The Queensland University of Technology Law Society (QUTLS) acknowledges the Turrbal and Yugara as the First Nations owners of the lands where QUT now stands. We pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. We recognise that these lands have always been places of teaching, research and learning.
We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the custodians of the land, and have a traditional association with the land in accordance with their laws and customs. We acknowledge our responsibility as an institution to commit to inclusion, reconciliation and consultation to ensure the future of Australia is one where our First Peoples are afforded equal opportunity.
The QUTLS welcomes First Nations students, and wishes you every success in your studies and beyond.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The QUT Law Society would like to thank the following firms for sponsoring the Springboard Careers Guide:
Ashurst
DLA Piper
Herbert Smith Freehills
Clayton Utz
HopgoodGanim
King & Wood Mallesons
McCullough Robertson
Talbot Sayer
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Gilbert + Tobin
Allens
HWL Ebsworth
Johnson Winter & Slattery
Thompson Geer
Hall & Wilcox
Jones Day
MinterEllison
K & L Gates
MacPherson Kelly
Norton Rose Fullbright
The QUT Law Society would also like to acknowledge the following people for contributing to the creation of the Guide:
Ivy Smith, Director of Media and Communications
Arash Asgari, Director of Education
Francesca Jones, Director of Sponsorship
Layla-Jayne Smith, Publications Officer
Isabelle Nicol, Design Officer
Oriel Hull, Sponsorship Officer
Cover Art by Isabelle Nicol, 2024
ABOUT SPRINGBOARD
Welcome to the 2024 edition of the QUTLS Springboard Careers Guide. If you are reading this page, you are likely starting to think about the shape and direction of your future career. Studying law does not necessarily mean that you must, or will, become a lawyer. There are endless opportunities that come with legal education. With this in mind, please use the Springboard Careers Guide as a roadmap designed to help you find your path to success.
Part 1 of this guide will take you through the practical toolkit that you should develop to build your professional identity.
Part 2 will touch on how to get started on your career while you are still at university. There are many ways to volunteer and get involved in extracurricular activities that build the unique skillset that your graduate and professional self will need.
Part 3 will take you through the myriad of legal practice areas and their clerkship and graduate programs available.
Part 4 will explore what exactly a clerkship is, how you get one, when you should apply, what dates you need to know, and what (hopefully) happens after you complete your clerkship.
Part 5 will discuss how graduate programs work, where you can look for opportunities, and judge’s associateships.
Part 6 is a firm and organisation directory, broken down into private sector, government, community, and non-law related business firms for you to use on your job search.
These sections utilise interactive elements to take you beyond our pages. Links follow to websites such as Prosple, Gradaustralia, and a variety of different podcasts and other resources led by industry thought leaders. These places are of invaluable use to law students. Please take the time to explore these platforms as they will serve you greatly in both the development of your career and maintenance throughout your practice.
This guide is here to help you but not to constrict you. We live in an age where innovation abounds and opportunities that have never existed before are constantly arising. We recommend that once you find an opportunity that ignites your interests, you undertake further research into the area or role. 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 –remember, anything is possible!
FOREWARD
On behalf of the QUT Law Society, I would like to welcome you to our 2024 edition of the Springboard Careers Guide. I would also like to wish you success in Semester 2 of 2024, which is likely when you’re reading this foreword.
The beauty and the peril of entering the legal industry in 2024 is that it is unlikely that we will stay in the same career that we began in. With that in mind, I would like to emphasise that your first position is one of many that you will hold throughout your life. Your career will ebb and flow, and there might be times where you feel stuck or behind your peers. You might work for ten years and figure out that a certain field really isn’t for you. More, you might find that this career isn’t for you! However, every position will give you new notches in your belt to create your dream career, so find passion where you can and know that there are always other opportunities out there.
A lot of this guide, and the legal field in general, focuses on the ‘what’s next’. Although this prospect is exciting, it can also be draining. Before you begin applying for clerkships or graduate positions, take the time to reflect on your journey so far. I’m sure there have been many bumps in the road, but you have gotten over them, and in another few years this will be another bump in the road. You might take steps forward, backward, potentially even sideways, but as long as you still have a passion for your work, there really are no wrong steps. Well - don’t commit fraud, but in the lawful sense there are no wrong steps.
I hope that this edition of the Careers Guide will prove to be at least a somewhat interesting read and help you unravel the lengthy process of getting a grad role. The team has tried to cover various pathways that are commonly sought after by law graduates, but we suggest that you discuss your prospects with your mentors and community as there are so many more opportunities available than we can cover here.
I wish you the best of luck!
Ivy Smith Director of Media and Communications
Tips for success
Make a great first impression
Consider your personal brand, how you want to be perceived and recognised in terms of your strengths. The best way to create a good impression is by being authentic.
A great attitude, enthusiasm for any task and the ability to quickly build rapport is an asset.
Remember, a 3.5 to 4-week clerkship is an extended interview for a graduate position in locations with multiclerkship opportunities.
Get
feedback
Show initiative and seek opportunities
Have a clear picture of what you want from your clerkship, what you want to learn about the firm, and the type of work you want to get involved in.
Take the initiative to get to know your team as well as other practices across the firm, meet as many people as possible and try to get involved in different types of work, projects and activities.
Communication is vital
Take on various work for different people across the team, but don’t forget the importance of managing your priorities.
Clerkships involve several training sessions and activities. You will also be completing various projects for people across your team; make sure you keep your team and supervisor updated on your workload and training schedules to ensure your success.
A clerkship is an excellent opportunity for you to learn and develop your legal knowledge and skills, remember to request feedback after completing tasks, as acting on this feedback is a great way to demonstrate your ability to learn quickly – an essential skill for junior lawyers.
Take the time to follow up with the team members that have assigned you tasks and get their thoughts on the work you have completed - just be conscious of their workload and the timing.
Develop your networks
Speak to as many people as possible. This is your opportunity to find out if Ashurst is the place you want to begin and grow your career.
Take every opportunity to meet people from across the firm to learn about the practice groups, and if they are people you would like to work with in the future.
Lastly, take the time to get to know your fellow clerks - you may be colleagues one day!
SARAH MACDONALD GRADUATE PROFILE
SARAH MACDONALD | SOLICITOR
My name is Sarah MacDonald and I was a Vacation Clerk over the 2021 – 2022 period. Whilst I was at university, I pursued various interests and work opportunities which were not related to the legal field. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, during the Vacation Clerkship application process, this experience counted just as much as my legal experience.
The clerkship application process
My work experience prior to coming to HSF as a Vacation Clerk was varied. During my university years, I worked as a legal secretary, legal content editor, freelance writer, paralegal and communications adviser at a rideshare startup and Instagram food blogger. Although these roles were very different, they all helped to develop different skills which would later come in handy as a lawyer – such as time management, organisation, client relationship management and clear communication.
During the Vacation Clerkship application process, I was surprised to find that my interviewers at HSF were genuinely interested in hearing about my non-legal experience. Instead of setting me back, the different interests I had pursued set me apart. During my first HSF interview, I chatted with a partner about my favourite recipes to cook for my food blog and the café where I had worked in Tasmania before moving to Sydney (the partner had visited the café on a recent trip, and we both agreed on the best breakfast dish it sold).
Part-time client secondment
Following the Vacation Clerkship, I came back to the firm as a Graduate in March 2023. Through the Graduate program at HSF, you will complete three six-month rotations in teams across the firm. During my second rotation in the Employment team, I completed a two-month part-time secondment with a client. I spent two days at the client’s office each week, assisting their employment relations team. During the secondment, I had the opportunity to appear on behalf of the client in a Fair Work Commission conciliation – something which I did not expect to ever do, and certainly not as a one-year lawyer!
Through my secondment, I have developed key practical skills and a greater understanding of what clients want from their legal service providers. The benefit of taking on a part-time secondment is that you stay connected to your HSF team and continue to develop your practice group skills and HSF network. I think that my various non-legal experiences prior to joining HSF as a Graduate helped me to enter a different workplace confidently and adjust to a new role quickly as a secondee. Never discount your experience, whatever it may be – people come to HSF from all sorts of backgrounds and with all sorts of skills, interests and experience.
PART ONE:
TOOL- KIT
BUILD YOUR APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW
ARSENAL TO LAND THE JOB
WHAT IS IN YOUR CAREER TOOLKIT?
Your toolkit is made up of:
Your resume1.
Your cover letter2.
Your academic transcript3.
Your psychometric testing 4. results
5. Your interview skills
6. Your LinkedIn profile.
Checkoutthese formattingexamples!
It is crucial that you update your resume regularly to reflect your experiences. Cover letters should be tailored to the employer that you are applying to. We suggest searching for the values of the firm and incorporating these values into your cover letter to show that you are a true ‘match’.
THE
RESUME
By now, you are likely aware that you should have a document called your CV (curriculum verite), that you tailor to the jobs that you apply for. The wording of a resume you used to apply for a bartending job is unlikely to be the same resume that you should submit for a barrister’s assistant position. This doesn’t mean that the transferrable skills will no longer be relevant, but the actual experience likely won’t be, and therefore needs to be worded in a different way.
Some preliminary notes:
Recruiters do not spend a lot of time reading resumes. It is crucial that the key information and experience you want to convey is clear with a skimread of your CV.
Research what the employer wants out of an employee and make sure your resume clearly shows how you have developed these skills.
Hot Tip: Microsoft Word has a ‘Resume Assistant’ tool available to subscribers. This tool allows you to select a role in an industry of your choice and provides work experience suggestions, top skills that recruiters desire and otherfeatures.
THE COVER LETTER
This is the part where you get to let your personality shine, and you get to talk about what you‘re interested in in any way that aligns with the organisation that you want to work for!
The structure:
Top
The top right hand corner should have your name, email address and phone number. Below that and left-aligned should identify who the letter is addressed to, their position (if available) and the street name of the firm you are applying to. Below that, date your letter. Address the letter with Mr/Ms/Mrs/Miss and use the name of the contact on the job advertisement.
First Paragraph
Open strong. People typically write themselves into the letter with ‘I’m applying for X job that I saw in Y place.’ Instead, lead with a strong opening sentence. Start with the punch line — why this job is exciting to you and what you bring to the table. Then introduce your name and what and where you are studying. Chances are that the hiring team are reading through stacks of these, and you want to stand out in a subtle way.
Second paragraph
Align yourself with the values of the firm. Outline why you are interested in working specifically for them. What is some of the work they are currently doing that piques your interest? This is both demonstrating your commitment to the firm and your research. It might seem difficult, but you need to strike a balance between enthusiasm for the firm’s work and not simply flattery.
Third paragraph
Outline what you can contribute to the firm, in more detail this time. Pose the firms values to yourself as questions when drafting: When have I displayed these values in my personal or professional life? Use the strong examples that come from this reflection in your Cover Letter
Hot Tip: Some top-tier firms use key-word searches in cover letters towhittledowntheirlist.Makesureyour’sgetsread!
Conclusion
A short summary of your value to the firm. Sign off!
The following two cover letters are reference examples for writing your own. In no way are they the only or the best way to write a cover letter. We have included two examples to show how different experiences can influence your writing. Good luck!
