Australian National University Law Careers Guide 2018/19 by GradAustralia

THE LAW CAREERS GUIDE 2018/19 EDITION

In partnership with

Published by: GradAustralia Writing & editing: Jaymes Carr Creative producer: Kate Balazs Additional editing: Brianne Turk Contributors: NAGCAS Thomas Eckardt Katherine Lau Liesel von Molendorff Jennifer Wen Paul Yacoub Advertising: Geoff Adams, geoff.adams@gradaustralia.com.au Kym Freedman, kym.freedman@gradaustralia.com.au Grant Robson, grant.robson@gradaustralia.com.au Further study advertising: Marcus Richards, marcus@postgradaustralia.com.au Publisher: Kate Balazs ISBN: 978-0-9942462-7-1 ISSN: 2207-984X Volume 2, June 2018 Printer: PMP Limited

About this guide Welcome to the 2018-19 Graduate Law Guide, a joint initiative of GradAustralia and ANU. Our goal in creating this guide is to bring together all of the information a law student needs to make the successful transition from education to employment and flourish as a young professional. Within the guide, we highlight the variety of different career pathways available with a law degree and delve into the unique facets of each industry. By inviting legal practitioners from a range of backgrounds to share their experiences, we’ve also aimed to supply a broad selection of honest insights into what life on the job is really like. After reading this guide, we hope students feel ready to approach their career with confidence, decisiveness and excitement. From the team at GradAustralia and ANU, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

About GradAustralia GradAustralia was founded by three graduates from the University of Adelaide. Co-founders Jeff Duncan, Steve Butler and Geoff Adams shared a vision – to launch a start-up that would help every university student get the best possible start to their career.

.com.au © GradAustralia, June 2018 Copyright GradAustralia owns copyright in this publication. A reasonable portion of the content may be reproduced for personal use only. The content may not otherwise be reproduced and must not be distributed or transmitted to any other person or used in any way without the express approval of GradAustralia. Accuracy & Reliability of Information Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the content contained in this publication, GradAustralia, its officers, employees, and agents disclaim all liability (except for any liability which by law cannot be excluded), for any error, inaccuracy in, or omission from the content or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on the content. GradAustralia undertakes no responsibility to keep the content up to date. Lvl 1, 37-45 Myrtle St Chippendale NSW 2008

In 2015, GradAustralia was officially launched and its first careers guide was published. Jeff, Steve and Geoff were overwhelmed by the positive feedback from students, educators, and careers services alike, and GradAustralia has since grown to produce a range of print and online products that are used by over 500,000 students annually.

Contents Professional bodies...........................pg 72 Professional services........................pg 76

Introduction

About this guide...................................pg i Introducing you to the ANU Careers Service ......................... pg1i How to use this guide..........................pg 2

Practice areas

Banking and finance law.....................pg 6 Civil litigation.......................................pg 7 Commercial law...................................pg 8 Consumer law.....................................pg 9 Criminal law.......................................pg 10 Employment law................................ pg 11 Environmental and planning law.......pg 12 Family law..........................................pg 13 Human rights law...............................pg 14 Intellectual property law....................pg 15 International law................................pg 16 Media law..........................................pg 17 Public and administrative law............pg 18 Real estate and property law............pg 19 Taxation law.......................................pg 20 Wills and estates...............................pg 21

Careers outside of law

Introduction to careers outside of law.................................................pg 24 Accounting and advisory..................pg 25 Banking and financial services.........pg 26 Construction and property services.............................................pg 27 Consulting.........................................pg 28 Engineering.......................................pg 29 IT and communications.....................pg 30 Mining and resources........................pg 31 The public sector...............................pg 32 Retail and consumer goods..............pg 33 Transport and logistics......................pg 34

Career pathways

Academia..........................................pg 36 Community sector.............................pg 38 Courts and tribunals..........................pg 40 Government sector............................pg 44 In-house and corporate.....................pg 54 International law................................pg 58 Private legal practice.........................pg 60

How to get hired

Five-year checklist............................pg 80 Building experience with legal competitions......................................pg 83 Researching and choosing the right firm......................................pg 84 Writing a CV and cover letter............pg 86 Sample cover letters.........................pg 88 How to ace a law interview................pg 90 What to expect at an assessment centre................................................pg 91 Getting an offer.................................pg 92 Managing social media.....................pg 94

Practical Legal Training

A comprehensive guide to Practical Legal Training....................................pg 96 FAQs................................................pg 104

Surviving and thriving

What is probation?...........................pg 106 Time management tips....................pg 106 Establishing strong professional relationships....................................pg 107 Maintaining mental health...............pg 108 Dealing with bullying and discrimination.................................. pg 110 How to resign.................................. pg 110

Support & resources

The Law Society of NSW.......................112 The Law Society of South Australia.......114 Queensland Law Society..................... 116 NSW & ACT...........................................118 VIC & TAS............................................. 119 SA & NT................................................ 120 QLD...................................................... 121 WA........................................................ 122

Employer directory

Employers hiring law graduates......pg 123

The Law Guide | 1

Introducing you to ANU career development services The world-class education you receive at The Australian National University is highly regarded by employers, with ANU graduates rated as some of the most employable in the nation (Times Higher Education–Global Employability Ranking 2018). However, academic results alone will not guarantee career success in an ever-changing and increasingly competitive job market. Our team is passionate about facilitating student career development and ensuring ANU students have the tools and knowledge to successfully navigate their future careers. Forging a successful career is more than just gaining academic knowledge and employability skills. Understanding yourself, your strengths and your career interests along with awareness of the employment market and being prepared to seize available opportunities are integral to success. Equally, building knowledge and skills that allow you to confidently search, apply and interview for jobs is also essential.

1i | The Law Guide

Student Experience and Career Development is here to help students maximise their potential and make a successful transition from education to work. We provide a wide range of career and employment services to assist with career planning and decision-making, job search, accessing employers and employment opportunities, building employability skills and successfully navigating application, interview and selection processes. Our services extend to all ANU students and recent graduates (up to a year after graduation). Online services ANU Careers website and CareerHub are sophisticated career information and employment opportunity systems for the exclusive use of ANU students and recent graduates. Register as soon as possible to access: • part-time and casual jobs; • graduate and full-time employment opportunities; • work experience and internships; • career consultation appointments; • seminars and workshops; • employer events and career fairs; • useful information on career pathways and resources; • online career planning tools; New Directions, Career Voyage and more.

Connect with us on Facebook for all the latest careers news and information Career advice Our consultants advise students and recent graduates on the career implications of their program and employment opportunities. They also help students understand their career interests and how this relates to career decisionmaking and further study. Confidential consultations can be booked through CareerHub.

our consultants. This is the perfect tool for preparing for in-person and video interviews. Get in touch with us to access InterviewStream. Employer visits and career fairs Throughout the year our employer relations team works closely with employers to deliver a range of on-campus events, careers fairs and employer presentations to help you explore graduate employment possibilities. Check CareerHub or our Facebook page to keep up-to-date with these opportunities.

Career appointments Come along to a short appointment for individual feedback and advice on career planning, applications, job search, how to build employability, accessing internships and work experience and interview and selection processes. Appointments can be booked through CareerHub. Not in Canberra? That’s okay, just contact us to schedule a telephone or email consultation. Résumé and cover letter-writing workshops Attend our job application workshop if you would like help with a resume or cover letter. In this workshop you will learn how to write a professional resume and develop the skills to manage your own applications. The comprehensive workshop includes time for individual questions in a group setting. Book in via CareerHub. Career education Our consultants provide seminars and workshops relevant to graduate employment options, labour market trends and career development issues. They work closely with staff across the University including halls of residence and Colleges to deliver career education to complement courses and co-curricular activities. They also partner with academics and course conveners in Colleges to develop and deliver integrated career development programs. View seminar and workshop offerings through the events listings on CareerHub. InterviewStream InterviewStream is an online tool where you can practice, review and record your interview and get feedback from

Student Experience and Career Development E careers@anu.edu.au T +61 2 6125 3593 W careers.anu.edu.au W careerhub.anu.edu.au facebook.com/ANUCareers We look forward to hearing from you!

The Law Guide | 1ii

How to use this guide Chapters 1 & 2

Decide

Chapter 3

Plan

Decide on the practice areas that interest you the most.

Plan the career path and employment options you want to pursue.

In the first section of this guide, you’ll find overviews of 16 different practice areas, from civil litigation to criminal law. We also feature multiple career paths for those who complete their law degrees but wish to use them outside of the legal sector. These overviews answer the questions most commonly asked by law graduates, such as: what will I be expected to do in this area of law? What are my career prospects? And how do I get a foot in the door?

Once you’ve decided on the practice areas that interest you the most, the next step is to plan the career path you want to pursue. The second section of this guide covers employment options ranging from in-house practice to public service, laying out important information related to salaries, career advancement opportunities, and other pros and cons.

Areas covered: • Areas of legal practice • Careers outside of law.

2 | The Law Guide

Employment options covered: • Academia • Community sector • Courts and tribunals • Government sector • In-house and corporate • International law • Private legal practice • Professional bodies • Professional services.

Chapters 4 & 5

Chapters 6 & 7

Apply

Thrive

Apply to the right firm and make the best possible first impression.

Thrive as a young professional and make the most of your graduate experience.

In the third section of this guide, we’ve provided the resources you’ll need once you’ve decided on a career path. From tips to help you craft a winning application letter to information about practical legal training, this chapter is designed to assist you in bridging the gap between life as a law student and life as a young professional.

The first few years of your legal career can involve a steep learning curve. That’s why we’ve brought together some important advice on how to succeed as a graduate in the final section of this guide. You’ll learn how to establish strong working relationships, take advantage of opportunities for professional development, and ensure, at all times, that you give sufficient attention to your personal commitments and mental health.

Topics covered: • Planning ahead and building experience • Choosing the right firm • Writing a CV and cover letter • Interviews • Assessment centres • Getting an offer • Managing your social media • Practical Legal Training.

Topics covered: • Probation • Time management • Establishing professional relationships • Dealing with bullying and discrimination • Maintaining mental health • Support and resources.

The Law Guide | 3

Plan your career Practice areas Practice areas

Employment law

Banking and finance law

Overview

Practice areas Overview

Banking and finance law covers every aspect of the operations of banks and financial institutions. Lawyers in this area help clients abide by the intricate legal frameworks that govern transactions in both the domestic and global economy. This involves drafting and negotiating contracts that set out the terms of various financial arrangements. Banking and finance lawyers also provide legal advice to organisations engaged in large transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and even liquidations.

Features

Banking and finance law is a complex field of practice, with different financial activities regulated by specific pieces of legislation. For example, banks must abide by the Banking Act (1959) as well as a code of practice produced by the Australian Bankers’ Association. When financial institutions violate the law, they’re liable to face investigation by regulatory bodies such as the Australian Prudential

Choose a practice area

Regulatory Authority (APRA), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Graduate experience

Graduates are expected to play an active role in managing transactions from the start of their careers. Of course, they will often work under the close supervision of other lawyers at the firm. On a mid-size to large transaction, the banking and finance team will usually consist of at least one partner, a senior associate, an associate, a graduate and/or a paralegal. In smaller transactions, an associate may lead the transaction under the supervision of a partner. The world of banking and finance law is fast-paced and can be extremely intense. In recent years, much has been written about the challenge of getting graduates up to speed without burning them out. While your workload is likely to fluctuate, you may often find yourself working overtime to meet a critical deadline. As a result, banking and finance lawyers can find it particularly difficult to establish and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Some graduates may also be frustrated by the pressure to meet targets every week while also billing clients with timesheets.

What are my career prospects in banking and finance law?

Learn more about working in banking and finance law Munpreet Soomal is an associate in the banking and finance team at Clifford Chance. She graduated a Bachelor of Law and Commerce from Bond University in 2014. Jump to page 70 to read Munpreet’s interview.

During the 2007-2008 global financial crisis (GFC), some of the world’s largest banking and finance institutions, despite appearing stable, suddenly collapsed or required government assistance. Consequently, there was a significant downturn in certain types of lending, and financial lawyers had to contend with new legislation designed to prevent future crises. The good news is that, after the recession, various alternative financial products and processes emerged

Commercial law Overview

Commercial law is sometimes referred to as business law or corporate law. It focuses on the laws that govern commerce, trade, sales and merchandising, as well as the businesses and individuals who participate in those activities.

Therefore, you can be fairly certain that a career in banking and finance is relatively stable. It also provides you with a range of possible roles, from managing transactions for a large organisation while employed as an in-house lawyer, to representing a regulatory body in its investigation of a suspect financial matter.

A division of civil law, commercial law encompasses a range of topics such as corporation law, securities and deviations law, finance and banking, taxation law, trade practices law and consumer law. Commercial lawyers are often expected to help their clients navigate and address issues affecting the business world.

Types of law practised

• banking • mergers and acquisitions • capital markets • financial products and securitisation • contract.

Features

Australian commercial law derives its authority from various sources. The Corporations Act 2001 (simplified with the Corporate Law Economic Reform Program Act 2004) sets out the laws which govern how companies are formed, and how they must operate, both internally and in their interactions with other businesses. This statute is administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Choose this if you have...

• The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with others, and to work collaboratively to meet deadlines. • The ability to give prompt and pragmatic advice to clients, delivered in a commercially focused manner.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

Commercial lawyers also deal with industry codes of practice – that is,

Interested in this practice area? Jump to

Page

In-house and corporate

pg 54

Private legal practice

pg 60

Professional services

pg 76

6 | The Law Guide Learn more about working in commercial law Amber Hu is a solicitor at King & Wood Mallesons. Jump to page 65 to read Amber’s interview.

regulatory frameworks developed for use within specific industries. Some examples include the Australian Bankers’ Association’s Code of Banking Practice and the Insurance Council of Australia Limited’s General Insurance Code of Practice. Finally, commercial lawyers often draw on legal sources relevant to specific issues facing their clients. For example, they may refer to taxation legislation, trade laws, and industrial relations laws.

Graduate experience

Commercial law experience can be obtained as a graduate in small and boutique firms or much larger top-tier firms. Your approach to, and involvement in, a specific transaction will depend on your supervisor and the number of people in your team. Day-to-day life may also include liaising with large corporate clients and attending business meetings or working independently to re-draft contracts. As a graduate, you may have the opportunity to work on large transactions that involve wellknown Australian and international organisations. This can be particularly rewarding for graduates who have an interest in the corporate world. The downside is that, if you’re working with an international client, you may find yourself scheduling meetings at odd hours to accommodate the needs of stakeholders in different timezones. The Big Six law firms – Allens, Ashurst, Clayton Utz, Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons and MinterEllison – are all commercial law firms, and depend upon the recruitment of talented graduates for the maintenance of their worldclass reputations. However, a variety of alternative, and equally stimulating, opportunities exist at smaller firms. Graduates can also pursue in-house employment with a

still play a large role in negotiating different aspects of employment law and its implementation.

Employment Law is concerned with the relations between workers and their employers on matters ranging from wages and compensation, through to harassment and discrimination based on gender, disability, or age. Employment law often involves collective bargaining, unions and industrial relations. Attorneys in this field may represent range of organisations that individual engage inclients, a union, a commercial transactions. government regulatory agency, or an employer. Employment law requires you to master a blend of common law What are my career prospects in commercial law? and domestic and statutory legislation.

Graduate experience

Commercial law is broad and offers Features numerous paths for ambitious In Australia, the Fair Work Act of 2009 graduates who wish to advance in provides their careers. It can take many yearsthe regulations governing Australian workplaces and employers. to become a partner at a prestigious Australia commercial firm, and to achieve this has a minimum wage, and the Fair goal you’ll need to demonstrate thatWork Commission works to strong ensure that the requirements of you’re a talented lawyer with current industrial relations law are client relationships, business acumen, met. In this capacity, it performs a leadership potential, and, perhaps most importantly, proof thatrange you’dof functions, from reviewing minimum wage laws each year, to make a profitable addition to the firm’s mediating workplace disputes. There executive. However, there are other are also various unions in Australia, ways to progress as a commercial representing lawyer, from rising to a senior position various sectors and professions. While membership has as an in-house counsel to securing declined more compelling clients and workingover recent years, unions

Alternatively, your team may focus on more traditional labour matters, such as business immigration, compliance and reviews, affirmative action, pay equity and diversity, legislative and regulatory assistance, and international labour and employment matters.

on larger, more complex transactions.

Types of law practised • contract law • intellectual property law • data protection law • employment law • corporate law.

organisation, employment lawyers provide critical support whenever questions of correct industrial relations emerge. For these reasons, employment law is a highly recession-proof area of the law. During times of economic growth, organisations are likely to require legal advice as they hire new recruits, negotiate contracts and consider expansion. During recessions, organisations tend to downsize, a process that often involves extensive legal consultation.

Types of law practised • contract • statutory • some tort.

Choose this if you have…

• An interest in each client’s business and the ability to develop a strong rapport with different people. • The ability to stay abreast of rapidly changing law and analyse case law as required. • Excellent team working skills.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

While the complexity of employment law may be appealing for some, others may find it frustrating. Employment regulations are liable to change frequently as clients renegotiate contracts, take industrial action or find themselves affected by new pieces of legislation. You’ll have to be ready to learn constantly and provide your clients with up-to-date and well-informed counsel.

Choose this if you have...

• A strong command of written English. • Confidence in speaking to clients and colleagues. • Good commercial awareness. Learn more about working in • The willingness to understand what employment law makes individual businesses tick.Hudson is a second year Alana • Fearlessness when confronting lawyer in the Workplace Relation, something you haven’t done Employment & Safety team at before. Clayton Utz. Jump to page 64 to

Interested in this practice area?

What are my career prospects in employment law?

Employment lawyers are used across all areas of the legal industry. Whether it be in a commercial or private law firm, or in-house for a specific

read Alana’s interview.

Jump to

Page

Courts and tribunals

pg 40

Government sector

pg 44

In-house and corporate

pg 54

Private legal practice

pg 60

Professional services

pg 76

Interested in this practice area?

The Law Guide | 11

Jump to

Page

In-house and corporate

pg 54

Professional services

pg 76

Private legal practice

pg 60

8 | The Law Guide

Private legal practice

Government sector

Government sector Overview

Choose a career path & sector

Government lawyers are qualified solicitors and barristers who act on the behalf of, and give legal advice to, government ministers and agencies. The government sector includes all the jobs in public service, distributed among the governmental agencies and public bodies of Australia. These can range from agencies that work in criminal law such as the Crown Solicitors’ Office and the Commonwealth and State Director of Public Prosecutions, to government departments like the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. There are dozens of government agencies and public bodies that offer graduate programs and are also seeking law graduates to be part of their programs.

Entering the government sector Most government agencies that recruit graduates have regular and well-organised admission programs that take applications during fixed periods each year. The easiest way to learn more about the different programs, including application procedures and what will be expected of new recruits, is to visit the Australian Government’s ‘Graduate Programs’ website or gradaustralia.com.au. Government jobs tend to be highly competitive. Given their popularity, you shouldn’t be surprised if the application

Teach For Australia is looking for candidates with impressive academic records.

44 | The Law Guide

Overview

In-house and corporate

According to the Law Society of New South Wales, more than 70 percent of solicitors in the state work for private law firms, making this the largest legal sector.

process is unusually rigorous. For example, to apply at DFAT, candidates must complete a detailed application letter, an online psychometric test, a written test, a oneway video interview, a group interview, a second test, and, finally, an individual interview.

In-house and corporate

Law students can also enter the government sector Overview through internships, which are offered by a number of bodies including the Australian Law Reform Commission An in-house lawyer is employed by a corporation. Unlike and the Attorney-General’s Department. It’s important lawyers in commercial firms, who work for a variety of to search for these jobs regularly because government clients, in-house lawyers are responsible only for the legal internships and graduate programs tend to open at requirements of, and can only provide legal advice to, their different times throughout the year. direct employer. In-house lawyers currently make up about 25% of all legal practitioners in Australia. What’s involved?

Entering the in-house and corporate legal The responsibilities of a government lawyer are largely segment determined by the department or agency for which they work. For example, lawyers for the Australian Defence In-house legal departments can be found within a range Force will likely focus on military justice and administrative of organisations, from mining companies, banks and hotel law, whereas lawyers for the Australian Federal Police will chains through to global ASX listed companies. Typically, focus on litigation and forensic investigations. Lawyers verywith few opportunities exist for new graduates to start their for the Attorney General’s Department will be tasked careers as an in-house corporate counsel – these positions policy and legal development. are generally filled through lateral hires from law firms or government agencies. However, some corporations A government lawyer’s main duties may also will hire students as law clerks to work throughout the include: university year or over the summer. Many in-house teams that are willing to employ graduates often send these • Handling civil and criminal litigation. to do a secondment within one of the legal firms • Writing legal documents and providing legal graduates advice they use for their outsourced work. for the government. • Defending or prosecuting cases in court. The value of prior experience can’t be overstated – • Drafting and developing legal policy. employers look very favourably on graduates who • researching and analysing emerging legislation. have sought out internships or other forms of practical exposure to the business world. The ability to demonstrate Career progression an understanding of generic business concepts and There are innumerable opportunities for career challenges will prove beneficial. advancement in public law. Generally, you will begin your What’s involved? career by entering a graduate program. Alternatively, it’s possible to apply for government positions after Working as an in-house lawyer, you’ll have to supplement gaining experience in the private sector. Within individual your understanding of the law with a deep knowledge of departments and agencies, there is scope for promotions, the organisation that employs you, including its business allowing movement from junior roles into senior positions goals, liabilities, obligations (be they to regulators or that offer more influence. According to a recent Hudson shareholders), and assets. In-house lawyers often salary guide, government lawyers can expect to earn with handlings transactions, acquiring new assets around $70,000 (excluding 15% superannuation) assist per year (especially in junior positions, and more than $200,000 per year when property), dealing with regulators, and reducing their employer’s legal exposure when launching they move into the most senior roles. new products or services. One of the satisfactions of working in-house is that you’ll be able to witness the Best and worst implementation of any solutions you propose while developing a strong understanding of one client instead Government jobs are synonymous with stability, with of several. reasonable salaries often supplemented by excellent working conditions. As many government jobs are based The skillset in Canberra, there are often programs to help government required by in-house lawyers is very different to that required by their counterparts in private practice. Where private practice lawyers are expected to advise and represent multiple clients, in-house lawyers are only responsible for one. They therefore need to take on a more rounded role as a member of the business. This can mean taking responsibility for tasks such as project management, branding, and business development.

Sole practitioners will usually develop their expertise across a range of practice areas. By contrast, lawyers employed in large firms tend to focus on specific practice areas.

Lawyers in private practice tend to focus on three types of work: transactional, advisory and litigious. Transactional work is the preparation and negotiation of deals, such as the purchase and sale of real estate, licence agreements, mergers and leasing. Advisory work involves researching and drafting legal advice, for example, on environmental, financial or corporate regulation. Litigation work involves preparing cases for trial, appeal, arbitration or mediation – for example, if someone is injured in a car accident and the parties failed to negotiate a settlement.

In-house work also exposes you to a broader range of commercial matters.

There are many specialities within private practice, so the term applies more to a particular operating model than to a specific legal niche.

Entering Private Legal Practice

Best and worst

Generally speaking, private practices offer higher An oft-cited benefit of working in-house is that you remuneration than legal roles in other sectors, making it generally enjoy more regular working hours than lawyers a very competitive field for graduates to enter without the in private practice. Of course, you may nonetheless findadvantage of impeccable credentials (and an appropriate yourself working unusual hours if, say, you are dealing graduate with entry scheme) or useful connections. Employers international stakeholders and must accommodate various in private practice will look particularly kindly upon relevant time zones. experience, such as evidence that you have completed a clerkship or summer internship, or worked as a tipstaff. In-house work also exposes you to a broader range of commercial matters. As the title of general counsel Within private practices, junior solicitors are usually implies, you will be expected to become an accomplished outranked by associates, senior associates, partners generalist capable of addressing all of your employer’s(salaried or equity), and practice managers. It’s not legal requirements with equal competency. unusual for solicitors to wait five to ten years (if not longer) to be offered a partnership, which brings with it substantial Many in-house teams do not require their lawyers to financial rewards, as well as a responsibility to develop time-bill. This is because they only have one client – their the firm. employer. For this reason, in-house legal teams are often seen as ‘cost centres’ that don’t generate revenue. They What’s involved must therefore find innovative ways to demonstrate the value they bring to their organisation. This may be through Sole practitioners will usually develop their expertise reducing exposure to regulatory penalties, implementing across a range of practice areas. By contrast, lawyers risk management procedures to avoid reputational employed in large firms tend to focus on specific practice damage, and drafting commercial contracts in a way that areas, such as taxation law, criminal law, family law, or benefits their employer. intellectual property law.

Your non-legal colleagues will often come to you with The focus of sole practitioners and law firm employees is questions of law and expect that you know the answer the billable hour. Firms often require their employees to immediately. At other times, you might feel the need to meet billable hours targets, which means tracking every minute that you spend on work for a client and ensuring remind your colleagues of the legal risks associated with a it’sinaccurately reflected in invoices. Billable hour targets particular matter, or to raise concerns about proceeding can range from five to eight billable hours every day, and a particular way. This will mean learning how to share legal do not include administrative work, learning sessions information in a language and format that non-lawyers can or breaks. quickly and accurately comprehend.

Though the nature of your work will vary depending on your practice area, most lawyers in private firms will have to contend with long hours, or, at the very least, the occasional late night. For junior employees trying to make a good impression or meet their billable hour targets weeks of 50 to 80 hours are not uncommon. Having said that, each firm is unique and will have its own expectations of when lawyers are available.

Best and worst The main drawback of working in a top-tier private firm is that you’ll be expected to earn your salary through the achievement of large billable hours targets, often requiring you to work long days, or even give up part of your weekend. While time management, experience, and a supportive team can make this easier, it remains true that many smart graduates burn out or find themselves trapped in what Lisa Pryor calls ‘The Pinstripe Prison’: a world of sleepless affluence that’s extremely hard to leave. If you can navigate around (or overcome) these obstacles, then there’s good news: you’ll likely be well paid and, if you join the right firm, can eventually focus on issues that you feel strongly about. There is also a strong element of prestige, with many successful private practice lawyers rightly accorded a degree of respect and admiration.

Career progression The career progression for a private practice lawyer will usually go from summer clerk (while in your penultimate year of law school), to graduate lawyer, to associate, to senior associate, to partner. The highest level a lawyer can achieve in private practice is a senior equity partner. A partner (also known as “principal”) is a senior lawyer who receives a set portion of the firm’s gross profit as a large portion of their salary.

Working in a small in-house team can be quite isolating60 | The Law Guide for a lawyer. Often lawyers draw support from their legal counterparts and colleagues. It is important that you find ways to engage with your legal peers by joining committees, industry associations and attending networking events and conferences.

Career progression In-house legal departments tend to be less hierarchical than private firms, which means that your opportunities

54 | The Law Guide

How to get hired

Getting an offer

How to get hired

Writing a cover letter

Learn how to apply with confidence

First impressions are lasting, and this is especially true when it comes to CVs and cover letters for law jobs. After all, the content of your application is only half the game – as a law graduate, it will also be expected that you can write clearly and persuasively. Moreover, recruiters are often time-poor professionals who want to separate the wheat from the chaff quickly before reaching out to candidates who distinguish themselves with their academic credentials, work experience or diverse interests. So, to help you put your best foot forward, we’ve assembled some tips on how to create a killer cover letter and resume.

Creating a Standout Cover Letter The Basics

A cover letter is like a sales pitch, and what you’re trying to sell is your own suitability for a target job. Successful cover letters: • Highlight the important parts of your resume • Provide a sample of your written communication skills • Show how your skills, education and experience are relevant to the position for which you’re applying • Address any specific selection criteria in the job advertisement • Draw attention to your achievements • Use appropriate formatting and a professional and confident tone of voice • Encourage prospective employers to read further into your resume or CV • Demonstrate one’s command of the rules of English grammar and style Why invest time in writing a good cover letter? Cover letters can be time-consuming, and that’s largely due to the importance of writing a new one for each application. Nothing turns off a

How to get hired

It’s worth taking the time to figure out what differentiates you from the crowd before subtly emphasising it in your CV. prospective employer quite like the sense that they’re reading a template letter. It’s vitally important that your submission – or, at the very least, the bulk of it – is specific to the employer in question. It’s a chance to convince them that you want to work in their industry, for their specific organisation, and in the job role they advertised. For example, why do you want to use your law degree in a community legal centre? What, to you, is the appeal of pursuing a public career instead of a private, commercial one? The contents • A cover letter should include the following: • Your personal/ contact details • The date • A salutation/greeting • How you heard about the job/ company • What attracts you to the job or company (you can mention some of their recent projects or significant staff members) • Why you believe you would be an asset to the team • How you will follow up • A closing/signature The trick is to have a clear idea as to what the company does and what the job entails, then draw out evidence of your own relevant skills, interests and experience. Here, the more specific you can be, the better. For example, instead of simply writing that you’ve “interned at a leading law firm”, you could say “as an intern, I helped to draft supporting documents for case that was ultimately settled in favour of the firm’s client”. Structure and tone Your cover letter should have a clear structure with an introduction that

Your contract of employment

How to ace a law interview First impressions: how to nail your law job interview

A job interview is, essentially, an leads into a summary of your relevantopportunity for you to show off your skills and experiences. This should skills, talents and experience while be followed by a closing statement demonstrating your knowledge of the that reiterates your interest in the job, job and asking any questions you thanks the employer for their time, andmight have about it. In this article, we’ll includes a ‘soft pitch’. For example, focus primarily on the main question you can expect to be asked during you might write something like: an interview: why do you think you’re suitable for the job? Here are some “I look forward to speaking with you further about how I can make a tips to make sure you can knock it out positive contribution to your team”. of the park.

Research the job! Throughout the letter, your tone We know – this seems like an should be polite and professional. This doesn’t mean, however, that you obvious tip. However, recruiters should tie yourself in knots trying to often express their amazement at candidates who arrive to interviews sound overly formal. Simply avoid with only a superficial understanding colloquial language wherever possible and focus on providing evidence of of what their target job will entail. You why you should be hired (as opposedshould instead possess an in-depth to simply claiming to be ‘excellent’ or knowledge of the job description and be ready to convince the jury, with ‘talented’). evidence, that you’re the best person Finally, keep your cover letter succinctto take it on. – it should be no longer than one A4 page and have your details clearly • Start by reading the job written as part of a letterhead. description, paying particular attention to any academic Get to the top of the pile: writing requirements, as well as essential a successful CV and desirable attributes. Be A curriculum vitae (CV) is a written proactive and reach out to overview of your experience and other graduate recruiter or company qualifications for a job opportunity. contacts if there’s anything you Creating a good CV generally takes want to clarify. You can also check more time than writing a cover letter. if GradAustralia or LegalVitae has a However, once complete, a CV can be profile of the company. submitted to each new employer with• Get a feel for what life will be like only minor adjustments. in your target job by talking with personal contacts in similar roles The Basics or checking out the grad stories A CV should concisely outline and graduate job reviews on your relevant educational history, GradAustralia. work experience, professional • Find out more about the accomplishments and qualifications. It organisation, such as what types may also include details of referees (if of clients it works with, where is it requested). A successful CV: based and what types of projects it takes on.

the general rule is this: the more specific you can be, the better. Of course, this means arriving at a deep understanding of what the role will require – and this will usually require you to go beyond the job description by asking questions like those below: • How much of your working day will be spent working alone, and how much interacting with others? • Will you only have to deal with your immediate team and supervisor, or will you interact with internal or external clients? • Is this job more focused on meeting immediate, conflicting deadlines in a fast-paced environment, or longer-term planning and development work? • How flexible will you have to be, eg in terms of travel, working hours, or changing projects or picking up new skills at short notice? • What industry sector(s) will you be working in/for? Will you need to develop a working knowledge of, say, the finance sector or the retail industry? • Will training and development time be built into your job, or will you be expected to learn extra skills and keep up to date with new developments this in your own time?

Bringing it all together into your own pitch By combining what you’ve learned from the position description and your

Deepen your understanding of the job

100 | The Law Guide 2017-18

Before entering into a contract of employment and accepting your first legal position you should seek clarification on the following:

1. Start date. 2. Duties and/or job description. 3. The number of hours you will be required to work (keep in mind own supplementary research, you’ll you may be told that you have to arrive at a strong sense of the talents work 9-5, plus any further hours and attributes you should emphasise as required to meet your clients’ in the interview. For example, you expectations and demands of might reach one of the following the job. In private practice it is conclusions: possible that you will spend at

least 10 hours a day in the office • I will be working for both internal in order to meet your billable and external clients, so I’ll budget requirements and the need to show that I have good inherent requirements of the interpersonal skills such as therole.) ability to communicate effectively, 4. Rate of pay and method of pay building relationships and (weekly/monthly). negotiation with tact and patience. 5. Whether the salary offer is The recruiter will also want to see a package (i.e. base and that I’m presentable, confidentsuperannuation and combined) or a friendly. base salary plus superannuation. • I’ll be working to tight deadlines so and if you will be entitled to 6. When I’ll need to show that I can handle a salary increase (particularly if pressure and manage competing you are paid junior rates). priorities. 7. Any leave entitlements, including • I’ll be working closely with maternity/paternity and long community stakeholders, so I service leave. should talk about my contributions 8. Whether you will be employed to volunteer projects and on a permanent, part time, extracurricular involvement in temporary or casual basis. community activities. 9. When you can expect to receive

a written contract of employment. 10. Confirmation of all employment conditions in writing (including your next salary review date). 11. Which Enterprise Agreement or For more information visit Award you will be working under gradaustralia.com.au/law (if any). (There is no applicable award or agreement for a lawyer.) 12. The notice requirements of both parties.

