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The Firms
In this section
• Participating Firms • Firm Profiles
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Participating Firms
The following information was gathered by the Editor and may be subject to change prior to the clerkship period. Candidates are encouraged to double check the information themselves and no guarantees are made regarding the accuracy of the information below.
ALLEN & OVERY
Level 25, 85 Castlereagh Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Kate McDonald - Senior HR Manager australianrecruitment@allenovery.com Submit applications online via: https://www.allenovery. com/en-gb/global/careers/australia/students-andgraduates
ALLENS
Level 28, Deutsche Bank Place, 126 Phillip Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 lauren.kay@allens.com.au Lauren Kay (Graduate Resourcing Consultant) Submit applications online via: https://graduates.allens. com.au/
ASHURST
Level 11, 5 Martin Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 Joanne Dean - HR Consultant (Graduate Programs) joanne.dean@ashurst.com Submit applications online via: https://www.ashurst. com/en/careers/students-and-graduates/australia/clerkships-and-graduate-scheme/what-you-need-to-know/
BAKER McKENZIE
Tower One - International Towers Sydney, 100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000 Angelique Holden - Talent Management Consultant angelique.holden@bakermckenzie.com Submit applications online via: https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/locations/asia-pacific/australia
BIRD & BIRD
Level 22, MLC Centre, 19 Martin Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 Kristy Peacock-Smith - Employment & Summer Clerkship Partner Claire Arnold - HR Manager sydsummerclerks@twobirds.com/ 02 9226 9888 Submit applications online via: https://www.twobirds. com/en/careers/graduates/australia/summer-clerkships
CLAYTON UTZ
Level 15, 1 Bligh Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Christina Birds - Graduate Resourcing Consultant cbirds@claytonutz.com careers@claytonutz.com Submit applications online via: https://graduates. claytonutz.com/graduate-careers/our-programs/clerkship-program
CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH
Level 17, 8 Chifley, 8-12 Chifley Square SYDNEY NSW 2000 Kimberly Howe - People and Performance Consultant kimberly.howe@corrs.com.au Submit applications online via: https://corrs.com.au/graduates-and-clerks/key-dates
DLA PIPER AUSTRALIA
Level 22, No.1 Martin Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 Stacy Hasler HR Manager stacey.hasler@dlapiper.com Submit applications online via: https://www.dlapipergraduates.com/au/apply/
GILBERT + TOBIN
Level 35, Tower 2 - International Towers Sydney 200 Barangaroo Avenue Barangaroo NSW 2000 Kristy Barton - Graduate Resourcing Consultant clerkships@gtlaw.com.au Submit applications online via: http://me.gtlaw.com. au/working-with-gt/law-students/clerkships-sydney/
HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
Level 27 & 34, ANZ Tower 161 Castlereagh Street SYDNEY NSW 200 Rachel Kok - Graduate Recruitment Adviser graduates.sydney@hsf Submit applications online via: https://careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads/apply
The following information was gathered by the Editor and may be subject to change prior to the clerkship period. Candidates are encouraged to double check the information themselves and no guarantees are made regarding the accuracy of the information below.