10 July 2024
[Name of Firm Contact]
[Firm] [Address]
Dear [Firm Contact]
Re: 2024/2025 Vacation Clerkship Program
[Name] [Address]
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Firm Name] 2024/2025 Vacation Clerkship Program. I am currently in my penultimate year of a Bachelor of Business (Economics)/Laws (Honours) at the Queensland University of Technology. I am interested in being a [Type of Lawyer] upon graduating.
[Firm Name]’s exceptional culture and the commitment to a more diverse and inclusive workforce attracts me greatly. At [Event], I spoke to [Lawyer] at length about the programs and initiatives that [Firm] engages in to support their staff. This stood out to me as a point of difference that sets [Firm] above the rest. The work ethic of the firm also resonates deeply with me. As a student from regional/rural/etc Queensland/ [Insert state here], I worked hard in secondary school to achieve the required OP/ATAR to enter law school. Once I moved to Brisbane, I overcame the initial overwhelm of settling into my new accommodation, find- ing employment, and adjusting to tertiary study by engaging with my peers in tutorials and student clubs that I found interesting and helpful for building my dream career in law. I am especially passionate about [Area of Law – make sure to link it to a practice area that you might like to work in] because [and why].
While my employment in law thus far is limited, the skills that I have acquired through working at [Name re- tail, hospo, or other industry role here] are highly transferrable to work in a legal practice. My employment at [work] demanded exceptional attention to detail and always using a client-centric attitude to deliver on and exceed client expectations. I also take client feedback seriously, both positive and negative, and try to action that feedback in a meaningful way.
In addition to the above skills, I have proactively sought to enhance my legal problem solving and advocacy abilities through engaging with a variety of legal competitions. In [Date], I competed in the [Name of Comp] as part of a team of [two/three] people to [describe what the competition was]. My team and I came [Grand final winners/runner up/etc] in this competition. My team and I developed our team work to achieve a suc- cessful result, as well as our legal research and communication skills.
I have attempted to make the most of university life while undertaking my studies. I have been the [Role] for [Club], where I [list an achievement – can be simple], as well as volunteered for [Name of Community Legal Centre] as a [Role]. I am passionate about giving back to the community, and have been able to develop my legal mind and my client services skills through this role. These experiences of mine align directly with the pro bono work of the firm, which I find highly attractive. I think [firm] would support my ideal career in [area of law/legal practice].
If my application is successful, I am confident that I can make a positive contribution to [your firm]. The opportunity to gain experience at a firm which promotes such a strong culture of innovation, excellence and passionate client service would be invaluable. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely, [Name]
10 July 2024
[Name of Firm Contact]
[Firm]
[Address]
Dear [Firm Contact]
Re: 2024/2025 Vacation Clerkship Program
[Name] [Address]
I am writing to apply for [Firm Name]’s 2024/2025 Vacation Clerkship Program. I am currently in my penultimate year of a Bachelor of ______/Laws (Honours) at the Queensland University of Technology. I also am the [Role] for the [Student Society] and I work part-time as a [Job] for [Employment Place].
My first contact with [Firm] was when I attended the [Pre-Pen Firm Program Name]. Between those ses- sions, I had a conversation with [Lawyer/Graduate/Partner] from the [Team] about the unique and reward- ing work they do. In our conversation, I was deeply inspired by their passion for the work, and the skills and experience that they had developed with the firm. I also connect strongly with the firm’s values of [List Values here]. When [Firm Name] sponsored the [Recent Event] that I attended on [Date of Event], I was im- pressed with the firm’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging [etc]. I have [list an experience] that directly aligns with [firm]’s values, which is why I am attracted to working at this firm and developing my legal skills and ideally beginning my legal career at the firm.
My employment at [Commercial Firm] for [Number of months/years] has helped me develop some of the key skills required of a vacation clerk. This work had enhanced my commercial awareness significantly, as I have worked extensively with experienced solicitors, and engage many times with assisting those solicitors in briefing barristers for commercial litigation. My administrative skills and legal research skills are also highly developed, and I can work to tight deadlines and juggle multiple priorities at once. An example of this was when [State the example]. My excellent academic grades are testament to my passion for the law, and for solving legal problems. My GPA reflects my strong work ethic and my desire to achieve high results. In particular, my interest in [area of law] led me to explore the elective subject at QUT in which I achieved [overall mark] in. I perform particularly well on memorandum of advice assessment pieces and research essays, which would be a valuable asset to [firm].
What attracts me the most about [Firm] is the international focus that the firm has, and the opportunities for lawyers to go overseas. In my second year of my degree, I undertook exchange in [Country/Exchange university] for [Period of time]. While at [Exchange University], I took a class on [Relevant subject] that broadened my knowledge about the global implications of [a particular development in an area of law]. While completing my exchange and with the supervision of one of my lecturers, I researched the topic fur- ther out of my own personal interest and wrote a 2,000 word research essay which I submitted to [Name a publication] which was published in [Date].
If my application is successful, I am confident that I can make a positive contribution to [your firm]. The opportunity to gain experience at a firm which promotes such a strong culture of innovation, excellence and passionate client service would be invaluable. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely, [Name]
HOW DO YOU HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT KIND KNOW WHAT KIND OF LAW CAREER OF LAW CAREER
YOU WANT? YOU WANT?
interesting things about law all the time. LinkedIn can help give you an idea of how other people’s careers have progressed. For instance, you might have missed out on getting a clerkship and are despairing that your chances of getting into a large commercial firm are toast. There’s nothing more validating than seeing a person who also never did a clerkship get hired as a Senior Associate of the firm you dream of working for after years of working for either government departments or other, perhaps smaller firms. It is certainly possible. REFLECT ON YOUR VALUES REFLECT ON YOUR VALUES
What brought you to law? Knowing the answer to this question should be able to help you whittle down what type of work you want to do, and where you want your career to take you.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
2. DO YOUR RESEARCH
This is probably the most time consuming part of figuring out your ideal career progression, but once you’ve done this, you’ll be in a clearer position to begin identifying the steps you’ll need to take to achieve that career trajectory.
Google basic search times like ‘Day in the life of a (insert type of law) lawyer’ and general questions about what firms certain types of lawyers work for.
Reading websites such as the Queensland Law Society website can help you identify firms, what they do, and whether you might be a good fit.
Websites such as gradconnection.com, gradaustralia.com.au, seek.com, forage.com, and other associated websites are mandatory reading. These websites have Day in the Life pages, a full directory of hundreds of companies and heaps of law firms all around the country (remember, Brisbane is still quite a small place for legal practice! Sydney and Melbourne also have lots more firms where there is just no Brisbane office. But for this, see point 5).
Use LinkedIn not just for visiting the profiles of individuals to see what their work history and university achievements are like. You can easily curate your feed to show you things you are interested in, if you follow the right organisations and accounts. The Australian Law Reform Commission, for example, is an active LinkedIn account that shares
LISTEN TO WHAT GRABS
LISTEN TO WHAT GRABS YOU YOU
Another important thing is to pay attention to what is piquing your interest. Are there certain electives you are desparate to explore? Maybe a subject you did not expect to even like was your favourite subject, and you fell in love with that area of law? If you like law school competitions, why? Rinse and repeat.
REFLECT ON YOUR WORK
Think about what skills your university, work, and extra-curricular experiences have helped you develop. Keeping a journal or record of these skills with concrete examples can help identify what your strengths are, and also be vital for preparing for interview questions and applying for graduate jobs. Think about what your skills and experiences might say about your internal values as well (see point 1) and this can help you get closer to knowing where you want to see yourself end up.
REFLECT ON YOUR WORK AND UNIVERSITY AND UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCES EXPERIENCES 5. WIDEN YOUR 5. WIDEN YOUR GEOGRAPHICAL GEOGRAPHICAL CATCHMENT CATCHMENT
Do not let your geographic location limit your pickings! If you’re in a position to perhaps work in more regional and remote areas upon graduating, or are willing to live in a different city temporarily to undertake a clerkship in another city’s office, definitely keep that option on the table. Do some more research into other firms around the country that may not have a Brisbane office as well, as this can help your chances of getting a job, clerkship, or grad role somewhere
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?
A DREAM CAREER RARELY JUST HAPPENS. ITS IMPORTANT TO NOT ONLY ENVISION THE END RESULT, BUT VARIATIONS OF THE JOURNEY GETTING THERE. THIS IS WHY YOU SEE SUCH AN EMPHASIS ON SMART (MEASURABLE) GOALS. AN IMPORTANT TOOL IN VISUALISING YOUR JOURNEY IS MANUALLY WRITING YOUR GOALS OUT ON PAPER, WHICH IS WHY WE SUGGEST GIVING YOURSELF A MINUTE TO JOT DOWNWHATYOURCURRENTGOALSLOOKLIKE.
TAKE A MOMENT TO THINK ABOUT YOUR FUTURE
What are your career goals?
What are your personal goals?
What’s your action plan? What’s going to get you there?
What are your career goals?
What are your personal goals?
What’s your action plan? What’s going to get you there?
What are your career goals?
What are your personal goals?
What’s your action plan? What’s going to get you there?
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING
If you haven’t encountered the term ‘psychometric testing’ before, it might sound like a wacky science. Psychometric testing is actually just a method that employers use to assess their candidate’s personality, motivation, reasoning skills, or emotional intelligence. They can also be used to assess a candidate’s aptitude for literacy and numeracy. Firms often use psychometric testing early in the application process to determine quickly which candidates would be well-suited to a role. These tests can be conducted in person or online.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PSYCHOMETRIC TEST
Practice! Psychometric tests aren’t something you can study for, but you can certainly practise the process to make you feel more comfortable. There are plenty of free practice tests on the internet that may mimic the actual test delivered by the firm. Try to find out what type of psychometric test you will be taking as this will make your practice more valuable. Prep your body as well as your mind. Before you walk into an exam, you probably make sure that you are well-rested, fed, and hydrated in order to feel your best and optimise your performance. The same principle applies to psychometric testing, even if you are doing the assessment online. Be authentic! Often, psychometric tests are designed to assess what you think in response to the questions, not what you think the firm wants you to think. Keep it simple and answer the questions honestly.
Stay calm! Just like any other form of assessment, it is important to stay as calm as possible to give your brain its best chance to perform well.
DON’T BE AFRAID!
In the last decade, psychometric testing has become increasingly common. This is because recruiters were noticing that pure academic merit and skill was not always a good indication of whether a candidate would necessarily be a good lawyer. Personality traits such as empathy, analysis, creativity and dynamism all contribute, amongst others.
We sympathise that a ‘test’ being a part of the application process can seem daunting, but most find it a rather meaningful and positive process. The results are meant, not to exclude certain people from the application process, but create a ‘whole picture’ of you. It means that you have less ground to cover in the interview and might even give you some grounds to talk about your ‘strengths’ and ‘weaknesses’.
PRACTICE
Psychometric Success Korn Ferry
SHL Direct Criteria
THE INTERVIEW
If your resume and cover letter catches the eye of a recruiter, you will likely be contacted for an interview. This is where you’ll get the chance to meet the employer and the team that you may be working with, see the physical location of the workplace if necessary, and ask any questions that you have.
No two workplaces look the same, and recruiters conduct their interview process accordingly. Some interviews will take a question and answer structure, others will have an added component for psychometric testing (such as personality quizzes, intelligence tests, etc, see above). This part will give you an overview of what to expect if you’re invited for an interview.