NuLegal

take the contract home and that you will return the contract as soon as practicable. If you don’t agree with a certain clause in a contract you can rule a line through the provision that you don’t agree with and place your initials in the margin.

Your salary

Lawyers’ salaries vary substantially between large and small firms and between country and city firms. Mahlab Recruitment, Naiman Clarke Legal, Hughes-Castell, and Dolman conduct and publish annual career and salary surveys for the legal profession. These surveys list the legal professional salaries throughout Australia and also on an international basis.

By combining what you’ve learned from the position description and your own 106 | The Law Guide 2017-18 supplementary research, you’ll arrive at a strong sense of the talents and attributes you should emphasise in the interview.

Awards

Graduate at Law (State) Award A new award salary for lawyers came into effect with the Legal Service Award 2010, which also specified the rate at which the minimum award should increase during subsequent years. This award applies only to law graduates, law clerks, and administrative personnel. As of the last indexing date – July 1st, 2016 – the award for law graduates is $904 per week, or $23.80 an hour. Graduates are also covered by the National Employment Standards outlined in the

More generous salaries are likely to be associated with larger firms or certain practice areas.

Before signing your first contract read it carefully, taking care not to sign anything you do not understand. Do not feel pressured into signing a contract on the spot. Tell your potential employer that you want to

More generous salaries are likely to be associated with larger firms or certain practice areas. For example, solicitors who work in mergers and acquisitions may be required to work long hours to liaise with international clients. As a result, they can generally demand higher salaries as compensation. According to research conducted by GradAustralia, the average starting salary for law grads is above average at $72,000 per year. Some 37% of graduates earn more than $75,000 per year to start with, while less than one percent receive a salary below $45,000 per year. Graduate lawyers work the longest hours of any profession, averaging about 49 hours a week.

When it comes to demonstrating your suitability for a particular role,

104 | The Law Guide 2017-18

Directory

Employer directory Directory

Employer directory Employer

Type of opportunities

Hiring graduates for

Location

Learn more

Areas with opportunities

Clerk Graduate

Ashurst Graduate jobs Clerkships

Choose an employer

Approx 250

Baker Mckenzie Clerkships

Graduate jobs

10–15

Internships

5–10

Graduate jobs Clerkships

Graduate jobs Internships

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/bloomberglp

Gadens

4–6 NSW 4 WA 6–8 NSW

Policy Graduate

40+ ACT

Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities Graduate jobs

20–30 ACT

Our Graduate Program is a generalist program where graduates will complete three rotations of their choice throughout the department.

Graduate jobs

Graduates

Multiple ACT

Learn more

Graduate jobs Clerkships

Graduate jobs

dlapipergraduates.com/au 25–30

Graduate Lawyer

gadens.com/careers

Casual Paralegals Summer Clerks Graduates

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/gilbert-tobin

Differs

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/clifford -chance careers.cliffordchance.com/ australiagrads

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/departmentof-foreign-affairs-and-trade dfat.gov.au/careers/Pages/ careers.aspx

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/department-of-infrastructure-regional-development-cities infrastructure.gov.au/graduate

Gilbert + Tobin Graduate jobs Clerkships

2–4

Graduate jobs Clerkships

140–160

King & Wood Mallesons Graduate jobs

Approx 80

Clerkships

Approx 160

Laing O’Rourke Graduate jobs

25–35

Internships

15–25

Graduate jobs

Graduate Lawyer positions. Law graduates are also eligible for Paralegal, Conflicts Analyst and Legal Analyst, ALT roles. Seasonal Clerk, Law Graduate

Commercial team as Assistant Quantity Surveyors and/or Contracts Administrators with Commercial career pathways. Graduate Lawyer

NSW Crown Solicitors Office Graduate jobs

Paralegal, Graduate Solicitor

10–15

Learn more gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/macpherson -kelley

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/nab

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/herbert-smith-freehills careers.herbertsmithfreehills. com/au/grads

Clerks

Piper Alderman Clerkships

Internships

Business Analyst (Management Consultant)

Graduate jobs

legalaid.nsw.gov.au

6–10

Victorian Public Service 80–100

Students who complete a clerkship with the firm will be eligible to be considered for a position in the firm’s next graduate program VPS Graduate Officer

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/thomson -geer tglaw.com.au/clerkship-gradu ate-positions/

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/victorian -public-service graduates.vic.gov.au

laingorourke.com

126 gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/legal-aidnsw

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/pwc pwc.com.au/careers

Thomson Geer

Graduate jobs

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/portjackson-partners pjpl.com.au

Graduates and interns

Graduate jobs

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/laingorourke

piperalderman.com.au/careers/ working-at-piper-alderman

10–12

Graduate jobs

PwC

Clerkships

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/king-woodmallesons careers.kwm.com/en/grad uates-australia

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/ nsw-crown-solicitor-s-office cso.nsw.gov.au

Internships

The Law Guide | 125

4 | The Law Guide

Graduate jobs

Port Jackson Partners

gtlaw.com.au/careers

10–12

Herbert Smith Freehills

NAB

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/dla-piper

bloomberg.com/careers

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/clayton-utz

Graduates

nab.com.au/graduates gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/department-of-social-services dss.gradapp.com.au

Clerks and Graduates

Legal Aid NSW

124 | The Law Guide

Hiring graduates for

8–12

mk.com.au/careers/graduates

Hiring graduates for

Location

Department of Social Services

ato.gov.au/grads

claytonutz.com/graduates

Paralegal Graduate Lawyer

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Graduate jobs

DLA Piper

Varies

Graduate jobs

Areas with opportunities

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/bakermckenzie bakermckenzie.com/en/loca tions/asia-pacific/australia/# careers

Varies

Clifford Chance

Type of opportunities

Summer Clerk Graduate-at-Law

Graduate-at-Law

Clayton UTZ

Employer

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/australian-taxation-office

London/Sydney Rotational Program – Financial Products Analytics & Sales

Bloomberg LP

Location

Paralegal Graduate Lawyer

Machperson Kelley

Employers hiring law graduates. gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/ashurst

Legal advice Law interpretation Law design Dispute resolution

10–12

Type of opportunities

Areas with opportunities

Employer directory

ashurst.com/careers

160

Australian Taxation Office Graduate jobs

Employers hiring law graduates. Employer

Employers hiring law graduates.

| The Law Guide

XXX Practice areas

Chapter 1

Practice areas

The Law Guide | 5

Practice areas

Banking and finance law Overview Banking and finance law covers every aspect of the operations of banks and financial institutions. Lawyers in this area help clients abide by the intricate legal frameworks that govern transactions in both the domestic and global economy. This involves drafting and negotiating contracts that set out the terms of various financial arrangements. Banking and finance lawyers also provide legal advice to organisations engaged in large transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and even liquidations.

Features Banking and finance law is a complex field of practice, with different financial activities regulated by specific pieces of legislation. For example, banks must abide by the Banking Act (1959) as well as a code of practice produced by the Australian Bankers’ Association. When financial institutions violate the law, they’re liable to face investigation by regulatory bodies such as the Australian Prudential

Regulatory Authority (APRA), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Graduate experience Graduates are expected to play an active role in managing transactions from the start of their careers. Of course, they will often work under the close supervision of other lawyers at the firm. On a mid-size to large transaction, the banking and finance team will usually consist of at least one partner, a senior associate, an associate, a graduate and/or a paralegal. In smaller transactions, an associate may lead the transaction under the supervision of a partner. The world of banking and finance law is fast-paced and can be extremely intense. In recent years, much has been written about the challenge of getting graduates up to speed without burning them out. While your workload is likely to fluctuate, you may often find yourself working overtime to meet a critical deadline. As a result, banking and finance lawyers can find it particularly difficult to establish and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Some graduates may also be frustrated by the pressure to meet targets every week while also billing clients with timesheets.

What are my career prospects in banking and finance law?

6 | The Law Guide

to meet the regulatory requirements of the post-GFC world. Banking and finance lawyers were valued for their expertise in interpreting and applying new laws in a way that allowed their clients to minimise loss and recover as quickly as possible. In this sense, they have an important role to play even during times of economic decline. Therefore, you can be fairly certain that a career in banking and finance is relatively stable. It also provides you with a range of possible roles, from managing transactions for a large organisation while employed as an in-house lawyer, to representing a regulatory body in its investigation of a suspect financial matter.

Types of law practised • • • •

banking mergers and acquisitions capital markets financial products and securitisation • contract.

Choose this if you have...

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

Interested in this practice area? Jump to

Page

In-house and corporate

pg 54

Private legal practice

pg 60

Professional services

pg 76

Practice areas

Civil litigation Overview It takes tact, patience and a deep understanding of both the law and various court procedures to resolve disputes between different parties. This is the province of civil litigation and of the lawyers who specialise in it (they are also known as litigators). Civil litigation attempts to resolve lawsuits that fall outside of the criminal system. These lawsuits may deal with a range of issues, including personal injury claims, deceased estate disputes, bankruptcy and debt recovery.

Features Civil litigation occurs primarily within courts and tribunals, with the jurisdiction of each court and tribunal defined by its founding legislation and any subsequent amendments. For example, the NSW District Court Act (1973) specifies that the district court’s jurisdiction depends upon the size of the claims brought before it. The Civil Procedure Act (2005) elaborates, stipulating that the limit on such claims is $750,000, with

cases that involve larger sums of money referred to the Supreme Court by default. Civil litigation may also take place in specialised courts and tribunals that focus on certain aspects of the law. For example, in NSW, these courts include the Land and Environment Court, the Children’s Court, the Coroner’s Court, and the Drug Court. Some examples of influential tribunals include the Dust Diseases Tribunal of New South Wales and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Graduate experience As a graduate solicitor practising civil litigation, your responsibilities will likely include assessing the merits of various cases, advising on the cost of litigation, initiating and responding to claims, participating in interlocutory and default hearings, and enforcing orders and settlement agreements. Graduates’ work is varied and they are an integral part of their team. At the early stages of a dispute, graduates are involved in identifying the scope of the documentary evidence and then piecing this evidence together to determine the relevant facts. They may also perform time-consuming subpoena reviews, or assist with witness preparation. One advantage of practising civil law is that it offers the satisfaction of advocating for your clients (this can be true even when you’re not successful in the litigation). You’ll learn how to be strategic, as well as how to negotiate and mediate disputes. In the process, you’ll enjoy diversity both in the details of each case, and the skills you will require to prosecute them.

Learn more about working in civil litigation Dylan O’Keefe is an associate at Gadens. He graduated with a degree in Arts/Law from Deakin University in 2013. Jump to page 68 to read David’s interview.

What are my career prospects in civil litigation? Civil litigation is a major branch of the law, offering a variety of opportunities for career development. Whether you’re employed by a large firm or a small one, or even work directly for

a commission or tribunal, there are many ways in which you can move up (for example, into a senior litigation role) or sideways (for example, into a different sub-speciality of civil litigation).

Types of law practised • contract • tort.

Choose this if you have...

• An analytical and tactical mind. • The ability to work in a team – you collaborate closely with other members of your department as well as with clients, witnesses and barristers. • The ability to get the most out of a variety of people. • Attention to detail – everything you draft will be subject to scrutiny by the other side.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

Interested in this practice area? Jump to

Page

Community sector

pg 38

Courts and tribunals

pg 40

In-house and corporate

pg 54

Private legal practice

pg 60

Professional services

pg 76

The Law Guide | 7

Practice areas

Commercial law Overview Commercial law is sometimes referred to as business law or corporate law. It focuses on the laws that govern commerce, trade, sales and merchandising, as well as the businesses and individuals who participate in those activities. A division of civil law, commercial law encompasses a range of topics such as corporation law, securities and deviations law, finance and banking, taxation law, trade practices law and consumer law. Commercial lawyers are often expected to help their clients navigate and address issues affecting the business world.

Features Australian commercial law derives its authority from various sources. The Corporations Act 2001 (simplified with the Corporate Law Economic Reform Program Act 2004) sets out the laws that govern how companies are formed, and how they must operate, both internally and in their interactions with other businesses. This statute is administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Learn more about working in commercial law Amber Hu is a solicitor at King & Wood Mallesons. Jump to page 63 to read Amber’s interview.

8 | The Law Guide

Commercial lawyers also deal with industry codes of practice – that is, regulatory frameworks developed for use within specific industries. Some examples include the Australian Bankers’ Association’s Code of Banking Practice and the Insurance Council of Australia Limited’s General Insurance Code of Practice. Finally, commercial lawyers often draw on legal sources relevant to specific issues facing their clients. For example, they may refer to taxation legislation, trade laws, and industrial relations laws.

Graduate experience Commercial law experience can be obtained as a graduate in small and boutique firms or much larger top-tier firms. Your approach to, and involvement in, a specific transaction will depend on your supervisor and the number of people in your team. Day-to-day life may also include liaising with large corporate clients and attending business meetings or working independently to re-draft contracts. As a graduate, you may have the opportunity to work on large transactions that involve wellknown Australian and international organisations. This can be particularly rewarding for graduates who have an interest in the corporate world. The downside is that, if you’re working with an international client, you may find yourself scheduling meetings at odd hours to accommodate the needs of stakeholders in different timezones. The Big Six law firms – Allens, Ashurst, Clayton Utz, Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons and MinterEllison – are all commercial law firms, and depend upon the recruitment of talented graduates for the maintenance of their worldclass reputations. However, a variety of alternative, and equally stimulating, opportunities exist at smaller firms. Graduates can also

pursue in-house employment with a range of organisations that engage in commercial transactions.

What are my career prospects in commercial law? Commercial law is broad and offers numerous paths for ambitious graduates who wish to advance in their careers. It can take many years to become a partner at a prestigious commercial firm, and to achieve this goal you’ll need to demonstrate that you’re a talented lawyer with strong client relationships, business acumen, leadership potential, and, perhaps most importantly, proof that you’d make a profitable addition to the firm’s executive. However, there are other ways to progress as a commercial lawyer, from rising to a senior position as an in-house counsel to securing more compelling clients and working on larger, more complex transactions.

Types of law practised • • • • •

contract law intellectual property law data protection law employment law corporate law.

Choose this if you have...

• A strong command of written English. • Confidence in speaking to clients and colleagues. • Good commercial awareness. • The willingness to understand what makes individual businesses tick. • Fearlessness when confronting something you haven’t done before.

Interested in this practice area? Jump to

Page

In-house and corporate

pg 54

Professional services

pg 76

Private legal practice

pg 60

Practice areas

Consumer law Overview Australian consumers are protected by a broad range of legislative acts designed to ensure that purveyors of goods and services meet their obligations. In Australia, the main piece of legislation governing consumer law is the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which came into effect in 2011. It covers issues such as unfair contract terms, standard consumer contracts, consumer rights when buying goods and services, product safety requirements, and the rights of consumers when faced with unsolicited trades (such as door-todoor sales). The ACL also covers mergers and acquisitions.

Features Australian consumer law is a creative and innovative area of the law, despite the fact that it is heavily regulated. For example, the law must evolve constantly to mitigate the risks posed to consumers by new technologies and provide them with appropriate avenues for redress. As recently as March 2016, the government began a review of the ACL with a view to preventing new forms of unfair practice, protecting vulnerable

Learn more about working in consumer law Meredith Cridland is the senior consumer rights advisor at CHOICE. Jump to Meredith’s interview on page 55.

consumers, stimulating effective competition, and providing accessible and timely solutions when consumer detriment has occurred. As a consumer lawyer, you’ll represent consumers who have been disadvantaged by violations of consumer law, or defend organisations against individual and class action suits. You may also work on antitrust and corruption cases, which seek to eliminate collusion, regulate competition, and guard against the exploitation of consumers. These tend to be handled by large public bodies, such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Alternatively, you could lend your skills to an advocacy group such as the Consumer Action Law Centre.

Graduate experience Your graduate experience will depend largely on where you choose to practise. In Australia, consumer law cases are predominantly handled by general solicitors, who advise their clients on correct procedures and, if necessary, represent them before consumer tribunals. Graduates who are particularly interested in consumer law would do well to apply to the graduate programs with organisations that focus on consumers and their rights. For example, the ACCC is an independent Commonwealth Statutory Body charged with enforcing the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Candidates who apply successfully for a role in its graduate program can expect to be exposed to a range of activities, such as investigating complaints from consumers and businesses, while also completing three 14-week rotations in different departments, one of which must be interstate. More generally, graduates will likely spend much of their time interacting directly with consumers before advocating for their interests.

Consumer lawyers may also work in-house, advising businesses on matters such as how to meet regulatory requirements when introducing new products and services.

What are my career prospects in consumer law? Given that consumer law governs the processes whereby people exchange goods and services, the flow of work tends to be relatively steady, and the variety of specialisations continues to grow. Career options include private work as a consumer lawyer, work at a regulatory body such as the ACCC, and employment within an organisation such as the Consumer Action Law Centre.

Types of law practised • contract • statutory • some tort.

Choose this if you have…

• An interest in the client’s business and can develop rapport with different people. • The ability to enjoy rapidly changing law and analysing case law. • Excellent team working skills.

Interested in this practice area? Jump to

Page

Community sector

pg 38

Courts and tribunals

pg 40

Government sector

pg 44

In-house and corporate

pg 54

Private legal practice

pg 64

Professional services

pg 76

The Law Guide | 9

Practice areas

Criminal law Overview The actual practice of criminal law is almost nothing like that depicted on television. In Australia, criminal law is primarily dealt with by the states, with only some crimes, such as those involving types of fraud or sexual misconduct, tried at a federal level. Accordingly, the states and territories have their own legislation to deal with criminal offences, such as the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) and the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Queensland).

Features Generally, criminal lawyers fall into two categories: those who defend accused people, and those who specialise in prosecution. There are also some criminal lawyers who specialise in niche areas like victim representation or coronial inquests (for the State or persons of interest), which sometimes defy neat definition as “prosecution” or “defence”. Defence lawyers are often involved with cases from an early stage. They confer with clients to obtain instructions, appear at court, and frequently need to be “on call”, since people are very often arrested outside office hours. Typically they will be

in contact with the police and/or the prosecutor at some stage after the client is charged. Clients remanded in custody need to be visited and kept informed about their cases. This can be done face to face and by phone, although it is done increasingly via video link. Prosecution lawyers become involved in cases after charges are laid. They communicate with victims and witnesses, the investigating agency (typically the police), defence lawyers, and others as the brief is compiled by the investigators in preparation for court.

Graduate experience Graduates in criminal law are closely supervised in all aspects of the job, but there are opportunities for early responsibility. Typically, they assist in the preparation of cases and help to run cases either in the local Court or the District Court (and occasionally the Supreme Court). The work for defence lawyers at this level usually involves a lot of client contact, for example visiting prisons and police stations, attending conferences with counsel, or appearing in smaller matters either for procedural issues or for less serious matters. The work for prosecution lawyers involves preparation of the prosecution brief for trials, liaising with witnesses about their appearance and their evidence, liaising with the Crown Prosecutor about what is required, as well as appearing in procedural court appearances and less serious matters.

Learn more about working in criminal law Liam Cavell is a Senior Federal Prosecutor at the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. Jump to page 52 to read Liam’s interview.

10 | The Law Guide

What are my career prospects in criminal law? Criminal law is one of the more resilient legal specialities, but it is not entirely recession proof, especially for defence lawyers in the private sector: clients obviously need to be able to pay. Additionally, when other areas of law are struggling, it is common for

lawyers from those areas to dabble in less serious criminal matters to make up their losses, leading to fewer matters overall for specialist private criminal defence lawyers. In the public sector, government funding tends to cycle through periods where either defence or prosecution funding (or sometimes both) is slashed – although funding for police tends to be very stable, meaning that workloads can spike significantly. Job stability varies depending on the area of practice, and the availability of funding. Following funding cuts, public sector employers tend to employ many employees on a contract basis, with no guarantees of renewal. During more stable periods, many of those employees may be transitioned to ongoing roles with very good job stability. Ultimately, your career prospects will be shaped by the role you pursue in criminal law, be it a defence lawyer for a private firm, or a prosecution lawyer for the state. However, the stability of the field as a whole should encourage those who hope to create long-term careers as criminal lawyers.

Choose this if you have... • Strong advocacy, listening and communication skills. • An interest in the impact of the law on individuals and the wider community.

Interested in this practice area? Jump to

Page

Community sector

pg 38

Courts and tribunals

pg 40

Government sector

pg 44

International

pg 58

Private legal practice

pg 60

Practice areas

Employment law Overview Employment law is concerned with the relations between workers and their employers on matters ranging from wages and compensation, through to harassment and discrimination based on gender, disability, or age. Employment law often involves collective bargaining, unions and industrial relations. Attorneys in this field may represent individual clients, a union, a government regulatory agency, or an employer. Employment law requires you to master a blend of common law and domestic and statutory legislation.

Features In Australia, the Fair Work Act of 2009 provides the regulations governing Australian workplaces and employers. Australia has a minimum wage, and the Fair Work Commission works to ensure that the requirements of current industrial relations law are met. In this capacity, it performs a range of functions, from reviewing minimum wage laws each year to mediating workplace disputes. There are also various unions in Australia, representing various sectors and professions. While membership has declined over recent years, unions

Learn more about working in employment law Alana Hudson is a second year lawyer in the Workplace Relation, Employment & Safety team at Clayton Utz. Jump to page 62 to read Alana’s interview.

still play a large role in negotiating different aspects of employment law and its implementation.

provide critical support whenever questions of correct industrial relations emerge.

Graduate experience

For these reasons, employment law is a highly recession-proof area of the law. During times of economic growth, organisations are likely to require legal advice as they hire new recruits, negotiate contracts and consider expansion. During recessions, organisations tend to downsize, a process that often involves extensive legal consultation.

In employment litigation, firms are hired to defend employers in single-plaintiff lawsuits, as well as in large, sometimes geographically dispersed, collective (or class action) suits that concern issues such as discrimination, employee benefits, and wage and hour classes. You may also find yourself tasked with providing subject-matter counseling to solve workplace challenges that cover the full range of labour and employment issues. These include hiring, testing and compliance, workforce reductions, state leave management, wage and hour exempt status, independent contractor and pay practice audits, eDiscovery systems and processes, and antiharassment and other employment law training. Alternatively, your team may focus on more traditional labour matters, such as business immigration, compliance and reviews, affirmative action, pay equity and diversity, legislative and regulatory assistance, and international labour and employment matters. While the complexity of employment law may be appealing for some, others may find it frustrating. Employment regulations are liable to change frequently as clients renegotiate contracts, take industrial action or find themselves affected by new pieces of legislation. You’ll have to be ready to learn constantly and provide your clients with up-to-date and well-informed counsel.

What are my career prospects in employment law? Employment lawyers are used across all areas of the legal industry. Whether it be in a commercial or private law firm, or in-house for a specific organisation, employment lawyers

Types of law practised • contract • statutory • some tort.

Choose this if you have…

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

Interested in this practice area? Jump to

Page

Courts and tribunals

pg 40

Government sector

pg 44

In-house and corporate

pg 54

Private legal practice

pg 60

Professional services

pg 76

The Law Guide | 11

Practice areas

Environmental and planning law Overview Environmental law encompasses the complex system of treaties, regulations, statutes, conventions and case law that govern how humans can interact with the natural world. Planning lawyers use their understanding of environmental regulations to advise public and private clients on a range of issues, from acquiring licenses and permits for business to meeting environmental due diligence requirements. This is a broad area of the law, with domestic and international practitioners as well as a range of subspecialties (for example, native title claims or biodiversity management).

Features At the federal level, Australian environmental law is primarily overseen by the Department of Environment and Energy, an agency tasked with addressing a range of issues, from air quality and climate change to fuel quality standards and energy efficiency. The central piece of federal legislation is the Environmental Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Individual states and territories have their own environmental protection acts, which

are supported by various other pieces of legislation, as well as certain international treaties to which Australia is a signatory. While environmental law is often seen as having certain tacit objectives – such as the promotion of longterm ecological sustainability – it’s important to note that not all work in environmental and planning law is conducted with such ends in mind. You may find yourself representing organisations that wish to access natural resources, construct large building projects, defend against environmental lawsuits, and more.

Graduate experience The complexity and scope of environmental and planning law is both a blessing and a curse. There are various issues addressed by environmental law, from biodiversity protection and major project applications to pollution control and waste management. Furthermore, domestic and international legislation is continually evolving as separate jurisdictions approach the legal challenges of environmental management in different ways. This makes environmental law an excellent match for flexible and curious graduates who aren’t afraid to invest time in figuring out which area of environmental law is the best match for them. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with a range of non-legal experts, including ecologists, architects and archaeologists. Given the complexities of ‘ownership’ when it comes to the environment, you may be surprised by the number of stakeholders in environmental cases.

Learn more about working in environmental and planning law Zoe Hilson is a partner at Baker Mckenzie. Jump to page 67 to read Zoe’s interview.

12 | The Law Guide

As in most other legal specialities, graduates who pursue a career in environmental and planning law can expect close supervision while they learn new skills, master relevant legislation and develop relationships with their clients. Given that the

environment is highly regulated, graduates are often required to perform substantial research before producing reports. Fortunately, there are also opportunities for more hands-on experience, and graduates can look forward to eventually working with clients of their own.

What are my career prospects in environmental law? The environmental law aspect of this speciality is fairly resilient in the face of economic fluctuations. By contrast, the planning aspect is subject to change in response to economic downturns, which can have a marked effect on the rate at which new developments are submitted, approved and constructed. In either area, you will be able to build a stable career in the public or private sector.

Types of law practised • • • • • •

environmental planning criminal administrative and public human rights tort and property.

Choose this if you have... • Good research skills, an ability to stand by your findings and debate the position you have taken on a particular point of law. • The ability to be pragmatic and apply the law to a client’s specific situation and commercial activity and give them a practical solution.

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Community sector

pg 38

Government sector

pg 44

In-house and corporate

pg 54

International

pg 58

Private legal practice

pg 60

Practice areas

Family law Overview Family law is one of the more challenging specialities, insofar as it involves counselling people through particularly difficult periods of their lives. As a family law practitioner, you’ll help your clients navigate divorces, property settlement, post-separation parenting arrangements, financial agreements (“pre-nups”), child support disputes and agreements. To a lesser extent, you may also deal with family matters involving state based issues including adoption applications and surrogacy agreements. While some lawyers specialise in one of these processes, many instead maintain a ‘general practice’, advising their clients on a range of issues.

Features The main piece of legislation covering family law in Australia is the federal Family Law Act 1975, which covers things such as spousal maintenance, property division, and divorce. Additional matters, such as de facto relationships, are dealt with in pieces of legislation specific to each state. Personality is perhaps more important for success in family law than in other

Learn more about working in family law Lotte Callanan is an associate at Taylor & Scott Lawyers. She graduated with an Arts/Law degree from UTS in 2012. Jump to page 70 to read Lotte’s interview.

legal specialities. This is because, as a family lawyer, you’ll frequently meet with clients who are emotionally distressed or dealing with very challenging circumstances (such as the breakdown of a relationship and family situations involving family violence and abuse). Whether this is an advantage or disadvantage depends largely on your disposition. For patient, compassionate and people-oriented graduates, this aspect of family law can be hugely rewarding – you’re in a position to make a real difference in your client’s life. Others may find the interpersonal aspects of family law to be draining or unpleasant. One of the chief benefits of practicing family law is that it presents an exciting opportunity for continual education. To practice family law well, you’ll need to master various legal concepts and commit to the ongoing development of a range of skills, from advocacy to alternative dispute resolution.

Graduate experience Graduates who move into family law will quickly find themselves taking responsibility for various tasks, from attending client meetings and taking notes to preparing briefs and supporting more experienced practitioners during their court appearances. You will also find yourself drafting many different documents, including correspondence, court applications and settlement documents. As noted above, the beginning of your career in family law may involve you developing the ability to remain relatively neutral when faced with emotionally charged situations.

What are my career prospects in family law? You may choose to build a career that focuses on a certain aspect of family law, such as the proper handling of divorce proceedings

or the development of appropriate custody arrangements. Alternatively, you might choose to practise as a more generalised family law expert, advising clients on a range of issues, and, when necessary, litigating on their behalf. Either way, the continuing relevance of ‘the family’ as a core feature of our culture will ensure stability in this area of practice while you build on your skills and pursue a fulfilling career.

Types of law practised • • • • • • •

family tort tax contract property trusts and estates insolvency.

Choose this if you have...

• The ability to deal with people who are in a difficult situation. • The capacity to be empathetic, resilient and set boundaries. • Negotiation skills as well as the ability to make strategic decisions. • A thick skin, as clients may shout at you due to stress or anger. • The ability to be a quick thinker, as it is legally complex and changing all the time.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

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Community sector

pg 38

Private legal practice

pg 60

The Law Guide | 13

Practice areas

Human rights law Overview Human rights law takes, as its primary objective, the defence and enforcement of laws designed to protect the fundamental rights of all people without ‘distinction of any kind’. The field is central to social change and policy making, and Human rights lawyers must fully commit to a broad and inclusive conception of the law.

inclusion in private organisations or government departments, but might not necessarily oversee human rights cases. Human rights lawyers also contribute to public policy debates and tend to spend a lot of their time focused on law reform work and submission writing.

Many of the most influential human rights bodies are international. These include the United Nations Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and places such as the International Criminal Court, where crimes against humanity can be tried.

For committed graduates, human rights law offers a way to tangibly improve the lives of those whose rights have been violated or infringed upon. Some human rights lawyers may dedicate their entire careers to combatting specific issues, such as sexual slavery or ethnic discrimination. For many human rights lawyers this is the most rewarding aspect of their job –the sense that they have helped specific individuals reclaim their fundamental and inalienable rights

Features

Graduate experience

Human rights law is diverse, complicated and constantly evolving in both theory and application. It is important, however, to distinguish between work that takes a direct human rights-based approach, and work that improves human rights standards but isn’t necessarily ‘human rights work’. For example, policy officers might work on diversity and

The competition for jobs in human rights law is reflected in the growing number of postgraduate degrees designed to help aspiring lawyers demonstrate their bona fides before commencing their career. As with international law, there is no clear path toward a career in human rights.

Learn more about working in human rights law Katie Wood is a Legal and Compliance Manager at Amnesty International. Jump to page 39 to read Katie’s interview.

14 | The Law Guide

Many human rights lawyers begin their careers by volunteering or completing internships with community legal centres and human rights organisations. Experience in a development context is particularly valuable, and internship opportunities are available with various UN agencies and international NGOs. Within Australia, there are limited opportunities for graduates to work for the Australian Human Rights Commission or ,with nongovernment organisations that focus on human rights advocacy, such as Amnesty International.

What are my career prospects in human rights law? As a human rights lawyer, you will have to work hard to advocate for the issues with which you

align yourself. This might involve seeking employment in influential organisations, or submitting proposals with a view to changing public policy. Unfortunately, the development, implementation, and enforcement of human rights laws is an ongoing challenge that will likely grow more complex over coming decades as new issues arise. As a qualified and tenacious human rights lawyer, you will have numerous opportunities to develop a stable career that makes a positive impact.

Types of law practised • • • • •

administrative law refugee law anti-discrimination law disability law and policy indigenous rights.

Choose this if you have...

• An analytical mind. Some of the legislation is complex and requires close scrutiny to identify the salient points. • Resilience, persuasion and advocacy skills. Human rights lawyers may have to convince those who have different political or social views. • Empathy and patience. Human rights lawyers often work with the most vulnerable members of society.

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Community sector

pg 38

Courts and tribunals

pg 40

Government sector

pg 44

International

pg 58

Private legal practice

pg 60

Practice areas

Intellectual property law Overview Intellectual property (IP) law is designed to protect the rights of people with intangible assets, such as writing, music, drawings, paintings, films, and trade secrets. Accordingly, IP lawyers assist clients with asserting ownership of their assets using patents, copyrights, trademarks, licensing agreements, and more. In addition, they represent clients whose intellectual property other parties have infringed upon. Occasionally these cases – such as the dispute between Apple and Samsung – generate enormous publicity, with vast amounts of money at stake. While many IP lawyers are generalists, some specialise in specific areas of intellectual property law, such as patent litigation or trademark registration.

