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Gilbert + Tobin Careers Magazine – Special Edition | 2011
THE SMART CAREER CHOICE Why you should choose a career with Gilbert + Tobin
IF YOU SHARE OUR AMBITION TO BE THE BEST, GILBERT + TOBIN WILL PUT YOU ON THAT PATH.
WELCOME TO GILBERT + TOBIN A career with Gilbert + Tobin is a unique experience. It is a place where you can make a name for yourself – through the important transactions and projects you work on and through participation in our extensive community activities. You will be part of a culture that is open, energetic and non-bureaucratic. We have a diverse mix of highly talented and ambitious people who are attracted to the firm because of its entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach and capacity for change. These are the reasons we enjoy a reputation as the most successful law firm to emerge in Australia in many years. Our culture is to expose young lawyers to significant client work at an early point in their careers. This means there is more opportunity to work with partners and lawyers, with close involvement in client transactions. Everyone at Gilbert + Tobin is given the opportunity to take on challenging work, to expand their experience and to take responsibility with clients and matters, commensurate with their skills and abilities. In 2010 we formed a strategic alliance with Perth-based Blakiston & Crabb. This will allow us to work together to develop opportunities and expand our services, particularly in the energy and resources sectors.
We are also further developing our alliance with China’s largest law firm, King & Wood. Our work with King & Wood is growing as our respective clients’ investment activities increase in the Asia Pacific region. But it is not just the quality of the legal work that makes Gilbert + Tobin a great place to be. We are well known for our endeavours in the social justice arena, including pro bono work, which has been a feature since our early days. We also know how to have fun, and we hold numerous social activities throughout the year. As a firm, our objective is simple: to build a first-tier corporate law firm and be the best provider of legal services in each of our chosen areas of practice. If this sounds like the kind of workplace you would thrive in, and if you share our desire to be the best, we would like to hear from you.
Danny Gilbert, Managing Partner
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HOW ARE OUR 200+ LAWYERS ORGANISED?
Since its establishment in 1988, Gilbert + Tobin has grown in size and scale to offer clients comprehensive service across a range of areas, particularly in the Corporate Advisory group. A number of prominent partners have joined the firm over the past 10 years to build and strengthen our teams. The Corporate Advisory group boasts expertise in Tax, Private Equity, Banking + Finance, Mergers + Acquisitions, Capital Markets and Real Estate + Projects. Gilbert + Tobin draws specialists from each group to advise clients on some of the most multifaceted matters in the market. For example, during 2010, lawyers from almost every group across the firm worked together with Telstra, using an innovative fixed-fee structure that fosters strong collaboration between practice groups and solid client relationships.
SYDNEY OFFICE
MELBOURNE OFFICE
BANKING + FINANCE
BANKING + FINANCE
CORPORATE ADVISORY
CORPORATE ADVISORY
LITIGATION
CORPORATE, COMMUNICATIONS + TECHNOLOGY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
COMPETITION + REGULATION
REAL ESTATE + PROJECTS CORPORATE, COMMUNICATIONS + TECHNOLOGY COMPETITION + REGULATION PRO BONO
OTHER INDUSTRY AREAS
WATER
ENERGY
CHARITIES
RENEWABLE ENERGY
CLIMATE CHANGE
INFRASTRUCTURE
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BANKING + FINANCE Gilbert + Tobin’s Banking + Finance group acts for lenders and borrowers on a range of issues – from high-value corporate transactions to complex restructuring projects. The group works on acquisition finance, project finance, public private partnerships (PPPs), structured finance, real estate finance and debt capital markets. According to Partner and Practice Group Leader John Schembri, the group is adept at advising leading Australian and international financial institutions, investment banks, corporations and private equity funds. “Clients come to us because they know we have a thorough understanding of Australian and international financial markets,” says John. “We regularly act for lenders, borrowers, arrangers and investors, so we understand the different commercial drivers and draw on that experience to ensure our clients’ business objectives are met, within the required timeframes.”
If you’re a person who is ambitious and confident enough to back yourself, then Gilbert + Tobin is the place for you.
The group’s lawyers work closely with the members of the Corporate Advisory group to provide seamless, integrated advice and transaction management. They also work closely with the Competition + Regulation group to deliver favourable outcomes for clients requiring competition and regulatory advice. Members of the Banking + Finance group have strong experience in both domestic financing and cross-border transactions. Most of the group’s lawyers have also practised in other jurisdictions, including Asia, Europe and the United States, as well as in-house.
“THIS FIRM HAS A GROWING REPUTATION FOR ITS BANKING AND FINANCE EXPERTISE ... ‘CAPABLE, EXCELLENT PROFESSIONALS WHO KNOW THEIR BUSINESS’.” Chambers Global 2010
THE GROUP RECENTLY WORKED WITH • The Carlyle Group and TPG on the financing aspects relating to its successful A$2.7 billion acquisition of one of Australia’s largest private healthcare providers, Healthscope. • A syndicate including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), National Australia Bank (NAB) and Rabobank on financing the successful bid by Hancock in the privatisation of Queensland’s State Forestry assets. • Financiers in relation to New Royal Adelaide Hospital PPP, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre PPP, QEII Medical Centre Car Park PPP and Mundaring Water Treatment Plant PPP. • Financiers in relation to the proposed bid by Queensland Coal Industry Rail Group for certain Queensland Rail assets. • BNY Mellon in relation to the receivership and sale of the Lane Cove Tunnel in Sydney. • Bank syndicate comprising CBA, BNP Paribas, SMBC, WestLB and Westpac Banking Corporation on multi-option and leveraged lease facilities to Felix Resources Ltd in connection with the development of its Moolarben coal mine project. • Financiers on financial and performance guarantee facilities to Whitehaven Coal Ltd. • Corporates including Transfield Services Infrastructure Group, GrainCorp and Photon Group on corporate financing arrangements. • Telstra Corporation (Telstra) on the impact of the Personal Property Securities Reform on all areas of its business. • Westpac on the buy-back and re-issue of bonds by Sydney Airport; and with Australia and New Zealand Bank on the bond issues by Melbourne Airport. • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Sydney branch), the largest bank in the world, on the establishment of its US$900 million debt program. The establishment comprised of an ECP/CD program and Australian debt issuance program.
