Clerkship Guide 2022 by Macquarie University Law Society

20 Clerkship 22 Guide

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO Gold Sponsors

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Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

WELCOME

INTRODUCTION TO CLERKSHIPS

THE PROCESS: THE WRITTEN APPLICATION

THE PROCESS: INTERVIEW SKILLS & NETWORKING

TESTIMONIALS: PAST CLERKSHIP EXPERIENCES

MEET THE FIRMS

CONTRIBUTORS Editor Jessica Go Designer Michael Graziano Director of Publications Maryrose Sukkar Director of Career Engagement Georgia Aslanidis President Devlin Greatbatch Murphy Contributors Georgia Weeden Kimberly La Kenya Walker Nick de Bres Samuel Mart Rebecca Day Charlotte Scholey Andreanna Anastopoulos Neha Sharma Celine Nalbandian James Brannan Kyle Denning Jordan Farahani Mark Challita Isabella Maurici Tara Taylor

DISCLAIMER

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, nor the Macquarie University Law Society, and are in no way associated with Macquarie University. Best efforts have been made to ensure that all information in this guide is correct as of 12 May 2022 but such information is subject to change without notice. The advice is merely advisory and should not be relied upon as professional advice. This publication is distributed free of charge, with the understanding that the authors, Editor and any persons related to this publication are not responsible for the results of their actions or omissions on the basis of any information provided within this publication. The user of this guide, therefore, acknowledges that he or she will take responsibility for his or her actions and will under no circumstances hold the Editor, authors or Macquarie University Law Society responsible for any damage resulting to the user or anyone else from use of this publication. MULS encourages all summer clerkship applicants to obtain confirmation of all information from the firms in question.

Macquarie University Law Society acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Macquarie University Land, the Wattamattagal clan of the Darug Nation, whose cultures and customs have nurtured, and continue to nurture, this land, since the Dreamtime. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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Editor’s Note And just like that - it’s clerkship season!

Jessica Go

Welcome to the 2022 MULS Clerkship Guide. A clerkship is a fantastic way for penultimate law students to gain insight into the world of commercial law. As a position in the clerkship program is highly sought after, the entire application process can seem daunting and overwhelming. MULS is excited to present to you this publication and provide you with advice on how to best prepare yourself on this long but rewarding journey. Whether you are planning on applying for clerkships this year or not, we hope that this guide provides you with some guidance and tips in the process of researching, networking, and applying throughout the clerkship process. Inside, you will find a comprehensive outline on the written application process, interview and networking skills, testimonials from former clerks and insight into the firms. Finally, I want to extend a warm thank you to all the contributors to this guide – especially to the former clerks for providing their insights. Now go enjoy the experience, learn from it, and go show the firms what you have to offer! I wish everyone applying for a clerkship the best of luck!

President’s Welcome On behalf of MULS, welcome to the 2022 Clerkship Guide!

Devlin Greatbatch Murphy

For those interested or passionate about working in commercial law once graduating from their law degree, clerkships are recognised as an important and pivotal first step into the legal industry. However, the process of applying and attaining the coveted clerkship, can be difficult, nerve-wracking and at times, slightly overwhelming. In an attempt to aid these feelings, MULS is excited to share the 2022 Clerkship Guide, designed to provide invaluable advice and tips on how to navigate this challenging process. This guide has everything you need to know about clerkships, from application dates to testimonials from previous clerks. I would like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors for their support of the 2022 Clerkship Guide, as well as the recent clerks who contributed to this publication by volunteering their time to write testimonials. Lastly, an enormous thank you is owed to Maryrose Sukkar and Jessica Go for all of their hard work and passion channelled into this guide. The law is diverse and multifaceted and it is important to remember that not only are clerkships not a prerequisite to a career in commercial law, but that they are not for everyone. Regardless of the direction of your legal career, we hope that this guide provides a wealth of knowledge and equips you with a range of skills to tackle any recruitment process. I want to sincerely wish those applying for clerkships in 2022 the best of luck. Whilst it may be a challenging process, I am sure it will also be a very rewarding experience.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Careers Director’s Welcome Welcome to the 2022 MULS Clerkship Guide! Clerkships are an opportunity to dive into the world of commercial law, with the opportunity to discover new areas of law and gain experience. Whilst applying for a clerkship can seem a long and daunting process, MULS offers support in many ways.

Georgia Aslanidis

The Career Engagement Team offers opportunities for an insight into commercial law firms through Firm Presentations & Coffee Catchups, all in the lead up to our annual Clerkship Fair. This is a fantastic opportunity to network and ask questions to decide which firm and whether commercial law is something you’re interested in. I would like to thank our sponsors for their support, the recent clerks who volunteered their time, and the Publications Team (Maryrose and Jess) for their incredibly hard work. With the help of this guide and the variety of Careers events offered, we wish you all the best in your clerkship journey; good luck!

Publications Director’s Welcome Welcome to the Clerkship Guide! I am very excited to welcome you to the 2022 Clerkship Guide. This guide is one of the most well-awaited MULS publications for the year and I am so privelleged to be able to assist students in their clerkship journey. The experience and ability to transform the skills learned in your university degree to real life practice is invaluable. One of the many benefits students can receive from undergoing work experience in the legal industry is the mentorship which is provided through the experience - a personal benefit that I cannot encourage enough.

Maryrose Sukkar

This clerkship will provide you with tips and tricks to assist you in navigating through the clerkship season. To my friends in the industry who have happily assisted Jess and I in the making of this guide, I cannot thank you enough. Your support is appreciated not only by myself and MULS, but by all the students across Macquarie who are able to gain insight from your experiences! I would also like to extend my thanks to the wonderful Jess who has edited this guide and to Georgia for her hard work with the careers and sponsorship assistance. This guide would not have been made possible without both your dedication and hard work. I wish all students wishing to undergo a clerkship all the best, and I look forward to hearing about your journey in the legal industry in years to come!

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

INTRODUCTION TO CLERKSHIPS An Overview: Clerkships 101 Clerkship Timeline & Process Key Dates for 2022 Clerkship Program Common Practice Areas Wellbeing

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

AN OVERVIEW: CLERKSHIPS 101 What is a clerkship? Law clerkships are typically paid employment programs at law firms, running for approximately ten weeks over the summer holidays. These positions provide an opportunity for students to experience life in a commercial firm, and to develop networks and personal skills. Clerkship programs are run by the majority of top-tier and mid-tier firms.

Why should I do a clerkship? While it is possible to gain employment in a commercial firm without having completed a clerkship, they may serve as a stepping stone into a Graduate position and future employment opportunities. Clerkships provide law students with exposure to a variety of work and learning opportunities, as clerks often complete 2-3 rotations within the firm. This is a great way to explore a range of different practice areas and gain insight into the various facets of law which are available.

Where can I do a clerkship? The majority of mid and top-tier law firms offer formal seasonal clerkship programs. Most boutique law firms will offer some kind of volunteering or internship opportunity. This is usually for PLT students, and they will look to hire at the graduate level instead.

Who can apply? Generally, students in their penultimate year are eligible to apply. Some firms allow students in other years to apply so it is worth enquiring into the firms you have an interest in. Aside from this requirement, there are no specific prerequisites or standards that must be obtained to be eligible for consideration. Nevertheless, there are characteristics firms look for in potential clerks.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

CLERKSHIP TIMELINE & PROCESS

Psychometric testing – Several law firms will also use psychometric testing as part of their clerkship application process.

First Round Interviews – if impressed by your application, a firm will invite you to attend an interview.

2 3

Offers – Based on how you performed in the above steps, you may be offered a summer clerkship position!

The Application – most firms require you to submit a cover letter, CV and an official academic transcript and they may also ask you to fill out an online questionnaire. Depending on the firm, applications can be submitted via: • cvMail; • An online application on the • firm’s website; or, • A ‘Student Application Form’ that is downloadable from the NSW Law Society website.

Second Round Interviews & Cocktail Evenings – should your first interview go well, a firm may invite you to attend a second interview and, in some circumstances, a cocktail evening.

4 5

Accepting or declining offers – Once you have received an offer, or offers, you may decide to accept or decline. Even if you decide to decline an offer, it is courteous to thank your interviewer via email and call the HR representative at the firm.

Key dates for the 2022 Clerkship Programs These clerkship dates are provided by the NSW Law Society. Some firms may differ slightly but this is a standard timeline that a vast majority follow. Monday 6 June

Applications for summer clerkships open.

Sunday 3 July and Sunday 10 July

Applications for summer clerkships close.

Wednesday 14 September Thursday 15 September

Offers for summer clerkships can be made. Offers for summer clerkships must be accepted or declined by 5.00pm.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

COMMON PRACTICE AREAS Below is a non-exhaustive list of the main practice areas commercial firms engage in. Be sure to research each firm’s practice groups and areas of specialisation.

Description

Common tasks

This group deals with corporate litigation and transactions that are purely commercial in nature.

You may encounter work dealing with • contractual arrangements between companies; • advising clients about the administration and governance of their company; • or providing advice about the legality of mergers and acquisitions.

Whilst the work may be complex and challenging, you will likely be dealing with important transactions with large companies and have a busy workflow.

Corporate Law

The group is often divided into smaller subsections such as: • Mergers and Acquisitions • Private Equity • Company Law and Governance, and • Superannuation Funds Management. Employment and Industrial Relations Law overs a number of areas, including, but not limited to: • unfair dismissal, • discrimination and equal opportunity, • occupational health and safety, • trade practices, and • contracts.

Insolvency law is an area of law governed primarily by the Corporations Act. This area deals with the winding down of companies and the various relationships between stakeholders when a company can no longer pay its debts.

Employment and Industrial Relations Law

Insolvency Law

Insolvency law covers both litigious and transactional matters, ranging in size from extremely large corporate restructures to relatively small debt recovery matters.

This practice area deals with litigious matters referred from other departments of the firm. This practice group also provides advice and assistance with mitigating conflicts and preventative strategies to avoid situations before they occur.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

In this area, the type of work you will do include: • client meetings; • legal research on client issues; • drafting letters of advice; or • corresponding with the Industrial Relations Commission and other courts and tribunals.

Work in this area of law may include: • drafting court documents and other transactional documents; • court appearances and advocacy; • company searches; • drafting advice for clients on the verge of insolvency or those that have already become insolvent; • negotiating with creditors to resolve a company’s debts; • negotiations with the appointed manager of a company’s assets once it is insolvent; and • a wide variety of other tasks. Work may include dealing with: • matters relating to drafting or considering pleadings; • particulars, evidence and subpoenas; • attending settlement discussions or alternative dispute resolution discussions; • preparing for trial and court attendances, drafting advice to clients; • attending discussions with clients and opposing legal representatives; • assisting with evidence and discovery; • meeting with witnesses and taking legal statements; or • general research to assist in preparation for trial.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Description

Common tasks

Property law covers a range of practice groups, often including matters related to construction and infrastructure, as well as the environment.

Typical property work includes: • advising on commercial; • industrial and retail property matters; • reviewing property contracts; • advising on the due diligence process during the sale and purchase of real estate and businesses; • completing complicated arraignments to do with tenures and titles; • or undertaking negotiations for variations of leases.

The Property group is a very extensive and important area of legal practice. Property lawyers deal with a range of legislation and have skills that are high in demand. Their work may range from large-scale matters to relatively minor transactional negotiations.

Property Law

Further, within a Construction team, you may be involved with: • Negotiating, drafting and advising clients on contracts for large-scale infrastructure work; or • providing advice in relation to the financing of infrastructure developments.

This area often has a high level of contact with clients as each property deal is unique and requires a thorough understanding of the desires of particular clients.

This practice provides a legal analysis of tax-based issues and the practical application of the law. For this reason, it is not necessary to have a background in accounting or finances to become a tax lawyer.

Taxation Law

In tax, you must constantly maintain and update your knowledge of the law. Tax work requires constant reference to both statute and case law as tax is the subject of a continuous stream of legislation and much litigation. Lawyers must also maintain their knowledge of other areas of commercial litigation such as property, contract, trust and company law, as there is usually a link between commercial and tax issues.

The Banking and Finance group deals mainly with the debt component of corporate transactions. Teams are generally broken down into more specialised sub-teams, such as: • finance (focusing on financing developments or exploiting assets); • debt capital markets; • consumer financial services (drafting contracts and arrangements for financial service providers and large corporations); and • securitisation, or property finance (assisting in managing the finance of commercial, residential and retail properties).

Banking and Finance

Typical responsibilities may include: • Answering and responding to client inquiries on their tax problem; • communicating and coordinating with tax officials regarding clients’ tax issues; • preparing tax returns in accordance with the taxation laws; • providing clerical support to the tax audit team; • maintaining and organising tax files, records and statements of clients; • assembling tax data required for federal and state income; • assessing and reviewing tax data and information while preparing tax returns; • preparing personal property tax returns; and • adhering to the established practices of client confidentiality.

Work in this group may include: • preparing and coordinating conditions precedent; • drafting and reviewing various types of securities; • drafting documents such as board minutes, powers of attorney, short form loan agreements, legal opinions, deeds of release and documentation in relation to financial assistance; • preparing for and coordinating signings and completions; • researching and preparing advice on various legal issues; and • corresponding with clients and team members.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Description

Common tasks

This is a specialised group within the firm that essentially deals with breaches of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). This Act is divided into two main parts – 1. sections dealing with regulating the level of competition between businesses and companies, 2. and sections regulating consumer protection (known as the Australian Consumer Law).

Energy and Natural Resources is a relatively new, fast-paced and ever-growing group within the industrial sector. Increasingly, top tier firms are expanding their energy and resources area of practice, both on a national and international scale. It is recognised as an extremely important area of law, which is underpinned by both economic and environmental concerns, and captures a wide range of transactions from oil and gas mining to renewable energy and power supply.

Competition and Consumer Protection

Energy and Natural Resources

This group revolves around IP services, including the registration, commercialisation and enforcement of IP rights. IP lawyers develop legal strategies to protect the commercial potential of brands, as well as engaging in litigious work if there is a breach of IP rights.

Intellectual Property (IP)

Competition work will likely involve: • advising companies prior to proposed mergers about whether the ACCC will accept such a change in their industry; • advising clients about how to restructure mergers to ensure a healthy level of competition remains within the market; • advising with respect to the development of facility infrastructure and access agreements; and • liaising with the ACCC on behalf of clients.

Work in this group may involve: • Advising companies on compliance with the relevant laws, safety and environmental regulations; • advising on due diligence of energy producers; • advising on takeovers of other companies; • assisting companies to secure financing and develop new projects; and • representing companies involved in litigation or arbitration.

Work in this group may involve: • drafting advice on the identification, protection and management of patents and trademarks, • drafting agreements relating to licensing, franchising and transferring rights; • advising on copyright, confidential information and unfair competition issues; • enforcing all IP rights using dispute resolution or litigious methods; and • advising on marketing agreements.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

WELLBEING Navigating the clerkship process can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when you're juggling multiple applications, university assignments, work and personal commitments. While it's completely normal to feel like this, it's important to ensure you are looking after yourself first and foremost. Here are some tips to looking after your mental wellbeing during this time:

SELF-CARE DURING THE CLERKSHIP PROCESS

Prepare early and be organised START EARLY - you won’t regret it! Start researching different firms as early as possible. Once you decide which firms interest you, write a list of their requirements and add their key dates to your calendar. This allows you to keep track of different application deadlines and interview dates for multiple firms.