HELP! THE EMPLOYER WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT A TIME WHEN I WAS RESILIENT!?
STEP 1: PRE-INTERVIEW PREPARATION
STEP 1: PRE-INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Research the firm. Use their website and LinkedIn. Know your own CV inside out, and your cover letter if you submitted one.
This can be a daunting question because it requires more vulnerability than most other interview questions, like times when you worked in a team. This question is really important because it demonstrates how you adapt to changing circumstances, especially ones that make you uncomfortable or frustrated. There is also no wrong way to answer this question. The best answer will be one that demonstrates how you bounced back from the experience, and what you learned along the way. For example, maybe you got a bad grade on an assignment that you thought you were going to perform well on. Talk about how you made a plan to change your study habits to prepare for the exam, and then what the result of the exam was.
Make sure to identify the lessons and skills you gained from the experience, such as:
STEP 2: DAY OF THE THE INTERVIEW
STEP 2: DAY OF THE THE INTERVIEW
Be on time, or slightly early. Dress appropriately for the role you are applying for.
Adaptability and flexibility in the face of changing circumstances
Perseverance and grit in the face of obstacles or setbacks
STEP 3: POST-INTERVIEW
STEP 3: POST-INTERVIEW
Send a thank-you email, expressing your gratitude for the employer taking the time to invite you in.
Emotional regulation and stress management techniques
Problem-solving and creative thinking skills
Communication and collaboration skills, particularly in difficult situations
WHAT ABOUT THE QUESTIONS?
WHAT ABOUT THE QUESTIONS?
A common way to interview is to sit down in a more conversational, question and answer style scenario. So how should you answer your interviewer’s questions in a way that demonstrates your attractiveness as a future employee? The STAR approach is a common reflective structure that will be of assistance to you.
Self-awareness and a growth mindset, allowing you to learn from failures and challenges
See a deeper explanation of the STAR method on the next page
ANSWER IN THE STAR FORMAT
STAR(I) stands for S T A R I Situation Task Action Result Impact
SITUATION: SITUATION:
What the overall context of the situation was. Think who, what, when, where. Set the scene. This should not take you very long, and try to not spend too much time labouring over those details.
TASK: TASK:
The task is the specific aspect of the situation that needed to be addressed. Similarly to the situation, keep this point to a minimum.
ACTION: ACTION:
How did you handle the task? Write from the ‘I’ perspective. Remain as succinct as possible.
RESULT RESULT
What was the outcome? Try to establish the causal link between what you did and what occurred at the end. Don’t be afraid to comment on results that were negative! Sometimes reflecting on things not going to plan demonstrates greater insight and analysis, which will be more valuable to a recruiter.
IMPACT IMPACT
Why was it important what you did, and what was the outcome? Who did it impact? What became possible because of your actions?
EXAMPLE
Tell me about a time when you had to analyse
Tell me about a time when you had to analyse information and make a recommendation. What kind of information and make a recommendation. What kind of thought process did you go through? thought process did you go through?
Situation/Task: When I undertook Ethics and the Legal Profession in semester 1 2022, my cohort was tasked with writing a memorandum of advice to the Legal Services Commissioner as to whether the outcome of disciplinary action on a fictitious legal practitioner at first instance should be appealed.
Action: My first step was to read the initial judgment in order to see why the trial outcome was insufficient. I generated keyword searches to find similar cases to the factual scenario. By using a compare and contrast method, I used existing cases to inform my recommendations based on precedent. For each case that I found that had a similar factual scenario, I looked to the outcome of that case to base my recommendations. There were many cases that served harsher penalties than the trial judgment in the current scenario. I continued this method with multiple cases until all the factual issues were accounted for. To write the memorandum, I began with an executive summary of my conclusions and recommendations to inform the Legal Services Commissioner immediately what they should do. I then articulated the context of my recommendations by setting out the relevant law. Next, I used my headings effectively to specifically communicate my recommendations.
Result: This assignment achieved an 85% grade, with feedback citing my thorough research, clear and engaging writing and appropriate sanctions.
Impact: The skills that I learned from this have been instrumental in developing my legal analytical and communication skills that helped me get employment at the boutique wills and estates firm that I have worked at for 12 months.
In this example, you’ll notice that the action takes up the majority of the paragraph. The situation and task were both concise
UNIVERSITY
COMPETITIONS: BUILDING YOUR EMPLOYABLE SKILLS AND CONNECTIONS
WHAT ARE COMPETITIONS? WHAT ARE COMPETITIONS?
Competitions are extracurricular activities that mimic the ways in which lawyers practice in environment. Competitions work in elimination rounds, and at the end, one team will emerge as the winner of a competition for that year. Competitions aim to test the different legal skills that lawyers possess, so as to provide students with an opportunity to seamlessly adjust to practice upon graduation.
It shows employers that you are proactive about your career and skills development. From an interpersonal perspective, competitions will introduce you to fellow students who you will compete with and against, and university academics and industry professionals who judge you and provide you with feedback.
WHAT COMPETITIONS CAN YOU BE WHAT COMPETITIONS CAN YOU BE INVOLVED IN? INVOLVED IN?
Moot Moot
Moots are a simulated appeal from a judgment that comes from a trial court. This is to give participants the chance to focus on and advocate on one specific point or area of law. Teams compete in groups of 2 or 3.
Witness Examination Witness Examination
QUTLS Moot Club
A witness examination simulates an advocate performing evidence-in-chief and cross-examination on a witness during a trial. Teams consist of one barrister and one witness each.
Negotiation Negotiation
A negotiation competition requires students to take on an alternative dispute resolution approach to a transactional dispute between two parties. Teams compete in pairs.
Client Interview Client Interview
WHY SHOULD YOU DO COMPETITIONS?
WHY SHOULD YOU DO COMPETITIONS?
From a skills-building perspective, becoming involved in various competitions increases your written and oral advocacy, interpersonal, time management, research, legal reasoning and analytical skills. You also develop teamwork skills as most competitions are run in teams of two or three people.
From a career progression perspective, being involved in competitions demonstrates your willingness and ability to involve yourself in extracurricular activities while also managing study and other aspects of your life.
A client interview simulates a lawyer meeting their client for the first time and having to identify the material facts the give rise to identifying the client’s particular legal problem. There is usually one client and one lawyer.
The QUTLS has a large competition offering this year. The Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) also provides law students around Australia to compete against other universities.
BUILDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL BRAND
USING
LINKEDIN
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
LinkedIn allows you to: develop a digital resume by adding your paid and unpaid experiences, awards and skills on your profile; connect with other professionals; keep your networks up to date with any developments in your career; post about your thoughts or recent activities; and share any work you have. You can follow companies, other users, groups and publications. You can also set up job alerts to receive filtered notifications about certain types of positions you are interested in applying for.
START NOW! START NOW!
If you haven’t already, start building your profile. Add details about your education, work, volunteer experience and extracurriculars. Make sure you use a professional headshot for your profile picture. There are many networking events hosted by the QUTLS and other student societies that offer free headshot photography. Even the Legal Careers Expo run by the Queensland Law Society (QLS) early every year offers free headshot photography.
PEOPLE YOU SHOULD CONNECT WITH PEOPLE YOU SHOULD CONNECT WITH colleagues;
other students (as they may also one day become your colleagues); lecturers or tutors if you have worked closely with them; and professionals you have met at networking events if you have developed a good rapport with each other and/or they have invited you to connect with them on LinkedIn.
WHAT SHOULD YOU POST? WHAT SHOULD YOU POST?
Posting on LinkedIn is a great way to demonstrate your areas of interest or industry involvement. The following are great ideas for LinkedIn content: work experience, clerkships or internships; volunteer work; educational experiences such as semester or short-term exchange programmes; publications you have worked on; awards such as scholarships, recognition on the Dean’s List, subject awards, QUT Guild awards, certificates and accreditations; initiatives you have participated in (e.g., the Queensland Legal Walk).
CONNECTING AND NETWORKING CONNECTING AND NETWORKING
Take advantage of any networking and industry events coming your way in Brisbane. The QUTLS’ Meet the Profession is on 25 July 2024 and will have a wide range of law firms in attendance. Other good opportunities include the Selden in the Supreme Court. Also keep an eye out for introductory programs, networking nights and information sessions which are often held by many large law firms.
Networking tips:
(1) canvas the room and introduce yourself to as many people as possible (if comfortable);
(2) attend events with a buddy to help break the ice and ease nerves;
(3) strike up a conversation with people who are standing by themselves;
(4) join a group conversation when there is an obvious gap between people; and
(5) exit the conversation when conversation slows down and politely excuse yourself (e.g., “...it was really nice speaking to you! I’m going to go and meet a few more people before the night is over”.
Our seasonal clerkship is designed to give you insight into what sets us apart. Our programme starts with an induction which provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal sector and the firms strategy, practice groups, sectors and clients. It also builds your skills and networks. Following induction, you’ll have the opportunity to experience working in a practice group and benefit from being
2024/25 PROGRAMME
Clerkship intakes:
Brisbane, Melbourne
Graduate Programme
During your graduate programme, you’ll experience three six month rotations in our different practice groups and Pro Bono and Law& teams, giving you breadth in your knowledge of the law as well as the practical skills that will stay with you for your entire career. By the end of your graduate programme, you will emerge with a clearer understanding of where your talent and interests lie. The experience you’ll have gained – and the networks you’ll have nurtured – will provide a strong foundation for your future career at DLA Piper.
Recruitment Process
given real responsibilities. Whether you’re attending a court hearing, contributing to a client meeting or assisting a large corporate transaction, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to reach your potential. At the completion of your clerkship you will also be eligible for consideration for a graduate role on our graduate programme.
2025 PROGRAMME
Priority offers will be made to candidates who participate in our Clerkship Programme.
Find out more about our programmes and application dates:
From law clerk to graduate lawyer at DLA Piper – Kristen Politis & Brigette Ciampoli
We started as law graduates at DLA Piper in february 2023 after completing a summer clerkship in november 2021 and winter clerkship in june 2022.
A clerkship at DLA Piper
DLA Piper were dedicated to making our clerkships an invaluable experience. They placed us in one practice group for the duration of the clerkship (4 weeks). We clerked in the Corporate and Employment teams. You don’t need to have experience or knowledge about the area before the clerkship. Although daunting at first, exploring new areas is very rewarding – you just need to have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. The lawyers, at all levels, are happy to take the time to explain challenging concepts and direct us to useful resources. During our clerkships, we completed a range of diverse and extremely interesting tasks including legal drafting, substantive research and correspondence. Highlights included sitting in on client meetings, working directly with the Partners on matters, getting to know our teams over the catered breakfasts each morning and attending the multitude of hosted events including the Christmas Party and Trivia Night!
The best part of our clerkship at DLA Piper was the firm’s investment in learning and development and the focus on its people. You are included in everything and are given a significant amount of responsibility even as a clerk. DLA Piper holds Practice Group presentations where a leader explains the types of work they do. This way, you can get a taste of what DLA Piper offers. You are encouraged to separately catch up with lawyers from other practice areas that may be of interest you, even if you don’t get the opportunity to clerk there. Another highlight of the clerkship was the level of comfortability we felt as clerks. The people at DLA Piper were incredibly generous with their time, made every effort to welcome us, and endeavored to get to know us on a personal level.