+ CASE STUDY
GoodStart Childcare’s acquisition of ABC Learning: using ‘social capital’ to de-corporatise childcare For nearly a decade, ABC Learning was the face of ‘corporate’ childcare in Australia. Over 30 times larger than its nearest rival, ABC Learning spawned national property trusts and facilities managers (among others) to support its ever-growing business. In 2008-09 the growth slowed and the behemoth entered receivership. While the bulk of the group was being prepared for sale in late 2009, GoodStart, a consortium of four leading Australian charities (Mission Australia, The Benevolent Society, The Brotherhood of St. Laurence and Social Ventures Australia) acquired the remaining 650 ABC Learning centres with the aim to create a step-change in the quality of early learning in Australia. GoodStart appointed a group of advisors that included Gilbert + Tobin, KPMG and private equity executives from Pacific Equity Partners and CHAMP Private Equity. From a fundraising perspective, the conventional not-for-profit corporate structure – a company limited by guarantee – brought a peculiar challenge in that it provided no ability to issue share capital. Working with GoodStart’s leadership team and other advisors, Gilbert + Tobin helped adapt the layered debt structures to GoodStart’s capital structure. The result was a capital structure that achieved all commercial objectives. Most importantly, it facilitated the provision of the critical A$30 million of subordinated debt necessary to support loans from NAB and the Australian Government. GoodStart calls these notes ‘social capital’ – an instrument Gilbert + Tobin hopes will be put to good use and found in many more investors’ portfolios in years to come. PAGE SEVEN
CORPORATE ADVISORY
Gilbert + Tobin’s Corporate Advisory group provides innovative solutions and project management for large-scale corporate transactions, and advises on a range of related corporate issues. The group comprises highly respected lawyers with skills across traditional mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions.
manage large structured deals, with a deep knowledge of clients’ requirements and a constant eye on novel opportunities.
We service a diverse client base, including listed companies in all sectors, investment banks, institutional investors, large privately held companies and private equity firms.
“The work is very interesting – it is transactiondriven and because no two transactions are the same, the work never becomes predictable. This is part of the attraction of being in the group,” says Partner Andrew Bullock, who believes Corporate Advisory is a great place for graduates and experienced lawyers alike to broaden their legal skills.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK IN CORPORATE ADVISORY “Capital markets work is about a third of what we do, alongside mergers and acquisitions, and private equity work,” says Partner John Williamson-Noble. “It’s an exciting area and the atmosphere is busy, but very enthusiastic and friendly.” The firm’s Mergers + Acquisition (M+A) partners are among the best in Australia. Their reputation ensures Gilbert + Tobin attracts high-profile clients, including listed companies, privately held firms, investment banks, global private equity funds and institutional investors. The Corporate Advisory group advises on many of Australia’s largest, most complex and most watched merger and acquisition deals. It works seamlessly with the firm’s specialists across the areas of competition, regulation, banking and finance, and intellectual property, to successfully facilitate transactions in all practice areas. “It’s a very team-oriented, collegiate atmosphere, with exciting transactions and a bit of fun thrown in,” says Partner Phil Breden. “Clients are impressed by the way we work with them as part of their team, rather than as a service provider.” The Corporate Advisory group is also regarded as one of the leading advisors to private equity funds. Its strength lies in its ability to effectively
Gilbert + Tobin’s tax lawyers are also part of the Corporate Advisory group. They work collaboratively with specialists across all practice groups to provide taxation advice on a broad range of commercial transactions. They also work closely with other advisors and client teams, providing advice and developing tax-effective structures to minimise the risk of later disputes.
THE GROUP RECENTLY WORKED WITH • Riversdale Mining in relation to Rio Tinto’s A$3.9 billion bid for Riversdale Mining. • Arrow Energy on the A$3.5 billion takeover by Shell and PetroChina. • CHAMP Private Equity on its acquisition of Constellation Wines. • Shell Energy Holdings on the sale of part of its stake in Woodside Petroleum Ltd, under an underwritten sell-down of approximately A$3.3 billion.
• Westpac Banking Corporation (Westpac) on the sale of Westpac Funds Management Limited – the responsible entity of the Westpac Diversified Property Fund (WDPF) – and Westpac’s unit holding in WDPF, to Australian Unity. • GrainCorp Limited on its A$600 million underwritten placement and accelerated entitlement offer to fund the acquisition of United Malt Holdings, and on its A$200 million placement and share purchase plan. • Crescent Capital Partners on its divestment with Macquarie Group of National Hearing Care, a leading provider of audiology services, to Italian Group Amplifon for A$460 million by a dual-track sale process. • Credit Suisse on the underwriting of the A$80 million IPO of Kula Gold; A$150 million capital raising by Cockatoo Coal; and A$100 million underwritten placement by Eastern Star Gas. • Stella Travel Services and CVC Asia Pacific in relation to the merger of Stella and Jetset Travelworld. • SAI Global on its A$130 million capital raising to acquire Integrity Interactive, a leading US-based compliance and ethics solutions provider, and on its A$80 million IPO on the Australian Securities Exchange. • Sphere Minerals on the A$428 million takeover bid by Xstrata.
• NSW Government on the sale of NSW Lotteries and WSN Environmental Solutions, and on the investigation of the proposed sale of Pillar Administration.
Gilbert + Tobin is a firm that is not afraid to innovate to stay ahead and deliver excellent results for clients. The opportunity to work with leading international and local blue-chip clients makes it a really stimulating place to be.
In Corporate Advisory, you’ll work alongside a large number of partners who are recognised as the best in Australia at what they do. That is because of the quality of the whole team – from the newest graduates to the most senior lawyers. We enjoy the challenges and the successes of what we do. We have a culture that respects hard and high-quality work, but does it with a good share of celebration and camaraderie. We pride ourselves on being able to integrate people from different disciplines and backgrounds into a successful group – there’s a level of integrity you won’t find in many other firms.
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We take on the difficult cases and our focus is on providing superior levels of service to achieve superior outcomes.
LITIGATION
Gilbert + Tobin’s Litigation group acts for some of Australia’s biggest corporate names on high-stakes commercial disputes.
The group works across the gamut of dispute resolution services – from pre-litigation advice to the strategic use of, or response to, court action. The group’s reputation for high-quality work extends beyond Australian borders. Most recently, the group has worked in foreign jurisdictions including Bahrain, New Zealand and the United States.
“Litigation involves a lot of strategic thinking,” says Partner Rani John. “It’s not only about winning legal points, but also getting a result for your client that fits their commercial objectives.”
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK IN LITIGATION
• Bank of New York Trust Company of Australia in proceedings brought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Litigation is an exciting and constantly evolving group. There is a variety of work on offer and many interesting and diverse clients to work for, both nationally and internationally. Our clients include AGL, Brookfield Multiplex, Citigroup, Google, Nine Entertainment Co. (formerly PBL Media), Telstra Corporation and other leading blue-chip organisations. The global financial crisis has had a significant impact on businesses globally and the group has seen an increase in corporate reconstructions and insolvency work. Other types of work include ASIC investigations into insider trading, regulatory actions for corporations and government agencies, and cross-border disputes in jurisdictions and arbitral institutions around the world. The group has also been involved in many of Australia’s most high-profile commercial disputes involving both litigated and negotiated outcomes.
THE GROUP RECENTLY WORKED WITH
• Betfair in its successful constitutional challenge to Western Australian legislation that prohibited punters from using betting exchanges. The High Court held unanimously in Betfair’s favour. The group is also acting for Betfair in High Court proceedings against Racing New South Wales and Harness Racing New South Wales, alleging a contravention of section 92 of the Australian Constitution. • BlueScope Steel, one of Australia’s largest steelmakers, in litigation brought by three Xstrata companies regarding the purchase of coal.
