adelaide
Major Practice Areas Acquisitions and Sales Administrative Law Banking and Finance Building and Construction Business Law Business Structures/Reorganisations Capital Raisings Compliance and Corporate Governance Corporate Advice Defamation Dispute Resolution Employment and Industrial Relations Financial Services & Superannuation Franchising Immigration Information Technology Intellectual Property Liquor Licensing Major Projects Media Law Native Title & Aboriginal Heritage Professional and Directors Liability Property Tax and Revenue Takeovers and Schemes Trade Practices
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
DW Fox Tucker www.dwfoxtucker.com.au
Offices Adelaide
Major Practice Areas Corporate & Commercial Dispute Resolution & Insolvency Employment Law Hospitality & Licensing Intellectual Property Property Tax Wills & Estates Workers Compensation & Self Insurance
DW Fox Tucker is a leading independent South Australian commercial law firm. We were established on 1 October 2014 when the former partners of Donaldson Walsh joined with those of Fox Tucker to create an entirely new firm offering a broad, comprehensive range of general commercial services complemented by a suite of expert specialist services for clients in specific key industries and niche market sectors.
With a team numbering in the mid’ 80s, many of whom are nationally recognised standouts in their field, we are able to offer an outstanding breadth of experience and the capability to handle commercial matters of any size or complexity. Importantly, however, we are still ideally sized to do so with a down-to-earth, relationship-based culture and responsive, personal service ethic. We pride ourselves on delivering everything our clients demand, and a little more besides – for every client, on every matter. So whatever your commercial needs or objectives, don’t hesitate to contact us. At DW Fox Tucker, every client matters.
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
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Fisher Jeffries www.fisherjeffries.com.au
Since its foundation in Adelaide in 1885, Fisher Jeffries has become known as one of Australia’s leading and respected commercial law firms. With a long history and reputation built on results and a service focussed commitment to clients, Fisher Jeffries is described by clients as being very effective and pragmatic. Based in the centre of the Adelaide CBD adjacent to the Courts precinct, Fisher Jeffries practice in all Australian jurisdictions and have long established working relationships with interstate firms and members of the interstate bars. Our clients include Federal and State Government agencies, major Australian corporations and financial institutions and a number of prominent South Australian organisations.
Fisher Jeffries has been a member of the Gadens Lawyers National Practice since 2004, offering clients a national solution to the provision of commercial legal services in Australia, primarily acting for Australian financial institutions and landowners. In December 2016, Fisher Jeffries was appointed an associate of Dentons Australia providing our clients with access to leading commercial lawyers in all areas all over the world. Contact Details 61 8 8233 0600 Fax: + 61 8 8233 0699 fj@fisherjeffries.com.au
Our services are sought for high profile and difficult matters as well as operational matters. We have the depth and breadth expertise to handle all manner of instructions in commercial law.
Clerkship Application Dates Office
Apps Open
Apps Close
Interviews
Offers
Communication of Decision
Adelaide
3 July
24 July
31 July
28 August
29 August
Offices Adelaide
Major Practice Areas Aged Care & Retirement Villages Agribusiness Arts & Entertainment Banking & Financial Services Construction & Engineering Corporate Advisory Corporate Risk & Insurance Energy & Resources Environment & Planning Franchising Gaming & Licensing Government Business Health Infrastructure & Projects Insolvency & Corporate Reconstruction Intellectual Property & Technology Litigation & Dispute Resolution Media & Defamation Property & Development Trade Practices Wine Workplace Relations
Are you a rising star, looking to become
one of tomorrow’s leading lawyers?
Apply online at
fisherjeffries.com.au Established in 1885, Fisher Jeffries is a specialist commercial law practice. Our partners are recognised as leaders in their fields and share a reputation for both clever and practical advice. We are looking for new talent to develop and nurture into tomorrow’s practice leaders. Interested? Apply now to join our clerkship and graduate program. 103
Fisher Jeffries is a member of Gadens National Practice
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Finlaysons
http://www.finlaysons.com.au/careers/clerkships/ Offices Adelaide Darwin
Major Practice Areas Agribusiness Banking & Finance China Commercial Disputes Corporate Defence Energy Environment, Climate Change & Planning Family Business Health Insurance IP, Technology & Media Property & Development Resources Tax & Revenue Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Wine Workplace Relations, Management & Safety
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
PRACTICE AREAS Finlaysons is a leading Adelaide law firm with a blue chip client base and commercial focus. We maintain our standing by evolving with the market and the changing needs of our clients. Our goal is to work in partnership with our clients, providing the best advice for the best outcome. To deliver this, we have specialist teams with intimate knowledge of diverse business sectors.
In-House Continuing Legal Education Program - Seminars are presented on relevant topics on a monthly basis. The presentations are delivered by a mix of our own practitioners, internal practice management and external specialists.
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT Professional excellence is expected as standard at Finlaysons. We are fully committed to the continuing professional development of all of our people. We know that lawyers develop much of their expertise by working alongside more experienced practitioners. All employees are encouraged to use every day work situations to assist in developing the skills and knowledge of less experienced colleagues. Many learning opportunities both within and external to the firm are available to employees.
Specialised Programs - Programs such as our graduate lawyer development program and other specialised programs are facilitated for both professional and support staff.
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External Training – Attendance at seminars and courses that are relevant to your area of practice and personal development is encouraged.
Technology Training - All new employees undergo a comprehensive on-boarding program to become familiar with software packages, firm procedures and general operations at Finlaysons. Direct any enquiries you may have to People & Development on 8235 7400. CLERKSHIP APPLICATION DATES Applications Open – Wednesday 1 March 2017 Applications Close – Friday 28 April 2017
Gilbert + Tobin www.gtlaw.com.au
Gilbert + Tobin is a leading top-tier corporate law firm and a key player in the Australian legal market. We provide innovative, relevant and commercial legal solutions to major corporate and government clients across Australia and internationally, particularly the Asia-Pacific region.
We are as restlessly ambitious and innovative as when the firm was established 28 years ago. Employing more than 500 professionals, we are proud of our continued recognition as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality and acknowledgement as a pioneer in providing pro bono services.
With a focus on dynamic and evolving market sectors, we attract the brightest legal minds in the country; a diverse mix of highly talented and motivated people who work with some of the world’s most successful organisations on ground breaking projects and matters. We have become the legal adviser of choice for industry leaders who value our entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach and determination to succeed.
What we look for G+T values diversity and individuality, so we don’t just look for strong academic results. We’re looking for candidates who are interesting people, can clearly demonstrate their ambition, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and ability to collaborate. We want people who can identify with G+T’s core attributes of performance, innovation, authenticity and collaboration. And it’s equally important that you enjoy what you do and don’t take yourself too seriously.
Offices Melbourne Perth Sydney
Major Practice Areas Banking + Infrastructure Competition + Regulation Corporate Advisory Employment Energy + Resources Intellectual Property Litigation Real Estate + Projects Technology, Media + Telecommunications Pro Bono
Griffins Lawyers www.griffins.com.au
Griffins Lawyers is a dynamic, rapidly growing law firm with offices in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Perth. We specialise in commercial, insurance and planning, environmental and local government law. We have over twenty years experience in providing technically proficient and astute legal advice to both national and international clients in all jurisdictions of Australia. We recognise the importance of providing customer service and consistently deliver service of a high standard, ensuring
our clients receive the best possible representation. Ultimately we provide business solutions for our clients through the provision of practical and strategic legal services. Our vision is to be recognised as an inspiring company leading the way in the legal profession.
Offices Adelaide Gold Coast Melbourne Perth Sydney
Major Practice Areas Arts & Entertainment Civil Litigation Commercial Litigation Commercial Tenancies Construction Corporate Advice & Insolvency Criminal (Workplace Crime) Defamation Advice & Litigation Dispute Resolution Employment & Industrial Insurance Advice & Litigation Liquor Licensing & Gaming Issues Planning, Environment & Local Government Sports & Representation
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Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Herbert Smith Freehills www.herbertsmithfreehills.com
Offices Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney
Major Practice Areas Asset management and investment funds Capital markets Competition, regulation and trade Compliance and regulatory Corporate Corporate crime and investigations Corporate governance and head office advisory Crisis management Dispute resolution Employment, pensions and incentives Environment, planning and communities Finance
Takeovers and mergers. Arbitration and litigation. We’ve got it all. And because we’re one of the world’s leading law firms, we also work with some of the biggest international organisations on some of their most ambitious projects. Thanks to the quality of our international network, we’re able to offer our clients both domestic and cross-border services, which means you get the chance to work in a truly global way. Our work is incredibly varied. We provide top quality tailored legal advice to major corporations, governments and financial institutions as well as different types of commercial organisations. We’re proud to be a full-service firm and we’re proud to be able to do more for our clients.
Intellectual property Mergers and acquisitions Projects and infrastructure Real estate Restructuring, turnaround and insolvency Tax
Herbert Smith Freehills is a place where you won’t just experience everything, you’ll be a part of it. So if you’ve got the drive and ambition to become an exceptional lawyer, we’d like to hear from you. Clerkships Finding the right fit for you is key to deciding where to start your legal career. Since working together is a good way to get to know each other, we offer a range of summer and winter clerkships in each of our Australian offices. We encourage students to participate in our vacation clerkship program and we fill the majority of our graduate positions through this program. Spend part of your vacation with us and you’ll get a great understanding of how we go about meeting the needs of our clients. The program includes a detailed introduction to the firm and to each practice group, as well as the opportunity to work with our legal teams on real matters.
Hunt & Hunt www.hunthunt.com.au
Offices Adelaide Brisbane Darwin Hobart Melbourne North Ryde Perth Sydney Shanghai
Major Practice Areas Asset Protection and Succession Planning China Advisory Corporate and Commercial Competition and Consumer Law Employment and Workplace Relations Environment and Planning Family Law Intellectual Property Insolvency and Restructuring Litigation and Dispute Resolution Mergers and Acquisitions Property Wills and Estates Planning
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Established in 1929, Hunt & Hunt is a vibrant, mid-sized law firm that provides tailored legal advice to clients across Australia and internationally. Our broad client base includes large and small businesses, government departments, major insurance firms, not-for-profit organisations and private clients. Our professionalism, combined with our friendly and energetic approach, has made Hunt & Hunt a trusted advisor to some of Australia’s largest and most diverse organisations. Clerkship Program A seasonal clerkship at Hunt & Hunt lets you explore a broad spectrum of legal work before you decide on your area of specialisation.
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Hunt & Hunt offers clerkship positions in its Melbourne office. Why Chose Hunt & Hunt? A clerkship at Hunt & Hunt gives you a head start in your legal career. Over four weeks, you’ll work with senior lawyers on relevant, diverse matters across a range of industry sectors, in a supportive and close-knit environment. Most importantly, you’ll get direct access to partners who are leaders in their field. Our review process for clerks ensures you have a relevant and varied experience, receive regular feedback, support and training to help you develop your skills and career. We believe that getting you involved in real work helps us get to know each other better and allows you to decide if Hunt & Hunt is the right firm for you.
