A P P L I C A T I O N A P P L I C A T I O N

So you’ve made it, it’s here, it’s happening The clerkship period is finally upon us with nothing slowing it down For some, it’s a chance to show off experiences and skills that we’ve acquired over the years For others, the anticipation and anxiety threaten to strike us out before we’ve had a chance to play the game Whichever position you find yourself in, know that there are plenty of others feeling the exact same way and read on for some tips to hold close

Preparation is key

Whether you’re starting to network or writing a cover letter, being well informed goes a long way to reducing stress Having conversations can be hard but nobody said you have to do them on the fly Preparing questions will make your life much easier and mean that you have plenty to fall back on in order to engage with a firm Looking into the firm’s recent deals, awards and activities goes a long way to showing your interest and commercial awareness when writing cover letters and doing interviews So ask questions, not just of firms but of students, professionals and anyone who has an interesting path

Practice makes perfect

Nobody is an expert the first time they do something. So why do we expect to do things perfectly when we’ve never been in this situation before? Remember not to be too hard on yourself and to take each opportunity as another step up the ladder, rather than striving for the top on your first attempt. Expose yourself to as many networking opportunities and events as possible. Each time, try to do one thing better than you did the last time. Write multiple drafts of cover letters and send them to someone you trust for review. You might feel silly the first, second and fifth time, but once you get over this hurdle, you’ll feel more comfortable and relaxed when you find yourself in that situation in reality.

‘Be yourself’

Be yourself, even when you have no clue who that is. Being yourself doesn’t mean knowing who you are and what you are going to do with your life. It means being authentic, true to what feels right to you and engaging with firms as a human being, not a representation of the person you think they want you to be.

It’s all about perspective

It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about how a firm is looking into the depths of your soul and deciding whether to take you on But try to remember, you are deciding whether a certain firm is right for you just as much as they are deciding whether you are right for them You have your own unique value and benefit that the firm is interested in, and you can use this to your advantage. You work for the business of you and need to make sure that the place you choose to work is fulfilling and empowering.

Comparison is the thief of joy

The wise words of President Theodore Roosevelt are more important than ever to hold on to. If we compare ourselves to what those around us are doing, we both discount our individuality and tell ourselves we’ve lost without ever giving ourselves a chance. We end up feeling inadequate and deflatedneither of which serve us in any way. Run your own race - when we stop holding ourselves to other people’s standards, our own creativity can be unleashed. Work out what makes YOU special and unique and tell your own story. Embrace what makes you different and don’t rule yourself out.

You are not defined by the firms that reject you

Unfortunately, rejection is inevitable. Nobody does it perfectly and nobody is immune from the downfalls. One thing you need to remember - it isn’t personal. Each firm has a certain number of spots to fill and do not have capacity to take on everyone who applies. Getting a clerkship is not determinative of your worth. There are plenty of pathways and some of the most successful lawyers did not receive clerkship offers. If this door doesn’t open, it’s not your door.

A networking evening is usually a component of most firms’ application processes The good news is that if you have been invited to a networking evening, this generally means you have made some advancement in the application process – congratulations! Hopefully, the following tips can provide some insight and guidance on what to expect on a networking night

Relax and try to enjoy the evening

The networking portion of the process is about you getting to know the firm just as much as it is about the firm getting to know you! You should try to view the evening as an opportunity to meet new people and have interesting conversations While the entirety of the discussion does not have to be legally oriented, it is important to remain professional throughout the evening

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small amount of preparation may ease nerves

While your networking shouldn’t resemble a cross-examination, having a few questions prepared in advance may give you a boost of confidence. Although it may sound obvious, first think about how you are going to introduce yourself, as this will be the initial impression you make. Next, gather some questions that will help answer some queries you have about the firm, such as their culture or diversity and inclusion initiatives. Finally, remember to ask people about themselves, including why they work at the firm or about their practice group.

Introduce yourself to other applicants

Attending the evenings alone can be particularly intimidating. Pairing up with other applicants to approach representatives from the firm can be a nice way to ease into the evening. You will find the other applicants are feeling the same range of emotions, and there will be a sense of comradery. Plus, if you are successful, some of your fellow applicants may end up in your clerkship cohort, and therefore you will already know some familiar faces on your first day.

Find your buddy from the firm

If you have been given an invitation for a networking evening, the firm may also have assigned you a buddy for the interview process. Consider locating your buddy in the evening and introducing yourself if you haven’t met already. The firms usually assign buddies who are juniors at the firm so they will have a plethora of knowledge about the application process having recently gone through it themselves. Additionally, your buddy can point out some good people to talk to from practice groups that are of interest.