• Ticketek, a leading national supplier of ticketing services, in proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria against Ticketmaster and an operator of a number of large theatres in Melbourne, seeking to enforce the operation of a ‘first and last right’ provision in a large-scale ticketing services agreement. We achieved a highly advantageous settlement in Ticketek’s favour. • Warner Brothers in a dispute over profits earned from local investors in one of the studio’s highest-grossing films, The Matrix. The court delivered a significant judgment that eliminated more than 90% of the original claim. Shortly afterward, the parties reached an amicable settlement. The group is currently acting for Universal Pictures in similar proceedings involving the Vin Diesel film, Pitch Black. • Westpac Banking Corporation in a range of commercial and regulatory disputes, including margin loan disputes, fraud claims and regulatory investigations.
• Google Inc. in defence of legal action brought by the ACCC, regarding Google’s sponsoredlink AdWords system.
EMPLOYMENT
Led by Partner Dianne Banks, the Employment team advises on all aspects of the employment relationship. It has been involved in a variety of cases in various tribunals and courts that deal with employment, industrial and discrimination matters.
The team provides advice on employment and industrial law from the commencement of employment to termination. Our clients come from various industries both locally and overseas and include NSW Treasury, Westpac Banking Corporation, Telstra Corporation, Universal Music and Nine Entertainment Co. We also have a strong commitment to pro bono work, acting for numerous not-for-profit organisations and individuals who would not otherwise have access to legal advice.
THE TEAM RECENTLY WORKED WITH • Arrow Energy on termination benefit provisions under the Corporations Act, and employment-related issues under the ASX Listing Rules, in connection with its demerger and post-demerger acquisition by Royal Dutch Shell and PetroChina.
• Sphere Healthcare in proceedings in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, where we obtained an order to search an employee’s home and an injunction restraining them from competing. • NSW State Government on employmentrelated issues relating to the sale of NSW Lotteries and WSN Environmental Solutions.
WE’RE A CLOSE-KNIT TEAM AND ENJOY WORKING TOGETHER.THE SPECTRUM OF MATTERS WE WORK ON IS VERY DIVERSE AND RANGES FROM COMPLEX CORPORATE TRANSACTIONAL MATTERS AND ADVICE, TO LARGE-SCALE LITIGATION. PAGE ELEVEN
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Gilbert + Tobin’s Intellectual Property (IP) group is ranked as one of Australia’s leading IP practices. It has run some of the most difficult and challenging IP cases in the region and is known for its strong intellectual and commercial focus and results-oriented service delivery. Our lawyers are not only leading practitioners, they are also at the forefront in the development of IP law in Australia.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
THE GROUP RECENTLY WORKED WITH
With more than 20 legal staff, the IP group has a depth of expertise in complex IP work across the following areas:
According to Partner Siabon Seet, the IP group has a very diverse workload.
• Major international film studios in a groundbreaking action against Australian internet service provider iiNet, in a claim that the ISP allowed copyright infringement on its network. The case is now on appeal, and has attracted widespread interest both in Australia and internationally. It was the first Australian trial to be covered on Twitter.
• Copyright – advisory, enforcement, litigation and lobbying • Trade marks, designs and domain names – advisory, enforcement, litigation and prosecution • Patents – advisory, enforcement and litigation • Consumer protection – pre-publication advisory and post-publication advertising challenges. The group also has strong experience in the protection of confidential information, trade secrets, data protection and privacy.
“GILBERT + TOBIN’S [INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP] PROVIDES THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF SERVICE OF ANY FIRM WE’VE USED IN AUSTRALIA.” Legal 500, 2011
“We have brought together different IP skills into one physical group,” she explains. “So our lawyers in IP have an opportunity to work on a range of matters, in a range of areas across various industries. This ensures that the work remains interesting and challenging.” Our trade mark practice is highly regarded and has many high-profile local and international brand owners as clients, including Aristocrat, NRMA, the Commonwealth Bank, Coca-Cola, Diners Club, Google Inc., Red Bull and Turner Broadcasting. “In the trade mark area, each day is different,” says Partner Lisa Lennon. “In one day, you might be advising on an action in relation to a knockoff product; clearing a new brand for launch or a game name for use; taking action to recover a domain name; and sending a demand in relation to the sale of counterfeit OSCAR statuettes or the misuse of the Google trade mark.” In the 2010 edition of the Managing Intellectual Property Handbook, Gilbert + Tobin is acknowledged for “winning lead roles on a number of milestone IP cases… [I]ts dominance in copyright is undisputed. Clients and peers describe the team as ‘standout’, ‘exceptional’ and ‘present on all the high profile cases’”. “We have really set out at Gilbert + Tobin to be one of the top IP practices in the country and I think that, when you look at the trajectory the practice has been on in the last 10 years, we have a lot of be proud of, but we have even bigger ambitions,” says Partner and Practice Group Leader Michael Williams.
• Google Inc. in relation to attempts by other companies to dilute the Google, YouTube and AdWords brands through the registration of similar trade mark and domain names or false advertising claims. • Major recording companies across a range of matters, including the leading rate-setting cases in the Australian Copyright Tribunal for the determination of royalties payable by commercial radio broadcasters, commercial TV networks, nightclubs and fitness centres. • A range of clients in relation to patent infringement issues, such as a leading supplier of rigid plastic and industrial metal packaging in Australia and New Zealand, in defence of major dangerous goods patent infringement proceedings, concerning the transportation of dangerous goods. • Autodesk, one of the world’s largest software suppliers, in successfully defending and settling a A$100 million claim in relation to copyright infringement and breach of confidential information. We also represented Autodesk in major copyright infringement proceedings against an engineering company that had used unlicensed copies of Autodesk software in its business. • Red Bull in relation to its Australian anti-counterfeiting program, including energy drinks, apparel and customs seizure of counterfeit products.
IN THE 2010 EDITION OF THE MANAGING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HANDBOOK, GILBERT + TOBIN IS ACKNOWLEDGED FOR:
“winning lead roles on a number of milestone IP cases... [I]ts dominance in copyright is undisputed. Clients and peers describe the team as ‘standout’, ‘exceptional’ and ‘present on all the high profile cases’”.
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REAL ESTATE + PROJECTS
INDUSTRY FOCUS
Gilbert + Tobin’s Real Estate + Projects group has guided clients through the property, planning, environment and construction aspects of some of Australia’s largest and most complex corporate projects, as well as a wide range of real estate transactions. Lawyers in the group work closely with corporate, finance, litigation and tax experts across the firm to seamlessly advise government, listed companies and private sector organisations, such as developers, investors, financiers and construction companies in sectors including energy, health, leisure, media and communications, and tourism. The group advises on transactions such as mixed-use greenfields projects and redevelopments; industrial projects; and commercial, industrial and residential leasing and infrastructure projects.
solving, as you need to manage risk and changing circumstances over a long period of time,” she says.
THE GROUP RECENTLY WORKED WITH • AREVA on the construction of a multi-million dollar solar thermal addition to the 750MW Kogan Creek Power Station in Queensland. • Bidders in relation to the Commonwealth Government’s Solar Flagships Program.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK IN REAL ESTATE + PROJECTS
• Major corporate clients, including one of Australia’s ‘Big Four’ banks, on the design, construction and operation of data centres.