HWL Ebsworth www.hwlebsworth.com.au
At HWL Ebsworth, our edge is not only our expertise, experience and ability to assist our clients in meeting their commercial objectives, but also our ability to offer a better value proposition. HWL Ebsworth recognises the importance of an organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture and its powerful influence on performance and service delivery. Our culture is one that places a strong emphasis on open and honest communication at all levels, continuous improvement in our practices and encouragement of innovation and forward thinking. We benchmark our practices against the best advisory firms internationally to achieve our vision. The values of our firm characterise our approach to practising law and partnering with clients. These values ensure that honesty, trust and respect drive our working relationships with clients and with each other. We also encourage our staff to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Continuing Professional Development Through our relationships with training providers and educational institutions nationally, we actively encourage our staff to engage in professional development activities. Partners work with employees on a one-on-one basis to help identify appropriate professional development opportunities with the overarching objective of ensuring that career development goals are achieved. We also actively support our employees in undertaking further study to develop and enhance their expertise and practical knowledge. Career Development Program At HWL Ebsworth we recognise the importance of clearly articulated career paths for our practitioners and the need to identify specific goals to be achieved in order to progress within the firm. The HWL Ebsworth Career Development Program has been developed for this purpose and clearly identifies the expectations of practitioners wishing to progress through the firm at the Associate, Senior Associate and Partner levels.
outcomes and behaviours. All of our staff participate in quarterly performance discussions which focus on forward planning and the development of strategies to encourage continuous development and upskilling. Relationship Marketing All of our Solicitors and Partners participate in a Relationship Marketing Program tailored to each industry or area of practice. Our Marketing team works with individuals to develop a personal business development plan aimed at harnessing personal networks and pursuing opportunities to build their own practice. Mentoring and Coaching Many of our Partners are experienced coaches and mentors and they themselves are committed to continuously improving their own skills and their leadership capabilities. Graduates through to Senior Associates have the opportunity to become coached and mentored and have access to the wealth of knowledge and experiences of our Partners. Graduate/Articled Clerk Program Our Graduates and Articled Clerks have the ability to rotate through our main practice areas in each office and gain the advantage of having hands on involvement in matters and interaction with clients. Graduates and Articled Clerks are assigned to a Partner in each practice area and have the benefit of constant feedback in relation to their development.
Offices Adelaide Melbourne Brisbane Sydney Perth
Major Practice Areas Automotive Banking and Financial Services Building and Construction Capital Markets Climate Change and Sustainability Competition and Consumer Corporate and Commercial Energy and Resources Government Health Insolvency and Securities Enforcement Insurance Intellectual Property and Trade Marks Litigation and Dispute Resolution Owners Corporations Planning and Environment Real Estate and Projects Retail and Franchising Taxation Technology, Media and Communications Transport Workplace Relations and Safety
Leadership Development Our Partners benefit from a customised Leadership Development Program designed to enhance their leadership capabilities and address their particular developmental needs. Based on best practice leadership frameworks, this Program facilitates the training and development requirement of our staff. Clerkship Program For information on our Summer Clerkship Program and to find details of how to apply, please visit the Graduate Centre on our website: www.hwlebsworth.com.au
Performance Management Model Our Performance Management Model is a structured feedback and supervision system that uses continuous dialogue and adjustments to manage work efforts, 107
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Johnson Winter & Slattery www.jws.com.au
Offices Adelaide Sydney Melbourne Perth Brisbane
Major Practice Areas Transactional & Advisory Dispute Resolution
Specialist Areas Competition Corporate Corporate Governance Debt Finance Dispute Resolution Employment Energy & Resources Funds Management Intellectual Property & IT Regulatory Restructuring & Insolvency Tax
Johnson Winter & Slattery is engaged by major Australian and international corporations as legal counsel on their business activities, disputes and most challenging transactions throughout Australia and surrounding regions. Our role Our representation of major corporations in many landmark and transformational deals and complex disputes positions us as a leading independent Australian firm. Our approach With an appreciation of our client’s commercial needs, we blend legal expertise with commercial and market awareness to deliver high quality legal services. This means working closely with clients and their in-house counsel to understand their commercial objectives, and ensuring our approach is tailored to deliver timely commercial outcomes.
Our difference Our higher ratio of senior lawyers means clients engage directly with the tactical minds and industry expertise required to succeed in complex and high stakes deals and disputes. A partnership ethos of service, technical excellence and collaboration ensures the most relevant specialist expertise and experience is brought to bear on every assignment. people. Contact Details Wilma Lewis, Professional Development Advisor Email – Wilma.lewis@jws.com.au Phone – 02 8247 9630
Clerkship Application Dates
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Office
Apps Open
Apps Close
Offers
Brisbane
27 Feb
20 Mar
8 May
Melboure
10 Jul
13 Aug
12 Oct
Adelaide
3 Jul
24 Jul
28 Aug
Sydney
15 Jun
13 Jul
4 Oct
Perth
TBA
TBA
TBA
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Kain Lawyers www.kaincc.com
Attracting and retaining quality young lawyers is a key driver of the success of our business. For this reason, we invest significant time upfront, identifying, employing and nurturing candidates who have the skills and the cultural alignment to become long-term members of our team and help us achieve our strategic objectives.
Offices
If you’re in your penultimate year of study, then you should apply for a place in our summer clerkship program. The five-week program will provide you, as a law student, with a taste of what it’s like to work in an exciting and progressive legal business.
Adelaide
Major Practice Areas Business Structuring Business Succession Commercial Advice Corporate Finance Corporate Governance Dispute Solutions Equity Capital Markets Financial Services Funds Management
Our clerks undertake training in our systems and in practical applications of legal theory as well as obtaining real-world experience with clients. Those who excel in the clerkship program will generally be offered further positions in our business.
King & Wood Mallesons www.kwm.com/en/au
King & Wood Mallesons is a new breed of law firm combining local depth with a global platform. Offering a different perspective to commercial thinking and the client experience, 2,700 lawyers across more than 30 international offices are working with clients every day to understand local challenges and navigate through regional complexity. With access to a global platform, we are providing commercial solutions and transforming the way legal services are delivered. How do we do this? By focusing not just on what you want, but how you want it. Working in close partnership with clients, our relationships are built on delivering a market leading experience and providing access to deep legal insights and local connections, with the benefit of a global platform. As the only firm in the world able to practise PRC, Hong Kong, Australian, English, US and a significant range of European and Middle Eastern laws, we open doors and unlock opportunities for clients as they look to unleash the fullest potential of the Asian Century. Our ability to connect emerging opportunities, with market leading capability, is pushing the frontiers of what can be achieved - connecting Asia to the world, and the world to Asia.
Clerkships
We offer clerkships for students who are in their penultimate year of university. Working under the supervision of a partner, development coach and buddy, the program will enable you to get the most out of your placement and to become familiar with the firm and how it operates. Our Clerks participate in a comprehensive clerkship program. The program is designed to: • Help clerks to understand our firm, its practices and procedures • Equip clerks with the information and skills needed to get the most out of their placements at King & Wood Mallesons. Induction for King & Wood Mallesons’ Clerks incorporate practical, lively and relevant sessions that are conducted by Partners, Senior Associates, Solicitors and our in-house experts. Sessions cover material on King & Wood Mallesons’ structure, strategy and culture, our systems and processes and some key skills to assist in managing legal work whilst you are here. Our clerks also get the opportunity to network with their peers as well as with King & Wood Mallesons Graduates/Trainees and lawyers in their own and other practices. For most, the Clerkship Program is the first stage of continuous professional development at King & Wood Mallesons. Clerks have described King & Wood Mallesons lawyers as “approachable, having a sense of humour, good work ethic, a pleasure to work with, both clients and work colleagues”. Others have emphasised the “ability to build strong and enduring relationships, based on trust, getting things right, focused and technically excellent”.
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Offices Brisbane Canberra Melbourne Perth Sydney See website for international offices
Major Practice Areas Practice areas Acquisitions and Sales Administrative Law Banking and Finance Building and Construction Business Law Business Structures/Reorganisations Capital Raisings Compliance and Corporate Governance Corporate Advice Defamation Dispute Resolution Employment and Industrial Relations Financial Services & Superannuation Franchising Immigration Information Technology Intellectual Property Liquor Licensing Major Projects Media Law Native Title & Aboriginal Heritage Professional and Directors Liability Property Tax and Revenue Takeovers and Schemes Trade Practices
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Lipman Karas www.lipmankaras.com
Offices Adelaide Hong Kong London
Major Practice Areas Complex commercial litigation and arbitration Cross-border insolvency and asset recovery Independent corporate and regulatory investigations Dispute avoidance and alternative dispute resolution Risk minimisation and governance advice Litigation due diligence and project management
LK has a consistent track record of delivering outstanding results for our clients, in some of the most significant disputes and inquiries. The overwhelming majority of our projects involve actions in multiple jurisdictions, including Asia, the UK, Continental Europe, the US, the Middle East, all the major offshore jurisdictions, and throughout Australia. Our project teams comprise of lawyers from across our offices in Australia, Hong Kong and London, and draw on our shared expertise, experience and contacts. A career at Lipman Karas provides opportunities and experiences that are unrivalled in Australia. Our Clerkship Program Lipman Karas offers clerkships to penultimate and final year law students who have demonstrated academic excellence, practical ability and commitment to the highest levels of achievement. Clerks are directly exposed to client project work, which is distinct in terms of its magnitude, complexity and international scope. They experience first-hand LK’s collaborative, ground-up approach to litigating and resolving legal claims. Clerks participate in a variety of tasks and work directly with senior lawyers and principals. They are important members of our project teams and perform real professional work for real clients. This includes drafting and presenting research, assisting in the preparation of client advice and preparing court documents. In addition, clerks at LK receive training on the firm’s research methodology, approach to practice and multi-jurisdictional resources. Clerks are encouraged to participate in all aspects of firm life, including taking part in the firm’s social, sporting and community activities.
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
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The Australian Top 100 Graduate Employer 2015 Guide named Lipman Karas a Fast Mover in their list of top rated employers, the only law firm in this category. Application Process We offer up to 20 clerkship placements annually at mutually convenient times throughout the year and in particular during summer and winter university holidays. Please visit our website for details regarding the application process. Applications for Winter 2017 and Summer 2017/2018 clerkships close on Tuesday, 18 April 2017. Lipman Karas also accepts applications all year round and in some circumstances may offer additional clerkships to outstanding candidates who apply after the primary round of offers.