HWL EBSWORTH
Level 14, Australia Square 264-278 George Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Nicolette Peters - HR Advisor npeters@hwle.com.au Sara Williams - HR Advisor swillaims@hwle.com.au Submit applications online via: https://hwlebsworth.com.au/graduate-centre/
JONES DAY
Level 41, Aurora Place, 88 Phillip Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Catherine Davies catherinedavies@jonesday.com All applications are to be submitted via our on the Jones Day website: https://selfapply.jonesday.com/viRecruitSelfApply/ReDefault.aspx?Tag=f39aa6d1-4279-4982-9388-f65edbf1b497
K&L GATES
Level 31, 1 O’Connell Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Lisa Filetti - Senior Manager, HR lisa.filetti@klgates.com Submit applications online via: https://www.klgates.com/ job-opportunities#LangCode=en-US
KING & WOOD MALLESONS
Level 61, Governor Phillip Tower, 1 Farrer Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 Audrey Burn - People & Development Advisor audrey.burn@au.kwm.com Submit applications online via: https://careers.kwm.com/ en/graduates-australia/being-a-clerk
MADDOCKS
Level 27, Angel Place, 123 Pitt Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Samuel Jurd - People & Culture Advisor People & Culture Advisor samuel.jurd@maddocks.com.au Submit applications online via: https://www.maddocks. com.au/careers/clerkships-graduate-program
MILLS OAKLEY
Level 7, 151 Clarence Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Evelyn Paneras - HR Advisor e.paneras@millsoakley.com.au Submit applications online via: https://www.millsoakley. com.au/graduates/#s2
MINTER ELLISON
Governor Macquarie Tower Level 40, 1 Farrer Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 Eleni Carkagis - Graduate Resourcing Consultant eleni.carkagis@minterellison.com Submit applications online via: https://graduates. minterellison.com/applications
PwC
Tower One - International Towers Sydney, 100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000 Sarah Cullen - Talent Acquisition Manager sarah.cullen@pwc.com Submit applications online via: https://www.pwc.com. au/careers/students/legal-clerkship.html
THOMSON GEER
60 Martin Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 Karolina Lisowski - People and Development Manager klisowski@tglaw.com.au Submit applications online via: https://fsr.cvmail.com. au/tglaw/main.cfm?srxksl=1
BORN GLOBAL
At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. Like no other law firm, we were born global.
Baker McKenzie has been thinking globally in Australia for more than 50 years. In 2014, we opened our Brisbane office making our Australian practice the fourth largest in our network of 76 offices with more than 80 Partners and 220 lawyers across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. In Australia, we act for leading multinational and domestic companies on market leading local and global transactions.
Founded in 1949, Baker McKenzie is one of the world’s largest law firms by markets, revenue and headcount. We offer our clients and lawyers the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a leading firm and a distinctive way of thinking, working and behaving as a passionately global and genuinely collaborative firm.
We understand the challenges of the global economy because we have been a global law firm from the start.
Our Clerkship Program
Right from the start, our Clerks get involved in real work. You will be exposed to our Australian and international clients through client meetings, shadowing, research and other everyday activities within your assigned practice group. Our Clerks work closely with other lawyers, are guided by a Supervising Partner and enjoy the extra support of an experienced Associate “Buddy”. You will develop practical and legal skills through our national learning program and by attending workshops specifically designed for Clerks, as well as Firm-wide sessions. In Sydney, the Summer Clerkship Program runs from late November to early February each year during which Clerks complete two practice group rotations. Clerks who accept a Graduate role with Baker McKenzie are eligible to apply for an International Clerkship, with the opportunity to work in one of our overseas offices in the year following their Clerkship.
Our Graduate Program
Over the course of the program, Graduates gain experience in different areas of law before they join a particular practice group as an Associate. You will be supervised by a senior lawyer and an Associate “Buddy” in each rotation to oversee your on-the-job and formal learning.
Develop globally
At Baker McKenzie, we have a deep commitment to development. We work with each Graduate to create a tailored development plan and career goals. To help you reach your goals, we provide targeted learning opportunities — from seminars on core legal topics to practical skills development in areas such as communication, drafting and presenting. We work hard to facilitate on-the-job learning and the many ways it happens — through informal mentoring relationships, client secondments, involving Graduates in global teams working on international deals and in managing their own files for our award-winning Pro Bono Program. We also bring Graduates from our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane offices together to help our people foster networks across the Firm, and support professional development by covering the costs of Practical Legal Training and your admission. We actively encourage and support contribution to the community, through our pro bono and community service programs.
We want everyone at Baker McKenzie to reach their potential so we invest in global, regional and local world-class development and mobility programs for our people. Our award-winning diversity strategy, initiatives and programs are focused in six areas: BakerWomen – gender equality and supporting the progression of women BakerDNA – ethnic, indigenous and cultural diversity BakerBalance – supporting carers and parents, and workplace flexibility BakerPride – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex diversity BakerIndigenousEngagement – commitment to engagement with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community BakerWellbeing – commitment to mental health and wellbeing.