According to Practice Group Leader Diane Skapinker, the best part of working in the group is the diversity that comes from being involved in a variety of corporate transactions. “Property transactions provide great scope for problem
• NSW Maritime on a number of developments in Sydney Harbour including Blackwattle Bay, Superyachts Marina Rozelle Bay, Rose Bay Marina, Point Piper Marina and Wentworth Park.
• F Hannan Properties on a wide range of property, environmental and planning issues spanning a wide urban property portfolio, including leasing, construction advice and helping to obtain development consents for industrial and commercial uses. • Twynam Agricultural Group on its sale of river water entitlements to the Australian Government for A$303 million – the single largest purchase of water for the environment in Australia’s history – and the sale of its Mungadal, Buttabone and Cooinbil farms (totalling approximately 177,000 hectares) and associated water rights to a Macquarie-controlled agribusiness fund, Paraway Pastoral Fund.
Gilbert + Tobin advises leading domestic and international companies on transactions that impact and shape the market, across a broad spectrum of dynamic and evolving industry sectors. We draw on partners and lawyers who have in-depth industry knowledge, from all practice areas across the firm, to create unique and innovative solutions for our clients.
CHARITIES
INFRASTRUCTURE
Our Third Sector Advisory lawyers provide specialist advice to charitable and not-for-profit organisations including large and small charities, community groups, corporate foundations, industry associations, private families and individuals.
Gilbert + Tobin advises on the development, regulation and operation of complex, large-scale infrastructure developments, including water and wastewater, energy (conventional and renewable), transport (rail, roads and ports), health and telecommunications projects.
We combine a deep knowledge of and experience in areas of law that relate specifically to charities and not-for-profit organisations with our broader corporate expertise to provide innovative, holistic and strategic legal advice and guidance.
Infrastructure projects require a variety of legal specialisations, which is why we take an integrated approach – bringing together a team with the skills to deliver the best results. We have worked with a wide range of developers, financiers, government and industry bodies on some of Australia’s largest and most difficult infrastructure transactions.
CLIMATE CHANGE The Climate Change team offers advice to clients across many industries on all aspects of climate change, such as renewable energy and emissions trading, water and sustainable development.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
WE’RE NOT YOUR TYPICAL REAL ESTATE + PROJECTS PRACTICE – WE HAVE A STRONG FOCUS ON RENEWABLE ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
Renewable energy is one of the fastest growing markets in Australia and the developed world. This acceleration has been largely driven by the Kyoto Protocol and renewable energy programs such as the Federal Government’s A$5.1 billion Clean Energy Initiative. The Legal 500 has recognised Gilbert + Tobin for providing “service without parallel” in the energy sector, “especially renewable energy and regulatory advice”.
WATER Gilbert + Tobin is actively involved in the water reform agenda. We provide innovative, forward-thinking and commercial legal advice to prospective entrants and current participants so they can take advantage of opportunities in the water and wastewater sector. We act on the sale, purchase and restructuring of water rights including advising clients in relation to ongoing policy and legislative changes that will impact their water rights. In tandem with our commercial and dispute resolution practices, we advise on statutory and policy compliance requirements for major projects, working to obtain all necessary approvals and devising strategies for obtaining these approvals through negotiation, mediation and where appropriate, litigation.
ENERGY Gilbert + Tobin’s Energy team assists clients in many industries with all aspects of energy, renewable energy and emissions trading. This multi-disciplinary group has developed expertise through a series of substantial policy development projects and transactional engagements with publicand private-sector clients.
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CORPORATE, COMMUNICATIONS +TECHNOLOGY
Gilbert + Tobin’s Corporate, Communications + Technology (CC+T) group offers integrated services for clients that transact in the convergent fields of telecommunications, media, technology and e-commerce. The firm is one of the principal strategic legal advisors to Telstra regarding its role in the Australian Government’s National Broadband Network (NBN). The CC+T group provides services across regulatory, technical and economic disciplines and is helping to shape global thinking about the future of communications, best practice in large-scale transformation projects and complex technology transactions. To facilitate lawyer development, knowledge transfer and resource planning, CC+T is divided into two areas of expertise: Communications and Transformation.
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS Instead of running branch offices to service clients overseas, Gilbert + Tobin focuses its expertise in its Australian base, through which it runs its international matters. This means CC+T lawyers maintain relationships from either Sydney or Melbourne, but can still be on the ground with their clients whenever they are needed.
“GILBERT + TOBIN ‘IS A KEY PLAYER IN THE TMT [TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA, TELECOMMUNICATIONS] MARKET, WORKING WITH TOP CLIENTS ON HIGH-PROFILE TRANSACTIONS AT BOTH A NATIONAL AND AN ASIA-PACIFIC LEVEL’.” Chambers Global 2010
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP The Communications group works on a mix of regulatory and commercial matters. It caters for domestic and international telecommunications issues, such as network roll-out, interconnection and access contracting; international regulation and contracting; net neutrality; non-economic communications contracting; online and behavioural advertising; privacy; interception; and Do Not Call legislation. “The Communications group, more than any other, has a strong overseas client base,” says Partner and Practice Group Leader Bill Spain. “A lot of time and resources are spent on looking after our international clients. There’s a fair bit of travel involved for this part of the group, which makes things interesting.” Internationally, the group works on transactions for major telecommunications companies, as well as regulators and governments. Some of the most recent matters involved clients based in Bahrain, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and the United Kingdom.
THE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP RECENTLY WORKED WITH • Telstra Corporation on the design, negotiation and implementation of the policy and commercial settings underpinning its NBN agreement with the Australian Government and NBN Co. • Google Inc. on its response to the Australian Government’s plan to impose a mandatory internet filter. Gilbert + Tobin is providing ongoing strategic advice to Google about
privacy concerns and implementation issues for its service and product range in Australia and New Zealand. • Research in Motion, maker of BlackBerry devices, on regulatory issues in Australia and Hong Kong in relation to new product launches. • du, a Dubai-based telecommunications carrier, in relation to next-generation network interconnection agreements, passive facilities sharing, mobile site-sharing agreements with the incumbent, dispute resolution and agreements to access submarine cable-landing stations. • Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) on a full range of regulatory issues, including interconnection, tariffs, competition law and universal service. • Astro Group of companies in Malaysia in regard to a large, complex procurement process for outsourcing its billing and CRM systems. • Pacnet Singapore on issues arising in various jurisdictions in relation to a new cable system to be rolled out in Asia. • PCCW on all aspects of telecommunications regulation in Hong Kong, including licensing, interconnection and tariffing. • Qtel in Qatar on its initial preparations for market liberalisation and investments in other Middle Eastern countries. • Telstra CSL in Hong Kong on a range of commercial and regulatory issues, including interconnection disputes and facilities access issues.