Lander & Rogers www.landers.com.au
Lander & Rogers is a leading independent Australian law firm operating nationally from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. We have seven main areas of practice and are a principal advisor to many publicly listed and private Australian companies, Australian subsidiaries of global companies, as well as all levels of government. We provide practical legal advice, along with exceptional client service, and we are renowned in Australia for our down-toearth and friendly culture. Clerkships Our seasonal/summer clerkship program is a law student’s key opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the law in practice, and our working environment. The clerkships are the time to test run what you’ve learned at University (with the reassurance of a safety net), and a perfect chance to gauge whether or not Lander & Rogers offers the type of working environment that’s the right fit for you. You’ll be well looked after... our seasonal/ summer clerkship program is built on learning and fun. We know you’ve joined us because you’re curious about what it’s like to be a lawyer, so we’ll do everything we can to show you the way by giving you a chance to have a go for yourself. The work you’ll find yourself doing... on joining us you’ll be teamed with two lawyers (one experienced, and another a little closer in level to you) who immerse you in the day to day running of their practices. What that means on a practical level will vary depending on the practice group you join (we’ll ask you to indicate your preferences), and could involve: •researching points of law and summarising your findings •drafting correspondence •court documents and sections of commercial agreements •reviewing and analysing legislation and case law •observing our lawyers in action at meetings, conferences, mediations and court •attending practice group discussions.
It’s not all work though... you’ll also have plenty of time to get away from your office to join the other seasonal/summer clerks in your group. This can include: •participating in practice group case study sessions to build on your understanding of our areas of expertise •careers sessions to map out your career possibilities •skills-based workshops to build practical skills like letter writing and taking instructions •time out to discover the best coffee shops, or do a yoga class, just for fun. We know most of these experiences will be brand new for you, so before you’re faced with learning new things, we’ve built in time for the basics, like time to get to know our people and the other seasonal/summer clerks you’re working with, and time to learn how to navigate your way around the office. These experiences will provide you with a much clearer idea of what it means to be a lawyer. You’ll also develop a better feel for the human side of Lander & Rogers, such as why our people work here, where they’ve come from, and what they do when they’re not being lawyers. We aim to recruit and retain law students who have a friendly and down to earth style of engaging with others. We see this as important to your success in working with your clients and colleagues, and critical to the preservation of our happy workplace. You’ll also need intelligence to tackle the most interesting of legal scenarios, energy to absorb new concepts and changing laws, and a willingness to work productively with lots of different people.
Offices Brisbane Melbourne Sydney
Major Practice Areas Anti-discrimination and equal opportunity Building, construction and engineering Capital raising and financing Company and securities law (including ASX) Compensation Law Competition and consumer law Dispute resolution Employment Energy and resources Environmental compliance Family and relationship law Financial services & Superannuation Government Industrial relations Infrastructure and PPPs Insolvency, restructuring and mortgage recoveries Insurance Intellectual property and technology International trade and investment Investigations Mergers, acquisitions & joint ventures Occupational health and safety Privacy Law Project development Property Regulated industries Risk management Sport and events Training
We don’t expect that you’ll be a gun at all of these things straight away, but when we meet you at interview we’ll be curious to learn more about your potential to handle these things in the future, based on the skills and experience you’ve already built through studying law (combined with other disciplines like arts, commerce and science) and any legal and non-legal parttime work, volunteer work and university activities you’ve tackled. Please see the website information on how to apply.
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Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Lynch Meyer www.lynchmeyer.com.au
Offices Adelaide
Major Practice Areas Aged Care and Retirement Villages Agribusiness Banking and Finance Construction, Infrastructure and Engineering Environment, Planning and Resources Credit Management and Debt Recovery Not-for-Profit Sector Property Transport, Freight and Logistics
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Our law services provide a vast range of useful services for small-to-medium enterprises, large corporations and notfor-profit organisations. We also provide specialised wealth management services to our private clients. As a leading Adelaide law firm, we pride ourselves on offering all our clients practical, commercial legal advice and firstrate service. Most of our clients are based in the construction and engineering, property and development, finance or retirement villages and aged care industries. Many are leaders in their field.
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Our advice is strategic - everything we do is designed to strengthen our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; commercial position and deliver the outcomes they want. When you join us youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be part of a progressive, dynamic firm that offers stimulating work from a diverse group of clients, and real work life balance. Ours is a culture which encourages people to speak up and be heard. We expect our people to listen to colleagues and clients alike. When we do things really well we recognise our people for their achievements and we celebrate.
Maddocks
www.maddocks.com.au We work collaboratively with our clients to build strong, sustainable relationships – our longest is now more than 100 years old. Our lawyers aim to deliver consistently high standards of service, and we understand the importance of accessibility, responsiveness and transparency. Working with us, you’ll enjoy open communication, meaning well scoped, appropriately resourced and effectively managed matters. Our clients tell us they come to Maddocks because we have the expertise they require, delivered with a strong emphasis on personalised service. What’s more, they explain that the difference between a Maddocks lawyer and others they deal
with is that we’re welcoming, we value long-term relationships and provide clarity and commerciality in our advice. Maddocks’ Seasonal Clerk program is a great opportunity to experience working in a dynamic legal office and familiarise yourself with the firm. It starts with an orientation, followed by a period in three of our seven practice groups. You will be exposed to a variety of areas within the firm and your experience may help you in determining your main areas of interest. For each rotation, you are assigned a co– coordinator who allocates work, provides support and evaluates your progress.
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Offices Canberra Melbourne Sydney
Major Practice Areas Advertising, Brands & Marketing Advocacy Asia & International Banking & Finance Commercial Contracts Competition & Regulation Compliance & Enforcement Construction & Projects Consumer Markets & Franchising Corporate & Commercial Debt Recovery (Local Government) Dispute Resolution & Litigation Emergency Services Emerging Companies Employment Energy & Resources Environment Equity Capital Markets
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Minter Ellison
graduates.minterellison.com/content/graduate-program MinterEllison is a leading international law firm based in Australia with a local presence in Adelaide. The firm offers legal services and commercial solutions to national and multinational companies, public and private sector clients. Our people have extensive experience working with businesses across a range of sectors including: agribusiness, health and aged care, higher education, not-forprofit, SMEs and energy and resources, encapsulating mining, oil and gas, power and water. Many of our specialists have been independently recognised among Australia’s preeminent legal advisers. At MinterEllison we believe our people are our greatest asset. By joining our firm you become part of a broad team that supports one another, is dedicated to learning and development, and strives for excellence in legal services delivery and client relationship management. As a permanent employee, you gain exposure to some of the state’s biggest companies, projects and matters.
Offices
Our aspiration is to be our clients’ best partner. In order to achieve this aim, we think beyond the law, and apply a commercial approach and creative thinking to our clients’ issues and opportunities. Join us and be a part of the future of legal services provision.
Offices Adelaide Darwin Perth Auckland Gold Coast Shanghai Beijing Hong Kong Sydney Brisbane London Ulaanbaatar Canberra Melbourne Wellington
Clerkships at MinterEllison Our vacation clerkships offer you real life work experience. A comprehensive induction program and learning on the job will help you to build your legal skills and commercial acumen. You will work closely with partners and lawyers on active matters giving you exposure to complex and challenging work. Contact in Adelaide: Vanda Mutton, Senior HR Advisor, at vanda.mutton@ minterellison.com
Major Practice Areas Dispute resolution Corporate including: Energy and Resources Major projects construction and Infrastructure Regulatory and government Tax Intellectual Property and Competition Law Financial services (including insolvency) Human resources and industrial relations Insurance and corporate risk Real estate (including environment and planning) Workers compensation
Application Dates Office
Period
Apps Open
Apps Close
Interviews
Offers
Adelaide
Summer
3 July 2017
24 July 2017
31 July 2017
28 August 2017
Brisbane
Summer
27 February 2017
20 March 2017
8 May 2017
Canberra
Summer
15 June 2017
16 July 2017
4 October 2017
Gold Coast
Summer
1 August 2017 19 August 2017
Melbourne
Summer
10 July 2017
12 October 2017
20 November 2017
Perth
Summer
3 July 2017
21 July 2017
4 October 2017
Sydney
Summer
15 June 2017
16 July 2017
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
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21 August 2017
14 August 2017
30 September 2017
4 October 2017
Your growth is our growth. Your success is our success. Our lawyers become innovative thinkers, strategists, and tacticians. As one of our lawyers, you'll be part of an elite team.
2017/2018 clerkships Our clerkship program gives you the opportunity to experience first-hand what it is like to work at MinterEllison. This eight week program includes: • • • • • •
social activities technical and client service skills development in-house training seminars firm-wide professional development opportunities sessions for junior lawyers opportunities to participate in community work with the Housing Legal Clinic and JusticeNet.
As a summer clerk, you can expect to: prepare advices, undertake legal research, draft legal documents and attend court, counsel briefings and client meetings. You will receive continual guidance and feedback from supervisors and other lawyers, who take a genuine interest in your learning. Many of our summer clerks are offered graduate positions within the firm, or, if they have not yet graduated, are retained on a part-time basis while they complete their studies.
Candidate attributes When considering clerks we look for a number of traits, including curiosity, confidence, empathy, clarity of thought, ability to see the bigger picture, ambition to grow personally and professionally, and a passion for a career in commercial law.
Summer clerkship applications MinterEllison participates in the South Australian Law Students' Council Uniform Clerkship Scheme, which prescribes the following dates: Applications open: Applications close: Interviews from: Offers released: Communication of decision:
9.00am, Monday 3 July 2017 5.00pm, Monday 24 July 2017 Monday 31 July 2017 9.00am, Monday 28 August 2017 9.00am, Tuesday 29 August 2017 115
To find out more about our clerkships and how to apply visit www.minterellison.com/careers/adelaide
Your Future
NDA Law
http://ndalaw.com.au/
Offices Adelaide
Major Practie Areas Business Succession and Estate Planning Commercial Competition and Consumer Law Corporate Defamation and Media Dispute Resolution Intellectual Property Privacy Social Media Tax and Superannuation
NDA Law is a new law firm with a very strong commercial focus. The firm has significant experience in helping businesses and individuals with legal matters. The firm specialises in corporate, commercial, tax, corporate governance, competition and consumer law, restructuring, all kinds of commercial agreements and dispute resolution and solutions.
The firm provides services for small and medium business clients, but also does a variety of work for individual clients, health organisations, education institutions, not-for-profits, industry bodies, and medium to large corporates and multinationals.
Norman Waterhouse www.normans.com.au
Offices Adelaide
Major Practice Areas Commercial Dispute Resolution Corporate & Commercial Employment & Industrial Relations Environment & Planning Family Law Intellectual Property Local Government Local Government Governance & Regulatory Services Migration & International Business Native Title, Resources & Associated Land Access Property, Construction, Infrastructure & Development Taxation & Wealth Management Wills & Estate Planning
Our ability to exceed client expectations has led to our success in a range of services embracing all aspects of business and family law. The Norman Waterhouse philosophy means that we consider ourselves to be part of your team. We provide legal advice and representation in transactions and dispute resolution to a broad range of clients, both public and private, nationally and internationally. Our people demonstrate considerable skills in commercial and legal environments and are committed to providing advice and solutions that maximise opportunity and minimise risk. Our advice is always focussed on the best strategic outcome. Established in 1920, our partnership is built on values of excellence, integrity and trust. Our people form a cohesive, creative team, and provide timely and effective advice, while remaining sensitive to the commercial realities of the marketplace. Clerkships Summer Clerkship Program As a Summer Clerk at Norman Waterhouse you are offered the opportunity to experience working with highly regarded and respected practitioners who are experts in their respective areas of practice. During the four-week program, you may be performing a variety of duties such as drafting letters of advice, research, and attending client interviews, firm meetings and events. Also, when the opportunity presents you may observe attendance at court and other pre-trial stages such as
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
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mediation conferences, negotiation and direction hearings. A number of our practitioners began with the firm as Summer Clerks. Selection Process It is a great opportunity for you to show us your passion for the law and explore the different areas of law and career possibilities. We seek students who, not only excel academically but inspire to be the best that they can be and who have the attributes in keeping with our Core Values. We consider driven, engaged, wellrounded individuals who are committed to embracing new challenges and new experiences. With the fluctuation of workloads in our practice areas, it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always possible for each of our practice teams to offer a placement, therefore, we ask you to include in your application your top three preferences. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to attend an interview.