Find a good support network Let your friends and family know that you are going through a busy and stressful time - that way, they know to check up on you. Whether its by phone, text or in person, talking to people about what you are doing can help your mental wellbeing. You could also find a clerkship buddy - a friend who is sharing the same experience as you, so you don’t feel alone.

Knowing what needs to be done, and when, can help you manage your time and avoid unnecessary stress from the final scramble to get everything submitted in time.

Dealing with rejection Maintain a daily routine Routines help us feel organised and productive. Routines signal change in the time of day, let us know when to eat, take a break and relax. Maintaining a routine is still possible when life is chaotic - it can help you feel more in control, when life seems rather out of control.

Rejection is inevitable. Keep in mind the high volume of applications a firm is receiving, and the number of clerk positions they have to offer. Although it may seem disheartening when you see people around you land their ‘dream’ job, remember, rejection is just redirection. Keep it in your perspective, learn from it, look at the next steps, and carry on. Turn this rejection into another opportunity - perhaps you can volunteer at a community legal centre, find part-time work or focus on your studies. Rejection does not define you as a law student, nor does it reflect your suitability for a career in commercial law. Be kind to yourself.

Make time for you During this time, don’t neglect the things you love to do! Whether it’s going for a walk, coffee catch-ups with a friend, or trying a new recipe, make sure you take a break from anything clerkship related. Reward yourself!

Get enough sleep Sleep plays a significant role in your mental and physical health, and it allows your body to rest after a stressful sleep. Aim to get between 7-9 hours of sleep at night.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

SUPPORT If you are ever struggling to cope with these pressures, or have other personal circumstances that are making life difficult, there is a free health and wellbeing service, Student Wellbeing, located at the Australian Hearing Hub, 16 University Avenue, that provides counselling services.

Beyond Blue

Headspace

1300 224 636

1800 650 890

Lifeline (24 hours)

NSW Mental Health Line

They can be contacted on 9850 7497, at wellbeing@mq.edu.au or on their website. All students can access their 24-hour information and referral service by dialling 1800 CARE MQ (1800 2273 67) and receive helpful information at no cost, anytime, any day. This number can be found on the back of your campus card. Beyond this, please see the numbers for accessible mental health services:

13 11 14

1800 011 511

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THE PROCESS: WRITTEN APPLICATION What do firms look for?

How can I stand out? How can I improve my application? There are so many firms - where to start? What resources are available? CVs 101 Cover Letters 101

Online Application: cvMAIL and psychometric testing

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

THE APPLICATION What do firms look for?

Strong academic records

Work experience

Varied extracurricular activities

Your transcript says a lot about your work ethic and the areas of law in which you have excelled. Whilst spectacular marks will not guarantee you a clerkship offer, they can enhance the credibility of your application. Some firms may only consider applicants with a credit average WAM or higher, for example.

Work experience is important as it demonstrates that you have the skills required to work effectively in a legal environment. It is important to note that all types of work experience are relevant and useful, even if they aren’t within the legal industry.

Firms are not only interested in your academic results or work experience. They also want to know what type of person you are. They are seeking well-rounded applicants with qualities related to communication, organisation, commercial awareness and commitment to a career in the law. Involvement in extracurricular activities can also be used to address any weak areas in your academic results or work experience.

Almost all firms will require a current official academic transcript, which you can request from Student Connect. Your WAM will be indicated at the bottom of your transcript. You should not leave this to the last minute; it is additional stress that can be easily avoided.

For example, a job where you exercised time management skills will be beneficial as such a skill is crucial when working in commercial law. Additionally, demonstrating that you have successfully balanced work with study indicates great time management skills.

Even abstract extracurricular activities can show that you possess relevant skills and can demonstrate commitment.

Clerkships are designed to be work experience in the legal sector. Having prior legal work experience may be helpful, but is not essential.

How can I improve my chances of getting a clerkship?

1 2 3

Study hard Whilst not the only factor considered, your marks are important.

Get involved at university Consider getting involved in a society or a MULS subcommittee, signing up as a Macquarie Peer Mentor, competing in a competition or helping out with a charitable cause.

Get legal work experience Consider interning at a smaller firm, volunteering at a Community Legal Centre or undertaking a PACE work placement unit.

Refine your CV and cover letter

Do some practice interviews

If you require assistance, contact the Macquarie University Career and Employment Service.

Doing mock interviews with a friend can significantly improve your confidence and ability to answer questions well in a real interview.

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There are so many firms out there, how do I know where to start? Research the firms that align with your interests. Information to research may include: Practice areas, firm culture and values; Organisational structure and partners; Recent transactions, business affairs and clients. This information can be found through: • Perusing the firms’ websites • Attending events such as firm presentations and other networking opportunities • Speaking with former clerks, graduates and HR representatives • Reading news sources such as the Australian Financial Review and Lawyers Weekly may also prove useful. You may also wish to research the broader legal industry and investigate trends in the legal market. *Note: this is a great way to develop your commercial acumen, a key buzzword in the clerkship application process.

Make a list of the firms you are interested in and note your reasons for selecting these firms. Questions to consider include, “What kind of culture am I a good fit in?” and “What makes me happy to be at work?” Research the application process of these firms, including the HR representative and person you will address your cover letters to.

Analyse any selection criteria available and consider whether you would be competitive or compatible for the role.

Create a short list of your skills and experiences, demonstrating how you would fit the criteria and culture of the firm.

The information you collate from this process will prove essential as they ultimately form the foundation of your applications to each firm.

Note: This process is not limited to penultimate students. For students in the early stages of their degree, undertaking this process may help you identify gaps in your experience and help plan what internships/job opportunities you would like to acquire.

What resources are available? MULS provides a number of events and resources available to students looking to applyfor clerkships. This includes: • Clerkship Firm Presentations • Clerkship Firm Skills Workshops • Clerkship Firm Coffee Catch-Ups • Clerkship Buddy Program Launch / Panel - Thursday, 5 May • Clerkship Fair & Interview Roulette - Thursday, 26 May These events will give you an opportunity to meet HR representatives, ex-clerks and current lawyers from some of Australia’s leading commercial law firms. This is a great way to practise your networking skills in an informal setting! Keep an eye out on the MULS website or Facebook page for more information. Otherwise, if you have any further questions about these events, please contact Georgia, our Director of Career Engagement, at careers@muls.org

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Listen to ‘Justified’

Justified is Macquarie University Law Society’s podcast about the legal industry, topical issues and what it’s like being a law student at Macquarie. Check out these Justified Spotify episodes: ‘All things Clerkships at Herbert Smith Freehills’ for insight from Rachel Kok, the Sydney Graduate Recruitment Advisor, and Alex Jarmyn, Solicitor at HSF about the clerkship process, legal work done at the firm as well as their focus on mental wellbeing. 'Pursuing your Legal Career: How to Take Those First Steps' for insight from two professionals working at Allens. We speak to Lauren Kay, the National Graduate Resourcing Manager, and Melissa Camp, a former Macquarie University student and current Law Graduate. Listen to Justified on the following platforms!

Spotify

Anchor

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

What happens if I don’t land a clerkship? If you don’t land a clerkship, that is okay! You still have a number of options. This may include seeking out internships, graduate positions and other alternative pathways. Regardless of the outcome of your applications, the process of researching and preparing your applications are invaluable to learning more about your passions and interests, and beginning to articulate what skills and experiences you can bring to the table.

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE Did you know that Macquarie University has its own Career and Employment Service? They help students plan and prepare for their careers by offering the following services: •

One-on-one career appointments that are tailored to your needs, including providing advice on career planning, gaining experience and evaluating options;

•

Monthly skill development workshops on topics including networking, interview techniques and how to use LinkedIn effectively;

•

Employer presentations and career events, including a bi-annual Careers Fair;

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An online job portal, offering a range of paid and volunteer jobs, online resources and employer profiles; and

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Weekly ‘resume rescue’ group sessions, where you can get specific feedback on your resume and share ideas with others.

All of these services are available via the CareerHub website (available at www.careerhub.mq.edu.au). You can visit the Career and Employment Service located on Level 1 18WW MAZE, send them an email at careers@mq.edu.au or call them on (02) 9850 7372.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

CV 101 General Tips 1. Be honest – don’t include anything that you could not discuss in detail during an interview. 2. Use professional language – avoid slang and colloquial language. 3. Keep it up to date – in general, leave out any content older than 4-5 years. 4. Be as brief as possible – this is about highlighting your skills and experience, so keep your sentences short, use bullet points, and do not exceed 3 pages. Go through every sentence and ask whether the employer needs to know it. 5. Tailor the information – relate your experience and achievements to the criteria in the job description – this shows HR that you’ve taken the time to consider and research the firm as a serious choice. 6. Be consistent in your formatting – we recommend Times New Roman or Arial in size 12 point. 7.

Avoid clutter – while narrowing margins may help to fit more content, ensure that your page still appears uncluttered.

8. Thoroughly proofread your CV – pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ask a friend or the Careers Service to look over it for you. 9. Ensure it is short, sharp and specific – keep in mind that recruiters only spend an average of 6 seconds looking at your CV. 10. Convert it to a PDF, unless directed otherwise.

Structure Whilst the exact structure of your CV is a personal choice, it should definitely include the following information Personal Details Name, address, phone numbers, and email address. You may also wish to include your LinkedIn profile address. Education (including any relevant achievements) • Tertiary • High School Work and Professional Experience Company and Job Title • Responsibilities • Key Achievements Extracurricular Activities University society, Sport or Other • Position Title • Achievements • Participation Community Involvement Organisation • A brief explanation of the organisation if it isn’t well-known • Positions held Hobbies or Other Qualifications • Hobbies • Other Qualifications, such as a First Aid Certificate or Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate

References Provide the details of two or three professional references whom you have worked with, preferably your past employer or supervisor. Provide their name, job title, company, and a contact phone number.

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Sample CV

FULL NAME

LAW & COMMERCE STUDENT (PENULTIMATE) Sydney, NSW | PHONE NUMBER | EMAIL

EDUCATION 2018 to present

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Bachelor of Laws Macquarie University Sydney, Australia Grades WAM: [Redacted]| GPA: [Redacted] High Distinction subjects: [Subject 1], [Subject 2], [Subject 3], [Subject 4] Law competitions Maddocks Negotiations Competition (Semi-Finalist), William Roberts Senior Client Interview

2017

NSW Higher School Certificate ATAR

[Redacted]

Awards

[Redacted] High Achievers Award, [Redacted] Achievement Award for Modern Greek Beginners

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE [Redacted] (International Financial Services Firm)

Paralegal (November 2019 to present)

[Redacted] Responsibilities Work 3 days a week during semester and 5 days per week during semester breaks • Draft contracts and legal documents, • Review complex tender material, marketing collateral to advise on risk or misleading and deceptive conduct • Due diligence in supplier payment management, • Extensive stakeholder management liaising with external and internal customers and supporting a wide range of functions across the business, including the Marketing, Novated and IT departments •

Achievements Management of the electronic signature system, [Redacted], for the entire business of over 300 personnel in Australia and New Zealand • Worked with the senior lawyers to develop the organisation’s whistle-blower protections policy and related training • Assisted in the development of the organisation’s first ever Modern Slavery Statement •

[Redacted] (Logistics Service Provider) [Redacted]

Accounts Assistant (November 2017 to November 2019)

Responsibilities Processed, balanced payments and entered supplier invoices in MYOB, filing and data entry • Contacting suppliers to manage overdue payments, verify banking details and confirm amounts on invoices • Scheduling payments of suppliers and ensuring payments are received for outstanding credits • Frequent stakeholder liaison with clients and service providers, in person and via phone and email •

Achievements Worked with the accounts team in selecting and implementing a new accounting software, ‘[Redacted]’

•

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Private Tutor Worked privately as a tutor in English and Mathematics for children aged 10-16

Tutor (March 2016 to June 2020)

•

Worked 3 days weekly in person and online, creating resources suited to student capabilities and current syllabus outcomes

•

Educated students on tips for effective studying and note taking, monitored set homework for each lesson and ensured completion

•

Liaised with parents regarding child progression

Achievements •

Helped two of my year 8 English students achieve marks in the top 10% of their cohort

[Redacted] (Retail Store) Sales Assistant (August 2016 to May 2017) (3 days per week) [Redacted] Worked simultaneously whilst completing years 11 and 12 • Implemented and coordinated visual merchandising campaigns aligned with company standards • Assisted customers with their selections and managed any complaints • Collaborated with Regional Manager • • POS reconciliation responsibilities Achievements Exceeded KPI’s and sales targets •

EXTRA CURRICULAR [Redacted] (Macquarie University Student Society) [Redacted] [Redacted] (January 2021 to present) (5 hours per week) Responsibilities •

Cultivation, liaison and management of relationships with major corporate sponsors such as [Redacted] and [Redacted]

•

Collaborating with Marketing and Publications departments to promote sponsorship material through various channels to society members

•

Drafting of sponsor agreements and record keeping and tracking of current sponsors

•

Proactively seek out new sponsorship opportunities by sending outreach emails and attending networking events

•

Securing sponsorship representatives for events

Achievements •

Contributed to the growth of the society increasing corporate sponsors by 80% since taking office

[Redacted] (July 2020 to January 2021) (5 hours per week) Responsibilities •

Managed the planning and execution of society events in collaboration with sponsors and other societies

•

Collaborated with Marketing, Publications and Sponsorship departments to create appropriate forms of event promotion and content

Achievements •

Organised and co-ordinated the society’s flagship event for the first time ever virtually; the [Redacted] for 2020. Secured five senior professional speakers from a range of companies including the [Redacted] and [Redacted], resulting in over 80 event attendees

INTERESTS In my spare time, I enjoy Greek Dancing as a 3-year member of the [Redacted] who performs at various events throughout New South Wales. I also have a Cavoodle, [Redacted], and enjoy exploring new parks and walking trails with her on the weekend.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

COVER LETTERS 101

General Tips 1. 2.

Use a business letter format and convert the final product into a PDF, unless directed otherwise. Include a heading stating the position you are applying for.

3. Aim for two to four brief paragraphs, between half and three-quarters of a page. 4. Find out who will be receiving your letter and double-check their name – ensure that you address the letter to a person, not a generic ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. If you don’t have their name, try phoning the firm’s reception and enquiring. 5. Be enthusiastic and positive – make your letter read this way. 6. Use your cover letter to supplement your CV; don’t simply reproduce it! 7.

Use the wording of the employer’s advertised criteria to link your specific skills and experience to the role. Address every aspect of the selection criteria.

8. Tailor your application for each unique firm. If you can replace the firm’s name and the CV still makes sense, tailor it more. 9. Demonstrate commercial awareness, such as knowledge of firm clients, employees, and recent transactions (but only if they are relevant). 10. Proofread! Your cover letter not only shows your written communication skills, but also your attention to detail. It is important to make a good first impression by avoiding careless mistakes such as addressing the letter to the wrong firm.