TRANSFORMATION GROUP The Transformation group advises on technology and outsourcing contracts. Its core expertise lies in complex and enterprise-wide transactions, including business process and IT or telecommunications outsourcing and offshoring; transformation projects; systems integration; panel arrangements; due diligence; shared services arrangements and post-merger integration. The group is also involved in those aspects of technology contracts that are critical risk areas, but which lawyers often do not get involved in, such as pricing, service-level arrangements and service catalogues. This approach allows the group to develop more relevant and innovative approaches. “We don’t really work on ‘cases’, we work on complex contracts and services where technology is often the key enabler, and drive the right outcomes for our clients,” says Partner Peter Jones. “We like to have fun and our team works incredibly well together.”
THE TRANSFORMATION GROUP RECENTLY WORKED WITH • Telstra Corporation on a range of commercial arrangements, which will support Telstra’s offering of cloud computing services to customers. We advised on arrangements with infrastructure providers; licensing agreements with third-party software vendors; and cloud services end-user terms and conditions. • Two of Australia’s ‘Big Four’ banks on strategic IT initiatives, including core banking projects, online banking projects and renewing their existing outsourcing arrangements. • EMI Music Australia providing strategic legal and commercial advice in relation to licensing and distributing its sound recordings through online and mobile music services. • PT XL Axiata in Indonesia in relation to a full managed service from a global vendor to provide billing and CRM services in-house at XL, including a highly innovative pricing model. • NSW Government on procuring a new, multi-modal smartcard ticketing system for public transport.
In CC+T you’ll work alongside people who are the best in their field, not only in Australia but in the world. The technological focus of the group means you’ll be constantly exposed to cutting-edge work.
• The NSW Police Force providing ongoing strategic advice in relation to complex technology procurements and sourcing critical IT infrastructure to support essential operations.
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COMPETITION + REGULATION
While the work we do is complex and demanding, we pride ourselves on our collaborative, open-door culture. The C+R group is consistently top-ranked, reflecting the excellent outcomes we obtain for clients on high-profile, cuttingedge matters. We look forward to continuing that record, both domestically and internationally.
Gilbert + Tobin’s Competition + Regulation (C+R) group is regularly engaged to advise on the most complex and high-profile transactions across Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Our lawyers are general competition law practitioners dealing with Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) matters, and each has a government policy and regulatory law focus in one or more specific industries. The group is renowned for its work across a range of industries including financial services, telecommunications, energy and utilities, media and publishing, retail, and transport. C+R undertakes a variety of work across these sectors, including merger clearance, transaction structuring, regulatory compliance, litigation, conducting and defending investigations, and giving general competition advice. International companies and law firms regularly engage the group to assist with cross-border investigations and dealings with domestic and international regulatory and enforcement agencies. Year after year, Gilbert + Tobin has maintained a first-tier ranking for competition law in numerous leading directories and publications including Chambers Global, Legal 500, Global Competition Review and PLC Which lawyer?. The 2011 edition of Legal 500 acknowledges Gilbert + Tobin as “the best in competition law” with “a first-class team”, while the 2010 Global Competition Review, a guide to the world’s leading competition practices, recognises that we are one of three “elite” firms in Australia. This prestigious accolade is in recognition of the depth and breadth of experience within Gilbert + Tobin.
THE COMPETITION TEAM RECENTLY WORKED WITH • The Hong Kong Government to help formulate a cross-sector competition law framework that reflects international best practices. The bill (currently before the legislative council) was in response to Government consultations seeking a competition law that maintained
Hong Kong’s competiveness, while enhancing consumer protection. While debate over the competition law is likely to be heated, it has been greeted by commentators as a modern, innovative and intelligent law. • Cement Australia on ACCC proceedings for alleged misuse of market power in relation to the fly ash market in Queensland. Misuse of market power litigation produces some of the most complex cases under the new Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (formerly the Trade Practices Act 1974). • Dunlop Oil & Marine on the ACCC’s prosecution regarding the Australian aspects of the alleged international Marine Hose Cartel, in which we achieved a favourable settlement. We attained the maximum discount on penalty available for cooperation. • NSW Treasury providing competition and regulatory advice to the NSW Government in regards to sale of government owned assets, NSW Lotteries and WSN Environmental Solutions.
THE REGULATION TEAM RECENTLY WORKED WITH • Telstra Corporation as lead regulatory advisors and an instrumental force in the Australian Government’s A$43 billion National Broadband Network (NBN) program. • Virgin Blue, Australia’s second-largest airline, as its regulatory and competition advisor on strategic alliances and other competition issues, since its inception in 2000. • Nine Entertainment Co. (previously PBL Media), one of the largest diversified media and entertainment groups in Australia, on some of the most significant transactions affecting its business structure and strategy, since 1993. This work brings together our regulatory, media law and corporate expertise.
• Westpac Banking Corporation providing ongoing competition and regulatory advice on a wide range of regulations impacting Westpac’s relevant product markets and potential acquisitions, as well as its status as a financial institution. • Victorian electricity distributors on revenue and pricing determinations set by the Australian Energy Regulator, in effect from January 2011 to December 2015.
+ CASE STUDY CREATING THE WORLD’S LARGEST RESEARCH-BASED PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY Gilbert + Tobin acted as competition law advisor to Pfizer in Australia and New Zealand on the pharmaceutical company’s complex US$66.8 billion merger with rival drugmaker, Wyeth. Specialist lawyers from the Competition team worked closely with Pfizer’s in-house legal and business development teams in Australia and the United States, to address all competition issues and ensure a timely merger clearance in Australia and New Zealand. The regulatory clearance for this merger was particularly complex and challenging because of the global nature of the deal and the significant overlaps between the Pfizer and Wyeth businesses, in both human- and animal-health products. Many aspects of the deal required an understanding of the position in other jurisdictions such as the US and the European Union.
Gilbert + Tobin drafted detailed submissions to the ACCC and the New Zealand Commerce Commission. These addressed overlaps in more than 20 separate markets spanning human- and animal-health products in Australia alone, and incorporated input from stakeholders across five time zones.
By bringing together a robust pipeline of biopharmaceutical research and development projects, the merger has created a global leader of therapeutic solutions with an enhanced ability to drive innovation in the health industry.
To secure clearance, the team negotiated and drafted a detailed undertaking to the ACCC in relation to Pfizer’s post-completion divestiture of certain animal-health assets in Australia. The choice of divestiture products had to be co-ordinated across multiple jurisdictions, and the specific nature of the products meant there was a very complex set of requirements in the divestiture undertaking, including detailed transfer plans for a number of individual products. Gilbert + Tobin continued to work with Pfizer’s in-house team through the divestiture process, which involved multiple bidders, to ensure all requirements of the undertaking were complied with and the successful bidder obtained all necessary regulatory clearances and approvals.
PAGE NINETEEN
PRO BONO
NEWS + HIGHLIGHTS
Gilbert + Tobin has always been a pro bono pioneer, and appointed Australia’s first full-time in-house pro bono lawyer in 1996. In 2008 the firm broke new ground again when it appointed its first full-time partner responsible for pro bono, Michelle Hannon.