Norton Rose Fulbright www.nortonrosefulbright.com
Norton Rose Fulbright is a leading global legal practice offering a full business law service to many of the world’s pre-eminent corporations and financial institutions. In Australia, we have offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Knowing how our clients’ businesses work and understanding what drives their industries is fundamental to us. Our lawyers share industry knowledge and sector expertise across borders, enabling us to support our clients anywhere in the world. We are strong in financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and health care. We take the view that we are only as strong as our people – which is why quality training and flexible work programmes are paramount to our business. We deliver an extensive range of training programmes targeted at specific stages of our lawyers’ professional development. Our graduate lawyers have the opportunity to follow a unique Asia Rotation programme and to spend time in one of our Asia Pacific offices. Come and explore our world.
Offices
Summer Clerkship The summer clerkship programme runs for 10 weeks in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney over the summer. You will have the chance to spend five weeks in one practice group and then rotate to a different practice area, to broaden your knowledge as much as possible. Our clerkship programme is your opportunity to start building a career with a global law firm, doing meaningful work of value. You will also be able to get to know our people, working closely with – and learning from – our associates, senior associates and partners. All in all, it is an opportunity to experience what life is really like as a graduate. The summer clerkship programme is the primary source for our national graduate programme, which feeds directly into our international opportunities such as the Asia Pacific International Rotational programme. Language skills in Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese are highly regarded.
Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney
Major Practice Areas Banking & Finance Competition & Consumer Construction & Engineering Corporate (equity capital markets, M & A, Private Equity) Employment & Labour Energy & Resources Environment & Planning Financial & Investment Services Health, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology Insurance Intellectual Property Litigation and Dispute Resolution Real Estate Restructuring & Insolvency Taxation Technology, media & Communication Transport and logistics
Piper Alderman www.piperalderman.com.au
Piper Alderman is a commercial law firm with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. We have over 50 partners and close to 300 staff in total. Our firm is committed to continual excellence in the practice of law, having been leading advisers to commercial interests across Australia for over 160 years. We have achieved our impressive growth by listening to our clients, responding to their needs and creating practical legal solutions. Piper Alderman is a single, united partnership dedicated to performing as a team and working together with our clients to achieve their business goals. As a genuinely national firm, we work with clients across all states and territories in Australia, as well as several international organisations. Clerkships at Piper Alderman Rather than a short lived summer clerkship, we offer our clerks a two-year program that may lead to a graduate position. Clerks work two days per week commencing from their penultimate year of study through to graduation. Our clerks progress quicker because of this ongoing experience.
We know that flexibility is key, so you get to choose the days you work each semester depending on your university timetable. We understand that as a student, you may have other commitments that require time away from work such as exams or exchange programs. Our range of leave policies allow you to apply for time off when you need it. We pride ourselves on offering real work, real experience and real opportunity. Providing our clerks with the opportunity to participate in real legal work is important for their engagement and development. We don’t recruit law clerks to become additional administrative assistants, but rather to offer real legal support to our lawyers and partners. You will be kept busy with legal research, drafting and attending court. Graduate Positions We recruit our graduates from our existing clerks, however from time to time we need additional graduates and will recruit outside of this. Keep an eye on our Current Opportunities page on our website or in CVmail for graduate opportunities.
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Offices Adelaide Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney
Major Practice Areas Agribusiness Banking & Finance Competition & Consumer Construction & Infrastructure Corporate & Commercial Dispute Resolution & Litigation Employment Relations Energy & Resources Government & Administrative Law Health & Life Sciences Hospitality, Tourism & Gaming Insolvency, Turnaround and Recoveries Insurance IP, Technology & Telecommunications Planning & Environment Private Client Services Privatisation Property Taxation & Superannuation Transport & Logistics
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Slater & Gordon https://www.slatergordon.com.au/
Offices
Adelaide Brisbane & 17 other QLD Offices Canberra Hobart Melbourne & 25 other Victorian Offices Perth & 2 other WA Offices Sydney & 22 other NSW Offices
Major Practie Areas Compensation Law Family Law Wills + Will Disputes Estate Planning + Probate Emplloyment Law Dispute Resolution Class Actions
Who we are Slater and Gordon Limited (“Slater and Gordon”, ASX:SGH) is a leading international consumer law firm employing 1,400 people in 80 locations across Australia and 3,800 people across 27 locations in the United Kingdom. Slater and Gordon’s mission is to give people easier access to world class legal services. The firm provides specialist legal and complementary services in a broad range of areas. Our Clients Our clients are people throughout Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) who are in need of a broad range of personal legal services. They want lawyers who are accessible and able to provide expert advice on their legal matters at an affordable price. Our clients came to us for individual legal needs, as well as group actions. They come from all backgrounds and socio-economic circumstances. Our History Slater and Gordon was founded in Australia in 1935. The company has grown from quite humble beginnings servicing the needs of unions and working people. We have built a powerful reputation throughout our history
as a law firm that fights to achieve the best outcomes. From the many landmark legal cases we have won to the introduction of innovations such as No Win - No Fee*, we have been determined to ensure that more people are able to access affordable legal services. The origins of Slater and Gordon in the United Kingdom (formerly Russell Jones and Walker) date back more than 85 years to the 1920s. The firm had similar foundations to that of Slater and Gordon in Australia, with its commitment to justice evident in its history of landmark cases throughout the decades. Our Services Slater and Gordon provides specialist legal services to individuals in a range of practice areas including all areas of liability and compensation law, as well as other general legal services in areas such as family and relationship law, conveyancing, wills and estate planning. Our Business and Specialised Litigation Services includes commercial, estate and professional negligence litigation and class actions. Our firm is well known for its experience in running complex and large scale class actions.
Sparke Helmore www.sparke.com.au
Offices Adelaide Brisbane Canberra Melbourne Newcastle Perth Port Macquarie Sydney Upper Hunter
Major Practice Areas Commercial & Projects Corporate Government Insurance Workplace
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Sparke Helmore Lawyers is a firm of 600 people working from nine offices across Australia. Our expertise spans corporate and commercial to construction, workplace to insurance, IP to IPOs, mining to manufacturing, and property to procurement.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is central to us achieving our strategic vision, that is, to be a world-class independent Australian law firm that clients value for its people and performance. Our immediate area of focus is on gender equality.
Our strategy puts our clients at the heart of everything we do. It involves having true legal subject matter expertise and targeted industry knowledge to deliver a level of insight that helps our clients find better ways to solve problems; from the everyday to the business critical. It also puts our people at the heart of everything we do, because we know they are business critical for us and our clients.
Our Employee Advisory group strengthens communication channels from and to our people on issues that affect our workplace. This group is representative of our workforce and provides insight into different employee perspectives, offering ideas and feedback that assists us to focus our efforts in this space.
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Thomson Geer www.tglaw.com.au
We have a total of 527 people, including 85 Partners and more than 275 other professionals operating out of our offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Our industry coverage and client work is diverse.
profession, however we also recognise that it can be demanding. For this reason Thomson Geer aims to create an environment that is flexible, friendly, personable, collegiate and professionally stimulating.
WHY CHOOSE US? Your future and our future. We know you’re not just a student on work experience. We want to give you a realistic and stretching introduction to the legal profession. How does this happen? From day one, you’ll be an active participant in the team, involved in all aspects of legal practice, and working directly with experienced practitioners. We also want you to enjoy your time with us – there are lots of social events you can get involved in – and what better way for you to get to know your colleagues?
Our wellbeing@work program supports employees to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Our employees love to get involved in triathlons, mixed sporting teams and yoga, and they enjoy massages and healthy breakfasts.
Investing in you We will dedicate significant time to your development as an up and coming lawyer in our team: an investment in you is an investment in our future, and the future of our valued clients. You will find that all of our partners and staff are approachable and always happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. We encourage our clerks, graduates and trainees to get as much exposure to different practice areas and ways of working as they can – this is a reflection of how we work as a wider organisation; a fully integrated, cohesive, national team. Work life balance – yes, it does exist! The Law is an incredibly rewarding
OUR CLERKSHIP PROGRAM We are looking for law students who have excelled academically, are client focused, commercially minded, and work well in a team environment. We are especially keen to talk to students who have an additional technical degree! We offer a structured four week program where clerks learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching and observation. Students who complete a clerkship with the firm will be eligible to be considered for a position in the firm’s next graduate program in 2018 or 2019. This program runs for 12 months and includes rotation among different practice areas to help determine the area of law which best suits you. APPLICATIONS Applications open on 3 July 2017, and can be made via cvMail or the Thomson Geer website.
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Offices Adelaide Brisbane Melbourne Sydney
Specialist Practice Areas Advertising & Marketing Agribusiness Banking & Finance Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Competition & Regulation Construction & Projects Corporate & Advisory Employment, Workplace Relations & Safety Energy & Resources Environment & Planning Franchising Funds Management & Financial Services Gaming & Leisure Government Health, Aged Care & Retirement Villages Insurance Intellectual Property Litigation & Dispute Resolution Media, Broadcasting & Entertainment Mergers & Acquisitions Property Restructuring & Insolvency Superannuation & Wealth Management Tax Technology Telecommunications
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
Wallmans
www.wallmans.com.au Offices Adelaide
Major Practie Areas Business & Commercial Competition & Consumer Financial Services Hospitality & Licensing Insolvency Insurance Litigation & Dispute Resolution Mediation Medical Mercantile Planning & Environment Privacy Property, Construction & Infrastructure Retirement Villages & Aged Care Taxation & Superannuation Transport & Shipping Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety Personal Injury Taxation & Superannuation Wills & Estate Planning Commercial & Property Governance Litigation & Dispute Resolution Planning, Environment & Licensed Premises Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety
Wallmans Lawyers is an established multipractice commercial firm, providing an integrated team of nationally recognised leaders with extensive knowledge of key industry sectors. While predominately Adelaide based, the firm services a significant range of local, national and international clients across the corporate, private and government sectors as well as individuals. Comprising a full service team of 96 staff, our lawyers have a reputation for understanding our clients’ business, their objectives and goals, whilst ultimately providing solutions that are cost effective and commercial. As a multi-practice firm, we are able to offer complementary services that are essential to effective business operations including tailored taxation, superannuation, property, workplace relations, litigation and dispute resolution assistance. We act for a wide variety of clients from medium sized businesses through to publicly listed organisations across a broad range of industries, including financial services, professional services, government, health, aged care, transport and shipping, not for profit, insurance, hospitality and wine, tourism, media and property and construction.
