Clerkship Guide 2019
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2 | Clerkship Guide 2019
Macquarie University Law Society
Note from the Editor
Adam Lewis Executive Officer (Editor)
Summer or vacation clerkships are a great opportunity for those law students looking to gain insight into the world of commercial law. The majority of firms will align their application dates and clerkship opportunities around Law Society guidelines and whilst this might mean keeping track of due dates is easy, it also means a lot of applications and interview preparation in a short period of time. The MULS Clerkship Guide for 2019 aims to assist in these applications and to provide some insight into the industry’s clerkship processes as well as some tips and tricks. Whilst the opportunity of a clerkship may seem like a lot of effort for a short experience in a firm, it will usually mean a strong foundation for those looking at a career in commercial law. My words of advice: manage your commitments and applications. Prepare early and ensure the effort and research you put into the firms you wish to apply for is as strong as possible. For those of you not yet in your penultimate year, have a read and think about whether a clerkship is something you want to undertake in the future.
President’s Welcome
Matthew Harris President
Dear Readers, Clerkships can be one of the most exciting, nerve-wracking and stressful times of a law student’s time at university and I hope this guide serves every student well. As usual, this edition features fantastic insights from each firm as well as some tips from Macquarie students who have been through the process themselves. I would like to thank all of our sponsor firms who feature in the guide as well as our fantastic alumni and clerks who have contributed to the 2019 edition. Special thanks must go out to the MULS Publications team who worked tirelessly on working on such a high-quality product. This year’s edition of the Clerkship Guide is filled with extremely relevant and useful information and is a must for any student at any stage in their degree. Best of luck to all those who are applying this year!
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Contents
5
Introduction 6 An introduction to clerkship 8 Clerkship events
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The Application 10 Where do I start? 11 Common practice areas 14 The CV: tips and examples 20 Writing an outstanding cover letter 22 Online applications 23 cvMail
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Interviews, Cocktails & Offers 25 Interview skills 30 Video interview skills 32 Mastering the interview 35 What to wear 36 Cocktail events and networking 37 Offer etiquette
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The Experiences 39 Clerk Q&A
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The Firms 54 Firm profiles 65 Participating firms 4 | Clerkship Guide 2019
Acknowledgments Editor: Adam Lewis Designer: Michael Graziano With special thanks to: Michael Graziano for his assistance, designing and guidance, Nadine Jacob, for coordinating the content provided by the firms for this guide, and the team at the Macquarie University Career and Employment Service, for their useful suggestions. Contributors: Anneliese Cooper Lee Lancaster Ashleigh Lister Rachel McInerney Nathan Ricardo Hugh Snowden Casey Thomas Evan Thomson Katrina Woodforde
Disclaimer The views expressed in this publication for not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, nor the Macquarie University Law Society. Best efforts have been made to ensure that the information is correct as of 1 May 2019, 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. MULS encourages all summer clerkship applicants to obtain confirmation of all information from the firms in question.
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1. Introduction
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An Introduction to Clerkships What is a Clerkship? What is a Clerkship? The NSW Law Society coordinates two major employment programs for law students: graduate employment programs (for final year students) and summer clerkship programs (for penultimate year students). Clerkships are typically paid employment programs at law firms, running for between 5 and 13 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. Clerkships may also lead to offers for graduate roles.
What are the requirement? To be eligible to apply for a clerkship, students should be in their penultimate year of study. Students that fall outside of this criterion, such as final year students, should enquire whether the firm they are interested in intends to accept candidates who do not meet this requirement. However, aside from the above requirement, there are no specific prerequisites or standards that must be attained in order to submit an application. Nevertheless, there are three general qualities that firms look for in applicants:
Strong academic records 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. Almost all firms will require a current official academic transcript, which you can order from Student Connect. Your GPA is 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. Work experience What is important here is to show any work experience that shows you have relevant skills to work in a legal environment. For instance, work that can demonstrate time management skills will be beneficial as such a skill is crucial when working in commercial law. Clerkships are designed as work experience within the legal sector. Having prior legal work experience may be helpful, but it is not essential. Varied extracurricular activities Firms are not only interested in your academic results or work experience. They are seeking students with skills relates to communication, organisation, commercial awareness and commitment to a career in the law. This can also be used to address any gaps in your academic results or work experience. Even abstract extracurricular activities can illustrate that you possess relevant skills and can demonstrate commitment.
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An overview of the clekship process
1 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. See the firm directory at the end of this publication for an indication of each firm’s preferred medium of applications. However, this is subject to change and applicants are encouraged to double-check the application requirements for each firm.
2 First Round Interviews A firm will invite you to attend an interview if they are impressed by your application.
3 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 Offers Based on how you performed in steps 1-3, you may be offered a summer clerkship position!
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.
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Improving your chances of getting a clerkship 1. Work on your academics – whilst not the only factor considered, your marks are important. 2. Get involved at university – consider volunteering on a MULS subcommittee, signing up for Macquarie Mentors, competing in a moot or helping out with a charitable cause. 3. Get legal work experience – consider volunteering at a Community Legal Centre or undertaking a PACE work placement unit. 4. Start honing your CV and cover letter – if you require assistance contact the Macquarie University Career and Employment Service. 5. Consider purchasing corporate attire – should you receive an interview; you want to look the part. Such clothing can be also useful for MULS career events and competitions.
Key Dates Tuesday 11 June Applications open Sunday 14 July Applications close at 11:59pm Wednesday 18 September Offers may be made Friday 20 September Offers must be accepted or rejected by 5:00pm These dates, while sourced from the NSW Law Society, are advisory, and may be subject to change for each firm. Applicants are encouraged to confirm these dates with the firm in question.
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Clerkship Events What is Clerkship Week? Clerkship Week is the ultimate event in the corporate careers calendar. Encompassing a broad range of networking events and skills seminars drawing together Australia's leading firms, Clerkship Week is crucial in preparing for the upcoming applications season. Having expanded in recent years, it is more like a clerkship month, with events running from the 4th until the 22nd of May. It is a good idea to set some time aside from your busy university schedule to actively prepare for the events if you want to get the most out of them. Keep an eye on the MULS Facebook page for details of these events.
How to Prepare and Impress Get Involved! To get the most out of these opportunities, it is important that you come to as many events as you can! Even if you have your heart set on one firm, it is wise to cast a wide net. Besides, you might even discover another firm that you really like! The presentation and skills seminars will focus on skills that can be applied to clerkship applications generally and will give you a comprehensive insight into the industry. If you’re not in your penultimate year, these events will still be worth your while as they will give you an idea of what to work toward over the next year or so, before it’s your turn to apply! Dress to Impress! Many of the Clerkship Week events are formal and you want to make a great first impression as you network. There is every chance that someone you meet at one of these events will end up as your interviewer! Dress well - get changed out of your MULS Hoodie and track pants before you attend these events. Be Prepared! To get the most out of your networking opportunities, research is critical to your success. Comprehensive preparation will not only help you to know what you want to ask, but your more insightful questions are sure to impress firm representatives. Know a little bit about each firm and what further information you can ask them for, but also have a good idea of where your interests lie so that you can prioritise firms that are best suited to your career goals. Macquarie University Law Society
2. The Application
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Where do I Start? Tips
Career and Employment Service
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.
Did you know that Macquarie University has its own Career and Employment Service? Their role is to help students to plan and prepare for their careers through the following services:
This information can usually be found on the firm’s website. Alternatively, students may speak with former clerks, graduates and HR representatives.
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One-on-one career appointments that are tailored to your needs, including providing advice on career planning, gaining experience and evaluating options;
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Monthly skill development workshops on topics including networking, interview techniques and how to use LinkedIn effectively;
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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.
News sources such as the Australian Financial Review and Lawyers Weekly may also prove useful. Additionally, you may wish to research the legal industry more broadly and consider trends in the legal market. Identify the firms you intend to apply to and consider your motivations for selecting these firms. Research the application process of the firms you find attractive, including the HR representative and addressee that will appear on your cover letter. If available, deconstruct any selection criteria and ensure that you are eligible for the role. Create a short list of your experiences, demonstrating how you fit the criteria and culture of the firm. Note: This process is not necessarily limited to penultimate students. Also, for those who may be in the early stages of your degree, undertaking this process may help you identify gaps in your experience.
All of these services are available via the CareerHub website (available at www.careerhub.mq.edu.au). You can also visit the Career and Employment Service, located on Level 2 18WW (MUSE building) near Student Connect or, alternatively, send an email to careers@mq.edu. au.
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Common Practice Areas
This list of practice areas is not exhaustive and is only a starting point. Be sure to research each firm’s practice groups and areas of specialisation.
Corporate Law Corporate law firms often have a practice group dedicated to ‘Corporate Law’. This group deals with corporate litigation and transactions that are purely commercial in nature. The group is often divided into smaller sub-sections, such as Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity, Company Law and Governance, and Superannuation Funds Management. In this area, 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. There is also the potential for variation in the type of work that you will be undertaking in this practice area.
Insolvency Law Insolvency law is an area of law governed primarily by the Corporations Act. This area deals with the deterioration of companies, as well as the relationship between the company, its shareholders, and creditors when the company can no longer pay its debts. Insolvency law covers both litigious and transactional matters, ranging in size from extremely large corporate restructures to relatively small debt recovery matters.
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.
Employment and Industrial Relations Law This practice area covers a number of areas, including, but not limited to, relating to unfair dismissal, discrimination and equal opportunity, occupational health and safety, trade practices, and contracts. In this group, you may also be involved in employment litigation (as corporations may be sued by employees for discrimination, unfair dismissal, and other grievances), client meetings, legal research on client issues, drafting letters of advice, or corresponding with the Industrial Relations Commission and other courts and tribunals.
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Dispute Resolution The Litigation and Dispute Resolution team in a firm can expect to deal with litigious matters referred from other departments of the firm that do not wish to deal with the litigation. This practice group also provides advice and assistance with mitigating conflicts and preventative strategies to avoid situations before they occur. 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.
Banking and Finance 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), securitisation, or property finance (assisting in managing the finance of commercial, residential and retail properties).
You may also be involved in preparing for, and coordinating, signings and completions, researching and preparing advice on various legal issues, and corresponding with clients and team members.
Property Law Property law covers a range of practice groups, often including matters related to construction and infrastructure, as well as the environment. For instance, within a Construction team, you may face work such as negotiating, drafting, and advising clients on contracts for large-scale infrastructure work and building construction or providing advice in relation to the financing of infrastructure developments. 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. 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. 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.
Work in this group may include preparing and coordinating conditions precedent, drafting and reviewing various types of securities and drafting various documents including board minutes, powers of attorney, short form loan agreements, legal opinions, deeds of release and documentation in relation to financial assistance.