THE GROUP RECENTLY ASSISTED
We are a proud proponent of social justice for everyone, including marginalised and disadvantaged individuals and the organisations representing them. In 2010, the firm completed more than 13,900 hours of pro bono work – an average of more than 60 hours per lawyer – conservatively valued at over A$4.9 million.
• ‘Lisa’, a breast cancer patient who was referred through the Cancer Council of Australia’s Cancer Council Legal Referral Service. Lisa is undergoing a number of treatment regimes that result in much physical discomfort and an inability to work. After a series of rejections by Housing NSW of Lisa’s applications for priority housing, we worked with Lisa to appeal these decisions. Lisa and her young family have now been granted priority housing in their preferred area.
THE PRO BONO PRACTICE IS ACTIVE IN SEVERAL OUTREACH PROGRAMS • Our lawyers provide advice at the Marrickville Legal Centre and the Matthew Talbot Homeless Shelter on a weekly basis, as well as the Wyong Women’s Health Centre and Wyong Neighbourhood Centre on a monthly basis. • We are members of the Indigenous Enterprise Partnership, acting for several Indigenous organisations in the Cape York region.
• A charitable trust to obtain charitable status with the Australian Taxation Office. The trust, established to support students in developing countries such as South Africa, India, Pakistan, Uganda and Zimbabwe, to obtain tertiary education, now receives the relevant tax concessions on the basis of its charitable status. • ‘Bill’, who was subject to vilification and discrimination on the basis of his race while residing in a lodge in inner Sydney. G+T assisted Bill to take the matter to the AntiDiscrimination Board, and participated in a conciliation with the operator of the lodge
NEW OFFICE OPENS ON COLLINS STREET on his behalf, resulting in a settlement being reached including financial compensation for Bill and anti-discrimination training for the lodge staff. • Culturally and linguistically diverse students at the Wyong TAFE campus, providing community legal education in employment and discrimination law.
The Pro Bono practice has a particular focus on Indigenous issues but also engages in test and public-interest litigation, policy work, community legal education, corporate governance for NGOs, refugee matters, human rights and discrimination cases, and victim compensation claims.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Gilbert + Tobin will officially celebrate the firm’s expansion with the first anniversary of its Melbourne office in April 2011. The office, located on Collins Street in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, is led by Partners Michael Caplan, Catherine Dermody, Nicholas Grambas, Neil Pathak and Cameron Whittfield and a team of lawyers and support staff. The Melbourne office strengthens Gilbert + Tobin’s commitment to its corporate advisory, banking and finance, regulatory and technology practice areas.
G+T FORMS ALLIANCE WITH SPECIALIST RESOURCES LAW FIRM BLAKISTON & CRABB In 2010, Gilbert + Tobin formed a strategic alliance with Perth-based law firm Blakiston & Crabb. The alliance will allow both firms to develop opportunities and expand their services, particularly in the energy and resources sectors.
ALB Australasian Law Awards • Insolvency and Restructuring Deal of the Year, for the ABC Learning Centres receivership • Enhancement of the NSW Legal Profession
Managing Partner Michael Blakiston says that the firms’ similar cultures and shared entrepreneurial approach make an excellent match.
BRW Client Choice Awards • Best Law Firm (A$50–A$200 million revenue), for the second year in a row
“The alliance reflects the importance of the energy and resources industries to Australia and its economy, and the increasing demand for high-quality legal services in those sectors,” he says. “Through the alliance, our firms will work together to undertake market-leading work and provide a real alternative to the national firms.”
Corporate INTL Legal Awards • Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year in Australia • Communications Law Firm of the Year in Australia • Telecoms Law Firm of the Year in Hong Kong
When you join Gilbert + Tobin, you join a workplace that understands the value of investing in people, the environment, and the communities around us.To us, this is the only way to do business.
NEW PARTNERS STRENGTHEN FIRM
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Gilbert + Tobin’s partnership has grown in the past year, with seven new partners joining the firm.
Gilbert + Tobin has a proud communityconscious track record on environmental issues. Our ‘Green Team’ is a group of ambassadors working to create better environmental awareness within the firm, both at work and at home.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
‘Growing Together’, was launched in 2008. We were the first Sydney law firm to do so and the second nationally.
We forge community partnerships to promote higher rates of retention in education, stronger pathways to vocational training and higher education, diversity in the workplace, and the greater agenda of social inclusion.
The result is an Indigenous Employment Strategy that includes an Indigenous Cadetship Program; ‘How Big Are Your Dreams?’, a yearlong Indigenous youth program that was developed collaboratively at Gilbert + Tobin; and ‘Shifting Perspectives’, an in-house program to increase the awareness, understanding and acknowledgment of Indigenous Australians’ cultures and histories.
In 2007, we began a year-long process with Indigenous advisers who helped us to develop our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for the approval of Reconciliation Australia. Our first RAP,
GILBERT + TOBIN RECOGNISED AT 2010 AWARDS International Law Office (ILO) Client Choice Awards • Best Australian Law Firm • Peter Waters – individual award for telecommunications work in Australia Lawyers Weekly ICON Awards • Danny Gilbert won Managing Partner of the Year and was also a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award
Elizabeth Avery, Ros O’Mally and Ken Saurajen were promoted internally, while Tony Bancroft, Peter Cook, Nicholas Grambas and Neil Pathak joined from external firms. These formidable lawyers strengthen the firm’s service offering and will continue to ensure Gilbert + Tobin attracts the highest quality work.
PAGE TWENTY ONE
YOUR CLERKSHIP
By now, you will be well into your penultimate year of law school and thinking about which firms you will apply to for a position as a clerk. A clerkship is, for some, the first opportunity to see what the practice of law is actually about, as well as an introduction to working in a corporate environment. What will your clerkship at Gilbert + Tobin actually involve? We take a look behind the scenes to find out what the experience will give you and what you need to know before you apply.
GILBERT + TOBIN’S CLERKSHIP PROGRAM At Gilbert + Tobin, clerks complete a 10-week placement consisting of two five-week rotations across the firm’s practice areas, which may include working with the Pro Bono group. The matters in which students are engaged span various areas of law and often involve working with lawyers in more than one practice group. For example, you might be working on a corporate transaction that involves an element of real estate law, or you may get involved in an intellectual property case that requires collaboration with the dispute resolution team. Even though you won’t complete a rotation in every practice group, you will still have exposure to many practice areas and the opportunity to work with lawyers across the firm. Our partners and lawyers are experts in their fields and will help you develop core skills and experience in your areas of interest. As you become more familiar with your practice group, you will start to work on transactions similar to those you may have read about in the media or studied at university. During your time within your group, you will start to understand the mechanics of a legal transaction and work on a range of tasks to build valuable skills and experience, including researching legislation and case law, preparing and drafting memos, assisting in litigation processes, attending court, observing negotiations and meeting clients.
As a clerk you will be assigned a knowledge management project designed to introduce you to drafting, research and preparing commercial legal advice. While becoming immersed in your practice area, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to the Pro Bono practice. This may involve research for pro bono matters or attending Matthew Talbot Hostel and domestic violence and community legal centres with lawyers from across the firm. All clerks will be assigned a pro bono task and will work closely with our Pro Bono group.