Clerkships and PLT
Wallmans Lawyers offer six-week clerkships for students wanting to undertake their PLT placement and a four-week Summer Clerk Program during December and January. Many summer clerks have been invited back to do their Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) or PLT placement with us.
Employer Directory: Civil Legal Practice
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We look for students with ability, enthusiasm and motivation who are friendly team players with strong communication skills. In other words, Wallmans people. In return, we will offer an opportunity to experience life in a successful city legal practice, and welcome you as part of the team. You will work with lawyers at all levels on a daily basis, and the program will be coordinated by our Human Resources Manager to help make your transition from student to pre-admission lawyer as smooth as possible. You will receive full training on our systems and procedures when you arrive and practical feedback when you finish the program. We will also seek your feedback to ensure continuous improvement. A typical clerkship at Wallmans Lawyers includes: • Attending client meetings and interviews with witnesses • Conducting and reporting on factual and legal research and draft opinions • Collating and indexing documents for use in trials and mediation • Preparing letters to clients, barristers and witnesses • Drafting court documents and commercial documents • Accompanying clients to a barrister’s chambers or to court • Attending court registries and public offices • Participating in practice area section meetings and our in-house training program.
Employer Directory: Criminal Legal Practice
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions www.dpp.sa.gov.au
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is responsible for prosecuting offences in South Australia. Lawyers working at the ODPP may either serve as a prosecutor, appearing in court, or a solicitor, preparing matters for prosecution. The ODPP aims to provide the people of South Australia with an independent and effective criminal prosecution service which is timely, efficient and just.
PLT Placement
Applicants should register their interest by filling in the online application found on the ODPP website, specifying which intake they are interested in. Please ensure you attach an up to date curriculum vitae and a copy of your academic transcript. Applicants should provide a short summary of why they are interested in completing their placement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Applications should be made in writing. See theOffices website for postal address details. Adelaide
Placement Dates
- 15 May - 30 Jun (Applications close 17 Mar) - 31 Jul - 15 Sept (Applications close 2 June) - 2 Oct - 17 Nov (Applications close 4 August)
Summer Clerkships
Summer Clerkships are offered to students completing their final years of tertiary law studies. Applications for the Summer Clerk roles should reflect both academic and personal achievements as well as any relevant legal work experience. To be successful in obtaining a Clerkship within the Office, your application should showcase your interpersonal skills, ambitions and your passion for the law.
Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions www.cdpp.gov.au
The Office of the Commonwealth of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) is an independent prosecution service established by Parliament to prosecute alleged offences against Commonwealth law. We aim to provide an effective, ethical, high quality and independent criminal prosecution service for Australia in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth. The CDPP provides an effective and efficient independent prosecution service that contributes to a fair, safe and just Australia where Commonwealth laws are respected, offenders are brought to justice and potential offenders are deterred.
Employer Directory: Crinimal Legal Practice
As the CDPP is responsible for the conduct of prosecutions against the laws of the Commonwealth in all-Australian jurisdictions, we are in a unique position to provide feedback to policy formulators and lawmakers about the operation of Commonwealth criminal law and our experience working with these laws in the courts
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Offices Adelaide Brisbane Canberra Cairns Hobart Melbourne Perth Sydney Townsville
Anderson Solicitors
Bronwyn Zanker & Co
Andersons Solicitors Andersons Solicitors has offices in Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Morphett Vale, Murray Bridge, Mt Gambier and Port Adelaide. They specialize in personal injury law including injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries through WorkCover or ComCare, asbestos and dust diseases including chemical exposure, medical negligence and catastrophic injury and injuries resulting from an accident in a public place. They also have employment industrial, family, commercial, criminal and wills and estate planning departments.
This firm offers assistance with legal issues arising from family law, criminal law, wills and estates, motor vehicle accidents and drink driving. The firm is run by Bronwyn Zanker, who will work to assist you with all of your legal concerns.
Colthorpe Lawyers
Caldicot Lawyers
www.andersons.com.au
www.colthorpelawyers.com.au
www.caldicottlawyers.com.au
Colthorpe Lawyers specialise in criminal defence law, including defending all prosecutions for traffic related offences, licence reviews and the lifting of immediate police suspensions of licence. We frequently deal with simple traffic offences such as speeding and other minor offences but also drink driving offences, driving whilst disqualified, driving to evade police, in a manner dangerous and cause injury or death by negligent driving. Colthorpe Lawyers is located in Christies Beach.
Caldicott Lawyers is a specialised law firm that works exclusively in all areas of criminal law. The firm handles all types of criminal matters, from serious charges including murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, drug offences, sex offences, serious assaults, violent offences, theft and fraud, to traffic and driving charges, including drink driving, drug driving, causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified. Caldicott Lawyers is a member of ADLA (Australian Defence Lawyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Alliance), which is a group of leading criminal law firms in Australia.
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Employer Directory: Crinimal Legal Practice
Mangan Ey & Associates
Michael Woods & Co
www.manganey.com.au
www.criminallawexperts.com.au
Mangan Ey & Associates Barristers and Solicitors specialise in criminal and traffic law. They are one of Adelaideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest and experienced specialist criminal law firms, established in 1982. They practice in murder and manslaughter cases, all types of drug offences, sexual offences, assault, disorderly behavior, domestic violence, theft and robbery, fraud, firearms and weapons offences, serious criminal trespass, drink driving, general traffic offences and demerit points, and driving without due care.
Woods & Co is a specialist criminal and traffic Law firm located in the heart of Adelaide. The firm services all court areas in South Australia, and has developed a reputation for providing forthright and honest advice. Michael Woods & Co believes in being experts and providing a boutique service to our clients that is second to none. The firm provide a 24hr emergency service.
Websters Lawyers
www.websterslawyers.com.au Websters Lawyers are a firm of experienced barristers and solicitors from a diverse range of areas who have the common aim of providing a more personal and efficient legal service than clients are likely to have received elsewhere. Websters Lawyers practice in a wide variety of areas, including personal injury and public liability, family law, workers compensation, motor vehicle accident claims, criminal law, traffic and police matters, estate administration, equal opportunity and discrimination claims, victims of crime claims, court litigation, wills, and commercial litigation
Employer Directory: Suburban & Rural Practice
AM Legal
Beger & Co Lawyers www.beger.com.au
www.boylanlawyers.com.au
AM Legal provides advice and dispute resolution, as well assisting people with planning and managing their legal affairs of both a personal and business nature. AM Legal specialises in workplace relations as well as commerce, personal relationships (marriage and de facto), personal services (wills and estate planning) and public law. It is also strongly committed to participating in the community also undertaking a significant amount of pro bono work.
Beger & Co Lawyers is an accredited Law Society of South Australia “Gold Alliance” Adelaide law firm. The firm is a general practice of experienced Adelaide lawyers and conveyancers located in St Peters, South Australia. The lawyers at Beger & Co Lawyers are all highly experienced in court disputes, employment matters, litigation, wills and estates, commercial law and property law. Beger & Co guarantees a service of the highest quality in a friendly and comfortable environment.
Boylan Lawyers are not only located in the CBD of Adelaide but they have five rural locations to extend their assistance throughout the state. Their areas of practice include; wills and estates, injury law, family law, property and commercial law, litigation, work law and notarising.
Dewar Legal
Hume Taylor & Co www.humetaylor.com.au
Jankus Legal
www.jankuslegal.com.au
Dewar Legal is a personal and business legal firm based in Adelaide. The firm practices in the fields of family law, estate law, and criminal law. The firm offers a full range of legal services with a particular focus on assisting individuals, families and small business to resolve complex legal disputes.
Hume Taylor & Co Lawyers is a mediumsized, South Australian law firm with offices located in Adelaide, Millicent and Whyalla. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, maintaining a sizeable commercial, corporate and private client base. They practice in areas ranging from family law to criminal law, wills & estate planning, probate and estate administration, personal injury claims, commercial law, industrial law and conveyancing.
SMEs or business owners that require practical and cost effective business law advice make up most of Jankus Legal’s clients. They want to set things up well for the long term and to carry on their business without spending too much time or money on lawyers. Jankus Legal addresses its clients’ needs by working efficiently and effectively, and where possible providing a fixed quote for legal work.
www.amlegal.com.au
www.dewarlegal.com
Boylan & Co
Jankus Legal provides legal services in business documents and advice, business structures, wills and estates plans, and notary public. Christine Jankus is a solicitor with nearly 30 years experience in commercial law and is also a member of the Law Society of South Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Employer Directory: Suburban & Rural
126
Johnston Withers
Georgiadis Lawyers
Kyrmis Lawyers
www.johnstonwithers.com.au
www.georgiadis.com.au
www.kyrimislawyers.com.au
Johnston Withers is a progressive, midsized South Australian law firm with a social conscience. It has been serving Adelaide and regional SA clients for nearly 70 years. It has a head office in Adelaide; regional offices in Clare, Port Augusta and Whyalla; and regularly visits Roxby Downs. Johnston Withersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; areas of focus are injury law, employment law, commercial and property law, family law, wills and estates, criminal law and dispute resolution. They are highly regarded for particular expertise in some niche areas: defamation; native title and Aboriginal legal issues; food, wine and agri-law; environmental law; and legal assistance for not-for-profit organisations and associations. Underpinning all they do is a focus on building strong personal relationships with clients â&#x20AC;&#x201C; helping them in their workplaces, in their families, in their businesses and in their lives.
Georgiadis Lawyers is a boutique firm specializing in a range of corporate and personal practice areas. The firm practices in commercial and business law, property law, family law, wills, estates and succession law, criminal law, personal injury law, WorkCover law and employment law. Georgiadis Lawyers has offices located in the Adelaide CBD, Salisbury, Christies Beach, Mount Barker and Port Adelaide.
Kyrmis Lawyers is a full-service regional law firm based in Mount Gambier, aiming to provide the highest quality legal services in a timely fashion. The firm practices in areas of wills and estates, commercial law, workplace law, land brokerage, criminal law, family law, civil disputes.
Stokes Legal
Scammell & Co
Johnston Withers offer PLT placements and employ law clerks and interns as needed.
Mellor Olsson
www.mellorolsson.com.au
www.stokeslegal.com.au
www.scammell.com.au
Mellor Olsson has permanent offices in Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Clare, as well as (by appointment) offices at Bordertown, Kadina, Keith, McLaren Vale and Nuriootpa. The lawyers at Mellor Olsson can assist with personal injury, wills and estates, commercial services, employment law, local government and planning and conveyancing. At Mellor Olsson, high quality legal advice goes hand in hand with high levels of personal service. The firm takes pride in providing legal solutions for all South Australians.
Since 1988, Stokes Legal has provided effective legal solutions, advice and court representation. Being a small, client focused firm, it offers a high level of personalised service with the convenience of accessible offices with easy parking at any one of five suburban locations and Victor Harbor office. Stokes Legal practices in family law, wills and estates, business and property law, and debt collection.