Suggested Structure and Contents Paragraph 1 – Introduction In this paragraph, you should state why you are writing to the company and provide a general overview of the content of your letter and application. Paragraph 2 – Why me? Highlight outstanding achievements, skills and experiences that you have and indicate why these make you attractive to the firm. Paragraph 3 – Why the firm? This is the most difficult paragraph; requiring both commercial awareness and an understanding of the firm. You should indicate why you want to work for the particular firm and what motivated you to submit your application. For instance, you may cite recent matters that the firm has been involved in, or mention firm representatives that you have spoken with who have inspired you to apply. Paragraph 4 – Conclusion This final paragraph should thank the firm for considering your application and indicate your eagerness to work for that firm.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Sample Cover Letter

Mr Recruiter Summer Clerk Recruiter Address Sydney NSW 2000 Dear Mr Recruiter RE: Application for the Law Firm 2020/21 Clerkship I write to apply for the 2020/2021 Law Firm clerkship program in its Sydney office. I am in my penultimate year of a combined Bachelor of Law and [other] at Macquarie University, with anticipated First Class honours. Throughout my studies I have achieved strong academic results while maintaining paralegal roles and significant extracurricular activities, demonstrating my well-rounded nature and commitment to success. I am particularly drawn to Law Firm because of its rapid growth in Sydney since merging with Law Firm, together with its strong global network and prominent client base. The opportunity to advise significant contributors to the future commercial landscape of Australia greatly attracts me as I am intellectually curious and thrive best when I am continually challenging myself in a high paced environment. Obtaining a clerkship at the firm would also allow me to start my career in an environment which is truly committed to supporting and developing its staff. I am confident that I would receive ongoing support and development through the firm’s non-silo approach to work, PD and cornerstone training sessions, and its culture of mentoring, The strength of Law Firm’s highly ranked Practice Group is particularly attractive to me. The changing landscape and current significance of this area makes it especially interesting, and the Law Firm team’s instrumental participation in [recent matter] highlights its excellence in this field. The combined transactional and litigious nature of the practice is very appealing to me, as I have developed a passion for litigation through my experience at Law Firm. In this role, I held a high level of responsibility over a number of complex commercial disputes that allowed me to develop strong commercial insight and problem solving skills. I also took the initiative to gain further experience in this area by accepting a position as assistant to barrister [name], which provided me with a unique opportunity to enhance my research and communication skills. Finally, I believe I am a good cultural fit for the firm as I enjoy collaborating in diverse teams and appreciate the countless opportunities offered to engage in volunteer and social pursuits. At Macquarie University, I have been involved in the Maddocks Negotiations Competition, Business Society, Law Society and Global Leadership Program, all of which required effective teamwork and organisation. I also enjoy being involved in my community [volunteering and fundraising initiatives], and would welcome the opportunity to continue this engagement through Law Firm’s pro bono practice. With my diverse skills and down-to-earth personality, I am confident that I would thrive in a clerkship role at the firm. I have enclosed my CV and would welcome an opportunity to discuss my application further. Thank you for your time and consideration. Yours sincerely Name

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

ONLINE APPLICATIONS Firms may require you to submit your applications using cvMail or a similar application portal through their website.

Finish your research on the firm and the position beforehand. Some portals, such as cvMail, have time limits of 90 minutes before it automatically logs you off.

Provide experience from all relevant aspects of your life. As well as any legal experience, consider including your part-time job, work experience, volunteer work, and sporting activities. Try to showcase unique experiences you have had.

Read all of the portal FAQs and instructions before starting your application.

Avoiding referring to the same example more than once.

Prepare responses to questions that may be asked on the online portal, such as:

Don’t rush your application; pay attention to detail. Firms may disregard your application on the basis of small careless mistakes.

Be honest – all the information you provide will be subject to academic transcript checks and reference confirmation.

i. Interest ii. Job preferences iii. Reason(s) why you chose your course of study.

Ask someone else to read over your answers. If possible, ask someone who works in the legal industry to proofread it for you.

Talk about any other relevant skills you may possess (foreign language, computer work-related skills, etc.).

Keep a copy of any answers you submit as they may be referred to in interviews.

Provide additional information – elaborate on factual material already presented and how it is related to the position.

Discuss your university activities and achievements.

Discuss any further interests, activities, or achievements.

Indicate your career objectives, which may include:

Ensure that you submit a copy of your official academic transcript. Official academic transcripts are purchased through Student Connect. Do not leave getting your transcript until the last minute – you may find that some details on the transcript need correcting or you may need to pay any overdue fees before being issued with your transcript.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

CVMAIL cvMail is a portal that provides information about law firms and the legal industry, and enables law students to apply for jobs and schedule interviews online.

PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING

For first time log-in, follow these steps:

Psychometric testing is becoming increasingly popular as the skills required in law firm positions become more specialised. They are used to test an applicant’s aptitude, personality and motivations.

1. Go to http://www.cvmail.com.au and register as a first time user.

Types of Psychometric Tests

Getting Started

2. Create your personal profile by clicking the ‘Personal Profile’ button on the left-hand side of the screen and filling in your personal details. 3. Complete your academic profile by clicking on the ‘Academic Profile’ button, also on the lefthand side. You will need to enter information about your education background (university degrees and their starting and finishing dates) and your academic results according to the instructions provided. 4. You can now apply to the firms via the Application Manager. To do so, click on the ‘Apply Here’ button next to the firm you wish to apply for. 5. For each firm, choose the state, territory, or country you wish to apply to, and select the type of application you wish to submit (vacation or graduate) from the tabs.

5 Key Tips to Help you Manage Plain Text Formatting 1. Left align as much text as possible and adhere to a single column layout, 2. Underline major headings using the equal (=) character, 3. Underline minor headings using the hyphen (-) character, 4. Start bullet points using the hyphen character, and 5. Use white space to give the text a spacious feel (i.e. two lines before each heading, etc.). Submitting a cover letter? Cut and paste your customised cover letter into the appropriate field in the online application form. Ensure that your cover letter is in plain text formatting.

Aptitude Tests •

These types usually consist of multiple-choice questions that should be answered quickly while accurately.

•

This category can be further broken down into numerical, verbal/comprehension and logical/spatial reasoning tests.

Personality/Motivation Test •

These questions are designed to understand your personality and motivations by assessing your emotional intelligence. The result will help indicate whether you will be a good fit for the firm and its culture.

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Questions are typically untimed and do not have ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers.

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You will typically be given hypothetical situations and asked to choose your personal preference out of the options.

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Answer each question truthfully and consistently in accordance with your personal values as recruiters will be looking for integrity.

General Tips 1. Practice: Familiarise yourself with the format and content. Search for practice tests online and attempt those to get a feel for what you’ll be tested on. 2. Plan your time carefully - generally, tests are timed and realistically unfinishable so you are not required to answer every question to achieve a high score.Because questions are weighted equally, go through the questions with a plan of where you want to be at different points of time. If the test allows you to skip questions, attempt all the easy questions along the way and go back to the harder ones at the end. 3. Be mentally prepared on the day of the test to answer questions quickly and accurately.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

THE PROCESS: INTERVIEWS & NETWORKING Interview Skills Types of Questions Cocktail Evening - Do’s and Don’ts Online Etiquette

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

INTERVIEW SKILLS The following information is kindly provided by the Macquarie University Career and Employment Service. For more information, they can be reached by phone (+61 (2) 9895 7372), email (careers@mq.edu.au) or by visiting the team at Level 1, 18 Wally’s Walk (MAZE), Macquarie University North Ryde, NSW 2109 (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm). It is important to understand that interviews are more than a question and answer meeting; they are a marketing opportunity and you are the product. Your aim is to convince the interviewers of two things: that you have the skills and experience that they are seeking and that you are the person for the job.

Before the Interview Doing good preparation before the interview will reduce nerves and increase your confidence on the day, helping you to answer questions well and be yourself. Understand yourself • •

Be familiar with the content of your resume and your relevant experiences. What skills do you have? Take into account skills from all aspects of your life - work, internships, education, extra-curricular activities, community involvement and volunteer work.

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What interests you? What are you passionate about? What issues are important to you?

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How would you describe your ideal job?

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What are your goals, both short and long term?

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What real-life experiences can you bring up in response to behavioural type questions?

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Do practice interviews. Attend mock interviews with the Careers Service or organise your own with friends or family. Use the interview questions listed in the following section to test yourself.

Understand the employer •

Research the organisation through their website, their publications, media articles, professional associations and networking.

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Demonstrate knowledge and interest in the firm.

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Learn about the position’s job responsibilities.

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Know the interviewer. Research their LinkedIn, position in the firm, practice area and how long they’ve been there.

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Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer about their organisation’s environment or their role.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Answering the Questions Listen carefully to the questions before answering to make sure you fully understand what is being asked.

During the Interview

Keep your answer brief, sell yourself quickly, and keep your information relevant to the job. Don’t repeat yourself.

1. First impressions count. Try to connect with your interviewer at the beginning.

Use real-life examples in your responses. Get to the point quickly and smile along the way.

2. Greet the interview with a warm and confident handshake. Introduce yourself in 30-40 seconds.

Emphasise positive things about yourself and give examples to demonstrate your good qualities and strengths, Examples:

3. Try to make the session smooth and comfortable for you and the interviewer.

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‘I am a team player. I worked on XXXX project and performed as XXXX role in the team’.

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‘I am on the committee of my University student club and I was responsible for XXXX’.

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‘My experience of working with a team of XXXX professionals made me a quick learner. For example XXXX’.

4. Be relaxed yet polite and professional. 5. Demonstrate good body language - maintain good eye contact, use open hand gestures and smile. 6. Smile, take a deep breath and relax. It helps you to be comfortable so you can focus on the interview and be yourself. 7. Be aware of your gestures, as well as posture and hand movements. Avoid folding your arms, fidgeting, slumping in your chair, looking at your hands or out the window. 8. Refrain from using slang, colloquial expressions or improper grammar. 9. Demonstrate active listening skills. Answer questions fully and avoid giving one-word answers. 10. Get a feel of the sort of people who work at the firm and how the firm operates to consider whether you’d be a good fit there.

Promote yourself in an honest and confident manner. Ask interesting and work-related questions.

After the Interview Following up Take notes right after your interview is finished to record what was discussed in the interview and allow you to review it later. Within 24-48 hours send a thank-you letter to the interviewer(s) expressing: •

Your appreciation for the interview and the opportunity to learn more about the company.

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Reaffirm your interest and enthusiasm about the position and qualifications.

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Email is appropriate if there is a quick turnaround time to fill the position.

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A well-written thank-you is always preferred.

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Review your interview performance and think of any areas for improvement.

If you receive an offer, inform and thank everyone who helped you in the process. If you do not receive an offer, follow up with the interviewer(s) to discuss what you could do to improve your next interview performance and send an email thanking them for taking the time to consider your application.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

TYPE OF QUESTIONS TECHNICAL FAMILIARITY Assessment of knowledge and issue interpretation.

“

STARTUP QUESTIONS Rapport building questions are asked to get a better understanding of you.

What are the technical skills you learned from your past jobs that relate to this role?

Tell me about yourself? • Summarise your educational and professional background and mention your strengths and abilities • Link these to why you’re a good fit for the role

RESUME RELATED QUESTIONS These questions are designed for you to link your previous experiences with the position you are applying for.

Are you good at handling several tasks and responsibilities simultaneously?

Your resume indicated that you have experience in X. Could you tell us more about that area?

Tell me about a problem you faced whilst working in a team. How did you resolve the problem?

You have stated in your resume that you have completed X extracurricular activity. How will that help you in this role?

Describe a situation where you successfully convinced others of your ideas.

“

Why do you want to work at our company? What do you know about our company? Why does this industry/job/company interest you?

How will your university education benefit your future career?

MOTIVATION AND CAREER ORIENTATION Demonstrate that your career goals line up with those of the firm.

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Career goals vs. the job you are applying for Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Why did you leave your last position? What career goals have you set yourself?

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Tell me about the degree you have studied and why did you decide to study X?

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Tell us what experience and training you have that qualifies you for this position?

COMPANY AWARENESS Assessing your knowledge of and interest in the organisation.

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ACADEMIC RELEVANCE Show how your university studies relate to your application and how it has helped develop your understanding of the law.

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How good are you at solving conflicts? Can you give an example?

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SKILLS ASSESSMENT Show that you have technical and employable skills, using specific instances where you have demonstrated them.

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Describe yourself in one word.

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Why have you applied for this role?

Why do you believe you are qualified for this position?

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What legal issues will you need to be mindful of in this role?

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Behavioural Interview These questions enquire about your past behaviour to make predictions on how you will behave in the future. “Tell me about a time when...” Each question requires a detailed and specific answer from your past. They may focus on issues such as problem-solving, initiative and teamwork. Your responses need to include the specific situation, what was required of you, your actions, and what you learnt. Preparation is crucial for these types of questions. Question examples • Tell me about your greatest achievement. • Describe a time when you were able to successfully work with someone you found difficult. • Describe a time there was too much to do in too little time. How did you manage to complete all the tasks? • Give me an example of a time where you had to cope with interpersonal conflict when working in a team. How did you deal with it and what was the result? PREP-STAR MODEL POINT

Answer the question

REASON Justify your answer and link it to the role. EVIDENCE

Provide a relevant example using STAR

SITUATION: Describe the specific experience or its context TASK: Activities you needed to accomplish ACTION: Actions you took to carry out the task. Incorporate the difficulties or problems you solved RESULT: Outcome - was the course of action effective and was the task completed? POINT Re-emphasise your key skills and abilities gained and relate it back to the role.

Tough Questions What is your understanding of the position you have applied for? Prepare for this question by reading the job description (or the job descriptions of similar roles), talking to the contact person, HR Dept. or recruitment consultant. Ask questions at the interview. What will you bring to this organisation? The critical thing in answering questions about strengths is to demonstrate where you have developed and used these skills and how they can be applied to the firm. How do you keep informed about new developments in the industry/field? As a new graduate, this should be a relatively easy answer. Professional membership, reading newspapers/ journals and if you really want to appear well informed, talk about a recent industry development or issue. What are your weaknesses? Talk about weaknesses that are unconnected with the position, or a gap in knowledge/skills that you are in the process of learning. You need to demonstrate that you have a strategy to overcome any weaknesses. Answer without discomfort to show self-confidence.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Ask the Interviewer the Right Questions An interview is a two-way selection meeting – it is just as important that you are able to make an informed decision about the company and the position as it is for the company about you. Asking good questions helps you to do so and also shows that you care about the position and have put deep thought into it. Ask questions you genuinely want to know the answers to, not just to impress the interviewer. Good questions may include: 1. Can you tell me about your background and how and why you joined this organisation? 2. How will you assess that I’m doing a good job? What will I have achieved in 6 or 12 months? 3. What is the next step in the selection process from here and when should I expect to hear from you next? 4. What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job? 5. Can you provide me with more details on what my responsibilities might involve? 6. What does a typical working day in the position look like?

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

VIDEO INTERVIEW SKILLS The following information is kindly provided by the Macquarie University Career and Employment Service. For more information, they can be reached by phone (+61 (2) 9895 7372), email (careers@mq.edu.au) or by visiting the team at Level 1, 18 Wally’s Walk (MUSE Building), Macquarie University North Ryde, NSW 2109 (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm). Video interviews are increasingly being used by employers in graduate recruitment. Here’s how you can perform your best in this round of the selection process.