The Grad Experience at DLA Piper
The transition from clerk to graduate was seamless. DLA Piper’s graduate program commences with a weeklong National Graduate Induction. We were fortunate to fly to Sydney for this and partook in a number of team building activities and workshops. The best part of the trip was meeting the graduates from the other Australian offices. DLA Piper works collaboratively amongst offices, emphasising the importance of networking with your fellow colleagues.
More generally, the DLA Piper graduate program is an 18-month program which comprises of 3 x 6-month rotations across different practice groups. We have completed/are currently completing rotations in Corporate, Competition & Regulatory, Real Estate and Intellectual Property & Technology. Each rotation is very different, all providing new opportunities, clients and colleagues and challenges to navigate. No two days are the same for a graduate/junior lawyer.
SOME KEY HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR INCLUDE:
• assisting with high profile litigations, including the penalty hearing against Fitbit LLC for making false, misleading or deceptive representations to consumers;
• advising and assisting on large cross border deals, including for a well-known Australian owned skin care company;
• attending a range of client events including a Women in Deals Networking Night;
• partaking in pro bono work, including volunteering at Fitzroy Legal Centre and the Know Your Rights program where we presented to groups of refugees and migrants on their legal rights;
• partaking in the DLA Piper fundraising trek in Tasmania to raise money for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; and
• and of course, completing PLT and getting admitted!
If you want to undertake meaningful and exciting work in a global law firm, we encourage you to consider applying to DLA Piper.
Good luck throughout the clerkship period and we hope to see you at DLA Piper.
PART TWO:
BUILD YOUR CAREER
YOUR CAREER STARTS HERE: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME AT UNIVERSITY BY GAINING UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE.
UNDERGRADUATE
CAREERS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Experience is invaluable as a first real taste of the day-to-day life of a legal professional. It can be crucial to informing the direction of your future career and practice areas. Securing your first legal job is frequently more easily said than done. Here are some things to consider when applying to maximise your chance at nabbing that coveted ‘foot in the door’ job:
3. LEVERAGE YOUR 3. LEVERAGE YOUR TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS
Experience does not always have to be law-related to be relevant and meaningful! Even if a job advertisement is asking for one to two or more years of experience, apply anyway! Reflect on what you know and relate that back to what the employer is looking for. Have you worked in retail? Great! You clearly know how to navigate busy and stressful periods of work. Have you worked in hospitality? Amazing! Leverage those conflict resolution skills you developed with tricky customers. Have you worked in telecommunications? Phenomenal! You likely know all about sales deadlines and client confidentiality.
4. NETWORK 4. NETWORK
Take the time to format your resume and cover letters well. There are great templates available in both Microsoft Word and Google Docs. If you’re feeling more creative, you could also use Canva. Using a similar theme for your resume and cover letter shows your potential employer that you’ve put time and effort into your application, and while it does take a little longer, it makes your entire application look more cohesive. And yes—it is totally worth your time to write tailored cover letters and relate your skills and experience to the ‘ideal candidate’ qualities in the job advertisement.
2. VOLUNTEER 2. VOLUNTEER
There is little point in having a resume if you don’t have anything to put on it, right? Volunteering is a great way to build connections and get legal experience, particularly in the early years of your degree. Keep an eye out for volunteering positions at legal fundraising events and your local community legal centres, and get involved with QUT Law Society committee opportunities and events!
Networking events are despised by some students, but nevertheless a necessary part of the uni life. If the idea of a room full of small-talk and canapés makes your skin crawl, maybe try reaching out to solicitors and barristers in your ideal practice areas for coffee and a chat. You could even ask if they would mind if you tagged along to their mediations or trials every once in a while. You could also ask if you could intern with them for a week so you can see their work in practice. Not all lawyers will have the time for this, so if you get a rejection, don’t worry. Thank them for their time, and maybe ask if they know anyone who could be available to help.
5. FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME?
5. FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME?
This last suggestion isn’t for the faint of heart, but considering how coveted part-time entry-level legal jobs are, it might be worth looking at fulltime work if you are an organised person and are particularly eager to get experience. Just remember to not sacrifice your studies or mental health if you choose to pursue this pathway!
WHERE TO LOOK
The hard part of building a career is that it is never overnight. Opportunities will arise in sometimes the most unlikely of places, but you will always have the choice to follow the thread and see where it takes you, and what new skills you might take away from the experience.
Many professional legal organisations and associations put on events throughout the year that you can attend to learn more about particular areas of the law.
START GETTING INVOLVED IN THE INDUSTRY EARLY
As an undergraduate student, you can make the most of your student status to get discounted membership to different legal associations around Brisbane, Queensland, and Australia.
There are plenty of professional organisations that offer student memberships.
SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND
SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND LIBRARY YOUTUBE LIBRARY YOUTUBE
Check out their YouTube channel at this link:
COLLEGE OF LAW COLLEGE OF LAW
have informational events that can usually be attended either in-person or online.
OTHER STUDENT SOCIETIES OTHER STUDENT SOCIETIES
from different universities sometimes host events with legal or legal-adjacent focusses, and often will have special guests that make them worthwhile. Check what membership requirements there may be to attend these first.
CAREERS FAIRS CAREERS FAIRS
These are such great places to network with and engage with firms and other organisations. And there are lots of options!
QLS CAREERS EXPO QLS CAREERS EXPO
Usually sometime in July each year at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
STATE BAR ASSOCIATIONS STATE BAR ASSOCIATIONS
will often host events relating to becoming or being a barrister. A great opportunity to rub shoulders with barristers of all ranks and judges!
Asian Australian Law Association (AALA) Queensland Law Society ($10 student membership)
Family Law Practitioners Association (if you think you want to pursue family law!)
Women’s Law Association of Queensland (WLAQ) Pride in Law The Legal Forecast
Many of these organistions host networking events and functions. They can be a bit pricier but often offer discounted student tickets. These organisations all have Facebook, LinkedIn, and often a Twitter presence, so follow them to not miss a thing!
PODCASTS
Podcasts are a great place to learn about practicing law, studying, things going on the the legal world, and how to get a job.
SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND: SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND: SELDON LECTURE SERIES SELDON LECTURE SERIES
The SCLQ podcast series features popular Selden Society lectures on a variety of topics that explore Queensland’s unique legal heritage and the common law—presented by expert and experienced judicial officers, legal professionals and academics.
LAW TALKS LAW TALKS
A monthly podcast aimed at aspiring lawyers - each episode contains an interview with a legal professional. Based in England, this is made by two English lawyers but has a lot of relevance to Australian aspiring professionals
GRADCAST GRADCAST
Made by two current Australian Public Service graduates, Gradcast talks listeners through what it’s like being an APS employee, and how to get into the APS. They conduct regular interviews with other APS employees so listeners can experience the breadth and depth of life in Canberra.
THE ADVOCACY PODCAST THE ADVOCACY PODCAST
Made by a London baby barrister, the host interviews established barristers in the English legal system for their advice and guidance on excellence in the courtroom.
THE CALLOVER THE CALLOVER
A Queensland Law Society podcast created by young lawyers, for young lawyers. The podcast interviews a new prominent legal figure in Queensland each episode.
THE LAWFLUENT PODCAST THE LAWFLUENT PODCAST
Lawyers bring their knowledge and experience to uncover the tips, tricks and challenges of the legal profession’s best. They have a clerkship series where they interview legal professionals about how they aced their clerkship applications!
REIMAGINING JUSTICE REIMAGINING JUSTICE LAW AND THE FUTURE OF WAR LAW AND THE FUTURE OF WAR
QUT’s own Andrea Perry-Petersen hosts a podcast about advancements in the law.
UQ’s Law School runs a podcast about how law intersects with the rules of armed conflict, military, and technology.
We are redefining what a law firm can be. Working for some of the world’s most innovative organisations, our people go beyond the law. At KWM, you will have opportunities to learn new skills and master your craft - all while playing a leading role in helping the firm and those around you grow.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
Multiple career pathways where you can shape your future. Culture of innovation, collaboration and high performance.
World-class training and coaching to unleash your full potential.
High impact work for the world’s leading organisations.
Relationships that last a lifetime.
careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia kwm.com
DEMONSTRATING A GLOBAL MINDSET AS A LAW STUDENT
IMPORTANCE OF A GLOBAL MINDSET
The increasing globalisation of the world’s economies has had a profound impact on business and, consequently, the legal industry. Some manifestations of this include the thriving cross-border M&A sector and the expanding market control of international law firms. Naturally, as clients continue to exchange goods, technology and knowledge between countries and regions, they expect their lawyers to be able to support them with international knowhow, either directly or by leveraging the expertise of our global networks.
For this reason, it is important for young lawyers to start equipping themselves with the tools which will allow them to thrive in an increasingly globalised legal landscape. With all of this in mind, you may be wondering how you can stand out from the crowd and demonstrate a global mindset to interviewers and potential future colleagues.
WAYS JUNIOR LAWYERS CAN DEMONSTRATE A GLOBAL MINDSET
One of the many advantages of attending a top ranked law school is the plethora of opportunities available to broaden your experience, from subjects with an international focus to extra-curricular activities and events.
diverse perspectives on matters such as cross border transactions and the practice of law in an Asian jurisdiction. As an excellent side benefit, these subjects typically involve travel to other countries (subject of course to COVID-19 restrictions). If the international subjects are not to your liking, we suggest getting involved in the range of globally focused extra-curricular activities on offer, including: Global Law Students Association; Melbourne China Law Society; Melbourne Journal of International Law; Lawyers Without Borders; International Humanitarian Law Moot; and State Party Negotiation
Additionally, the university regularly holds free public lectures or forums which deal with international legal issues.
We stress that it is absolutely not necessary to attend every event and join every club with an international flair, although if you are genuinely interested and have the time, then more power to you! Instead, we recommend keeping an eye open for clubs and events that align with and can enhance your own particular interests, be it humanitarian, criminal or commercial law.
THINGS TO DO TO ENHANCE
A GLOBAL MINDSET
Melbourne Law School currently offers three elective subjects that can provide you with the opportunity to meet with international lawyers at overseas institutional hubs. These subjects give students invaluable access to experienced practitioners who are able to provide careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia kwm.com
societal stereotypes, and cultural context can impact our decisions, actions and understanding of situations. Understanding that the way you see the world is not necessarily a view that is shared by everyone is an important step toward becoming a globally-minded citizen, and a culturally-aware law student and lawyer. In order to assist with this, it is worthwhile consuming media from multiple sources and preferably, from multiple geographic regions across the world. Regardless of your own personal views, it is important to understand all angles of a particular issue. Therefore, reading widely and engaging with content from across the political spectrum forces you to think more deeply. For instance, watching international news programs and following global media outlets on social media are good ways of broadening the news and views you are exposed to. It is important to speak to people you would not normally speak to at your law school and beyond and embrace the opportunity to learn from them and have your views challenged.
We challenge you to think big and think globally - about your degree, about your future career, and about your role as a global citizen.