Expand your horizons

Make an effort to speak to a wide range of people at the networking evening. The conversations you have with graduates will be as important as those you have with partners. Try to also engage with a variety of practice groups, as this will help inform your decision about which team you would prefer to clerk in if successful.

Debrief

After the networking evening has finished it can be helpful to take some time to reflect on your experience. It can be helpful to write down who you met from the firm and any key takeaways from the evening. There may be an appropriate point in your interview to use this information as a reason why you want to be a clerk at the firm.

What is Commercial Awareness

When I first started my clerkship application preparation, the term ‘commercial awareness’ kind of scared me While I knew I wanted to experience a corporate law firm, I didn’t believe I had the requisite experience to back it up I was lucky enough to have some legal experience, but it was all public law and I thought this might not be conducive to my applications The fact of the matter is, while having commercial legal experience is an easy way to display your commercial awareness – there are so many other ways to do this (even if you have no legal experience at all)

Commercial awareness does not mean you have worked in a commercial firm Commercial awareness stems from an understanding of how a business operates, its client base, why it is successful, and any current challenges it may face Remember that this is something that you will develop throughout your legal career They don’t expect you to know everything about commercial law going into your clerkship Firms want to see that you have an active interest in pursuing commercial law, and that you are enthusiastic to pursue these interests with their firm.

Here are some tips & tricks to both develop and display your commercial awareness:

Tip 1: Retail or hospitality experience is some of the BEST experience

Don’t shy away from your experience in retail or hospitality, highlight it! This type of work shows that you have skills in working with people, are aware of the key drivers for profitability and growth, as well as how a business might have to adapt to a changing landscape (e.g. Covid-19). For example, working in retail you work with all sorts of customers. You can leverage this experience by sharing a time you went above and beyond for a customer. This shows that you recognise the needs of a business and how to build relationships with clients, skills that display your commercial awareness.

Tip 2: Read the news

This is one of the easiest ways to demonstrate commercial awareness. Keep up to date with what is going on because a lot of firms may ask you to share what news stories you are interested in.

There are heaps of resources out there, some of the best places to start include the AFR, The Economist and Lawyer’s Weekly - the DLSS even have a few publications out there. If some of these resources are a bit overwhelming (they were for me too when I first started reading), take a look at some of the firm’s blogs and podcasts. They can provide you with a really good idea of what deals are being done and the key takeaways from each.

Tip 3: Get to know the firm's clients and the deals they are making

This can work in moderation. Don’t just do a quick scan of a firm’s website and pick up one deal and run with it. Chances are, if you get an interview, you will be questioned on it and if you don’t have a real interest - it will show. Make sure that if you are mentioning deals in your applications that you understand the deal and that you can explain why you were interested in it.

Tip 4: Ask questions

Curiosity is something firms look for in their candidates and it is also one of the best ways to develop your commercial awareness. Reach out to people on LinkedIn or at events you go to and ask them what they are working on!

Here are some questions you might be asked by firms:

Why do you want to pursue a career in commercial law?

What recent commercial issues have you been following?

What is a news story that you have found particularly interesting?

What do you think are the challenges facing law firms right now?

When have you gone above and beyond for a customer or client?

When I applied for clerkships, it felt as if I was embarking on a life and death, ‘all or nothing’ journey During the oftentimes confusing and isolating experience, I was lucky to have mentors, as well as opportunities, to observe and gain an insight into what a successful applicant was. This helped me develop the following lessons for the process.

Tip 1: Be yourself

While cliché and played out, the only way for you to attract a firm and feel a connection with them is to be the best version of yourself This will allow you to have connections with firms at networking nights beyond just the standard introductory small talk If you can, find people you connect with and leverage that relationship to find out more about the firm – this shows interest and an understanding beyond their website! Your point of difference and what you can bring to a firm is so important.

Tip 2: Know what you want

Whether you’re aiming big or small, aiming for success and shunning the prospect of failure is the best way to be. Dream big, while you may not get an offer at every firm you apply for, going for things you are passionate about will leave you without regret Life is about growing from your experiences Failure can be a massive hurdle But, without trying you will never know

Tip 3: Tailor the applications to the firm

Using the first two points, tailoring why you and your experience would be a good fit for the firm is the point most people get to. Showing how the firm can help you also achieve your career goals is another common outcome. Combining those in a nuanced way which shows a critical insight into why you are applying to the firm will create the best impact, helping you stand out. Listen to firm podcasts, seminars and read articles – these all can be used to show an understanding in your application.

Tip 4: Trust your experience

Be brave, back yourself Not all applications are successful But, if you are someone wanting to apply for a clerkship, find your point of difference. Whether it was pouring a good coffee working your hospo job, or helping as a volunteer at a homeless shelter, you are unique in what you can offer as a law student. Find that, and why you resonate with the firms you are applying to, and you will have the starting point to a successful application. I welcome anyone to message me on LinkedIn if you wish to discuss more.