Features Intellectual property is a burgeoning field of the law, with some of its central challenges – such as the control of online piracy and the enforcement of international patents – still (at least partially) unresolved,

Learn more about working in intellectual property law Belinda Sigismundi is a principal lawyer in the Intellectual Property and Trade team at Macpherson Kelley. Jump to page 69 to read Belinda’s interview.

requiring lawyers to apply existing laws in novel ways while advocating for appropriate legislation and improved enforcement. Fortunately, this makes IP law a stimulating specialisation, in which graduates can expect to work with a range of clients, some of whom may be household names. It can also be satisfying to work with new businesses to protect their IP and ensure they can make an impact in the marketplace. A large part of being an IP lawyer involves managing client expectations. This can be particularly difficult when you receive an outcome that your client finds unsatisfactory – for them, there are often large investments of time and money at stake, not to mention potential future revenue. IP lawyers must also be prepared to commit to rigorous continuing professional development so they can stay abreast of any changes to relevant domestic and international laws.

Graduate experience IP law is a complex and dynamic field that many graduates enter into only after completing a relevant postgraduate degree, such as a Masters of Intellectual Property Law. Thereafter, their experience will depend on the specifics of their early career choices. For example, intellectual property lawyers in private firms can expect a high degree of professional supervision, especially if assigned to sensitive cases. Alternatively, graduates may choose to work in the public sector for organisations such as IP Australia, a government agency that oversees the administration of Australian intellectual property laws, enforcing trademarks, patents, designs and plant breeders’ rights. Here, they are likely to require less supervision, insofar as most available positions will require them to have amassed experience in previous IP-related roles.

What are my career prospects in intellectual property law? Intellectual property lawyers may choose to apply their skills at a specialist firm, in the IP department of a large general law firm, or in-house for a company that requires frequent IP advice. This last category includes a broad range of potential employers, from movie production houses to pharmaceutical manufacturers. Generally, graduates will begin their IP careers by working closely with associates or partners on smaller cases before moving on to more complex challenges. In terms of selecting a specialisation, the good news is that the complexities of intellectual property law mean that areas of expertise continue to multiply.

Types of law practised • • • •

intellectual property contract competition tort.

Choose this if you have... • • • •

teamwork skills energy enthusiasm an interest in science and technology.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

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Courts and tribunals

pg 40

Government sector

pg 44

In-house and corporate

pg 54

Private legal practice

pg 60

Professional services

pg 76

The Law Guide | 15

Practice areas

International law Overview International laws – as enshrined in customs, charters and treaties – act to regulate the ways in which different nation states interact with one another. Accordingly, international law experts work with their clients – who may range from nation states and non-government organisations to businesses and individuals – to draft, apply, and where possible, enforce international agreements. Broadly speaking, you may find yourself working with one of three branches of international law: public international law, which concerns the treaty obligations between different nations and individuals; private international law, which involves determining which jurisdiction’s laws are to apply in transnational cases; and supranational law, which encompasses the functioning of bodies with international jurisdiction, such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Features International law has a reputation for attracting graduates who possess a humanitarian streak or a strong sense of global citizenship. Indeed, there

Learn more about working in International law Achinthi Vithanage is a solicitor at NRG Legal. Jump to page 59 to read Achinthi’s interview.

16 | The Law Guide

are opportunities for international lawyers to apply their skills in a way that directly improves the world around them. This could involve drafting internationally binding human rights agreements, prosecuting crimes against humanity, defending our global environmental heritage, or advocating for the interests of underrepresented minorities. In this sense, it can be an immensely rewarding profession that, naturally, includes innumerable opportunities for travel abroad.

Graduate experience While there are limited ways to enter directly into an international law career – for example, by pursuing graduate positions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the ICC, or the Australian Human Rights Commission – many aspiring international law practitioners first complete postgraduate degrees or relevant internships. Work experience with international NGOs is also a common option. Studying or working abroad is highly favoured, as is fluency in two or more languages. One shouldn’t overlook the challenges inherent in practising international law. It’s a very competitive speciality that attracts a disproportionate number of highly qualified graduates. For example, DFAT has been Australia’s most popular public service employer among graduates for several consecutive years. Once hired, graduates must contend with the limitations of international law when it comes to enforcement. Because most international law is consent-based, lawyers may sometimes feel that their efforts are ineffectual. The question of how to develop and apply effective international laws is an area of open debate – and while the infant nature of this speciality will attract some graduates, others may find it frustrating or demoralising.

What are my career prospects in international law? Broadly speaking, international law fares reasonably well during recessions. Following the 2007-2008 global financial crisis – for example, many nation states agreed on the need for more rigorous regulation of international transactions. This created the need for international lawyers with financial and legal acumen. Having said that, it’s also true that recessions can result in some nation states reducing their investment in international activities. Your own career prospects will depend largely on the particular subsection of international law to which you dedicate yourself. Some lawyers ultimately move into notfor-profit organisations or advocacy groups, where they can use their skills to promote the development and enforcement of international law.

Types of law practised • • • • • • •

public international law private international law banking international trade environment criminal law human rights law.

Choose this if you have...

• The patience required to negotiate transnational agreements between voluntarily participating parties. • A belief in the value of international legal regulation.

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Government sector

pg 44

International

pg 58

Private legal practice

pg 60

Practice areas

Media law Overview Media law provides a framework for the resolution of legal issues related to film, television, digital media, advertising, publishing, marketing, and other areas of the media. This is a far-reaching branch of the law, and graduates who choose to specialise in it can expect to find themselves working with a range of tasks, from copyright disputes and defamation cases to the negotiation of licences and talent agreements. Media lawyers generally act for employers, such as film studios and investors. They may also represent individuals, such as actors, musicians and copyright holders.

Australian media is further regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which, since 2005, has overseen the implementation of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, the Telecommunications Act 1997, the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999, and the Radio Communications Act 1992, as well as 22 other related pieces of legislation. In addition to the federal laws and statutory authorities, codes of conduct and industry standards are influential within media law. Some of the major issues in contemporary media law are piracy, internet censorship, privacy, media ownership and defamation.

Features

Graduate experience

In 2016, the Federal Government attempted unsuccessfully to pass a law – the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment – that would have changed the restrictions currently governing media ownership and broadcasting rights. As it stands, the dominant Act in broadcast media remains the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, which covers issues related to content regulation and media ownership.

Much of the work you do as a graduate in media law will be fastpaced, with the licensing you acquire today, for example, used next week in an advertising campaign to play a certain song. Your clients will tend to be creative and dynamic people who travel frequently. Developing strong relationships with them will be a key part of your job, and this can be extremely satisfying. The explosion of digital media has created a new market for law graduates who are interested in media and technology. It also means that the range of potential career paths for media lawyers has increased dramatically, with more in-house jobs than ever before. As a result, graduate experiences will vary greatly, depending on whether you work for a law firm, a radio station, a digital content agency, or a different media outlet. Generally, this will include a period of close supervision as you master all the relevant laws and processes.

Learn more about working in media law Chris Chow is the managing director of Chris Chow Creative Lawyers. Jump to page 70 to read Chris’ interview.

What are my career prospects in media law? As a media lawyer, you will most likely find yourself working for a regulatory authority, in-house for a media organisation, or as a consultant in a

law firm. The variety of media formats and global reach of the industry, means that you can build a career that both matches your specific interests and takes you abroad. The scale of the media industry also means that media law practitioners can generally weather economic fluctuations on an individual basis. Nevertheless, clients often seek to save money during quiet periods – for example, by spending less on traditional advertising campaigns, with the result that they are less likely to require legal support.

Types of law practised • contract • litigation • intellectual property.

Choose this if you have...

• Good analytical and research skills. • An engaging personality. • Excellent interpersonal skills.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

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In-house and corporate

pg 54

Private legal practice

pg 60

Professional services

pg 76

The Law Guide | 17

Practice areas

Public and administrative law Overview The history of human development is marked by the production of significant pieces of public law, from the Athenian Constitution to the American Bill of Rights. Broadly speaking, public and administrative laws defines the relationship between individuals and the state. It also outlines the circumstances in which individuals are entitled to challenge the state (for example, they can demonstrate that an existing law violates their constitutional rights). This area of the law is less concerned with ‘guilt’ and ‘innocence’ than it is with more fundamental questions of justice. Accordingly, a career in public law, though it may lack much courtroom drama, will give thoughtful graduates an opportunity to interrogate and apply the most foundational rules of our legal system.

Features Public law applies to a range of public functions, which means that it can offer you insights into various areas of life that you might otherwise never

Learn more about working in public and administrative law Christopher Malone is a lawyer in the Disability and Housing Legal Team at the Department of Social Services. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University. Jump to page 50 to read Christopher’s interview.

18 | The Law Guide

experience. For example, you could find yourself working with prisons, the police service, the public housing department, or the military. There is no ‘typical case’ in public law, but most of the cases you work on will be engaging and consequential. This is especially true if you work on a case that’s tried in the High Court or before a federal tribunal. Graduates who choose to focus on public law can expect to tackle some of the biggest legal issues of today, such as the individual’s right to privacy, the management of immigration, and the increasingly complex relationship between Australia’s federal laws and its international obligations.

Graduate experience Many government agencies advertise graduate programs with detailed information about the type of work you can expect to complete. For example, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet provides graduates with a structured, on-the-job development program that prepares them for a successful public service career. The best way to learn what your experience will be is to look up a particular graduate program. Public employers are generally obliged to disclose as much information as possible, including salary packages, target outcomes and any relevant fringe benefits. While public law is certainly important, it tends to offer less remuneration than careers in the private sector. Public law experts do travel for work from time to time, but it would be unusual for them to be sent to a different federal jurisdiction. They’re more likely to travel domestically, especially when required to present cases in the nation’s capital.

What are my career prospects in public law? The public service has a reputation for providing a high degree of job

stability, and this is true for public lawyers as well. Having said that, the public law sector is affected by judicial reforms, which may be pushed through during a recession to maximise efficiency and save on costs.

Types of law practised • public law.

Choose this if you have...

• An understanding of the concerns and priorities of public authorities. • Analytical brainpower as well as a clear mind to explain complex concepts simply. • Good drafting ability as you will need to pin down your case from the beginning. • Strong oral advocacy.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

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Community sector

pg 38

Government sector

pg 44

International

pg 58

Practice areas

Real estate and property law Overview Real estate and property law is about helping clients to manage their rights and responsibilities as landowners and advising on transactions to realise the economic potential of their properties. Commercial property solicitors advise on commercial transactions such as acquisitions and disposals, leasing, development, joint ventures, estate management and funding arrangements. They may also litigate when disputes related to real estate and property arise. Residential property solicitors tend to focus on conveyancing. Your clients would typically include property developers, institutional investors, real estate funds, corporations, retailers, utilities companies and financial institutions.

Features Australian property law is primarily regulated at a state level through legislation such as the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) and the Land Titles Act 1980 (Tasmania). Significant federal decisions regarding real estate and property laws include Mabo and Others v Queensland (No. 2),

which established native title, and P J Magennis Pty Ltd v Commonwealth, which dealt with the Commonwealth’s right to acquire property.

Graduate experience Graduates in property law can expect to quickly find themselves with a range of responsibilities. These include performing due diligence on properties and preparing title reports; drafting simple leases, licences, assignments and transfers; liaising with local councils and housing authorities; collating documents to complete transactions; and researching specific legal issues that may arise during the course of a transaction. The chief benefit of working in real estate and property law is that you will be exposed to a wide variety of cases that draw on an equally broad range of skills, from legal research to dispute resolution. You might find yourself doing conveyance work for a new residential development, drawing contracts for the purchase of a business building, or evicting nonpaying tenants. Property law is also seen as offering among the best work/life balances of all the legal professions. On the other hand, the work can be unpredictable. This is in large part because of property law’s steep learning curve, especially for graduates who become involved in international real estate transactions (a process that requires a deep understanding of real estate law from multiple jurisdictions.)

Learn more about working in real estate and property law Dean Balassis is a lawyer in the in the property, projects and infrastructure team at Lander & Rogers. He graduated from Deakin university. Jump to page 71 to read Dean’s interview.

What are my career prospects in real estate and property law? The Australian housing market has been healthy for the past decade, with occasional market fluctuations encouraging property owners and investors to rely on innovative funding strategies that draw on the expertise of real estate lawyers. More generally, property lawyers remain indispensable

when it comes to transactions that involve the transfer of property or title, making this a very stable area of practice. You might build a career within a firm, providing legal counsel to a range of clients, or seek in-house employment with an organisation frequently involved in property transactions (such as a government body or a mining company).

Types of law practised • • • • • • •

land equity and trusts contract planning environmental construction dispute resolution.

Choose this if you have...

• A thorough understanding of the current law and regulations. • Attention to detail and meticulous drafting skills. • Good communication skills (complex legal arguments often need explaining to non-lawyers). • Highly developed analytical skills combined with a practical and innovative approach in order to find solutions to problems such as rights of way, contamination and boundary disputes.

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Academia

pg 36

Courts and tribunals

pg 40

Government sector

pg 44

In-house and corporate

pg 54

Private legal practice

pg 60

Professional services

pg 76

The Law Guide | 19

Practice areas

Taxation law Overview Taxation law is a legal speciality that involves assisting clients to navigate the complexities of various tax codes. This allows them to identify, minimise and allocate the tax risks faced by their clients. To succeed, tax lawyers are required to perform large amounts of legal research and identify all legislation relevant to a specific transaction. There are various tax types in Australia, including personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and customs duties. These are enshrined in numerous documents, from the Australian Constitution to pieces of legislation such as A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (which introduced GST). Tax lawyers spend most of their time in the office, though may participate in occasional off-site meetings or meet with barristers to brief them before court appearances.

Features Tax law boasts one of the more stable working schedules in the legal profession. Typical hours – from nine

until seven – are rarely violated, and all-night efforts are more uncommon still. For this reason, many tax law practitioners may find it easier to establish, and defend, a healthy worklife balance than their colleagues in, say, commercial or criminal law. However, longer hours are often required when working on a significant transaction or on an important tax litigation matter. The flipside of working in taxation law is that it offers relatively few opportunities to travel. The primary exception is for consultant lawyers who may occasionally work on secondment at client premises. Of course, some graduates may find the idea of a job with a fixed location quite appealing.

Graduate experience Because taxation law is such a research-intensive specialisation, graduates can expect a higher degree of supervision than their colleagues in most other areas of law. Graduates should be ready to learn on the job, carrying out legal research and even drafting tax documentation, until they’re in a position to begin advising clients directly. Unlike some other areas of the law, there is a general expectation that tax practitioners will complete a Master of Laws with a specialisation in Tax. The alternative is to complete the Chartered Tax Advisor program with The Tax Institute.

seeking additional tax deductions, both of which require expert tax advice. Finally, it should be noted that a career in taxation law prepares you for a range of comparatively stable jobs, such as in the public service or the in-house divisions of large corporations. For these reasons, your career prospects in taxation law will be varied and reliable.

Types of law practised • • • • •

tax contract company property trusts.

Choose this if you have...

• Analytical and logical thought processes. • The ability to deal with abstract concepts. • Intellectual stamina. • The ability to deal with many different matters at once. • Research skills. • Commerciality. • The ability to explain difficult concepts in layman’s terms.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

What are my career prospects in taxation law?

Learn more about working in taxation law Jessica Tran is a Graduate at the Australian Taxation Office. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce from the University of Western Australia in 2015. Jump to page 46 to read Jessica’s interview.

20 | The Law Guide

Taxation lawyers work primarily on transactions involving private groups, individuals or large businesses. They can also participate in tax litigation, or Part IVC litigation which generally follows from an internal review by a government revenue authority and has a separate specialised set of rules. During a recession, the number of these transactions tends to decline, which can affect the availability of work for tax lawyers. Having said that, some companies may deal with a recession by restructuring or

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In-house and corporate

pg 54

Private legal practice

pg 60

Professional services

pg 76

Practice areas

Wills and estates Overview Solicitors involved in wills and estates help clients to draft wills and trusts, delegate powers of attorney, appoint enduring guardians, and produce other documents that will assist with the administration of the client’s estate once they have passed away (or during periods when they are incapacitated). To achieve these outcomes, solicitors involved in wills and estates may also help clients to audit their assets, ensure their beneficiaries are properly provided for, and store their wills in a secure location. They may also assist the estate’s executor with distributing assets, and provide counsel and representation in cases where somebody dies intestate (i.e. without a will), or in which an existing will or estate is disputed.

Features The creation of an Australian will is, in most cases, a fairly straightforward undertaking. Many adults without overly complex assets choose to complete their wills independently using DIY will kits distributed by government agencies. However, as a legal document, the specific

wording of a will can have unexpected consequences if its author doesn’t take care to make his or her wishes unambiguous and easily implemented. Therein lies one of the chief satisfactions of working with wills and estates – you can offer your clients the peace of mind that comes from knowing their death won’t cause avoidable stress for loved ones (as can often happen when a person dies intestate). Wills and estates law can be just as complicated as most alternative specialisations, with highly regarded practitioners frequently developing expertise in related subjects, such as taxation, equity, and property law. There is also considerable pressure on wills and estates lawyers to pay close attention to detail – mistakes might not be discovered until after the testator has passed away, at which point correcting errors is a costly and sometimes impossible process.

can expect to build a career around providing a service for which there is fairly consistent demand.

Types of law practised • • • •

succession law trusts property law taxation law.

Choose this if you have...

• Attention to detail. • Excellent interpersonal skills. • A broad interest in other fields of law. • The ability to deal with emotional situations.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

Graduate experience Most lawyers in general practice will be involved in wills and estates law at some point, whether they’re advising clients, representing them, or acting as the testator or beneficiary of a private will. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t lawyers who specialise in wills and estates, or who regularly take part in probate proceedings. The professional life of a graduate who specialises in wills and estates will involve meeting with clients, drafting documents, and occasionally helping to inventorise and appraise various assets.

What are my career prospects in wills and estates law? Learn more about working in wills and estates law Tracey Ryan is a partner at Shine Lawyers. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Law. Jump to page 71 to read Tracey’s interview.

Wills and estates lawyers provide a critical function, helping people to ensure that their assets are posthumously distributed in a responsible and controlled way. The indispensability of wills makes this a very stable area of practice, and you

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Community sector

pg 38

Private legal practice

pg 60

The Law Guide | 21

Practice Practice areas areas

ASSISTING YOU in forging a successful career in the legal industry with online resources. lawsociety.com.au/studenthub

SHOWCASING YOU a national legal jobs portal. Unlock your future and discover the best job for you with a law degree, in one place. legalvitae.com.au

CONNECTING YOU with young lawyers to provide support and guidance through your transition from student to lawyer. lawsociety.com.au/gradmentoring

SUPPORTING YOU in your career; the largest body of young and newly practising lawyers and law students in Australia. younglawyers.com.au

The Law Society of NSW acts as a voice of the legal profession, representing over 27,000 members. We provide a wide range of services to law students, graduates and young lawyers to assist in their professional and personal lives. lawsociety.com.au

22 22 ||The TheLaw LawGuide Guide

Careers outside of law

Chapter 2

Careers outside of law

The Law Guide | 23

Careers outside of law

Introduction to careers outside of law Many students approach their law degree as a qualification that will demonstrate their overall aptitude and competence, even though they have no intention of working in the legal sector. Others graduate from double degrees, with qualifications in a separate field of study, such as engineering or commerce, and plan to pursue a career in the corresponding sector. Finally, there are those who finish their law degrees but wish to consider alternatives to legal practice. Whichever group you fall into, there are still several reasons to feel that your legal training has been time well spent. First, there are many opportunities available to law graduates outside of the legal sector. However, it’s important that you clarify your reasons for wanting to make the switch before pursuing these opportunities. Is it because you’re genuinely enthusiastic about the new career? Is it because

Graduates working at Honeywell.

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you’re demoralised by law school, or underwhelmed by industry work experience? Ideally, your decision should be a positive one, motivated by the desire to do one thing and not to avoid doing another. Second, you can take heart from the fact that law graduates are highly sought after in a range of fields. After

There are many opportunities available to law graduates outside of the legal sector.

all, they’ve distinguished themselves by completing an intellectually demanding degree. Employers can also reasonably expect them to have developed a range of valuable generic attributes during the course of their studies. These include negotiation and collaboration skills, logical analysis, leadership capacity and an appreciation of social and cultural diversity. In other words, while each career possesses its own requisite skills and terminology, a legal education has left you well prepared to master them. So if you’d like to explore career options outside of law, read on to explore what they are, and get a sense of where you might find satisfaction.

Careers outside of law

Accounting and advisory What does an accountant do?

Where do accountants work?

Broadly speaking, accountants assist their clients with the preparation and maintenance of financial records. While you may be most familiar with their role in managing tax declarations, accountants also perform other critical tasks such as preparing financial statements, performing audits, drafting budgets, advising on investment decisions, and analysing the costs of various business processes.

Accountants work in practically every sector and industry, from mining and transport to education and the government. They are often employed in-house at a range of public and private organisations, as service providers at small to medium accounting agencies, and as consultants in large firms. In Australia, this last category is dominated by the ‘Big Four’ – that is, EY, KPMG, Deloitte and PwC.

The role of accountants has shifted over the past few decades, with software making it possible for them to automate bookkeeping and focus more on data analysis, the development of appropriate tax strategies, and other more valuable tasks. There are various specialities within accountancy. For example, a management accountant focuses primarily on business forecasts that can be used by senior executives to make more informed decisions. By contrast, a forensic accountant performs reviews and audits to identify possible discrepancies in an organisation’s financial records.

How can I take advantage of my law degree? If you’re after evidence that law graduates possess skills considered highly desirable in the accounting industry, look no further than the fact that many accounting firms are actively recruiting them. In Australia, the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms have pledged to grow their legal teams, with PwC announcing that it intends to be one of the world’s top 20 legal providers by 2020. This is encouraging news if you’d like to use your new-found skills in the accounting and advisory industry as a legal practitioner.

If you’d like to move into the accounting industry but not pratise as a lawyer, the outlook remains positive. The disciplined and creative approach that leads to success in the law will also stand you in good stead should you move into accountancy. You may also find that your understanding of taxation law and other aspects of finance law proves useful. However, bear in mind that a law degree might lend credibility to your application, but it won’t be enough to secure you a job if you wish to work as a registered accountant. To do this, you will generally require an accounting degree (or a Bachelor of Business with a major in accounting) and an active membership with one of Australia’s three main industry accreditation providers: the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), Certified Practising Accountants Australia (CPA), and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).

Average salary The average entry-level salary of Australian graduate accountants is $56,000 per annum. They generally work around 46 hours a week.

Law graduates are welcome across the accounting and advisory sector, from boutique agencies to global networks like BDO.

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Careers outside of law

Banking and financial services What do people in this sector do? A career in the banking and financial services sector could see you in a range of roles, from investment analyst at an international bank, auditor at a governmental regulatory body to actuary for a small private firm. Generally, employees in this sector invest or manage money for their clients. As such, they need to be able to understand business and financial information so that they can anticipate market changes and respond accordingly. Wherever they end up, finance professionals are expected to be adept communicators with strong analytical skills and the ability to assimilate new information – and, fortunately, those are the same skills you’ll have developed as a law student.

a range of credit unions. Investment banks such as Macquarie Bank, Deutsche Bank, and Morgan Stanley oversee complex and large-scale transactions for business clients and may also manage assets for high net worth individuals. Insurers underwrite a range of risks for individuals and organisations. Finally, the fintech (or financial technology) sector includes companies that use new technologies and innovations, such as rapid data analytics and real-time trading, to compete in the marketplace.

to look for patterns in large amounts of information is invaluable. You may also discover that your grasp of the fundamentals of subjects like taxation law and regulatory compliance helps you stand out when applying for jobs. If you’re still studying, it may be a good idea to apply for internships or summer positions at a financial institution. This will not only boost your credentials when you look for full-time jobs later on – it will also help you decide if banking and finance is the right thing for you.

How can I take advantage of my law degree in this sector?

In Australia, the average entry-level salary for graduates in the banking and financial services sector is $73,000 per annum, and they work an average of 44 hours a week.

As a law graduate in the financial sector, you will find that your ability

Where do people in this sector work? Generally, jobs within the banking and financial services sector can be found within four main types of organisations. Retail banks primarily service individuals and small businesses. This category includes institutions such as Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, and

Wherever they end up, finance professionals are expected to be adept communicators with strong analytical skills and the ability to assimilate new information. 26 | The Law Guide

Bankwest’s Aspiring Leaders graduates come from many different backgrounds.

Careers outside of law

Construction and property services How can I take advantage of my law degree?

What do people in this sector do? A career in the construction and property development sector could see you participating in building projects while employed by a commercial, industrial or residential property organisation. Alternatively, you may specialise in property valuation, construction oversight, project management, surveyance work, or a range of other processes including: asbestos removal, fire safety, zoning approvals, working on heritage properties, and managing licenses for electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, and other tradesmen who work on building sites.

Stakeholder management is an important aspect of construction, so graduates who possess strong communication skills – as many law graduates do – are held in particularly high regard.

Where do they work? Within Australia, many graduates intent on working within the construction and property services sector choose to apply for graduate programs at larger firms such as AECOM, Multiplex, Laing O’Rourke, Lendlease and Stockland. However,

While it’s true that many specialised roles within such organisations require a background in engineering, others, such as project management and construction oversight, draw on the more generic skills that a law graduate can be relied upon to possess. These include an ability to master complex processes, work within large teams, liaise with multiple stakeholders, and communicate effectively. Stakeholder management is an important aspect of construction, so graduates who possess strong communication skills – as many law graduates do – are held in particularly high regard.

Average salary there are many paths into the construction industry, and, depending on how you’d like to specialise, you may find it more gratifying to work for a smaller company or even a specialist contractor (for example, one that focuses on surveyance work).

The average starting salary for entry-level graduates in the Australian construction and property services sector is $66,000 per annum. They generally work around 46 hours a week.

Laing O’Rourke seeks law graduates for quantity surveyor roles.

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Careers outside of law

Consulting What does a consultant do? Consultants are the business world’s professional problem solvers. Drawing on expertise from a range of disciplines, consultants (either individually or in teams) work alongside other organisations to address a range of problems, from how to maximise the profitability of a new product launch to how best to navigate a complex merger. Generally, these tasks see consultants adopt one of two roles: an advisory role (such as developing a business strategy, improving HR processes, or analysing the market) or an implementation role (such as executing a business strategy, introducing a technological solution, or overseeing the adoption of new internal processes).

Where do consultants work? Consultants can work at a consultancy firm, practise independently (on a freelance or contractual basis), or work in-house. Some of the better known consultancy firms in Australia include BCG, Bain & Co., and McKinsey. As a consultant, you are likely to find yourself on the road, or even in the air, quite frequently, travelling to meet and work alongside stakeholders at your client companies. For some consultants, this is an exciting part of the job – you get to see new places, and network widely, while embracing the life of a ‘nomadic worker’. However, the constant travel can be taxing too, and is worth taking into account if you’d prefer to be employed at a fixed location.

How can I take advantage of my law degree? The diversity of responsibilities facing the modern consultant make this an appealing career choice for legal graduates, who have been trained to think through the minutiae of various problems before generating appropriate solutions. Indeed, many of the larger consultancy firms seek out law graduates specifically because

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Accenture have a collaborative working style.

they possess highly developed problem solving skills and an ability to apply known ideas in novel contexts. Having said that, be warned that jobs in top-tier consultancy firms are extremely competitive, and the process whereby successful graduates secure a role is often rigorous. For example, McKinsey requires applicants to complete several rounds of interviews, as well as a qualitative reasoning test and a face-to-face case study in which they are expected to work

through business problems aloud. Of course, there are many satisfying careers to be found at smaller boutique and medium-sized consultancy firms as well – these too are likely to attract accomplished graduates.

What is the average salary?

In Australia, entry-level graduate consultants earn an average of $61,000 per annum while working approximately 47 hours a week.

Many of the larger consultancy firms seek out law graduates specifically because they are possessed of highly developed problem solving skills and an ability to apply known ideas in novel contexts.

Careers outside of law

Engineering What does an engineer do? Making, testing, and fixing things – these are the engineer’s bread and butter. Engineers draw on a range of technical skills, such as a strong command of fluid dynamics; an understanding of the structural integrity of different materials; and the ability to solve practical challenges. Engineers fall into various fields of expertise, including civil engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, and robotic engineering. You’ll often find engineers generating new solutions to novel problems, or helping to turn other people’s (sometimes outlandish) ideas into realities.

Where do engineers work? Engineers work in various places, from large firms such as BAE Systems and Honeywell to smaller, often niche organisations. Engineers also work at manufacturing plants, hospitals, construction sites, mines, and airports, as well as in the public service.

How can I take advantage of my law degree? There are now multiple universities in Australia that offer engineering and law as a combined ‘double degree’. If you’ve graduated from such a double degree and wish to pursue a career in engineering, then you’re in an enviable position – the technical skills you’ve developed as an engineering student are well complemented by the reasoning skills you’ve gained during your study of law, and this is an appealing combination for prospective employers. However, if you haven’t studied engineering, but still wish to work in the engineering sector, then your legal background will still stand you in good stead. For example, there are firms such as Kreisson and Vincent Young that focus specifically on the legal challenges that confront engineering projects. Their lawyers deal with issues such as risk management,

contractual negotiation, property transactions, and strata management. Larger engineering firms are more likely to recruit in-house counsels to perform similar tasks. Of course, there are other roles within the engineering sector that require specific qualifications in neither engineering nor law, but do take advantage of the more generic skills acquired in each field of study. For example, as a project manager or supply chain specialist, you will use your organisational skills, ability to communicate effectively, and negotiation experience to manage complex teams and processes.

What is the average salary? In Australia, the average entrylevel package for a graduate in the engineering sector is $68,000 per year and the average number of hours worked per week is 41.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au

Combining your law degree with an engineering one can make you more attractive to international firms like fujitsu.

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Careers outside of law

IT and communications What do professionals in this sector do? IT and communications is a broad field and arguably the one with the most rapid and dramatic changes. Just ten years ago, for example, Facebook, Youtube, Skype and Twitter were in their infancy; ‘big data’ and ‘real-time analytics’ were still conceptual, rather than practical; and, perhaps most tellingly, the mobile phone market was dominated by Nokia and its range of nonsmart keypad phones. Now, almost everything has changed, and the most successful IT and communications organisations are those that have embraced new developments to stay ahead of the curve. Careers in the information and communication technology field include a variety of roles and tasks associated with planning, researching, installing and monitoring the performance of IT and communication systems and transmissions. It’s possible to provide only a representative sample here. Web developers are responsible for designing and maintaining websites;

The sector at large remains relatively degreeagnostic: what matters is your passion, evidence of diligence and determination, and ability to perform.

systems analysts focus on the integrity and efficiency of various networks; IT managers oversee large-scale projects to ensure that they are completed on time and within budget; and engineers of various types focus on testing, implementing and troubleshooting new technologies.

Where do they work? IT and communications professionals are ubiquitous, working directly for, or servicing, a broad range of organisations. Some of the more prominent employers include the government, the technology sector (which boasts big names such as Atlassian, Microsoft, and Google), and the communications sector, where

standout organisations include Cisco, Optus and Telstra.

How can I take advantage of my law degree? While employers tend to prioritise graduates from IT-specific degrees when filling technical roles, the sector at large remains relatively degree-agnostic: what matters is your passion, evidence of diligence and determination, and ability to perform whichever tasks are specific to a given role (bearing in mind that these can be quite technical). As a law graduate, your proven ability to work through complex problems, make sense of precedents, and apply known ideas in novel contexts will give you an edge. Bear in mind many large IT and communications companies – from Amazon to TechnologyOne – rely upon the support of non-technical personnel in positions well-suited to law graduates. These include marketing, project management and stakeholder engagement roles, as well as in-house counsel roles for lawyers particularly interested in the legal challenges facing businesses in the IT sector.

What is the average salary?

IRESS hire graduates to help build technology solutions for financial markets.

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Within Australia, the average entrylevel package for graduates in the IT and communications sector is $66,000 per year. They work an average of 42 hours per week.

Careers outside of law

Mining and resources What do professionals in this sector do? The Australian mining sector is enormous, contributing six to seven percent of the country’s GDP. Australia is the world’s largest exporter of coal and a significant producer of tin, aluminum, copper, gold, iron, diamond, opal, and zinc. The sector directly employs some 187,400 people, whose roles range from prospecting and maintenance supervision to driving and physical labour.

Where do they work? Due to the breadth of the mining sector, it employs people across Australia in both metropolitan and regional areas. Some of the more prominent mining organisations include Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Alcoa, Bluescope Steel, Hancock Prospecting and Newcrest. The regional centres of Australian mining are, arguably, Kalgoorlie, the Hunter Valley, and the Bowen Basin. Australia’s largest active mines are overwhelmingly concentrated in South Australia and Western Australia, which produce iron ore, coal and gold. While many mining sector personnel are based in remote towns, others have a ‘fly in, fly out’ lifestyle that allows them to spend weekends and off-time in more densely populated areas. However, you won’t only find the mining sector’s employees in the field. The mining sector provides jobs to some 600,000 people in support industries, including those who provide mining software, excavation equipment, and supply chain management. Many of these employees are situated in major cities.