Scammell & Co cover a wide range of legal and associated matters, but the firm has extensive experience in injury claims. The firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services include personal injury, family law, commercial services, litigation, wills and estates and criminal law.
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Employer Directory: Suburban & Rural
Employer Directory: Community Legal Practice
Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal
Australian Refugee Association
www.australianrefugee.org http://www.fvlsac.org.au The Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation (FVLSAC) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is a free community legal service assisting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander victim/ survivors of family violence and/or sexual assault in the state of South Australia. The service work with families and communities affected by violence. The service has offices in Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and Ceduna and provide services in the Spencer Gulf Region and West Coast Region and surrounding communities. FVLSAC provides face to face and/or telephone legal advice to victim/survivors of family violence and/or sexual assault. The service also provide client support services and community legal education.
JusticeNet www.justicenet.org.au JusticeNet SA is an independent, not-forprofit legal service that provides pro bono legal assistance to individuals and charitable organisations in South Australia. The organisation is run by experienced lawyers and assisted by volunteers, and aims to provide a safety net for individuals or groups who cannot afford a lawyer. JusticeNet accepts applications for volunteers year-round and opens positions on an as-needed basis. The major intake is during June and November each year. Places are competitive. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV and Academic Transcript to Louise Young at admin@justicenet.org.au.
The Australian Refugee Association (ARA) was established in 1975 by a group of concerned people who volunteered their time to help people arriving in Australia from Vietnam. Volunteers are an integral part of the work that the ARA does, and there are currently approximately 600 volunteers. The ARAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to help refugees become settled and participating citizens of Australia. Their vision is an Australia where refugees are an integral part of a thriving, prosperous community. The ARA provides advice, assistance, advocacy and practical support with settlement services, migration services, employment services, youth services, public education, policy and advocacy.
Central Community Legal Service www.yourbestlife.org.au
Central Community Legal Service is a community organisation set up to provide free legal information, advice, referral and assistance. It offers three different types of services: 1. Generalist Legal Service 2. Disability Discrimination Assistance 3. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Youth Legal Service There are outreaches available at Marion Youth Service in Oaklands Park, Medindie Gardens and Pitt Street in the city, shopfront in Salisbury, The Platform at Elizabeth and Streetlink in the city.
Legal Services Commision
A career with the Legal Services Commission gives you an opportunity to play a role in providing the community with access to quality legal services.
Most positions are for lawyers and paralegals but we also employ a full range of administrative staff. The majority of employees are located in our Adelaide office.
The Commission provides legal representation in criminal and family law matters, as well as free legal advice and minor assistance on most areas of law.
Legal aid lawyers require a comprehensive knowledge of the law, excellent communication skills and an ability to deal with people from diverse backgrounds.
The Commission offers attractive employment conditions including salary packaging, flexible working arrangements within a range of family-friendly policies, plus opportunities for professional development.
We prefer applicants with relevant work experience and we recommend volunteer work (e.g. at a community legal centre or at JusticeNet SA) to gain relevant experience and increase employability.
Our people are valued and respected. We encourage and recognise individual and team effort, innovation and creativity in our activities. The Legal Services Commission has about 200 staff throughout SA with offices in Adelaide, Whyalla, Port Augusta, Elizabeth, Mount Barker, Port Adelaide and Noarlunga.
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Employer Directory: Community Legal
Northern Community Legal Service
Riverland Community Legal Service
Northern Community Legal Service offers free legal information and a referral service to people living in the northern Adelaide metropolitan area. Ongoing legal assistance is only provided to those people who are on low incomes and who are not eligible for legal aid.
The Riverland Community Legal Service is one of approximately 150 community legal centres throughout Australia.
The centre has a specialist Child Support Service, which is available to parents receiving, or those eligible to receive child support, as well as parents who are paying child support.
www.riverlandlegalservice.org.
With offices located at 8 Wilson Street Berri the Service provides free legal advice, representation and community legal education throughout the Riverland region. The Riverland Community Legal Service is funded by the Commonwealth AttorneyGeneral’s department and is accredited with the National Association of Community Legal Centres.
Roma Mitchell Community Legal Centre Roma Mitchell Community Legal Centre is a volunteer run agency offering free legal advice on Monday and Thursday evenings by pro bono solicitors. Their services include legal advice and referral, promotion of human rights, Aboriginal reconciliation and volunteer opportunities. Such volunteer activities include Centrelink Activity Agreements, legal training placements, and work experience placements by negotiation.
A free financial counselling service is also available to members of the northern community. Outreaches are conducted at Nuriootpa, Murray Bridge, Gawler and Kadina.
Southern Community Justice Cen-
Welfare Rights Centre (SA) Inc
Westside Community Lawyers
The Southern Community Justice Centre provides a number of free services to the community in a professional and friendly environment. The services are operated under three main departments:
Welfare Rights (SA) is a non-governmental agency that exists to assist people in their dealings with Centrelink where the nature of a recent, or impending, decision leaves the client with cause for some concern. Welfare Rights can advise clients on their rights and legal entitlements, and can contact Centrelink of their behalf and attempt to resolve the problem. This is a free service.
Westside Community Lawyers, located in Port Pirie and Hindmarsh, acts for people who require legal assistance and representaion in court.This service also advise Not for Profit organisations and help people to understand their legal rights through education and information. Ongoing legal assistance is provided to those who are not eligible for legal aid from the Legal Services Commission of South Australia.
www.scjc.com.au
• •
•
Legal Services: provides assistance in various areas of law, including family, civil, and criminal law; Child Support Services: provides specialist assistance in the area of child support to people residing in most areas of South Australia; and Neighbourhood and Community Disputes Service: this Service provides Alternative dispute Resolution Services in neighbourhood and other community disputes to most residents of South Australia
Employer Directory: Community Legal
www.wrcsa.org.au
The Welfare Rights Centre also manages the Housing Legal Clinic, which exists to provide pro bono legal advice to people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. This Clinic was established to reduce the marginalisation or people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and over 1,500 clients use this service.
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www.westsidelawyers.net
Women’s Legal Service (SA) Inc
Young Workers’ Legal Service
The Women’s Legal Service (SA) Inc. is a community based legal centre providing legal services to women in South Australia. The Service focusses on assisting women with legal information, advice, representation, referrals and education on a wide range of issues including domestic violence, family law, criminal injuries compensation, discrimination, employment, debts, and immigration. Every year the Women’s Legal Service provides advice to over two thousand women.
The Young Workers’ Legal Service (YWLS) provides workers under the age of 30 with free, confidential advice about work-related matters. The advice that the YWLS provides is free of charge. However, young workers are responsible for legal costs incurred, including lodgment fees, obtaining evidence and attending Tribunal hearings. The Young Workers’ Legal Service is staffed by volunteer law student advisors who work under the supervision of one legally trained Industrial Officer.
The Service provides: •A free and confidential legal information telephone service; •Free and confidential legal advice, assistance, referrals and representation; •Metropolitan Outreach services such as at the Southern Women’s Community Health Centre; •Outreach services to rural, regional and remote areas including Port Augusta, Coober Pedy and the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands; •Community legal education workshops and seminars; and •Law reform initiatives and activities that work towards positive key legislative and policy changes for women.
The service provides free information and advice about workplace problems to people under 31. The Young Workers’ Legal Service represents workers in matters including:
www.wlssa.org.au
www.ywls.org.au
• • •
Underpayment of wages Unfair dismissal Discrimination
Employer Directory: Private Non-Legal
Allianz
www.allianz.com.au Allianz offers a wide range of insurance and risk management products and services. These services include: personal insurance (such as home and contents, motor, boat, travel, and CTP and life insurance); industrial and commercial insurance, which includes those for such things as farms and businesses; corporate insurance, such as those for construction, liability and professional indemnity; public and products liability; worker’s compensation; and loss control and risk management strategies. Allianz is an insurance company that provides services in both Australia and New Zealand, and employs over 3,800 staff. Allianz Insurance Australia is part of the Allianz Global Group operating in every State and Territory in Australia, and is one of the leading private workers compensation cover. Allianz Australia only takes on a small number of graduates each year, which allows you to receive a highly tailored and supportive early career experience. As an Allianz Graduate, you will be placed into a defined program, but will also have the chance to work with your Graduate peers cross-functionally. You will work on enterprise related projects with your peers and substantially further your education. During your two-year program you will also gain diverse experiences through rotations across our business, as well the opportunity to participate in a number of personal development activities.
Program Benefits Fully supported study program - including all fees and study leave requirements Market competitive remuneration Two year program with up to four rotations Buddy program to assist in your introduction to Allianz Networking opportunities with the Managing Director and Chairman Ability to network with other Graduates and the Allianz Graduate Alumni Ongoing career development opportunities Potential opportunities to work internationally and get involved with global training and projects An attractive range of employee benefits, including insurance at discounted rates, community support programs and flexible leave arrangements Graduate Programs Underwriting & Risk Management Agriculture Relationship Management and Sales General Insurance leadership IT Business Solutions Workers Compensation
ANZ Banking Group www.anz.com.au
ANZ is a publicly listed company that provides a range of banking and financial products and services to almost 8 million customers. It is one of the five largest and most successful listed companies in Australia, and operates in 32 markets globally with representation in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Pacific, Europe, America, and the Middle East. ANZ provides personal services, services for small businesses, as well as business for the corporate sector.
You’ll benefit from all the rewarding experiences and guidance you’ll need for a thriving career. What’s more, you’ll receive feedback, support and advice from a range of ANZ managers as well as build on your personal associations within the bank. It’s simple. We’re here to give you all the encouragement, guidance and industry nous you’ll need to make the smartest move – for you.
ANZ offers all our new graduates something no other financial institution can – unique and exclusive access to our international network of professionals from their base in Australia or New Zealand. It’s all supported by our position as one of the world’s strongest, safest and most sustainable banks.
BDO
www.bdo.com.au BDO was established as an association of firms in Australia in 1975. Today, the company is one of Australia’s largest associations of independently owned accounting practices, with offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. In Australia, BDO offers the expertise of more than 150 partners, supported by over 1300 staff. The company provides services to a diverse range of clients, from large corporate organisations to private businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals across a broad array of industry sectors. Graduates As you near the end of your time at university, the next step in your career progression is to start thinking about where you want to work.
BDO offers Graduate programs across Australia, so if you are a final year student or have recently completed your degree in Accounting, Law, or Finance and you think BDO is the firm for you, follow the link to the office location which interests you to find out more about their current opportunities, the recruitment process, and what you need to do to apply. - See more at: http://www.bdo. com.au/careers/students#sthash.9byrKm6D.dpuf
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Employer Directory: Private Non-Legal
BHP Billiton www.bhpbilliton.com.au
BHP Billiton is a global resources company that is among the world’s largest producers of major commodities, including aluminium, copper, energy coal, iron ore, manganese, metallurgical coal, nickel, silver and uranium along with substantial interests in oil and gas. BHB Billiton offers graduates unique opportunities to learn and excel in their day-to-day work, engage with exceptional leaders, build a global network of colleagues and work with educators from some of the world’s leading business schools.