Format of the interview The format may vary depending on the firm and can consist of 1. A set of pre-recorded questions and applicants are given 1-2 chances and a set time limit to record their answers. 2. A set of pre-recorded questions but unlimited opportunities for applicants to record their answers. 3. A ‘selfie interview’ requiring applicants to record a 2-4 minute introduction of themselves.

Prior to the day of the interview Choose a quiet location for the interview, preferably sitting at a table on a comfortable chair at the right height. You may: •

Prepare for your interview as you would for a face-toface interview; research the firm, research yourself, prepare answers to common questions, behavioural questions and questions to ask; and do a practice interview.

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Read through your resume.

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Plan what you are going to wear.

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Practise recording yourself answering questions.

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Read and reread all the instructions provided prior to the interview.

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Make sure you are clear on what is expected. If not, seek clarification via phone or email if possible.

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Run the practice session if offered and check that your microphone and audio are working and clear.

The night before the interview •

Get a good night’s sleep.

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Charge your computer, prepare cables, a webcam and any other equipment you may need.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

On the day of the interview

During the interview

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Make sure your computer is fully charged or plugged in.

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Imagine the interviewer is actually sitting on the other side of the table and meeting you for the first time.

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Consider leaving a sign on the front door advising callers not to ring the bell or knock, and to return later.

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Take the landline phone off the hook.

Follow directions carefully. Typically you will be given a minute or so to prepare each answer, then a couple of minutes to deliver your response.

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Make sure pets are secured in another room where barking and other noises will not be heard.

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Answer questions the same way you would in a face-to-face interview, ensuring your answers are relevant and succinct.

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Dress appropriately in professional attire - top as well as bottom and shoes.

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Speak genuinely, clearly and confidently.

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Ensure the background behind you is neat and neutral with no distractions or inappropriate material displayed, such as an unmade bed.

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Look into the camera, not down at the desk or table.

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Display good body language - maintain eye contact, use open hand gestures and smile. Avoid touching your face or hair, and fidgeting.

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Avoid making unnecessary noise such as shuffling papers, tapping a pen or moving unnecessarily in your chair.

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You can read from notes you’ve prepared on your laptop but ensure it is in dot points so it is not so obvious that you are reading it out word for word.

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• •

Close or lock the door of the room and advise other house members that you cannot be disturbed for the period of the interview. Close the window if you are likely to be disturbed by outside noises such as traffic and bird calls. Check that your face is well lit and avoid backlighting which can leave you in the shadows.

Immediately prior to the interview •

Visit the bathroom before you start.

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Have a glass of water handy, also tissues and cough lozenges if necessary.

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Have a copy of your resume and pen and paper in front of you.

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Have your mobile phone on silent.

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Exercise your voice a little.

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Do some stretches to help you feel relaxed.

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Take some deep breaths.

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Smile and think positively - you are going to enjoy this experience!

Applicants undergoing video interviews report that the most difficult aspect of the interview is receiving no feedback or visual cues from the ‘interviewer’ after they have given their answers. To combat this, you can try to visualise the person who will be watching your video and their reaction to your answers. It is a good idea, immediately after the interview, to write down all the questions and the answers you gave before they fade from memory. This may be useful if there is a further round of interviewing ahead.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

COCKTAIL EVENINGS AND NETWORKING Most law firms hold a cocktail night as part of their interview process to observe their prospective clerks in a more social environment. Recruiters will be evaluating applicants’ soft skills such as interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. The ability to network is very important in a commercial law practice because relationships with colleagues and clients are a major aspect. Cocktail evenings are also an excellent opportunity for applicants to learn more about the firm and potential career opportunities. You may also get advice for attaining long term goals.

Networking at Cocktail Nights RSVP etiquette If you have two cocktail evenings in one night, it is always courteous to email the HR representative for the second cocktail evening you will attend to let them know that you will be late.

Working the room Only conduct a conversation as long as the conversation remains fresh, and do not limit yourself to friends. It is better to leave before the conversation becomes stale.

Politely entering a conversation

Remember why you are there Most of these events will have an excellent selection of food and alcohol. Be mindful of your manners and don’t over-indulge.

1. For one-on-one conversation, begin by introducing yourself, making eye contact, and firmly shaking hands.

Always politely exit a group or conversation Wait for a dip in conversation and excuse yourself.

2. In group conversations, the best way to break the ice is to chime in or ask if you may join the conversation. 3. If canapés and drinks are circulating, this can be an excellent icebreaker.

1. For one on one conversation, try ‘It was lovely meeting you, Person X. I think I will grab another drink. I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening!’ (If the person is by themselves it is always polite to integrate someone else in the conversation before you leave so you don’t alienate the person).

Hold your drink in your left hand No one likes to shake a clammy and cold hand.

2. In group conversations: ‘Well, it was fantastic meeting you all; I must use the bathroom. I hope to see you all soon!’

Have some conversation starters prepared It is always best to talk about something current, whether it is the news, sport, or an occurrence at the firm. The best source for this is the firm’s Facebook page.

Exiting the cocktail evening As you leave, it is always a good idea to thank the HR representative for the evening.

Make a unique impression (in a good way)Leave the person you are speaking to with something that makes you memorable.

Practice! Networking skills can always be improved by attending networking events such as those run by MULS and other student groups.

1. Develop a personal brand – have something that makes you stand out. 2. Hone your ‘elevator pitch’ – a 30 second to 2-minute spiel about who you are. 3. Use open body language and smile – be friendly and approachable. 4. Be humorous and engaging within the bounds of good taste and professionalism.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

FURTHER INFORMATION

Offer Etiquette Most firms will make their offers on the same day to ensure that each applicant has a fair chance to decide which firm they would like to work for. If you are lucky enough to be made multiple offers, the best way to make your decision is to: • Seek the counsel of HR representatives, friends, or partners at the firms. • Consider if the firm’s strengths and practice areas match your interests. • Identify any additional benefits of working at a firm, such as any graduate positions or paralegal work offered after the clerkship. It is always courteous to thank the interviewing partner/solicitor via email and call the HR representative at each offering firm, irrespective of whether or not you accept a position at their firm. TIP: If you decline an offer, the HR representative will probably ask why you decided to decline the offer. It is always wise to have a well thought out answer; you don’t want to burn bridges anywhere!

Rejection Etiquette If you are unsuccessful in gaining a clerkship position at a firm, use it as an opportunity to improve on your next application. Consider what you could have done differently to have achieved a different result. Email HR or your particular interviewer, thanking them for their time and asking if they have any feedback on your application. You are more likely to receive a response if you progress past the written application stage but there’s no harm in reaching out to ask.

Buddy Programs Some firms offer a ‘buddy program’ to applicants in order to assist and guide them through the process. For the firms that do offer this program, applicants will usually be paired up with a recent graduate or junior lawyer from the firm before the first interview, or between the first and second round interviews. You will usually have the opportunity to meet up with your buddy before and/or after an interview over coffee. It is a good idea to come to these meetings with some questions that you wouldn’t feel comfortable asking in an interview. It is also common for applicants to email back and forth with their buddies with questions and comments. Unless the buddy offers otherwise, it’s generally best to keep the conversations over the phone and email, and not social media. Where you end up with buddies from a few different firms, it is still important to meet up with, or at least contact, all of them, as they will each have unique advice and insights into their own firms.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

TESTIMONIALS: PAST CLERKSHIP EXPERIENCES Georgia Weeden - King & Wood Mallesons Kimberly La - Ashurst Kenya Walker - Maddocks Nick de Bres - Clayton Utz Samuel Mart - Baker McKenzie Rebecca Day - Ashurst

Charlotte Scholey - Johnson Winter & Slattery Andreanna Anastopoulos - MinterEllison Neha Sharma - Gilbert + Tobin

Celine Nalbandian - Herbert Smith Freehills

James Brannan - Corrs Chambers Westgarth Tara Taylor - McCullough Robertson Kyle Denning - Clyde & Co Jordan Farahani - DLA Piper Mark Challita - Norton Rose Fulbright Isabella Maurici - Thomson Geer

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

GEORGIA WEEDEN SEASONAL CLERK INTAKE: 2021/2022 Area/s of rotation: Banking & Finance – Securitisation; Dispute Resolution – Intellectual Property University: Macquarie University Degree: Bachelor of Arts (Public Policy, Law, and Governance)/Bachelor of Laws

What kind of work did you complete during your clerkship?

How would you describe the social aspect of the clerkship?

I had a fantastic array of matters and work throughout my clerkship experience. In both rotations, I prepared several specialised transaction agreements, drafted client advice, and participated in an array of practice group specific projects, whilst also working on a number of pro bono matters. Further, clerks were given ample opportunity to develop their professional capabilities through the Clerkship Legal Tech Project and training.

Make sure to get your social stamina up in the lead-up to your clerkship, there is lots on the social front at KWM! In amongst your team and work commitments, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know your brilliant clerk cohort and people at the firm in formal and informal settings. Whether through social sport, clerk-organised activities, or firm events, there is no doubt you’ll make life-long friendships and support systems at work.

What was the application and interview process like?

What kind of support did you receive as a clerk?

One guarantee you can count on is that the KWM process is a ‘two-way street.’ Whilst there is an emphasis on giving applicants the opportunity to be your authentic-self and speak to your unique personal experiences (TIP: there is no ‘ideal’ clerk), make sure to utilise the Q&A sessions, unique interview format, and P&D contacts available to find out how KWM can help you in reaching your professional goals.

The support that a clerk receives is quite extensive. Each clerk is partnered up with their own Development Coach and Buddy who are there to ensure that you have an enjoyable time during the clerkship and answer any questions you may have. The People & Development team would also conduct routine checkins to address any concerns we may have.

What was the highlight of yourclerkship?

Why did you choose KWM?

Whilst I had countless highlights throughout my clerkship experience, the most prominent was when I realised KWM was the firm for me. Whether it was the legal work, community impact projects, or the people I met along the way, I was immensely impressed with how the firm culture assists clerks in reaching their professional potential throughout their career.

The decision to come to KWM was easy. I knew I wanted to practice commercial law, but the firm’s unmatched legal capabilities and emphasis on full-service collaborative solutions provides Summer Clerks ample opportunity to get involved in your areas of interest in a commercial context, whether that’s with your rotating practice group or other teams and offices across the firm’s network.

Can you think of a time when you contributed to creating a positive impact during your clerkship? Like all summer clerks, I made a concerted effort to get involved in as many Pro Bono / Community Impact matters and projects as possible. Whilst I was involved in pro bono matters led by my rotation practice groups, I also worked closely with the pro bono team in preparing advice for clients and a comprehensive review of climate change action across the legal sector. By doing so, I got firsthand experience on the immense impact the firm has in facilitating positive change within our community.

Do you have any advice for prospective clerks? If there is a matter, project, or task you want to be involved in – make sure to ask the question. Everyone at KWM is definitely invested in getting clerks involved in dealings which speak to their interests and professional development goals, so ensure that you do reach out to people and communicate with those you work with if there is something you want to be involved in!

careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

My Clerkship Experience Kimberly La, Summer Clerk Studied: Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) / Bachelor of Laws, Macquarie University Rotations: Transport and Infrastructure, Competitions Why Ashurst

I chose Ashurst because it is a reputable firm that is known for its global reach and high profile clients. I was particularly drawn to Ashurst because of its government clients, focus on diversity & inclusion and strong pro bono practice. In addition, my initial interaction with Ashurst via the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Awards was positive and created a perception that Ashurst appreciates leadership and all-rounders.

Your work as a clerk

As a clerk, I was able to assist in a range of tasks, from legal research, reviewing contracts and even walking around the city to physically deliver bank cheques. Although I found myself busy at times and juggling various tasks, everyone was very understanding and the work never became overbearing. In addition, the work provided to you by your supervising lawyers often come with very clear instructions and if you have any questions, they are always happy to answer them. My transport & infrastructure rotation involved more contracts and large document reviews compared to my experience in the Competitions team which involved more legal research. Aside from the work provided to you by your team, there are various clerk projects as well as voluntary pro bono projects to get involved in.

Social aspects of the clerkship

Meeting everyone during this clerkship was one of my favourite parts; I didn’t know anyone prior to entering and have left with 27 new friends. Everyone in this cohort was so friendly and we all got along immediately. Induction was definitely helpful to familiarise myself with the cohort and we even got to meet the Canberra clerks! Once we split into our various teams, we always made an effort to have lunch together, after work drinks and dinner after clerk sports. Aside from the clerk cohort, all my colleagues were very friendly as well and I think most clerks became good friends with the grads in their teams because they acted as our buddies.The culture at Ashurst has been a huge selling point for me and I had a fantastic time.

Career development at Ashurst

During the clerkship, there are various clerk workshops organised to provide you an insight into the various teams and there are additional ways you can get involved such as through pro bono projects. There are so many opportunities for growth at Ashurst including secondments and even just having a large network of lawyers you can speak to across various teams for advice.

Begin now at careers.ashurst.com

Ashurst in the community

The clients and work that Ashurst does affect the community in many ways. In the competitions team, I was able to help a range of companies to ensure that they were compliant with consumer law requirements. Outside of those work-specific projects, I was able to be involved with two pro-bono projects too! Coincidentally, during my clerkship, both happened to be focused on helping Indigenous communities, which was exciting because I studied Aboriginal Studies as an accelerated HSC topic; therefore, it was comforting to see Ashurst partner with community legal centres and Indigenous-led organisations.

Application tips

I’ve always been a very social justice and social impact oriented person, however, decided to apply for a clerkship at Ashurst when I realised that various government departments are actually our clients. Only after researching different firms, was I then able to get a sense of how commercial law is much more than just helping banks. I had no idea how broad the practice areas were at Ashurst, for example there’s intellectual property, employment, real estate and even planning and environment, as teams that you can potentially rotate in. Therefore, my first tip would be to research the firm so you know what areas attract you. My second tip would be to attend networking nights or other events hosted by Ashurst, so that you can get a taste of the culture. I found it very helpful being able to speak to former clerks and even the HR team at Ashurst to understand what the work is like. In addition to this, I found it useful doing a quick LinkedIn search to see the wide range of experience that Ashurst employees have. However, believe in yourself, because there’s such a wide range of people in the clerkship cohort which reflects how we’re not selected purely on our work experience or WAM. Be confident in your abilities.

Who should apply

I’d encourage any student who’s interested in gaining professional training and an amazing network of colleagues and friends to apply. You don’t have to come from a commercial background to enjoy a clerkship and once you start you’ll realise that there’s so much guidance and skills that you’ll be able to transfer. If you are enthusiastic and open to experiencing a range of different teams, then I’d encourage you to apply.

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Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

KENYA WALKER Maddocks

“

Enjoyable, informative and supportive.

How did you prepare for interviews?

”

Preparation is key with interviews. The first way I prepared was by spending time researching each firm and learning as much as I could about their values, culture, practice areas, major clients etc. It is important to look into this as interviewers want to know why you want to work for their firm. You can also use this knowledge to ask your interviewers tailored questions, which is something they will be impressed by. Don’t be afraid to reach out to any firm representatives or the HR team on LinkedIn. Often this can give you an even better insight into the firm. Regarding the actual interviews, there are typically two types of questioning styles. Either personality/skill-based questions, such as what are your key strengths or why commercial law, and then situational questions, including what is a time you used innovation and technology to your benefit? To tackle personality/ skilled-based questions, I created a document where I thought about the various questions they may ask me and what the most important points I wanted to convey were. With situational questions, I thought of about 5-7 different scenarios I could mould. For example, I used my time in retail as an example for any team-based questions. However, the most important thing is not to have a rehearsed answer, as interviewers can definitely tell when someone isn’t being authentic. Instead, just be yourself.