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Macquarie University Law Society
Competition & Consumer Protection 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 – sections dealing with regulating the level of competition between businesses and companies, and sections regulating consumer protection (known as the Australian Consumer Law). Competition work will likely involve advising companies prior to proposed mergers whether the ACCC will accept such a change in their industry, advising clients 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.
Energy and Natural Resources 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.
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Intellectual Property (IP) This group revolves around IP services, including the registration, commercialisation and enforcement of IP rights. This team develops legal strategies to protect the commercial potential of brands, as well as engaging in litigious work if there is a breach of IP rights. 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, as well as advising on marketing agreement.
Taxation Law Tax lawyers are rarely involved in detailed analyses of financial accounts. It is not strictly necessary to have a background in accounting or finance to become a tax lawyer, but some firms do encourage you to undertake further accounting-based study if you settle in the group. The focus is on the legal analysis of tax-based issues and the practical application of the 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, and 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.
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The CV: Tips General Tips 1. Be honest – don’t include anything that you could not discuss in detail during an interview.
7. Be consistent in your formatting – we recommend Times New Roman or Arial in size 12 point.
2. Use professional language – avoid slang and colloquial language.
8. Avoid clutter – while narrowing margins may help to fit more content, ensure that your page still appears uncluttered.
3. To calculate your Law WAM (referred to as ‘Course Weighted Average’ at Macquarie University) • Write up a list of all of the LAW/ LAWS/LAWZ units that you have completed. • Multiply the final mark for each graded of these units by the value of that unit in terms of credit points. • Sum the resulting values (weighted marks). • Divide the sum of the weighted marks by the total number of credit points that you have attained in LAW/LAWS units.
9. Thoroughly proofread your CV – pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation. 10. Convert it to a PDF.
4. Keep it up to date – in general, leave out any content older than 4-5 years. 5. 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. 6. 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.
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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/Professional Experience Company and Job Title i. Responsibilities ii. Key Achievements Extracurricular Activities Society/Activity/Sport i. Position Titles ii. Achievements iii. Participation Community Involvement Organisation i. A brief explanation of the organisation if it isn’t well-known ii. Positions held Hobbies or Other Qualifications Hobbies Other Qualifications, such as a First Aid Certificate or Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate References Most people do not provide these and state that they are ‘available upon request’. However, firms generally like for them to be included (their name, job title, company, and a contact phone number).
Macquarie University Law Society
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Format use by a successful applicant in the 2017 Clerkship Program — content is only used to illustrate the formatting
FIRST LAST
firstlast@gmail.com | 0400 000 000 EDUCATION Exchange University Name of Course
10 – 28 July 2017
An intensive, short term course studied through a Summer School program
Macquarie University Bachelor of Other/Bachelor of Laws
2014 – 2018 (expected)
GPA: 3.88/4.0, LAW Weighted Average Mark: 83.4 2016: Highest Achiever in a Unit (Example Law) 2015: Equal second place in Jurisprudence 2014: Macquarie Law School Prize for [Subject] 2014: Prize for [Subject]
High School
2008 – 2013
[ATAR], Band 6 results in Legal Studies and Business Studies Peer Support Leader and Peer Tutor
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Macquarie University Research Assistant (1-2 days per week)
WriteWISE Leader
May 2017 – Present
Assisting with a lecturer’s book on taxation law Responsible for proof-reading and footnote editing
February – May 2017
(2-3 hours per week)
Ran consultations for students seeking guidance with assessment tasks, time management, and interpreting feedback on assignments
Café Barista (casual)
February – December 2016
Prepared and served food and beverages and interacted with customers
Private Tutor (5 hours per week) June – October 2015 Ran tutoring sessions with a HSC student for Mathematics and General Maths Electoral Commission NSW Election Official
Issued votes, guarded ballot boxes, and counted papers on election day
David Jones Casual Media Advisor Christmas Casual Media Advisor
March 2015
May 2014 – February 2015 December 2013
Processed sales and returns, handled cash and credit transactions, and answered telephone enquiries especially during the busy Christmas period
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Macquarie University Law Society
VOLUNTARY EXPERIENCE Macquarie Social Justice Clinic Volunteer (1 day per week)
Key tasks included legal research, interviewing clients seeking asylum, editing, drafting advice for clients, and preparing chronologies based on FOI documents
Rotary Youth Leadership Conference
January 2017
Received a Rotary Youth Leadership Award to attend an intensive week-long leadership skills conference, sponsored by Rotary Club
OTHER EXTRA-CURRICULAR EXPERIENCE Macquarie University Law Society (MULS) March 2014 – Present 2017: Position
Responsible for [tasks associated with this position]
2016: Position Responsible for [tasks associated with this position]2016: Client Interview, Negotiations, and Witness Examination Competitor Macquarie University Volunteer Mentoring
March 2015 – May 2016
Mentored 300+ students for the Human Sciences Faculty, LEAP and WriteWISE
Rowing Club
Participate three days per week in group rowing Assist with financial management of the club
The Brief Online (MULS blog) o Nine articles covering a range of topics, including [topics]
July 2004 – Present
PUBLICATIONS
REFERENCES Name: Reference 1 Name Role: Employer Contact Numbers: 9999 9999 / 0400 000 000 Email: email@gmail.com Name: Reference 2 Name Role: Rowing Coach Contact Number: 0400 000 000 Email: email@hotmail.com
Macquarie University Law Society
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First Last
Curriculum Vitae
Format use by a successful applicant in the 2017 Clerkship Program — content 00 Street Drive Suburb 2000 is only used to illusemail01@gmail.com trate the formatting 0400000000
Education
Macquarie University Bachelor of Laws, (Major) Awarded PACE Scholarship Awarded Student Leadership Scholarship 3.66 GPA
2014-2018
High School Higher School Certificate Head Prefect Dux Legal Studies Awarded ‘All Rounder’ Scholarship
2009-2013
Professional Experience
Legal Development Officer/Paralegal March 2017-Current Law firm (part time) Dual role: I work alongside the Managing Partner to assist with the sales, marketing and business development of the firm, in addition to conducting standard paralegal work Manage the B2B sales of the firm and prepare marketing materials Analyse client case information and prepare legal matters including drafting business documents and contracts for intellectual property, employment law, and wills & estates Research cases and precedents and conduct administrative duties Head of Grant Department Company (full time) Nov 2015-Dec 2016 Managed 13 staff in preparation of R&D Tax Incentive Applications and other programs for our clients, reported directly to the Global CEO Handled all staff recruitment, HR and staff training for the department Researched, prepared and calculated R&D Applications before lodgment with the ATO Worked alongside 8 other department heads in a cooperative environment Attended sales conferences and conducted B2B roles Under my leadership, the department experienced a 500% growth in revenue Manager of Special Projects Law firm (full time) Managed all aspects of online and B2B marketing of the firm Liaised with software developers and oversaw creation & implementation of online legal ‘contract creation and debt recovery’ platform Recruited and trained new employees/interns Sales Team Leader Marketing company (part time) Tasks included direct sales and boosting ‘Officeworks’ brand product reach to university students (online and face-to-face) The team I led was awarded ‘Best National Team’ for 2015 Rugby Coach High School
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April-Oct 2015
Jan-April 2015
2013-2014
Macquarie University Law Society
Volunteer Experience
Macquarie University Law Society Sub-Committee 1 and Sub-Committee 2
2014-Current
Company Secretary of Charity Charity (Non-for-profit) Instrumental in the creation and registration of the charity Led weekly board meetings and assisted in the organization of events Liaised with ATO, ASIC and ACNC Extension English Mentor and Leader of Group Workshops Extension English Mentor NSW State Library HSC Mentor
Sept 2015- Nov 2016
2017 2014-2015
Achievements
Scholarships Sydney University Deans Scholarship Macquarie University PACE Prize Macquarie University Student Leader Scholarship High School All Rounder Scholarship
2014 2014 2014 2011-2013
Awards Award for Excellence – Company Employee of the Year – Company Employee of the Month – Law firm Award for Best HSC English Extension 2 Major Work in NSW Advocacy Prize - High School Dux of Legal Studies - High School NSW Model United Nations Assembly Winner
2016 2015 2015 2013 2013 2011-2013 2013
Leadership
Senior Counsel - MULS Mooting Team Senior Team Manager - Dream Consortium Campaign Team Leader - Student Services Australia Head Prefect of High School Member of High School Executive Leadership Team
Extra-Curricular Activities Advocacy Member of Macquarie University Law Society (Engagement and Co-Curricular SubCommittees) MULS Junior and Senior Mooting MULS Client Interview Australian/NSW Model United Nations Australian/NSW Constitutional Convention
2014, 2017 2016 2015 2013 2013
Sport/Other Black belt in Karate Rugby (Captain and State Represented Player) State Track and Field Representative Skydiving (AFF License In Progress) Skiing
Referees
Professional Reference 1: Principal, Law firm Reference 2: R&D Tax Manager, Company
04 0000 0000 04 0000 0000
Personal Reference 3: Executive Producer and Head of Factual Programming, Company
04 0000 0000
Macquarie University Law Society
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Writing an Outstanding Cover Letter General Tips 1. Use a business letter format. 2. Limit it to one page. 3. Find out who will be receiving your letter and double check their name – ensure that you address the letter to a person, not just ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. If you don’t have their name, try phoning the firm’s reception and enquiring. 4. Be enthusiastic and positive – make your letter read this way. 5. Use your cover letter to supplement your CV; don’t simply reproduce it! 6. Use the wording of the employer’s advertised criteria to link your skills and experience to the role. 7. Tailor your application for each unique firm. 8. Demonstrate commercial awareness, such as knowledge of firm clients, employees, and recent transactions (but only if they are relevant). 9. Convert the final product to PDF. 10. Proofread! Remember, your cover letter not only shows off your written communication skills, but your attention to detail. It is important to make a good first impression by avoiding careless mistakes.
Suggested Structure 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 or experience that you may 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 wish 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 the firm in question.