In order to thrive as a globally-minded lawyer, it is imperative that we all recognise our own unconscious cultural biases. Our background, personal experiences, Grayson Gay, Kat Armstrong and Ivor Wong are Solictors in the King & Wood Mallesons’ Melbourne office.
Good people.Good work. Great opportunites.
McCullough Robertson is more than just a law firm. Since 1926 we have prided ourselves on building deep and enduring relationships with clients and communities in which we work.
Advance your career at McR with genuine opportunities for growth and the chance to do important and interesting work.
Start your success story today
PART THREE:
THE LEGAL INDUSTRY
LEARN ABOUT DIFFERENT PRACTICE AREAS AND OTHER CAREERS IN THE INDUSTRY
LET’S TAKE A LET’S TAKE A PEEK AT THE PEEK AT THE FIELDS THAT FIELDS
THAT MAKE UP THE MAKE UP THE LEGAL INDUSTRY
LEGAL INDUSTRY
ACADEMIA ACADEMIA
LECTURER
RESEARCHER
ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE DISPUTE RESOLUTION RESOLUTION
FAMILY MEDIATION & CONCILIATION
COMMERCIAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY SECTOR SECTOR
COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES
PRO BONO WORK
LAWRIGHT
NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (NGO’S)
COURTS & COURTS & TRIBUNALS TRIBUNALS
IN-HOUSE IN-HOUSE LEGAL LEGAL COUNSEL COUNSEL
JUDGE’S ASSOCIATE
TRANSCRIBING
INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION
GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT
POLICY
COMPLIANCE GOVERNANCE
OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIO NS
PRIVATE PRIVATE PRACTICE PRACTICE
TOP TIER FIRMS
MID-TIER FIRMS
BOUTIQUE FIRMS & SOLE PRACTITIO NERS
PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL & REGULATORY & REGULATORY BODIES BODIES
STATE LAW SOCIETIES
STATE BAR ASSOCIATIONS
LAW COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA
STARTUPS STARTUPS AND AND FREELANCE FREELANCE
COMMERCIAL STARTUPS
LEGAL DESIGN HACKATHONS
PRACTICE AREAS
Different practice areas in law often overlap, especially in commercial contexts. Commercial law does not always mean private practice, as some government agencies deal specifically with commercial disputes and transactions. Below are common legal practice areas where you can engage in commercial disputes and transactions.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Clifford Chance; Herbert Smith Freehills; King & Wood Mallesons; K&L Gates; Allen & Overy; Ashurst; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; DLA Piper; Norton Rose Fulbright.
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) BANKING AND FINANCE LAW
If you are a student who took LLB103 Dispute Resolution when it was mandatory, you will already have an appreciation for the important role alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes play. ADR includes processes such as mediations, conciliations, negotiations and arbitrations. There are three areas of ADR:
Facilitative: Facilitative:
Through a facilitative process, the ADR practitioner assists parties to the dispute with identifying the causes of their underlying concerns Facilitative ADR helps parties consider viable alternatives for reconciling some or all of the issues in their dispute.
Advisory: Advisory:
Through an advisory process, the ADR practitioner appraises the merits of each party’s case in the dispute and can suggest a desirable outcome for reconciliation.
Determinative: Determinative:
Processes such as arbitration, expert determination and private judging are determinative During a determinative process, the ADR practitioner will evaluate the dispute (which sometimes involves a formal process of obtaining evidence from the parties) and make a decision on behalf of the parties.
Work in this sector may include the provision of legal advice to banks and financial institutions about transactions, asset management, risk management, cost reduction and other strategic recommendations.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Allens; Ashurst; Gilbert + Tobin; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; Norton Rose Fulbright; Dentons; Johnson Winter Slattery; K&L Gates; DLA Piper; Gadens; Thomson Geer; Hall & Wilcox.
COMMERCIAL AND BUSINESS LAW
Commercial law focuses on the governance and regulation of commerce, trade, sales and merchandising. It focuses on businesses that engage in these activities. Most commercial law firms provide legal services over a wide range of areas of law. When applying for a graduate and clerkship position, it is a good idea to think about which area of law you would like to work in within commercial law. If you are not sure, don’t stress! Many firms allow their graduates to rotate through difference practice areas in order to see what they like before deciding to commit to one.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Allens; Ashurst; Gilbert + Tobin; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; Norton Rose Fulbright; Hogan Lovells; Dentons; Hall & Wilcox; K&L Gates; Thomson Geer; Piper Alderman; Jones Day; James Keir.
Becoming a family ADR practitioner
What does a commercial lawyer do?
COMPETITION AND CONSUMER LAW
This area of law is about providing advice to businesses to help them assess new products and safeguard their existing assets. It can also be about helping businesses build and maintain consumer confidence in their brand.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Allens; Ashurst; Gilbert + Tobin; Herbert Smith Freehills; King & Wood Mallesons; Baker McKenzie; Clayton Utz; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; Minter Ellison; DLA Piper; Johnson Winter Slattery; Jones Day; Norton Rose Fulbright; Clifford Chance; Arnold Bloch Leibler; Mills Oakley Lawyers.
INSURANCE LAW
Lawyers in this area work with insurers, brokers and policy holders to provide advice on statutory outsourcing, minimising risk, major acquisitions, professional indemnity, public liability, insolvency and resolving coverage disputes.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Clyde & Co; Herbert Smith Freehills; King & Wood Mallesons; Minter Ellison; Wotton + Kearney; Clayton Utz; Colin Biggers & Paisley; Norton Rose Fulbright; Lander & Rogers; McCabe Curwood; Allens; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; DLA Piper; Hall & Wilcox; Sparkle Helmore Lawyers; Ashurst; Barry Nilsson; McCullough Robertson; Mills Oakley Lawyers; Meridian Lawyers.
CRIMINAL LAW
This area of law is concerned with prosecuting and defending those who are accused of committing criminal offences. There are many different legal professionals who practice in criminal law, including judges, barristers and solicitors. Note that criminal law is not just a state issue but also a federal issue. Some law firms deal with federal level crimes which are prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP). Another unique benefit of working in criminal law is the opportunity to choose from a variety of workplaces ranging from criminal law firms, community legal centres and other pro bono organisations such as Legal Aid. This avenue is often suitable for people who are inspired to work in law to give back to the community.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
the CDPP; the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; Fisher Dore; Gilshenan & Luton; Potts Lawyers; Cridland & Hua; Jasper Fogerty; McGinness Lawyers; AW Bale & Sons Solicitors; MacDonald Law; Fuller and White; KLM Lawyers; Gnech & A ssociates.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Employment lawyers assist businesses with important obligations such as: managing risks; providing fair compensation to workers; following awards and bargain agreements; complying with regulatory frameworks like the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth); and adhering to policies to reduce discrimination and harassment in the workplace
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Ashurst; Herbert Smith Freehils; Minter Ellison; Seyfarth Shaw LLP (Melbourne + Sydney); Clayton Utz; Lander & Rogers; McCullough Robertson; Thomson Geer; Maddocks; Baker McKenzie; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; King & Wood Mallesons; Norton Rose Fulbright; DLA Piper; Johnson Winter & Slattery; Maddocks; Mills Oakley; Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors; Hall & Wilcox, Jones Day; K&L Gates; Shine Lawyers; Legal Aid Queensland; Caxton Legal Centre.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING LAW
Lawyers in this area represent clients in disputes about (but not limited to) water, clean technology, land rights and climate change. Environmental and planning law is a popular area of research for academics. Make sure you have a good understanding of administrative law as much of the legal content in this area comes from legislation and regulations made by government agencies.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Allens; Ashurst; Norton Rose Fulbright; Minter Ellison; White & Case; King & Wood Mallesons; Baker McKenzie; Colin Biggers & Paisley; McCullough Robertson; Environmental Defenders Office; government departments like the federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
FAMILY LAW
Family lawyers represent their clients in a number of forums, including ADR processes or in court. It is a common practice area for barristers and ADR specialists. Family lawyers should have a good understanding of commercial, property and taxation law. They should be able to communicate with their clients with empathy and respect, especially since client concerns in family law often involve highly emotional issues. Issues often include the custody of children and property and financial entitlements following separation or divorce.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Barry Nilsson; HopgoodGanim; Phillips Family Law; Hirst & Co; Mills Oakley; Cooper Grace Ward; Naughton McCarthy; Damien Greer Lawyers; DA Family Lawyers; Feeney Family Law; Page Provan; Daykin Family Law.
in the Life: Family Law
Day in the EnvironmentalLife:Law
Day
HUMAN RIGHTS LAW
Human rights lawyers work for a variety of organisations. This includes Amnesty International, the European Court of Human Rights, private companies, chambers and law firms. They advocate for the rights of vulnerable populations such as women, children, Indigenous populations, the LGBTIQ+ community and those who are living under oppressive regimes or in war-torn countries. To pursue a career as a human rights lawyer you may need to be willing to travel. You need to be comfortable with adapting to the different laws and procedures used in different jurisdictions. Possessing foreign language skills may also be beneficial.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Crown Law Queensland; Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General; (Federal) Attorney-General’s Department; Human Rights Law Centre; Australian Human Rights Commission; United
Day in the Life: Human Rights Law Nations; Amnesty International; Piper Alderman; Maurice Blackburn; Shine Lawyers; Caxton Legal Centre.
IMMIGRATION LAW
Immigration lawyers typically represent in court or tribunals refugees and immigrants who are experiencing issues with visa application. A thorough understanding of administrative law is helpful for this area of law as many tasks involve reviewing ministerial decisions and appearing before either the Migration Review Tribunal or the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS); Minter Ellison; Fragomen; Mullins Lawyers; Holding Redlich; Tribeth Group; Hally Payne; Catalyst Migration; Welch Law.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW
Law firms who practice intellectual property law advise their clients on how to protect their ideas and assets, formally develop patents and trademarks, and manage risks and disputes about potential infringements of intellectual property. While you can specialise in an intellectual property team within a commercial firm, there are also many patent attorneys who practise in smaller firms. Patent attorneys generally help individuals and businesses prepare, file and prosecute disputes about their patent applications.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Public International Law: Public International Law:
This area focuses on the rules and norms accepted in governing international bodies. Lawyers who specialise in international law may work with a broad range of clients such as nation states, NGOs, business and individuals. Common issues include treaty obligations, jurisdictional disputes and international justice concerns.
LITIGATION
Some employers in this area:
Some employers in this area:
Attorney- General’s Department; United Nations; the International Criminal Court, the World Bank; the OECD; the International Monetary Fund; Amnesty International; the Australian Human Rights Commission; Herbert Smith Freehils; Dentons.
Private International Law: Private International Law:
This area of law focuses on the conflicts between different bodies of laws across jurisdictions in international disputes. This can involve delving into international wills and estates, family, civil or commercial law issues, enforcing foreign judgments, serving documents and dealing with evidence issues across borders.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Dentons; Allens; Clayton Utz; Baker McKenzie; DLA Piper; K&L Gates LLP; MMLC Group; Phillips Family Law.