All the best!

Applying for clerkships is an exciting time. You are taking the first step to becoming a commercial lawyer. Equally, it can be a stressful process! Here are a few tips that helped me.

Tip 1: Make a plan

The application process can seem daunting at first. Start by breaking down each step into manageable tasks. This will increase motivation, productivity, and make the process seem much more manageable. Also, who doesn’t like crossing things off a list!

Tip 2: Make time to write

Allocate a fair chunk of time to writing applications. A good cover letter will take time and should be tailored to the firm you are applying for. You want to finish the process knowing you put your best foot forward. It is a marathon, not a sprint.

Tip 3: Be creative with your research

Inevitably, every clerkship candidate will start their research on the firm’s website. To stand out, ensure you are creative about the way you research. Are there any particular deals the firm has done that interested you? Did you study any of the cases in your electives? Your interest in the firm will come across and it will be clear you went the extra mile.

Tip 4: Keep Networking

Just because applications have opened, doesn’t mean you should stop networking. In your research, was there a case you enjoyed reading about? Reach out to the lawyers on LinkedIn Their insights can help structure your cover letters, and provide you valuable insights which can help you stand out

Tip 5: Quality over Quantity

It is important to cover your field when applying for clerkships However, this should never negate the quality of your application If you are pressed for time, reflect on the firms you are really interested in and allocate your time accordingly

Tip 6: Read it, then read it again

Proofreading is key! The quickest way to ruin a perfect application is with a typo. Double and triple check the firm name and HR representative Fresh eyes can always help spot mistakes Find a system that works for you Whether that is printing out your application and reading a hard copy or having a trusted friend to read it over for you.

Tip 7: Create a Support Group

A strong support network can be critical to help you through the process. Tell your friends and family you will be applying. Balancing applications with study and or work can be stressful There can be days where you will be stressed, irritated, overwhelmed (I know I was) Having a support network can help alleviate some of this stress

Tip 8: Keep track of your applications

Save your applications on multiple platforms. On the off chance you have tech difficulties, you want to make sure your progress is saved. Moreover, if you get an interview, you will want to read over your application again.

Tip 9: Remain professional at all times

Many of the firms will put on a networking night before the interviews for prospective clerks Whether these events are in person or virtual, remain professional. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed and to limit alcohol consumption.

Tip 10: Make time to relax

The process can be stressful, particularly if you are juggling multiple networking events, and interviews To avoid burnout, make sure you block out time for yourself Do things that relax you that are not law related.

Victoria’s 2023 legal clerkship season is fast approaching! While clerkships are by no means the only way to gain legal work experience while studying, they offer you a great opportunity to learn from some highly experienced professionals in a practice area likely chosen by you, and land yourself a graduate role in the legal sector Investing your time in preparing clerkship applications may be more worthwhile than you think

You probably have heard from somewhere or someone that anyone who goes through the clerkship application process, with or without an offer, should be extremely proud of themselves. I cannot agree with this statement more. My whole clerkship application journey was an invaluable learning experience that benefited me in many ways. What they say is true - there is a lot to gain and almost nothing to lose.

Last year, I was told by interviewers that they would like to see more clerkship applications from Deakin Law students as Deakin Law School is renowned for its practical teaching and industry focus. It contains at least two pieces of important information. First, there were not enough Deakin Law students who applied in 2022. Second, employers want to give more clerkships to Deakin Law students. So if you are reading this, please do consider applying for clerkships this year if you are eligible.

As I am a law student speaking from my own experience, please take everything I write here with a grain of salt. Please give priority to information and advice from official resources and legal professionals.

Leave as much time as possible to prepare Everyone I know who applied for clerkships told me that they felt underprepared. I felt the same – I was overwhelmed by the number of questions asked in some of the application forms and the effort required to answer those questions properly. If you are eligible to apply this year, consider adjusting your work and other commitments if possible, and allocating more time for the upcoming clerkship season.

Start filling out each online application form as soon as it’s out. You can always save your answers and finish later. Or at least leave weeks, not days, for completing your applications, even if you have done your CV and cover letters. Signatories cannot consider late applications. In fact, there is no way to submit your application even one second after the deadline.