Macquarie University Law Society
Format use by a successful applicant in the 2017 Clerkship Program — content is only used to illustrate the formatting
First Last Address Suburb NSW Postsode firstlast@gmail.com
Ms Recruiter Clerkship Program Recruiter Law Firm Address Sydney, NSW 2000 7 July 2017 Dear Ms/Mr Recruiter’s Name RE: APPLICATION FOR 2017/2018 SUMMER CLERKSHIP I write to apply for the [Law Firms] Clerkship Program in the Sydney office. I am a penultimate year student studying [other] and law at Macquarie University. I am interested in [this firm]’s clerkship program because of your reputation in areas of interest to me, commitment to service, and many positive experiences I have personally had with your firm during my degree. Due to my interest in the interaction between law and politics, I am particularly attracted by [this firms]’s consistently strong performance in government and construction, as a result of your retention and engagement of key lawyers in this area. [law firm] also has an impressive commitment to service, evidenced by its leadership in pro bono practice and its recent award of the Good Law Firm Award. Finally, I have enjoyed the legal issues presentations and learned much about poverty and the law at the lawyers’ Speaker’s Night that [law firm] sponsored this year. It therefore comes as no surprise that many of my peers chose [law firm] as the place to begin their career and continue to speak highly of their experiences. To date, my average law mark is 83.47, and I look forward to graduating with 1st Class Honours. I have consistently performed well across all law subjects, and received the highest mark of my cohort in Foundations of Commercial Law last summer. My experiences range from work in retail, legal research, marketing, and rowing, which have developed my flexibility, ability to adapt to changing environments, and communication skills. My work as a Student Editor of the Macquarie Law Journal, volunteer experience at the Social Justice Clinic and extensive contributions to Macquarie University Law Society (MULS) publications have honed my legal research and analysis skills. Finally, my experience as [position] in [Society] has developed my leadership and teamwork skills by working in a team to deliver increased student engagement, a new Equity Policy, and stronger relationships with the university. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application with you further. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Yours sincerely First Last
Macquarie University Law Society
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Online Applications Firms may require you to submit your applications using cvMail or a similar application portal through their website.
1. Finish your research about the firm and the position beforehand. Some portals, such as cvMail, have time limits of 90 minutes before it automatically logs you off. 2. Read all of the portal FAQs and instructions before starting your application. 3. Prepare responses to questions that may be asked on the online portal, such as: • Discuss your university activities and achievements. • Discuss any further interests, activities, or achievements. i. Indicate your career objectives, which may include: ii. Interest iii. Job preferences iv. Reason(s) why you chose your course of study. • Talk about any other relevant skills you may possess (foreign language, computer-related skills, etc.). • Provide additional information – elaborate on factual material already presented and how it is related to the position. 4. 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
6. Don’t rush your application; pay attention to detail. The firm may disregard your application on the basis of small careless mistakes. 7. Be honest – all the information provided will be subject to academic transcript checks and reference confirmation. 8. Ensure that you have someone else read over your answers. If possible, ask someone who works in the legal industry to proofread it for you. 9. Keep a copy of any answers you submit as they may be referred to in interviews. 10. Ensure that you submit a copy of your official academic transcript. You should also bring a copy to any interviews. Official academic transcripts are purchased from 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 issues with your transcript, which is particularly stressful on the day of an interview.
5. Avoiding referring to the same example more than once.
Macquarie University Law Society
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.
Getting Started For first time log-in, follow these steps: Go to http://www.cvmail.com.au and register as a first time user. Create your personal profile by clicking the ‘Personal Profile’ button on the left hand side of the screen and filling in your personal details. Complete your academic profile by clicking on the ‘Academic Profile’ button, also on the left hand side. You will need to enter information about your education background (university degree(s) and their starting and finishing dates) and your academic results according to the instructions provided. 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. 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, & underline minor headings using the hyphen (-) character, 3. Start bullet points using the hyphen character, and 4. Use white space to give the text a spacious feel (i.e. two lines before each heading, etc.). 5. 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.
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3.
Interviews, Cocktail Evenings & Offers 24 | Clerkship Guide 2019
Macquarie University Law Society
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 2, 18 Wally’s Walk (MUSE Building), Macquarie University North Ryde, NSW 2109 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).
Before the Interview Understand yourself • 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. •
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 type of work environment do you prefer?
Understand the employer • Research the organisation through the web, library, newspaper articles, professional associations and networking. • •
Learn about the position’s job responsibilities. Brainstorm some questions to ask the employer about their organisation’s environment.
During the Interview 1. First impressions count. Try to connect with your interviewer at the beginning. 2. Greet the interview with a warm and confident handshake. Introduce yourself in 30-40 seconds. 3. Try to make the session smooth and comfortable for you and the interviewer. 4. Be polite and take instructions from the interviewer 5. Maintain good and confident eye contact with the interviewer(s) throughout the interview. 6. Smile, take a deep breath and relax. It helps you be comfortable so you can focus on the interview and be yourself. 7. Be aware of your eye contact and gestures, as well as posture and hand movements. 8. Beware of using slang, colloquial expressions or improper grammar.
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Answering the Questions
After the Interview
Listen carefully to the questions before answering to make sure you fully understand what is being asked.
Take notes right after your interview is finished and use them to remind yourself of what was discussed in the interview.
Keep your answer brief, sell yourself quickly, and keep your information relevant to the job.
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. • Reaffirm your interest and enthusiasm about the position and qualifications.
Use real life examples in your responses. Get to the point quickly and smile along the way. Emphasise positive things about yourself and give examples to demonstrate your good qualities and strengths, Examples: • ‘I am a team player. I worked on XXXX project and performed as XXXX role in the team.’ • ‘I am on the committee of my University student club and I was responsible for XXXX’. • ‘My experience in working with a team of XXXX professionals made me a quick learner. For example XXXX’ Promote yourself in an honest and confident manner. Ask interesting and work related questions.
Do ✓✓ Dress in a professional, conservative and neat manner ✓✓ Review your resume and work history so you are ready to speak about both ✓✓ Arrive 15 minutes before the interview ✓✓ Bring extra copies of your resume ✓✓ Smile, take a deep breath and relax. This will help you to be comfortable so that you can focus on the interview and be yourself
Email is appropriate if there is a quick turnaround time to fill the position. Review your performance at the interview 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 and send email thanking them for taking the time to consider your application.
Don’t ✗✗ Waffle around with your answers ✗✗ Ask for comments on your performance during the interview ✗✗ Bring a friend or relative ✗✗ Wear heavy cologne ✗✗ Fidget ✗✗ Play with your hair / jewellery during the interview
✓✓ Be aware of your eye contact, gestures, posture and hand movements ✓✓ Beware of using slang, colloquial expressions or improper grammar
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Types of Questions Startup Questions
Academic Relevance
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Rapport building questions are asked to get a better understanding of you. Tell me about yourself? Why have you applied for this role? Describe yourself in one word.
Resume Related Questions • •
Your resume indicated that you have experience in X. Could you tell us more about that area? You have stated in your resume that you have completed X extra-curricular activity. How will that help you in this role?
Skills Assessment • • • • •
Are you good at handling several tasks and responsibilities simultaneously? How good are you at solving conflicts? Can you give an example? Tell me about a problem you faced whilst working in a team. How did you resolve the problem? Describe a situation where you successfully convinced others of your ideas.
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Tell me about the degree you have studied and why did you decide to study X? How will your university education benefit your future career? Tell us what experience and training you have that qualifies you for this position?
Technical Familiarity • • • •
Knowledge assessment and issue interpretation What legal issues will you need to be mindful of in this role? What are the technical skills you learned from your past jobs that relate to this role? Why do you believe you are qualified for this position?
Company Awareness • • • •
Knowledge of the organisation Why do you want to work at our company? What do you know about our company? Why does this industry/job/company interest you?
Motivation and Career Orientation • • • •
Career goals vs. the job you are applying for. Where do you see yourself five years from now? Why did you leave your last position? What career goals have you set yourself?
Macquarie University Law Society
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What is Behavioural Interviewing? These interviews assume that based on your past behaviour, predictions can be made on how you will behave in the future. E.g., “Tell me about a time when...� Each question requires a detailed answer from your past. They may focus on issues such as problem solving, initiative and teamwork. Your responses need to include the situation, what was required of you, your actions, and what you learnt. Preparation is crucial for this type of interview.
Use the PREP-STAR Model to Answer the Question POINT Answer the question. REASON Justify your answer and link it to the role. EVIDENCE Provide relevant example using STAR. SITUATION Describe the background of a specific experience. TASK Activities needed to complete. ACTION Activities you have done and how you did it. Incorporate the difficulties or problems you solved. RESULT Outcome. POINT Re-emphasise your key skills and abilities gained and relate it back to the role.
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Tough Questions What is your understanding of the position you have applied? Prepare for this one 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. How do you keep abreast of 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.
Ask the Interviewer the Right Questions An interview is a two way selection technique – it is just as important that you are able to make an informed decision about the company and the vacant position as it is for the company about you. Relevant questions may include: •
What kind of training program is available for this role?
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Can you tell me about your background and how and why you joined this organisation?
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How will you assess that I’m doing a good job? What will I have achieved in 6 or 12 months?
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What is the next step in the selection process from here and when should I expect to hear from you next?
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What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
What are your salary expectations? Find a benchmark – talk to people, go to the Careers homepage and look at the Graduate Destination Survey. You also need to know about ‘salary packages’, which include superannuation, holiday leave loading and overtime.
Macquarie University Law Society
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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 2, 18 Wally’s Walk (MUSE Building), Macquarie University North Ryde, NSW 2109 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm). Video interviewing is increasingly being used in graduate recruitment by both public and private sector. Here’s how you can perform your best in this round of the selection process.
Prior to the Day of the Interview •
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Choose a quiet location, preferably sitting at a table on a comfortable chair at the right height for the interview and your preparation. Prepare for your interview as you would for a face to face interview; research the organisation, research yourself (why do I want this job, what can I offer?), prepare your answers to common interview questions, prepare examples for behavioural questions, prepare questions to ask the 'interviewer', do your research on appropriate salary for the role, arrange a mock interview with the Careers Service, a friend or family member.
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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 if you microphone and audio is working and clear.
The Night Before the Interview •
Get a good night’s sleep.
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Charge your computer, find leads, webcam and any other equipment you may need.
The Day of the Interview •
Make sure your computer is fully charged.
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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.
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Make sure dogs or other pets are secured in another room where barking etc will not be heard.
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Dress appropriately in professional attire (top as well as bottom and shoes).
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Check the background space behind you is neat and neutral with no distractions or inappropriate material displayed (unmade bed).
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Close or lock the door of the room and advise other housemates that you cannot be disturbed for the period of the interview.
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Close the window if you are likely to be disturbed by outside noises such as traffic (even bird calls can come through loudly and can be distracting for the assessor). 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 /or 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 or better still, switched off. Warn friends ahead of time not to call or text whilst the interview is in progress.
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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!
During the Interview •
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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Speak clearly and confidently.
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Look at the camera, not down at the desk or table.
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Try to remember to keep a pleasant expression on your face, and speak as naturally as you can.
Macquarie University Law Society
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Try to remain animated and friendly.
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Avoid touching your face or hair, or fidgeting.