Our regional practice group structure means many of our lawyers attend regional training in our Asia Pacific offices. Once Graduates complete their Graduate Program, they will attend a regional orientation program with other mid-level Associates from the Asia Pacific region. The Firm also offers opportunities for lawyers at varying stages of their careers to work directly for clients or with our other offices globally.
What does the Firm look for?
Baker McKenzie looks for people who genuinely want to work with us and who understand Baker McKenzie's unique offering, values and position in the market. We look for well-rounded, motivated individuals who share our global perspective; who are intellectually curious and have sound academics; who display business acumen and are practical in their approach; who enjoy a challenge and seek new opportunities; who take responsibility and use their initiative; who act with integrity and honesty in all of their dealings, decisions and actions; who express themselves confidently while staying open to new ideas; who strive to provide excellent service to their clients; who seek a friendly, diverse, and inclusive culture; and who take seriously our role in making a difference to our local and global communities.
Thrive in a culture of inclusion
Quality and excellence along with team work, integrity and responsiveness are central in delivering outstanding service to our clients, as you would expect in a top tier law firm. The values that make us a unique and great place to work are deeply embedded and you will notice our difference in all of your interactions with us, in Australia and across the globe.
We are passionately global, and leverage our global expertise for our clients.
We strive to stay ahead of the curve and encourage entrepreneurship.
We have a strong culture of friendship and collaborative working style.
We are commercial pragmatists who simplify issues for clients.
How to apply
Applications for Clerkships can be submitted via www.bakermckenzie.com/careers/Australia. Applications should include a cover letter, as well as details of your work experience, your extra-curricular activities and interests, and your academic results. Applications for Clerkships open at 9.00am on 8 June 2021 and close at 11.59 pm on 4 July 2021. Angelique Holden Talent Management Consultant +61 2 8922 5596 angelique.holden@bakermckenzie.com
58 Macquarie University Law Society Clerkship Guide
WE’RE BIG ON BOLD
Standing up for what you believe in and standing out in the crowd. Having the confidence to take risks and the courage to say no. Trusting in the tradition of embracing innovation. Being adventurous, spirited and unexpected. At Gilbert + Tobin, we believe in being bold.
The G+T clerkship experience is open to students in their penultimate year of study, as well as final year for our Sydney office. We’re not a prescriptive firm when it comes to our people; we invite individuality and diversity. We also hold ambition, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in high regard. Our people are collaborative, passionate and dedicated – but most of all they enjoy what they do and never forget to have fun. We seek clerks and graduates who will complement our practice groups and don’t feel the need to take themselves too seriously.
WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?
Depending on your location, you’ll complete two, four-week rotations across the firm’s practice areas in summer, or a seasonal clerkship over a number of weeks in winter or summer. All clerks are assigned a supervising partner, mentor and buddy to assist with on-the-job training for each rotation - an immediate support network to help smooth the transition from university and assist with your professional development. While your main focus will be corporate work, everyone has the opportunity to assist on pro bono matters, innovation projects and participate in firm-wide activities.
HOW WILL YOU LEARN?
During the clerkship you’ll take part in our customised in-house training, and cover topics such as research, analysis, drafting, developing technical skills, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, business development and client orientation. As you progress through your rotations you’ll develop invaluable skills and knowledge and gain first-hand experience of our various practice groups. Understanding the mechanics of legal practice through research, drafting memos, attending court and meeting clients will all help to build your confidence. And we’ll encourage you to contribute ideas and your own fresh perspective.
GRADUATE PROGRAM
Our summer clerk program is the primary pathway for graduates at G+T, however we also invite interest from graduating students who may have clerked elsewhere or taken up other opportunities in their penultimate or final year of studies. Keep an eye on our website for active graduate vacancies.
KEY DATES
OFFICE APPLICATIONS OPEN APPLICATIONS CLOSE
Sydney
Perth 8 June
28 June
Melbourne 28 June 14 July
1 August
15 August
CONTACT
KRISTIE BARTON
Clerk + Graduate Program Manager +61 2 9263 4575 | kbarton@gtlaw.com.au
BE BOLD BE PART OF THE ACTION
Gilbert + Tobin is a leading transactions, regulatory and disputes law firm, committed to outstanding citizenship. We guide our clients through defining moments in their business and are renowned for our ability to get things done.