PERSONAL INJURY LAW
Personal injuries lawyers generally deal with claims for compensation where a client has suffered physical or psychological injuries as a result of negligence. Common matters include car accidents, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, wrongful death cases and other types of negligence.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Lawyers who specialise in litigation work across the civil and criminal sectors. They typically represent and protect their clients’ interests in court. Litigators can be involved in any part of the litigation process and can: (1) prepare their client for self-representation; (2) brief barristers to act on their client’s behalf; or (3) the litigator themselves can represent their client in court.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Allens; Clayton Utz; King & Wood Mallesons; K&L Gates; Herbert Smith Freehills; MinterEllison; Tucker & Cowen; Ashurst; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; HopgoodGanim; McCullough Robertson; Cooper Grace Ward; Gadens; DLA Piper; Johnson Winter & Slattery; Fisher Dore; Gilshenan & Luton; Piper Alderman; Robertson O’Gorman; Howden Saggers; Potts Lawyers.
PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE LAW
Lawyers who work in property law help their clients manage issues arising in relation to real property and commercial and personal property. This can involve dealing with any matters arising from commercial transactions to conveyancing. It depends on a lawyer’s specific area of expertise.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this
Corrs Chambers Westgarth; Herbert Smith Freehills; King & Wood Mallesons; MinterEllison; Norton Rose Fulbright; Allens; Clayton Utz; HopgoodGanim; Cooper Grace Ward; Gadens; McCullough Robertson; Ashurst; Colin Biggers & Paisley; K&L Gates; Connor O’Meara; Dentons; DLA Piper; Holding Redlich; HWL Ebsworth; Piper Alderman; Mills Oakley; Sparke Helmore; Thomson Geer; Thynne & Macartney; Hall & Wilcox.
PUBLIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
Public law broadly refers to the relationship between a government and its constituents. In more concrete terms, you may aspire to become a Member of Parliament, a policy adviser or public servant. Key skills include proficient drafting ability, strong advocacy skills and an understanding of the concerns of different stakeholders in Australian society.
Working in administrative law includes providing advice to government bodies about a broad range of matters. This includes privacy and data, outsourcing projects and ensuring compliance with relevant statutory and regulatory obligations.
Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
Crown Law Queensland, Australian Government Solicitor (AGS); Clayton Utz; Herbert Smith Freehills; Ashurst; Allens; DLA Piper; Sparkle Helmore Lawyers; Holding Redlich Lawyers; Potts Lawyers; Slater and Gordon; Russell Kennedy Lawyers.
TAXATION LAW
Lawyers in this area work with clients from a range of sectors on issues such as tax disputes, wealth planning, corporate tax, private equity, investment fund, pension and superannuation matters.
West Garbutt; Cooper Grace Ward; McCullough Roberson; Clayton Utz; Deloitte Legal; King & Wood Mallesons; MinterEllison; McInnes Wilson; Holding Redlich; HopgoodGanim; Merthyr Law. Some employers in this area: Some employers in this area:
SUCCESSION LAW
Succession law involves assisting clients with estate planning, administration and litigation. This may involve drafting wills, organising powers of attorney and advance health care directives, and making sure estate administration tasks are properly carried out. Succession law also involves giving advice to parties who are concerned with or disputing a will.
Some employers in this area:
Some employers in this area:
Cornford-Scott Lawyers; Cooper Grace Ward; Murdoch Lawyers; McInnes Wilson; McCullough Robertson; View Legal; de Groots; Parsons Law; Thynne & Macartney.
TECHNOLOGY LAW
This is a quickly growing practice area which involves advising clients on a range of matters such as telecommunications, legislative and regulatory reform, procurement of hardware and software assets, and access agreements.
Some employers in this area:
Some employers in this area:
Allens; Ashurt; Clayton Utz; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; Gilbert + Tobin; Herbert Smith Freehills; King & Wood Mallesons; Baker McKenzie; MinterEllison; Norton Rose Fulbright; K&L Gates; Lander & Rogers; McCullough Robertson; DLA Piper; Gadens; Johnson Winter & Slattery; Squire Patton Boggs; Thomson Geer.
JOBS OUTSIDE THE LEGAL INDUSTRY
ACCOUNTING
Accountants assist their clients with the preparation and maintenance of financial records and other tasks such as financial statements, audits, drafting budgets and advising on investments
CONSULTING
How do I use my law degree?
How do I use my law degree?
The disciplined and creative approach developed through law school is currently highly sought after amongst accounting firms. However, it is often still necessary to have a Bachelor of Business degree if you want to practice as an accountant.
BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
Banking and finance has a diversity of roles.You can find positions in retail banks, credit unions, investment banks, insurance companies and the financial tech sector. Generally, these roles involve managing and investing money.
Consultants are regarded as “problem solvers” within the business world. They typically assume advisory or implementation roles, which can encompass a wide range of responsibilities. These may include maximising profits for a new product launch or navigating complex mergers.
How do I use my law degree?
How do I use my law degree?
The diverse nature of consultancy work aligns well with the skillset of law graduates, a they have been trained to consider various solutions when solving problems. Securing a position at a toptier consultancy firm can be highly competitive. Therefore, it is advisable to seek internships or gain work experience to distinguish yourself from other candidates.
ENGINEERING
How do I use my law degree?
How do I use my law degree?
The ability to analyse patterns in large amounts of information is a crucial skill. Studying subjects like Taxation Law can help you stand out when applying for jobs in this sector.
CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY SERVICES
A career in construction can involve working for commercial, industrial or residential organisations. You can specialise in property valuation, construction oversight and various other processes.
How do I use my law degree? How do I use my law degree?
The management of complex processes, working with multiple stakeholders and effective communication are skills that law graduates should possess. These abilities are highly valued in this sector and can enhance your employability.
The primary responsibility of an engineer revolves around testing and creating various objects. They rely on highly technical skills acquired through their studies to address practical challenges. Engineering positions can be found in diverse settings such as mines, manufacturing plants and the public sector.
If you aspire to work in the engineering sector, you may be involved in risk management, contract negotiation and property transactions. Such matters require legal expertise and understanding. How do I use my law degree? How do I use my law degree?
IT AND COMMUNICATIONS
The IT and communications sector encompasses a wide range of activities that are continuously evolving and changing. Careers in this field involve tasks such as planning, research and implementing new IT systems. Professionals in this sector can be found working in government, technology companies and the communications industry
How do I use my law degree? How do I use my law degree?
As a law graduate, the ability to solve complex problems and and analyse various precedents is highly valued in the IT and communications industry. Having a dual degree in IT degree would enhance your job prospects as you would be familiar with various IT systems.
MINING AND RESCOURCES
Australia is a prominent exporter of resources like coal, tin, aluminium, iron and zinc. These industries contribute significantly to our GDP. Major mining and resource companies typically offer in-house positions, while top-tier firms provide external advisory services dedicated to resource companies.
How do I use my law degree? How do I use my law degree?
Within this sector, there are various opportunities to utilise your law degree. You may engage in legal roles within mining and resource organisations, addressing matters such as contract negotiation, regulatory compliance and environmental considerations.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
The public sector encompasses sections of the economy that are publicly funded, such as government services. This sector features a wide array of roles across various government departments and levels.
How do I use my law degree?
How do I use my law degree?
There are many public and government positions specifically designed for legal practitioners. One example is the AttorneyGeneral’s Department. There are also many jobs that draw upon the skills of law graduates, including diplomatic and foreign policy positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
RETAIL AND CONSUMER GOODS
While retail is commonly associated with face-to-face customer services roles, there are also significant behind-the-scenes work involved to ensure competitiveness and compliance in the industry.
READ MORE ABOUT THESE PATHWAYS...
UNITED NATIONS: UNITED NATIONS:
How do I use my law degree?
How do I use my law degree?
The retail sector offers various opportunities for legal practitioners. Roles may involve contract negotiation, brand and intellectual property protection, as well as addressing legal issues related to the marketing and promotion of goods and services to consumers.
TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS
Professionals in this sector work in diverse roles, such as freight management, transportation and logistics. This sector holds great importance in Australia as it contributes to 10% of our GDP
Work directly with the UN on various issues such as human rights, sustainable development, environmental protection, disaster relief, counter terrorism and the non-proliferation of weapons. The UN offers an internship program that allows graduates to work closely with their teams, assisting in drafting organisational policies and participating in conferences with the UN and state parties. To be eligible for this internship program you must: (1) be currently enrolled in a Masters or PhD; (2) be in your final year of a Bachelor’s programme; or (3) if you have graduated, you must apply within a year following the completion of your Masters, PhD or Bachelor’s programme.
AMBASSADOR OR HIGH AMBASSADOR OR HIGH COMMISSIONER: COMMISSIONER:
How do I use my law degree?
How do I use my law degree?
Employers within the transport and logistics sector value the skills acquired during a law degree. These skills, including stakeholder management, creative thinking and understanding complex processes, can be applied effectively in this industry.
GOVERNMENT, DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Diplomacy involves establishing and maintaining relationships with other nations, negotiating foreign policies and building enduring bonds despite political challenges. Careers in this field can include working for the United Nations, serving as an Ambassador or High Commissioner, or joining the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Australia appoints representative to a few international locations, including to Australian embassies in sovereign states and significant international organisations like the UN or the OECD. Ambassadors and High Commissioners serve as Australia’s official representatives and are responsible for building and maintaining positive international relationships with their host country or organisation. These positions are typically appointed after demonstrating extensive periods of public service within Australia through the government or DFAT.
DFAT DFAT
Collaborate with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide advice to the Australian government on international relations issues such as terrorism, climate change, gender equality, cyber affairs, people smuggling and other peacekeeping measures. DFAT has a graduate program which involves four work placements through their Diplomatic Academy. Although DFAT is based in Canberra, there are also opportunities to work overseas at one of DFAT’S 120 posts located in other countries.
Are you ready for an exceptional career?
HopgoodGanim Lawyers is recognised as a place where people love to work. We offer graduates and clerks the opportunity to experience interesting work for high-quality clients, while enjoying the benefits of a unique and vibrant culture.
Working with us, you’ll also benefit from a flexible working environment, health and wellbeing initiatives, ongoing learning and development, the chance to actively support the community, and so much more.
To find out more about our benefits, culture and opportunities, visit hopgoodganim.com.au/careers
Start your journey with us.
Talbot Sayer is a specialist corporate, commercial, property, employment, and disputes law firm with offices in Brisbane and Sydney.
We take a tailored and contemporary approach to leading, developing and rewarding our lawyers to facilitate better outcomes for clients and team members alike.
Principals and lawyers have no billable hours target.
Top of market rates ensure we hire and retain the best and the brightest.
Monthly bonus program of up to 50% of base salary that rewards finding solutions for clients.
Flat organisational structure with advancement based on merit, not time in seat.
Our consistently high level of deal activity demonstrates our ongoing recognition as one of Australia’s leading M&A firms.
Legal Advisor
Talbot Sayer
Herbert Smith Freehills
Minter Ellison
Kain Lawyers
King & Wood Mallesons
Thomson Geer
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Australia & NZ M&A Rankings
Number of deals up to USD$500m (Refinitiv, 2023)
We will be running Clerkship Programs in November/December 2024, February 2025 and July 2025. We are also willing to provide some flexibility on dates for the right candidates.
Rather than lengthy PowerPoint presentations on IT or time recording, we give our clerks a true taste of working as a lawyer at Talbot Sayer –assisting with real work and meeting real clients from day one.
Mentoring from market leading lawyers, face time with clients and exposure to challenging and engaging work.