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Avoid making unnecessary noise such as shuffling papers, tapping a pen or moving unnecessarily in your chair.
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. As with all interviews, give answers that are relevant and succinct. Don't try to fill up the allocated time with unnecessary words if you believe you have already fully answered the question. It's important to remember that a video interview is a "real" interview, just like when you interview in an office. Your answers will be weighed and selection decisions will be made, just as they would if the interview was in-person. In fact, given that the interview can be scored and reviewed, it can be even more important than a typical first round phone or screening interview. 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.
Here are some useful links for further information: http://www.interviewskills.com.au/ files/%239%20Vieple.pdf http://www.wikihow.com/prepare-fora-video-interview-at-home Clerkship Guide 2019 | 31
Mastering the Interview The following information was kindly provided by: Tania Currie, Career Development Consultant, Macquarie University Career and Employment Service.
Planning for Interview Success Performing well at interviews is a skill that comes with practice. But much of your interview success and confidence happens before the day – the key is in your preparation.
Top Interview Preparation Tips Read more than their website You've heard it before, but it’s critical to find out as much as you can about the firm and their clerkship program. If you want to be a stand out on the day (and use this information to your advantage) consider what else you can do to understand their culture, strategy and expectations other than what you read on their website. For instance, look for their latest annual report, any news articles or past clerk tips/testimonials. Has a past MULS executive or Macquarie law student clerked there that you can talk to? Go that extra step in your research. Prepare for gap or probing questions Re-look at the application you submitted so you can expand on this in your interview. Consider if there are any gaps in your experience, interest, degree, commitment etc that they might perceive from your application – how would you handle a question like this on the day?
Know what to expect Don’t be afraid to ask for more information to help you prepare. Email or phone the week beforehand to reduce surprises and know what you can expect on the day. Often you’ll be able to find out the interview length, format and who you’ll be meeting. You’ll also be showing you’re keen and, most importantly, be conveying a professional impression. Google your interviewers They’ll most likely ‘Google you’, so use social media to your advantage (but just don’t mention this on the day!). Take a little time to research your interviewers’ experience, expertise and practice area/role within the firm to help you understand their focus/perspective and know how to talk their language. Remember law firms are really looking for someone who they like/ can see themselves working well with and who fits into their organisation so look for any interests, passions or work attitudes you might have in common that will help you connect with them during the interview. Don’t overlook the basics Plan what you’re going to wear and the logistics of how you’re going to get to the interview in advance (do a practice run if you can). Aim to be there 5-10 minutes before your interview time. And when it comes to your attire, err on the side of caution - dark suits with ties, shirts and skirts in conservative designs are best. Macquarie University Law Society
Prepare some questions
Consider your body language
Interviews are a two-way process, so use your interview to also assess this clerkship opportunity and consider whether if it will be right for you. Plus, it shows your interest if you’ve taken the time to prepare a few probing questions of your own to ask. Steer clear of anything that’s been provided in the job advertisement or clerkship material supplied. Instead, ask questions focussed on ‘what’s in it for you’, such as training or promotion opportunities. Consider questions that will give you more insight into the clerkship; for instance, how they would measure a clerk’s success / performance, what would be involved in a typical day for a clerk at the firm in question.
90% of communication is non-verbal; so on the day, the way you communicate your answers will play a big role in how well you connect with your interviewers and how your information is received/ believed. Remember to sit up straight, face your interviewers, smile and maintain direct but natural eye contact. Show signs of active listening (nodding, paraphrasing), use natural hand gestures and slow down your speech. Think beforehand how you’ll hold your hands and place your feet. Is there anything you tend to do when you’re nervous (twiddle a pen or sweep your fringe behind your ear)?
Plan some specific skill examples Expect some behavioural questions based on the key skills required for the clerkship. You can prepare your thinking for these questions beforehand by going back to the skills highlighted in the clerkship advertisement and looking at where in your past experiences you’ve successfully put these into practice. Typically you’ll be asked for an example of when you’ve used a range of transferable skills like problem solving, teamwork, organisational skills and communication. Choose the strongest example possible from your collective experience (extracurricular activities, your casual job or degree). Use the renowned STAR technique to plan your answer – consider the Situation, Task, Action taken and the Result. Even if the behavioural questions on the day are slightly different to what you’ve planned, you’ll be in the right mindset for handling these and will have a great technique for pulling together an example. Practise describing your examples out loud.
Macquarie University Law Society
Consider how you can keep these behaviours in check during the interview. Also, try and tune into your interviewer’s non verbal communication cues; be guided by their eye contact and facial expressions as a means of judging the length of your answers and gauge their interest or understanding. Expect the unexpected Law firms are famous for asking left field or tough interview questions. They may ask: What’s something we don’t know about you? When have you made a mistake and what did you learn from this? Although these are hard to prepare for, expecting some challenging questions on the day will mean you won’t be as thrown by them.
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During your Interview First impressions count First of all, arrive on time. Introduce yourself, offer a firm handshake, and make eye contact and smile. However, don’t just save this for your interviewers though, you’ll need to make an impression with everyone you come into contact with on the day, including the receptionist. Mind your manners Be sure to turn off your mobile and give your full attention to the interviewers. Be courteous and professional at all times, this extends to avoiding saying anything negative about previous organisations and employers. Be honest and stay positive Don’t pretend on the day to impress. If you don't know the answer to a question, don't be afraid to admit it, but stay positive. Rather than "I don't have any experience with that", you could say "although I haven’t come across that before I adapt quickly and successfully learnt on the job in my past roles" and back this up with an example of when you have learnt a new skill/ tackled an unfamiliar situation.
After the Interview Send a follow up thank you. Email a quick thank you message to the key contact at the firm within a day of your interview. Reinforce your interest in the role and include a comment about something from your discussion/ meeting to help jog their memory. Reflect on what you could do differently next time. Brainstorm some ideas and alternative responses for the questions you found most challenging or the ones you felt you didn't handle well. Need help preparing for a clerkship interview or want to get some more interview practice? Book a mock interview or an appointment with the Career and Employment Service to get some feedback on your technique.
Be yourself (and show some of your personality!) Try and relax as much as you can and be true to yourself. Remember firms are looking for someone who they think will fit in and that they will enjoy working with so without dropping your professionalism, try and show them a little of your personality. Everyone at the interview stage has the skills and grades for the role but it may come down to how well you connect with your interviewers that makes the difference and helps you stand out from other law students.
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What to Wear First impressions matter. Of course, you may still get a clerkship without adhering to every single rule listed here – some interviewers may not care what you look like – but why take the chance?
Men’s Style
General TIps •
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Compendium: A plain black leather folder containing copies of your CV, cover letter, academic transcript, and passport-sized photos. Ensure that your clothes are freshly laundered and neatly pressed.
Shoes Black leather and well- polished. Lace ups are more conservative than slip-ons, but both are acceptable. Belt Black leather with a silver- coloured minimalist buckle. Cufflinks Should match your belt buckle. You should opt either for a plain silver colour or plain silver with coloured enamel that matches your tie. Watch Any watches should match your cufflinks and belt.
Women’s Style
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If you choose to wear a perfume or cologne, only apply it lightly.
Skirt/Dress In either case, ensure that the skirt falls just above or below the knee. Dark colours are the safest option, such as black, blue, or grey.
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Your fingernails should always be cut short, clean, and neat. Avoid dark nail polishes.
Pants If you prefer pants, ensure that they are suit pants.
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Be sure to plan this out in advance – you don’t want to spend the interview distracted by uncomfortable items of clothing!
Shirt Collared or modest blouses are recommended. Keep in mind that bold prints can be distracting. Blazer Ensure that this matches your other clothing. Shoes It is best to wear black court shoes with a small heel; however, closed-toe black flats are an acceptable alternative. Jewellery If you choose to wear any, ensure that it is understated. Hair You may choose to leave your hair down if it is sufficiently neat, but a low ponytail or bun is best if that may be distracting. Makeup Keep it natural and professional.
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Cocktails Events 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. The ability to network is particularly important in a commercial law practice because relationships with colleagues and clients are a major priority. Cocktail evenings are also an excellent opportunity 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. Politely entering a conversation For one on one conversation, begin by introducing yourself, making eye contact, and firmly shaking hands. In group conversations, the best way to break the ice is to chime in or ask if you may join the conversation. If canapés and drinks are circulating, this can be an excellent icebreaker. Hold your drink in your left hand No one likes to shake a clammy and cold hand. Have 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. 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. 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.
Make a unique impression (in a good way) Leave the person you are speaking to with something that makes you memorable. Develop a personal brand Have something that makes you stand out. Hone your ‘elevator pitch’ – a 30 second to 2-minute spiel about who you are. Use open body language and smile – be friendly and approachable. Be humorous and engaging within the bounds of good taste and professionalism. Politely exit a group or conversation Wait for a dip in conversation and excuse yourself. 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). In group conversations: ‘Well, it was fantastic meeting you all; I must use the bathroom. I hope to see you all soon!’ Exiting the cocktail evening As you leave, it is always a good idea to thank the HR representative for the evening. Practise! Networking skills can always be improved. Attend as many networking events as possible.
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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 any bridges!
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.
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4.
The Experiences Macquarie University Law Society
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Ashliegh Lister HWL Ebsworth
Why did you choose HWL Ebsworth? Before the clerkship process, I hadn’t heard of HWL Ebsworth. The firm happened to appear toward the top of the clerkship applications as firms were listed alphabetically. After further research, I decided to apply to HWL Ebsworth because I was impressed that it was an Australian firm that specialized in a diverse range of practice areas. What stood out about HWL Ebsworth for you? I was impressed by how personal the interview process was at HWL Ebsworth. The HR team would always liaise with me directly via phone, rather than only send emails. During the group interviews, the HR team used the ice breaker ‘two truths, one lie’ so all the candidates could learn each other’s names and know a bit about each other! Describe a typical day as a clerk? Every day at HWL Ebsworth was different. I worked in one of the smaller litigation teams that specialized in Admiralty and Aviation law. The team went to great effort to ensure I was exposed to a variety and range of matters and experiences. Every week I attended Court or alternative dispute resolutions, such as mediations. I also had the opportunity to attended conferences with Counsel and clients and work for matters with close client contact.
What was the highlight of your clerkship? A highlight (and challenge) of my clerkship was having direct client contact. It was a little daunting knowing that your research was being sent to a client but it was certainly rewarding when clients would send thanks for the work that had been done! Do you have any last words of advice for aspiring clerks? My advice for peers who are considering applying for clerkships is to ‘run your own race’. The clerkship process involves multiple interview stages. I, personally, found the periods between each of these interview stages to be the most nerve-wracking, waiting to hear whether you had progressed to the next round. As many students apply for clerkships, it can take a number of days for a firm to contact you. This may mean that you hear from a firm some time before other students or vice versa. Clerkships will be a hot topic and at times it may feel competitive about whether you had heard yet back from a firm and whether you had progressed to the next interview round. To avoid as much stress as possible, I never looked at online forums that discussed when they had back from firms and didn’t talk about the clerkship process much at all!