BUT IT’S NOT ALL WORK Your clerkship isn’t only about gaining legal experience. It’s also an opportunity to be part of a talented group of people who may become your peers as you continue your legal career. During the clerkship you will attend practice group events and firm lunches, where you will get the chance to build relationships with people across the firm. On top of this, your timing will be just right to join the firm’s Christmas party. As a summer clerk you will also participate in inter-firm events, which in the past have included sports competitions and a trivia night.
YOUR CAREER JOURNEY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I APPLY? If you’d like to complete a summer clerkship with Gilbert + Tobin, you can apply to us online at www.cvmail.com.au.
WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR APPLICANTS? Your CV is your first opportunity to introduce yourself to a firm, so take your time preparing your application and consider how you can differentiate yourself. We’re looking for ambitious, bright, friendly and enthusiastic individuals who identify with our core values – innovation, an entrepreneurial spirit, commercial acumen and a determination to succeed. We have customised our cvMail application to include specific questions so that we can get to know you a little better. These questions give you an opportunity to tell us more about yourself and what you are looking for in a clerkship. Ensure your CV and covering letter highlight your skills and successes in these areas. You’ll also need excellent academic results and an interest in our practice areas.
WHAT IS THE INTERVIEW PROCESS? Our interview procedure is a bit different from other firms. We conduct our first-round interviews on ‘Super Saturday’, a one-day event where prospective clerks take part in a more informal introduction to the firm. During Super Saturday you’ll be interviewed by a partner and senior lawyer and you will have an opportunity to chat with our Managing Partner, Danny Gilbert. Over lunch or during evening drinks, you can mingle with other partners, lawyers and graduates, many of whom were former summer clerks themselves. You’ll learn more about the firm and what it’s like to work here.
WHAT WILL I BE ASKED IN THE INTERVIEW? Throughout the interview process you will be asked a range of questions about yourself, your achievements and your areas of interest in the law. The interview gives you the opportunity to create an impression and build rapport with the partners and lawyers with whom you might work.
IS THERE A SECOND INTERVIEW? The second interview stage takes place during a week when the firm is ‘open for business’. You’ll get to look around, experience our culture in action and meet with a partner, a Human Resources representative and a graduate in your area of interest.
WHAT RESOURCES AND SUPPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ME? If you join us, you’ll have access to lots of support and resources. During the clerkship you will be allocated a mentor (a senior lawyer) and a buddy (a graduate lawyer) in each rotation group. Our Park Street offices are very modern and have excellent facilities including an on-site library. You will also have access to valuable online knowledge resources to help you keep up to date with the latest legal developments. There is a convenient on-site café, and break-out areas and meeting rooms on every floor.
PAGE TWENTY THREE
WHAT ABOUT GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES?
WHAT ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES IN MELBOURNE?
2011KEY DATES
On completion of the clerkship program, our previous summer clerks have been offered graduate roles within the firm. New graduates join the firm in one of our two formal intakes, in February and August of each year.
The Melbourne office celebrates its first anniversary in 2011. It strengthens the firm’s corporate, banking and finance, regulatory and technology capabilities.
20 APRIL
For students requiring a level of flexibility in their gap year to allow for travel, an associateship or an exchange program, our HR team will work with you to co-ordinate a suitable start date. Our 18-month graduate program consists of two rotations of approximately nine months each. During your rotations you will be actively involved in billable matters and non-chargeable work, including business development, knowledge management, professional development and pro bono matters. At the completion of the 18-month rotation period, you will have a more informed view about which practice group you would like to work in as a junior lawyer and throughout your career.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CLERKSHIP? CAN I UNDERTAKE PARALEGAL WORK? Summer clerks have the opportunity to stay on as part-time paralegals, working flexibly two days per week. We will work with you to help you balance your study commitments while continuing to work and be part of the Gilbert + Tobin team.
MORE INFORMATION Further information about the clerkship program is available on our website: me.gtlaw.com.au. Alternatively, you can contact Emma Garmston, HR Co-ordinator via clerkships@gtlaw.com.au or by calling 02 9263 4000.
IS THERE A VACATION CLERKSHIP PROGRAM IN MELBOURNE?
1 APRIL
Sydney Law Careers Fair Melbourne Law Careers Fair
APRIL – JUNE
Revise summer clerkship information and make further enquiries if necessary. Draft CV and tailored cover letter.
THURSDAY 23 JUNE Applications open online at www.cvmail.com.au.
FRIDAY 22 JULY
Applications close for Sydney summer clerkships.
We don’t currently participate in the formal vacation clerkship program in Victoria; however, we do offer opportunities to clerks through our Sydney program. Students have the opportunity to initially join our Sydney cohort followed by a rotation experience in Melbourne. If you are interested in doing this, you can apply online at www.cvmail.com.au.
SEPTEMBER
WHAT ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE CLERKSHIP PROGRAM?
Offers must be accepted or declined.
We don’t currently participate in a formal graduate program but we welcome applications from interested graduate and paralegal students throughout the year. For more information about vacancies in our Sydney or Melbourne office please enquire online at me.gtlaw.com.au.
1st and 2nd interviews held at Gilbert + Tobin.
FRIDAY 30 SEPTEMBER
Offers made for summer clerkships.
WEDNESDAY 5 OCTOBER
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Gilbert + Tobin is a high-performing organisation – one that recognises learning and development as critical to your successful career as a lawyer. We build our people’s skills to enable them to succeed with the firm.
From commencement as a clerk through to graduate placement and beyond, you will develop a range of skills and behaviours. Our learning and development programs operate at every level in the firm, and are designed to improve and develop your technical, legal and business skills at various stages of your career. We have designed a graduate and clerkship training program to complement your academic knowledge with invaluable practical and commercial skills. Our customised in-house training program covers topics such as technical skills, research, analysis, drafting, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, business development and client orientation.
commercial firm and is fully funded by Gilbert + Tobin. You will be supported by your graduate cohort along with our College of Law program co-ordinator. Our program commences in conjunction with our February intake of graduates and on successful completion of the program you will be admitted in December of the same year. The firm provides you with additional study days to attend your exams and complete your assignments.
overseas: recent international secondments have seen our lawyers work in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and the Middle East.
Secondments Secondments can be an important part of your career development as a lawyer. We offer our people opportunities to work in-house to expand their understanding of our clients and to build a deeper knowledge of relevant industry sectors in Australia and overseas. The diverse projects and tasks you will work on will give you the opportunity to develop your commercial awareness and broaden your knowledge and areas of specialisation.
Scholarships A scholarship is a great opportunity to deepen your specialist legal knowledge. As part of our commitment to continuing education, we award a scholarship of up to A$10,000 a year to a lawyer wishing to study at any educational institution in the world.
Postgraduate studies As you progress through your career we also encourage you to undertake postgraduate studies and we offer funding assistance for relevant masters degrees and other postgraduate courses.