Practice Areas
Our principals have extensive experience in mergers & acquisitions, capital raising, property, agribusiness, intellectual property, employment and disputes.
Dedicated Training
Our principals are personally committed to the development of our team. Along with our regular training modules, we undertake monthly reviews with all of our lawyers. This regular feedback loop has helped our young lawyers develop more quickly than those working with our national and international peers.
In addition to our extensive internal training, we financially support participation in relevant external courses and training in areas such as negotiation skills and project management.
Enriching
Culture
Talbot Sayer has a dynamic, collaborative culture, where we reward positive outcomes for clients, not hours spent in the office. We promote a close-knit and inclusive team environment, where clerks and graduates aren’t lost in the crowd and work closely with our principals and senior lawyers.
We work hard, but have a ready sense of humour and take the time to celebrate our successes at regular social and extra-curricular events.
We are seeking penultimate or final year students with outstanding academic results who are motivated to succeed. To apply, please forward your CV, academic transcript and covering letter to:
recruitment@talbotsayer.com.au
Clerkships By Friday 9 August 2024. Graduates We accept applications throughout the year with flexible start dates.
Brisbane Level 1, 175 Eagle Street
Sydney
Brisbane QLD 4000
Level 22, 56 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
talbotsayer.com.au/careers
PART FOUR:
CLERK- SHIP BASICS
SO YOU WANT TO DO A CLERKSHIP! EXPLORE THE PROCESS AND GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR OF RENOWNED FIRMS.
WHAT IS A CLERKSHIP?
Unlike an internship, a clerkship is a highly structured program offered by top-tier and many mid-tier law firms. Clerkships are open to law students in their penultimate and (depending on the firm) prepenultimate year. A penultimate year means the year before your final year. For example, if you started your degree in 2020 and are due to graduate in 2024 (final year), then you will be in your penultimate year in 2023, and your pre-penultimate year in 2022.
Clerkships allow law students to see how a firm operates on a day-to-day basis. Clerks typically rotate in one or more different practice areas that the law firm specialises in. Clerks usually assist with drafting, proofreading and legal research and may shadow a lawyer in a client meeting, phone call or court attendance. If a clerk performs well during the clerkship, it is common for that clerk to be seriously considered for a graduate position at the law firm they clerked at. In Brisbane and Melbourne, clerkships will typically run for four weeks. In Sydney,
TIMELINE
APPLICATIONS OPEN: 15 JULY
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 9 AUGUST (5PM)
OFFERS MADE: 9 OCTOBER
OFFERS TO BE ACCEPTED: 10 OCTOBER (5PM)
If you would like to obtain a clerkship at a top- tier or mid-tier firm, you should make sure that you thoroughly research the law firm you are interested in. Law firms will receive a significant number of applications for their clerkship programs
To decide which law firms to apply to, ask yourself:
How flexible are the working hours?
What kinds of people work at the law firm?
Does the law firm run social events for its employees?
What initiatives does the law firm do?
What social causes does the law firm align with?
Is the law firm involved in pro bono, charity work, community groups or community initiatives?
What is the law firm’s reputation?
What values does the law firm uphold, and do these align with my values?
Research a law firm’s reputation and culture by browsing reviews provided by employees on online platforms such as Glassdoor.com and LinkedIn. Another approach is to speak with current and past employees of the business you’re trying to learn more about.
CLERKSHIP APPLICATION STEPS
PRE-APPLICATION
Research the law firms you’re interested in. Attend networking events such as the QUTLS’ Clerkship Symposium and Meet the Profession Review and clean up your social media platforms, including LinkedIn.
Begin considering the possible areas of law you are interested in or the types of workplaces you can see yourself working in. Attend networking events or information nights hosted by student societies or law firms. At thse events, make sure to ask legal practitioners questions about how their law firm operates, what the work arrangements and culture are like and so on. Follow these steps to find out whether a law firm is a good fit for you.
APPLICATION
Prepare your application (i.e., resume, cover letter, academic transcript, written responses to questions and psychometric testing). Proofread your application documents. Reach out to the law firm’s HR department or individuals who can give you insight into the business.
Avoid submitting a generic resume and cover letter as each law firm will have different core values and cultural ideals. It is vital that you tailor your application to specific selection criteria as this will demonstrate that you have taken the time to consider whether you will be a suitable candidate. It also shows that you are genuinely interested in working at that firm.
Thoroughly check your grammar and spelling. If you are re-using a template for multiple applications, check that you have addressed it to the correct law firm. This might seem simple, but it is a common mistake that can get your application immediately
rejected. See our previous cover letter examples in Part 1.
Make an appointment with your university’s Careers and Employment Advisor. They will advise you on how to improve your resume and cover letter so that you can maximise your chances of progressing your application.
POST-APPLICATION
If you are successful in the first stage of your application, congratulations! This in itself is a great achievement. The next stage may require you to participate in one or more of the following:
an online questionnaire to test your suitability or your knowledge in an area of law; a group interview; a panel interview; or a personality interview.
Testing Testing
The purpose and format of testing can vary among law firms as different employers may be assessing for different traits. Tests are generally an integral part of the clerkship recruitment process as it enables employers to measure skills and qualities that are difficult to demonstrate in an academic transcript alone. For instance, a test may assess for relationship building, risk management, emotional agility, problem solving and resilience.
Broadly speaking, tests used by law firms will assess your personal, analytical and psychometric skills. Analytical skills assess your ability to comprehend written text, psychometric skills evaluate your problem solving abilities and personality tests determine your thinking approach. These tests are not used to exclude applicants but rather to assess strengths and weaknesses and to shape interview questions.
Interview for a Clerkship Interview for a Clerkship
The purpose of an interview is to show off your personality, see if you get along well with others inperson, and demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and formulate answers to questions.
An interview is an opportunity to put any achievements or experiences listed on your resume and cover letter into more context. An interview could be conducted individually or in a group setting. You could be interviewed by one person or by multiple panellists. Whatever the case, always keep in mind that this is your chance to sell yourself and leave your interviewers with no doubt that you are the best fit for the role.
Networking Nights Networking Nights
After or before your interview takes place, the law firm you have applied to may host a networking night for all applicants to attend. This is another opportunity to meet other applicants and employees of the law firm. It is important to make a good impression as you may meet an individual who ends up being your interviewer or on the interview panel. Here are some tips for attending an interview:
Make sure you arrive slightly early or on time. Wear corporate clothing.
Try to talk to as many people as possible. If there is alcohol available, only have a glass or two as it is still a formal event and you are trying to make a good impression.
Remember that the firm has invited you for a reason, so be yourself and have fun!
Takeaway Takeaway
If you are successful in obtaining a clerkship, then congratulations! This is potentially the start of a career in commercial law. If you don’t secure a clerkship, don’t stress! Success in the legal industry comes in many different shapes and sizes. There are many other ways to gain experience and find your place within the legal industry. If your goal is to work for a corporate law firm, note that it is not uncommon for lawyers from other areas to transition into commercial law firms once they have accumulated a few years of experience.
WHAT IS A JUDGES ASSSOIATESHIP?
A Judges Associateship (JA) is a role that involves working as a judge’s professional aide.
Common tasks that associates perform are: conducting legal research; liaising with court staff, the legal profession, government departments, the press and the public; ensuring the effective and efficient conduct of the Judge’s court, including arraignments, jury empanelling and taking of verdicts in criminal trials, listing matters, custody of court files and receiving orders; and travelling with the Judge on circuit and other court business.
You can apply to be a JA at any level excluding the Magistrate’s court. Federal Court registries all across Australia hire JAs. The District and Supreme Court judges and justices respectively hire associates as well. The High Court hires JAs, however, it is uncommon that law graduates will be hired as High Court JAs. The requirements of being a High Court JA involve having several years of experience as a lawyer.
It is important to research the jurisdiction of the judicial officer that you are applying for, as this will give you an idea of the types of matters you will hear day in and day out.
In the state courts (particularly the District Court), the dominant type of matters you will hear are criminal law matters. There will be civil trials, appeals and applications less frequently.
In the Federal Court of Australia, you’ll hear matters from the nine national practice areas. These are: Administrative and Constitutional Law and Human Rights NPA 1.
Admiralty and Maritime NPA2.
Commercial and Corporations NPA3.
Federal Crime and Related Proceedings NPA4.
Employment and Industrial Relations NPA5.
Native Title NPA6.
Intellectual Property NPA7.
Taxation NPA8.
Other Federal Jurisdiction9.
JA opportunities for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia usually take on JAs on an ongoing basis
You can also apply to be an associate for a member of a tribunal.
Other jurisdictions have slightly different structures, but the general system is the same.
THE APPLICATION
Applications for associateships open a year before the appointment year. For example, if you want to be an associate in 2024, you will apply at the end of 2022/start of 2023. For the state courts, there will generally a two month period in
Apply for Qld JurisdictionState December-January to submit your applications.
THE APPLICATION ESSENTIALS THE APPLICATION ESSENTIALS
Completed Judge’s Associate Application form (pictured below); Covering letter (1 page maximum); Curriculum Vitae outlining your academic and other achievements, employment history and the names of two referees (5 pages maximum); and Certified copy of your academic transcript.
FCA & FCFCOA JA oportunities.
You can put your application into the general pool or apply to individual judges with a personalised cover letter. Here, you have the opportunity to tell the judge why you want to be their associate specifically. Perhaps you went to court one day and liked their style while they presided over a trial, or they made a speech at an event that resonated with you.
Every Judge does things differently, but a handy tip to remember is that some Judges prefer hard-copy applications and will usually review them as they arrive, meaning you're more likely to stand out that way. Individual Judges will then generally decide on a shortlist of applicants they'd like to interview and then appoint the successful candidate from there.
THE INTERVIEW WITH A JUDGE THE INTERVIEW WITH A JUDGE
So you’ve gotten an email inviting you to interview with a judge! Congratulations! Well done; this is a huge achievement.
Interviewing to be a judge’s associate is nothing like any other job interview. The style of interview is deeply personal to the individual judge, and does not take the same structure of a more rigid paneltype interview that you might do with a national firm for a clerkship. The emphasis is on you getting to know the judge, and the judge getting to know you. An interview can be anywhere between 30-60 minutes long, and can be in-person or virtually, depending on location and other factors.
your interests match up. If you can find a swearing in speech for judges, these can give you an insight into the personality of a judge beyond the profession, and what their personal hobbies and interests are. In the interview, have your application in front of you too, as the judge will be using your resume to guide what they want to know about you!
THE JUDGE PICKED YOU THE JUDGE PICKED YOU
If you were the application to be picked above all other applicants, congratulations! For state judges, the associateship will start usually in February, and will kick off with about a week of formal training for you to meet the other associates and learn the basics of the tasks you will be performing throughout the year.
And then the real fun begins!
REMEMBER: REMEMBER: I You can apply to be a judge’s associate at any point in your career! Graduates typically apply in their last year of university, but nothing is stopping you from applying after a few years of practice if you want a change of scenery. And besides, you actually need to have been a practicing solicitor for a few years if you want to be an associate to a High Court Justice. So there you have it!