Research, Research, Research

The DLSS clerkship guide is a great start The 2023 LIV Guidelines are also a must-read Then, prepare to spend significant time conducting extensive research about each of the signatory firms and organisations that attract you The firms’ websites are your best friends, as they have important information about their culture, history, values, practice areas, offices, clients, recent cases, achievements, etc Some firms also have blogs, podcasts, and webinars that share valuable industry insights All the information will enable you to align your response in your applications and interviews with the firm’s expectations and demonstrate not only your knowledge but also your genuine interest in their values and work Employers appreciate candidates who take the time to learn about their organisation and show enthusiasm for joining their team

You will also need to understand the clerkship role that each firm/organisation offers Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and expectations Review job descriptions, seek insights from current or former clerks, and read relevant articles or publications This understanding will allow you to articulate how your skills, experiences, and aspirations align with the role

Equally important is the commercial and industry awareness that requires extensive research and reading over the time Know what is happening in the legal industry both locally and internationally, and get ready to write and/or talk about a few recent cases that relate to the practice areas you are interested in

Furthermore, if you are like me who did not know much about psychometric tests at all, it’s time to familiarise yourself with them While not every firm does this anymore, many still do Different firms may use different platforms

Apply to as many signatories that you are interested in as possible: You may want to prioritise on applying to those that attract you the most, especially when there are 30 signatories offering seasonal clerkships, as you do not want to sacrifice quality for quantity Having said that, it’s generally a good idea to cast a wide net when applying for seasonal clerkships, as the whole application process is a numbers game Most people I know who applied last year felt that they should have applied to more firms but did not do so because they ran out of time

Prepare for the interview:

Most firms only have one round of interview for clerkships where two or three interviewers and you sit together in a room for 20 to 30 minutes A few may ask candidates to conduct a ‘virtual interview’ or group interview before sending out individual interview offers

In a ‘virtual interview’, you will be given an opportunity to practise Once the app/webpage starts asking you a question, you will only have a short moment, usually less than a minute, before it starts recording your response There are normally two to three questions and your allocated time for each response will be less than a minute While you may be allowed to make multiple attempts at a question where only the last response counts, finishing all questions in one go is the best way to stand out

After confirming your individual interview, some firms assign you a buddy, usually a lawyer who graduated in recent years, according to your preferences. It gives you a chance to gain insights from someone who went through the clerkship application process and knows the firm well. They are godsend and genuinely want to help you succeed in your applications.

Some firms also host clerkship events for those who make to the interview stage. Many lawyers, from Partners to graduate lawyers, will be there to help you get to know the firm and will be happy to network with you.

Interviewers from commercial law firms tend to have a more conversational style and do not necessarily have a list of questions that they have to go through. Nonetheless, prepare for behavioural questions. Also, get ready to ask interviewers questions towards the end of the interview if given the opportunity to do so.

Prepare for the offer day:

This year’s clerkship offers come out from 10am on Wednesday 18 October. Official offers will be sent out to your email address on that day. Upon receiving an offer, you will need to follow the instructions in the offer email to either accept or reject the offer within hours. Some firms use a third-party company to run a security check, which is similar to a police check, and will require your consent and personal information such as your ID and current and previous home addresses.

Before sending out offer emails, some firms prefer to call their successful candidates and deliver the exciting news over the phone. The call may either come from HR or one of your interviewers. Make sure you are available to answer phone calls and check/reply emails throughout the day.

Firstly, to those of you reading this in preparation for the upcoming clerkship season: Good luck. If you choose to apply for clerkships, regardless of how many you apply for, there is a strong argument to say that clerkship season is the most stressful, competitive and pressurefilled part of your time at law school

Take care of yourself and try to stay sane. To those of you reading this after completing your applications and receiving an interview request, congratulations! You’ve done incredibly well to get this far – statistically, if you’re interviewing at a top commercial firm, you’ve probably beat out around 300 – 500 other applicants Regardless of whether you get offered a clerkship, this is a feat you should be incredibly proud of

There is no perfect way to prepare for your upcoming clerkship interview, so take everything I say with a grain of salt. However, I hope that this article is slightly helpful in pushing you the extra mile to secure the ultimate commercially-interest law student’s bag: a clerkship

Preparation

It goes without saying that you need to prepare for a clerkship interview. But how? Firstly, your preparation will differ based on where you have applied because firms will interview differently Generally speaking, I directed less time preparing typical interview questions ahead of interviews at commercial firms than I did ahead of government firms (though this isn’t to say that you get asked the typical interview questions at a commercial firm clerkship interview). Commercial firms generally host far chattier interviews than I had previously experienced, and it makes sense. Their interviewer panels have interviewed thousands of potential clerks over the years, and they know that the best way they can assess a culture fit is to treat you like you are already part of the team

My advice: take this treatment and run with it. Try to be as chatty and personable as possible, speaking to them as if it was an old work colleague simply asking about your last jobs because they have forgotten where you used to work However, you still need to remember that you’re in an interview, so maintain your professionalism! This is a fine line to walk and one that really only comes with practice. On the other hand, government clerkship interviews are generally far more structured. In these, you can expect a friendly barrage of your typical interview questions with far less emphasis on chattiness, so make sure you have brushed up on your STAR responses ahead of these interviews (thanks, Deakin TALENT)

Know your Application

Ahead of meeting you, your interviewers only know what you have told them in your resume and cover letter It makes sense, then, that they will have a number of questions asking for more detail about what experiences you’ve had and what those have taught you. It is important that you reread your resume and cover letter while preparing for your interview so you aren’t caught out forgetting something you put in and having to make up a story about it on the spot.