We employ a diverse mix of talented and ambitious people who are attracted to the firm because of its entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach and capacity for change. These are the reasons we enjoy a reputation as the most successful corporate law firm to emerge in Australia in many years. We advise many of Australia’s and the world’s leading organisations and focus on the most dynamic sectors. Our clients and projects span Australia, Asia and emerging African markets. Located in the heart of the CBD, the partners and lawyers in our Sydney office include some of Australia’s leading practitioners in: + Banking + Infrastructure + Disputes + Investigations + Competition + Regulation + Pro Bono + Corporate Advisory + Real Estate + Projects + Energy + Resources + Technology + Digital + Intellectual Property
If you want to challenge your thinking and stretch your abilities, this is the firm for you. There has never been a better time to be a part of our story and enjoy the stimulating challenge of working with Australia’s most innovative corporate law firm. WE DELIVER ON OUR PROMISE TO PROVIDE REAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. WE PROVIDE THE CHANCE TO BE DEEPLY INVOLVED IN INTERESTING, CHALLENGING WORK MUCH EARLIER IN YOUR CAREER, ACCELERATING YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCE.
ARE YOU READY TO BE BOLD?
There’s never been a better time to be part of Gilbert + Tobin. From day one, our flat structure allows you to take ownership of challenging work and cutting-edge projects. Work directly with partners and team leaders – nobody is too important to take time to explain things clearly, or give a helping hand. Our open and welcoming culture underpins our continued success in Australian corporate law. Through our pro bono practice, we are actively making a difference, every single day. If you’re comfortable being challenged, as well as challenging us on the way we think and operate – you’ll fit right in. We’re not worried about you being you. We’re counting on it.
360° THINKING
We're looking for those who see things differently, the kind of people who bring new ideas and create innovative opportunities for our clients.
ABOUT US
With over 25 offices spanning Asia, Europe, Australasia, and the Middle east, we can show you exactly what a world class commercial law firm has to offer, giving you the chance to work as part of an international team, on high-profile matters, for some of the most significant organisations in the market. Our focus is on the future: the future needs of existing and new clients, the future of the legal profession and investing in our future lawyers. That’s why we aim to attract the best talent from a broad range of backgrounds, ensuring we are optimising our position as a progressive, forward thinking professional services business. At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll be given the opportunity to develop the skills you need to help solve our clients’ most complex challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Great lawyers are both curious and creative. We encourage you to challenge assumptions and open yourself up to new ideas. It’s this growth mindset that creates opportunities for you and your clients. So, what exactly are we looking for? There’s no single path to becoming an exceptional commercial lawyer. We look beyond your academic record and your technical aptitude. We’re focussed on finding people who have the curiosity to explore all the angles and the empathy to place themselves in their client’s shoes. Building great relationships takes a certain understanding and as our global village gets ever smaller, we look for graduates who think of themselves as citizens of the world. In line with our 10 Actions for Change we are proud to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS). The CRS allows us to understand each applicant’s achievements in the context that they have been gained. We understand that not every candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, from every background.
CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
We select many of our graduates through our vacation clerkships. During this immersive experience, you’ll receive hands-on practical experience, actively contributing, as you work on some of the diverse challenges facing the team you’re collaborating with. You will gain a deeper understanding of life at the firm and what your future could look like if you join us. Some key features include the opportunity to: • Sit within a specific team, delivering real work for key clients • Before you join, submit a preference for a team to tailor your experience • Navigate the first step of your career with partner and graduate mentoring support • Attend workshops and presentations covering all our practice areas • Contribute to our pro bono practice • Work with cutting edge technology through our innovation projects • Networking opportunities to meet people across the firm
Contacts
Rachel Kok Graduate Recruitment Adviser T +61 2 9225 5054 GraduatesSydney@hsf.com
JOINING US
We offer a range of summer and winter clerkships across our Australian offices. If you have queries about graduate or vacation clerk positions, please visit our website: careers.herbertsmithfreehills. com/au/grads/vacation-clerkships or contact one of our graduate recruitment consultants.