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Anneliese Cooper MinterEllison How did you go about tailoring your CV and cover letter to each firm?
Did you attend the cocktail evening? How did you approach this event?
Every firm has a slightly different emphasis on qualities they are seeking in a candidate. I asked friends who clerked different firms to review my application and they helped me to tailor my cover letter to suit each firm. Their insights were a useful addition to my own research.
I attended both cocktail evenings. I definitely felt intimidated by these events but in hindsight they really helped me to understand the firm’s culture and to build connections. I took the pressure off myself by asking the lawyers about themselves, their career path or their practice areas.
How did you prepare for your interview?
Other advice that helped me survive these nights includes: hold your glass with your left hand to avoid a damp handshake; when you leave a conversation ask if the firm's representative can introduce you to someone else; speak to both HR and the partners equally as they both have useful insights into the process; and enjoy the conversations you are having because genuine enthusiasm stands out above insincere schmoozing.
I compiled a list of questions from friends who had clerked previously and one friend generously designed a mock interview so that I could practice giving articulate, succinct and relevant answers to common interview questions. Most importantly, your interview must be a genuine conversation between yourself and the interviewer so don’t practice too much and overthink your answers. In the moment, I found it helpful to think of the interview as an opportunity to learn about the interviewer and the firm rather than worrying about my own performance. Did you ask any questions at the end of your interview? Yes and it is important to do so. Asking questions shows initiative and interest. I asked questions that I genuinely wanted answered: Does the firm have formal mentoring programs? Why did the interviewer choose to specialise in their practice area? What work load is expected of a clerk? Do they have any advice for someone in my position at the start of my career? This information was invaluable later when I was choosing rotation preferences and preparing for the clerkship generally.
What was the highlight of your clerkship? Other than having a fun, social summer and making lots of new friends, I really enjoyed interacting with and learning from lawyers that are the best in their respective fields. I received high quality mentoring from partners and senior associates in each team and I was generously invited to meetings with clients and to observe court appearances. Each team really made an effort to give me tasks that I would be interested in and that would develop my skills.
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Lee Lancaster Gilbert + Tobin
Why did you choose Gilbert + Tobin? I was aware of G+T's great reputation going into the clerkship process, particularly in corporate law, but the stand-out for me was the culture and the people. I got along well with everyone that I met at the clerkship events, which made G+T feel like a fit for me. Also, a partner called me to let me know that I had been offered a clerkship by the firm - nice touch. How did you prepare for your interview at Gilbert + Tobin? I try to nail the fundamentals - get up early, iron a fresh shirt, know which train to catch, so on. Going into interviews I was always told who my interviewers would be. Checking their bios on the firm website beforehand helped me prepare more personalised questions for them. Also, knowing your CV back to front is a must - in my interview, the first thing I was asked about was my experience working behind a bar. Describe a typical day as a clerk?
Did you attend the cocktail evening? If so, how did you approach this event? I definitely attended the G+T cocktail evening, who can turn down the free drinks? I think some people go to single out the partners, I went into it keen to talk to anyone and everyone. Each person can offer a unique perspective on the firm, the clerkship process or a career in law more generally. It was also a great opportunity to meet the other applicants who are likely to be your future colleagues or fellow clerks. What was the highlight of your clerkship? The highlight for me was the mentorship I received. Being able to work with, learn from and be guided by some of the best legal minds in Australia was an invaluable experience. My supervising lawyers were genuinely invested in my development and through their mentorship I gained skills and knowledge that I was able to exercise on important and interesting tasks, all of which had a real bearing on the matters they were running.
As a clerk you have the opportunity to take part in a variety of tasks, so there really isn't such a thing as a 'typical day'. I took part in due diligence for large transactions, legal research for partners, drafting client affidavits, attending the Federal Court and NSW Supreme Court and preparing precedent forms for the pro bono team. G+T organised training sessions which were a regular part of the clerkship and there were plenty of social events to get involved in moving towards Christmas. Macquarie University Law Society
Rachel McInerney HWL Ebsworth
What stood out about HWL Ebsworth? Before I met anyone from within the firm I was really attracted to HWLE’s partner to solicitor ratio. They are one of few firms with a really low ratio of solicitors to partners and I was interested in working closely with senior, more experienced lawyers to learn as much as I could throughout the process. I’d heard stories about clerks being stuck doing print jobs and coffee runs and definitely wasn’t after that kind of experience. I should add that I wasn’t disappointed – my clerkship was extremely hands on and I learnt so much! Once I’d been to the assessment centre and individual interview I was also really impressed by the people from the firm I’d met. Everyone from the HR reps who ran the assessment centre and the partners who interviewed me were passionate about the law and HWLE and made me feel like it was a firm I wanted to be a part of. I think gut feeling is often very accurate when it comes to a workplace culture. How did you approach the stressful and time consuming application process while juggling your other commitments? Honestly, there isn’t really an easy way of avoiding stress and time pressure when applying for clerkships. For me it was really important to be organised and start assignments a little earlier than I normally would. Be aware of when clerkship applications open, are due and when assessment centres and interviews are likely to be. Once I’d done that I cross-checked those dates with when my assessments for the semester were due and made sure that I was prepared for anything due during that time nice and early.
I’d say the best advice I can really give though is that if you are successful, the stress is 100% worth it. And if you aren’t then you’ve still had a great opportunity to learn about the recruitment process in the legal sector and will be in a better position as a result come grad applications! Describe your typical day as a clerk? Short answer - there was no typical day as a clerk! I was put in the workplace relations and safety team, which was one of the smaller teams in the firm. As a result I was working closely with just about everyone in the team and was exposed to so many different tasks. Some of those included observing in court, delivering briefs to barristers and court, preparing correspondence to clients, filing documents in court, drafting points of defence, reading through evidence, preparing timelines of events, legal research, preparing responses to complaints in the Australian Human Rights Commission and Fair Work Commission and so much more! Some other highlights were training sessions on legal basics put on for all the clerks and (slightly less serious) the firm-wide Christmas party!
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Evan Thomson Clifford Chance
What was the highlight of your clerkship? The highlight of my clerkship was definitely the opportunity to spend time in Clifford Chance's Hong Kong office. The six other clerks and I were flown up to Hong Kong where we met with people from across the firm and worked with other students completing their vacation program in Hong Kong. Being the firms head office for the Asia Pacific region, it was an incredible opportunity to get a real feel for the firm and the growth that is happening across the region. Outside of our days in the office, we had social activities organised and time to explore the city. It's an experience I'm sure none of us will forget!
Why did you choose Clifford Chance? From the very beginning of the clerkship application process, two key factors drew me to Clifford Chance. First, I knew I wanted to work for a leading global commercial law firm, and Clifford Chance certainly stood out in this regard. Just about everyone I met from the firm throughout the recruitment process had worked in another of the firm's global network of offices or was working on a matter that involved one of the firm's major international clients.
The second was the unique culture of the firm. It was clear to me from the beginning that Clifford Chance puts a significant amount of time and energy into their clerks, graduates and associates. As someone beginning their Describe a typical day as a clerk? career, this is incredibly important. A unique advantage of Clifford Chance's It would be impossible to describe a size in the Australian market is the typical day as a clerk as no two days responsibility that is put on junior were the same. Throughout my clerklawyers. From day one, you are doing ship I rotated through both the Bankmeaningful work on major projects for ing & Finance and the Litigation & Dis- some of the world's leading compapute Resolution teams. It was great to nies. This, coupled with the firm's exhave experience in both a transaction- tensive global network, made Clifford al and litigious seat as each brought Chance the number one choice for their own experiences. A unique part of me to begin my career, and I haven't the Clifford Chance clerkship is the fact looked back! that it is held over the winter. Unlike the lull that typically comes with the summer as people go away, winter is one of the busier times of year for the firm. This really gives you an opportunity to get a feel for what it's like to work day-to-day in a busy, commercial firm.
Macquarie University Law Society
Did you ask any questions at the end of your interview and what were they?
Do you have any last words of advice for aspiring clerks?
It's a good idea to have a few questions up your sleeve before you interview as you will almost always be given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of your interview. One of my go to questions was to ask my interviewer why they had chosen to work at the particular firm. They, like you, have had to make a decision on where to work, and the responses I got were always a good reflection of the values of the people and the culture of the firm.
Don't apply to every firm. Each firm is different (some more so than others) and each have their own unique offerings. Do some research and find the firms that represent what you want from a career and where you see yourself. This will give you the opportunity to really focus in on your applications for these firms. A few great applications are much better than lots of average ones.
How did you go about tailoring your CV/cover letter to each firm that you applied to? While my CV remained the same for each of my applications, it is incredibly important to tailor your cover letter to each firm. I typically broke my cover letter in to two sections, the first being about me and my experiences and the second about why I wanted to work for the firm. While you could keep the paragraph about yourself somewhat generic, I would suggest tailoring both as best you can to the firm you are applying for. Each firm has its own strengths and is looking for certain things from their clerks. Do your research; the more tailored you can make your application, the better.
Macquarie University Law Society
Be yourself! No one can be the right fit for every firm, and not every firm can be the right fit for you. Once you've made it to the cocktail evening and interview stage, firms have seen your CV and cover letter and are looking to find out more about who you are and how you communicate. Try and enjoy the process. While at times it can be stressful, gruelling and feel never ending, it's a great way to find out more about the profession, meet likeminded people, and maybe even learn a few things about yourself along the way.
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Nathan Ricardo Johnson Winter & Slattery
What do you think made your application stand out?
What stood out about Johnson Winter & Slattery?
I believe there were two primary factors which made my application stand out to the Johnson Winter & Slattery recruiters.
Johnson Winter & Slattery made it clear to applicants that they wanted clerks to play a central role in determining which area of corporate law they wanted to work in. It was this freedom of choice and the lack of distinct teams that initially stood out to me. This approach has allowed me to adopt a primary focus of pursuing private equity work, a secondary focus on the Australian tax regime, and a more general appreciation of the relationship between these areas.
First, I expressed and provided reasons for my keen interest in the specific areas of corporate law in which I wanted to develop rather than just expressing a general interest in corporate law. I also opted to include a perspective on what I anticipated to be potential opportunities for growth in this specific area of interest. Second, I succinctly highlighted my previous experience with a particular focus on the areas of work and university I enjoyed (rather than recounting all of my experience). Personally, I like to include a ‘key achievements’ section near the top of my resume.