Know your Application

This is also the time to remind you to brush up on your research about the topics you mentioned in your cover letter. Did you talk about a specific project that interested you? A firm podcast episode you liked? A deal that caught your eye? Make sure you brush up on these things if you mentioned them because there is a strong likelihood the interviewers will take your interest at face value and want to have a candid chat about those things to try and put you at ease.

Being Memorable = Being Yourself

The brutal truth of clerkship interviews is that your interviewers are trying to work out whether you will fit into the firm’s culture. Given that they will have a number of other interviews to do before and after yours, it is crucial that you try to stand out in your interview so you’re front of mind when the interviewers all pile into a room and decide which lucky applicants will receive offers.

Given that I am super “social justice-y”, I referred in my applications to the work each firm was doing in the Aboriginal justice space. In my interviews, I wore ties with Aboriginal art designs, and this was a great talking point that helped me segue into my interests outside of law school as well as some work the firm was conducting. My interviewers also asked about my prior work at McDonalds, so I finished one of my interviews comparing my Maccas order (a triple cheeseburger meal, extra pickles and mustard) to my interviewers, and this showed I was willing to have a bit of a laugh and helped ensure the interviewers left my interview with a pleasant (see also, mustardy) taste in their mouth.

Key takeaway from this section: being fashion forward = clerkship success (this is a joke).

The Big Day

On the day of your interview, you are going to be nervous. This is an unfortunate but inescapable fact. If you have a routine you follow to help you beat the nerves, then do it. Otherwise, be reassured in your preparedness and your interest in the firms, so that once the interview starts and your nerves wear off, you can open up more easily and show them what you’re made of!

Remember that the firm you are interviewing at was interested enough in your application to progress you to this stage, and that is no laughing matter. This is just a chance for you to reinforce your position as a candidate and prove to the firm that their interest wasn’t misplaced!

These top tips are written by DeakinTALENT staff who have previously worked as Clerkship/Legal Recruiters for top-tier Law & Consulting firms.

The clerkship interview will seek to assess three core areas:

Ability (can you do it?)

Motivation (will you do it?)

Cultural fit (will people like you and want to work with you?)

On the flip side, you need to determine if a firm is the right match for you. To assist you with your preparation, DeakinTALENT’s top clerkship interview tips are:

Prepare Comprehensively

It goes without saying, but to perform well in a clerkship interview, thorough research and preparation are essential The effort you put into preparation will help to distinguish you

Core areas to focus your preparation on include:

Industry and commercial awareness

Industry and commercial awareness involves being up to speed with the broader business world in which the law operates Among other things, it enables you to form opinions and relate to the needs of clients As such, it’s a required and sought after employability skill which will be assessed for in a clerkship interview

Example questions - What are some key challenges currently facing our industry? How do you keep up to date with what’s going on in our industry and the business world more broadly? What’s a business story in the media that has interested you recently? What’s your understanding of how our firm fits and operates within our industry? What’s an example of a case you’ve found interesting and why did it interest you?

How to prepare

Read, watch, and listen on a regular basis Read: Newspapers, business magazines, industry publications, books, news websites, blogs, Twitter Watch: The news, and programs that provide an objective analysis of what the news means Listen: Industry and current affairs podcasts, speakers at industry events

Knowledge of the firm

Understanding the firm you are interviewing with is essential. Regardless of how impressive your other responses are, if it’s apparent that you don’t have an adequate understanding of or interest in the firm, it will be a deal-breaker.

Example questions - What’s your understanding of our firm and the work we do? What interests you about working with our firm? What area(s) of law are you most interested in? What’s your understanding of our clients and how we work with them?

How to prepare - A starting point for firm research might include; practice areas, reputation in the market, types of clients they work with, firm history, significant mergers/acquisitions, key competitors, office locations, number of employees, types of roles, firm values, firm culture, recent awards and notable achievements, recent media articles/mentions, community involvement, points of difference to others similar firms, the firm’s position on topics such as corporate social responsibility, sustainability, pro-bono, diversity etc Don’t feel like you have to showcase all information you learn Be strategic and weave it in organically

Knowledge of the clerkship position

Clerkships are not for everyone and require maturity, resilience, and dedication. It’s important you have an understanding of the reality of what a clerkship entails, why you are applying, and how you are a good match for the position.

