Welcome to Springboard 2019 Tips

Welcome to springboard 2019

QUT Law Society’s annual careers guide

Springboard is a roadmap, helping you on the path to success. Law school can sometimes be tricky and stressful, particularly when it comes to choosing where you want your studies to take you. Studying law does not necessarily mean you must become a lawyer, there are endless opportunities that come with legal education.

Within these pages lie comprehensive materials for those looking to advance into their next stage of professional development – specifically those approaching clerkship and graduate year. Springboard provides information on a range of different possibilities, for diverse and challenging environments that you may strike a particular interest in.

QUT Law Society aims to offer insight into what is required to take that next step, what you need to do, and who you should talk to. We have compiled the profiles of many firms (both major and minor), financial firms, government departments, various not-for-profit organisations and other businesses, so YOU can have that headstart when entering the job market.

We do recommend that once you find an opportunity which ignites you interest, you undertake further investigation and own research to confirm what you need. Springboard is intended as a guide, prepared by students for students, based on what we think is the most important information you should know when looking to the future.

QUT Law Society wishes you all the best in your future endeavours and successes – anything is possible!

Clerkship and Graduate Program Basics

Clerkships

Every year, pre-penultimate and penultimate law students are given the opportunity to get a foot in the door at various law firms. A clerkship is a vacation program that provides law students with invaluable opportunities to grow and demonstrate their legal knowledge in a law firm, and form real connections with those working in the industry. The exciting opportunity to clerk in a firm usually expands over the course of four weeks (depending on the firm), in either the summer of winter breaks from university. The time (and ensuing stress) for clerkship applications draw ever closer – with applications for participating firms opening on 26 February and closing the following month on 26 March. A full list of participating firms and important dates can be found on the Queensland Law Society’s website.

For those set on securing a clerkship, the application process can be described as an educated Hunger Games. With clerkships the most highly sought positions for law students, the nature of clerkship season is often stressful and competitive. As such, it is fundamental to begin preparing your application early. Pay particular attention to perfecting your resume and cover letter, as this will maximise your chances of securing a clerkship.

If you are one of the lucky few to receive a clerkship at a firm – a big congratulations! You will be part of an organisation that will grow your legal knowledge, and provide you with invaluable insight into the legal industry. However, if you are unsuccessful in your application, there is no need to worry. Success in the legal industry comes in many shapes and sizes, and there are various other pathways for you to pursue.

Graduate Positions

A graduate position is a full-time employment opportunity that is offered to LLB graduates following the completion of their degree. Graduate positions at firms are more likely to be offered to students who have previously clerked at the firm, however, many firms also choose to recruit through an open market process. A graduate position is a further opportunity for exposure to the legal industry, while usually being accompanied by a mentor or ‘buddy’ to assist you with any difficulties you may face in your first year in the legal industry.

Applications for graduate roles for many firms open in August for intake at the start of the following year. While this time of year is ripe with graduate opportunities, it is important to remember that other graduate positions often arise at any time. Like clerkships, if you are unsuccessful in securing a graduate opportunity, don’t stress! There are many alternative pathways to take – including graduate roles not at law firms.

Clerkships and graduate positions are often a daunting time for most law students. You’re finally heading out into the real world to apply your legal knowledge! Unlike many unrealistic televised portrayals of lawyers (yes, I’m looking at you Suits) we are not always prepared for what these positions may throw at us. It is however, always important to come into a new position with knowledge and tips to assist you along the way. For this reason, we have asked some QUT Law Students who have recently clerked or completed graduate positions for some helpful hints.

Interview Tips

Law and Interviews

Those who choose the conventional way of securing a job as a lawyer in a law firm must undergo an interview process (along with the other gruelling processes like CV submission, psychometric testing, and networking events). It can’t be stressed enough that the law industry in Brisbane is massively competitive and law firms tend to have recruit only the best. In short, even if you ace the interview and have appropriate skills, you won’t necessarily get the job. However, that doesn’t mean you can get away with a weak interview. Some naturally perform well in interviews because of their outspokenness and approachability. But if that is not you, there are a few techniques that can help you take control of your interview.

What is an interview?

Interviews are the tool that firms use to assess your motivation, demeanor and personality - i.e. how you ‘fit’ into their culture. To excel at interviews, you should learn what each firm expects from applicants, and try to convey that in a persuasive (but not arrogant) way. Each interview is different, but there are some general takeaways which are consistent across the board:

• Interviews generally starts with a meet-and-greet session where the potential candidate, the interviewee, would be asked some basic questions as to his or her desired career path, level of studies, and other surface-level information.

• Many interviews are designed to assess the skills and experience of each candidate. Give pointed answers which address selection criteria, with evidence (not mere assertions).

• There will likely be specially tailored questions for each candidate based on your CV. These questions uncover the value of your experience, and your honesty (so don’t lie on your CV, or you will be caught).

• Lastly, the candidate would have the opportunity to clarify doubts that may arise pertaining to, perhaps, the incentives that each employee is entitled to. It could be potentially about the prospects of promotion in the future or simply about the functioning of the organisation itself.

• The interviewer, then, concludes the interview session by thanking the candidate for coming and then notifies him or her that the results will be communicated in a brief delay after all other candidates would have been assessed.

Preparation

To be successful in an interview, it is essential that you are comfortable talking about why you want to work at the place you have applied for. At a minimum, you need to be familiar with basic information about the firm. Furthermore, many firms pride themselves on individuality, so you also need to intimately understand their values and initiatives. You can find this information from the following sources:

• Firm website;

• Consulting firm HR and recruiters at networking events (this also demonstrates interest);

• Reports produced by the firm;

• University and society careers brochures (such as the 2019 QUTLS careers guide); and

• Attending informational events.

Set an exceptional first impression

How to set a good first impression:

• Demonstrate punctuality by arriving on-time, if not early;

• Being polite and friendly (the partner interviewing is rarely the only person at the firm with input into the hiring process);

• Self-grooming; and

• Formal attire (if appropriate).

Acing your interview

Basic pointers on how to ace an interview:

• Be prepared to discuss the content of your CV;

• Prepare for basic questions that you expect to be asked, such as:

• Why do you want to work at xxxx?

• What are your strengths (or weaknesses)?

• What is a situation in which you have demonstrated those skills? (remember, skills learned in other industries like retail and hospitality are readily transferable to legal practice)

• What are your interests and hobbies?

• Be mindful of your demeanor - maintain appropriate body language, use eye contact, and keep things conversational; and

• Stay calm, take a deep breath, and present your best self - confidence is key.You should also consider using the STAR method for your answers.

The end of the interview

• The end of the interview is a great opportunity to demonstrate your interest by having your own questions for the interviewer prepared. This shows interest and initiative.

• Make sure to thank the interviewer for their time before leaving.