In essence, Johnson Winter & Slattery provides its clerks with the freedom to tailor their mix of work in a way which suits them and the lawyer they envision themselves becoming.
Considering partners are generally time poor, including this section provides them with an easy source of questions which they don’t have to dig too deep for (ultimately allowing you to target your interview question preparation further).
Macquarie University Law Society
How did you prepare for your interview at Johnson Winter & Slattery?
Do you have any last words of advice for aspiring clerks?
My preparation involved reviewing previous deals, general legal market news, the background of my interviewing partner, and as much as I could find of the marketing material provided by Johnson Winter & Slattery to potential clerks and clients.
Why did you choose to study law? This was the most common question I was asked during my clerkship interviews. I struggled to answer this question for a long time. I suggest starting to think about this question by trying to define what you anticipate the practice of law to involve.
I also considered the history of the firm, its recent hires, and current rankings on a number of legal leaderboard sites. This analysis allowed me to identify the trajectory and strengths of Johnson Winter & Slattery. Perhaps the more important reason for this step is that it allows you to avoid inadvertently highlighting your interest in an area of law that may not be a key focus of the firm.
Personally, I perceive the practice of law to primarily involve the management of ideas and people. I enjoy the prospect of being able to manage the complexities that can arise from such a simple concept anywhere in the world. Please reach out if you would like a chat or want know more about Johnson Winter & Slattery.
What were some of the questions you were asked during your interview? The first part of the interview related to why I was attracted to Johnson Winter & Slattery. I made reference to a deal currently being undertaken by the firm and why I was interested in working on similar sorts of matters. In my experience, having a specific detail (like a recent deal or press release) to talk about is generally easier than talking about a firm generally. The part of the interview process which sparked the best conversation was based on my prior experience cited in my cover letter. This eventually led me to discuss the difficulties associated with managing board compositions. The partner then raised a specific board composition article from the AFR that day. Having read the article that morning, the second half of the interview was no more than a discussion of current issues and the trajectory of the legal market. Relevantly, Macquarie University offers access to the AFR for free on MultiSearch.
Macquarie University Law Society
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Casey Thomas Mills Oakley
What stood out about Mills Oakley? The people at Mills Oakley made a great impression on me throughout the application process. You’re going to spend a significant amount of time meeting with representatives from different firms leading up to the application process, and I was delighted to find that everyone from Mills Oakley were professional and friendly. What were some of the questions you were asked during your interview? During my formal interview with a partner and HR representative, they had a copy of my CV, cover letter and academic transcript in front of them. They asked about a unit of study that appeared on my transcript as I was currently enrolled in it (but didn’t end up taking the unit due to the clerkship!). It led to a lengthy discussion of animal law. They also inquired about my interests outside of work and study. We briefly discussed my work experience and the areas of law that I had been exposed to.
How did you prepare for your interview at Mills Oakley? It’s important to remember that everything your interviewers know about you has already been recorded on a piece of paper and handed to them so it’s important to only include information in your cover letter and CV that you would enjoy talking about in an interview. Researching a firm is crucial so that you can have a somewhat informed perspective when asking the interviewers questions. Knowing what areas of the law they specialise in and what their biggest practice groups are will help you to ask relevant questions. I knew who the interview would be with in advance, so I was able to do a bit of preliminary research about the areas they worked in. Catching up for a coffee with a friend who had clerked there previously was really helpful in settling my nerves before the interview.
Macquarie University Law Society
How did you approach the stressful and time-consuming application process while juggling your other commitments? Good preparation is essential for the clerkship application process. Attending firm presentations, information evenings and skills workshops are just as important as perfecting your written applications. If you’re organised there’s no need for this to be a stressful experience - on the contrary - it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet a lot of new people. I found students who had already been through the process to be incredibly generous with their time, so make sure you reach out to others if you’re struggling with the process. And most importantly, proofread all correspondence and application documents you send to a firm, twice.
What was the most challenging aspect of your clerkship? There’s always room to improve with time management skills. The most challenging aspect of my clerkship was effectively prioritising my work tasks. I found it helpful to ask someone for a deadline when they gave me a task, and it’s worth getting a head start on something early in case it looks like it will take you longer than you anticipated. If you are worried that you will not meet a deadline, ensure you reach out to the person who gave you the task and communicate with them early. In my experience there was always a grad who was happy to help, but only if you have the foresight to ask! Do you have any last words of advice for aspiring clerks? Be sure to take initiative and find ways to help others in your team if you have spare time. The clerkship process is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and meet new people, so make the most of the experience. A ‘can do’ attitude will go a long way and you’ll make great friends with the other clerks.
Macquarie University Law Society
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Katrina Woodforde King & Wood Mallesons
Why did you choose KWM?
What stood out about KWM?
I chose KWM because the people I met at the firm were down-to-earth and easy to get along with. The firm was also never shy about the realities of life in a commercial law firm, but gave the impression that you would never be going it alone.
I found that at every stage of the process, KWM tried to get to know you beyond just your CV and transcript. My first round interview was very much a conversation with a partner and a senior associate rather than an interrogation. At the first cocktail night, KWM was one of the few firms that were willing to talk about the elephant(s) in the room—for instance, there was a group of firm alumni who, while starting at the firm, had ended up working for start-ups, as in-house counsel, or had gone to the bar. KWM also tried to give applicants a sense of the firm, the type of work it does, and the people that work there through having an Inside a Deal Night, and also having the second interview as less an interview and more a lunch with some partners and other applicants. On the whole, KWM lawyers wanted to get to know you to see if they could work with you even when something had gone wrong and you were stuck in the office with them at 12am, and to give you the opportunity to see if you could do the same with them.
How did you prepare for your interview at KWM? Prior to my interview, I brainstormed what the key attributes I had that I thought would be valuable to the firm and how I could illustrate them through examples from my CV. I also brainstormed some answers to questions I knew had been asked in the past. On a more general level, I made sure I was very familiar with what was on my CV, and that I had at least two copies of my cover letter, CV and transcript when I went in case my interviewer(s) needed a copy.
Macquarie University Law Society
What were some of the questions you were asked during your interviews? My list comes from across the 5 firms I interviewed at • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • •
Tell me about a time you haven’t gotten along with a team-mate—how did you make the situation work? What do you do when you are not doing what’s on your CV? Tell me about a time you made a mistake and what you did about it. Tell me about a time you developed an innovative solution. Tell me about a time you had to work with people who had different working styles to you and how you dealt with it. Tell me about your exchange and what you got out of it. What do you like most about mooting? What do you think the pressing issues for the legal industry are? What law subjects at university have you liked the most and why? What are the top things you look for in an employer? We strongly value diversity and inclusion; can you give us some examples from your own life about how you value these things too? Tell us about a time you got feedback that was difficult to take and how you dealt with/responded to it. How do you manage your competing commitments when things get really busy? What would be the thing holding you back from accepting a clerkship at X firm at the moment? What have you learnt about yourself in the clerkship process? What do you do for down-time? Did you always want to be a lawyer?
Macquarie University Law Society
Describe a typical day as a clerk? There was no real typical day as my days were very varied. I rotated in two teams: employment and dispute resolutions (insolvency). I did a range of work from: legal research, attending mediations and barrister conferences, collating evidence, and even finding memes of the Royal Commission! Although I was allocated to one partner in each team, I worked with a number of different partners and lawyers within the same, or different, teams. We also had a range of social events. These were both firm sponsored events like Christmas parties (firmwide, as well as team based), LGBTQI networking nights, and social sport, as well as clerk organised events such as the clerk cruise and dinner and drinks on most Friday nights. Do you have any last words of advice for aspiring clerks? Be yourself! It is the most clichéd piece of advice (and unfortunately also one of the hardest to follow) but the law firms really want to understand who you are as a person and whether or not they can work with you. You will come across as more confident and natural if you are not trying to be the candidate that you think that they are looking for, rather than yourself.
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Hugh Snowden HWL Ebsworth
What was the highlight of your clerkship? The highlight of my clerkship was first and foremost meeting and getting to know the HWLE lawyers and my fellow HWLE clerks. The lawyers were very helpful and accommodating and it was great to work together with the other clerks in completing legal tasks or going to court. These relationships built throughout the clerkship period invariably enhance your experience. Moreover, obtaining the high-degree of partner and senior staff exposure which HWLE provided further enhanced the invaluable experience of working as a legal clerk. What do you think made your application stand out? Going into the application process, while marks are important it is also work experience and extra-curricular activities (e.g. any sport, hobbies or volunteering) that help distinguish a candidate. These features not only demonstrate that you are a ‘well-rounded’, but may further serve as potential discussion points in interviews (in my case, it was a shared passion for hiking).
How did you approach the stressful and time-consuming application process while juggling your other commitments? Whilst being a stressful and timeconsuming period, my recommendation is to start early in your preparation for the firms you wish to apply to, and plan ahead as to the key dates of both your assessments and the dates which applications open. There is no way to remove the stresses of this time, however, thorough preparation and planning of the year ahead places you in the best position to tackle the process. Do you have any last words of advice for aspiring clerks? The critical element to any application is to be yourself, and demonstrate your achievements both in and outside of the law. Highlight your key attributes in a confident and clear manner both in your CV and interviews, and take particular note of the attributes which you think best highlight who you are and the successes you have achieved. Doing so will put you in the best position for potential employers to remember you by.
How did you prepare for your interview at HWLE? Preparation for an interview, like any part of the application process, requires particular attention and thought. Preparing a list of potential questions is a solid start, including obvious things such as thoroughly researching the firm you are interviewing at. Moreover, do not forget to have some questions of your own prepared for your interviewers, as this further demonstrates a keen interest in the firm you are applying to.
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5. The Firms Macquarie University Law Society
Clerkship Guide 2019 | 53
make the difference
to your career, clients and community
Aim beyond pure legal knowledge. Beyond commercial advice. Be known for something more: a clarity of thought and an instinct for problem solving that can influence governments and leading businesses the world over. Join us and we’ll help you enrich and expand your worldview, grow your skills and influence new ways of thinking. In other words, we’ll help you make the difference.
Begin now at ashurst.com/careers
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Your journey begins with a world-class summer clerkship
Real client work. Invaluable coaching. A tailored development program. A genuine insight into working with our Firm – while building great friendships. Plus, we offer the unique opportunity to build your global knowlege and network – through an International Clerkship. Become a world-class lawyer. Join the firm that was born global.
www.bakermckenzie.com/australia#careers Find us at @BakersAUS
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Ready to explore our world? Angelique Wanner +61 2 8922 5596 angelique.wanner@bakermckenzie.com
STAY TRUE.