KEY DATES/DEADLINES
SYDNEY
Positions 30 - 35
Clerkship programs 1 Summer
Applications for all 2021/22 programs open Tuesday 8 June 2021 Applications for all Wednesday 14 July 2021/22 programs close 2021
Offers made Thursday 16 September 2021
Please note: An application should only be submitted to the office where you intend to start your career as a graduate. Multiple applications will not be considered.
Life holds endless opportunities for those who dare to grow
careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia
As an elite international law firm headquartered in Asia, we are reshaping the legal market by challenging our people and our clients to think differently about what a law firm can be today, tomorrow and beyond. We thrive on exceeding the expectations of our clients, and as such the world’s leading organisations turn to us to unlock their biggest opportunities and deliver clever solutions to their most vexing challenges. Where others see limitations, we see possibility.
With ambitious thinking and innovation in our DNA, we partner with our clients to bring to life pioneering solutions which will help them to adapt, reinvent and grow. We believe innovation comes from giving our people room to grow, and as such actively encourage input and ideas from all levels of the firm.
Our people are encouraged to shape their own career path, supported at every step of the way, with world-class training, coaching and hands-on experience. There is no ‘one size fits all’ career model, and we offer multiple opportunities for our lawyers to gain experience and thrive.
KEY STATISTICS
• #1 ranked law firm in Australia and China* • Top 15 global elite brand** • 28 international offices; • One of the largest international legal networks in the Asia region with 500+ partners and more than 2000 lawyers; • Our clients range from a mix of global financial and corporate powerhouses through to new industry-makers and all levels of government • With an unmatched ability to practise Chinese,
Hong Kong, Australian, English, US and a significant range of European laws under one integrated legal brand, we are connecting Asia to the world, and the world to Asia. *Source: Chambers and Partners 2020 **Source: 2020 Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index
GLOBAL REACH
The King & Wood Mallesons network extends across the following regions: • Asia Pacific (Australia, Mainland China including
Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore) • Europe • Middle East • North America
OUR PROGRAMS SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
Applications open: 8 June 2021 Applications close: 14 July 2021 How to apply: Via our online application system at careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia We offer clerkships to give you a clear picture of what it’s like to be a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons. You’ll get to know our people, the way we like to work, our culture, practice areas, clients and more. During your clerkship, you’ll learn: • The day-to-day skills to get you started – taking instructions, meeting with clients, drafting memos and documents, managing your practice and professional relationships. • The core practice teams at King & Wood
Mallesons – who they are, what they do, how they’re structured, the clients they work for, and of course, your role within them. • Our culture – working within your team, you’ll be exposed to (and encouraged) to get actively involved in the many activities and events that help create our unique culture. • Our people – you’ll find that people from every part of the business will help you by sharing their knowledge and ensuring you have everything you need to succeed. Your role Clerks usually work in one or two different practice groups, depending on the length of the clerkship. You’ll be allocated a supervisor in each of your practice groups and you’ll work closely with the partners, senior associates and solicitors in that team. It’s a hands-on role, so you won’t just be watching from the sidelines.
GRADUATE PROGRAM
We offer a unique future-focused training experience and invest heavily in development to support you to fulfil your potential. You will benefit from a bespoke comprehensive learning and development program tailored specifically for our graduates. As a graduate you will take part in graduate technology bootcamps. These bootcamps will provide you with exposure to the many different types of emerging legal technologies, which are available at our firm. These skills will help prepare you for the future and ensure that we continue to evolve to meet our clients’ changing needs. We also offer a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course with the College of Law to our Australian Law graduates, ensuring that you meet the requirements for admission to legal practice. The program also promotes and supports the mobility of our staff across our offices by giving you the opportunity to apply to go on exchange in one of our interstate or overseas offices. Through this, you can access a greater choice and variety of destinations and on-the-job experience.
VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
Wherever you are in the world you can now experience what it is really like to be a lawyer at KWM with our Australian-first legal virtual work experience program (VEP). The platform features two programs – ‘Intro to Law’ and ‘Advanced Law’ – which each include five learning modules curated by KWM based on real life firm matters and activities. Through this program you can build real skills and the confidence to excel in a commercial law career before you even step into one of our offices.
KELLIE MILDRED
People & Development Advisor (Graduates) +61 2 9296 3592 kellie.mildred@au.kwm.com
Macquarie University Law Society Clerkship Guide
What Does Innovation Mean For Lawyers Today?
At KWM, we view innovation through the lens of “change that makes a positive impact”. I often view there being two aspects to innovation – the micro and the macro. The micro changes are the little things here and there that add up to make your life easier and help you get out of the office in time to get to the beach after work. Then there are the macro changes that involve the introduction of new technology and processes which directly affect the way we do our work, and lead to improved client outcomes. Both aspects are equally important. Some recent examples of legal technologies that have brought about positive changes at KWM include:
• automated processes to generate high-volume, pro-forma documents;
• an online platform to allow clients and lawyers to track the progress of conditions precedent for a deal so that they do not need to continually ask for updates;
• a program to coordinate verification of disclosure documents so the different parties can work across one document rather than several versions;
• artificial intelligence (AI) to review a suite of contracts to identify common provisions; and
• AI to assist in document review processes, reducing the number of documents reviewed in person by approximately 80%.
As a result of implementing the above, I have found it is easier to maintain work/life balance and focus on more interesting work streams instead of spending time on version control and document management, and have spent less time on document reviews that used to take months (a huge result!). At KWM this ultimately means that lawyers are happier, more stimulated and engaged at work and we are also able to deliver greater value for our clients.
While some law students and graduates worry about AI taking over the role of junior lawyers and that we should all fear the rise of AI, I think the opposite is true. It is something to be embraced. AI does not replace the role of junior lawyers, it assists junior lawyers and makes them more efficient, which frees them up to spend more time on more intricate legal problems. This is one reason why the upskilling of graduate and junior lawyers, particularly in relation to legal technology, is so important at KWM.
With this in mind, KWM has comprehensively reimagined what graduate training looks like. Alongside the usual graduate induction training, there is now a focus on upskilling graduates with specific legal technology training relevant to their practice groups. This training is designed to ensure KWM graduates develop deeper understandings of legal technology. This training is repeated in each practice group that graduates rotate through, so that by the end of the graduate program, KWM graduates have developed a broad understanding of the technologies and can think laterally about how certain legal technologies can be applied in a different way in a different practice group. The new approach to graduate training was informed by feedback from an innovation ‘sprint’ to tackle the design challenge of: How might we design a legal technology training experience to enable graduates to thrive in their teams and build productivity enabled practice skills.
I was involved in the sprint from the dispute resolution perspective, which involved travelling to a number of KWM offices to conduct a series of interviews with colleagues across my practice group to map the key technologies applied now in each practice team and understand the motivations and blockers to adoption. The sprint culminated in a design workshop utilising a number of innovation tools and techniques to design our practice specific bootcamps.
Alongside this training to develop technical ability among KWM graduates, is a cultural shift that ensures KWM graduates and junior lawyers feel comfortable to suggest new ways of utilising technology and promoting changes that make positive impacts. Coupled with the removal of billable hour targets for graduates, KWM graduates are encouraged to pursue their curiosity and develop their confidence to explore different ways of utilising technology to deliver changes that have a positive impact, for themselves, the firm and our clients.
Patrick Mackenzie is a Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution (General Commercial) and Restructuring and Insolvency practice groups in King & Wood Mallesons’ Perth office, and one of KWM’s Innovation Guides.
Clerkship Profile
VRINDA JAIN
SUMMER CLERK KING & WOOD MALLESONS
SUMMER CLERK INTAKE: 2020/21
AREAS OF ROTATION: Banking & Finance (Debt Capital Markets) and Tax
UNIVERSITY: Macquarie University
DEGREE: Juris Doctor
THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS: The unconventional application and interview process at King & Wood Mallesons provided an opportunity for me to get to know the firm better. Rather than behavioural or situational questions, the interviews were an open conversation focused on getting to know me, and my interests outside of work and studying. Despite the recruitment process being entirely virtual, the events allowed me to familiarise myself with the work the firm does, its practice areas, partners and lawyers, and freely ask questions regarding the work and life at KWM.