How did you demonstrate your commercial acumen and research firms? I have worked as a paralegal at both a boutique firm and a conveyancing firm. As property law was the area I had worked the most in, I made sure to highlight that this was something I was passionate about. I had also held many retail jobs and was able to show my understanding of client relations, problem-solving, and the importance of commercial strategies and solutions to achieve a profit. However, you definitely don’t need to have paralegal experience to get a clerkship. It is more about being able to show how the experience you do have is applicable in a commercial context. With researching firms, it is important to start early as this process can be somewhat timeconsuming. Firm websites and the Australian Financial Review are the best places to start. I also recommend attending as many of the MULS Clerkship Presentations as you can, especially the Clerkship Fair as this is where you get to meet the firm representative. Lastly, I attended a few of the Diverse Women in Law clerkship events and found this was another great way to actually meet people from each firm.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

What was the highlight of your clerkship? When I commenced my clerkship, I assumed I would mostly be completing photocopying, scanning and proofreading tasks. Instead, that was probably about 10% of what I actually did. A clerkship gives you a real and practical insight into commercial law, and the teams you rotate through will let you work on some super interesting matters. I find transactional work rather interesting, so being able to help draft contract clauses during my Property rotation was a highlight. During my rotation in the Employment, Safety & People team, I was able to sit in on a Fair Work conciliation between a client and their employer, as well as draft a section in a letter of advice regarding a Supreme Court hearing. There are also many social aspects to a clerkship, including clerk sports, Friday drinks and firm lunches. If you’re a coffee-lover, then being given free coffee all the time is also a highlight!

If you could re-do your clerkship experience, from applications to the clerkship itself, what would you do differently? If I were to re-do my clerkship experience, I would only apply to firms where I could truly see myself working. At the beginning of the process, I felt overwhelmed by the number of firms that offered clerkships, so I applied to firms that I wasn’t even that passionate about in order to have a ‘security blanket’. This ended up being a time-consuming process and is not something I recommend. While every firm is great in its own way, it is important to focus on firms that your values align with and that you believe are the best suited to you.

One piece of advice for students applying for clerkships Do not get caught up in the clerkship process and put too much pressure on yourself! I cannot stress this enough. Whilst clerkships can be a great experience; they are definitely not the be-all and end-all. There are so many ways to get into commercial law, whether its graduate positions, internships, paralegal roles etc.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Nick de Bres Clayton Utz

“

Practical. Diverse. Fun.

”

How did you tailor your CV and cover letter to each firm that you applied for? Firstly, I’d make the point that your application will be one of hundreds that the firm receives - so it’s important to try to stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in working for the firm to which you’re applying. Talent teams are experts at sniffing out an [insert name of firm here] approach, and they will. To ensure I was tailoring my cover letter appropriately, I started by looking at the firm’s website, noting the areas of practice for which they’re best known, their legal directory rankings, and LinkedIn presence. I also made an effort to contact someone who works at the firm - either people I happened to know personally, or who I thought might be willing to respond to a message on LinkedIn - to get a better idea of what the firm is like. Getting an insider perspective - the type of work and clients that are a key focus, for example - can go a long way to demonstrating that you’ve made an effort in your application to really get to know the firm. It will also help to give you an insight into the firm’s culture, and ultimately, to decide whether the firm is a good fit for you. Why did you choose your firm? In short, the people at Clayton Utz are awesome and its Pro Bono practice leads the market. When I was first drafting my applications though, CU wasn’t at the top of my list. However, after chatting with a few partners and employees, it went straight to the top. I genuinely did not meet a single person that I did not like. The Pro Bono practice - which has two dedicated partners was also a big drawcard for me (I’m currently rotating in the practice as a graduate), given my background in community and social justice. One piece of advice for students applying for clerkships Do not shy away from showing firms that you have more to offer than good grades. Firms see hundreds of applications describing an ‘A Type’ student with a certain WAM who aced a few commercial-sounding subjects. I highlighted my hobbies, interests (for me, it was music) and volunteering activities in my CV and cover letter (and also discussed these in interviews - in fact, I spoke more about these than anything else). I know of other people who have DJ-ing or filmmaking as a hobby and have mentioned this - or even started a business. Ultimately, the people who hire you will have to work with you, so they want to get a more rounded view of who you are, and whether you’re going to be the right fit.

What does a typical clerkship day look like? Our clerkship group made a real effort to start the day with a coffee on the Level 15 balcony of CU’s Sydney office. We then went off to the practice groups to which we were allocated, and did whatever tasks needed doing that particular day. No one day (or team) was the same. At lunch time, we’d take the full hour and generally sit together as a clerk cohort. After that, we’d head back to our teams (and take some time during the afternoon to get away from our desks and pester our fellow clerks!). From a social perspective, there were also regular sports or social events organised for after work which were lots of fun. What is something you wish you knew about the clerkship experience? It’s not as serious or daunting as it’s made out to be. Everyone is just as excited and surprised to be there as you. Firms have invested plenty of time and money into you. They want you to be there. So, my advice is to just enjoy the experience.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

SAMUEL MART Baker McKenzie

“

Engaging. Exciting. Challenging.

Why did you choose your firm?

”

In my opinion, the distinguishing factor at Baker McKenzie was its global prowess. With hundreds of offices in tens of countries, the opportunity to engage in complex and cross-jurisdictional legal work was very appealing. With this global footing, the opportunity to travel to foreign offices to do work was also enticing.

How did you prepare for interviews? I compiled a table with three categories and drafted to point answers to various questions or possible points of interest. These three categories were as follows: 1. About me - this related to questions or areas of interest about me. For example, why was I pursuing a career in law, why was I interested in this particular firm, what made me a good candidate etc. 2. About the firm - what made the firm unique, who were its key stakeholders and decision makers, what did they specialise in, how could I add value to them 3. General market information - being across general market developments is important, its useful to have knowledge of some major corporate transactions/matters that are topical, its useful to have a handle on basic political/economic factors that are relevant at the time, you’re unlikely to be quizzed in depth about these topics but showing your market awareness helps indicate you are the right sort of candidate for a corporate firm.

How did you demonstrate your commercial acumen and research firms? I had been involved in various voluntary groups that indicated my commercial acumen. For example, I had been in a discretionary trust with a few friends from school where we invested together. Though not groundbreaking, this illustrated my engagement with market issues and interest in companies/corporate landscape. If you can point to things you have done at uni, in your spare time or as previous jobs that relate to commerciality - this is always useful. Did you attend cocktail events? If so, how did you approach them? Yes - just be yourself. Engage with lawyers in a more social way (of course, remember this is a professional environment and not Saturday night drinks with your friends) and find points of connection beyond work - maybe its sport, a recent film/book you both have seen/read, where they are from, a foreign language they speak etc. Unless they raise it, I would avoid asking direct questions about matters/transactions that lawyers have been working on, it’s important to show you’re amicable and good-natured at these events. You can show your intelligence in your CV and interview. A few other pieces of info: • Relax and introduce yourself to people. • Be open, if other interviewing clerks are loitering nearby, welcome them into the conversation. Introduce the lawyers by name and the prospective clerk if you know their name. • Say thank you to the organiser of the event at the end.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

REBECCA DAY Ashurst

“

Exciting, collaborative, fun

How did you prepare for interviews?

”

There were a few things I did which I felt helped prepare me for interviews and take away some of the nerves. Firstly, I had a document which I updated with potential questions or topics which may come up in an interview. This document was a great base for practice questions and allowed me to familiarise myself with the key skills, achievements, and narratives which I wanted to highlight in my interviews. Secondly, knowing your application inside and out is very important. Questions can be drawn directly from your application, and I made sure that I was prepared to talk about points which I had raised in my application, including my cover letter and any short answer questions. Thirdly, knowing about the firm and interviewers is key. Not only do you want to demonstrate that you know about the firm and what sets it apart, but you also want to be able to showcase why you resonate with the firm and why you want to work there. For my interviewers I did the usual search on LinkedIn, firm pages, external websites and also reached out to my clerk buddies (if possible) to see if they had any information. I also prepared styles of questions which I could ask during the interview. Lastly, while it is key to be prepared you do not want to sound as though you are reading off a script, and you need to be conscious that you are answering the question being asked and not the question you wished had been asked.

What does a typical clerkship day look like? One of the most exciting parts of the clerkship for me was that I was able to learn or try something new each day. However, a typical day almost always started with grabbing coffee with my fellow clerks which allowed us to catch up, hear about what they have been up to in their rotations and try out new coffee spots. During the day, I could expect to attend team meetings or training sessions, undertake work tasks (such as research, document prep, joining client meetings etc), assist on a pro-bono project or have a check in session with my buddy. On a sunny day, I would join my fellow clerks on the steps of Martin Place for lunch and more catch ups. After lunch, I would often have a progress meeting with my clerk teams for our HR innovation project or our ‘Partner Pitch’ project. The afternoon was another chance to do some work, learn more about the firm at various clerkship training/development sessions or connect with junior lawyers at the nearby juice bar. At the end of the day my cohort often had social activities planned such as drinks and dinner.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Did you attend cocktail events? If so, how did you approach them? I attended virtual cocktail events, but my approach would have been the same if they were in person. I saw the cocktail events as a chance to learn more about the firm, the people and get a sense of the culture in a more relaxed setting. There was often a mix of graduates, lawyers and partners which provided a great opportunity to connect with a range of people and ask any questions that I had. I also do not think you have to be the loudest in the room. Instead, embrace the event with an open mind, show interest and remember that this is also a chance to see if the firm is a good fit for you. Lastly, if the event is virtual be ready to tell a fun fact or hobby about yourself as there is often some form of ice-breaker game at the beginning.

How did you balance the application process with other commitments, such as studies, work/ extra-curriculars? This was definitely something that worried me and at times it did become overwhelming to balance everything during the process. One thing that really helped me was creating a large spreadsheet which listed everything I needed for the clerkship process and the requirements for each firm (e.g., short answer questions, deadlines etc) alongside other key information (e.g., assignment due dates). By having all the information in one place I was able to easily see and keep track of what I had completed, what needed to be done and when my busier periods would be. When I did find myself overwhelmed or stressed out, I would attempt to break down any tasks I had and take it one step at a time. Lastly, while each approach will differ to your individual’s circumstances it is so important to make sure that you are taking breaks and rewarding yourself during this busy period.

One piece of advice for students applying for clerkships Do not underestimate your experience working in retail, hospitality and other environments that are not law. These experiences carry a wealth of transferable skills which are very valuable in a commercial setting. While I did have some experience in the legal sector, the majority of my work experience was in retail, and I found myself drawing upon these experiences throughout the applications and interviews. For example, my experience in retail allowed me to highlight my problem-solving skills, my resilience in dealing with difficult situations, and my effective communication skills.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

CHARLOTTE SCHOLEY Johnson Winter & Slattery

“

Rewarding, challenging, exciting.

”

Why did you choose your firm? There were three main reasons why I chose to clerk at Johnson Winter & Slattery (JWS). Firstly, the firm’s focus on mentoring and development embodied through its relatively flat internal structure interested me as it meant I would be able to work directly alongside partners and senior lawyers during my clerkship. Secondly, JWS is unique in the way that it does not have set rotations for clerks or graduates. This appealed to me because I was unsure which area of commercial law I was interested in and wished to have the opportunity to try many different areas during my clerkship, rather than being pigeon-holed to two practice groups. Thirdly, the people I met during the application process also encouraged me to choose to clerk at JWS. They were all very friendly, down to earth and interested in my motivations for pursuing a career in commercial law. I could really see myself fitting in well with the firm’s culture.

How did you prepare for interviews? The first step in preparing for the interviews was ensuring that I knew my CV very well. It is important to be prepared to speak about anything that is mentioned on your CV during your interview, even if it is not law related. Secondly, I researched my interviewers on the firm’s website and LinkedIn. This allowed me to gain an understanding of the type of work the interviewers had done and their areas of expertise, which could come up as a topic of conversation during the interview. This research also influenced the questions that I prepared to ask at the end of the interview. I was fortunate to have the support of some of my friends who I was able to practice with leading up to the interviews. Practicing with a range of people meant that I was able to receive different feedback that assisted me before the interviews. I also attended an event run by Diverse Women in Law where hiring managers, partners and those successful at obtaining a clerkship in previous years provided advice for interviews. I would highly recommend this event.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

What was the highlight of your clerkship? The highlight of my clerkship was attending (virtually!) a special leave hearing in the High Court of Australia. Another clerk and I were invited to attend chambers with a partner for the hearing that would be taking place via video link. JWS’s client Google was seeking special leave in a defamation matter. It was an amazing experience to see one of Australia’s most prominent barristers and the Justices of the High Court in action. Even better was that special leave was granted by the High Court. I felt very privileged to have been given this opportunity during my clerkship. I would also add that my clerk cohort made the clerkship experience very enjoyable. Everyone was very supportive of each other, and I am grateful for the people I met during my clerkship. Although the clerk sport was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID-19, we attended a virtual trivia night that was a lot of fun!

How did you balance the application process with other commitments, such as studies, work/extra-curriculars? Last year applications for clerkships were open during the second lockdown in Sydney so luckily, I had some more time on my hands to prepare my applications. During the application process, my diary was a very important tool to make sure that I kept up with all my commitments. I also prepared a document which kept track of my progress with each firm I had applied to, the details of the hiring manager for the firm and some notes about each firm. Completing most of my applications during the winter break meant that I did not have the additional pressure of university work and could dedicate more time to preparing my applications.

One piece of advice for students applying for clerkships. Apart from starting your applications early, I would say it is important to not feel pressured to apply for a large number of firms. Focusing on a few firms that you could really see yourself working at will give you more time to tailor your cover letter and produce a high-quality application.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

ANDREANNA ANASTOPOULOS MinterEllison

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Social, insightful, inspiring.

”

How did you tailor your CV and cover letter to each firm that you applied for? I personally didn’t tailor my CV extensively to each firm, but I did tailor each cover letter. I began by researching each firm and identifying areas that were of interest to me. For example, I have always been passionate about women in the workforce, so when I was researching firms, I looked to see what initiatives they had in this space and referred to them in my cover letter. I adopted a similar structure for each cover letter and ensured everything I wrote was meaningful and reflected my passion for the firm. In your cover letter you really want to showcase why you are a good fit for the firm and why they should hire you, so make sure you focus on your best qualities. If your work experience is what you are most proud of, discuss this, but make it link to the firm directly and identify how the skills you have developed will assist you in the clerkship. Also, remember, firms want to hire real people, so don’t be scared to include some personality in your application - I remember I mentioned that in my spare time I enjoy walking my two dogs.