How can I take advantage of my law degree? As a law graduate, there are various ways that you can become involved in this sector. First, there are in-house legal positions at most major mining and resource organisations.

Caltex graduates report a diverse range of rotations during the graduate program.

This would include big names like BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Newcrest, as well as smaller mineral exploration companies. Second, there are positions within established generalist law firms that focus on providing external advice to mining and resource companies. For example, Ashurst, Herbert Smith Freehills, and King & Wood Mallesons all have divisions dedicated to clients in the resources sector. Additionally, there are smaller boutique law firms that focus on mining alone – some examples would include Rankin Ellison and Hunt & Humphry. Finally, law graduates who don’t wish to practice law will still find roles in the mining sector that allow them to make use of their transferrable skills. These range from project management to compliance enforcement, as well as a range of roles that capitalise on the law graduate’s ability to communicate

clearly and accurately (for example, roles in marketing and public relations). While the focus has historically been on the mining component of this sector – which has been its economic flagbearer – the growth of companies in the renewable and alternative energies market can be expected to create new roles in the future for ambitious and adaptable graduates.

What is the average salary? The average graduate entry-level package is $86,000 and the average industry hours are 44 per week, making this the most lucrative industry on a dollar-per-hour basis.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au

The renewable and alternative energies market can be expected to create new roles in the future. The Law Guide | 31

Careers outside of law

The public sector What do public sector employees do? The public sector encompasses those sections of the economy that provide governmental services and are (primarily) funded by public resources. In Australia, the public sector includes the three main branches of government (the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary); the military; the public healthcare system; the public education system; various infrastructural service providers; the members of the government (such as administrators and elected officials); and many other departments and agencies. There are many roles within the public sector, from personal assistant to a local councillor to the prime minister of Australia. In this sense, the phrase ‘public sector’ is unhelpful – it refers to who employs you, but sheds little light on what you do. Having said that, what all public sector employees theoretically have in common is that they are expected to serve the citizenry and enhance the state.

Where do they work? As of early 2017, the Federal Government has 18 departments, which are collectively responsible for some 190 agencies, dealing with matters as diverse as fisheries research and native title. Historically, the largest federal government departments have been the Department of Defence, the Department of Human Services, the Australian Federal Police, the CSIRO, and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. Individual state governments are also broken down into departments and agencies, with local matters addressed by elected councils. Approximately 40 percent of Australia’s ~150,000 public sector employees are concentrated in Canberra, the nation’s administrative capital. The other sixty percent are found everywhere from Australia’s

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largest cities to its most remote communities, as well as on various overseas postings.

How can I take advantage of my law degree? Employment options for law graduates in the public sector fall within two broad categories: roles that specifically require a legal background, and those which instead draw upon the generic skills acquired from a law degree. In the first category, there are the many public and governmental positions that are filled by legal practitioners with specific law-based responsibilities. More information about these roles, and how to pursue them, can be found later in this guide, in the ‘government sector’ on page 48. However, for now, it’s useful to note that there is a broad range of jobs for law graduates even within this sub-category of the public sector. You’ll find lawyers advising on policy development for individual parliamentarians, providing expert legal support to the government through the Attorney-General’s Department, participating in the development and activities of various tribunals, and much more. The path towards a career in the public sector often begins with a successful application to a graduate

NSW Government graduate Rabab Hannameeting with her mentor.

program. The Federal government maintains an up-to-date list of such programs on its Graduate Programs website. Roles at the state and local levels can be found by visiting the relevant websites for each jurisdiction. The second category of public service jobs particularly suited to law graduates are those that draw heavily on legal reasoning skills without requiring the day-to-day tasks of a practicing lawyer. For example, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trading has a reputation for attracting and recruiting lawyers for diplomatic and foreign policy based positions. This is due, in large part, to the training law students receive in policy analysis, negotiation, dispute resolution, and mediation. Similarly, law graduates are highly prized in communication positions across multiple departments.

What is the average salary? The average entry-level package for graduates in the public sector is $65,000 and the average industry hours are 37.5 per week. Furthermore, working conditions are highly competitive, with flexible hours, structured career breaks, job sharing, and mobile working arrangements.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au

Careers outside of law

Retail and consumer goods What do retail sector employees Larger retailers, such as department stores and franchise companies, do?

and managerial roles are more degree agnostic.

Retailing describes the practice of earning a profit by selling goods and services to consumers. While you may think of customer-facing roles when you hear the phrase ‘retail sector’, there’s an enormous industry of people who work behind the scenes to ensure that retailers remain competitive and consumer needs are both anticipated and met.

Second, many positions within the retail sector specifically call upon the services of legal practitioners. These lawyers can expect to find themselves focusing on issues such as contract negotiation, brand protection, capital raising schemes, and the legal issues that arise in relation to advertising and marketing campaigns or trade promotions. While some of these lawyers will work in-house for larger retailers, others may be hired from a firm (or division within a firm) that specialises in matters of retail law.

Where do they work? Retail employees work everywhere there are retail stores and Australia has many thousands of them. However, that’s only half the story – between ten and thirty per cent of Australian retail transactions are conducted online. These stores often eschew customer-facing roles, instead employing warehouse stockists, administrative staff, and various other participants in a supply chain that is, to the consumer, mostly invisible.

often have a large back-office division that focuses on administrative, financial, and other responsibilities.This is where you’ll find marketers, business strategists, senior managerial staff, consumer analysts and more. Many of these jobs share a common goal: understanding what consumers want and striving to deliver it. For example, Myer, which is the largest department store in Australia, has stores in around 67 locations and its headquarters in Melbourne.

How can I take advantage of my law degree? For law graduates, there are two main ways to enter the retail sector. First, they may use their analytical skills and creativity to pursue retail careers that don’t draw directly on their legal expertise. While some such careers may require special training – marketers, for example, will generally be expected to have received a marketing qualification – other advisory, administrative

What is the average salary? The average graduate entry-level salary package in this sector is $74,000 and grads are expected to work an average of 48 hours per week, making this a fairly hardworking group dollar for dollar.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au

Graduates at Carlton & United Breweries speak highly of the dedicated, well-developed graduate program .

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Careers outside of law

Transport and logistics What do professionals in the transport and logistics sector do?

The transport and logistics sector contributes about ten percent of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDP. Together, they work for various types of businesses, including freight companies, which manage the transportation required to shift goods around; distribution companies, which help businesses move their goods from the site of manufacture to the marketplace; and supply chain and logistics companies, which take a holistic view of the process whereby products are connected with consumers, and look for ways to make it more efficient, profitable and manageable. This sector is particularly important in Australia, which, isolated as it is from key international markets, must maintain efficient domestic supply chains if it is to compete on a global scale and insulate local suppliers from the impact of imported goods.

Where do they work? The transport and logistics sector is geographically dispersed in a way that reflects the often immense distances between Australian importers,

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manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, businesses, and consumers. Road freight accounts for around 75% of the goods transported inside Australia, with logistics companies relying on a network of road and rail routes supported by various warehouses. Given the globalised nature of many supply chains, this is a sector in which many employees can expect to travel regularly and work unusual hours (especially when liaising with stakeholders in a range of different time zones). Some of the largest employers in this sector include Toll Holdings, Linfox Australia, Star Track Express, Swire, and DHL Supply Chain.

How can I take advantage of my law degree? Employers in the transport and logistics sector tend not to select graduates from any particular discipline (the exception would be for graduates who have completed one of the relatively uncommon Bachelor of Supply Management/ Logistics degrees).

As a result, your completion of a law degree is likely to give you an edge when applying for positions. This is because it shows that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve acquired the same attributes often considered to be invaluable in the transport and logistics sector: that is, attributes such as the ability to manage stakeholders, think creatively, and understand complex processes. Bear in mind that some larger transport and logistics companies will also employ in-house counsels, offering you a more specialised career path if you decide to practise as a lawyer.

What is the average salary? In Australia, the average graduate entry-level salary for transport and logistics graduates is $61,000. They work an average of 47 hours per week.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au

Career pathways

Chapter 3

Career pathways & employment options

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Academia

Academia Overview Academia is concerned with the pursuit of research, education and scholarship. Academics are people who work in this field, either as a teacher or researcher at a university or other higher education institution. They are typically people who study, analyse and critique the law before sharing their findings through teaching, publishing and participating in public discussions. While their work is largely theoretical, as opposed to solicitors whose work is largely practical, many academics are now seeking to blend theory and practice into their research activities.

Entering Academia A career as an academic will often begin with short-term or casual positions as a tutor. To secure these positions you need to be a standout performer as a student. This means highly competitive marks (ideally including some academic merit prizes), strong relationships with faculty, and successful admission to an honours program (many of which require prospective applicants to possess a distinction average and several references). You might also demonstrate that you’ve been involved in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS). From this point, it’s a matter of continuing to distinguish yourself, through excellence in teaching and research, so that you can pursue new academic opportunities as they arise. You’ll need to make a concerted effort to publish articles in prestigious journals. It can also help to participate in extracurricular activities such as Moot Competitions. Another way you may want to become an academic is

Melbourne Law School academic programs include the Melbourne JD, Melbourne law masters and graduate research degrees.

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by completing a masters program or PhD. Today, most candidates need a PhD to obtain a full-time position as the criteria for most academic jobs tend to favour coursework over research. Impressive professional experience is also looked upon favourably. Ideally the experience will be aligned with your research interests (for example, you completed a period of service in DFAT and are interested in pursuing further research in international law). Whichever path you choose, it’s important to bear in mind that academic institutions are drawn primarily to people who possess both scholarly potential and a clear idea of their area of research.

What’s involved? Academics generally divide their time between three main tasks: teaching, research, and community involvement. Your teaching responsibilities will depend on your position, with associate lecturers and lecturers, for example, generally expected to spend more time instructing students. Teaching involves more than delivering the lessons. You must also prepare classes, administer tests, mark essays, and provide students with academic support and guidance. If you’re employed at a tertiary institution and hold a relatively senior position, you may also find that a lot of your time is taken up by meetings in which you set policies, review the curriculum, and coordinate with colleagues to implement new academic initiatives. Generally, academics are expected to support the reputation of their home university by engaging in research and publishing their findings in reputable journals. There are social and professional advantages to doing this.

Academia

Being appointed a professor means that you have excelled at making significant contributions to your field of study.

Law academics often offer key insights that can play a role in shaping public policies, and may even influence court decisions. Unsurprisingly, the academics who engage in this type of research often practise as well.

Best and worst The tertiary sector is perceived as offering impressive job stability and excellent working conditions. Indeed, the life of an academic often includes a good salary, prestige and high workplace flexibility – something that is much more difficult to achieve in legal practise. However, academia isn’t only competitive to enter – it’s competitive to succeed within. Academics are frequently under enormous pressure to publish articles in reputable journals while also teaching classes, supervising students, and travelling to attend conferences and other events. Moreover, working within large institutions, such as universities, means working within a complex system of rules and responsibilities.

Career progression At most Australian colleges and universities, the career progression of an academic follows a somewhat predictable path, with standardised job titles corresponding to award salaries as set out by the Australian government’s Higher Education Academic Salaries Award. Each university has an agreement with staff that includes the more relevant rules about appointments, promotions and salaries. Postgraduate research allows one to gain a PhD and begin applying for work as an associate lecturer. Associate lecturers may also be law graduates who lack a PhD but have distinguished themselves with professional experience or other successes. On average, associate lecturers earn $62,000–92,000 per year. PhD students may also apply for a teaching fellowship. This gives them a teaching load that comes with an expectation of research output, which can include progress on the PhD. These are fixed-term appointments ranging from one to three years.

Lecturers are academics who typically possess a PhD and significant teaching experience. They can be offered a permanent contract or offered a fixed-term appointment (for example, to cover for another academic on sabbatical). The average salary of lecturers in Australia is $92,000–118,000. Generally, lecturers become senior lecturers after four to six years of experience. By this point, they are expected to demonstrate sustained competence in teaching and research, with an established academic profile. Australian senior lecturers earn $112,000–140,000 per year. An associate professorship represents a university’s recognition of your excellence in teaching and research, and is generally awarded to academics who have made a strong impact outside of ‘the academy’ (generally by influencing policy, publishing books, or developing a strong international profile). They earn $149,000–188,000 per year. A professorship is the pinnacle of an academic’s career (though one’s contributions may be recognised after retirement with an emeritus professorship). Being appointed a professor means that you have excelled at making significant contributions to your field of study and, over time, achieved recognition both in Australia and internationally for your research. Many professors are expected to assume administrative responsibilities, meaning that they can be involved in developing curricula, reviewing applications for other academic appointments, and setting university policy. Professors generally earn more than $175,000 per year.

Job title examples: • • • • • • •

tutor lecturer course coordinator law librarian legal careers consultant dean researcher.

Choose this if you: • • • • • • • •

Have an exceptional academic transcript. Enjoy reading and writing. Prefer legal theory to legal practice. Wish to teach the law. Are open to the possibility of further study. Have an inquiring mind. Are highly self-motivated. Can commit to working hard for a long time to secure tenure.

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Community sector

Community sector Overview The Australian community sector – sometimes referred to as the not-for-profit sector, third sector or social sector – encompasses a variety of organisations that are neither commercial nor governmental. These organisations pursue a range of charitable purposes through service delivery, grant making and other activities which advance health, justice, education, social welfare and religion.

Entering the community sector Given the breadth of the community sector and the issues with which it deals, the first step to finding an entry point is figuring out which social challenges you’re most passionate about. For example, if you feel strongly about fair access to legal representation, you may gravitate towards community legal centres. If you are passionate about addressing the ways in which specific laws may disproportionately affect certain demographics, you may

find it more fulfilling to work for an advocacy group. Alternatively, if you’d like to contribute to the community sector without necessarily committing to it, you might research commercial firms or private practices that have active pro bono programs. The Australian Pro Bono Centre, which is supported by the Commonwealth AttorneyGeneral’s Department, provides information on how lawyers from all different backgrounds can offer their skills back to the community on a pro bono basis. Law students can also apply to undertake practical legal training or work at community legal centres or advocacy groups – a great way to gain valuable experience while working on a range of social justice initiatives.

What’s involved? The specifics of your role will depend on the focus of your community engagement. For example, a lawyer working for an asylum seeker support service will likely spend more time overseeing casework than a lawyer who offers pro bono tax advice to a small business. There are, however, some common tasks that most lawyers in the community sector can expect to undertake. These include providing legal advice and ongoing casework to clients, representing clients, designing community legal education projects, participating in law reform projects, and engaging in other activities that support the core mission of the organisation for which they work.

Best and worst The community sector is often perceived as offering lower average pay than other legal sectors, and there is some truth to this, with graduate salaries in the community sector being generally lower than those offered by private or commercial firms. The good news is that community legal jobs often offer increased flexibility, as well as tax benefits through competitive salary packaging. They also offer other rewards including a sense that your work is making a meaningful and positive difference to the lives of socioeconomically or otherwise disadvantaged clients.

Career progression Here we will focus on possible career progressions as a lawyer working full-time within a community legal centre or not-for-profit organisation.

Justice Connect provide access to justice through pro bono legal work.

38 | The Law Guide

Community legal centres provide practising lawyers with an opportunity to dedicate their skills to addressing important issues of social justice. Many community legal centres allow new graduates to complete their practical

Community sector

community legal jobs often offer increased flexibility, as well as tax benefits. legal training by volunteering for at least sixty days. While this isn’t a permanent position, it can be a good way to develop your reputation and see what it’s like to work for a community organisation. The shape of your career will be determined by the nature of the organisation for which you work. Many lawyers stay in not-for-profits, using their experience and skills to pursue more senior positions. Others may decide to take their community sector skills and apply in a role where career advancement is more predictable. The average salary for lawyers in community legal centres varies from state to state.

• • • • • •

Job title examples: • • • • • •

Choose this if you: • •

•

On the job

Katie Wood

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

human rights and social justice advocacy officer migration agent legal clearance officer Native title lawyer pro bono consultant volunteer solicitor.

**The National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC) maintains a list of available positions at: clc.net.au/JobAds/

Employer examples: community legal centres**

non-governmental organisations Public Interest Advocacy Centre Service Aboriginal legal services human rights law centres National Pro Bono Resource Centre Voiceless.

Feel strongly about the role of the law in addressing socio-economic disadvantage. Are open to the idea of working in remote and rural areas of Australia. Wish to contribute to your community.

What’s your job title? I’m a legal and compliance manager at Amnesty International (my title will soon change to ‘legal and governance manager’). Where did you study? I went to Abbotsleigh School for Girls, then the University of Sydney to study arts/law. I subsequently completed a Masters of International Law at UNSW. What attracted you to that field of study? I have always been passionate about justice and fairness, and I wanted to continue to study French. Have you worked on any projects that you’re particularly proud of? I commissioned a report from Clayton Utz that reviewed the implementation of the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody recommendations by states, territories and the Federal Government. I also worked with a team who built a scale replica of a Guantanamo

Bay cell and toured it around the country to help people understand what it would be like to be detained there. At the time, I was employed by Amnesty International as a coordinator for the Human Rights and Security Campaign. What’s the most challenging aspect of your role? Hearing about the horrific things that happen to people when their human rights are violated. Sometimes you can feel as though the battle for human rights is uphill, but then you meet a person, hear a story or read some news that inspires you and you can keep going. What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role? I feel privileged to be able to work for an organisation that I believe in, and whose values I share. I also work with some incredible people – from people whose rights have been violated, to our supporters, volunteers, interns, activists, members. I’m also inspired by my colleagues.

The Law Guide | 39

Courts and tribunals

Courts and tribunals Overview Graduates may pursue three main career paths within the judicial system. First, as a solicitor, you can help to prepare clients for court appearances and occasionally represent them in court when dealing with relatively straightforward cases. Second, a barrister is an expert on court appearances, and well acquainted with the rules of evidence and other court procedures. Finally, there are roles within the courts and tribunals system itself, which include judge, judge’s associate, tipstaff, magistrate and court support staff.

Entering the courts and tribunals sector Solicitors generally follow a consistent career path that involves practical legal training followed by movement up the hierarchy of their firms, eventually becoming a partner. A solicitor may represent clients in court at any stage throughout this progression. One common way to enter the courts and tribunals sector is by becoming a tipstaff or associate to a judge. Judges will normally hire recent graduates for these roles and will often only hire them on a full-time contract basis for a year (this is subject to extension). During the year, these positions allow graduates to experience the day-to-day professional life of a judge. The work undertaken is often in support of the judge and can include administrative duties, editing judgments, note-taking and other duties as they may arise. Following this, many tipstaves and associates will progress further in the courts and tribunals sector, with many going to the Bar. To become a barrister, it is necessary to graduate from university with a recognised law degree, complete your practical legal training, gain admission to practise law from the Supreme Court of your state or territory, undertake further examinations and apply for registration as a barrister from the relevant Bar Association.

By working in the judicial sector, you will have the opportunity to participate in the administration of justice.

40 | The Law Guide

It becomes more complex if you would like to work within the courts in a permanent capacity. Magistrates and judges are appointed by the Governor of each state and territory, acting as the Governor-in-council, and following the recommendations of the appropriate Attorney General.

What’s involved? The judicial system employs people in a number of roles, each of which has distinct functions and responsibilities. A judge hears matters in the higher courts, interprets precedents and relevant legislation, enforces the rules of evidence, and decides on appropriate sentences for those found guilty of a crime. A judge’s associate assists the judge by preparing paperwork, managing evidence, researching cases, and liaising with court staff. Magistrates hear cases in a local or Magistrate’s Court (or local court). Finally, courts also employ a range of support staff that perform various administrative functions. This category includes registrars, legal assistants, law clerks, and legal executives.

Career progression The process whereby one becomes a magistrate or judge is complicated and changes from state to state. In New South Wales, they are appointed by the Governor in accordance with recommendations from the state Attorney-General. The Attorney-General, in turn, relies upon the advice of a selection committee that reviews the applications of suitable candidates who have expressed interest in an advertised vacancy or been nominated to fill it. This selection committee usually includes the relevant head of jurisdiction, a respected legal professional, a representative of the local community, and the secretary of the Department of Justice. The selection process is rigorous, involving background checks, interviews, and consideration of each candidate’s personal and professional qualities. Successful candidates must possess a strong command of the law, an extensive amount of practical experience, and qualities such as patience, courtesy, and equanimity. Positions in higher courts are filled by judicial appointment, with the Attorney-General deferring to the recommendations of a selection committee. Vacancies on the High Court are filled by the Governor-General, who, in principle, selects from a list of nominees submitted by the Prime Minister. As you would expected, judges earn a competitive salary. In New South Wales, magistrates earn just less than $290,000 per year, while District Court judges and Supreme Court judges earn around $360,000 per year.

Courts and tribunals

Courtroom technology like that provided by NuLegal is becoming increasingly common.

High Court judges can earn up to $478,000 per year, while also enjoying benefits such as a car and driver, a lifelong pension, and first-class travel. Many judges will also have started their professional careers as a tipstaff or associate to a judge. Tipstaves and associates will complete a year in the role, which allows them to acquire the professional connections they need to further their career. The application process for these positions is extremely competitive, with judges only taking on applicants who have shown outstanding academic performance, relevant legal experience and involvement in extracurricular activities. Applications are to be sent directly to the judges themselves. Often one of the final tasks of a judge’s tipstaff or associate is to hire their own replacement for the coming year, with applications generally opening at the beginning of each calendar year. The salary for tipstaves and associates varies between the states, ranging from $50,000 to $75,000.

Best and worst By working in the judicial sector, you will have the opportunity to participate in the administration of justice. Judges are directly responsible for the creation and reinterpretation of case law and statute. This means they have the ability to create new laws and have the final call for how existing laws are to be read. Working in this sector is ideal for law graduates with a strong sense of justice who want to work to improve the justice system directly. The judicial sector offers excellent job stability, with the exception of tipstaves and judge’s associates, who work on a contract basis. The salaries of professionals working in this sector are decent and work-life balance is considered achievable, especially compared to private practice, making it an attractive area to work in, especially for people interested in policy and administrative law.

Employer examples: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

judiciary local court magistrate’s court district court supreme court Federal Court of Australia High Court of Australia courts of appeal children’s court family court coroner’s court tribunals royal commission.

Job title examples: • • • • • • • • • •

judge judge’s associate tipstaff law Clerk magistrate registrar legal management executive court reporter mediator/arbitrator legal administrative assistant.

Choose this if: • •

•

You are passionate about courts and tribunals and have some experience of working within them. You are a confident presenter with a solid grasp of courtroom procedures as well as the rules of evidence. You are a fair-minded and contemplative graduate committed to achieving justice through the court system.

The Law Guide | 41

Courts and tribunals

Working as a tipstaff or judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s associate can boost your knowledge of a courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner workings.

Courts and tribunals

On the job Eric Vuu is an associate to a district court judge.

Study Bachelor of Laws.

Role Associate to a district court judge.

“The best part of my job is being able to watch theory being put into practice in the theatre of a courtroom. Every day I develop my understanding of courtroom procedure and the administration of justice.”

What is your current occupation? I’m an associate to a district court judge. I completed a Bachelor of Laws in 2015. What does your job involve? My primary role is to assist my judge with the everyday running of his courtroom and to provide any support required in his chambers. This includes photocopying exhibits and transcripts, editing judgments, and conducting research on particular areas of the law. Because I’m assisting a judge, I tend to travel quite a bit. One day, I might be in Sydney assisting with an insurance law matter, and the next day I can find myself in Campbelltown where my judge is overseeing an attempted murder trial before a jury! I have also travelled on regional circuits to Tamworth and Wagga Wagga – places to which, I confess, I perhaps would not have travelled if not for this job. Could someone with a different background do your job? Although not all associates have law degrees, a working knowledge of the legal system is desirable. What’s the coolest thing about your job? The best part of my job is being able to watch theory being put into practice in the theatre of a courtroom. Every day I develop my understanding of courtroom procedure and the administration of justice. I am particularly fortunate to have the opportunity to speak to different judges about the areas I am interested in. My judge has been a great mentor and has been willing to answer a range of questions about the law. My judge has also asked me for my opinion as to arguments I have found persuasive and has given me feedback about my thoughts. My role is very intellectually challenging and

in a sense, unique, given that many people will never be able to gain the same insight or experience. Overall, my role has provided me with an invaluable source of learning and has encouraged me to think more critically and be more engaged with the law. At the end of my law degree I did not know which direction I wished to take my career, but after having spent a year in this position, I can comfortably say that I have a firm view about what steps I want to take next. What are the limitations of your job? I have to perform a lot of administrative tasks which may not be as glamorous, such as running from courtroom to the registry to locate a missing file! Part of the role also involves acting as a gatekeeper between the parties, the public and the media, and the judge. It is critical that I insulate the judge from any issues that may give rise to a perception of unfairness or bias. This may mean dealing with telephone calls from irate or dissatisfied parties to handling last minute requests from the media. However, this should not dissuade you from pursuing a role as an Associate or Tipstaff – it’s definitely an opportunity I do not regret taking and I would encourage you, if interested, to apply for any position that becomes available.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

The Law Guide | 43

Government sector

Government sector Overview Government lawyers are qualified solicitors and barristers who act on the behalf of, and give legal advice to, government ministers and agencies. The government sector includes all the jobs in public service, distributed among the governmental agencies and public bodies of Australia. These can range from agencies that work in criminal law such as the Crown Solicitors’ Office and the Commonwealth and State Director of Public Prosecutions, to government departments like the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. There are dozens of government agencies and public bodies that offer graduate programs and are also seeking law graduates to be part of their programs.

popularity, you shouldn’t be surprised if the application process is unusually rigorous. For example, to apply at DFAT, candidates must complete a detailed application letter, an online psychometric test, a written test, a one-way video interview, a group interview, a second test, and, finally, an individual interview. Law students can also enter the government sector through internships, which are offered by a number of bodies including the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Attorney-General’s Department. It’s important to search for these jobs regularly because government internships and graduate programs tend to open at different times throughout the year.

What’s involved? The responsibilities of a government lawyer are largely determined by the department or agency for which they work. For example, lawyers for the Australian Defence Force will likely focus on military justice and administrative law, whereas lawyers for the Australian Federal Police will focus on litigation and forensic investigations. Lawyers for the Attorney General’s Department will be tasked with policy and legal development.

A government lawyer’s main duties may also include: • • • • •

Handling civil and criminal litigation. Writing legal documents and providing legal advice for the government. Defending or prosecuting cases in court. Drafting and developing legal policy. Researching and analysing emerging legislation.

Career progression There are innumerable opportunities for career advancement in public law. Generally, you will begin your career by entering a graduate program. Alternatively, it’s possible to apply for government positions after gaining experience in the private sector. Within individual departments and agencies, there is scope for promotions, allowing movement from junior roles into senior positions that offer more influence. According to a recent Hudson salary guide, government lawyers can expect to earn around $70,000 (excluding 15% superannuation) per year in junior positions, and more than $200,000 per year when they move into the most senior roles.

Best and worst Teach For Australia is looking for candidates with impressive academic records.

44 | The Law Guide

Government jobs are synonymous with stability, with reasonable salaries often supplemented by excellent working conditions. As many government jobs are based

Government sector

in Canberra, there are often programs to help government employees with their relocation process. Other benefits of working in the government sector include appealing professional development opportunities and attractive leave provisions. While government salaries tend to be competitive (a Federal employee receives approximately $110,000 per year), it’s also true that average salaries are higher in the private sector. So if remuneration is of high importance to you, you may feel frustrated within the government sector. While organisations like the Attorney-General’s Department offer legal roles to law students, the majority of the government’s graduate roles are not exclusively focused on the law. For example, if you enter the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Graduate Programme, you will be rotated through two policy/program areas (often not legal work), a regional placement and a placement in a non-government organisation such as the United Nations.

Job title examples: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Choose this if: •

Employer examples:

•

• • •

•

national government agencies state based agencies parliament.

legal project manager lawyer intelligence officer legislator policy analyst lobbyist prosecutor policy officer political advisor legislative drafter investigator government research officer public defender.

You’re committed to public service and have a strong sense of civic responsibility. You understand that you may have to invest large amounts of time in several stringent application processes. You can demonstrate flexibility when it comes to where you’ll be working.

Rabab Hannan speaks with other NSW government graduates

The Law Guide | 45

Government sector

Day in the life Jessica Tran is a Graduate at the Australian Taxation Office. 8:30AM

Jessica Tran

I arrive at the office and swipe my building pass to access my floor (as a security measure, we must wear building passes at all times). I then head to my desk with my team, where I’m greeted with happy smiles and the latest news from my team members.

8:45AM

I check my emails and calendar to see whether any urgent matters have come up, and prioritise my tasks for the day. The program has two substantive rotations, and your work will depend upon your rotation’s priorities. Below is a comparison of my first and second rotations.

46 | The Law Guide

Rotation 1: Prosecutions • Prosecute for non-lodgment of tax returns. • Run my own cases – collate evidence, draft legal documents. • Prepare evidence briefs. Rotation 2: Policy & new measures • Project manage implementing a new policy. • Legal research on the area of new policy. • Development of a project management plan.

10:45AM

We have our weekly graduate training on tax law, accounting skills, project/

Government sector

case managements, drafting tax rulings and soft skills.

12:30 PM

I’ll typically spend lunch in one of the ‘breakout rooms’ socialising with current and past graduates. Our building is wonderful. It’s near a lot of restaurants/cafes and the graduate group often goes out together once a week for lunch.

1:30 PM

There will usually be a meeting, for example: 1. ATO graduate debate – I meet with my debate team members over teleconference to prepare for our ATO-wide debate event in Canberra.. 2. Graduate consultative panel – I meet with other panel members over phone to discuss initiatives aimed at improving communication with future graduates.. 3. TITAN group – I volunteer in the ATO’s technology assistance group (TITAN), where we help other staff with IT issues and build technology capabilities throughout the office.. 4. Shark tank pitch – I meet with my

mentor, supporting team members and senior executive sponsor to implement a ‘shark tank’ idea we pitched to a panel of senior executives, aimed at improving correspondence procedures with clients.

2:30 PM

Afternoon rotation work Rotation 1: Prosecutions • Prepare for attendance at Magistrates Court. • File and draft court documents. Rotation 2: Policy & new measures • Review changes required to tax returns, publications for the new legislation. • Deploy a new procedure for client reports and train other staff.

Once a fortnight, our office holds a Happy Hour after work with free food and heavily discounted drinks. I’ve been involved in marketing some of these events, including designing posters that are placed around the office. *The work and opportunities given to me during the program have wonderfully complimented my career path and have built the foundations for a truly rewarding career at the Australian Taxation Office.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

4:51PM

A full day at the ATO consists of 7.21 hours of work time with an hour for lunch. A valuable consideration about working at the ATO is that you do not need to bring your work home with you. A healthy work/life balance is very achievable, and any time that you work above the 7.21 hours can be saved to earn a day off down the track.

The Law Guide | 47

Government sector

On the job Henry Norris is a policy officer at DFAT.

Henry Norris

Study Arts/law, Bond University.

Role Policy officer, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“If you are curious about the world and want to spend a portion of your career overseas, then DFAT offers unparalleled opportunities.”

48 | The Law Guide

What is your role? My name’s Henry Norris and I’m a policy officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and a former corporate lawyer. Where did you study? I grew up in the country before moving to Sydney for high school. I studied arts/law at Bond University and graduated in 2013. I chose to study arts/law because English and history were always my favourite subjects at school and I wanted to learn about how the world worked. How did you come to have your current role? Coming out of university, I was fairly set on the corporate law track. I did a summer clerkship in my penultimate year and accepted a graduate position at a law firm in Sydney. I deferred my offer by a year to take a Chinese course in Beijing and do some travel. During the year I spontaneously put in an application to intern with DFAT at the UN in Geneva – I had heard from a friend it was a fantastic experience. I somehow got the position and soon after my Chinese course wrapped up I found myself shadowing Australian diplomats at the UN in Geneva. I returned to Sydney to take up my graduate role at a law firm and was admitted as a lawyer. But after some time I found myself daydreaming of becoming one of those Australian diplomats I had met in Geneva. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy legal practice, but I was hugely attracted to the idea of a career in diplomacy. Can you describe your experience of DFAT so far? I started the two-year graduate program in 2015. As a graduate you get on-the-job training in areas like bilateral relations, international organisations, international trade and development. I worked on trade negotiations for the Trans-Pacific

Partnership, including as part of the team representing Australia at a round of negotiations in the US, and spent nine months at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad on a short term mission. Could someone with a different academic or legal background do your job? Absolutely. DFAT attracts graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds. There is no one type of graduate DFAT hires – the main thing is that you can demonstrate your interest in international relations and show you have the skills to be a policymaker and diplomat. In my graduate cohort we had graduates of law, science, linguistics, advertising, music, the list goes on. DFAT looks for people with strong research and analytical skills, good judgement, and who will represent Australia with pride and professionalism. What do you love most about your job? If you are curious about the world and want to spend a portion of your career overseas, then DFAT offers unparalleled opportunities. The world is a big and complex place and your job as a DFAT officer is to advance our national interests and navigate Australia through difficult world events. And if like me, you’re proud of your country and want to ensure our future is bright, working at DFAT is a real privilege.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

Government sector

Further study feature Stephen Priest is studying a Master of Public Policy at The ANU Crawford School of Public Policy.