Of particular value is Gilbert + Tobin’s focus on the commercial application of your theoretical legal education. Along with your formal training, your practice group will provide you with specific training that applies to the team’s specific clients and markets. When you start at Gilbert + Tobin, you will participate in a detailed induction program that introduces you to the firm’s technology and policies, and you will also be supported by a mentor (senior lawyer) and buddy (junior lawyer).
BUILDING PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE On-the-job development Formal training is only one element in the development of strong legal skills. Your access to senior people at Gilbert + Tobin will make your experience as a clerk or graduate unique. Working on matters and transactions in a team environment with partners and lawyers will provide you with one-on-one learning opportunities. A number of partners and senior lawyers share offices with clerks and graduates, providing an informal ‘on-the-job’ method of learning that will help accelerate your development. ollege of Law and Practical Legal Training C College of Law is completed through our inhouse Practical Legal Training (PLT) program. The program is tailored to working in a
Our lawyers tell us that their secondment experiences have allowed them to rapidly develop confidence, skills and commerciality. Many lawyers work with clients locally and
PAGE TWENTY FIVE
OUR CULTURE
INTERESTING PEOPLE
The word ‘culture’ can be overused. Every firm has one, but the truth is that culture differs considerably between law firms. At Gilbert + Tobin, we have a non-hierarchical and informal structure and that’s the way it’s been since the beginning. Everyone is valued equally for the role they play in making Gilbert + Tobin a successful firm. There are also lots of other benefits to enjoy.
ELIZABETH AVERY, PART-TIME PARTNER PARTNER, COMPETITION + REGULATION
LIFE BEYOND LAW
MONTHLY DRINKS
CASUAL FRIDAYS
Because life outside the office is just as important as work, we encourage all staff to enjoy a balanced professional life. Gilbert + Tobin staff may have a reputation for being hard workers, but we also have a reputation for fun!
There is no better way to get to know your work mates than with a few drinks and bar snacks. Each month, a different practice group hosts themed drinks. Past themes include Chinese New Year, Australia Day and an Oscars party.
Gilbert + Tobin has a smart business dress code during the week, but Friday is colloquially known as ‘Jeans Friday’. Every Friday, you’re encouraged to wear your jeans or other comfortable clothes to work, provided you’re not meeting a client or appearing in court.
Every year the firm hosts and sponsors a range of social, charity and corporate team events. These events include our annual charity trivia night, the fiercely contested Gilbert + Tobin pool competition, the staff Christmas party and also the children’s Christmas party, where staff and their families meet Santa. The highlight of the social calendar is the firm’s ‘Big Day Out’ – an afternoon where everyone takes time to relax outside the office and enjoy each other’s company.
Gilbert + Tobin lawyers are encouraged to make the most of opportunities inside and outside the office. These are just a few stories from the 200+ talented lawyers who work at the firm.
“I became a partner in July 2010, and made the decision to work part time so I can spend time with my family. I work Monday to Thursday and spend Fridays looking after my three children, aged seven, five and two and help with teaching children to read at my sons’ school.
is very important to your longevity as a lawyer. I love my job, but you need other interests in your life. As a working mum I think you also need to make time for yourself to keep that balance in check, so I go swimming twice a week, which I find really therapeutic.
“What makes my part-time partnership work is being surrounded by a great team of lawyers. I’m lucky to be part of a talented team, so I can delegate when I’m not in the office.
“I’m grateful to the firm for the flexibility they give me, and of course I need to be flexible as well. Above all, we need to ensure clients’ needs are met, which is why remote access is also key to working part time successfully – I don’t know how partners managed before the BlackBerry was invented!”
“Regardless of whether you’re married or single, and have kids or not, I think work/life balance
SHAN-REE TAN, FILM PRODUCTION STUDIES LAWYER, CORPORATE ADVISORY “I’ve always been passionate about the art and business of movies and had been looking for a way to develop those interests while practising law at Gilbert + Tobin.
Staff also participate in many sporting activities, including City2Surf, BRW Corporate Triathlon, Lawyers’ Bayside Aquatic Challenge and the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge. We also support weekly lunchtime touch football competition and yoga classes.
“In 2010, I enrolled in the two-year, part-time Graduate Diploma in Producing & Screen Business at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS). It’s a surprisingly complementary set of disciplines – I’m learning about deal negotiation, copyright issues, project financing, business development and creative leadership, as well as the many crafts involved in telling great stories for the screen.
THE CAFÉ Gilbert + Tobin wouldn’t be complete without its in-house café. With sweeping views over Darling Harbour and out to the Blue Mountains, it serves coffee all day, snacks and a range of breakfast and lunch options – all at a subsidised cost for staff. The café also has a pool table and a couch area with magazines, the daily press and a Plasma TV with Foxtel. Each practice floor also has its own breakout area, a great place to take time out or catch up on some reading.
“Studying part time at AFTRS while working full time is certainly very challenging, but it’s not impossible. The partners have been very supportive and encouraging, and I’m happy that I’ve been able to maintain my interests beyond the office. I was inspired by the amazing feats of former Gilbert + Tobin lawyer Peter Carstairs, who wrote and directed his debut feature film September in 2006 and 2007, during much of which he was working full time. “I’m halfway through my course and will graduate at the end of 2011. I look forward to pursuing both my legal career and my creative career.”
ANGIE NG, KING & WOOD SECONDMENT LAWYER, COMPETITION + REGULATION “I’ve been seconded to the Antitrust Division of King & Wood’s Beijing office for just over 12 months. China’s competition law (the Anti-Monopoly Law) is relatively new, having been enacted in August 2008, which means there is scope for lawyers from more experienced competition law jurisdictions (such as Australia, the EU and US) to make use of their ‘home ground’ experience and apply it to the operation and enforcement of Chinese competition law.
US- or EU-based multinational companies wishing to merge with, acquire, or enter into joint ventures with Chinese companies.
“My practice here mainly revolves around assisting clients with obtaining competition law merger clearances from the competition authority. My clients are mostly
“Recently, my biggest challenge was running my first teleconference in Chinese about complex competition law concepts. Over time, I’ve picked up vocabulary as I go and
“King & Wood’s Antitrust Division has been recognised as one of the leading Antitrust practice groups in China and I feel very privileged to be a part of this team, in particular, to be the only Foreign Counsel in this group.
thankfully, I have a very supportive team of lawyers here to assist me if I need help. “One of the best parts of this secondment is being able to work and live in China – arguably the fastest growing economy in the world. There is something about China which is both raw and exciting at the same time – being here, one gets the sense that anything is possible and that (as clichéd as it sounds) the sky’s the limit!” PAGE TWENTY SEVEN
SYDNEY Level 37 2 Park Street Sydney NSW 2000 AUSTRALIA GPO Box 3810 Sydney NSW 2001 AUSTRALIA
T +61 2 9263 4000 F +61 2 9263 4111
MELBOURNE Level 39 120 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 AUSTRALIA GPO Box 90 Melbourne VIC 3001 AUSTRALIA
T +61 3 8656 3300 F +61 3 8656 3400