Example questions - What do you feel you would bring to the firm/clerkship? What do you hope to get out of a clerkship with us? What do you think would be the most challenging aspect of a clerkship for you?

How to prepare – Read information provided about the clerkship in detail (start with the firm’s website) Attend firm preclerkship events Speak with people in your network who have previously (ideally successfully) undertaken a clerkship

Knowledge of your drive and motivation to pursue a career in law

Your responses to questions about your interest in law, general motivations, and short/longer term goals will heavily influence decision making, and therefore need to be confident, considered, genuine and articulate.

Example questions - Tell me about yourself What motivates you? What achievement(s) are you most proud of, and why? Describe a recent goal you set for yourself and achieved Why should we hire you? What are your greatest strengths/areas for development? Where do you want to be in five years? In ten? Describe a time when you have had to manage a stressful situation. Describe a time when you have managed conflict. Describe a time when you failed. How did you respond? What do you like to do outside of work/study? Why were your grades [at X time or for X subject(s)] low?

How to prepare – Spend time on self-reflection In addition to the above questions, brainstorm your responses to: What are ten words a good friend or family member would use to describe you? What values do you hold close? What have you achieved that you feel really good about? What have you enjoyed/not enjoyed about the work/study you’ve undertaken What is your ideal work environment? What does success mean to you? What else is important to you outside of law?

Master the Meet and Greet

Arrive at reception 5-10 minutes before your specified interview time. If you arrive earlier, go for a walk outside or wait in the ground floor lobby Similar to arriving late, arriving at reception too early is inappropriate

The first 30 seconds of an interview are particularly important How you greet people reveals a great deal about your confidence, attitude, and professional polish Stand to greet your interviewers warmly with a smile and firm handshake. If introduced to additional interviewers in the room, walk around the table to shake hands instead of reaching over, if possible. Introduce yourself using your first and last name. Place your notebook/portfolio and pen on the table, but no personal items (such as water bottle, phone, handbag).

If a glass of water is offered, accept it It helps to ease into the interview and you may need it

Expect to meet with a combination of lawyers and staff from different levels and different areas of the firm Partners, Senior Associates, and members of the Human Resources team typically conduct clerkship interviews

Respond with Impact

The interview will likely commence with small talk. Be friendly, responsive and genuine. It’s important that you build rapport, and that the interviewer(s) likes you and can see you fitting into the culture of the firm. The interview will include both behavioural and motivational questions Take a moment to process the question being asked and consider the underlying competency before launching in A few moments of silence to collect your thoughts is perfectly ok! Respond to all behavioural questions using the ‘STAR’ response structure – Situation/Task, Action, Result Prepare robust examples for likely questions in advance. Focus on recent (opposed to high school) examples. Speak articulately and keep track of time and pace. Ensure you provide adequate detail in your responses. Be yourself! You don’t need to fit a certain stereotype or persona. It’s easy to spot insincerity in an interview.

Respond with Impact

Confidence should be tempered with humility There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance and interviewers will be on alert for this Deakin students have a reputation for being genuine and self-aware and firms love this!

Expect and prepare for a structured interview process, but don’t be surprised if you end up having what feels more like a fireside chat! Partners are notorious for taking an interview in any direction they see fit/interesting at the time. Even if their style might seem laid back, your interviewer(s) will be assessing you, so maintain your focus.

Close with Powerful Questions

The questions you ask at the end of an interview do as much to differentiate you as the ones you answer The interview is a two way process and it’s expected that you will have questions Prepare at least three questions to ask, even if you don’t use them all. Responding with; ‘I haven’t got any questions, I think you’ve covered everything’ or ‘What are the next steps?’ as a stand-alone question will reflect on you negatively.

Focus on asking questions the interviewer is uniquely positioned to answer and that will provide you with useful insight For example; What do you enjoy most about working here? Why did you choose [X] path out of university? Why did you choose to specialise in [X] practice area?

Tread carefully if you choose to ask about longer term training provided/funded by the firm While important to understand, the interview should focus on what you can offer, opposed to what you want to gain.

Do not ask for interview feedback on the day, or mention anything on your way out such as: ‘I feel that went badly’, ‘I hope I gave some good responses’, ‘That was challenging!’ etc. These statements can damage your credibility.

Thank the interviewer, let them know you enjoyed meeting them Clarify next steps if not yet addressed

The face-to-face clerkship interview typically forms one part of a broader clerkship selection process Most firms, especially larger firms, will host a meet and greet networking event for those successful to interview stage. It is important you attend and that your networking and conversation focus is squarely on firm representatives, not other candidates in attendance. Introduce yourself, ask meaningful questions, be interested. Limit drinking to stay alert.