Graduate Positions Our Program smoothly transitions our graduates from university to a work environment and includes a variety of learning styles to meet the needs of our diverse graduate population. In addition to learning at work and excelling in your day-to-day activities, you’ll complete a number of work-based, team and experiential activities to help you build your functional base, develop decision-making, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and learn what it takes to be an inclusive leader at BHP Billiton.
Deloitte
www.deloitte.com.au Deloitte Australia provides a broad range of audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients. It has expertise that spans industry sectors including automotive; consumer business; energy & resources; financial services; government services; life sciences & health care; manufacturing; real estate; and technology, media & telecommunications. The Australian partnership of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is committed to growth, client service and its people – 600 partners and more than 6000 people located in 14 offices across the country, plus offices in PNG, Timor-Leste. Vacationer and Graduate Programs The Summer Vacation Program offers significant client exposure, networking opportunities, training and feedback from a strong support system.
Graduates spend three to eight weeks in one of our service lines, with the prospect of securing a graduate position. If you are in your penultimate year at university you are eligible to apply. Our people are our most valuable assets. Each year we recruit a large number of outstanding graduates for our in-demand Graduate Program to inject new ideas and energy into Deloitte. Graduate employees start with us in early March and early July. Each new employee is paired up with a ‘Buddy’ and a counselling manager to help with a smooth transition into Deloitte life. We provide the right kinds of tools and training to ensure all our graduates can achieve career success through mentoring, peer support, e-learning events and Deloitte’s own graduate development program called D. Academy. Graduate program roles for 2018 and summer vacation roles for 2017/18 will open in February 2017
Ernst & Young www.ey.com.au
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services. Our 167,000 people are united by our shared values, which inspire our people worldwide and guide them to do the right thing, and our commitment to quality, which is embedded in who we are and everything we do.
qualification or a Masters of Tax. You’ll begin to build your technical, leadership and communication skills, and be responsible for parts of projects right away, working in a business area of your choice. As a graduate with EY you’ll be able to add value to your clients and shape your career as a professional.
Ernst & Young is committed to doing its part in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
Apply early! Applications will close once positions are filled. Applications are now open and will close on 31 March.
Graduate Program With early responsibility and the support and training to grow, you’ll build the confidence to pursue your goals. Exposed to a wide range of clients, you can expect to develop your networks, collaborate with specialists, learn from mentors and even study for postgraduate qualifications, including the Chartered Accountant
Employer Directory: Private Non- Legal
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Edwards Mashall www.edwardsmarshall.com.au
Nexia Edwards Marshall is an advisory firm based in Adelaide that provides clients with a number of services, including: Audit and Assurance Services; Business Consulting Services; Corporate Recovery; Financial Planning Services; Forensic Accounting; Information Technology Services; and Mining Resources. Nexia Edwards Marshall has an Undergraduate Program in which students are able to work on a casual basis at the firm while completing their studies. While the Program begins in February every year, Nexia Edwards Marshall accepts applications from students throughout the year. Students are able to submit their CV via the website to be considered for the program.
Undergraduate Program Work for a truly great firm that values and appreciates their staff! Our Undergraduate Program is a fantastic opportunity to commence your career and gain valuable experience whilst still completing your studies. If you are willing to undertake your study whilst working full time with generous study support, then submit your CV together with a copy of your academic transcript. Our Program commences in February of each year and we accept applications throughout the year.
Ferrier Hodgson www.ferrierhodgson.com
Established in 1976, Ferrier Hodgson is Asia Pacificâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most widely recognised and highly respected provider of turnaround, reconstruction and forensics services. The Ferrier Hodgson Group has over 30 partners and 300 staff and offices in all major Australian capital cities, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. With specialist industry advisers, Ferrier Hodgson are able to address both the operational and financial aspects of each matter to come up with the optimal solutions. Ferrier Hodgson prides itself on the specialist nature of its practice, thus we are usually free from the conflicts that affect many of our competitors.
At Ferrier Hodgson Graduates will be provided with opportunities to continuously evolve your professional and personal growth. In addition to our extensive L&D framework that starts from week one where as a new graduate you will attend our National Learning Program, coaching and mentoring are well-established forms of personal and professional development at Ferrier Hodgson. Applications for the 2017/18 vacationer program will open late February 2017.
We have offices across Australia and Asia as well as a strong association with international firms Zolfo Cooper and KLC Kennic Lui & Co to provide services globally.
Goldman Sachs www.gs.com.au
Goldman Sachs is a financial management firm, which operates in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. The firm is able to apply their global knowledge of worldwide finances to the specific Australian perspective. Goldman Sachs focuses on corporate advisory, securities and investment management, with key business areas in asset management, cash products, corporate advisory, principal investment area and securities.
The summer analyst role is for candidates currently pursuing a college or university degree and is usually undertaken during the penultimate year of study. While your discipline or major are not important, we are looking for candidates with an outstanding record of academic achievement and an interest in the financial markets.
Goldman Sachs is primarily focused on client interests, as well as teamwork and dedication. Amongst striving to anticipate the changing and varied needs of every client, Goldman Sachs aims for all employees to maintain the business principle that integrity and honesty are the heart of the business.
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Employer Directory: Private Non-Legal
Korda Mentha www.kordamentha.com
KordaMentha is an advisory firm, which reaches across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, and has a strategic affiliation with Alix Partners in the USA, UK, Europe and Asia. The firm’s Australian offices are in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Gold Coast, Townsville and Adelaide. KordaMentha specialises in Corporate Recovery, Turnaround and Restructuring, Real Estate Advisory and Forensic Services. KordaMentha has been involved with many voluntary administrations, including the largest voluntary administration in Australian history, as administrators of Ansett.
Other clients include Griffin Energy Group, Timbercourp Group and the Oracle Towers at Broadbeach. Applications are open to students in their penultimate year Applications for our 2017/2018 Vacationer and 2018 Graduate roles will open in early March 2017.
KPMG
www.kpmg.com.au KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 155 countries and have more than 189,000 people working in member firms around the world. In Australia, KPMG has around 6,700 people, including over 400 partners, with offices around the country. Our position is built on the professionalism of our people, the quality of the Audit and Assurance, Tax, and Advisory services we offer and the contribution we make to the wellbeing of the communities in which we live and operate. With one of the country’s most diverse range of projects – in advisory, tax and accounting – KPMG will graduates working with the nation’s most respected companies from day one.
Graduates will receive world-class training and mentoring, and mix with some of the brightest minds around. Plus they’ll have the opportunity to work on community and environmental programs that make a genuine difference to our society. Our clients turn to us because we get the job done through our dedication to quality and our collaborative approach. Our people aim to succeed by delivering industry-focused services that create genuine, sustainable value for our clients. Applications for our 2018 Graduate roles and 2017/18 Summer Vacation roles will open in February 2017. Our selection process starts as soon as applications are submitted and will continue until we have recruited for positions. Applications for our 2018 Graduate roles and 2017/18 Summer Vacation roles will open in February 2017.
Macquarie Group Australia www.macquarie.com.au
Macquarie Group Australia provides a diverse range of services, including banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services throughout the world. With a focus expertise and risk management, the firm instils confidence in its clients, which assists in providing strong client-focused services. The main services provided by Macquarie Group Australia include organisational structure and business activities, corporate governance, and leadership. The firm acts for institutional, corporate, and retail clients both nationally and internationally.
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Macquarie Group Australia is dri ven by strong business management, careful risk management, and having a strong and committed team. Important dates Applications for our 2017/18 Summer program will open mid-2017. Applications to our 2018 graduate program will open early 2017.
National Australia Bank www.nab.com.au
National Australia Bank Group (the Group) is a financial services organisation with over 12,700,000 customers and 42,000 people, operating more than 1,700 stores and business banking centres globally. Our major financial services franchises in Australia are complemented by businesses in New Zealand, Asia, and the United Kingdom. Each of our brands is uniquely positioned, but built on a common commitment to provide our customers with quality products and services, fair fees and charges, and relationships built on the principles of help, guidance and advice.
The National Australia Bank commits to provide quality products and services and fair fees and charges. The National Australia Bank places a strong emphasis on corporate responsibility, and the relationship between customers, employees and communities. With the ultimate goal of providing sustainable business, the National Australia Bank strives to accelerate efficiency, quality and service, as well as investing in their own people, and always continuing to develop a strong business portfolio. Applications for the 2018 Graduate Program will open late February 2017.
Proctor & Gamble www.pgcareers.com.au
P&G provides products and services to worldwide consumers. P&G strives to improve the lives of consumers by increasing their life quality. Two of the firm’s main principles are diversity and inclusion, which assists in accumulating employees from various backgrounds, to assist the firm in connecting with the global marketplace. P&G is extremely consumer-focused, and aims to keep in touch with its consumers to ensure that the firm is fulfilling its key business principles. One way of doing this is by utilising a unique organisational structure, which provides a framework for increased efficiency. This enables the company to conduct all services and procedures at a high quality level.
This also allows P&G to have a reliable network of partners and suppliers, which assists in the strong relationship between P&G and its ultimate consumers. P&G has such a broad range of business that enables it to work on a technological level to connect categories and global regions in new and innovative ways through a collaboration process which ultimately increases the firm’s products’ demand, reach and sales. Applications for the graduate or internship program will open in March 2017.
Price Waterhouse Coopers www.pwc.com.au
Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) provides financial services including tax and advisory services for clients in the areas of Corporate Accountability, Performance & Process Improvement, Risk Management and Structuring and Mergers & Acquisitions. The lawyers in PwC’s legal team work in conjunction with the other divisions of the firm (including Advisory, Assurance, Tax and Private Client Specialists) to ensure that clients are provided with the most comprehensive advice and solutions.
Graduate Programs PwC encourages students to apply to our Student Programs before you graduate. It enables you to put what you’ve learned at university into practice and gain valuable work experience, so you can see first-hand what it’s like to work with us before you graduate. While we fill the vast majority of our graduate roles via these Student Programs (e.g. Vacation Program, Trainee Program), we will continue to hire graduates straight into the Graduate Program to fill the few remaining positions. Applications for the 2017 PwC Vacation Program open 20th February 2017 and close 31st March.
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Employer Directory: Private Non-Legal
Rio Tinto
www.riotinto.com.au Rio Tinto is a leading mining and metals company that produces iron ore, coal, bauxite, alumina, aluminium, uranium, copper, gold, diamonds, employing 60 thousands people world wide across more than 30 operating sites
resources, procurement, and information technology. Graduates are provided development support, professional development, as well as orientation and engagement with the company over the course of the two-year Program.
Rio Tinto has roles for students that are business related, which include: commerce/accounting, economics finance, relations/ communications, international/external relations, human
The company recruits graduates based on their varying requirements year to year. Graduate opportunities are listed on graduate recruitment site.