Why did you choose your firm? I chose MinterEllison because of the people I met throughout the process. After attending various clerkship information nights and interviews for different firms, I quickly realised that any corporate firm would provide me with invaluable insights, exceptional training and challenging work. But, for me, I really wanted to work within a friendly, supportive environment that I could truly be myself in. MinterEllison’s commitment of ensuring everyone brings their ‘whole-self’ to work came through very strongly throughout the entire process and everyone I met, from HR reps, graduates, all the way to partners, were all so down to earth and friendly, making my decision that bit easier. I was fortunate enough to get a few clerkship offers and as cliché as this sounds, I ultimately chose Minters because I felt a really positive vibe after every encounter I had with the firm. How did you prepare for interviews? The first thing I did was re-read my application thoroughly to refresh what I had written. It is almost guaranteed that interviewers will ask you something directly from your application, so make sure you can speak to everything that you write and submit. I then created a working document with common interview questions and ran mock interviews with family and friends. I also researched the partners/lawyers I was interviewing with, so I could ask specific questions about their experiences accordingly. While I prepared extensively for the interview process by memorising STAR structured responses, I made sure the interview was more of a conversation and I didn’t say/ask things that didn’t flow with the conversation. If you could re-do your clerkship experience, from applications to the clerkship itself, what would you do differently? If I could re-do the clerkship process, I would have better faith in myself and not view getting an offer as the be all and end all. I applied to just over fifteen firms because I felt so ‘desperate’ to get an offer. Having applied to firms I knew I would not have been the right fit for, I wasted a lot of time and energy that I could have invested elsewhere. Looking back, I wish I spent more time considering which firms I genuinely saw myself working at, and only applied to those firms. Most importantly, I would have stopped comparing myself to others and what they were doing and only focused on my own progress.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

NEHA SHARMA Gilbert + Tobin

“

Exciting, eye-opening and impactful.

”

How did you tailor your CV and cover letter to each firm that you applied for? My CV was the same for all my applications, but I made sure that each cover letter was different and tailored specifically for each firm. Do your research well and consider what differentiates this firm from another. Consider what they are proud of, what they value and why you want to work there. Convey a genuine interest in joining the firm and sell yourself on why you would be the right fit. Why did you choose your firm? G+T’s culture is something that stood out to me during the recruitment phase and during my time as a clerk. Every single person I had the pleasure of meeting, from paralegals to partners, were incredibly approachable, warm and genuinely invested in helping me. Another drawcard for me personally was the firm’s strong commitment to corporate citizenship. In addition to the incredible work conducted by the pro-bono team, you’re given opportunities at all stages in your career (including your clerkship) to get involved and make an impact. These reasons, coupled with G+T’s focus on innovation and reputation as a leading corporate firm made this an easy decision to make. How did you prepare for interviews? I knew my resume well and practised standard interview questions with friends and family so I could comfortably demonstrate my experience and articulate my reason for wanting to join the firm. I also researched the firms and my interviewers and noted down any questions I had so I was ready to ask them at the end of the interview. Different firms are looking for different things, so try your best to go into every interview prepared and relaxed and allow your personality to shine through. What was the highlight of your clerkship? The highlight of my clerkship was definitely getting to meet all the incredible people at the firm. I was fortunate enough to work with brilliant lawyers and partners who were genuinely invested in mentoring me and sharing their knowledge. I was also lucky to have such a lovely clerk cohort at G+T. The whole experience was really social and structured to give us the best opportunities to form close bonds with each other. From activities like pizza making, dinners, drinks, Christmas parties and clerk sports we were all able to become very good friends (to the point where we all went away together as an end of clerkship celebration). How did you balance the application process with other commitments, such as studies, work/ extra-curriculars? For me, planning (and my excel spreadsheet) was essential in making sure that I could balance the application process with other commitments. It can be extremely dauting when you think about submitting your CV and cover letter, psychometric testing, and interview rounds, so staying organised is key. I had a spreadsheet which included important dates and deadlines, so it was easy to prioritise and track what was coming up. This also allowed me to plan time to do things that I enjoyed and helped me relax. It’s important to try not to let the whole application process engulf all your time- maintaining a balance is really important so you can stay motivated and put your best foot forward.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

CELINE NALBANDIAN Herbert Smith Freehills

“

Eye-opening, flexible, opportunity.

What do you think made your application stand out?

”

There are a few ways to put together a strong written application that stands out. I believe the key is being able to demonstrate that you are a well-rounded candidate with a genuine interest in both commercial law and the firm that you are applying for. Keep your CV short and sharp (2 pages maximum) and only include relevant education, employment history, volunteering experience and extra-curricular involvement. The main aim of your CV is to show that you have made a consistent effort throughout high school and university to build your skills and experience. It can also be really useful to list some hobbies and interests, whether it is baking or Formula 1, as a way of bringing out your personality on the page. I found that many of my interviewers just wanted to get to know me and having my hobbies and interests on my CV led to some great conversations! I also made a conscious effort to tailor my cover letter and short answers to each firm (you will hear this on repeat!). I researched the firms I was interested in applying for extensively, focusing on a number of areas including firm values, cross-border opportunities, practice areas, pro bono and responsible business. A solid understanding of the character of each firm and the way it connects to your own experiences should always come through in your application.

How did you prepare for interviews? Even before receiving any offers to interview, I attended various MULS information sessions and coffee catchups with different firms. This helped to build my familiarity as well as my confidence when speaking and networking with representatives. The Interview Roulette at the Clerkship Fair was particularly useful because it functioned like a mock interview with HR representatives. I was able to gain valuable feedback and ask lots of questions which helped to refine my interview skills. When I began to receive offers to interview, I tried to utilise my network as much as possible to put together a list of common interview questions. I found it useful to prepare some speaking points and examples for a range of different questions and practised my responses out loud. In the lead up to the interview I also did some research on the partner(s), lawyer(s) and/or HR representative(s) that would be interviewing me. I prepared some questions for each of them based on their career trajectory and wider involvement at the firm. You will find that interviews can really vary between firms in terms of formality, the number of interviewers, the types of question you are asked and even the amount of time you have to ask questions – try to be as flexible as possible in these situations and don’t forget to show the real you!

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Why did you choose your firm? Herbert Smith Freehills is a leading global firm with a strong commitment to both the client and employee experience. The firm’s focus on continuous legal training and delivering exceptional level services for clients resonated with me as the ideal place to achieve my own learning and development goals. More importantly, I had a number of overwhelmingly positive interactions with people from the firm which made it clear to me that HSF celebrates and invests in its people. I was particularly impressed by the firm’s responsible business initiatives, including its strong and market-leading focus on diversity and inclusion, and mental health and wellbeing.

How did you manage stress/ nerves during the application process? It is incredibly important to maintain perspective throughout the application process. For me, this was remembering that the clerkship is simply one way to gain experience at a commercial law firm. My family were an important support network and the fact that they were not extremely familiar with the process helped to relieve a lot of the pressure I put on myself. It was also a personal choice to keep my clerkship circle small in the sense that I limited communication with friends about the number of interviews and offers I received. The clerkship application period can be stressful for lots of people in your orbit, and it is important to be respectful in a way that suits you. The more practical source of stress and nerves during the application process comes from managing a number of deadlines – written applications, coffee catchups, psychometric testing, interviews, information sessions, cocktail evenings – all alongside your studies, work and other extra-curricular commitments. I had a master spreadsheet with key dates and tasks to action which helped monitor my progress. I also tried to maintain a normal day-to-day routine with regular pilates, healthy eating and a good night’s sleep.

What was the most challenging about your summer clerkship? The summer clerkship feels like starting any new job – it is really exciting and can also feel a little daunting at the same time! The most challenging aspect of the clerkship for me was managing my own expectations about my capabilities. I found a strong support network with the other clerks and approachability of HR helped me to shift my mindset and recognise that I am at the start of my career with lots to learn. The best thing to do is get involved and soak everything up!

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

JAMES BRANNAN

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

“

Something new daily.

Why did you choose your firm?

”

I knew from my research that Corrs was known for its high-quality work and the prominent matters it is involved in – I was therefore excited by the opportunity to learn from some of Sydney’s leading practitioners. But most of all I always felt very comfortable with the culture at Corrs during the clerkship process. Everybody was generous with their time and open about the reasons why they enjoyed working at Corrs, which made me feel at ease.

What does a typical clerkship day look like? On a typical day, I would get to the office a bit early to get a coffee with the other clerks. At 9am, there would be a meeting with the team I was rotating through to provide status updates and discuss what we would be working on that day. In between work tasks, the clerkship cohort would attend presentations from other practice groups to get a sense of their culture and what work they did, or attend skill development seminars. After work, we would often have the option for a social engagement such as clerk sport or an activity like bowling organised by the firm.

How did you prepare for interviews? I knew my CV inside and out and had practiced giving an “elevator pitch” about myself. I also spent a lot of time making sure I had a strong and authentic answer to the question “why this firm?”. It’s so important that you have researched the firm you are interviewing for and how their strengths align with your interests – trust me, this question is bound to come up!

One piece of advice for students applying for clerkships Don’t be afraid to be yourself. I think it’s easy to be intimidated into thinking that you have to fit into a cookie-cutter mould and end up acting a bit like a robot. In my experience, firms want to get to know you and you shouldn’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your CV and interviews. Some of the best interviews I had were those where we ended up discussing my hobbies and life experiences.

What is something you wish you knew about the clerkship experience? If there is anyone in the firm whose work you find interesting or would like to get involved in, a clerkship is a great time to reach out to them. People are typically very happy to talk about their practice and often very willing to get an eager clerk involved.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

TARA TAYLOR

McCullough Robertson

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”

Exciting, challenging and extremely rewarding.

Why did you choose your firm?

I chose McCullough Robertson because of the opportunities the firm offers and its incredible culture. As a smaller firm in Sydney with huge clients in the market, working at McCullough Robertson offered a unique opportunity to get directly involved in large matters and to undertake meaningful work, despite being a junior. This was particularly important for me as I wanted to be a part of a firm where I could get involved and learn directly from senior lawyers on complex matters from the get go. I also found that every person I met during the interview process at McCullough Robertson was exceptionally intelligent, humble and genuine. I felt assured that regardless of what team I was in, the firm and its people would support me and take an active role in my development as a young lawyer (which they certainly have). How did you prepare for interviews? I would research the partners/lawyers I was interviewing with to gain an understanding of the area they practise in, their clients and key accomplishments. This provided helpful background and often allowed me to have a more personal and engaging conversation with my interviewers. I also developed a series of ‘stories’ based on my experience to mould and use as examples when answering interview questions. These stories proved to be a great way to help me feel prepared (which was important for me to manage my nerves), and also to allow me to speak naturally during interviews. Lastly, I ensured I was across everything in my cover letter, CV and any short answer questions I had prepared. It is often the things you think are least relevant on your written application that an interviewer will hone in on! Why pursue a career in commercial law? Due to the intersection between various areas of law, its multi-jurisdictional nature and ability to span industries, commercial law is extremely complex. This is what initially attracted me to commercial law as I wanted to work in an area that was both challenging and rewarding. I also found the opportunity to work with people on a daily basis and to act as a trusted adviser to Australia’s leading businesses very enticing. I think the great thing about a clerkship is you get to see what the units you have studied in university actually entail in practice and for me the experience ultimately re-affirmed that commercial law is the area I would like to practise. How did you manage stress/nerves during the application process? The clerkship process is naturally quite a stressful time so I empathise with anyone who finds it daunting. I found that keeping perspective and viewing the clerkship process as an opportunity for development allowed me to manage my nerves. I also made a conscious effort to retain some balance in my life and to prioritise the things that made me happy, which assisted in reducing some stress. Advice for students applying for clerkships? My top tip during the clerkship recruitment process is to enjoy it and make the most of the process. The skills and understanding of the legal industry that clerks are able to develop through the recruitment process (let alone the actual clerkship) will assist you in the early stages of your career, regardless of the ultimate outcome. It is such an exciting period, which will expose you to some incredibly smart and talented individuals so I think it’s so important to make the most of it and get involved!

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

KYLE DENNING Clyde & Co

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An incredible opportunity!

”

Clyde & Co’s (‘C&Cs’) clerkship program gave me a taste of working life in a top-tier international law firm. I was fortunate to gain experience in, and undertake a broad range of tasks across, two distinct practice groups. In both rotations, I worked closely alongside partners and experienced associates on complex and interesting matters. I assisted with strategic and general decision-making by conducting legal research and analysis on specific questions of law. I drafted various legal documents and letters, and prepared briefs to council. I also attended several client conferences, a mediation, a court hearing for an interlocutory application, and visited a barrister’s chambers. If you really are considering a career in commercial law, you would be remiss to pass up this experience! Why did you choose Clyde & Co? For me, C&C stood out because of the people that I met throughout the clerkship process. I felt that the people interviewing me genuinely wanted to know more about me; it was more of a conversation rather than the traditional interview structure. I also found that the people I had met had similar values to myself. This, coupled with the firm’s focus on innovation and growth and its reputation as an international market leader in corporate insurance made the decision easy for me. I would say that the firm’s “growth-oriented” mentality and entrepreneurial spirit are what distinguish it from the competition. If you’re eager to constantly challenge yourself, work with and learn from industry leaders, and to make meaningful contributions from day one of your career, then this is the place for you! What does a typical clerkship day look like? Usually before starting work, I’d meet up with some of the other clerks for coffee. Then, I’d start my day by checking whether I could assist the team I was rotating through with anything new, or by continuing with a tasked assigned the day before. Sometimes, I’d attend court or a workshop. The type of work you do will vary so no two days are the same!

What was the highlight of your clerkship? The highlight was definitely getting to meet and build great relationships with the other C&C clerks, the teams I rotated through, and the different people throughout the firm. Every partner, associate, graduate, and clerk that I met was friendly, empathetic, and generous with their time. These people were all highly accomplished and very intelligent, yet humble, down-to-earth, and approachable. I couldn’t imagine myself working with anyone else! How did you manage stress/nerves during the application process? The application process is VERY daunting. I found that going out with friends and keeping busy with my regular daily routine both helped me to de-stress and take my mind off clerkships. I would STRONGLY advise you to run your own race. It’s very easy to feel inadequate if you start comparing yourself to others when it comes to things like your WAM, your professional experience, and the number of interviews/offers you receive. You know your own strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else, and that’s what makes you unique! Let that show in your application!

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

How did you tailor your CV and Cover Letter to each firm that you applied to? I used the same CV for all my applications. However, I made a conscious effort to tailor my Cover Letter to each firm that I applied to. Law firms have different specialties and different sets of core values, and you’ll need to draw on these in your application to stand out! So, rather than relying on a generic template cover letter, I thoroughly researched each firm so that I understood their competitive edge in the market, and their culture and values. When researching, a great place to start is the law firm’s website and LinkedIn page. The practice areas section and the partner profiles will give you a good snapshot into the firm’s work, culture, and values. From here, you can identify matters that the firm has worked on and particular initiatives that resonate with you. My research also included meeting with the firms at the oncampus and virtual events, chatting to the firm’s representatives at the Clerkship Fair, and keeping an eye on the AFR and Lawyers Weekly publications. When writing my Cover Letter, I linked my understanding of the firm to my skills, experiences, and my desire to practice law. You need to very clearly and concisely identify the reasons why the firm appeals to YOU. The trick here is to be VERY specific – avoid blanket statements and provide examples and links wherever possible. But remember that your Cover Letter is not the place to regurgitate your CV or to show that can recite every deal that the firm has ever done!