THE WORK: As a clerk, you can expect to do a variety of work that will keep you engaged and challenge you at every stage. Moreover, clerks can leverage the firm’s seamless global network and leading position in the Asian subcontinent to gain several professional and personal development opportunities from the firm’s best-in-practice professionals. There are several opportunities for clerks to engage in inter-firm sporting activities and attend social events that the firm organises. During my clerkship, the firm organised indoor activities (given COVID19 restrictions) like a games afternoon in our first week (with trivia and minute to win it-esque challenges), and a paint and sip afternoon in our last week. The clerk cohort frequently met up for drinks, lunches and organised a karaoke night.
WHY I CHOSE KING & WOOD MALLESONS: I chose KWM because of the culture, support and my personal experience during the recruitment process and the clerkship. The respect for flexibility, investment in building subject-matter expertise through trainings, and inclusive policies that offer law graduates exposure to clients at an early stage of their career were also key factors in my decision to choose KWM.
MY CLERKSHIP VS. MY EXPECTATIONS: The clerkship far exceeded my expectations. I was always provided with interesting work that one would not expect to do as a clerk, like drafting legal opinions and preparing legal advice. The partners and lawyers went out of their way to provide me with a thorough understanding of the transaction or matter I was working on, were always available to answer questions and provided comprehensive feedback in a helpful and constructive manner.
WHO WOULD I RECOMMEND A KWM CLERKSHIP TO: I would recommend a clerkship at KWM to anyone who is not afraid of taking on responsibilities and is interested in doing challenging legal work that crosses borders and spans industries. My rotations allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the practice areas, consider whether I am suited to life at a big law firm, and explore the kind of work I would be interested in pursuing as a future lawyer at the firm.
careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia
What particularly stood out for me was that my seniors always took the time to provide an overview of the transaction or matter and explained the significance of the task I was doing, which helped me understand how I was contributing and made me feel valued.
THE CULTURE: Teamwork and inclusivity are hallmarks of the firm’s culture. As a clerk, you are made to feel part of the team since day-one and are encouraged to ask questions. During my clerkship, I found everyone around to be friendly, down-to-earth and approachable, which made me feel very comfortable and supported.
THE SUPPORT: At the beginning of each rotation, I was provided with a brief overview of the fundamental knowledge required for my role as a clerk in the team. Although I had an allocated buddy, development coach and supervising partner in each rotation who were committed to providing me with the support that I needed, the culture at KWM is such that you can ask anyone around for help. Apart from the legal support, we had comprehensive trainings as part of our induction with support staff, and regular interactions with HR representatives, who were equally happy to help and support us throughout our clerkship.
PRO BONO AND COMMUNITY: Pro bono and community work are a priority at KWM, and clerks are actively encouraged to get involved in the opportunities available. These cover a range of legal and non-legal issues across different practice areas. During my tax rotation, I had the opportunity to advise an organisation on its charitable status. I found the experience to be very rewarding, and hope to be able to do more pro bono and community work in the future at KWM.
Where you are supported to think differently, grow and develop your career.
At McCullough Robertson, our Clerkship Program offers law students in their penultimate year a summer program from November to February each year.
McCullough Robertson is an independent Australian law firm with more than 400 staff spread across five offices. Operating for over 93 years, we have a range of legal services on offer for clients comprising major Australian and foreign owned corporations, financial institutions, governments and high net worth individuals. We offer ‘Real responsibilities. Real relationships. Sooner.’ and are looking for law students who value a growth pathway – starting with our Clerkship Program and moving towards securing a place in our Graduate Program. We are renowned for challenging our clerks and graduates early in their career to pursue both personal and professional development opportunities.
Our Clerkship Program - what’s in it for you?