Suncorp Group www.suncorp.com.au
Suncorp Group includes leading general insurance, banking, life insurance and superannuation brands in Australia and New Zealand. The Group has about 14,500 employees and relationships with nine million customers Integral to meeting customer needs are three operational business units: Banking & Wealth, Insurance Australia and Insurance New Zealand. The company looks for graduates with qualifications in accounting, agribusiness, business, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, human resources, law & marketing. Graduates will have an opportunity to apply from one of a number of Graduate Programs. These include: Agribusiness Banking, Business Banking, Corporate Banking, Accounting, Finance & Risk, Commercial Insurance, Human Resources; and Data Driven Marketing.
Suncorp Graduate Program The Suncorp Group, as one of Australia’s leaders in banking, insurance, investment and superannuation can offer some amazing opportunities. With a broad range of exciting graduate opportunities with us, you will hit the ground running, and get stuck into real work. You’ll collaborate with experienced leaders to create innovative solutions for our business and our customers. Our “can-do” culture and high-energy environment are perfect for developing your skills and knowledge, as well as gaining top-notch training and experience. Innovation plays a big part in our business too, so we’ll continually challenge you to think outside the square.
Wesfarmers www.westfarmers.com.au
Wesfarmers started out in 1914 in Western Australia as a farmers’ cooperative, and is now one of Australia’s largest listed companies on the ASX. The company has diverse business operations that include a number of different sectors, which include: supermarkets, department stores, home improvement, and office supplies; coal mining; insurance; chemicals, energy, and fertilisers; and industrial and safety products.
divestments and major capital investments. Whilst working on live projects with experienced team members, as well as providing relevant training and gaining valuable professional development.
Graduate Programs Wesfarmers have an opportunity for graduates to join their team as a graduate analyst as part of the Wesfarmers Business Development Team. Graduates have the ability to apply and develop their skills on a diverse range of strategic projects, including mergers, acquisitions,
Westpac
www.westpac.com.au
The Westpac Banking Corporation is one of the leading banks in Australia, and was established in 1817 as the first bank in Australia. The bank has branch locations and controlled entities throughout Australia and New Zealand and has financial centres throughout the world.
The Westpac Group has three main customer divisions, including the Australian Financial Services, which focuses on retail and business operations (comprising Westpac Retail & Business Banking; St. George Banking Group and BT Financial Group Australia); Westpac Institutional Bank, which focuses on a Employer Directory: Private Non- Legal
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commercial, corporate, institutional and government level. Applications for the 2018 Graduate Program are now open
Employer Directory: Public Non-Legal
Attorney-General’s Department (SA) www.agd.sa.gov.au
The Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) drafts laws and provides regulatory framework to protect the rights and interests of businesses and consumers in South Australia. Several agencies are included within the banner of the AGD such as the Office of Crime Statistics and Research, Office of the Equal Opportunity Commissioner, Safework SA and the SA Classification Council.
Graduate Program The AGD offers a 12 month training and development Graduate Recruitment Program through various business units. The opportunity to apply for this program will be advertised at http:// www.graduate.sa.gov.au/.
For more information on the AGD, as well as a list of different divisions within the AGD, visit the website above.
Australian Law Reform Commission www.alrc.gov.au
The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) conducts inquiries into areas of law at the request of the Attorney-General of Australia. The ALRC’s objective is to make recommendations for law reform that bring the law into line with current conditions and needs. The ALRC also works to remove defects in the law, simplify the law, and to adopt new or more effective methods for administering the law and dispensing justice, and to provide improved access to justice. While the ALRC’s core function is to provide advice to government, ALRC reports also assist the legal profession – lawyers and the Courts; community legal centres and those engaging in arguments of law, and the general public, who may consult ALRC reports for answers. Law reform reports also contribute to legal history in providing a distilled snapshot of the law at a particular moment in time. The ALRC is the only federal agency dedicated to national law reform. ALRC internships provide an opportunity for students to work alongside Commission members and legal staff, learning about law reform issues and witnessing first-hand the law reform process.
ALRC Internships The ALRC offers internships to students in their penultimate or final year of an undergraduate or graduate law degree from any university. Legal interns contribute to the work of the ALRC primarily through their research and writing skills. Typical tasks include producing research briefs and memos. Interns are supervised by a Legal Officer and undertake work determined by the needs of the ALRC. Wherever possible, interns will attend team meeting, consultations, Advisory Committee meetings, and law reform proposal workshops, and work closely with the inquiry team they have been assigned to. Intern work is credited in ALRC publications. Students can apply for an internship through the ALRC website (http://www.alrc.gov.au/about/legal-internship-program). There is a formal selection process and the ALRC will only consider applications that address the selection criteria. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview. 2017 Internship Dates Semester 2 (part time) intern period: 7 August – 20 October (1 day a week), closing date for applications: 3 July 2017. Summer 2018 (full time) intern period: 8 January – 26 January /
Employer Directory: Public Non-Legal
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Australian Competition and Consumer Commission www.accc.gov.au
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is an independent statutory authority. It was formed in 1995 to administer the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and other Acts. The ACCC is the only national agency promoting competition and fair-trading in the marketplace to benefit consumers, business and the community. The ACCC also regulates national infrastructure industries to promote effective competition. The ACCC includes the Australian Energy Regulator, which is responsible for the economic regulation of the Australian energy sector. The ACCC’s role is to protect,
strengthen and supplement the way competition works in Australian markets and industries to improve the efficiency of the economy and to increase the welfare of Australians. Graduate Program The ACCC offers a graduate program running from February to November each year. Applications for the 2017 graduate program have closed. Applications for the 2018 program will open in February/March 2017.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission www.asic.gov.au
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is Australia’s corporate, markets and financial services regulator. ASIC contributes to Australia’s economic reputation and wellbeing by ensuring that Australia’s financial markets are fair and transparent, supported by confident and informed investors and consumers. ASIC maintains facilities and improves the performance of the financial system and entities in it.
Graduate Program The ASIC Graduate Program has continually evolved over the last 17 years and is designed to make the most of graduates’ strengths and skills. They are looking for graduates in the following disciplines: Accounting and Auditing Business and Economics Applied Finance, Maths and Statistics Law Social Sciences Information Technology Applications for the 2018 ASIC Graduate Program will open between 1- 21 March 2017 for a start date in January 2018.
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation www.asio.gov.au / www.asis.gov.au
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO’s) main role is to gather information and produce intelligence that will enable it to warn the government about activities or situations that might endanger Australia’s national security.
Graduate Program There are a number of generalist roles available within ASIO that would be suitable for law graduates.
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Australian Taxation Office www.ato.gov.au
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is the principle revenue collection agency of the Australian Government. The ATO’s role is to effectively manage and shape the tax and superannuation systems that support and fund services for Australians, including: collecting revenue, administering the goods and services tax (GST) on behalf of the Australian states and territories, governing a range of programs which result in transfers and benefits back to the community, administering the major aspects of Australia’s superannuation system and being a custodian of the Australian Business Register.
Graduate Program The ATO offers a graduate program to law graduates. During the 12 month program you will get to experience a range of work while also undertaking hands on training. The ATO is one of Australia’s largest public service employers. Applications for the 2017 Graduate Program have closed. Applications for the 2018 Graduate Program open in early March.
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade www.dfat.gov.au
The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the government. They work with other government agencies to ensure that Australia’s pursuit of its global, regional and bilateral interests is coordinated effectively. DFAT is the lead agency managing Australia’s international presence. They manage a network of 96 overseas posts in five continents and have over 1200 staff located in Canberra, state and territory offices and overseas posts. An additional 2400 people are employed overseas as locally engaged staff.
Graduate Program The DFAT Graduate Program is for applicants from all academic backgrounds and prepares successful candidates for a career as a generalist policy officer. Policy graduates work to advance Australia’s interests across a broad range of areas – from security to human rights, international trade to development and aid development & management, and represent Australia in a formal capacity while having the opportunity to serve overseas. Applications for the 2017 Graduate Program have closed. Applications for the 2018 Graduate Program will open early 2017. For more information visit the DFAT website above.
Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet www.dpmc.gov.au
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet advises the Prime Minister on policies across the full range of government activities and the machinery of government, and ensures implementation of cabinet decisions. The Department provides high quality advice and support to the Cabinet, Portfolio Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries to achieve a coordinated and innovative approach to the development an implementation of Government policies. Graduate Program The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Graduate Program is a two year, structured, on-the-job development program that provides you with the support, opportunities and challenges you need to kick start your career in the Australia Public Service.
Graduates will work on matters of particular importance to the Prime Minister, current government priorities, social and economic policies, Indigenous affairs and national security. Graduates may also get the chance to work on special taskforces which could include areas of counter-terrorism, Commonwealth-State relations, deregulation, women’s policy, cyber security and international delegate events. Some of the previous graduates have even had the chance to meet members of the royal family or heads of state! As part of the program, graduates will undertake rotations across various areas of the Department. These rotations will give you the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the Government’s priorities, and experience the development and implementation of government policy and its effectiveness on the ground first hand. Applications for the 2018 Graduate Programme will open on 27 March 2017.
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Department of Premier & Cabinet www.dpc.sa.gov.au
The Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) occupies a key leadership role in the public service, supporting the Government’s vision for South Australia as a place where people and business thrive. This includes the provision of quality economic and policy advice supporting the Government’s priorities – including the ten Economic Priorities – and strengthening engagement between Government and the community.
The Department of Premier and Cabinet provides the opportunity to be closely involved in the future of South Australia. A position in the DPC will entail supporting the Premier of South Australia through the provision of leadership in issues affecting the future prosperity of South Australia. Graduate Program The DPC offers a 12 month graduate program that will equip you with a range of skills, knowledge and experiences.
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (SA) www.environment.sa.gov.au
The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) is responsible for managing and protecting South Australia’s natural resources. Positions in this department can vary from drafting policy to plying a hands on role in determining how natural resources should be divided.
Graduate Program The DEWNR offers a 2 year Graduate Ranger Program that will give you the opportunity to work across a variety of departments in an environment focused upon training, mentoring and career development. For further information visit the website above.
Regardless of your duty, a position in the DEWNR will give you the opportunity to work on pivotal issues such as water security, climate change and conservation and advise the government, industries and community on how to better protect the environment and responsibly use our natural resources.
Department of Treasury and Finance (SA) www.treasury.sa.gov.au
The Department of Treasury and Finance plays a key role in the provision of South Australian economic policies. They conduct research, analyse information and advice, including policy advice, with the goal of advancing South Australia to a position of prosperity and growth. The DTF assists in the development of budgets, balancing the Treasurer’s ledger and administering public sector superannuation schemes.
Graduate Program The Graduate Development Program is a 12 month structured training program with graduates employed in finance-related roles across a diverse range of South Australian Public Sector agencies. The program seeks graduates in accounting, commerce, economics and finance disciplines, making it ideal for students who completed a combined law and commerce qualification. Applications will open in March 2017.
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Notes
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Legal While every care has been taken in compiling this publication, FLSA does not accept any responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or changes made subsequent to print. FLSA accepts no losses, direct or indirect, howsoever caused (including negligence) by any error, omissions or inaccuracy contained in this publication. Copyright Š 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form by any means without the prior written permission of FLSA. Please contact the FLSA Vice President for further enquiries at vice.president@flsa.org.au.