Staying true to your direction is what defines Clayton Utz. We’ve built a culture that’s unlike any other law firm, but don’t just take our word for it. A good lawyer needs compelling evidence so meet our people and judge for yourself. claytonutz.com/graduates
Academic brilliance certainly counts, but graduates who thrive here have something extra – a natural passion for connecting with people and a strong sense of self. That’s what staying true is all about. If you have these qualities, Clayton Utz is for you.
GET TO KNOW US What areas of law do we practice?
How many graduate jobs do we offer?
Across Australia, our core areas of focus are Corporate, Banking & Finance, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Antitrust & Competition.
Sydney: 4 – 6
Why are we different? Firstly, our collaborative and adaptable culture. We work together across borders, languages and legal systems, sharing insights and expertise to achieve our clients’ commercial goals. Secondly, we’re pioneers, working on many ‘first of a kind’ deals. Finally, it’s the nature of our people. Highly professional and self-assured, with an entrepreneurial streak, they embrace our culture of learning and are more than happy to share their expertise and knowledge.
Your contacts Kelly Byrnes, National HR Manager & Melissa Urquhart, HR Advisor
Perth: 2 – 4
Do we make graduate offers to the open market, or just through clerkships? Graduate offers are primarily made from the clerkship pool however applications from students unable to complete a clerkship program are still accepted and considered.
How / when should students apply? Sydney
Perth
Applications open: March 11, 2019
Applications open: July 15, 2019
Applications close: May 19, 2019
Applications close: August 4, 2019
Grads.Sydney@cliffordchance.com Grads.Perth@cliffordchance.com
Clerkships
What kind of work can a clerk expect to do?
Students must be at least penultimate year and eligible to participate in the 2021 Graduate Program
Our clerkship program is designed to provide you with a real insight to life at Clifford Chance in Australia.
When are our clerkships held?
Throughout the program, you will work alongside all levels of lawyers, including partners, while you assist with real-time matters.
Our Clerkship program in Sydney runs in Winter; in 2019 it will run from 1 July – 19 July. Our Clerkship program in Perth runs in Summer; in 2019 it will run from 2 December to 20 December.
How many clerks do we take? Sydney: 4 – 6 Perth: 4 – 6
You will have two seat rotations, allowing you to experience two of our three practice areas. Throughout the clerkship you will hear from various departments across the region, helping you to develop a comprehensive understanding of life in a magic circle law-firm.
Applications should be submitted online at www.cliffordchance.com/careers
graduates.maddocks.com.au
company/maddocks
From Day One you’ll experience what it’s like to work at Maddocks
maddockslawyers
maddockslawyers
maddockslaw
You will have challenging, meaningful work, gain exposure to clients, work in a supportive and collaborative environment and have access to partners. Join our clerkship program and access real client work for high calibre clients, outstanding training and development and become part of a firm where you’re involved from Day One. Find out more at graduates.maddocks.com.au
THERE’S MORE
Not all corporate law firms are the same. A clerkship with Gilbert + Tobin is your chance to see if you’ll thrive here. To test yourself with meaningful work from day one. To learn skills and concepts beyond the legal scope. To be integral to an organisation that’s challenging the very way legal services are delivered. If you want to be part of something different then G+T is the place for you.
TOP 100
GRADUATE EMPLOYERS 2019
gtlaw.com.au/theresmore
THERE’S MORE
Not all corporate law firms are the same. The only way to understand the work and culture is to experience it for yourself. A Gilbert + Tobin clerkship is both positive and challenging. You’ll work directly with partners and lawyers who will assist with your professional development and challenge you intellectually. While your main focus will be corporate work, everyone at G+T has the opportunity to assist on pro bono matters and participate in firm-wide activities. As you progress through your rotations you will develop invaluable skills and knowledge and gain first-hand experience of our various practice groups. Our Sydney program runs for 9 weeks, consisting of two fourweek rotations across the firm’s practice areas. During both rotations each clerk is assigned a supervising partner, mentor and buddy to assist with on-the-job training. Participating in our customised in-house training will build your confidence and help you understand the mechanics of legal practice. You’ll have the chance to jump right in and immerse yourself in a leading corporate law practice. And we’ll encourage you to contribute ideas and your own fresh perspective.
TOP 100
GRADUATE EMPLOYERS 2019
gtlaw.com.au/theresmore
The G+T clerkship experience is open to students in their penultimate and final year of study. 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. Ready for more? Applications for 2019-20 summer clerkships in our Sydney office are open from 11 June to 14 July 2019. For more information about applying for a clerkship or for program dates please visit gtlaw.com.au/theresmore, or contact Kristie Barton on 02 9263 4575 or at gtcareers@gtlaw.com.au.
Norton Rose Fulbright balances freedom for personal development with regular and consistent guidance. Sydney Summer clerkship Our summer clerkship offers you a real taste of life as a Graduate. The clerkship involves doing many of the things our Graduates do, including attending clients meetings and visits to court. You will also enjoy exposure to our deals, culture and practice areas. There will also be lots of additional activities for you to take advantage of including: • key skills training • talks about practice areas and deals • networking and social events
What are we looking for? • • • • • •
Commercial awareness Global outlook Open mindedness Curiosity Strength beyond academia Long term motivation
Relevant dates 17 June 2019 - Applications open 14 July 2019 - Applications close 5 August 2019 - Interviews commence 18 September 2019 - Offers made If you are successful in securing an interview, you will also be invited to an information evening to learn more about our firm. To see how you could define your own path within our global legal practice, visit: nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com/australia
Progress with purpose
verb 1. to make a move in your life or career for the better.
Global legal counsel across five continents. Empowering you to imagine, innovate and inspire. To learn more about joining our collaborative team of passionate professionals, visit klgates.com/careers/.
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BRISBANE | MELBOURNE | PERTH | SYDNEY
think differently/thinkKWM At KWM we believe in a culture of collaboration. Grow as an individual, succeed as a team. That’s The Power of Together.
careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia
King & Wood Mallesons refers to the network of firms which are members of the King & Wood Mallesons network. See kwm.com for more information.
think differently/thinkKWM What’s life really like working at one of the world’s leading corporate law firms? King & Wood Mallesons and InsideSherpa are giving you a genuine insight into the role of a corporate lawyer through our virtual experience program. Gain experience, whilst honing your skills and responding to real-life legal scenarios. In this free open-access program, you will receive instructions from our lawyers and complete thought-provoking tasks that mirror the work our graduate lawyers do each day. We have two programs you can try out – all whilst enjoying the flexibility and convenience of completing the tasks whenever and wherever you like.
Introduction to Law Program – specifically designed for early stage law students especially those who are just starting their law degree or for those still deciding if they want to study law!
Commercial Law Program – targeted towards students mid-way through their law career, looking to build further skills and gain insight into life as a KWM Graduate.
InsideSherpa virtual experience program www.insidesherpa.com/king&woodmallesons
Free to sign up
Complete in your own time at your own pace
Practical legal experience
As an elite international law firm headquartered in Asia, we are reshaping the legal market by challenging our people and our clients to think differently about what a law firm can be today, tomorrow and beyond. We thrive on exceeding the expectations of our clients, and as such the world’s leading organisations turn to us to unlock their biggest opportunities and deliver solutions to their most vexing challenges. With ambitious thinking and innovation in our DNA, we partner with our clients to bring to life pioneering solutions which will help them to adapt, reinvent and grow. We believe innovation comes from giving our people room to grow, and as such actively encourage input and ideas from all levels of the firm. Our people are encouraged to think differently and shape their own career path, supported at every step of the way, with world-class training, coaching and hands-on experience. There is no ‘one size fits all’ career model, and we offer multiple opportunities for our lawyers to gain experience and thrive. At King & Wood Mallesons we provide you with the opportunities to reimagine a career in law to become what you want to be. Are you ready?
KEY STATISTICS: • Most Popular Overall Law Employer in the 2018 AFR Top 100 Graduate Employers Rankings • One of the Top 100 Graduate Employers in GradAustralia’s 2018 Student Survey • Top 15 global brand* • 27 international offices; • One of the largest international legal networks in the Asia region with 500+ partners and more than 2000 lawyers; • Our clients range from a mix of global financial and corporate powerhouses through to new industry-makers and all levels of government • With an unmatched ability to practise Chinese, Hong Kong, Australian, English, US and a significant range of European laws under one integrated legal brand, we are connecting Asia to the world, and the world to Asia. *Source: 2018 Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index
REGIONAL PRESENCE
Graduate Program
The King & Wood Mallesons network extends across the following regions:
We offer a unique training experience with multiple rotations and a bespoke comprehensive learning and development program for our graduates. We invest heavily in development to support graduates in fulfilling their potential.
• Asia Pacific (Australia, Mainland China including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore) • Europe • Middle East • North America
OUR PROGRAMS Seasonal Clerkship Program Applications open: 11 June 2019 Applications close: 14 July 2019 How to apply: Via our online application system kwm.com/careers Our clerkships give you a clear picture of what it’s like to be a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons. You’ll get to know our people, the way we like to work, our culture, practice areas, clients and more. During your clerkship, you’ll learn: • The day-to-day skills to get you started – taking instructions, meeting with clients, drafting memos/documents, managing your practice and professional relationships. • Our core practice teams – who they are, what they do, how they’re structured, the clients they work for, and of course, your role within them. • Our culture – you’ll be exposed to (and encouraged) to get actively involved in the many activities and events that define KWM. • Our people – you’ll find that people from every part of the business will help you by sharing their knowledge and ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.
What you’ll learn The program provides a practical business foundation for junior lawyers. You’ll receive: • 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 associates and solicitors in different practice groups • A practical understanding of areas of our legal practice • A comprehensive knowledge of the firm, our technology, our resources, our processes and, of course, the people you’ll work with. As part of the Graduate Program, we also offer a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course with the College of Law to our Australian Law graduates, ensuring that you meet the requirements for admission to legal practice. The program also promotes and supports the mobility of our staff across our offices by giving you the opportunity to apply to go on exchange in one of our interstate or overseas offices. Through this, you are able to access a greater choice and variety of destinations and on-thejob experience.
Your role Clerks usually work in one or two different practice groups, depending on the length of the clerkship. You’ll be allocated a supervisor in each of your practice groups and you’ll work closely with the partners, senior associates and solicitors in that team. It’s a hands-on role, so you won’t just be watching from the sidelines. Our people are encouraged to get involved in the many social and sporting activities that go on in the firm as well as the broader community.