Stephen Priest

Course Master of Public Policy.

More information Visit: crawford.anu.edu.au/ study/graduate-degrees/ master-public-policy

“The Master of Public Policy is broad enough to enable me to pivot should that be where my career takes me.”

What’s your name and job title? Stephen Priest, assistant director, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development What have you studied? Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Studies/ Bachelor of Laws (hons) [at] The Australian National University (ANU) followed by the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (ANU). I am now studying a Master of Public Policy while working full time. What made you decide to progress with further study? I’d spent three years collecting experience in developing public policy at work, but felt a little unsatisfied. I was unsure whether my experience was unique or could be described by theory. I finally decided to take the plunge after looking at the courses on offer. How did you choose your particular further study course? I debated for years whether I was going to take a further qualification in law or public policy. Laws seemed more flexible, while public policy seemed like a career-long commitment to the public service. I’ve always considered going into practice and tried to make choices in my career that kept that option open and flexible. I eventually made the decision after working on the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth) and being fascinated by the policy network established to enable the legislation. What was the process to get accepted into your course? I made contact with the Crawford School of Public Policy, who were really fantastic and made the whole process incredibly easy. The Master of Public Policy is a two year full-time degree, but credit can be awarded in recognition of prior experience. For me, one year of credit was awarded in recognition of my work.

What does your study involve? I work full time so I’m taking one course every semester. Work is good about it – they are fully supportive and give me time off when I need it to get to class. I find the reading load is a lot more manageable with one course at a time. What skills do you hope to gain? The real skills I hope to pick up are a more sophisticated understanding of the opportunities and limitations of policy development in government. There’s also some more modern public service skills – like design thinking [and] systems thinking – which I’m hoping to polish up on too. Will this course be beneficial in your career? I believe this will be beneficial, as a better basis for understanding the hooks and levers available in crafting public policy. I know colleagues who have taken similar courses and raved about it, and that’s been my experience too. The Master of Public Policy is broad enough to enable me to pivot should that be where my career takes me – the public service no longer has a monopoly on policy development and advice, so I’m confident the masters is flexible enough to allow me to take on related work too. What are the limitations of your course? The limitations of the course are limitations of the study area, I think. public policy theory appears to ‘explain everything...until it explains nothing’, which can be quite frustrating when trying to draw lessons about the normative applications of the theory. What advice would you give to a current undergraduate student? Learn how to learn. There are heaps of good MOOCs/courses that will teach you how to quickly process and retain knowledge.

The Law Guide | 49

Government sector

On the Job

Christopher Malone

On the Job

Penny Scott

50 | The Law Guide

What’s your job title? I’m currently working as a lawyer in the Disability and Housing Legal Team at the Department of Social Services (DSS). I joined the DSS as a 2016 Graduate and started in February last year. Where did you study? I studied at Monash University where I completed my Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Arts (Hons). I then spent a year volunteering with the Consumer Action Law Centre and completing my Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. What was the graduate experience at the Department of Social Services like? Being a grad at the Department of Social Services was a really positive experience. There’s a huge amount of training offered in both general skills, such as writing for government and introductory social policy, as well as more specialised opportunities. Being a grad also gives you more opportunities to meet people, and

contribute to projects that other entry level staff might not get to work on. Most grads move to Canberra from other states and it’s helpful to have a group of people in a similar boat who are willing to support each other. What does your current job involve? I currently work with a team of seven lawyers who advise on policies related to disability, housing, and gambling reform. We work as an in-house legal service for the Department, offering assistance to colleagues so that they can develop and implement policies. What’s one thing that it might surprise people to learn is advantageous in your job? Even though I work in a social policy agency, it’s hugely beneficial to have some practical numeracy and accounting skills. Even though I don’t engage directly with any of the financial processes, everything the Department does costs money, and being able to understand where the funding comes from, and how it impacts policy, is incredibly useful.

What’s your job title? I have worked at the Victorian Public Sector Commission for a number of years. I am currently working as an adviser in the Aboriginal Employment Unit. The Aboriginal Employment Unit aims to improve employment outcomes for Aboriginal people in the public sector. I have recently returned to the Victorian Public Sector Commission after completing a five month secondment in the Aboriginal Affairs Policy Branch at the Department of Premier and Cabinet. What does your job involve? I work on systemic issues relating to the underrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the Victorian public sector workforce. I have a passion for equality, diversity, and social inclusion across the domains of gender, disability, race and ethnicity, and sexual orientation. My day-to-day work involves a lot of desktop research and the occasional stakeholder engagement.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role? It’s really nice when your job aligns with your motivation and your interests. I’m really passionate about social justice and I get to make that happen. What are the limitations or downsides of your job? The wheels of government turn very slowly. If you are forging a change in agenda, this can often be frustrating. Is there a reason that you chose public service over private practice? The best thing about working for government is the variety. Once you’ve got your foot in the door, you can move around quite easily in the sector. You’re not confined to time sheets and you can easily access flexible working arrangements depending on the kind of work you do. This can include working from home, different start and finish times, or job sharing. If you’re sociable, the morning or afternoon teas also rate a mention!

Government sector

On the Job

Chantelle Porter

On the Job

Joseph McDonald

Can you introduce yourself? My name is Chantelle Porter and I am an Aboriginal graduate lawyer at Legal Aid NSW. My mob are from Walhallow, a small Aboriginal community in regional north-west NSW. My main motivation for studying law was to help disadvantaged clients. Growing up in a small Indigenous community, I saw a lot of people feeling disempowered when it came to the criminal justice system. I thought by becoming a lawyer I would be able to help people in this situation, even if it just meant referring them to the right people. What are your areas of responsibility? As part of the Civil Law Service for Aboriginal Communities (CLSAC) I personally provide civil law advice and assistance to disadvantaged Aboriginal clients in specific regional communities. In CLSAC, we assist clients with a range of issues, including housing, contracts, rented household goods, police complaints,

discrimination matters, employment, Stolen Generations compensation applications and referrals. Describe a typical work day? The majority of my work includes negotiating settlements with other parties. This includes drafting complaints, letters and emails to obtain refunds, ownership of goods or waivers of debts. I also attend outreach clinics every six weeks or so where I provide face to face legal advice and assistance. In addition to this, I regularly provide over the phone legal advice to new clients in our service areas. Do you bear a lot of responsibility? Are the stress levels high? Being a lawyer, you do bear a lot of responsibility. In particular, the stakes were high when I worked at the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court because some clients were in custody and others were at risk of going in to custody. When a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s liberty is at stake, it is stressful, you want to make sure you represent them to the best of your ability.

What was your interview process like? I participated in an assessment centre that included a written analytical exercise, a group problemsolving activity and a panel interview. The interview focused on behavioural and situational questions. If a student was considering your career how would you advise them? For work in legal services, a law degree is essential. For policy opportunities in the Department, all disciplines are valued. I know other graduates who have brought previous skills in engineering, science, planning, human resources, political studies, economics, arts and social sciences. What does your employer do? The Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities is responsible for the design and implementation of the Australian Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infrastructure, transport and regional development policies and programs.

Can you describe a typical work day? My typical day includes undertaking legal analysis, legal research and drafting legal advice, engaging with different areas of the Department, and collaborating with other team members to solve pressing legal issues. What are the career prospects with your job? A legal role in the Department is a great platform for further legal specialisation or policy work, both inside the Department and across the Australian Public Service. What advice would you give to a current student? Persevere through the ups and downs of law school to discover what you are truly interested in. Experience some form of legal work. This can further foster your interest in law, give insight into the legal profession, expose you to current issues with tangible outcomes and assist your skill development.

The Law Guide | 51

Government sector

On the job

Liam Cavell

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

On the job

Clare Skinner

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What is your current job? I am currently a senior federal prosecutor at the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) in Sydney. How did you come to be working in criminal law? I actually began my career in commercial law. After graduating from Macquarie University, I commenced work at Herbert Smith Freehills. It was during my time there that I had the opportunity to work on pro bono criminal matters through the firm’s partnership with the Shopfront Youth Legal Centre. Drawn to criminal law advocacy and the desire to contribute towards maintaining a fair and just society, I decided to join the CDPP. What does your job involve? The CDPP is responsible for prosecuting violations of federal law. Working in the fraud practice group, my job involves reviewing briefs of evidence provided by investigative agencies, assessing whether there is sufficient evidence to commence a

prosecution, and if there is, defining or amending the charges laid by the agency. I maintain carriage of the matter as it moves through the court, and if it requires defence, I will generally appear in any summary hearing. What is the coolest thing about your job? The aspect of my job that I enjoy the most is appearing in court. There is a heavy emphasis on in-house advocacy at the CDPP, and regular opportunities for those interested in court work to appear in a variety of matters. This includes conducting contested summary hearings, and in some cases, even jury trials. What are the limitations of your job? Prosecutors are sometimes exposed to very confronting case material, such as child exploitation content. Whilst the CDPP has support measures in place to help its lawyers deal with such material, it nonetheless has the potential to cause distress.

Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Clare Skinner and I am a graduate solicitor at the Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO). I studied Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Hons) at Australian National University majoring in international relations and sociology. What was your interview process like? I first had a short interview with three senior solicitors and then I had to complete a written assessment. The interview questions were focused on establishing my responses to situations and my general legal skills. Describe a typical work day? As a graduate solicitor, I have rotated through four different legal practice areas. I’m now in the final rotation of the graduate program, working in the inquiries practice group. I’m currently working on inquest matters, in which the crown solicitor is instructed by the NSW state coroner. My work is quite varied day to day, but it’s generally similar

to preparing for litigation: I prepare briefs of evidence, review subpoena material, prepare chronologies and other court documents, attend conferences and liaise with counsel assisting and the officer in charge of the relevant police investigation. Could someone with a different background do your job? Someone with a different background to me could definitely do my job, provided they are genuinely interested in the work that the CSO does and have a drive to perform to a high standard. The CSO has a diverse staff of people with different backgrounds and experiences, which I think provides more opportunities for everyone to learn and develop. What advice would you give to a current student? The most valuable career advice that I’ve received myself is that you can either focus on ticking every box as you progress your career, or allow yourself to be drawn to interesting opportunities as they arise.

Government sector

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.com

In-house and corporate

In-house and corporate Overview An in-house lawyer is employed by a corporation. Unlike lawyers in commercial firms, who work for a variety of clients, in-house lawyers are responsible only for the legal requirements of, and can only provide legal advice to, their direct employer. In-house lawyers currently make up about 25% of all legal practitioners in Australia.

Entering the in-house and corporate legal segment

In-house work also exposes you to a broader range of commercial matters. Best and worst

In-house legal departments can be found within a range of organisations, from mining companies, banks and hotel chains through to global ASX listed companies. Typically, very few opportunities exist for new graduates to start their careers as an in-house corporate counsel – these positions are generally filled through lateral hires from law firms or government agencies. However, some corporations will hire students as law clerks to work throughout the university year or over the summer. Many in-house teams that are willing to employ graduates often send these graduates to do a secondment within one of the legal firms they use for their outsourced work.

An oft-cited benefit of working in-house is that you generally enjoy more regular working hours than lawyers in private practice. Of course, you may nonetheless find yourself working unusual hours if, say, you are dealing with international stakeholders and must accommodate various time zones.

The value of prior experience can’t be overstated – employers look very favourably on graduates who have sought out internships or other forms of practical exposure to the business world. The ability to demonstrate an understanding of generic business concepts and challenges will prove beneficial.

Many in-house teams do not require their lawyers to time-bill. This is because they only have one client – their employer. For this reason, in-house legal teams are often seen as ‘cost centres’ that don’t generate revenue. They must therefore find innovative ways to demonstrate the value they bring to their organisation. This may be through reducing exposure to regulatory penalties, implementing risk management procedures to avoid reputational damage, and drafting commercial contracts in a way that benefits their employer.

What’s involved? Working as an in-house lawyer, you’ll have to supplement your understanding of the law with a deep knowledge of the organisation that employs you, including its business goals, liabilities, obligations (be they to regulators or shareholders), and assets. In-house lawyers often assist with handlings transactions, acquiring new assets (especially property), dealing with regulators, and reducing their employer’s legal exposure when launching new products or services. One of the satisfactions of working in-house is that you’ll be able to witness the implementation of any solutions you propose while developing a strong understanding of one client instead of several. The skillset required by in-house lawyers is very different to that required by their counterparts in private practice. Where private practice lawyers are expected to advise and represent multiple clients, in-house lawyers are only responsible for one. They therefore need to take on a more rounded role as a member of the business. This can mean taking responsibility for tasks such as project management, branding, and business development.

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In-house work also exposes you to a broader range of commercial matters. As the title of general counsel implies, you will be expected to become an accomplished generalist capable of addressing all of your employer’s legal requirements with equal competency.

Your non-legal colleagues will often come to you with questions of law and expect that you know the answer immediately. At other times, you might feel the need to remind your colleagues of the legal risks associated with a particular matter, or to raise concerns about proceeding in a particular way. This will mean learning how to share legal information in a language and format that non-lawyers can quickly and accurately comprehend. Working in a small in-house team can be quite isolating for a lawyer. Often lawyers draw support from their legal counterparts and colleagues. It is important that you find ways to engage with your legal peers by joining committees, industry associations and attending networking events and conferences.

Career progression In-house legal departments tend to be less hierarchical than private firms, which means that your opportunities

In-house and corporate

for career advancement may not be as immediately obvious. You will generally start as a legal counsel or in-house lawyer. This can lead to work as a senior legal counsel (or similar) or general counsel (chief legal officer). Larger organisations often have a group general counsel who is responsible for overseeing all legal processes within their organisation.

• • • • •

Some of the other ways in which you might advance your career include: being promoted to a legal leadership role, becoming a specialist advisor attached to a specific business department, or pursuing commercial promotions (outside of the legal department).

• • • • • • • • •

According to the 2016 Hudson Salary Guide, in-house lawyers in Australia earn, on average, $70,000–85,000 per annum at the beginning of their career and more than $128,000 per annum after six years of service.

Employer examples: • • • • •

banks and financial institutions insurance companies multinational organisations accounting firms consultancy firms

On the Job

Meredith Cridland

telecommunications companies retail and supermarket chains manufacturing companies technology and software companies investment companies.

Job title examples: corporate counsel contracts administrator document review officer legal governance officer risk management professional compliance officer legal analyst commercial advisor ethics manager.

Choose this if: • • •

You enjoy business and corporate law. You’re prepared to work unpredictable hours and take on large amounts of responsibility. You’ve completed an internship or clerkship and decided, based on your experience, that you’ll find corporate law stimulating and fulfilling.

Where did you study? I did a combined Economics/ law degree at Macquarie University and a Masters of Law degree at the University of Georgia, USA. Can you describe your path to a career in consumer advocacy? While running my own business was fun, I missed using my legal brain. So when I spotted a job at CHOICE as consumer rights advisor, it seemed perfect – I could combine my legal background with my business owner’s perspective. I was employed to set up the CHOICE Help service, which is a phone and email help service for CHOICE members. What is your current role? I am the senior consumer rights advisor at CHOICE. I started in November 2013. What does your job involve? My job involves taking calls and emails from members about their consumer related problems, and writing articles for the CHOICE website and magazine. I encourage

self help by providing information about consumer rights and suggestions on approaches to take with businesses. I also occasionally contact businesses on behalf of members to see if I can get a better outcome. I refer really bad examples to CHOICE’s investigations. Have you worked on any projects that you’re particularly proud of? I’ve had some interesting issues arise. One was a pet insurer which was still charging premiums for dead pets. We were able to convince them to change their practices. What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role? It’s great when I get a refund or a replacement product for a member. Especially a car. That hasn’t happened very often. What are the limitations of your role? I have time and resource limitations and so I can’t help everyone or spend as much time on each case as I would like.

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In-house and corporate

Further study

Jack Dilweg

On the Job

Zoe Ryan

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Can you tell us a bit about yourself? My name is Jack Dilweg and I am an eCourt lead consultant with Law In Order in Perth. I completed a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degree in 2016 from the University of New England and an honours year in arts in 2017. For the last three years of study, I was working full-time at Law In Order and finished my study by correspondence. Shortly after arriving in Sydney I took an entry level job with Law In Order as a support clerk. Why did you decide to undertake an honours year? I decided to do my honours year as a way of exploring the subject material in more depth, have the opportunity to discover more wideranging knowledge and also tackle more high-level material. It is also a qualification that is widely recognised by employers. I chose arts because of the diversity of options in the coursework that allowed me to follow my interests. To be accepted for an

honours year, I had to have 18 credit points in arts subjects passed at distinction level or higher. Has your study been beneficial to your career? Being formally educated in law no doubt has helped in my career with Law In Order by familiarising me with the litigation process and legal terminology. However, provided the person is good with people, has a strong work ethic and is not adverse to disruptive technologies, they could be right for this job. It is perhaps more important for the person to have these qualities, since they cannot easily be taught but remain integral to success in what is a fast moving and demanding role. What are the pros and cons of further study? I loved the experience of learning and how it expanded my horizons. Maybe the limitations of an honours year in arts is its broadness – it doesn’t prepare you for a specific vocation.

What is the first thing you do when you arrive at work? Make the most of the famous (free!) Bloomberg pantry to create a gourmet breakfast with cold-pressed juice and a barista-style coffee. Can you take us through a typical day? I log into my Bloomberg terminal to check overnight emails from clients and colleagues. General follow-up will include answering client queries about their Bloomberg terminal, setting up client trainings, chasing contracts or organising internal strategy meetings. I like to grab a coffee in the morning with friends at work. We find that it’s best to do this early, as it is the most likely time of day where we will all be in the office [with] time to spare. When I’m in the office, you can find me at my desk speaking to clients about their Bloomberg usage, scheduling trainings or speaking to colleagues about the clients I cover in Sydney and Melbourne. When I’m not in the office, I get to walk in the

sunshine to visit my clients around the city. Not a bad way to get my 10,000 steps in! I spend time in the afternoon working on ongoing projects for our strategic clients. This involves liaising with some of Australia’s most high-profile CEOs, CIOs and COOs. Building a relationship with people at this level is critical in ensuring the maintenance and growth of Bloomberg’s presence in financial markets. What are the perks of your job? 1. We eat on [the] 28th floor terrace that overlooks the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I’ve definitely had worse views (and company)! 2. Mondays mean yoga. We go to a nearby studio to do a 45-minute session. Guys and girls from all areas of the business get involved and it’s a great way to de-stress, get our heart rate up and sweat. How important is work-life balance? It’s important for me to have some downtime. This usually involves trashy TV and a cheeky bowl of ice-cream.

In-house and corporate

On the job Sarah Forsyth she is an associate director in the business and corporate markets sales team at NAB.

Sarah Forsyth

Study Law/commerce, University of Adelaide.

Role Associate director, business and corporate markets sales team, National Australia Bank.

“Find a job that you are passionate about, whatever that is. As the old adage goes, if you do what you love, then you’ll never work a day in your life! ”

What is your name and current role? My name is Sarah Forsyth. I am an associate director in the business and corporate markets sales team at National Australia Bank. What did you study? I studied a double degree in law/ commerce, majoring in corporate finance at the University of Adelaide. I graduated from my commerce degree in 2012, and from law in 2013. How did you get to your current job position and for how long have you had it? After graduating from university, I accepted a graduate role with National Australia Bank in Sydney. The NAB Grad Program involves rotations within different areas of the bank. During one of these rotations I became passionate about a career in markets – and so, after completing the program, I accepted a role as a foreign exchange associate and now work in interest rate sales. What does your division do? I work within NAB Global Markets, which specialises in providing interest rate and foreign currency risk management solutions to clients across a broad range of industries. What does your job involve? I work closely with my clients to help them mitigate foreign exchange and interest rate risks that arise from international and commercial debt transactions. Currency risk is created when entities transact internationally and are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency. To protect themselves from adverse currency movements, entities can enter into derivative transactions as a means of risk management or ‘hedging’. Could someone with a different background do your job? Absolutely. People with a finance, commerce, science, technology, engineering or maths background

could also pursue a similar marketsbased role. For those with purely a legal background, I would recommend obtaining some exposure or experience related to financial products and markets to determine if this is the path you want to take your career. What’s the coolest thing about your job? I love the buzz of working in global financial markets, and the trading floor is a stimulating and dynamic place to work. It’s exhilarating when you successfully convert a large FX transaction, or when you close a large interest rate hedge – and it’s this thrill which drives me. Is there a downside to your job? The job itself can be high pressure, and it’s important to balance this in healthy ways – such as through exercise. Also, obtaining a role in financial markets can be competitive. It’ll really help if you have obtained relevant industry experience. This may mean putting your hand up to volunteer, or thinking differently about how you can hone your skills in order to have the best chance of success. Which three pieces of advice would you give to a law student? 1. Do whatever you love to do as often as you can. For me, it’s being outdoors, whether hiking, skiing, or being on the water. 2. Travel as much as you can during university. 3. A Law degree provides a great foundation and transferrable skills across several industires – so find a job or area that you are passionate about, whatever that is. As the old adage goes, if you do what you love, then you’ll never work a day in your life!

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International law

International law Overview Broadly speaking, international law encompasses two bodies of law: conflicts of law (also known as private international law) and public international law. Together, these cover all legal issues that cross national borders. Conflicts of law refer to questions of jurisdiction, such as which country’s substantive or procedural law take precedence in an international dispute, and in which court such disputes may be tried or mediated. Public international law governs the relations between different nation states and regulates the operations of several international bodies. International law is primarily consent-based (i.e. individual nation states abide by it voluntarily) and can have global or regional applications. Global law firms like Ashurst can provide opportunities to work abroad.

International law covers many global issues, such as commerce and trade, environmental management, human rights, and conflict resolution.

Entering the international law sector With most international lawyers representing nation states, the clearest path towards a career in international law is through an involved government body, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Of course, the nature of international law is such that many careers will require you to travel abroad to cities like The Hague, Paris, Geneva, Brussels and New York. Fortunately, Australian lawyers have a strong presence in the international law community of each of these cities. However, their paths to success in this field are often circuitous, with many first completing relevant postgraduate degrees before proving their worth in supporting roles (such as relevant internships) or the corporate sector. Finally, you can choose to pursue roles in private firms that provide representation and counsel to clients involved in international disputes. Some famous examples abroad include Doughty Street Chambers, Baker Mckenzie and Latham & Watkins.

What’s involved? International law practitioners work on a vast range of tasks, from brokering bilateral trade deals to prosecuting crimes against humanity. Even lawyers who aren’t directly involved in international law may contribute by influencing public policy or participating in discussions of international legal issues (such as the treatment of refugees or the legality of various

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military initiatives). Practising international law in Australia likely means spending some of your time in Canberra, which is home to numerous embassies, as well as the headquarters of agencies like DFAT.

Best and worst People who work in international law use their skills to address some of the most pressing issues of our time, from human rights violations and refugee policies to conflict resolution and sex trafficking. As a result, their work can be very meaningful, even when it’s high pressure. On the other hand, there are rarely very many opportunities to work as an international lawyer, and, when these opportunities arise, they usually go to lawyers who have already gained extensive experience in international law or another practice area.

Career progression The international law sector includes lawyers who represent the government abroad, and are therefore considered to be public sector employees, as well as lawyers who specialise in international law but work within private firms. You can learn more about career progressions and salary expectations within those sectors by referring to the appropriate sections of this guide.

Employer examples: • •

United Nations The World Bank

International law

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development International Criminal Court International Monetary Fund International Commission of Jurists International Service for Human Rights International Development Law Organisation Union Internationale des Avocats Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative Amnesty International Friends of Peoples Close to Nature International Law Association International Law Students Association International Chamber of Commerce International Trade Law Centre World Trade Organisation International Court of Arbitration International Court of Justice Hague Conference on Private International Law International Legal Assistance Consortium Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration International Court of Arbitration International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea World Intellectual Property Organisation Asian Human Rights Commission

On the Job

Achinthi Vithanage

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

• •

International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

Job title examples: • • • • • • • • • •

international lawyer consultant ambassador diplomat attaché foreign correspondent legal officer within international organisation NGO employee human rights advocate United Nations officer.

Choose this if: • • •

You’re happy to travel extensively. You speak another language (desirable but not essential) or have a passion for international relations. You’re open to the idea of completing a relevant postgraduate degree (such as a Masters of International Law) in order to strengthen your application.

What is your current role? I am a senior solicitor at NRG Legal. I am also the Immediate Past Chair of the NSW Young Lawyers International Law Committee. Where did you study? I studied a Combined Degree in Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Studies (Major in Global Studies) at the University of New South Wales. I also spent a year on exchange at Waseda University in Tokyo. How did you get your current job? I was offered an opportunity to work part-time at NRG Legal while I studied. In 2012, I took up full-time employment as a graduate at NRG, completed my practical legal training and was admitted as a solicitor. What does your employer do? NRG Legal is a boutique law firm that focuses on providing corporate and commercial legal advice. What does your job involve? I provide advice to domestic and international clients on commercial

legal business matters, including business acquisition, retail and commercial leasing, liquor licensing, franchising, and intellectual property. Much of my work includes face-to-face meetings and contractual negotiations between business parties. What is the coolest thing about your job? The opportunity to work with Japanese clientele is one of the most interesting aspects of my job. I always enjoy it when Japanese clients realise that the Sri Lankan/Australian lawyer standing before them speaks Japanese. The look of sheer surprise on clients’ faces still amuses me! What advice would you give to a current university student? Take up more opportunities for learning languages or doing short courses overseas in the first three years of uni, because you mightn’t ever get such extensive holidays again. Get involved with the New South Wales Young Lawyers’ committees.

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Private legal practice

Private legal practice Overview According to the Law Society of New South Wales, more than 70 percent of solicitors in the state work for private law firms, making this the largest legal sector. Lawyers in private practice tend to focus on three types of work: transactional, advisory and litigious. Transactional work is the preparation and negotiation of deals, such as the purchase and sale of real estate, licence agreements, mergers and leasing. Advisory work involves researching and drafting legal advice, for example, on environmental, financial or corporate regulation. Litigation work involves preparing cases for trial, appeal, arbitration or mediation – for example, if someone is injured in a car accident and the parties failed to negotiate a settlement. There are many specialities within private practice, so the term applies more to a particular operating model than to a specific legal niche.

Entering Private Legal Practice Generally speaking, private practices offer higher remuneration than legal roles in other sectors, making it a very competitive field for graduates to enter without the advantage of impeccable credentials (and an appropriate graduate entry scheme) or useful connections. Employers in private practice will look particularly kindly upon relevant experience, such as evidence that you have completed a clerkship or summer internship, or worked as a tipstaff. Within private practices, junior solicitors are usually outranked by associates, senior associates, partners (salaried or equity), and practice managers. It’s not unusual for solicitors to wait five to ten years (if not longer) to be offered a partnership, which brings with it substantial financial rewards, as well as a responsibility to develop the firm.

What’s involved Sole practitioners will usually develop their expertise across a range of practice areas. By contrast, lawyers employed in large firms tend to focus on specific practice areas, such as taxation law, criminal law, family law, or intellectual property law. The focus of sole practitioners and law firm employees is the billable hour. Firms often require their employees to meet billable hours targets, which means tracking every minute that you spend on work for a client and ensuring it’s accurately reflected in invoices. Billable hour targets can range from five to eight billable hours every day, and do not include administrative work, learning sessions or breaks.

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Sole practitioners will usually develop their expertise across a range of practice areas. By contrast, lawyers employed in large firms tend to focus on specific practice areas. Though the nature of your work will vary depending on your practice area, most lawyers in private firms will have to contend with long hours, or, at the very least, the occasional late night. For junior employees trying to make a good impression or meet their billable hour targets weeks of 50 to 80 hours are not uncommon. Having said that, each firm is unique and will have its own expectations of when lawyers are available.

Private legal practice

a challenging legal market, they can potentially take home less income. Partners may also choose to have the option to take a salary in lieu of equity. More than half the partners in Australian law firms are on a salary.

• •

However, before achieving partnership, lawyers in private firms can expect to spend up to eleven years working as a solicitor, associate and senior associate – that is, in salaried positions that requires them to meet set billable hours targets. Some lawyers purposely choose not to progress beyond the associate or senior associate level, and are often given titles like “consultant”.

• • • • • • • • •

Salaries vary widely depending on how long you’ve worked at the firm, what your role is, and whether you work in a small, medium-sized, large or boutique firm. Generally speaking, graduates will earn around $72,000 p.a when they start their careers. After four to five years, the average salary rises to around $100,000 p.a. Partners who have an equity share in the firm that employs them can earn more than $350,000 a year. The salary of a senior partner at a top tier firm can reach as high as $2 million.

Employer examples: • • • • •

boutique firms small firms medium firms large firms regional firms

start-up firms barrister’s chambers.

Job title examples: graduate clerk barrister paralegal alternative dispute resolution officer practice manager junior solicitor legal counsel associate.

Choose this if: • • •

You’ve already completed a competitive clerkship or summer internship. You like the idea of working hard to rise to the rank of partner in a competitive environment. You’re willing to accept the possibility of working long hours in the pursuit of professional success. This means that a partner also assumes the firm’s risk – in a challenging legal market, they can potentially take home less income. Partners may also choose to have the option to take a salary in lieu of equity. More than half the partners in Australian law firms are on a salary.

Ashurst graduates recommend being open and authentic in your answers during recruitment.

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Private legal practice

On the Job

Anna Belgiorno-Nettis

On the Job

Alana Hudson

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What’s your name and job title? I’m Anna Belgiorno-Nettis. I’m a graduate lawyer in the competition + regulation (C+R) team at Gilbert and Tobin. Suppose a student was considering your career. What would you advise them to study? Besides the essential law degree, I would study whatever challenges and rewards you. My majors outside law are media, French and philosophy, with a bit of art history. I’m far from the commerce background that many think commercial lawyers need but it hasn’t made a difference, I promise! If you are curious and dedicated enough to excel in whatever you study, you’ll be able to apply that curiosity and dedication in commercial law as well. What do you love the most about your job? I love that my job challenges and rewards me in such varied ways. I get excited about going to work in the morning, to do stimulating tasks with switched on and enthusiastic people.

The tasks I enjoy the most involve some intellectual challenge, such as research or analysis, that I then need to communicate clearly to either senior lawyers or clients. Transforming something complex into something simple, and seeing how that simple solution helps another, is the best. Do you bear a lot of responsibility at Gilbert and Tobin? I do. I didn’t think that would be the case in a large and leading firm like Gilbert and Tobin. I have direct client contact, I have been put in charge of major tasks and sub-teams in significant matters, and I have always been appreciated for taking initiative to try tasks I have not done before. What advice would you give to a university student interested in studying law? Keep thinking in different ways. Law makes you think think analytically, deeply and logically, but it’s not great at making you think imaginatively, innovatively, or positively. I’d find things that keep you thinking in different, non-legal ways.

What’s your name and job title? My name is Alana Hudson and I’m a second year lawyer in the workplace relation, employment & safety (WRES) team at Clayton Utz. How did you get to your current job position? I came to Clayton Utz in 2015 as a seasonal clerk in the major projects and construction team. I then returned as a graduate lawyer in 2016 and rotated through the environment and planning, commercial litigation/ insurance, and WRES/pro bono practice groups. I settled in the WRES team in 2017. How did you choose your specialisation? Most of the way through my law degree I was convinced that I was going to be a construction lawyer. As part of the graduate program you are assigned a mentor, and after spending some time getting to know me, my mentor suggested that I might enjoy the work in WRES. I decided to give it a try, really enjoyed it.

What was your interview process like? I remember walking out of the interview process thinking ‘Was that it?’, because I’d been waiting for one of those awful ‘If you were a piece of fruit, which one would you be?’, style questions. That didn’t happen. It felt more like a friendly chat than an interview which was good because it made me more relaxed. I was asked questions about my work experience and a couple of situational questions as well as [about] my interests and hobbies. What are your areas of responsibility? My work can be incredibly varied from working on an unfair dismissal matter for a large private client; to drafting separation agreements, letters and scripts for a client to use during a restructuring and subsequent redundancy process. I often have one or two larger matters that I am working on, and then there will be smaller matters that pop up in between.

Private legal practice

On the Job

Amber Hu

On the Job

Matt Persico

What’s your job title? I’m a solicitor at King & Wood Mallesons. Suppose a student was considering your career. What would you advise them to study? A law degree is necessary, but here’s my two cents on what to pair with your law degree: do something you actually enjoy! Whether you study arts, science, commerce or anything else, [it] will not make a difference as to whether you get a clerkship, because the firms expect you to learn everything on the job anyway. You are not expected to know commerce just because you want to work at a commercial law firm. If you choose something you love, not only will you have a better time at university, you are also likely to get better marks. Can you describe a typical day? A solicitor usually works on several matters simultaneously, with each matter stretching on for months (and sometimes years) – this is particularly true for large commercial law firms.