If you are fortunate to secure a clerkship, congratulations! The important work starts now The clerkship itself is your interview for a graduate position It is very important to: Maintain sharp focus, produce excellent work, communicate clearly and regularly, get involved, be interested, ask questions, assess if a graduate role with the firm is right for you

All the best with the upcoming selection process! Please reach out with any questions. -DeakinTALENT.

These top tips are written by DeakinTALENT staff who have previously worked as Clerkship/Legal Recruiters for top-tier Law & Consulting firms.

Ensure your resume is easy to read

Firms typically receive hundreds of clerkship applications To make your application stand out, ensure your formatting is clear and key information is easy to access All formatting should be consistent - use the same font size and style for similar elements and ensure all spacing is consistent throughout your documents It’s important your resume and cover letter look like they belong together as one application package

Demonstrate a broad range of skills and experience

Relevant legal experience is important to highlight, however don’t undervalue other part-time work you have undertaken and the transferable skills you have developed Charitable work, involvement in the community, participation in university clubs and societies, independent travel, overseas exchange, additional languages, extra-curricular activities, and hobbies are all things that can help you to stand out as a well-rounded candidate

Write in plain english

Firms are seeking clear and professional communicators, they are not interested in how many big words you know, so you can put down the thesaurus! The vast majority of work you will do in your clerkship will be legal research, notetaking and drafting memos, so the quality of your written work is extremely important Your resume and cover letter should be evidence of your ability to communicate clearly and professionally in writing Read the firm’s website and take note of the tone and language they use - this will provide you with an insight into how they prefer information to be presented and how they communicate with their clients

Let your skills and achievements shine

Your resume must focus on achievements, results, and outcomes opposed to solely outlining duties, tasks and responsibilities. Consider where you have added value, for example; “Condensed and summarised a 120 page legal research report on family violence into a two page booklet which was subsequently used by [X team] to conduct community outreach” DeakinTALENT’s Resume & Application Workshops can assist you in refining your bullet point statements for maximum impact

Conduct through research

The role of a clerk involves conducting legal research. As such, your application should evidence your research skills by demonstrating a strong understanding of the firm you are applying to. If you have strong interest in a particular practice area, it’s great for your interest and enthusiasm to shine through in your resume and cover letter, however don’t limit yourself It’s important to present as being open to other opportunities, and willing and able to adapt when required On a similar note, although it’s good to understand the range of pro bono work a firm engages in, avoid focusing your cover letter around their pro bono work as this is not the core business of a commercial firm

Tailor each application

Writing an individual cover letter for each firm is more time consuming, but is essential in ensuring that each application is strong and tailored. If you are finding it hard to write individual cover letters and struggling to think of a genuine reason why you are interested in a particular firm, consider whether you should be applying Instead, focus your energy into refining applications for firms that really matter to you

Mention connections

If you have a connection to or within the firm, mention it, but don’t overstate your relationship. If you reference their name, assume they will be contacted, so only mention connections if they will have something good to say! If they don’t remember you this can actually hurt, rather than help, your application. Out of courtesy, always seek approval to name anyone in your application.

Complete all short answer questions

You might spend hours on your resume and cover letter, but all short answer questions are just as important! Firms will often only read your application after your short answer responses have passed an initial screen. For that reason, do NOT write “refer to resume” as your response! Even though they might feel repetitive, the short answer questions are there for a reason Click through the application on the firm’s website well ahead of when you plan to submit That way, you will know what questions are being asked and you can ensure adequate time to prepare your responses Draft your responses in a Word document and copy them into the form opposed to drafting them in the box provided In addition to allowing you to spell check, many firms use similar questions, so this may be a great starting point for your next application!

Academics only form part of overall assessment

You don’t have to be a high distinction student to secure a clerkship, especially if you have other skills and experience to offer the firm An improvement in your marks throughout your degree will be viewed favourably, so don’t be disheartened by weaker academic results from earlier years A fail is not necessarily an automatic rejection from the clerkship process If you have failed a subject (Constitutional Law we’re looking at you), explain why, and outline what you learned from the experience in your cover letter. If you have repeated the subject and did better the second time, mention this.

Demonstrate commercial awareness

Key commercial skills to demonstrate in your application include stakeholder management, negotiation and ability to build strong professional relationships It can also be helpful to have a good understanding of the legal profession, current economic and political climate and the recent deals and matters the firm has successfully negotiated For example, being aware of state and federal government investment into infrastructure projects may indicate an increase in demand for law firms specialising in construction and property law. Students who make this connection in their application demonstrate their understanding of the wider business and political context and how this may lead to opportunities.