SOFIJA JOVIC People & Development Advisor (Graduates) T +61 2 9296 3272 sofija.jovic@au.kwm.com
We're looking for those who see things differently, the kind of people who bring new ideas and create innovative opportunities for our clients.
EVERYTHING ABOUT US With over 20 offices spanning Asia, Europe, Australasia, and the Middle east, we can show you exactly what a world class law firm has to offer, giving you the chance to work as part of an international team, on high-profile matters, for some of the most significant organisations in the market. Our focus is on the future: the future needs of existing and new clients, the future of the legal profession and investing in our future lawyers. That’s why we aim to attract the best talent from a broad range of backgrounds, ensuring we are optimising our position as a progressive, forward thinking professional services business. At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll be given the opportunity to develop the skills you need to help solve our clients’ most complex challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Great lawyers are both curious and creative. We encourage you to challenge assumptions and open yourself up to new ideas. It’s this growth mindset that creates opportunities for you and your clients. So, what exactly are we looking for? There’s no single path to becoming an exceptional commercial lawyer. We look beyond your academic record and your technical aptitude. We’re focussed on finding people who have the curiosity to explore all the angles and the empathy to place themselves in their client’s shoes. Building great relationships takes a certain understanding and as our global village gets ever smaller, we look for graduates who think of themselves as citizens of the world.
HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM
CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
There’s nothing more important than finding a role and an organisation that’s right for you and there’s no better way to really get to know our profession than gaining practical, hands-on experience. Our vacation clerkships will immerse you in our business, networks and the international world of law. We encourage students to participate in our vacation clerkship program and we fill the majority of our graduate positions through this program. As a vacation clerk you’ll truly discover what it’s like to work at Herbert Smith Freehills, working alongside lawyers and partners. We’ll support you throughout your time with us with extensive training, touching on all aspects of the firm. We’ll also invite you to an exciting range of workshops and events, giving you the opportunity to network with people across the firm and the diverse groups we engage with. This is your unique opportunity to show us who you are. With us, you’ll be a part of everything. From the very start, you’ll be client-facing, gathering insights across diverse matters. You’ll be working in highlyspecialised teams, equipped with the resources you’d expect from a market leader.
JOINING US
We offer a range of summer and winter clerkships across our Australian offices. If you have queries about graduate or vacation clerk positions, please visit our website: careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads/ vacation-clerkships or contact one of our graduate recruitment team.
KEY DATES/DEADLINES SYDNEY Approximate number of positions
30-40
Clerkship programs
Summer 2019/20
Applications for all 2019/20 programs open
11 June 2019
Applications for all 2019/20 programs close
14 July 2019
Offers made
18 September 2019
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.
Our global practice groups • Alternative Legal Services (ALT) • Competition, Regulation and Trade • Corporate • Dispute Resolution • Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety • Finance • Projects and Infrastructure • Real Estate
Contacts James Keane Graduate Recruitment Manager T +61 2 9322 4313 james.keane@hsf.com
© Herbert Smith Freehills 2019 NOF186936_v7_advertorial_A4_Sydney /160319
Connect with us... Thomson Geer @ThomsonGeer www.tglaw.com.au
ADVICE | TRANSACTIONS | DISPUTES Domestic & Cross Border www.tglaw.com.au Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide
ARRIVE... AT A LARGE AUSTRALIAN CORPORATE LAW FIRM WHY CHOOSE US? We know you’re not just a student on work experience. We want to give you a realistic, stretching introduction to the legal profession. How does this happen? From day one, you’ll be an active member of the team, working directly with experienced practitioners. We also want you to enjoy your time with us – there are lots of social events you can join, and what better way for you to get to know your colleagues?
DEVELOPING YOU We will dedicate time to your development as an up-and-coming lawyer in our team: an investment in you is an investment in our future, and the future of our valued clients.
your current CV and most recent academic transcript.
Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide
FINALIST Most popular clerkship employer award
The first round of our interview process is a video interview. This provides you with an AFR 2019 opportunity to perform at your best, by giving you time to consider the questions, conduct some research and present your responses.
Those selected to progress beyond this stage will be invited to a Firm Information & Networking Evening. You will have an opportunity to engage directly with our Partners on their current and recent work, learn more about the firm and gain an understanding of the contribution you may be able to make.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
You will find that our partners and staff are approachable and happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. We encourage our clerks, graduates and trainees to get as much exposure to different practice areas and ways of working as they can – this is a reflection of how we work as a wider organisation; a fully integrated, cohesive, national team.
We are 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 enthusiastic about starting their career with a dynamic law firm.
OUR CLERKSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS
All our clerks are viewed as potential graduates, and our graduates as potential leaders. We look for the same qualities in our clerks and graduates that our lawyers need to possess.
Our recruitment process is efficient, informative and streamlined, acknowledging the often stressful nature of this period. In the first stage, your application will be submitted through our website using cvMail. You will be asked to respond to questions about your experience, interests and academic achievements and submit
We are especially keen to talk to students who have an additional technical degree!
ARRIVE... AT THOMSON GEER Applications for our Clerkship program open 11 June 2019 via cvMail or our website.
Index: Participating Firms
The following information was gathered by the Editor and may be subject to change prior to the clerkship period. Candidates are encouraged to double check the information themselves and no guarantees are made regarding the accuracy of the information below.
Firm
Graduate Roles
Clerkship Available
Firm
Allen & Overy
Hall & Wilcox
Allens
Herbert Smith Freehills
Ashurst
HWL Ebsworth
Australian Government Solicitor Baker McKenzie Bird & Bird Clayton Utz
Graduate Roles
Clerkship Available
Jones Day K&L Gates King & Wood Mallesons Maddocks Mills Oakley
Clifford Chance
MinterEllison
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Norton Rose Fulbright
DibbsBarker
PwC
DLA Piper
Sparke Helmore
Gilbert + Tobin
Thomson Geer
ALLEN & OVERY Level 25, 85 Castlereagh Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 P: 02 9373 7700 australianrecruitment@allenovery.com The Australian Recruitment Team Submit applications online via: http://www.allenovery.com/careers/australia/ en-gb/students-and-graduates/Pages/Summer-Clerkship-Program.aspx ALLENS Level 28, Deutsche Bank Place 126 Phillip Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 P: 02 9230 5371 lauren.kay@allens.com.au Lauren Kay (Graduate Resourcing Consultant) Submit applications online via: https://allenscareers. linklaters.com/early-careers/your-application ASHURST Level 11, 5 Martin Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 P: 02 9258 6000 F: 02 9258 6999 joanne.dean@ashurst.com Joanne Dean (HR Consultant – Graduate Programs) Submit applications online via: www.cvmail.com.au
BAKER McKENZIE Level 27, 50 Bridge Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 (02) 8922 5596 angelique.wanner@bakermckenzie.com Angelique Wanner (Talent Management Consultant) Submit applications online via: www.bakermckenzie.com BIRD & BIRD Level 11, 68 Pitt Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 02 9226 9888 02 9226 9899 Jan.thomas@twobirds.com Jan Thomas (Office Manager) CLAYTON UTZ Level 15, 1 Bligh Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 P: 02 9353 5474 zwickham@claytonutz.com Zoe Wickham (Graduate Resourcing Consultant) Submit applications online via: www.claytonutz.com/ careers
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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.
CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH Level 17, 8 Chifley, 8-12 Chifley Square SYDNEY NSW 2000 02 9210 6135 rhea.shyamkant@corrs.com.au Rhea Shyamkant (People & Performance Administrator) Submit applications online via: https://graduates.corrs.com.au/careers/be-exceptional/apply-now/nsw/#content DLA PIPER AUSTRALIA Level 22, No.1 Martin Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 02 9286 8000 stacey.hasler@dlapiper.com Stacey Hasler (HR Manager) Submit applications online via: https://www.dlapipergraduates.com/au/opportunities/ GILBERT + TOBIN Level 35, Tower 2 International Towers Sydney 200 Barangaroo Avenue Barangaroo NSW 2000 P: 02 9263 4575 clerkships@gtlaw.com.au Kristie Barton (Clerkship Program Manager) Submit applications online via: www.cvmail.com.au HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS Level 27 & 34, ANZ Tower 161 Castlereagh Street SYDNEY NSW 200 P: 02 9322 4313 james.keane@hsf.com James Keane (Graduate Recruitment Manager) Submit applications online via: www.cvmail.com.au HWL EBSWORTH Level 14, Australia Square 264-278 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 02 9334 8874 nswgraduate@hwle.com.au/nsw.clerkships@hwle.com.au Nicole Ward (HR Advisor) Ashley Moffatt (HR Coordinator) Submit applications online via: https://hwlebsworth.com.au/graduate-centre/ JONES DAY Aurora Place Level 41, 88 Phillip Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 P: 02 8272 0535 F: 02 8272 0599 sydneyrecruiting@jonesday.com Catherine Davies All applications are to be submitted via our on the Jones Day website: https://www.jonesdaycareers.com/australia/summer-clerks/summer-clerks
KING & WOOD MALLESONS Level 61, Governor Phillip Tower 1 Farrer Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 P: 02 9296 3592 sofija.jovic@au.kwm.com Sofija Jovic (People & Development Advisor (Graduates) ) Submit applications online via: https://careers.kwm. com/en/graduates-australia/being-a-clerk MADDOCKS Level 27, Angel Place 123 Pitt Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 P: 02 9291 6100 F: 02 9221 0872 samuel.jurd@maddocks.com.au@maddocks.com.au Samuel Jurd (People & Culture Advisor) Submit applications online via: http://graduates.maddocks.com.au MILLS OAKLEY Level 12, 400 George Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000 03 9670 9111 03 9605 0933 sfancoli@millsoakley.com.au Stephanie Fancoli (Human Resources Advisor) Submit applications online via: https://www.millsoakley.com.au/graduates/ MINTER ELLISON Governor Macquarie Tower Level 40, 1 Farrer Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 02 9921 4880 anna.jackson@minterellison.com Anna Jackson (Graduate Resourcing Advisor) Submit applications online via: https://graduates.minterellison.com/clerkship-program PwC One International Towers Watermans Quay Barangaroo NSW 2000 +61 (2) 8266 0607 fal.madhavani@pwc.com Fal Madhavani (Campus Relationship Manager — Legal and Top Education) Submit applications online via: www.pwc.com.au/ student-careers.html Thomson Geer Level 25, 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney NSW 2000 (02) 8248 5802 klisowski@tglaw.com.au Karolina Lisowski (People & Development Manager) Submit applications online via: www.cvmail.com.au
K&L GATES Level 31, 1 O’Connell Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 P: 02 9513 2000 F: 02 9513 2399 gemma.oldman@klgates.com Gemma Oldman (HR Business Partner) Submit applications online via: www.cvmail.com.au
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