How did you prepare for interviews? I made sure that I was across EVERYTHING in my CV, Cover Letter, and Academic Transcript. You should be able to talk at length about anything you include in your application! Be sure to critically reflect on your achievements and experiences thus far, and really let this shine through in your responses. To prepare for my interviews, I compiled a list of common clerkship interview questions and mapped out the key points I wanted to talk about if that question were to be asked. I also prepared a few short “STAR” narratives for the behavioural style questions. Interviewing is really an art – so practice makes perfect! If you can, run a mock interview with a friend or a family member. You should try to record the interview session and watch it back, because it might help you identify any areas of weakness in your responses.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

JORDAN FARAHANI DLA Piper

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Practical, networking, fun.

What do you think made your application stand out?

”

I think my work experience in an in-house legal team and various other law firms, as well as my extracurricular activities, made my application stand out. I believe employers are looking for individuals who possess certain characteristics such as leadership, communication skills, interpersonal skills, flexibility, and adaptability. However, don’t stress if you don’t have any legal experience. I know of many peers and colleagues that received a clerkship who had little to no retail experience and a few extra-curricular activities. I would also advise to keep striving to achieve the best possible marks in all your units as some firms require a minimum WAM for the application process.

Why did you choose your firm? Besides DLA Piper’s global presence, with more than 4,500 lawyers located in more than 40 countries, for me it was DLA’s people and diversity and inclusion. Before the clerkship, I was fortunate enough to gain an insight into the firm by undertaking some work experience. What stood out was that, for DLA, it isn’t just about visible differences, but it’s the unique blend of talents, skills, experience and perspectives that makes each of us an individual. Coming from a Middle Eastern and European background myself, I was able to resonate with this and witness first-hand how perspectives and ideas of individuals, from a diverse range of backgrounds, enables DLA to meet client expectations and achieve the best commercial outcomes.

How did you prepare for interviews? A fundamental step in preparing for the interview stage is researching the firm you are applying for. Surf the web and look into the firm’s people, upcoming projects, completed deals, and core values. It makes for great conversation throughout the interview process. I would also suggest searching common clerkship questions on the internet and write draft responses to them. Having examples of personal experiences is very beneficial. I also suggest asking a family member or friend to roleplay an interview so you can familiarise yourself with how you would respond to certain questions.

How did you balance the application process with other commitments, such as studies, work/ extra-curriculars? I believe time management is key. Start researching into various firms even before applications open. This will give you an idea into what interests you, particularly what practice areas you might enjoy the most. When applications open, start early as it may be a timely process, depending on how many firms you apply for. Many students leave their applications until the last few days. However, those applications may not truly highlight or express who you are if they are rushed.

What does a typical clerkship day look like? A typical clerkship day, particularly in the corporate team, involves legal research, working on due diligence reports, reviewing contracts, drafting correspondence, and attending client and team meetings. However, it’s not all about work. There is plenty of time to grab a coffee with your clerkship peers or with a colleague. There are also various networking events that allow you to make new connections and friends.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

MARK CHALLITA Norton Rose Fulbright

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Collegiate. Awakening. Motivational.

How did you prepare for interviews?

”

I am a firm believer in the fact that people love to talk about themselves. The most important thing you can do to prepare for an interview, or any form of networking event really, is to do your homework on the person sitting across from you. You want to know as much about their professional life as you do about the back of your hand. Search for them on LinkedIn. Read their profiles on the firm website. Speak to people who have worked with them. The key to any interview is to be yourself, but if you can also find something relatable with the interviewer that aligns with your values, that is the best place to start. You will find that if you can establish a connection, you will be more likely to get a second interview and/ or clerkship offer. What was the highlight of your clerkship? The highlight of the clerkship is absolutely, without a doubt, clerkship sports! Unfortunately, I do not think that clerkship sports is as advertised as it probably should be and I do not recall ever hearing about it until my first day as a summer clerk. Basically, there is a sports tournament where each of the big commercial firms’ summer clerks compete in an all-sports weekly round-robin competition at Rushcutters Bay. Be sure to ask about the extra-circular activities available. How did you balance the application process with other commitments, such as studies, work/ extra-curriculars? The short answer is, I did not. I basically spent every free moment of my four-week winter break drafting and refining my applications for each of the firms I applied to. While I would caution against doing this, I think it is important that you take the applications seriously and make sure you are putting your best foot forward. One piece of advice for students applying for clerkships? You are not special. I mean, you are, but not in the way you think. You have to be realistic. You have to understand that there are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of law students with the same grades and similar experience to you. This is not what will secure you a clerkship offer! You are special because of the unique human being that you are. In order to stand out, you need to be able to genuinely express who you are, both in your application and interviews. It is so fundamentally important that you provide those on the other side of the table with the opportunity to get to know you. I cannot stress this enough. If all they wanted to know were your grades and experience, they would not ask you to answer specific questions and provide cover letters in addition to your curriculum vitae. Just be yourself and enjoy the process. What does a typical clerkship day look like? Generally, as a clerk, you like to be the first one in the office (even though there is probably no reason to be) and so your day starts at around 8AM. The morning is spent reviewing and responding to any emails that have come in overnight since as a clerk, you do not have access to firm emails on your phone. At 9/ 9:15AM, the clerks usually head down to the internal café for a quick coffee run. By the time you get back to your desk at around 9:30AM, there is generally a task waiting for you in your inbox and/ or a member of your team ready to brief you on a matter. The next few hours are spent actioning that item before you head down to have lunch with the other clerks at 1PM. After lunch, you might be briefed on additional matters and/ or continue working on the matter you were instructed on that morning. Depending on the day, you might also have some training scheduled and/ or client meetings. The work day typically ends at around 5:30PM. Though, the clerks love to go out for dinners and/ or drinks on a regular basis throughout the week.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

ISABELLA MAURICI Thomson Geer

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Hands-on, thought-provoking and exciting!

Why did you choose your firm?

”

The structure of Thomson Geer immediately stood out to me. Throughout the clerkship process, the firm reiterated that clerks would be working in smaller teams and working closely with partners and senior lawyers. To me, this meant receiving hands-on experience and invaluable feedback, which has held true throughout my time at the firm. Additionally, I had a strong interest in the Corporate and Banking practice areas, which Thomson Geer has a well-respected reputation in. The prospect of working closely with experts in their field on a broad range of work appealed to me, as I was hoping to gain practical experience during the clerkship. Finally, the people really stood out to me. I found them incredibly intelligent but down-to-earth and easy to get along with. From partners to junior lawyers, every person I met during the clerkship process took a genuine interest in me, from my career goals to my hobbies outside of work, which was a great indication that this was a firm I wanted to work at.

How did you prepare for interviews? Starting with the basics, I did a lot of research on the significant achievements of each firm and what made each firm unique. Although commercial law firms have a lot of similarities, I differentiated between them by exploring any of their unique offerings, such as the future strategy of the firm or new processes they were adopting. As part of my research I tried to speak to people who worked at each firm, many of which I met during MULS career events. From there, I practised routine behavioural questions as much as possible with anyone that would listen. It was not until I practised with a friend that I realised the question “tell me a bit about yourself?” would somehow be my biggest hurdle. I also ensured that I had a few well thought out questions to ask at the end of each interview.

How did you manage stress/ nerves during the application process? I tried to look at the application process as a huge opportunity to meet people and gain a better insight into life as a commercial lawyer, rather than putting pressure on myself. Although I can acknowledge that is definitely easier said than done. I tried to remind myself that this wasn’t the ‘be all and end all.’ Clerkships are a fantastic opportunity and a great way to kick start your career, but there are a multitude of paths into commercial law. I found that putting that into perspective really helped ease my nerves.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Why pursue a career in commercial law? In my opinion, the biggest drawcard of commercial law is the breadth of work on offer. There are so many different practice areas and teams that suit each person’s skills, strengths and interests. The huge benefit of completing a clerkship is gaining exposure to a few different teams to work out where you might fit. Commercial law is constantly evolving due to constant changes in the law and the markets our clients operate within. Every new matter you work on presents different legal issues to research and consider, meaning that you’re constantly learning and never bored. I also find commercial law particularly collaborative, especially when working on large projects. A big part of commercial law is project management, in order to stay on top of deadlines and large volumes of documents. This presents an excellent opportunity to integrate technology and collaboration with colleagues into the practice of the law, which I found to be particularly exciting.

What does a typical clerkship day look like? As a clerk at Thomson Geer, every day looked very different. Often it would start with a morning coffee with some of the other clerks or my buddy. I would then check emails for the day and try to map out the key tasks I wanted to complete. The kind of tasks I completed ranged from research and reading practice guides to familiarising myself with areas of law I had never even heard of, to reviewing documents and preparing the first draft of a client or transaction document (most of which was completely re-written by the partner). Most days I would spend time with either a partner, special counsel or senior associate going through work I had done in the previous days and receiving their feedback, which was a great learning opportunity.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

MEET THE FIRMS Participating Firms Firm Profiles

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

PARTICIPATING FIRMS 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 (National Manager Early Careers at Allens/ 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-toknow/ 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/asiapacific/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 CLYDE & CO Level 15, 333 George Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Simone Rodgers - Recruitment Advisor simone.rodgers@clydeco.com Submit applications online via: https:// clydecoearlycareers.com/en-au/ 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.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

HWL EBSWORTH Level 14, Australia Square 264-278 George Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Nicolette Peters - HR Advisor npeters@hwle.com.au Submit applications online via: https://hwlebsworth.com.au/graduate-centre/

MCCULLOUGH ROBERTSON Level 32, 25 Martin Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 Heidi Campbell - Head of Human Resources hcampbell@mccullough.com.au Submit applications online via: https://www.mccullough. com.au/join-mcr/clerks-and-graduates/

JOHNSON WINTER & SLATTERY Level 25, 20 Bond Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Wilma Lewis Senior People & Development Consultant wilma.Lewis@jws.com.au Submit applications online via: https://jws.com.au/en/firm/careers/jws-graduate-careers/ clerkship

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

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=f39aa6d1-4279-4982-9388f65edbf1b497 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

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

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

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

BORN GLOBAL Baker McKenzie invented the global law firm - so we are different in the way we think, work and behave. Like no other law firm, we were 'born global'. We have followed clients into new markets, establishing offices driven by local lawyers and talent. And our growth has been organic, giving us a strong, common culture that runs through our Firm. Our unique culture, developed over 70 years, enables our 13,000 people to understand local markets and navigate multiple jurisdictions, working together as trusted colleagues and friends to instil confidence in our clients. We also understand the challenges of the global economy because we have been a global law firm from the start. 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 Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. In Australia, we act for leading multinational and domestic companies on market-leading local and global transactions.

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, our clerkship program takes place from late November to mid February. 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 partner and have 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. Our dedicated Leadership & Learning team facilitates sessions in five key areas for our graduates legal learning, managing your career, the business of law, business development & client service, and people & self-leadership. We work hard to facilitate on-the-job learning and the many ways it happens too - through informal mentoring relationships, client secondments, involving graduates in global teams working on international deals and in providing them with the opportunity to manage their own files as part of our 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.

Funds

Thrive in a culture of inclusion Quality and excellence together with integrity, honesty, candor, teamwork and responsiveness are some of Baker McKenzie's key values - and are central in us delivering outstanding service to our clients. The values that make us a unique and great place to work are deeply embedded - you will notice our difference in all of your interactions with us, in Australia and globally:  We are passionately global, and leverage our global expertise for our Australian and global clients at every opportunity, recognising our strength is in our diversity.  We are a truly multicultural firm united by a genuine and robust culture of friendship, inclusion and collaboration. Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Insolvency

 Environmental Markets

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Employment & Industrial Relations

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IP/Tech

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 Banking & Finance  Corporate 

dealings, decisions and actions; who express themselves confidently while staying open to new ideas; who seek a friendly, inclusive and diverse culture; and who take seriously our role in making a difference to our local and global communities.

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Our key areas of practice

(including Mergers & Acquisitions, Capital Markets and Private Equity)

 We are commercial pragmatists who make complex Our regional practice group structure means many of our lawyers attend regional training in our Asia Pacific issues simple for our clients and we are passionately offices. Once graduates complete their graduate program, committed to service excellence. they will attend a regional orientation program with  We strive to stay ahead of the curve, bring other mid-level associates from the Asia Pacific region. entrepreneurial energy to our work, embrace The Firm also offers opportunities for lawyers at varying innovative change - and our curiousity continues to stages of their careers to work directly for clients or push new boundaries and challenge existing norms. with our other offices globally.  We actively encourage and support engaging with our community, through our pro bono and What does the Firm look for? community service programs. Baker McKenzie looks for people who genuinely want  We want everyone at Baker McKenzie to reach their to work with us and who understand Baker McKenzie's potential so we invest in global and local development unique offering and position in the market. We look and mobility programs for our people for well-rounded, motivated individuals who have a performance mindset and strive to be the best in Our award-winning diversity strategy, initiatives whatever they do; who are intellectually curious and and programs are focused in five areas: have sound academics; who display business acumen and are practical in their approach; and who have a global BakerWomen – gender equality and supporting the mindset and are passionately committed to service progression of women excellence. We look for people who enjoy a challenge BakerDNA – ethnic, indigenous and cultural diversity and seek new opportunities; who constantly look for ways to achieve better results while learning and BakerWellbeing – commitment to mental health and growing; and who take proactive ownership and wellbeing, workplace flexibility and supporting responsibility for their careers. And we look for people parents/carers who act with integrity, honesty and candor in their

Energy, Resources, Infrastructure & Corporate

Commercial Real Estate Construction

Tax

BakerPride – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex diversity BakerIndigenousEngagement – commitment to engagement with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and to making a real difference in the lives of our nation's First Peoples.

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 6 June 2022 and close at 11.59pm on 3 July 2022. Nicola Bell - Talent Consultant +61 2 8922 5272 TalentManagement.Australia@bakermckenzie.com

www.bakermckenzie.com/careers/Australia Baker & McKenzie, an Australian Partnership, is a member firm of Baker & McKenzie International.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM If you’re a law student in your penultimate year, our Clerkship Programs will expose you to the fast pace of a full-service commercial law firm and show you the law in action. You’ll be working under the guidance of some of the sharpest legal minds in Australia, on challenging, complex and high-profile transactions and matters. You’ll be mentored by partners and lawyers who are leaders in their fields, in a firm where individuality is embraced and innovation actively encouraged.

GRADUATE PROGRAM It’s not just about wearing a suit. There’s always a gap between theory and practice, and post-university prospects can be daunting. How do you make the leap to working in the industry?

That’s where we come in. Once you’ve completed your studies, our national Graduate Program gives you the perfect foundation for your legal career. Our 2.5 week orientation program is designed to ensure that you’ll hit the ground running. It consists of PLT+, local training and a national orientation week in Sydney. Our rotations will help you discover different areas and find the right fit. From day one you’ll be working on complex and sophisticated legal issues, and with our innovative learning and development approach, you’ll get the support to become the best you can be.

You’ll get… • Three rotations of six months in our national practice groups • continuing legal education programs and professional development support • mentoring from some of the best lawyers in the country • a buddy who’ll give you the inside information

• the chance to participate in our Community Connect and Pro Bono programs and really give back

• meaningful performance feedback so you know you’re on • social and sporting activities, because we know it’s not the right track all work and no play.