Even though the matters may stretch on for long periods of time, we typically work under very tight deadlines for individual tasks. You would almost never work exclusively on one task per day. However, that doesn’t mean we are chained to our desks. I like to go to the gym when I have a quiet period, and every team I have worked with have been supportive of wellbeing initiatives such as this. I have not experienced any micromanaging when it comes to how I arrange my day. What sort of person succeeds in your career? A resilient person. If you go into commercial law, you will be working very long hours and dealing with highly sophisticated clients. Other areas of law have their own challenges. Developing the skills to deal with stress and bounce back from setbacks is crucial to succeeding in law. It is crucial to develop ways of functioning well in a high pressure environment.

What’s your role? Corporate lawyer in Thomson Geer’s Melbourne office. How did you get to your current position? I did a clerkship with Thomson Geer in 2015 and commenced at the firm as a law graduate in March 2016. After completing my 12-month supervised legal training with Thomson Geer over the course of three rotations, I settled in the Corporate/M&A team (my first choice) and was admitted as a lawyer in May 2017. Can you describe a typical day? No work day is the same of course, but this is probably especially true with our Corporate/M&A practice given the sheer diversity of our matters. Generally speaking, most days involve attending to client emails; providing advice on bespoke legal issues; negotiating the terms of an agreement; proactively managing various transaction deliverables; as well as drafting a broad range of legal documents.

What do you love about your job? I love supporting clients during what is a most significant time for them in business and in their lives. It’s always rewarding being able to attend the completion of a transaction. The adrenalin rush leading up to, and often at completion (depending on the items that are still open when a deal is due to close!) is really exciting. I love that because every transaction is unique, it means you can’t become complacent. You have to always challenge yourself and others to produce the best work. What’s the biggest limitation of your job? There’s never enough time in a day to complete everything you want to do – classic Type A personality problems! Are the stress levels high? Like any job, the stress levels can be high at times, but it boils down to how you handle such situations. I’m pretty pragmatic. Be adaptable, openminded and ready to move when unexpected things come your way.

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Private legal practice

Day in the life Eirene Psomas is a law graduate at Ashurst. 8:30 AM

As a graduate in the restructuring and special situations group (aka the insolvency practice group), I work on a mixture of transactional and litigious matters.

Eirene Psomas

5:30 AM

I am an early riser. I love getting up and making the most of the day, whether that be a bayside walk with my cheeky beagle or going to an Ashurst boot camp session before hitting up some much needed breakfast at home, my desk or a café close to work with the graduate ‘Breakfast Club’.

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On the mornings I have court, I get in to the office and grab any documents I need and head straight to court. At Ashurst you are often given a lot of responsibility from the get-go and will attend minor appearances in court solo (yes, it is terrifying, but a senior associate is always just a call away). For more complex matters, I will assist a more senior lawyer in court. If I don’t have court that morning, I get to my desk, check my emails and continue working on any outstanding tasks I have been given. From researching Cayman Islands company law to drafting deeds, life as a graduate is never a bore!

9:30 AM

By this point of the morning I am craving coffee, and so are a few of my co-workers! We all head down to

our go-to coffee spot and energise for the day.

9:45 AM

Time to head over to the client’s office and witness their affidavit. I arrive at the client’s office and we make small talk about holidays and the client’s children before we double check the client’s affidavit. Once we have gone through the affidavit, I confirm the clients identity and the client affirms that the contents of their affidavit are “true and correct” to the best of their “knowledge and belief”. They initial each page and sign the last page. Having witnessed the client do this, I do the same.

10:15 AM

I am back at my desk again, and quickly check my emails and voicemail. A client has requested some minor changes to a debt sale agreement. The changes don’t take too long to make and once I am done I go chat with the lawyer in charge of the matter so they can review the agreement and make any

Private legal practice

further amendments.

11:15 AM

It’s time to head off to chambers with a senior associate to discuss trial strategy with senior and junior counsel. I admire the view from chambers as we chat with counsel about the matter and run through the material we have sent over to counsel earlier in the week. I field a few questions about case research I have done and we finalise any outstanding matters in anticipation of court.

12:00 PM

After our meeting with counsel I make sure the court documents are ready to go, follow up any requests from counsel and call the client to give them a brief update.

12:30 PM

Finally it’s lunchtime! Whether it’s catching up with lawyers in my team at whatever food place we have been craving all morning, eating lunch with the other grads in the sun, or hanging out with friends from other firms and companies, lunch is a great time to catch up with what’s happening in and outside the firm.

1:30 PM

Battling my after-lunch food coma, I get back to work and stuck into the array of tasks on my to-do list – reviewing documents, research tasks, managing correspondence, preparing court documents and organising team events.

2:30 PM

I am off to a client coffee catch up with another lawyer in my team. The team has a lot of client events. At least once a week I am mingling with clients about the challenges they’re facing, market and industry trends or just catching up on life generally. Client networking is encouraged from a junior level and there are a range of different events specifically targeted at juniors. These events are a great opportunity to get to know people at a similar level to you.

a chance to give back and is also a great learning experience as a junior because you are usually given full carriage of the matter.

5:15 PM

One of the partners calls me into their office to discuss a matter I have been assisting them with. We get a little side tracked chatting about Netflix before calling our client in Hong Kong.

6:00 PM

Once I get through all my billable client work, I check in with my work providers, post my time for the day and then dash out of the office to enjoy dinner with my family or friends.

10:00 PM

I start winding down for the night by messaging friends, reading a book or getting lost in YouTube videos.

3:30 PM

I get stuck into researching the application of certain equitable remedies in an insolvency scenario. I get a call from a pro-bono client who tells me that they have received a bigger than expected payout – I am over the moon! Pro-bono work is

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law The Law Guide | 65

Private legal practice

On the job Alice Gardoll is a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills.

Alice Gardoll

Study Bachelor of Arts/Law at the University of Sydney, 2015

Role Solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills

“My role requires both a bird’s-eye view over the breadth of a matter and an appreciation of the nitty gritty.”

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Can you introduce yourself? My name is Alice Gardoll and I’m a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills. My first job was slightly different to my current one: I worked at Boost Juice! How did you get to your current position? I started as a vacation clerk in 2013, worked as a paralegal at the firm through 2013–2015 and began as a graduate in 2016. I’ve recently settled in a commercial litigation team, but I am currently on a pro bono secondment to the Refugee Advice & Casework Service (RACS). How did you choose your specialisation? I chose to work in commercial litigation for two key reasons: the type of work we do and the way we do it. I really enjoy the intellectual challenge that litigation entails, through solving legal problems in a strategic and practical way. I also enjoy the practice of being a litigator: fast paced work, a real focus on working in a team and lots of court time. As for how I chose to undertake a secondment at RACS: asylum seeker and refugee rights has always been a personal passion of mine – I’ve spent the last 18 months volunteering for RACS. Fortunately, Herbert Smith Freehills was very supportive of my desire to undertake this work full-time as a secondee. What was your interview process like? I interviewed to be a vacation clerk at a number of corporate firms and found the process pretty tough to juggle with full-time university studies. However, I found attending interviews to be surprisingly rewarding. Going for interviews forced me to articulate why I wanted each role in a considered way. What are your areas of responsibility? As a junior solicitor, my responsibility is to be the person who knows the

answer to all of the follow up questions a client, judge or regulator might have. My job is to be across the detail of a client’s case and circumstances, but also to work with my team to provide strategic and commercial responses to problems. My role requires both a bird’s-eye view over the breadth of a matter and an appreciation of the nitty gritty. What advice would you give to law students? I would advise any law student to think about the real reasons they want to be a lawyer. Law school can be a very competitive and tense environment, and that can encourage people to make career choices because they feel they should, rather than because it’s the best decision for them. I think it’s important to know why you’re doing something, and not be influenced by the decisions everyone else is making. The best way to do that is to get as much work experience and volunteering under your belt as early as possible, and to think about that experience critically, so you know what suits you best before you’ve graduated.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

Private legal practice

On the Job

Jessie Buchan

On the Job

Zoe Hilson

Can you introduce yourself? Jessie Buchan. Senior associate. What are your areas of responsibility? I am a senior associate in the intellectual property and technology team. My practice is focused on all aspects of intellectual property branding, with a particular emphasis on brand protection, exploitation and enforcement, both in Australia and globally. One of the best aspects about working in IP is that there is no typical work day. Throughout the course of every day I am advising a multitude of clients on various different matters ranging from providing trade mark availability and infringement advice, conducting a compliance review for advertising and marketing copy, preparing court pleadings for infringement actions in the Federal Court and providing strategic advice on global brand protection strategies. I work with our international colleagues in Asia, the US and Europe every day.

What sort of person succeeds in your career? Someone who is resilient, dedicated, ambitious and driven to succeed. Selfconfidence is also key, plus the ability to project and portray confidence so you can engender trust with clients. What do you love about your job? I love the fact that my job has enabled me to work with clients and brands that I care about and have a close affinity with. In IP we are lucky enough to work with a diverse number of clients across various sectors, from life sciences to fashion and retail, hospitality and leisure. We work for brands that we know and consume, and we get the opportunity to work with them as they embark on new growth strategies and directions. What advice would you give to a current student? Be true to yourself and who you are as a person. Be the same person in and outside of the workplace and don’t compromise your values or integrity for anything or anyone.

What’s your role? I’m a partner in Baker McKenzie’s energy and infrastructure team. I studied a combined degree of economics and law at ANU. How did you get to your current position? I have been with Baker McKenzie since 2006, initially as an associate, senior associate, special counsel and finally partner in 2017. What advice would you give to job seekers? Job applicants are typically more successful if they have an in-depth understanding of the specific job they are applying for, including the areas of expertise and focus of the employer. It resonates in a job interview when the candidate has attended a careers fair and met with current employees, as well as undertaken thorough research. What challenges face graduates? Being asked to research matters that are new to them or prepare documents that they are not familiar with. Good employers create an

environment that engages graduates and ensures they are maximising their learning during this phase of their career. The structure of Baker McKenzie is unique in that graduates have typically more access to clients, senior lawyers and partners. What is the outlook for your sector? The energy sector in Australia is changing rapidly as we transition towards a low carbon future and for lawyers this creates opportunities for us to advise a variety of different players. In the past few years Australia’s energy sector has seen significant investment in solar and wind farm projects as the cost of those technologies has declined, which has given us the opportunity to advise these developers as well as energy retailers and other industry players. As the energy market develops, other players are looking to fill gaps in the market. It is exciting and inspiring to work with the people leading progress.

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Private legal practice

On the Job

Munpreet Soomal

On the Job

Dylan O’Keefe

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What’s your job title? I am an associate in the banking and finance team at Clifford Chance. Can you tell us about your education? I graduated from Saint Stephen’s College on the Gold Coast. I then went straight into university at Bond. While I was at Bond I had the opportunity to study abroad at Beijing’s prestigious Tsinghua University. There I studied a Masters of Chinese Business Law and made some great friends. After I graduated from Bond University I went back to Tsinghua University for another semester. How did you choose your specialisation? When I found out about Clifford Chance’s summer clerkship program I knew this was something that I wanted to be part of because you work with major multinational companies and it sets you up for a truly international career. I knew that I wanted international exposure after studying abroad in Beijing. Clifford

Chance’s graduate program follows the London system which consists of four six-month rotations over two years. I rotated in to our litigation and dispute resolutions team, corporate/ M&A team, banking and finance team and for my last rotation I went on secondment to Hong Kong in their asset finance team. I choose banking and finance as I knew that I wanted to work on deals (rather than disputes) with an international element. What do you love the most about your job? You get to work with a variety of different companies in different industries. Also, the work that we do can be quite high profile and will be in the news. Therefore, it is quite satisfying to work on a deal and then later see it reported in the news. One of the tasks that I like the most involves the contact that you have with other people. You are always working as part of a wider deal team, whether that be the people in your firm, the lawyers on the other side or the client.

What’s your name and role? Dylan O’Keefe, associate. How did you choose your specialisation? I moved from in-house to Gadens with a view to specialising in litigation which has always been my passion in the law. I have a keen interest in disputes and advocacy, and I find the close interaction with clients, colleagues and the judiciary to be an exhilarating and instructive part of my job. The advantage of the Grads@ Gadens program is that graduates are given the work and responsibilities of their level, being admitted solicitors, but also the flexibility of two rotations. Suppose a student was considering your career. What would you advise them to focus on? Participate in competitions at university to develop advocacy skills and move past the fear of making mistakes when public speaking. The best advocates that I have seen are ones that speak with a tone of formal conversation rather than rehearsed

monologue, the latter leaving little room for error or improvisation. Organisational skills are key in litigation (and the law generally). Court and client deadlines must be recorded and a good litigation solicitor has a robust system in place to ensure that such deadlines are never missed. What sort of person succeeds in your career? A person who is able to think clearly and calmly when confronted with frantic questions and challenging interrogation. If overwhelmed, a successful litigation lawyer will have, or develop, strategies to reset their mental state and start again when mistakes are made, or [strategies] to sub-divide tasks into manageable sets and work towards achieving incremental successes to advance the overall goal. Above all, a successful person should love the work – not all the time – but enough of the time. It is a demanding career with many obstacles and challenges.

Private legal practice

On the job Belinda Sigismundi is a principal lawyer in the intellectual property and trade team at Macpherson Kelley.

Belinda Sigismundi

Study BA, LLB at Melbourne University, 2003.

Role Principal lawyer, intellectual property and trade team, Macpherson Kelley.

“The beauty about practising in IP law is that every day is so different.”

How did you get to your current position? I developed a real passion for intellectual property law at university. Once I graduated, my main focus was to build up my practical experience in the IP sphere. I managed to secure articles of clerkship at a boutique trademark and patent attorney firm and was involved in some really interesting cases. After ten months, I wanted to explore other opportunities to further my career [s]o I applied for a role at Macpherson Kelley Lawyers. I have been at Macpherson Kelley Lawyers for 13 years. What does your employer do? Macpherson Kelley is a national commercial law firm with offices in Melbourne, Dandenong, Sydney and Brisbane. We understand industry. Our focus is on providing specialised legal advice in the accountants, motor dealers, manufacturing, foreign owned subsidiaries, property development, insolvency and technology industries. Can you describe a typical work day? The beauty about practising in IP law is that every day is so different. This is what yesterday looked like: • I provided a client with trade mark infringement advice and prepared an urgent letter of demand. • I then met some visitors from a Chinese law firm that we work closely with. • I led a team meeting to discuss client targets and our team strategy. • I advised a client on its brand protection strategy and conducted trade mark clearance searches in Australia and the United States. • I presented an IP seminar to a group of prominent artists in Mornington. What do you enjoy the most? I love going out to visit clients and tour their premises. Learning about

and truly understanding a client’s business makes you more than just their lawyer – you become their trusted advisor. Helping a client grow their own business and maximise the value in their intellectual property is the best and most rewarding part of my job. Do you have to work on weekends? The weekend is a time for me to de-stress and spend quality time with my family. So I try to avoid working on weekends if and when I can. Are the stress levels high? Sometimes. Managing stress levels is an important part of my job. If things go wrong, the focus should be on fixing the problem and moving forward, rather than stressing about things you have no control over. What advice would you give to students? Do what you love, and you will have a long, happy and fulfilling career. Don’t accept a job or get cornered into an area of law that doesn’t interest you, because you won’t stay in the legal profession for very long. Get as much work experience as you can in the area of law you enjoy. There are many barristers that would welcome some voluntary research. It is never too early to start growing your professional and personal networks. Good contacts can open up doors later in life.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

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Private legal practice

On the job

Lotte Callanan

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

On the job

Chris Chow

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

70 | The Law Guide

What’s your job title? I’m Lotte Callanan, an associate at Taylor & Scott Lawyers, and the Chair of the NSW Young Lawyers Family Law Committee. Where did you study? I graduated with an arts/law degree from UTS in 2012. How did you get your current job? Family law is a relatively small profession and you find out about a lot of jobs through word of mouth or personal referrals. I had recently completed my Masters in Applied Laws (family law) when one of my old tutors approached me to ask if I would be interested in a job. I accepted and have been in my current role since September 2015. What do you do on a day-to-day basis? Like most lawyers, I spend most of my day swamped by emails. If I’m not corresponding with clients or other solicitors, I will be in conferences, preparing court documents or attending court. There is not a day

that goes by where I am not dealing with a client and trying to resolve an issue for them, big or small. What should people know about family law before entering it? It’s important to remember that relationships come in many different shapes and sizes and relationship breakdowns are often messy. Family violence is, unfortunately, quite widespread and you may not always be acting for or advising the victim. What do you love the most about your job? The most enjoyable aspect is helping people get a good resolution – whether that means spending time with their kids or acquiring a decent property settlement with some financial security and independence. What’s the downside of your job? Working in family law can be emotionally draining. You are dealing with distressed, angry, and frustrated people every day and you can’t always tell them what they want to hear.

What’s your role? I’m the managing director of Chris Chow Creative Lawyers. What did you study? I completed a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music and Performance) in 2002, followed by a Juris Doctor in 2005. What does your firm do? Chris Chow Creative Lawyers specialises in advising clients in the entertainment and creative industries on contractual and intellectual property related legal matters – we help clients understand agreements and their rights. What does a typical day involve for you? Most of my day consists of reviewing contracts or legal scenarios in the entertainment and creative industries and advising clients on the implications of such contracts and improvements that could be made to the contracts. For example, in the morning I may review a recording agreement for a performing artist.

Then, in the afternoon, a client may call and say their photo is being used in an advertisement that was not approved, and I will advise on the best approach to seek money and/or to stop the use of the photo. Could somebody with a different academic or professional background do your job? Yes, but understanding the entertainment and creative industries (and how creatives think) is a critical component of the job. You would need to attend many industry events and study intellectual property law (and/ or do a lot of extra reading!), before attempting to become a lawyer in the space. What’s the coolest thing about your job? I generally get to work with awesome people who are doing great things and are super passionate about their craft. Helping them solve their issues and secure solid contracts is rewarding, plus it’s fun when you see an artist or talent you work with have huge success.

Private legal practice

Insider guide

Tracey Ryan

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

On the Job

Dean Balassis

What’s your job title? I’m a partner at Shine Lawyers and the manager of a branch in Dalby, a regional town some 211 kilometres northwest of Brisbane. I’m also the department manager for Shine’s wills and estates team. I’ve been in my current position at Shine Lawyers for four years. Where did you study? I received offers from several universities, but chose the Lismore campus of Southern Cross University, because they awarded me a scholarship that covered my full tuition fees. I studied a combined Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Law. What does your job involve? It’s actually quite a varied role. Shine has a national call centre, so we receive cases from across the country. Generally, anything that has to do with wills and estates gets put through to my team. On a daily basis, we deal with ordinary probate applications and more demanding cases (such as when people have many beneficiaries

or complex assets). We also mediate when necessary, such as when a will is contested or an executor fails to properly perform his or her duties. What drew you to wills and estates law? I’d been in Dalby for three years when the associate responsible for wills and estates left. I took over his portfolio and discovered that wills and estates law is a good match for my personality and priorities. Helping people through a difficult period of their life – either when a loved one has just passed away, or when they are preparing for their own passing – is immensely rewarding. What personal qualities are required for success in your position? You’ve got to have empathy. After all, you’re asking people how much money they have, where they worked, who their family members and loved ones are – it’s a very intimate discussion, and they need to be able to trust you.

What’s your role? I’m a lawyer in the property, projects and infrastructure team at Lander & Rogers. I’m in my third year at the firm, two years of which have been spent as a practising lawyer. Previously I was in a graduate position, which I entered in 2015. Where did you study? I completed degrees in law and science (with a major in psychology) at Deakin University. What attracted you to law? Throughout primary school, I was actually interested in becoming a vet. Then I realised that vets spend a lot of time ending animals lives instead of saving them, so… Well, what remained was the desire to help people and, after completing work experience with one of my uncle’s close friends, a criminal solicitor, I realised that law was the best way for me to do that. I still had my interest in science and maths, but I was able to satisfy that by studying science at university.

What does your job involve? It’s a mix of things, really. ‘Property, projects and infrastructure’ is a broad term that covers several different areas of the law. Day to day, I talk to clients about property deals that they’ve got coming up – either purchasing, selling or developing properties. We’ve also had a partner join recently who is more focused on construction. I’ve quickly learned that construction is a little more contentious than property. This involves drafting documents, overseeing transactions, and liaising with the other side. What’s the most challenging aspect of your current role? Every day, you learn something new about the law. That’s both an incredible opportunity and an enormous challenge. It’s challenging because you’re constantly reminded of how much more there is to know – and this can come as a rude shock to people who have just graduated with hard-won law degrees.

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Professional bodies

Professional bodies Overview Legal professional bodies play a vital role in standardising legal practice, representing the legal profession, and providing support to members of the legal community. Federal examples include the Law Council of Australia, which represents the Australian legal profession on national and international matters, and the Australian Bar Association, which represents Australia’s almost 6,000 barristers. Individual states and territories have their own law societies, which perform numerous functions including regulating the legal profession, while providing its members with guidance, support, and representation. Other professional bodies include the Australian Advocacy Initiative, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, the National Association of Community Legal Centres, and the Commercial Law Association of Australia.

Entering professional legal bodies Professional bodies are eager to attract talented graduates who are committed to the overall functionality and integrity of the legal system. However, the nature of their work – which can often involve providing guidance to experienced legal practitioners – means that few professional bodies oversee their own graduate recruitment programs. Instead, interested graduates are advised to check the job boards of individual professional bodies to see if there are any suitable positions available.

Image: Law Society of NSW.

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Many professional association employees are called upon to provide guidance to association members. For example, the Law Society of New South Wales, among many things, advises solicitors on how best to meet their professional development requirements. Typically, positions within professional bodies require applicants to possess a Bachelor degree (as a minimum), a postgraduate qualification (these are usually listed as ‘desirable’, not mandatory), and two to three years of experience in legal practice and/or legal policy work.

What’s involved? As an employee at a professional association, you’ll be tasked with helping to regulate, support and improve the work of the professionals you represent. Sometimes this support can take surprising forms. For example, the New

Professional bodies

South Wales Bar Association does more than accredit barristers through the bar examination; it also advises on professional indemnity insurance products, and even dedicates a section of its website to explaining the attire deemed most appropriate for different occasions (here, the options for barristers are a robe or a wig, or both, or neither). Many professional association employees are called upon to provide guidance to association members. For example, the Law Society of New South Wales, among many things, advises solicitors on how best to meet their professional development requirements. Other employees work on drafting policy submissions designed to affect changes that benefit both solicitors and the communities they serve. As a lawyer, you may find yourself helping to update codes of conduct, or representing your profession in relevant trials and public discussions. Ultimately, the range of professional associations, as well as the range of potential careers within them, means that your work may involve any number of different tasks and opportunities. The common theme, however, is that you will be working to regulate, guide, support, or advocate for members of a specific profession.

Career progression Professional associations offer a range of opportunities for internal career advancement. You can seek out novel responsibilities and move into more senior positions, both at the state and federal level, or try out something new – policy drafting, say, instead of accreditation oversight. Finally, working for a professional association is an excellent way to develop a network of contacts. This puts you in a strong position if you ultimately decided to build your career elsewhere.

Professional bodies are eager to attract talented graduates who are committed to the overall functionality and integrity of the legal system. • •

You want to be involved in the regulation of the legal profession. You’re passionate about advocating for lawyers, maintaining the quality of legal education, and defending fair and equal access to the law for all.

Employer examples: • • •

Law Society of NSW Law Council of Australia Legal Professions Admission Board.

Job title examples: • • • • • • •

general counsel legal practice admissions officer legal practice manager regulator/investigator policy advisor/analyst committee member legal information officer.

Choose this if:

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Professional bodies

On the job Nerida Harvey is a principal solicitor in community referral services at the Law Society of New South Wales.

Nerida Harvey

Role Principal solicitor, community referral services, Law Society of New South Wales.

“...once you accept a graduate job, you should stick it out for at least a year or two. It never looks good when you see a resume and somebody has jumped around after three or four months.”

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

74 | The Law Guide

What’s your job title? I’ve worked at the Law Society of New South Wales for eight years as a principal solicitor responsible for the community referral services (CRS). There are three services that fit within this scheme: the solicitor’s referral service, the pro bono service, and the alternative dispute resolution service. What does a typical day look like for you? If it’s a court day, then I’m off to court, which usually starts at around nine. If I’m not at court, then it’s an office day, which could involve processing applications, dealing with in-house matters, preparing for the many talks and speeches we give at different organisations, or recruiting firms to participate in the pro bono scheme. I also run our practical legal training program, which involves training and mentoring students. Have you worked on any particularly rewarding cases? I think that, for me, the cases that involve children are the most rewarding. I’ve worked in commercial law and, certainly, when you close a contract for somebody, there’s a thrill. But when you help a father gain access to children he hasn’t seen for two years, that reunion can be really beautiful – it’s really worth any figure. Some of these cases go on for several years, so when you get even a little victory, it’s really very rewarding. Can you give us a brief overview of your professional background? I studied law at UTS. Afterwards, I worked for a year doing defender insurance litigation for insurance companies. Subsequently, I moved to Young and worked for a private law firm, mainly focusing on their legal aid project – a mixture of family law, criminal law, and child care and

protection. I spent four years there before relocating to New York, where I practised until starting with the Law Society of New South Wales eight years ago. How do you maintain a comfortable distance between your personal and professional lives? I think there are certain things you learn to be responsible about – things like safety and privacy. For example, I use a fake name on Facebook and take care not to disclose identifying details of personal life when talking with clients. You have to bear in mind that many of the clients are complicated and occasionally dangerous people. Which three pieces of advice would you give to current law students? 1. Keep your options open. Try not to get channeled into just one area of law. If you can do internships in various practice areas, then make sure you do. This is true also of placements for your practical legal training. 2. Do a broad range of subjects – even if you think you won’t enjoy them. You might be surprised to learn that, actually, you really click with something unexpected. There are happy tax lawyers. 3. I think that, once you accept a graduate job, you should stick it out for at least a year or two. It never looks good when you see a resume and somebody has jumped around after three or four months. Of course, if you’re being mistreated or something similar, then you have good cause to move on. But, otherwise, those quick job changes are conspicuous in a way that probably won’t be very helpful.

Professional bodies

Nerida Harvey, Law Society of NSW.

Professional services

Professional services Overview The professional services sector encompasses those organisations that provide various forms of support to other businesses. These organisations include consulting companies, financial organisations, accounting firms, and, of course, law firms. Some of the best-known names in professional services include McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, PwC, Deloitte, Accenture, EY, Bain & Co., and KPMG. While these organisations exist outside of the legal sector, they have a history of attracting talented lawyers who wish to put their analytical skills to use in a non-legal context. Indeed, lawyers, having been trained to think critically and explore solutions to complex problems, are well-placed to succeed within the world of professional services.

Entering the professional services sector Most high-profile professional services organisations run competitive graduate recruitment programs. The application process for these programs is rigorous and highly competitive. For example, at McKinsey – perhaps the world’s best-known consultancy firm – applicants who make it past the initial CV evaluation are expected to complete up to six 50 minute interviews, during some of which they will be required to solve hypothetical business problems on the spot. They are also given a multiple-choice problem solving test. If candidates are unsuccessful, they must wait for up to eighteen months before applying again.

unusual for employees dealing with such challenges to go on secondment, or, in other words, be based at the headquarters of their client, rather than their primary employer. It is essential that they can create productive professional relationships with confidence and skill, as they will often need to work with external teams and other stakeholders to complete important projects.

Advantages and disadvantages of working in a professional services organisation Employment at a professional services organisation offers several advantages. First, the more prestigious providers aim to attract and retain standout graduates by offering lucrative salaries, appealing conditions, and a range of perks. Second, you will be exposed to a variety of organisations, from profit-driven organisations to governmental bodies, giving you the opportunity to expand your understanding of non-legal service providers while developing numerous marketable skills. Third, professional services employees enjoy variety in terms of where and with whom they work. Indeed, it’s not unusual for consultants to travel interstate to work directly with client companies. Finally, in addition to providing an unparalleled opportunity to network, employment at a professional services provider

Graduates may, of course, decide to gain experience in the legal sector before transitioning to a professional services provider. While this can help you to submit a more competitive application, bear in mind that many professional services organisations require graduates to apply within a certain period of time after finishing their undergraduate degree. Otherwise, it’s not unusual for them to expect candidates to have a second degree or evidence of impressive professional experience.

What’s involved? Professional services employees serve two bosses: first, there is the company that employs them (for example, BCG or Accenture); and then there is the ‘client’, an external organisation that comes to the professional services organisation because it has some sort of problem that needs to be solved. If you’re working for a business consultancy, you’ll be required to address a range of challenges, from navigating a complex merger to providing strategic advice on how best to launch a new product. It’s not

76 | The Law Guide

KPMG graduates describe their training as “second to none”.

Professional services

prepares you to pursue a range of subsequent careers if, for example, you choose to move in-house with a client or change careers entirely.

you’ll likely benefit from an impressive client portfolio as well as evidence that you’ve been able to supply effective solutions to a range of business challenges.

Unfortunately, a career in professional services is not without some drawbacks. The travel can be relentless, especially when working for large national or multinational companies. You may also be expected to work long hours and sometimes into the weekend. Furthermore, the culture can be intense. Several professional services companies take an ‘up or out’ approach to employee development – that is, one is either promoted or asked to leave.

Employer examples:

Career progression The most prominent professional services organisations are global entities that employ thousands of employees across the globe. They are also hierarchical, which means that your career trajectory within a given company is usually quite clear. For example, at Deloitte, graduates usually spend their first year as an associate, become a ‘senior’ in their third year, a manager in their fifth or sixth year, a senior manager in their ninth year, and a director or partner in their twelfth year. You may, however, decide to advance your career outside of the professional services organisation. In this case,

On the Job

Chris O’Connell

Port Jackson Partners

• • • • • • • • • •

Accenture Deloitte EY (formerly Ernst & Young) KPMG Boston Consulting Group Bain & Co. Port Jackson Partners Partners in Performance McKinsey & Company PwC

Job title examples: • • • • • • •

associate consultant engagement manager business analyst case manager digital implementation manager risk manager.

What’s your job title? I am an associate at Port Jackson Partners having been promoted from business analyst last year. How did you get to your current job position? I have been at PJP for almost two (very fast!) years, coming in as an experienced hire. I worked for another strategy consulting firm in Ireland for two years before moving to Sydney. How did you choose your specialisation? I came close to practising law, but ultimately found strategy consulting personally more appealing. There is an overlap in that both careers are client facing and require strong problem solving and communication skills. However, I felt that consulting offered more diversity of experience and a greater ability to travel, particularly early in my career. What was your interview process like? The recruitment process at PJP typically involves two to three rounds of interviews with people at

different levels of the firm. Interviews are generally split into a general conversation about your experience and motivations followed by a case study. We use the case study to see how candidates think and approach problems, and generally involve a quantitative component. Being a smaller firm, culture is extremely important, and we also use the interview to see how you will fit with our work approach and values. Suppose a student was considering your career. What would you advise them to study? The specific subjects you study matter less than the skills you develop. My colleagues have backgrounds in engineering, law, finance, physics, political science, economics, and many other fields. What is common is that these degrees provided us with strong analytical and problemsolving skills, along with an ability to break down and communicate complex ideas.

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On the job Tiana Podinic is a Consultant – tax and legal at PwC

Tiana Podinic

Study Bachelor of Business and Commerce (advanced business leadership)/ Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University.

Role Consultant – tax and legal, PwC.

“University is a long rollercoaster and there will inevitably be times where you come down, but remember that there is something to gain from every experience.”

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Where did you grow up? I grew up in Sydney and went to uni at Western Sydney University. After five long years of study, I was lucky enough to study abroad twice in the Netherlands and Argentina, represent my university at leadership symposiums in Hong Kong and South Korea, and delve into everything and anything that struck my fancy. From interning at a legal start up to tutoring rugby league professionals, I really took advantage of every opportunity that came my way. I wanted to be able to make a more informed decision about the type of work I wanted to do and what workplace would be a good match for me, so I tried everything out. How did you get to your current job position? During my second last year, I interned with PwC through their vacation program. I joined the tax and legal teams for six weeks. It was a great experience and I loved all the challenges, the work, the people and culture. After finishing this up, I was offered a graduate position to start in February 2018. How did you choose your specialisation ? I was always certain I wanted to practise in a commercial setting. I also knew that I had a passion in understanding how economic policy interacts with the law. I love keeping up to date with the changing business market and globalisation. I applied for the tax stream at PwC because I had spoken to previous graduates who mentioned that contrary to the stereotype of tax law, it’s very challenging and often other commercial and banking lawyers seek initial advice from tax lawyers in relation to their corporate clients. While I was an intern, I quickly learnt this was true. I wanted to practise in an area of law where I felt like I was contributing to

the development of that sector. Since tax law is always changing due to economic and political factors, there is great opportunity in contributing to the wider conversation on tax reform, compared to more established areas of law where changes may be very niche. What was your interview process like? What sort of questions were you asked? I found the interview process rather refreshing compared to others. PwC encouraged applicants to interview the firm as much as the firm was interviewing them. At the assessment centre, PwC’s Canvas Career Jam, we had quite a few PwC staff from all grades there on the day ready for their questioning as well. I really appreciated this day as there were a lot of honest answers, which ultimately showed me the integrity that is so inherent in the culture. The interview itself didn’t feel much like an interview – we ordered coffee and had a chat. There was a strong focus on my personality, and not just marks and achievements. Suppose a student was considering your career. What would you advise them to study? Should they pursue any sort of work experience? In tax law, a background in accounting will help, although it isn’t necessary. I only studied two tax law subjects at university and this was fine in terms of my ability to pick up on concepts at work. Unlike many other areas of law, tax law is hard to master as it’s always changing at a rapid pace. I recommend keeping up to date with what’s happening around the world in terms of tax regimes and scandals as this is an easy way to see how the work you may be doing could impact your clients and national policy.