Select referees carefully

Firms often comment that students select referees (such as other lawyers) who don’t actually know them very well When selecting referees, choose someone that is going to speak positively about you, but more importantly knows you well enough to be able to answer questions about your ability and motivations Before including someone as a referee, always ask in advance if they are happy to provide a reference for you. It is also acceptable to discuss what they might say about you before you commit to them.

Request an independent review before submitting

By the time you are ready to press the submit button, it’s likely you will have

Read Through

your application multiple times, which can make it difficult to pick up errors Ask a trusted friend or family member to read each completed application for you in detail with a critical eye If you have a connection within the firm, they may also be able to suggest some further refinements Additionally, DeakinTALENT offers a Job Application Review service where you can request detailed feedback on your completed application(s).

Don’t self-select out!

Too often, law students assume failure before they have even applied for clerkships. The clerkship process is competitive and can appear daunting, but to paraphrase a well-known quote: “You miss out on 100% of the opportunities you don’t take” If Trump has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes it’s not about being the most qualified, it’s just about being in the race

All the best for the upcoming clerkship selection process! Please reach out with any questions.

Lauren Harris, Nicola Corner & Nina Walsh DeakinTALENT

Fred Adams T: 0400 123 456 E: fredadams@deakin.edu.au

25 May 2018

Ms Betty Clarke

Human Resources Advisor

Frank & Irwin Lawyers

111 Evans Street

MELBOURNE VIC 3000

Dear Ms Clarke

Re: Application for seasonal clerkship 2018/2019 - SAMPLE COVER LETTER ONLY

I am writing to apply for the seasonal clerkship 2018/2019 program at Frank & Irwin Lawyers I am currently in the penultimate year of my Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University and like Frank & Irwin, I am committed to achieving results This is reflected by attainting a 75 00% average throughout my law degree

My pathway to law has been different from most and I consider this a strength. Prior to deciding on law, I completed a Bachelor of Design at Deakin University Coming from an area of study which promotes creativity has allowed me to apply innovative thinking to the way I approach the law Following completion of this degree I worked full time at Quinn & Riley Lawyers as a law clerk. It was here the seed was planted and my love of the law blossomed. The following year I commenced a Bachelor of Laws. My continued employment at Quinn & Riley Lawyers along with the various other legal work I have completed has proved invaluable in helping me build a solid foundation from where I hope to grow with Frank & Irwin Lawyers I have learned the importance of clear communication, client relationships, understanding clients’ needs and team work

In July 2017 I met Lucy Jones at the Deakin Commercial Careers Fair This is when I first became interested in Frank & Irwin through learning about the workplace culture I participate in a range of extra curricular and social activities outside of my studies and legal work as I think it is important to be a well rounded person This include mooting, volunteering, basketball and much more. Therefore, hearing about the various activities Frank & Irwin Social run appealed to me. Further, the international rotation opportunities available during the graduate program appeal to me as it signifies the firm’s commitment to being world class I recently returned from studying at the University of London which demonstrated to me the value international experiences have on students and lawyers’ personal and professional growth

I am attracted to Frank & Irwin Lawyers due to the firm’s industry focus and international reach especially in the Asia Pacific region The rapid growth of Asia means it is soon to become the most dominant economic region in the world Having studied Chinese (Mandarin) language and extensively travelled in Asia I am attracted to the potential opportunities coming out of this area particularly in relation to growing trade connections and foreign investment. Frank & Irwin Lawyer’s work on the acquisition of Cubbie Station demonstrates its involvement in significant cross border deals in this region which appeals to my interests Further, I see industry focus as powerful advantage for Frank & Irwin Lawyers The ability to demonstrate to clients a deep understanding of their needs which are directly shaped by the industry and geographies in which they operate ensures successful relations between the firm and its clients

Further giving back to the community is a core value of mine My volunteer work at the Youth Law Centre and Justice Connect and my charity work at the Cancer Council Australia has been rewarding For this reason, I am further drawn to Frank & Irwin Lawyers knowing it shares this value through the corporate responsibility strategy focused around charitable giving, volunteering and pro bono work.

I wish to be a part of Frank & Irwin Lawyer’s future and am hopeful of being given the opportunity to complete a seasonal clerkship I am a conscientious and hard working individual with a sense of fun and inclusion of others I would bring a robust willingness to learn and enthusiasm to fulfil any role required of me. I am excited by the opportunity to be challenged by Frank & Irwin Lawyer’s variety of clients and the complexity of work.

I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience

Yours sincerely

Fred Adams

EDUCATION

Feb 2015 - Present