We hire most of our Graduates from our Clerkship Programs. Occasionally, additional opportunities may arise. These opportunities will be listed on our website.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

WHAT TO EXPECT KEY DATES “Clyde & Co combines top-tier work with the ‘small firm feel’. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in a range of complex, challenging matters and to make meaningful contributions from day one of your career. You’ll work alongside industry leaders in diverse, supportive teams, and you’ll quickly realise that everyone is genuinely interested in you and your professional development. So, if you’re excited to grow, both individually and collectively, this is the place for you!” – Kyle Denning, 2021/2022 Summer Clerk

Applications open Applications close Interviews Offers accepted by Summer Clerkship dates

15 August 16 September 26 September – 18 October 28 October 28 November – 3 February

CONTACT

Simone Rodgers Recruitment Advisor | Clyde & Co Email: Simone.Rodgers@clydeco.com Direct Dial: +61 2 9210 4416

SHARE OUR VISION

S H A PE YOU R F UTU RE

Our goal is simple. We want to create the future leaders of the firm. That means giving you the skills you need to become a successful lawyer, but also the experiences to discover where your true interests lie. Find out more at

DLAPIPERGRADUATES.COM

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? The G+T clerkship experience is open to students in their penultimate year of study, as well as final year for our Melbourne and Sydney offices. 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?

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.

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 clerkship 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

6 June 2022

10 July 2022

Perth

27 June 2022

31 July 2022

Melbourne

4 July 2022

14 August 2022

CONTACT KRISTIE BARTON

Early Talent Manager

+61 2 9263 4575 | kbarton@gtlaw.com.au

gtlaw.com.au/careers

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

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.

gtlaw.com.au/careers

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

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 + Finance

+ Disputes + Investigations

+ Competition + Regulation

+ Pro Bono

+ Corporate Advisory

+ Real Estate

+ Energy + Infrastructure

+ 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.

Find out more at www.gtlaw.com.au/bebold DANNY GILBERT, MANAGING PARTNER

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE ABOUT US

With over 25 offices spanning Asia, Europe, Australasia, and the Middle East, careers at Herbert Smith Freehills offer our graduates the opportunity to experience being part of a truly global law firm. Working with some of the most significant organisations in the world, opportunities to have social impact, and learning from our world-class team every day will enable you to create solid foundations on which to build your career in law. We’re proud to say that we put people first. Our firm is built on a diverse culture, reflective of the societies in which we live and work. That’s why inclusivity is key to our success. At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll be valued for what makes you different and accepted for who you are. We recognise the power of diversity and inclusion to drive innovation, collaboration and business outcomes. So, whether it’s working on the latest advancements in digital law, taking part in some of the biggest mergers and acquisitions around, or helping people through our extensive pro bono work – you’ll develop the skills to solve the most complex challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways.

WE WELCOME DIFFERENT

Great lawyers are both curious and creative. We encourage you to challenge assumptions and open yourself up to new ideas. 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.

HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM

We're Herbert Smith Freehills, one of the world's leading international law firms. Join us and you'll be at the centre of high-profile cases, highimpact deals and you'll grow from new experiences every day.

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.

JOINING US

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

KEY DATES/DEADLINES

We select many of our graduates through our vacation clerkships. During this immersive experience, you’ll receive hands-on practical experience, 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

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.

SYDNEY Positions

30-35

Clerkship programs

1 Summer

Applications for all 2022/23 programs open

6 June 2022

Applications for all 2022/23 programs close

10 July 2022

Offers made

14 September 2022

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.

• 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 Elizabeth Pittaway-Burnell Graduate Recruitment Consultant T +61 417 399 400 GraduatesSydney@hsf.com

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Simply a better place to work. ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER Our lawyers take on the work that reflects their ability, not their job title. There are no barriers to your success with us.

GO YOUR OWN WAY Our business model is different. That means you won’t be under pressure to meet billing targets and will not compete with your peers.

IT’S A VIBE THING What truly sets us apart is our people. We pride ourselves on being down to earth, approachable, and simply, a better place to work.

www.jws.com.au/en/firm/careers

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CAREER PATH

We’re King & Wood Mallesons. The top tier international law firm, from Asia, for the world. The world’s leading organisations turn to us to unlock opportunities and deliver smart, considered, and confident advice. Where others see problems, we see possibilities. Innovation is in our DNA. We equip our people with the skills to partner with our clients and bring to life pioneering solutions which will help them to adapt, reinvent and evolve. We believe innovation comes from giving our people room to grow. At KWM, our people are encouraged to shape their own career path, supported every step of the way with world-class training, coaching and hands-on experience. Diversity of thought, perspective and experience is critical to our culture. We provide a broad, inclusive and open environment in which our people are fully supported to bring their whole selves. There is no ‘one size fits all’ career model, and we offer multiple opportunities for our lawyers to gain experience and thrive.

Planning for a sustainable future A core value for KWM is to grow our business sustainability and responsibly and leave a positive impact.

Global reach Our commitments:

Reduce our emissions by: •

Becoming certified carbon neutral by December 2022

•

Setting science-based targets by December 2023 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050

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 Source 100% renewable energy for our Australian operations before 2024.

Update and re-certify our Environmental Management System by June 2022.

Applications open: 6 June 2022 Applications close: 10 July 2022 How to apply: Via our online application system at kwm.com/careers We offer clerkships that give you insight into what it’s like to be a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons. You’ll get to know our people, the way we work, our culture, practice areas, clients and more. What you’ll learn: •

Undertake various energy, paper, water and waste reduction initiatives (ongoing).

The day-to-day skills to get you started – taking instructions, meeting with clients, drafting memos and documents, managing your practice and professional relationships.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

•

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 impact:

We are making progress towards our target of 40% female representation at partnership level. Females currently represent 31% of our partnership.

Our people – you’ll find that people from every part of the business will help you by sharing their knowledge and supporting you through the early stages of your career and beyond.

Our LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Network at KWM (LINK) raises awareness of and advocates in relation to LGBTIQ+ issues and concerns, and promotes inclusion, provides support and builds a sense of community for LGBTIQ+-identifying people and allies.

GRADUATE PROGRAM We offer a unique future-focused experience and invest heavily in your development to support you throughout your journey. You will benefit from a bespoke comprehensive learning and development program tailored specifically for our graduates. You will take part in our 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.

Delivered more than 50,000 hours of pro bono legal service in FY21. More than 91% of Partners & Lawyers assisted in these pro bono hours.

333 organisations + 2,680 individuals received legal assistance in FY21.

$740,913 was raised & donated via DigDeep® (workplace giving project) to 27 community organisations in FY 21. We have raised over $13.6M since 2001.

associates and solicitors Meaningful work covering a wide range of practice areas

•

Client contact and an in-depth understanding of how they operate in a commercial and regulatory environment

•

The opportunity to work as part of a team with a range of partners, senior

The industry-makers, nation-builders and market-disrupters to drive growth and power innovation. KWM is a launchpad for endless opportunities. We want to help you think differently about yourself and the possibilities of where a career in the law might take you.

We offer: •

Culture of innovation, collaboration and high performance.

•

Multiple career pathways where you can shape your future.

•

World-class training and coaching to unleash your full potential.

•

High impact work for the world’s leading organisations.

•

Relationships that last a lifetime.

Key contact

PEOPLE & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER SYDNEY

The program also promotes and supports the mobility of our people by giving you the opportunity to apply to go on exchange in one of our interstate or overseas offices or undertake a client or pro bono secondment. Through these opportunities, you can access greater on-the-job experience and create a positive impact.

•

We work with

KELLIE MILDRED

We also offer our graduates a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course with the College of Law, ensuring that you meet the requirements for admission to legal practice.

What you will receive:

Experience Program (VEP). The platform features 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.

•

A practical understanding of areas of our legal practice

•

Training in the latest legal technology.

VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM No matter where in the world you are or what stage in your law degree, you can now experience what it is really like to be a lawyer at KWM with our Global Virtual

TEL EMAIL

+61 2 9296 3592 KELLIE.MILDRED@AU.KWM.COM

careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia

kwm.com

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Your career begins on

Day One

From Day One you will have challenging, meaningful work, gain exposure to clients, be given a good level of responsibility, work in a supportive and collaborative team and have regular access to our partners. The training you receive throughout your clerkship will ensure you are thoroughly prepared and ready to get involved in and contribute to client work straight away. The program begins with a comprehensive orientation which includes training and development activities. Join our clerkship program and become part of a firm where you’re involved from Day One.

Scan this QR code to find out what it’s like to work at Maddocks.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Clerkship and graduate programs

Unlocking success. Together

Each year, we offer clerkships to law students who want to be involved in the real work of a legal firm – not just to observe. We will provide you with the fundamentals to truly understand our business and clients, across all industry sectors and services. Our 18-month graduate program is an opportunity for recent law graduates to complete a structured training program in a highly supportive environment. Participants will gain exposure to different practice groups within our firm while completing the fully funded Practical Legal Training (PLT) program.

Clerkship program Our clerkship program is not only a great opportunity for law students to gain valuable practical experience, but it’s also a chance to understand our mission and the culture at McCullough Robertson. Many of our clerks will go on to join our firm through our graduate program. We offer clerkships to pre-penultimate and penultimate law students in our Brisbane office and clerkships to penultimate law students, only in our Sydney office.

Selection process Apply

Learn more about us

Interview(s)

Offers made

Submit your interest in a clerkship with us

Meet the team and learn more about the firm

Meet the Partners and Senior Lawyers

Congratulations, welcome to the team!

Graduate program Our graduate program consists of 2 x 9-month practice group rotations to complete a qualification to practice while undertaking invaluable on-the-job training. Participants develop their skills with exposure to a variety of legal work with the possibility of joining the firm permanently on completion of the program.

Program structure

Placement 1: Becoming a qualified lawyer February

Formal training:

• Fully funded Practical Legal Training (PLT) • Includes nine study days • Learning and development framework Support network: • Supervisor #1 (Partner) • Supervisor #2 (Senior Associate) • Graduate Buddy (Lawyer)

August November

• Senior Buddy (Senior Associate)

Placement 2: Developing your legal skills December

• Move to a new team for additional experience • Focus on practical application • Become more involved in client work

Support network:

August

Discuss options for placement 2

Complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) Apply to be admitted as a lawyer

Write your career story with us

Work-based learning:

If you see yourself taking on real responsibility and forming genuine professional relationships sooner, then connect with us today to start the first chapter in your legal career.

• Supervisor #1 (Partner) • Buddy (Lawyer)

Congratulations!

Now you’ve successfully completed the graduate program, we’ll discuss opportunities to join the team permanently.

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

DISCOVER

EXCEL

ASPIRE

Your future. Your choice. Choose to make an impact. At MinterEllison, we provide our clerks and graduates with exceptional training, development and experiences.

Learn by working on real challenges Right from the start you’ll work on real client engagements, preparing you for any challenge. Discover new areas of practice, and learn the technical knowledge and tools you need to achieve your career ambitions.

Discover industry and market insights Our industry programs span across all of our practice groups, ensuring collaboration amongst our teams that creates real impact for our clients:

Health & ageing

Financial services

Real Estate

Education

Energy & Resources

Government

Infrastructure

Bring your whole self to work We want our people to be exactly who they are at work by fostering an inclusive workplace. We want you to excel as a future lawyer. It’s all in your hands now.

Make an impact You’ll have the chance to work with our Pro Bono and Community Investment program and market-leading social enterprise practice:

Pro bono

63K+ hrs of pro bono services

RAP impact

Social impact

4,800+

over 100

pro bono hours supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations

For information and to apply visit graduates.minterellison.com

MinterEllison Virtual Internship Want to experience a true-to-life day of a MinterEllison lawyer? Our interactive virtual internship offers you an insight into the commercial work we undertake here at MinterEllison. Curious?

graduates.minterellison.com

new social enterprise and Indigenous business clients engaged and supported

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Norton Rose Fulbright Australia Together we are change navigators

We provide the world's preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We are based in more than 50+ cities across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. In amongst that global network, you’ll find some of the finest minds in the legal sector. Recognised for our industry focus, we are strong across all the key industry sectors: financial institutions, energy, infrastructure, mining, commodities & agribusiness, transport, technology & innovation, and life sciences & healthcare. Wherever we are, we operate in accordance with our global business principles of quality, unity and integrity. We provide the highest possible standard of service in each of our offices to maintain that level of quality at every point of contact.

Clerkship program Our clerkship program offers you a real taste of life as a graduate and is the primary source for our graduate academy which feeds directly into our international opportunities. Wherever you look, you will be immersing yourself into new opportunities such as attending client meetings, visits to court, and exposure to our deals, culture and practice areas. There will also be a lot of additional activities to take advantage of including: Key skills training sessions with our learning & development team

Discussions about practice areas, key sectors and deals with clients

Q&A sessions with heads of practice and our chief executive partner

Pro bono initiatives, various committee groups and networking events

Once you apply, your application will be reviewed taking in to account a variety of factors. If successful in securing an interview, you will also be invited to an information evening to learn more about our firm and meet our people.

Graduate academy This is the most important part of your journey with us. It is also a journey in itself. Over the course of the program, you will develop a vast range of knowledge and skills, gain exposure to different sectors and work environments, and will ultimately build up the experience you need to become a qualified lawyer.  We offer a 2 year program consisting of 4 x 6 month rotations. Our aim is for each graduate to complete at least one transactional and one litigious rotation  All graduates will be enrolled in their Practical Legal Training (PLT) with The College of Law and will receive continuous training throughout the program  All graduates will be admitted to practice within their first year of the program

 All graduates have the opportunity to apply for an international rotation and pro bono secondment  All graduates will be supervised by a partner and a mentor, in addition to being paired with a buddy who has recently completed the graduate program  12 months into the program, graduates can be permanently placed in a team of preference as a lawyer. Others will benefit from a 3rd or 4th rotation

International opportunities Working in a global firm means global opportunities – and that means getting the experience of working in our global offices. We are committed to our graduates building connections with their peers overseas, build upon their legal knowledge in a different jurisdiction and experience life on the other side of the world so that when they return, they can play a pivotal role in our global connectivity and contribute to our success as a truly global law firm.

Contact us If you would like to learn more about our opportunities and how to apply, please visit our website or contact us directly. australian.graduates@nortonrosefulbright.com | nortonrosefulbright.com/graduates

Law around the world

nortonrosefulbright.com

Macquarie University Law Society | Clerkship Guide

Reach your potential

Join a major Australian law firm. Starting your legal career at Thomson Geer will offer you real, hands-on experience across a wide variety of commercial disciplines and industry sectors, in a supportive and collaborative environment.

We’re ready for you

Are you ready for us?

With over 560 people, including 127 partners across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, we’re one of Australia’s 10 largest law firms and its 5th largest independent one.

We’re looking for hard-working and motivated law students who have excelled academically, are customer focused, commercially minded, work well in a team environment and are ready to commence their career with a major law firm.

We offer a flexible, friendly and professionally stimulating environment that puts both our trusting client relationships and our staff’s wellbeing and development at the forefront.

We are especially keen to talk to students who have, or are working towards a second degree in technical fields, such as commerce, engineering and science.

From day one, you’ll be an active participant in the team, involved in all aspects of legal practice, and working directly with experienced practitioners.

How to apply Applications for our 2022/2023 Sydney Summer Clerkships open on 6 June 2022 through our website.

tglaw.com.au Thomson Geer @ThomsonGeer

Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth | Adelaide tglaw.com.au