How to get hired

Chapter 4

How to get hired

Five-year checklist............................pg 81 Building experience with legal competitions......................................pg 83 Researching and choosing the right firm......................................pg 84 Writing a CV and cover letter............pg 86 Sample cover letters.........................pg 88 How to ace a law interview................pg 90 What to expect at an assessment centre................................................pg 91 Getting an offer.................................pg 92 Managing social media.....................pg 94

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How to get hired

The Five-year checklist Applying for graduate jobs can be a long and arduous process. Applications usually involve multiple steps, beginning with an online application and followed by interviews, assessment centres, and testing. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a competitive process and it pays to plan ahead. Even if you are still early in your law degree, there are things you can do now that will make it much easier to succeed professionally later on.

Look into study abroad opportunities.

Develop a comprehensive study plan. Employers will consider your performance in first year subjects when you apply for internships, summer clerkships, or graduate programs later on.

Start seeking out career advice so you can understand all the options available to you.

Visit a courthouse or organise to shadow a lawyer for a day.

Talk to members of your target profession or legal practice area.

Start to develop your soft skills and network at industry events.

First year

Consider forming a study group.

Start reading newspapers and learning about the business world if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in commercial law.

Participate in extracurricular activities. This could be anything from sport, music, and drama to personal development and community service programs.

Checklist courtesy of NSW Young Lawyers

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Second year

Explore opportunities to intern at a law firm or complete volunteer or pro bono work.

Third Third

Attend law fairs and open days. Prepare questions that are tailored to the law firm/ organisations you intend to visit.

Start to explore ways to demonstrate your legal skills outside of class. Consider mooting or other law school mock competitions.

How to get hired

Even if you are still early in your law degree, there are things you can do now that will make it much easier to succeed professionally later on.

Attend additional law fairs and open days.

Research which electives you might wish to take during your final two years.

year

If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been able to complete any legal work experience, consider opportunities outside of the legal sector that will help you develop transferable skills.

Apply for clerkships, internships, or placements.

Fourth year

Research the types of firms or organisations that interest you and prepare your CV accordingly.

Apply for a place in a practical legal training course.

Fifth year

Explore possibilities for your legal training.

Apply for graduate placement work.

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.com.au

CAREERS INTELLIGENCE In interviews, partners like to see an understanding of the corporate world and an interest in practice areas. — Graduate, Gilbert + Tobin, Sydney

Be able to discuss your CV and experiences and why those might position you well to work at the firm. — Graduate, King & Wood Mallesons, Canberra

During the interview process the more difficult questions included being asked to explain a poor grade and to detail a commercial issue I was interested in. — Graduate, Ashurst, Melbourne Know what the firm does, if you are applying there you should have some interest in what they do, be it an interesting matter or client, or a particular field of work. — Graduate,Clifford Chance, Sydney

How to get hired

Building experience with legal competitions Legal competitions are a strong tradition in Australian law schools. Participation affords students the opportunity to develop practical legal experience and improve their legal research and reasoning skills. Almost every law school in Australia runs some kind of legal competition, often facilitated by the campus law student society.

What is a moot? A moot is a simulated appeal in a superior court, based on a hypothetical scenario and judgment from a lower court. There are no witnesses called to the stand – just good old-fashioned legal arguments about whether or not the lower court decision was correct. Expect to be queried and questioned by the judges as they test how well you know your facts and precedents surrounding a particular point of law. Mooting is generally run in teams of two or three with the optional third member acting as an assistant solicitor. In addition to providing you with an opportunity to put your legal skills to use, moots are a great way to gain extracurricular experience and impress prospective employers. It’s no surprise that some of Australia’s

In addition to providing you with an opportunity to put your legal skills to use, moots are a great way to gain extracurricular experience.

Skills developed in legal competitions can carry over into the workplace. Image: PwC

best-known and most successful legal practitioners are ex-mooters. Reflecting on his own mooting experiences, the Honorary Michael Kirby wrote: “It is… as proper in the new millennium, as it has been useful throughout the millennium just closed, to train the new professionals in the arts of persuasion. This means mooting. And if moots make the student’s heart race faster, it is nature’s way of alerting the mind and sharpening its focus.”

What is a witness examination competition? During a witness examination competition, teams of two students – acting as a barrister and a noncompetitive witness – simulate a civil or criminal trial. Barristers, acting for either the defence or the prosecution, take turns examining or cross-examining the witnesses in a bid to corral the facts of the case and present them to the judge. Witnesses must memorise the facts of a hypothetical case and testify in strict accordance with them.

What is a negotiation competition? Negotiation plays a fundamental role in the law, both as a popular tool for alternative dispute resolution and as a

necessary precursor to the finalisation of contracts and other agreements. Skillful negotiation requires patience, the ability to prioritise, and, of course, a willingness to compromise. A negotiation competition features two teams of lawyers, each representing a hypothetical party, who attempt to negotiate the terms of, and hopefully resolve, a dispute.

What is a client interview competition? The ability to interview a client is critical to efficient legal practice. To test this skill, client interview competitions require teams of two students to play the role of lawyers who are visited by a potential client for a preliminary meeting. Teams will receive a limited amount of context for their client and must rely, primarily, on their ability to identify the material facts of a case. They generally have fifteen minutes with each ‘client’. The clients are instructed to exhibit a range of personalities, from sedately compliant to brashly uncooperative.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

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How to get hired

Researching and choosing the right firm If you choose to work in a law firm, then your next decision – which law firm to apply for – can fast become a vexing one. Even if you have a strong sense of where you’d like to work, it pays to ensure that your decision is a carefully considered one. After all, a law degree isn’t easy to get – why shouldn’t you reward yourself with the best possible start to your career? To help you make the best choice, we’ve compiled seven questions that every law graduate should be able to answer when considering a prospective law firm.

Q How large is the firm? Law firms range in size from tiny boutique outfits that tend to specialise in niche areas of the law, to global giants like Baker McKenzie, which employs 4,600 lawyers in 77 countries. There are pros and cons to working in firms at either end of the spectrum. While some may be drawn to the scale, stability, and career advancement opportunities offered by medium and large firms, others will prefer smaller practices in which they can focus on specific topics of interest, develop close client relationships, and potentially enjoy a more close-knit culture. Of course, there are few merits that are reliably exclusive to firms of any size, so the scale of any specific firm should be considered only insofar as it might impact on your career satisfaction and advancement.

you be working in a Q Will practice area that interests you?

As you’ve seen in the first section of this guide, there are many legal practice areas in which you could choose to specialise. If you have a strong sense of which of these interests you most, then it’s worth

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Even if you have a strong sense of where you’d like to work, it pays to ensure that your decision is a carefully considered one. seeking out firms that will cultivate your passion. So if you find taxation law too dry, consider family law; if you find family law too draining, consider criminal law; if you find criminal law too confronting, consider something else, and so on and so forth, until a practice area comes along that excites you. Look for a firm where you can focus on that. Bear in mind that it can be difficult to switch practice areas once you commit to one. It’s also important to consider whether or not your personality fits the practice area.

the culture of the Q What’s firm like? The importance of culture in a law firm cannot be overstated. After all, there are few other environments in which you’ll work as intensely or closely with other groups of people, so it pays to ensure that you fit in and feel supported. To properly evaluate the culture of a law firm, you’ll need to ask a variety of questions such as: How competitive is the law firm? What sort of people work there? What is expected of graduate employees? What are the people like? How many hours a week will I work? Law firms and even individual teams within firms also vary widely in their value systems. Some may value individualism, conspicuous effort, or billable hours; others may value employee and client satisfaction, work-life balance, or community engagement. Where possible, try

to secure a position in a firm whose values are consistent with yours.

working at this firm Q Will help you in your career? On average, people change jobs between eleven and twelve times during their careers. So it pays to consider where you want to be not just for the next few years, but in a decade or so. If you have a strong sense of your career goals, then you should ensure the firm you’re interested in will help you meet them. This might mean checking that you’ll learn the right skills, focus on the right issues, gain the right experience, or network with the right people. Some firms have established professional development initiatives, especially those with structured graduate programs. Just be certain that your career will grow at the target firm, and not, instead, be restricted.

the firm have an Q Does international presence? For law graduates excited by the prospect of working abroad or focusing on international cases, it could be worth prioritising firms that have a global presence. It can be much easier to find employment overseas if internal transfers are available, and international firms often leverage their global presence to address legal issues that span multiple jurisdictions. On the other hand, if you’d prefer to work in a single location, or focus on domestic issues, you may wish to avoid international firms in which overseas postings or training

How to get hired

programs are considered a natural part of your career progression.

I have a healthy workQ Will life balance? According to a survey supported by the Law Society of New South Wales, 46.9% of law students, 55.7% of solicitors, and 52.5% of barristers reported that they had experienced depression*. Additionally, burnout is a growing concern within the profession, with some harried lawyers accessing the services of firms dedicated to helping legal practitioners transition into other careers. Overwhelmingly, one of the reasons provided as explanation in both cases is the difficulty lawyers can often face when trying to establish a healthy work-life balance. You will have your own sense of what a healthy work-life balance looks like – some people may derive satisfaction from working late to prepare complex cases; others may prefer more regular hours with ample time for personal commitments. In either case, it’s important to check that your idea of a healthy work-life balance is achievable at a target law firm.

Q Who are the clients? If you work at a big firm, you might find yourself managing relationships with the legal representatives of equally large organisations. If you work at a small law firm, you may work more closely with individuals on private matters. If you work in-house, then your ‘client’ will effectively be the organisation that employs you. If you find yourself in one of the numerous other legal settings, your client might be the government, a criminal defendant, a parent going through custody proceedings, a person seeking personal injury compensation, a nation state defending its actions at an international trade tribunal, or something else entirely.

By doing your research and deciding carefully on a law firm that fits your values, goals, and expectations, you can be confident of your choice. The possibilities are endless, so consider who you would find it gratifying to work for – will the firm you’re investigating be able to connect you with that type of client?

Other things to consider It pays to consider your academic background. If you’ve completed an undergraduate degree or alternative qualification in an area other than law, this may make you more employable in specific areas. For example, if you studied commerce alongside law, you may find it advantageous to pursue a career at a commercial law firm. You should also take into account your interests outside of law and explore the possibility of using them to create a more satisfying career. For example, if you’re passionate about music, you may seek out a firm that specialises in intellectual property or represents clients in the entertainment industry. Other questions you might ask include: • Where is the firm located? • Will the firm meet your salary expectation? • Will you have any autonomy, and if so, how much? • Will you receive a variety of interesting work? • Will you have opportunity for rotation into different practice areas?

• Will you be required to work very long hours without a clear link to performance and pay? • Are there opportunities for professional development, including training, education (such as funding for further study), and mentoring? • What is the professional reputation of the person you will be reporting to?

How to find answers to your questions If you are interested in working for a particular firm, it’s helpful to speak with current employees about their individual experiences. One way to do this is by approaching representatives of your target firm at careers fairs. Alternatively, recruitment agents and other contacts and friends who have worked at the firm can provide honest and valuable information about its culture, reputation and working environment. You can also refer to the graduate job reviews and On the Jobs on the GradAustralia website (gradaustralia.com.au) and on LegalVitae (legalvitae.com.au). Researching online can be a helpful way to find answers to your questions, although you should, of course, endeavour to base your opinions on reputable sources. You can also seek out the advice of lecturers, tutors, careers counsellors, and members of the legal profession. Finally, there’s no better time to ask clarifying questions than during a job interview. By doing your research and deciding carefully on a law firm that fits your values, goals, and expectations, you can be confident of your choice and get your career off to a satisfying start. * From ’Courting the Blues: attitudes towards depression in Australian law students and legal practitioners’, conducted by the Brain & Mind Research Institute of the University of Sydney in 2009.

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How to get hired

Writing a CV and cover letter First impressions are lasting and this is especially true when it comes to CVs and cover letters for law jobs. After all, the content of your application is only half the game – as a law graduate, it will also be expected that you can write clearly and persuasively. Moreover, recruiters are often time-poor professionals who want to separate the wheat from the chaff quickly, before reaching out to candidates who distinguish themselves with their academic credentials, work experience or diverse interests. So, to help you put your best foot forward, we’ve assembled some tips on how to create a killer cover letter and resume.

Creating a Standout Cover Letter The Basics A cover letter is like a sales pitch, and what you’re trying to sell is your own suitability for a target job. Successful cover letters: • Highlight the important parts of your resume • Provide a sample of your written communication skills • Show how your skills, education, and experience are relevant to the position for which you’re applying • Address any specific selection criteria in the job advertisement • Draw attention to your achievements • Use appropriate formatting and a professional and confident tone of voice • Encourage prospective employers to read further into your resume or CV • Demonstrate one’s command of the rules of grammar and style. Why invest time in writing a good cover letter? Cover letters can be time-consuming, and that’s largely due to the importance of writing a new one for each application. Nothing turns off a prospective employer quite like the sense that they’re reading a template

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It’s worth taking the time to figure out what differentiates you from the crowd before subtly emphasising it in your CV. letter. It’s vitally important that your submission – or, at the very least, the bulk of it – is specific to the employer in question. It’s a chance to convince them that you want to work in their industry, for their specific organisation, and in the job role they advertised. For example, why do you want to use your law degree in a community legal centre? What, to you, is the appeal of pursuing a public career instead of a private, commercial one? The contents A cover letter should include the following: • Your personal/contact details • The date • A salutation/greeting • How you heard about the job/ company • What attracts you to the job or company (you can mention some of their recent projects or significant staff members) • Why you believe you would be an asset to the team • How you will follow up • A closing/signature. The trick is to have a clear idea as to what the company does and what the job entails, then draw out evidence of your own relevant skills, interests and experience. Here, the more specific you can be, the better. For example, instead of simply writing that you’ve “interned at a leading law firm”, you could say “as an intern, I helped to draft supporting documents for a case that was ultimately settled in favour of the firm’s client”. Structure and tone Your cover letter should have a clear structure with an introduction that

leads into a summary of your relevant skills and experiences. This should be followed by a closing statement that reiterates your interest in the job, thanks the employer for their time, and includes a ‘soft pitch’. For example, you might write something like: “I look forward to speaking with you further about how I can make a positive contribution to your team”. Throughout the letter, your tone should be polite and professional. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should tie yourself in knots trying to sound overly formal. Simply avoid colloquial language wherever possible and focus on providing evidence of why you should be hired (as opposed to simply claiming to be ‘excellent’ or ‘talented’). Finally, keep your cover letter succinct – it should be no longer than one A4 page and have your details clearly written as part of a letterhead.

Get to the top of the pile: writing a successful CV A curriculum vitae (CV) is a written overview of your experience and other qualifications for a job opportunity. Creating a good CV generally takes more time than writing a cover letter. However, once complete, a CV can be submitted to each new employer with only minor adjustments. The Basics A CV should concisely outline your relevant educational history, work experience, professional accomplishments and qualifications. It may also include details of referees (if requested).

How to get hired

A successful CV: • Can be read easily and uses a clear font in a reasonable size with logical headings and well structured bullet points • Uses a skills-focused or chronological format • Emphasises skills or job experiences that are particularly relevant to the job description.

• A summary of your education and training • A list of any professional accreditations/other qualifications you have (this is where you should mention if you’ve received, say, a certificate of proficiency in a different language) • Details of your referees (or an explicit offer to provide them).

or worry employers. For example, if you took a year off to go travelling between jobs, you might even include that as a CV entry.

Why invest time in writing a good CV? The role of a CV is to provide recruiters and prospective employers with an easily scannable summary of your achievements so that they can decide whether or not to progress your application by offering you an interview.

Education Your educational history from your university years should include your predicted or actual degree grades, information on group projects and your dissertation, any units relevant to the job, and relevant academic awards. Employers don’t need to know the specifics of units that don’t relate to them.

• Describe achievements, not just job titles. Don’t just say that you were ‘an intern at Arup’ – mention specifically what you accomplished, learned or contributed. • Emphasise more recent jobs and achievements. • Be honest – you should expect that your CV will be read critically and that important points will be crosschecked with referees or industry databases. • Keep paragraphs to three or four lines and space them well. This helps the reader pick out the main facts and assimilate a number of points quickly. Use bullet points wherever they add clarity and visual style. • When writing bullet points, use direct action words such as ‘designed … ’, ‘built ... ’ and ‘organised … ’. This has the effect of assigning credit to you for your achievements and enhances the CV’s overall credibility. • Prioritise relevance but also leave some room for things that make you seem interesting or wellrounded. For example, there’s no reason not to include a cooking qualification as a point of interest, and you needn’t claim that it will be integral to your success in law.

As a law graduate, you’ll often find that your educational pedigree is similar to other applicants, many of whom will have completed nearidentical degrees at equivalent institutions. Consequently, it’s worth taking the time to figure out what differentiates you from the crowd before subtly emphasising it in your CV.

Work experience You should prioritise any legal work experience you might have, and highlight specific accomplishments that are relevant to the position for which you’re applying. Of course, as a graduate, your experience in law may be limited, if you have any at all.

For example, you might bill yourself as a lawyer with strong communication skills and include in your CV the fact that you volunteered for a community law centre. Or perhaps you speak another language, love coding or have a specific five-year goal that the role you’re applying for will help you to achieve. Giving your CV a novel ‘twist’ is a surefire way to make sure it doesn’t get lost in all the noise.

Fortunately, many employers look very favourably on achievements and experiences outside of the law. Examples worth mentioning include fundraising, voluntary work, independent overseas travel, sporting achievements, or leading roles in university clubs or societies. You needn’t go into too much detail – a summary of your achievements and any relevant transferable skills (e.g. leadership, teamwork or problemsolving skills) will suffice.

The Contents A law CV should include the following: • Your contact details, including your phone number, address and email • Your residency status • A career overview (with an emphasis on industry positions, or on the transferrable skills of other jobs you’ve had)

Structure and tone The most common CV format is the reverse-chronological approach, which presents your most recent work experience and educational accomplishments first, before moving backwards. If you follow this approach, make sure that the chronology is clear and that there are no large gaps which could confuse

As with your cover letter, your tone should be polite and professional, and your entries as specific and detailed as possible. Here are some tips to get you started:

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

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How to get hired

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How to get hired

Sample cover letter #2 Applying for a graduate position [INS E [INS RT DATE E [INS RT NAM ] E E [I [INS RT REC OF REC [INS NSERT Y IPIEN ERT I ERT R T’S P PIENT] E CIPI RE: A YOU OUR NA [ O I [ N ENT INSE pplic ’S AD SITION] RT Y SERT YO R ADDR ME] ation OUR DRE E U for [P SS] EMA R NUMB SS] ositio Dear IL AD ER] n] at [Mr/M D R [ ESS] Orga s las nisat t nam I am ion] e of w cont penu riting to act p erso majo ltimate y apply fo n], e r r main in [inse ar of an the grad rt [ t u to th aining m subject insert de ate prog ]. I e role gr ult ra of [p iple extr have a ee and u m at [or stron ganis ositio a-cu ni], h I am r g n r at a ic ] in t a he [s ular com distinctio ving prev ion nam Asia pplying n av tude iously e]. I a m Pacifi t it o m e nt so [o m cu is re ciety ents, inc rage, wh comple rrent flect c Regio rganisat lu te ic /lead ly ion ed n, prom ersh ding be h I have d my un in my inen in [orga and the name] ip in derg achie g ele t role beca orga nisat first radu v c a n io u in e t n is s e d n d e [ d ate ation litiga n My in ], an by my p while tion/ ame] su only glob of its po d wo deal/ sition eers cces and terest in a l le rking matt gal p in 20 s in c 2016 as th com e merc part1 in th ra r]. e onsis [moo e time 6 ia tently ctice he leading . com litigation t Compe l litigatio ad law winn mun ing t quartere firm in ity ou departm tition]. L n was b he [a th d at or treac e ward in Asia. e In ad h ca nt at Ma er in 201 n of my ], as This expe se. D lleso 6, I c d it w io e for a ns n to rie uring on ll as m its this t , where I ducted nce par refin career in y summ t r ime e e I lea also ass esearch icipating has d my res commer r positio rnt [p is a in t s e b help c a d n e ot ial lit s, I h arch rovid s t ed puttin ig e ex he lead ummer le h the 20 g the me to d and writ ation. T ave take 1 amp c hrou ing s evelo n ev m to les]. ounsel in gal inte 5 g e k p use a pro rn I am by v the stro ills. My tr h my wor ry oppor b the id o o t k a u n lunte no exem eal c ering g legal re ining dur on the C nity poss in o ib a at a nam plify the andidat com soning s g an on- mmercia le to pre e] pr e for char mun ovid acte allow [orga ity le kills so c campus l Law Jou pare my e r se gal c L r r Distin ing me to d me wit istics it s nisation entre itical to li itigation nal, I ha lf e h n c e s a le t k t ve me] tigat ion in Work reng . s g prac a in l io e b its la sh xper Adva then m n, an tice. wye ecause ien d I a op nced y m no Com stakehold ce in wo rs. My ro my achie w I beli r m le k v e in e em r a rcial g e Law manage in-hous s a [posit ents an [orga ve that men m r e d io e n y f fl e n is o e x ] le ra t. a cts m p a find enclo tion nam gal resea y co Furtherm comme t [organis erience e mmit r r sed men ore, my a cial clien ation my r ]’s missio ch and w t to e esum Than n r xcell ttainmen t, é an will ena iting skil k you to ence dac ls, m ble m in ad y litig o in th f a High e p v t y a o nce is ar of m Your for y ea o y ac make a ation exp s sin o f a p cere ur tim e dem o ly, ic tra sitive co rience, a e an nscr [You d co n n t d r ib m ipt. r nam nsid ution y eratio e] at yo dedicat n. io ur fir m. P n to lease

Note: These example cover letters are intended as a guide only and should not be used in place of your own efforts and experience. It is important that you do not merely copy these verbatim, but tailor your cover letters to your own interests and achievements.

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How to get hired

How to ace a law interview First impressions: how to nail your law job interview A job interview is, essentially, an opportunity for you to show off your skills, talents, and experience while demonstrating your knowledge of the job and asking any questions you might have about it. In this section, we’ll focus primarily on the main question you can expect to be asked during an interview: why do you think you’re suitable for the job? Here are some tips to make sure you can knock it out of the park.

Research the job! We know – this seems like an obvious tip. However, recruiters often express their amazement at candidates who arrive to interviews with only a superficial understanding of what their target job will entail. You should instead possess an in-depth knowledge of the job description and be ready to convince the jury, with evidence, that you’re the best person to take it on. • Start by reading the job description, paying particular attention to any academic requirements, as well as essential and desirable attributes. Be proactive and reach out to

graduate recruiters or company contacts if there’s anything you want to clarify. You can also check if GradAustralia or LegalVitae has a profile of the company. • Get a feel for what life will be like in your target job by talking with personal contacts in similar roles or checking out the grad stories and graduate job reviews on GradAustralia.com.au. • Find out more about the organisation, such as what types of clients it works with, where it is based, and what types of projects it takes on.

Deepen your understanding of the job When it comes to demonstrating your suitability for a particular role, the general rule is this: the more specific you can be, the better. Of course, this means arriving at a deep understanding of what the role will entail – and this will usually require you to go beyond the job description by asking questions like those below: • How much of your working day will be spent working alone and how much will be spent interacting with others?

• Will you only have to deal with your immediate team and supervisor or will you interact with internal or external clients? • Is this job more focused on meeting immediate, conflicting deadlines in a fast-paced environment or longer-term planning and development work? • How flexible will you have to be, e.g. in terms of travel, working hours, changing projects or picking up new skills at short notice? • What industry sector(s) will you be working in/for? Will you need to develop a working knowledge of, say, the finance sector or the retail industry? • Will training and development time be built into your job or will you be expected to learn extra skills and keep up to date with new developments in your own time?

Bringing it all together into your own pitch By combining what you’ve learned from the position description and your own supplementary research, you’ll arrive at a strong sense of the talents and attributes you should emphasise in the interview. For example, you might reach one of the following conclusions: • I will be working for both internal and external clients, so I’ll need to show that I have good interpersonal skills such as the ability to communicate effectively, build relationships and negotiate with tact and patience. The recruiter will also want to see that I’m presentable, confident, and friendly. • I’ll be working to tight deadlines so I’ll need to show that I can handle pressure and manage competing priorities. • I’ll be working closely with community stakeholders, so I should talk about my contributions to volunteer projects and extracurricular involvement in community activities.

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How to get hired

What to expect at an assessment centre Assessment centres

One of the main objectives of assessment centre recruiters is to see how you perform under pressure.

Law firms are beginning to use assessment centres in their recruitment processes. However, assessment centres are prevalent in all other industries for student and graduate recruitment.

What is an assessment centre? Candidates are invited to assessment centres to undertake a combination of individual and group exercises. They are used by organisations to help reduce the number of applicants and compare them on the same day. The length of time you’ll be expected to present at an assessment centre varies widely, from as little as a few hours to as much as three days.

also assess whether the firm is right for you.

Things that you can do in advance include: 1.

How to prepare One of the main objectives of assessment centre recruiters is to see how you perform under pressure. As such, you should anticipate some degree of stress. People perform better when they know to expect stress and have done everything they can to manage it. You should also know what the schedule for the day is, read any preparatory material, and double-check the dress code (typically formal suit). It can be daunting, but remember that this is a chance to show off your skills and

Know what is happening in the world. A general understanding of world politics and business will give you a broader understanding of most topics that can arise during formal and informal conversations. Know what is happening in the sector. Be sure to know the most relevant updates. Research whether or not the organisation in question has been involved in any landmark cases or recent decisions of great importance. You should also familiarise yourself with any

broader industry trends and news stories. Is the High Court deliberating on an important case? You should make sure to have an opinion. This may not be obviously relevant, but it’s the kind of thing that a recruiter or fellow candidate might bring up in conversation. Know the competitors. This will help you answer any questions about where you think the future of the organisation will be. Will they follow a competitor who is doing well or are they doing things differently? Practise. Assessment centres often subject candidates to psychometric tests, verbal reasoning tests and numerical tests. You would do well to practise each of these – there are many online resources that you can draw upon. Alternatively, you may contact a careers advisor for advice on how to prepare. Present. Some recruiters will ask you to prepare a presentation for delivery at the assessment centre. This will allow them to test your communication skills. Their attention will focus on the structure of the presentation, as well as its content and delivery.

On the day Don’t be surprised if, on the day, you find yourself joined by a large group of people all applying for the same role. There will also be an organiser and various representatives of the organisation. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, but bear in mind that your nervousness is usually related to how people will react to your performance. The performance itself is a separate issue – something relatively within your control – and, if you’ve prepared well, then you have nothing to worry about.

Ashurst graduate on the job.

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How to get hired

Getting an offer Your contract of employment Before entering into a contract of employment and accepting your first legal position you should seek clarification on the following: 1. 2. 3.

Start date. Duties and/or job description. The number of hours you will be required to work (keep in mind you may be told that you have to work 9-5, plus any further hours as required to meet your clients’ expectations and demands of the job. In private practice it is possible that you will spend at least 10 hours a day in the office in order to meet your billable budget requirements and the inherent requirements of the role). 4. Rate of pay and method of pay (weekly/monthly). 5. Whether the salary offer is a package (i.e. base and superannuation combined) or a base salary plus superannuation. 6. When and if you will be entitled to a salary increase (particularly if you are paid junior rates). 7. Any leave entitlements, including maternity/paternity and long service leave. 8. Whether you will be employed on a permanent, part time, temporary or casual basis. 9. When you can expect to receive a written contract of employment. 10. Confirmation of all employment conditions in writing (including your next salary review date). 11. Which Enterprise Agreement or Award you will be working under, if any. (There is no applicable award or agreement for a lawyer.) 12. The notice requirements of both parties. Before signing your first contract read it carefully, making sure that you don’t sign anything you don’t understand. There’s no need to feel pressured into signing a contract on the spot. Tell your potential employer that you want to take the contract home and that you will return the contract as soon as

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The NuLegal team at work.

practicable. If you don’t agree with a certain clause in a contract you can rule a line through the provision that you don’t agree with and place your initials in the margin.

Your salary Lawyers’ salaries vary substantially between large and small firms and between country and city firms. Mahlab Recruitment, Naiman Clarke Legal, Hughes-Castell, and Dolman conduct and publish annual career and salary surveys for the legal profession. These surveys list the legal professional salaries throughout Australia and also on an international basis. More generous salaries are likely to be associated with larger firms or certain

There’s no need to feel pressured into signing a contract on the spot.

practice areas. For example, solicitors who work in mergers and acquisitions may be required to work long hours to liaise with international clients. As a result, they can generally demand higher salaries as compensation. According to research conducted by GradAustralia, the average starting salary for law grads is above average at $72,000 per year. Some 37% of graduates earn more than $75,000 per year to start with, while less than one percent receive a salary below $45,000 per year. Graduate lawyers work the longest hours of any profession, averaging about 49 hours a week.

Awards

How to get hired

community service leave, notice of termination and redundancy pay, and minimum annual leave entitlements. Secretary/Law Clerk/Paralegal Clerical and Administrative Employees Legal Industry (State) Award The Clerical and Administrative Employees Legal Industry (State) Award has been adjusted in accordance with the State Wage Case 2009. Under the federal workplace relations system, minimum wages for employees are no longer included in awards. They can now be found in Australian Pay and Classification Scales, which form part of the Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard. Further information, including the current minimum wage

rates can be found on the Australian Fair Pay website. Superannuation As a general rule you are entitled to a minimum of 9.5% superannuation paid into a fund of your choice. However, if you are employed as an independent contractor or on a contract for services you will not automatically be entitled to superannuation. If you have previous superannuation policies but are unsure of the name or policy number of your previous fund, contact the Australian Taxation Office Superannuation Line on 131 020.

If you have had previous casual and part-time positions it is likely that you have several superannuation funds. To consolidate your accounts, obtain and complete a rollover form from your current superannuation fund of choice. Rolling over your superannuation will: • minimise the risk of you losing your superannuation • minimise administration fees you are likely to be charged • help you keep track of your superannuation as it is all in one place • minimise the statements you will receive.

Lander & Rogers graduates work alongside industry experts.

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How to get hired

Managing social media Social networking sites are a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, organise events, and share photos and videos. However, recruiters are increasingly using these networks as a way of vetting applications. So as you start thinking about applying for jobs, it is crucial that you ensure that your online persona aligns with your career goals.

A balancing act Whether you are a dedicated social networker or just spend a few hours a week on networking sites, it is worth giving serious thought to who can access your data. The content you place online can have a big impact on your future. Unless you have made the effort to change your privacy settings, your profile could be visible to any HR person and searchable on Google. Joining location networks on Facebook will also open up your profile to anyone on that network, not just your friends. If you make use of Facebook’s ‘check in’ feature, others can easily find out how you have been spending your free time. Many employers are using social networks to screen candidates. If your profile is public, any potential employer could have details on a lot more than just your qualifications and work experience. This doesn’t mean you need to remove every trace of your existence, just that you need to be savvy and ensure that your online persona portrays you at your best to recruiters and employers.

Managing your reputation Consider what content you are happy for anyone to see and what you feel is best saved for friends and family. A good option is to use LinkedIn for your professional life and Facebook for your private life.

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Start by using the settings Facebook and other networking sites now offer to help you control your privacy level. You can choose who can see particular status updates, photos and anything else. Next, pop your name into a search engine and see what comes up. Most social networks have a public listing that contains posted information from your profile and a link. This can be switched off by editing your privacy settings. While you are at it, why not switch your profile to ‘friends only’? That way, should a recruiter search on the site itself, they will only have access to the content that you want them to see. Don’t forget areas such as blogs, forum posts and other applications such as YouTube. Anything you have ever posted under your real name could show up in a search.Your rants about a company or views that might cause concern to a potential employer could knock you out of the running.