Induction – our Clerkship Program offers you support through a sophisticated learning and development framework, complementing hands on work experience gained. Our blended learning approach provides access to our Success Academy as well as dedicated subject matter experts to better understand the law and our clients. Rotations – you are offered an opportunity to rotate across several practice groups, strengthening your practical understanding and broadening your experience of the law. Across these rotations you will learn from the best, working closely with our partners on complex and high profile matters. Diversity and Inclusion – through our dedicated Diversity and Inclusion Committee, we provide an inclusive working environment allowing our people to bring their whole selves to work. Embedding our four diversity pillars; Gender, Family and Flexibility, Cultural Diversity and LGBTI in everything we do. Community – our people have the opportunity to give back and facilitate positive social change through pro bono volunteer work, sponsorship, funding and donations. We have a long history of partnering with the community to provide them with our talent, our time and our resources to make a difference by creating lasting change. Future career opportunities – students completing our Clerkship Program will be considered for ongoing casual opportunities and of course our 18 month Graduate Program. Our Graduates are fully supported as they undertake PLT and throughout the admission process.
Clerkship applications open on Tuesday 8 June 2021 and close on Wednesday 14 July 2021. To apply, please visit our website: mccullough.com.au/join-mcr/
For any inquiries, please contact:
Nicole Watson
HR Consultant nwatson@mccullough.com.au
Danielle Miller
HR Coordinator dmiller@mccullough.com.au
Start your legal career with us.
What made you accept an offer with McCullough Robertson?
Personally, the firm stood out to me for a number of reasons. I found that during the interview process, everyone I spoke to was very experienced, down to earth and approachable. This was particularly important for me because I wanted to work at a firm where I could develop my skills and learn in a supportive environment – fortunately that is exactly what I have found at McCullough Robertson. I was also drawn to the firm due to the emphasis on workplace equality – as a young female with strong ambitions in law, this is particularly important to me.
I was most surprised by the amount of support I was given throughout the Clerkship Program. In all of my rotations, I found that the lawyers (and partners) were willing to set aside time to understand my interests, provide me with work based on this and also to give me general advice/tips for my personal career trajectory. In turn, this has provided me with a better understanding of the areas of law I would like to practice in, which I am very grateful for!
What are your top tips for the Summer Clerkship recruitment process and during the program?
My top tip is to gain an understanding of the firms you are applying to by networking with individuals who work there and to prioritise your time wisely (the applications and interview process can be quite time consuming). Regarding success during the clerkship, I think it is really important to be open and to be yourself. The clerkship process will expose you to incredibly smart and experienced people so get involved and make the most of it! Tara Taylor
Summer Clerk, Sydney (2020/2021)
Your future. Your choice. Choose to make an impact.
Never underestimate the power in you to make an impact
MinterEllison clerks and graduates become well-rounded, technically excellent lawyers who help to solve some of our clients’ most complex challenges. But we also empower you to be so much more.
Joining us is just the beginning
You’ll gain exposure to a wide variety of business areas, skills, teams and challenges, helping you to understand where your strengths and interests lie. You’ll be given exciting and challenging opportunities and responsibilities, because we want you to be more than just a technically excellent lawyer. We want you to create lasting impacts. Joining us for your clerkship is only the beginning. You’ll accelerate your legal and business acumen by working alongside highperforming partners, lawyers and professionals in a diverse, collaborative and innovative environment. You’ll have access to an awardwinning learning and development program, and we will provide you with career building opportunities designed to guide you on your best career path.
It’s your path
Our program ensures you have the development you need, when you need it. It’s this flexibility that provides our graduates with many opportunities to learn on the job, while being constantly supported by lawyers and partners who want you to succeed. By the end of your graduate rotations, you’ll have an extensive network within and outside of the firm. You’ll have experienced transaction, litigation and advisory work and you’ll be supported when deciding where to settle.
“The biggest impact I want to have as a lawyer is working with our clients to deliver a solution that not only meets their goals now, but also creates long-term, meaningful impacts for the future.” Emily Hill Lawyer
For information and to apply visit
graduates.minterellison.com
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