Let the internet work for you The web isn’t just there to catch you out; it can also be your friend in the recruitment process. In one study, half of recruiters said that the information they had found about a candidate online had positively influenced their decision-making. Some graduate recruiters have posted groups on social networks to make it easier for graduates to get in touch and find out about their organisations, which can be an excellent opportunity to network. Twitter can also be a good way to connect with employers. You can use it to listen to what recruiters are saying and to keep up-to-date with their latest news. If you are interested in working for an organisation, follow its Twitter feed to find out the latest company information and recruitment activities.

Many savvy students have already set up their own website or blog. If you haven’t, consider it. It demonstrates initiative and, if you do it right, is a good way of showing off your creativity and communication skills and highlighting achievements in greater detail. However, don’t forget to make it look professional and appropriate for your future career. The web is a valuable resource and you can have fun with it, just remember it is a public arena. Ensure it helps, rather than hinders, your career search.

Tips for making social media work for you • Be aware: Google yourself (using incognito mode) regularly to see what information about you is out there for anyone to find. • Be proactive: Use networking to help you develop and maintain your reputation and relationships. • Be consistent: Make your personal brand consistent across any platform that is accessible to a potential employer. • Be knowledgeable: Get to know what people in your target field are interested in hearing about to ensure your messages hit the target.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

Practical legal training

Chapter 5

Practical legal training

A Comprehensive Guide to Practical Legal Training.....................pg 96 FAQs................................................pg 104

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Practical legal training

A Comprehensive Guide to Practical Legal Training In addition to obtaining a law degree, a person who wishes to practise as a solicitor in Australia must complete practical legal training. While a law degree provides a theoretical understanding of the law, practical legal training provides law graduates with the requisite knowledge and skills to perform the day-to-day tasks of a legal practitioner.

(APLEC) and the Law Admissions Consultative Committee (LACC). The Standards cover three key domains: skills, practice areas, and values (see table below). Each domain includes subjects that the APLEC and LACC have agreed constitute essential knowledge for all lawyers.

An approved practical legal training course or program must adhere to the Competency Standards for Entry Level Lawyers (the ‘Standards’). These were developed by the Australasian Professional Legal Education Council

• • • •

lawyer’s skills problem solving work management and business skills trust and office accounting.

Values

Practice areas

Skills • • •

civil litigation practice commercial and corporate practice property law practice.

•

ethics and professional responsibility.

One of: • administrative law practice • criminal law practice • family law practice. And one of: • consumer law practice • employment relations and industrial relations practice • planning and environmental law practice • wills and estates practice.

Working with not-for-profit organisations like Justice Connect are a great way to make a difference while you complete you PLT.

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Practical legal training

Types of Practical Legal Training In Australia there are three types of practical legal training available to law graduates: a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, a supervised legal training program, and an articles of clerkship program. The type of practical legal training law graduates choose to undertake depends largely on the admission requirements of the state or territory in which they wish to be admitted. For example, Western Australia is the only state in which an articles of clerkship is accepted as a valid alternative to a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Similarly, Victoria and Queensland permit law graduates to complete a supervised legal training program in lieu of a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. All other states and territories require law graduates to obtain a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice before qualifying for admission.

Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice A Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) is offered by various legal education institutions across Australia. While teaching methods vary from institution to institution, students can expect course content to be reasonably consistent. A GDLP comprises a formal coursework component and a work

A person who wishes to practise as a solicitor in Australia must complete practical legal training.

DLA Piper graduates on the office deck.

experience component (otherwise known as a legal placement). Students enrolled in a GDLP are required to complete a number of subjects that will then be assessed. They also must undertake a fixed period of work experience in an environment that allows them to see how the law operates in practice. A GDLP may be commenced prior to completion of a law degree. However, students must have completed all mandatory law courses and be enrolled in their final two elective subjects. More information about this provision can be found by contacting the relevant legal admission authority in each state and territory.

Where can I study a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice? • Australian National University Legal Workshop • Bond University • Leo Cussen Centre for Law • Queensland University of Technology • The College of Law • The University of Adelaide • University of Tasmania, Centre for Legal Studies • University of Technology Sydney.

Supervised Legal Training Law graduates who wish to practise in Victoria and Queensland may

decide to undertake a supervised legal training program instead of a GDLP. A variation of the articles of clerkship, a supervised legal training program allows graduates to learn the subjects required by the Standards by participating in a supervised placement. Law graduates interested in taking this path should check the requirements of the Victorian Legal Admissions Board or the Queensland Legal Practitioners Admission. Both states generally require graduates to register their training program prior to commencing.

Articles of clerkship The articles of clerkship is a form of practical legal training better known to senior legal practitioners. However, it remains an approved form of practical legal training in Western Australia. Not dissimilar to a supervised legal training program, law graduates choosing to opt for this alternative work with their placement supervisor to fulfil the requirements set out in the Standards. An articles of clerkship is ideal for a law graduate who has already secured a legal placement. Be aware that this accreditation is increasingly uncommon, with the Western Australian Legal Practice Board receiving around 50 applications each year.

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Practical legal training

Career path feature Con Panagiotopoulos completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with The College of Law.

Con Panagiotopoulos

Study Bachelor of Commerce and Laws at Deakin University, 2015. Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at The College of Law.

Role Lawyer in the General Counsel Team at the Australian Taxation Office.

“Getting practical experience as soon as possible is important. You’ll get a feel for what you like and also, what you’re good at.”

What’s your job title? I am a lawyer in the general counsel team at the Australian Taxation Office. What have you studied? I studied a Bachelor of Commerce and Laws at Deakin University [and] I completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with The College of Law. How did you choose your further study course? I wanted to build on my undergraduate qualifications, become admitted, and work as a practising lawyer. I chose to complete a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with The College of Law. The College has a great reputation and the course I selected contained both face-toface and online components. By completing much of the course online, I was able to balance working as a barrister’s clerk/research assistant and continue to seek other opportunities in anticipation of being admitted. What did your study involve? The course itself was varied as I had the ability to choose my own electives to tailor the course according to my preferences. To give you an idea as to how wide-reaching the course was, on any given day I could be reviewing an ethical dilemma, completing a conveyance, advising on the sale/ purchase of a business, devising a will for a client and drafting pleadings. What skills did you gain by completing your course? Completing the course has allowed me to develop practical legal skills such as advocacy, presenting legal arguments and drafting legal documents. Has this course been beneficial? Completing this course has already benefited me and my career. The completion of this course led to my admission into the profession and has ultimately led to me securing work as

an admitted lawyer. What did you love most about the course? I enjoyed being able to complete the course and work at the same time. This allowed me to practise time management and continue to gain professional legal experience whilst becoming further qualified. Were there any limitations? The inherent trade-off with the flexibility offered by a largely online course is the lack of one-on-one interaction. In saying this, the college overcame this limitation by offering online students the opportunity to make appointments (in person) with their lecturers at any time. What advice would give to a current undergraduate student? 1. Seek legal experience – I know this is easier said than done, but there is no doubt the legal industry is a competitive one. Getting practical experience as soon as possible is important. You’ll get a feel for what you like and also, what you’re good at. Plus, you never know what opportunities may present themselves in these interactions. 2. Get a mentor – It’s important to get advice and ask questions of someone who has been there and done it. Often, a mentor will come from a place where you have gained experience (see 1).

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

The Law Guide | 99

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More information law.adelaide.edu.au/GDLP

Practical legal training

Career path feature Melissa Wegener completed her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Adelaide.

Melissa Wegener

Study Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, The University of Adelaide, after completing a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (politics).

Role Briefing officer for the Department for Education and Child Development.

“Law firms tend to regard the University of Adelaide law graduates quite highly.”

Where did you study? I chose the University of Adelaide initially for its prestige, reputation and beautiful and accessible campus. I chose to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) as the natural progression from the completion of my Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (politics). Law firms tend to regard the University of Adelaide law graduates quite highly, however at this stage of my career, one of the benefits of Adelaide’s postgraduate coursework is the valuable contact with lecturers, solicitors and peers. What is your job title? I currently work as a briefing officer for the Department for Education and Child Development. This involves working closely with the executive director of people and culture to undertake quality assurance on both incoming and outgoing correspondence and briefs from this division. Describe the GDLP course at The University of Adelaide. The University of Adelaide GDLP program offers a more practical, ‘hands on’ approach to postgraduate legal study. I enjoyed that I could attend physical seminars [and] meet practitioners from various fields. Foundations of GDLP involved a few weekends of full day coursework, both Saturday and Sunday, whilst other subjects only required a couple of hours one day of the weekend. As a student that undertook this course condensed over six months in addition to full time employment, my schedule didn’t have much room for movement. I structured my GDLP seminars so that I could attend on weekends, which essentially gave me weeknights to complete my readings and assigned tasks/assessments. I utilised my travel time on the bus to and from work to complete readings.

What was it like completing your Practical Legal Training (PLT) through The University of Adelaide? The PLT aspect was an incredible experience. I completed mine at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution. An insight into this workplace for six weeks has helped me shape my career path, put me in touch with some inspiring practitioners and realise that my passion is criminal prosecution. What were the highlights of the GDLP? The Advocacy Coaching Clinic was a definite highlight of the GDLP program. Being provided with feedback and mentoring from experienced barristers and solicitors based on mock civil litigation appearances in the District Court was invaluable. The range of assessment pieces was also a highlight – it was useful to be asked to complete documents including affidavits, deeds, commercial contracts, interlocutory applications and interim court orders instead of writing an essay or a problem question to be examined on a topic. It provided exposure to documentation used every day in the legal field. What advice would you give to current students? • Complete your assignments as soon as possible after learning the examined content in class. • Organise your semester early on – know when your assignments are due, whether you have an exam and the weighting for each assessment.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

The Law Guide | 101

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Practical legal training

Career path feature Megan Shellie is completing her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Australian National University.

Megan Shellie

Study Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (honours) Australian National University in 2017 Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

Role Consultant in Risk Transformation team at Ernst & Young.

“GDLP gives you practical and interpersonal skills that will always be relevant, and the option to take your career in a number of different directions.”

Can you introduce yourself? I’m Megan Shellie, and I’m a consultant at Ernst & Young in our risk transformation team. I graduated from ANU with a Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Laws (honours) in 2017 and I’ve just gone back to complete my Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. At the moment I’m balancing study, full time work and placement days with the Legal Aid Clinic. How did you get to your current position? I’ve worked as a consultant in EY Canberra’s risk transformation practice for almost a year. I graduated on the Friday, and started work on the Monday. I had decided that I didn’t want to go straight into legal practice during my last year at university, so applied for a wide range of graduate positions in Canberra. I was initially unsuccessful at EY. In the ‘let down’ phone call from HR, I asked if there were any other opportunities and they put me in touch with my team. What made you decide to progress with further study? Having completed six years of study at ANU, I really felt the personal desire to finish off what I’d started to become a solicitor, and complete the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. After six months away from studying, I was ready to re-engage my ‘law brain’. What does your study involve? ANU’s GDLP is built to support those working full time, with the first four day component ‘becoming a practitioner’ the only mandatory faceto-face requirement in the course. Most recently, I’ve been working with my team on the ‘property’ unit of the professional practice core, which is the major 12-week program in the GDLP. We’ve been immersed in a property settlement, with our own clients, partners and opposing side, with the whole scenario playing out over two head-spinning weeks.

What characteristics or skills do you hope to gain by completing your course? ANU’s GDLP is very pragmatic, and skills based. As they tell you in your first day, ‘we know you know the law’, this course is about giving you the skills to practise, and to hit the ground running as a newly admitted solicitor. The GDLP will teach you important skills like oral advocacy, negotiation, legal writing and research. All of the lecturers at ANU’s School of Legal Practice are practitioners themselves, and they give great insight into managing yourself. What do you love the most about your course? The flexibility is the best aspect of the course. I’m able to do my regular working hours, and complete my assignments in the evenings and on the weekends. All of the materials are self-paced and the academic staff are always available for discussions about coursework, feedback and mentoring. What are the limitations of your course? The course is very focused on practical skills. Unlike an undergraduate degree where there is opportunities to explore subjects that interest you, GDLP is very focused on presenting you with as many opportunities as possible to practise your legal skills. There are other limitations set out by Australian law societies that mean that students not working in a legal environment can find it difficult to complete their legal placement days. What advice would you give to a current undergraduate student? Find good mentors. I met countless women who vouched for me, and gave me good advice. Mentoring doesn’t have to be formal, but it does have to be authentic, and investing time in getting to know smart people is always a good idea.

The Law Guide | 103

Practical legal training

FAQs am having trouble Q Isecuring a placement. What can I do?

There are a number of online resources that cater specifically to law graduates looking for practical legal training placement. The ‘Jobs’ page on the College of Law website includes a list of placement positions from all over Australia for graduates looking to fulfil their placement requirements for practical legal training. The Beyond Law Job Hub is a similar online platform where law graduates can find placement positions. Placement positions listed on these sites may be temporary or ongoing and paid or unpaid. It is important to check the position description to make sure it is the right fit for you. Remember to take advantage of access to your university’s online job board. You may also wish to approach your university’s careers service for advice on how to secure a placement that is right for you. Online resources such as LegalVitae and gradaustralia. com.au can be another source of potential placement positions.

Q Can I be admitted to

that each placement satisfies the rules relating to the work experience component of practical legal training. Rules concerning work experience vary slightly between each state and territory, however there is often a minimum number of days that graduates must spend gaining supervised work experience at a place that provides legal services. Graduates who have prior experience working in a law firm, in a community legal center, with a barrister, or in a court, may apply to have that experience recognised as contributing to their practical legal training.

long after finishing my Q How law degree or equivalent qualification do I have to complete PLT?

There is no time limit as to when a law graduate may commence practical legal training after obtaining their law degree.

have just completed my Q Ipractical legal training. Is

there a time limit to when I can seek admission to the legal profession?

No. The legislative frameworks governing admission in each state and territory stipulate that a person must complete practical legal training before they can be admitted to practise as a lawyer in Australia.

There is no time limit as to when a person can seek admission to the legal profession after completing their practical legal training. However, if you have not been admitted as a solicitor within five years of completing your practical legal training, you must disclose this to the relevant admissions authority, which will assess your application and advise on whether or not you require further legal training.

I undertake work Q Can experience at more than

Q Are there assessments?

You may undertake work experience at more than one location, and with more than one supervisor, provided

Yes. The manner and form of the assessments will depend on the type of practical legal training you choose to undertake, and the practical legal training provider you choose to study with.

practise as a lawyer before completing Practical Experience?

one location and/or with more than one supervisor?

104 | The Law Guide

I undertake work Q Can experience outside my home state?

Yes. You may complete your work experience or placement in a state or territory that is different to the one in which you wish to be admitted as a solicitor, or the one in which you choose to practise law. However, you should ensure that the training you undertake fulfils the admission requirements of the state in which you intend to practise.

Q Can I study a GDLP online? Most institutions that offer the GDLP allow students to choose between face-to-face and online courses. Students can also choose to take on a full-time study load or a part-time study load. A full-time study load can be completed in six months. Parttime students can expect to finish the course within 12 months.

Q Do I have to pay for my

practical legal training?

Some law firms may offer to pay for your practical legal training as part of their graduate program or as a condition of your placement. However, law graduates will generally have to cover the cost of practical legal training themselves. The cost of practical legal training will vary between programs and institutions.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law

Surviving and thriving

Chapter 6

Surviving and thriving

The Law Guide | 105

Surviving and Thriving

What is probation? Upon commencing a new role, it’s not unusual for graduates to be placed on probation. During this probationary period, which typically ranges from three to six months, your employer will assess whether or not you are effective in your new role. Generally, they will help you to develop performance goals (often referred to as key performance indicators), which, if achieved during the probationary period, will demonstrate your suitability for continuing employment.

It is important to know the terms of your probation. This means confirming: • the length of your probation • all goals and tasks you are responsible for during your probation • how your performance will be measured • whether or not there will be a formal performance review • who you can speak to if you have questions or concerns about your probation • how the firm deals with employees who don’t meet their probation requirements (especially when prevented from doing so by extenuating circumstances).

Your employment can be lawfully terminated if you fail to achieve the required expectations (subject to the terms and conditions of your contract of employment). A strong support network can be invaluable in helping you deal with your employer’s expectations – especially if those expectations are not reasonable. According to the Australian Government Fair Work Ombudsman, employees who do not pass their probation are still entitled to receive notice when their employment ends. Furthermore, you are not to be denied any basic entitlements, such as paid leave and sick leave, during your probationary period.

Time management tips Law graduates may experience some anxiety when first confronted with billable hours targets. These targets represent the amount of time each week that you charge to clients and they can be especially daunting for young lawyers who are still learning the ropes at a new firm. The following time management tips can help you stay on top of things and meet your targets with minimal stress: • Keep an up-to-date to do list. There are various productivity tools you can try, from the Pomodoro Technique to the Eisenhower Matrix, as well as various apps and websites (such as Trello and Todoist) dedicated to task management. Beyond to do lists, there are also tools for managing your calendar and remaining productive throughout the day.

106 | The Law Guide

• Prioritise urgent tasks. There are various ways to do this for maximum efficiency. One approach involves ranking each task by ‘importance’ and ‘urgency’, before focusing primarily on tasks that are both important and urgent. • Remember to keep a diary of all critical dates set up with reminders so that you are consistently punctual and on top of your schedule. You can use various tools (such as Microsoft Outlook) to share these appointments with other stakeholders, set up phone calls, distribute any preparatory material, and book meeting rooms. • Learn how to say ‘no’. Don’t take on further work if you know you won’t be able to complete it, and be upfront about what you can reasonably achieve.

• Delegate tasks wherever possible and appropriate (this means not delegating tasks for which you ought to be personally responsible). • Update your timesheet whenever you complete a task. Avoid postponing this until the end of the day or week – it can be difficult to enter time accurately when you must first reconstruct your week in retrospect. • Take regular breaks to help you stay energised and focused. • Work on complex tasks when you are at your most productive. Always have an attack plan – know how you will break a large or complex project up into discrete, achievable subtasks before you start working.

Surviving and Thriving

Establishing strong professional relationships The practice of law is frequently a collaborative process, so it’s vital that you are able to foster strong professional relationships characterised by open communication, mutual respect, and the shared pursuit of common goals. As a graduate, you can learn a lot about how to do this by observing your colleagues, taking their advice seriously, and remaining open to constructive feedback.

Your Supervisor Ordinarily, when you start your legal career, you will be assigned a supervisor who, on a daily basis, provides you with direction, advice, and mentorship. This period of supervised legal practice is a professional requirement that usually lasts for two years. After completing work under supervision for two years, you can apply for an unrestricted practising certificate. The relationship you have with this person can have a marked impact on your overall experience of law firm life. Here are some strategies to help you establish a good relationship with you supervisor: • Make sure you understand exactly what is required of you when delegated a new task. If you are

Ordinarily, when you start your legal career, you will be assigned a supervisor who, on a daily basis, provides you with direction, advice, and mentorship. confused or unsure, communicate this to your supervisor and seek clarification. You will gain respect for demonstrating a desire to learn and get things done in the right way. Taking notes is a good way to ensure you successfully integrate advice, and gives you something to refer back to if you need to refresh your memory. • Let your supervisor know immediately if you are unable to complete any task by a given deadline. Your supervisor can use this information to manage workflows across their team more effectively, ensuring that you aren’t assigned too many tasks or tasks of undue complexity. • Own up to your mistakes and seek advice on how to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. • Be open with your supervisor about what you expect to learn as

a law graduate. Let them help you achieve your professional goals, and know that you deserve positive feedback when you’ve earned it.

The Legal Secretary Your Secretary is a valuable source of assistance and can provide useful inside information about the daily running of your team and the firm. This is the person to approach when you have questions about your firm’s IT and operating systems, as well as its culture and work ethic. Legal secretaries also perform a range of critical administrative tasks, such as arranging meetings, transcribing interviews, and organising support from third-parties, such as interpreters and industry experts. Be humble and courteous when dealing with your legal secretary. Their hard work is fundamental to your success and deserves respect and gratitude. Having said that, remember that you are responsible for your own performance. Avoid delegating work to your secretary if you lack the time to review it before it reaches your supervisor. You will be held accountable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies.

For more information visit gradaustralia.com.au/law PwC grads getting to know each other.

The Law Guide | 107

Surviving and Thriving

Maintaining mental health Coping with stress A healthy level of stress can keep you motivated and may even be a proportionate and manageable response to your new responsibilities. However, in the intense environment of a law firm, it’s not uncommon for stress levels to rise beyond the point of diminishing returns. Once this happens, stress can fast become a negative force that saps energy and, if left unchecked, often leads to burnout and other mental health challenges. Coping with the stress of law firm life starts with building resilience. You can give yourself space to do this by implementing strategies to help you maintain focus and motivation and achieve your goals. Some useful strategies include: • Time management – keep a list of tasks you aim to complete each day. This will help you to break a sometimes overwhelming workload into manageable goals and gauge what you can realistically achieve. • Preparation – whether you are scheduled to attend a meeting with a client, a mediation, or a directions hearing, make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare adequately so you can perform at your best. • Focus on solutions – accept that as a law graduate you will make mistakes. Ask your supervisor(s) for advice on how to avoid repeating them. • Maintain a balanced lifestyle – to perform at your best, it’s important to look after your physical and mental health. This means eating well, exercising regularly, taking time out, limiting alcohol intake, being social and keeping a healthy sleep schedule.

Signs of anxiety and depression According to recent research conducted by the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Research Institute, one in three solicitors and one in five barristers suffer from

108 | The Law Guide

depressive symptoms, with the incidence of depression in the legal profession up to four times higher than that of the general population. It is vital that you treat your mental health just as you would your physical well being. This means familiarising yourself with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other conditions, and intervening early if something is amiss. It also means learning the difference between a healthy (or proportionate) level of stress, and its opposite, which can manifest itself as overwhelming anxiety. The pattern whereby stress can improve performance up to a point of diminishing returns is known as the ‘Yerkes-Dodson law’. To help you identify any mental health red flags, the Law Institute of Victoria has published a fact sheet that warns against the following signs of what could be early signs of depression or anxiety: • absenteeism, or presenteeism (being in the office but being nonproductive); • falling productivity and simple errors occurring; • indecision; • bad decisions or rash decisions; • poor morale and uncharacteristic lack of co-operation; • complaints of aches and pains or tiredness on a regular basis; • disruptive, interfering or domineering behaviour to other team members; • alcohol or drug use or abuse; • a general reluctance to socialise or participate in company activities.

• feeling guilty when you are not really at fault • thoughts of suicide or self-harm • difficulty concentrating and making decisions • moving more slowly, or becoming agitated and unable to settle • having sleeping difficulties, or sometimes, sleeping too much • loss of interest in food or, sometimes, eating too much. Changes in eating habits may lead to marked weight fluctuations.

Support If you require support, or know somebody who does, there are many resources available, including several services that will provide immediate support. For example, BeyondBlue and Lifeline Australia provide rapid and anonymous support over the phone and online. The Federal government also subsidises selected mental health services, allowing patients with an appropriate referral from a GP to access Medicare rebates for up to ten therapy sessions a year. There are also resources specific to the legal profession. These include LawCare, the Lawyer’s Assistance Program, Lifeline for Lawyers (1800 085 062), and the activities of the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting mental health in the legal profession. Alternatively, you can contact your state or territory’s division of the Bar Association or Law Society to learn which other resources are locally available. You may also find it helpful to investigate whether or not any support is provided by your place of employment.

Other warning signs include: • an unusually sad mood that does not go away • loss of enjoyment and interest in activities that used to be enjoyable • lack of energy and tiredness • loss of confidence in yourself or poor self-esteem • feelings of worthlessness

If you’re looking for a good general resource with additional information, consider the Law Society of New South Wales’ free ‘Being Well in the Law’ guide (see: lawsociety.com.au/ beingwellinthelaw). It brings together information about a range of mental health challenges and offers advice on how to overcome or manage them.

Surviving and Thriving

Looking after mental health and wellbeing in the legal industry. We all have a role to play in helping to identify mental health concerns and to create an environment that promotes wellbeing and encourages people to speak up and seek help. Law firms in particular have a responsibility to lead, influence and contribute to destigmatising mental health concerns across the legal profession. At King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) we have implemented four initiatives which are designed to support a psychologically healthy workplace and strengthen our commitment to preventing, identifying, supporting and assisting rehabilitation. These include:

Wellbeing officers: Our wellbeing officer program aims to help with prevention and early identification of mental illness, and to facilitate an environment that encourages people to seek support. The firm has a number of Wellbeing Officers in each office, practice group and business service that act as a trained point of contact, similar to First Aid officers. They are encouraged to watch out for others, help with identifying potential issues and to facilitate our people to find support. The role of a Wellbeing Officer is to be a ‘spotter’ and to connect people with support and resources. By having this dedicated program we are destigmatising mental illness and making it as prominent in the workplace as physical wellbeing.

Managing mental health in the workplace training: The prevalence of mental illness in the legal profession related to stress, depression and anxiety, highlights the importance of early identification. As such, it is important for Human Resources (HR) staff to be equipped with the skills to recognise and manage mental health issues. The HR staff at KWM have completed Mental Health First Aid training and/or Recognising Mental

Health & Managing Mental Health in the Workplace workshop. The training enables HR staff to recognise when someone requires help and provides a framework to assist with managing mental health concerns in the workplace.

in the creation of and maintenance of psychologically and supportive workplaces. KWM is a founding signatory of the Guidelines and encourages other organisations to sign up to the Guidelines – tjmf.org.au

Psychological Rehabilitation:

Psychological wellbeing is aligned with physical wellbeing and so KWM adopts a holistic approach to health which includes education, self-care strategies, support and resources. This encompasses gym memberships, health checks, seminars, awareness campaigns and a confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Program. KWM also supports flexible and agile working arrangements which enables people to work in a more adaptable way varying their location or work hours to accommodate social, family or personal commitments.

To further support the prevention and early intervention of mental health issues KWM has partnered with a psychological rehabilitation provider to deliver best practice support for its people. The psychological rehabilitation provider works closely with HR staff, the supervisor/ manager, the employee, and the relevant treating practitioners to provide practical adjustment and recovery plans for modified work or return to work strategies, treatment and recommendations.

TJMF Psychological Wellbeing: Best Practice Guidelines for the Legal Profession: The Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation (TJMF) aims to decrease work related psychological ill-health in the legal community and to promote workplace psychological health and safety. The Foundation researched and launched the TJMF Psychological Wellbeing: Best Practice Guidelines for the Legal Profession which promote psychologically healthy workplaces and are intended to support firms to raise awareness of mental health issues, and to understand the initiatives and methods of management that assist

It is important to ensure the mental health conversation remains constant, active and engaging. KWM aims to create a culture where staff feel safe to speak up and seek help early; this helps staff stay connected and engaged in their work.

Directory

Chapter 8

Employer directory

Employers hiring law graduates......pg 123

The Law Guide | 123

Directory

Employer directory Employers hiring law graduates. Employer

Type of opportunities

Location

Hiring graduates for

Learn more

Law graduates

abl.grad.careers, abl.com.au

Areas with opportunities

Arnold Bloch Leibler Graduate jobs Clerkships

18–20 50

Graduate roles

Aldi

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/aldi

Graduate jobs

aldicareers.com.au

Clerk Graduate

Ashurst Graduate jobs Clerkships

Graduate jobs

ashurst.com/careers

160

Australian Taxation Office Approx 250

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/ashurst

Legal advice Law interpretation Law design Dispute resolution

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/australian-taxation-office ato.gov.au/grads

Associate consultant

Bain & Company Graduate jobs

20–30

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/baincompany bain-company.com

Baker Mckenzie

Clerkships

Summer Clerk Graduate-at-Law

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/bakermckenzie bakermckenzie.com/en/loca tions/asia-pacific/australia/# careers

London/Sydney Rotational Program – Financial Products Analytics & Sales

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/bloomberg-lp

10–12

Bloomberg LP Graduate jobs

10–15

Internships

5–10

bloomberg.com/careers

Graduate-at-Law

Clayton UTZ Graduate jobs

Varies

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/clayton-utz

Clerkships

Varies

claytonutz.com/graduates

124 | The Law Guide

Directory

Employer directory Employers hiring law graduates. Employer

Type of opportunities

Hiring graduates for

Location

Learn more

Areas with opportunities

Paralegal Graduate Lawyer

Clifford Chance Graduate jobs Internships

4–6 NSW 4 WA 6–8 NSW

Graduate roles and summer interns

Commonwealth Bank Graduate jobs

100+

Internships

Policy Graduate gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/departmentof-foreign-affairs-and-trade dfat.gov.au/careers/Pages/ careers.aspx

40+ ACT

Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities Graduate jobs

20–30 ACT

Our Graduate Program is a generalist program where graduates will complete three rotations of their choice throughout the department. Graduate and intern roles

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Graduate jobs ACT

Internships

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/department-of-infrastructure-regional-development-cities infrastructure.gov.au/graduate

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/departmentof-the-prime-minister-andcabinet-pmc pmc.gov.au/gradcareers

Graduates

Department of Social Services Graduate jobs

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/common wealth-bank commbank.com.au/graduate

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Graduate jobs

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/clifford -chance careers.cliffordchance.com/ australiagrads

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/department-of-social-services

Multiple ACT

dss.gradapp.com.au Clerks and Graduates

DLA Piper Graduate jobs Clerkships

dlapipergraduates.com/au 25–30

Graduate Lawyer

Gadens Graduate jobs

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/dla-piper

gadens.com/careers

Differs

The Law Guide | 125

Directory

Employer directory Employers hiring law graduates. Employer

Type of opportunities

Location

Hiring graduates for

Learn more

Casual Paralegals Summer Clerks Graduates

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/gilbert-tobin

Areas with opportunities

Gilbert + Tobin Graduate jobs Clerkships

2–4

Graduate roles and internships

Goldman Sachs Graduate jobs

gtlaw.com.au/careers

10–12

goldmansachs.com/careers

Internships

Herbert Smith Freehills Graduate jobs Clerkships

140–160

King & Wood Mallesons Graduate jobs

Approx 80

Clerkships

Approx 160

KPMG Graduate jobs

450-500

Internships

350-400

Laing O’Rourke Graduate jobs

25–35

Internships

15–25

Legal Aid NSW Graduate jobs

Graduate Lawyer positions. Law graduates are also eligible for Paralegal, Conflicts Analyst and Legal Analyst, ALT roles. Seasonal Clerk, Law Graduate

Tax, commercial law, tax controversy, audit, enterprise, risk consulting, management consulting and corporate finance

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/king-woodmallesons careers.kwm.com/en/grad uates-australia

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/kpmg kpmg.com.au

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/laingorourke

Graduate Lawyer

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/legal-aid-nsw

laingorourke.com

legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Paralegal Graduate Lawyer 8–12

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/herbert-smith-freehills careers.herbertsmithfreehills. com/au/grads

Commercial team as Assistant Quantity Surveyors and/or Contracts Administrators with Commercial career pathways.

Machperson Kelley Graduate jobs

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/gold man-sachs

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/macpherson -kelley mk.com.au/careers/graduates

126 | The Law Guide

Directory

Employer directory Employers hiring law graduates. Employer

Type of opportunities

Location

Hiring graduates for

Learn more

Areas with opportunities

Graduates

NAB

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/nab

Graduate jobs

nab.com.au/graduates

NSW Crown Solicitors Office Graduate jobs

Paralegal, Graduate Solicitor

10–15

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/ nsw-crown-solicitor-s-office cso.nsw.gov.au

Partners in Performance

Graduate roles gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/part ners-in-performance

Graduate jobs

pipint.com.en Clerks

Piper Alderman

Clerkships

10–12

Port Jackson Partners Graduate jobs

Internships

Business Analyst (Management Consultant)

pjpl.com.au

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/pwc

Graduate jobs

pwc.com.au/careers

Internships

Thomson Geer Graduate jobs

6–10

Victorian Public Service Graduate jobs

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/portjackson-partners

Graduates and interns

PwC

Clerkships

piperalderman.com.au/ careers/working-at-piper-alderman

80–100

Students who complete a clerkship with the firm will be eligible to be considered for a position in the firm’s next graduate program

gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/thomson -geer tglaw.com.au/clerkship-gradu ate-positions/

VPS Graduate Officer gradaustralia.com.au/ graduate-employers/victorian -public-service graduates.vic.gov.au

The Law Guide | 127

Directory

.com.au

CAREERS INTELLIGENCE Culture at Herbert Smith Freehils: I am empowered to grow and take responsibility right from the get-go. There are numerous opportunities for mentoring and development. — Graduate, Herbert Smith Freehils , Sydney

Diversity at King & Wood Mallesons: There are programs for women, members of the LGBTI community, and a Reconciliation Action Plan. There are flexible work options. — Graduate, King & Wood Mallesons, Perth

Work-life balance at Ashurst: Realistically, there will always be long days and short days. Managers are great at balancing workloads and there is flexibility during the day around when matters/work are due. — Graduate, Ashurst, Sydney

Training at Allens: Exceptional training program, including a three week induction, weekly core skills training for the first graduate year, in addition to other ad hoc firm-wide training sessions — Graduate, Allens, Melbourne

128 | The Law Guide

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