Some judges emphasise different things they want to see in their potential future associates. One judge may want to do just an interview, another judge may also have a proofreading task they want you to do before you interview with them. Hopefully you researched the judges you applied for as you were writing your application. However, if you are contacted by a judge who shortlisted your application from the general pool, you might not be too familiar with that judge. Look them up on the Supreme Court of Queensland Library and browse through their papers and speeches. You will get an idea of what they are interested in and think about if
Life as a junior lawyer @ TG
Tarah Dunne Lawyer Construction & Infrastructure
After studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business (Finance), I was fortunate enough to secure a Law Graduate position with Thomson Geer through their open-market recruitment. I was drawn to Thomson Geer for many reasons. I was impressed by the firm’s reputation in the legal market, the type of work I would be doing and the skills and knowledge I could develop as a result, the people I had met during the recruitment process, and the chance to join a growing firm.
During my graduate year, I completed rotations within the firm’s Corporate, Property and Construction & Infrastructure teams. I really enjoyed this mix of rotations. With each rotation I learned and developed different skills, understood how different areas of law interconnect with each other, met different members of the firm, and gained an insight as to what my life as a lawyer working in each team would look like.
Tarah’s advice for students:
■
■
Connect with others already in the profession and pick their brains about the legal industry, their learnings and any useful tips they may have for you. Get used to networking events, not every event has to be a success in making a connection but becoming comfortable in those environments with help you.
Be prepared when clerkship and graduation application seasons come around – know where you want to apply, why you are applying, and what you need to do to ensure your application is submitted on time. Think broadly and widely and carefully consider this as you are shaping the start of your career.
Have experience – employers look favourably on students that have work experience, even if it’s not in the legal industry, either voluntary or paid. Think about what skills and knowledge you have gained from this experience that you can demonstrate and apply to your legal career. Have something outside of work – enjoy your time in university and make time for what you enjoy – whether this is catching up with friends, travelling, a hobby or a personal interest.
A day in the life
I am now a junior lawyer in the Brisbane Construction & Infrastructure team. Whilst no day is the same, a typical day in my life looks like the following:
7:00AM I wake up early to go to the gym or for a walk. On Thursdays, I swap out the gym or walk for TG Run Club - an easy social 5km along the Brisbane River.
8:00AM I’ll check my emails on my commute, so I know if I need to action anything as soon as I arrive. Once at work, I check in with my colleagues, plan my day ahead and action anything requiring immediate attention.
8:15AM On Wednesdays, we have a team CLE session where a colleague presents on a topic in construction and infrastructure law. As a junior, these sessions are really helpful to see the bigger picture and understand the foundations of our practice.
8:30AM I start my first task for the day which could be anything from:
■ ■ ■ drafting an affidavit or pleadings for court; researching a key point of law; reviewing a smaller contract which has come in from a client; drafting an email to go to a client; or drafting submissions for an adjudication application. ■
This is the thing I enjoy the most about practicing in our team – no task is the same and I get to enjoy the mix of front end and back end construction work, usually in the same day!
10:00AM-5:30PM Depending on my day, I will also meet with a Senior Associate, Special Counsel or the Partner in my team to go through any proposed amendments to my work, or to receive further tasks. 6:00PM Before heading home, I’ll clean up my inbox, make sure I have submitted my time recordings for the day, and also check in with my colleagues. On Fridays, I attend team’s drinks or our firm’s end of month drinks!
Imagine your tomorrow
Your insider's guide to early careers at Clayton Utz
Why Clayton Utz?
When I was at QUT, I had no idea about the law firms in Australia. As I progressed through my degree, clerkships became a hot topic for your prepenultimate and penultimate years, so I thought it was worth investigating. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do so I thought clerkships were a great opportunity to try different practice areas and learn more about firms. As one of the many firms I interviewed with, Clayton Utz immediately set themselves apart with a streamlined and simple application process that wasn't onerous during such a busy time.
I enjoyed attending the CU Up Close Prepenultimate Program as I gained insight into Clayton Utz and found myself drawn to the friendly and down to earth people within the firm. I also loved that the firm is so strongly committed to Pro Bono as a way to provide access to justice for disadvantaged people and communities. After completing a clerkship with Clayton Utz I accepted an offer into their Graduate Program. My decision to accepted the offer was based on a number of factors, one being the support I received during my clerkship. This support was exactly what I was looking for in a graduate program. In addition, the program also allows for three rotations but doesn't compromise on time, with each rotation being 6 months. Because of this, I know I'll have great insight into the areas that interest me and will be able to make an informed decision regarding my future legal career.
What was the recruitment process like and what does CU Look for?
The process was as straight forward as it gets. It started with a standard online application and psychometric testing which is typical for most firms We then attended a networking and information night. At this event, we were split into smaller groups to have discussions with the Partners and previous graduates about practice groups and CU broadly. I found this helpful as it was a great way to gain direct insight in a relaxed environment. In terms of the networking, a diverse mix of levels of lawyers attended. They were friendly, approachable, and interested learning more about me. I found this quite comforting and again, it lifted the pressure off me. The next step in the process was a single 30minute interview with a Partner and the Graduate Resourcing Consultant. This interview was great as
it covered all the typical points but also allowed me to demonstrate my own character and personality. The interview itself was structured but it allowed for a lot of free-flowing conversation which made the overall experience feel quite approachable. Whilst the firm considers your academics, this definitely wasn't there sticking point. Clayton Utz looks to the uniqueness of the individual and what they can bring to the firm and team culture. No matter the level or point in your career, Clayton Utz sees you as an asset and understands that you bring a unique experience, personality, and way of thinking with you when you join. I think this is what they look for in their clerks and graduates too. What is some work you have been able to do while in the Graduate Program?
I'm currently in my first rotation in the Public Sector Group. In this team, we see a wide array of work that isn't limited to a particular practice area, rather a type of client. I find this interesting as it enables me to have a taste of everything. Since joining the team, I've worked on a mix of advisory work as well as assisted in disputes that have ended up in court. What are the learning opportunities at Clayton Utz?
I'm still completing PLT, but Clayton Utz has been supportive towards my studies while I participate in the graduate program. They offer study leave days to ensure I'm on track for completion with my cohort. Although I'm not yet admitted, I'm encouraged to attend the many CLE sessions the firm hosts for both our people and our clients. These sessions are a great way to sharpen my skills early on in my career, as well as understand the work of other teams across the firm. When I joined the firm's Public Sector practice, I was provided with a list of CLE's to complete throughout my rotation. These are specific to the team I'm in and provided in such a way that the information doesn't become overwhelming at any point. They're hosted by specialists throughout the firm's various offices, so it was also a great way to meet more of the team nationally.
Daylon Johnston
Graduate at Law, Public Sector
Ready to imagine?
You'll find more information about early careers at Clayton Utz on our site.
A Grad’s Tale: ‘Big Law’ Clients and Work with Culture Intact
Hi! I’m Alex Gehrke, a graduate at Hall & Wilcox in Brisbane.
Graduating is intimidating, and the stress of trying to secure a grad job only adds to it. The searching, the applications, the interviews - it’s terrifying and exhausting and nerve-wracking. During uni, I’d worked at some firms but felt I was still searching for a place that cared and allowed me to be myself. While the market is exceptionally competitive right now (sorry to remind you), it’s so important to remember your values and the kind of environment you’ll thrive in and allow this to guide your applications. Finding a firm where you feel like you belong will be the most beneficial for you and your career in the long run.
I know all you hear from firm representatives and HR people is ‘firm culture’ this and ‘vibe’ that - but I genuinely think it’s the most important thing to consider. Most firms will tell you they have a great culture, and they probably do. But you need to determine if they have a great culture for you. I was told after one clerkship interview, I was too friendly and they would’ve preferred I spoke more formally. That feedback told me that firm wasn’t the best fit for me.
When I read about Hall & Wilcox’s graduate program, I was impressed by how genuine the firm seemed. Their guiding principles, called Hallmarks, resonated with me, particularly ‘stay true’. It told me Hall & Wilcox people are genuine, open and honest, aligning perfectly with what I was looking for in a grad job. My interview affirmed this as I felt at ease throughout the whole recruitment process. Now I work here, I can happily say I made the right decision. The culture is amazing - everyone is approachable and friendly, even the partners. I feel completely supported in the awkward transition from uni life to grad life, and I know there’s space for me to ask for help with whatever I need. My first week included a trip to Melbourne to meet the national grad group, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among us.
Just because I’ve prioritised culture doesn’t mean I’ve sacrificed exposure to exceptional partners, clients and work. You get both in equal measure here. My first rotation has been in the General Insurance team, which I’m absolutely loving. The work is broad and varied. It involves acting for top national and international insurance companies, in matters where they’re trying to recover a sum of money from the person who caused an insurance claim to be made, or where they’re defending against another insurance company trying to recover money from them. A lot of my work involves motor vehicle or property damage claims. The team also does a range of indemnity, public liability, and professional liability work, which I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in.
I spend my days talking directly with clients and the people involved in the insurance claim, whether that’s the driver of a car that got T-boned at a red light, or the homeowner whose roof was ruined by the neighbour’s tree. I have full carriage of some motor vehicle matters, so I’m given the opportunity to form my own opinion about a matter, advise our client on strategy and discuss the matter with the solicitor on the other side - all with direct supervision from experienced lawyers and partners. I always had a feeling litigation was where it was at for me, and my experience in insurance has been the perfect way to cut my teeth in the world run by the UCPR!
In just two months with the team, I’ve already gained so much confidence in my advocacy skills and honed my ability to critically analyse complex information, crafting helpful advice for a client. It’s fantastic to have the opportunity and trust from the firm to run these matters, and I feel I’ve been given the perfect balance of responsibility and support. I believe experience in insurance is valuable for every fresh grad!
PART FIVE:
GRAD ROLES
EXPLORE DIFFERENT PRACTICE AREAS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES
A WORD ON GRAD ROLES
This section of the guide will explore many of the most common practice areas of law. Most professional legal professionals strongly encourage students and graduates to not pigeonhole themselves in one area of law. Be prepared to find some practice areas that previously bored you to be quite invigorating in practice, and legal topics that you loved at university to be actually mundane and not your cup of tea. Approach the practice areas below with an open mind.
AN INTRODUCTION
Generally, a graduate role is a form of employment you take on as a law ‘graduate’ after finishing your law degree. A graduate lawyer is a lawyer and is held to the same standard as any other lawyer in the Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld) (and all other State equivalent legislation). Being a graduate with a firm or government department will mean that you are supported as you are finding your feet and getting a feel for the work that your employer does and the clients that it services.
ROLES WITH TOPTIER FIRMS
Often, firms make graduate role offers to final year students who have previously completed clerkships at that same firm.
While completing a clerkship is a great way to ‘get your foot in the door’ before applying for a graduate position, it is not the only way to land a job in the legal industry. Most forms open positions to new applicants through the ‘open market’ process which is open from August to September, following the release of priority offers to seasonal clerks in July.
Note that many firms do not offer clerkships or other internship opportunities. It is important to research the employers you would like to work for and find out about their application process on a firm-by-firm basis.
GRADUATE ROLES
COMMON TYPES OF LEGAL PROFESSIONALS*
JUDGES JUDGES
Usually following a career as a barrister, judges are appointed to sit on the bench of a particular court to adjudicate matters between different parties. There are many different courts in Australia including the Magistrates Courts, District Courts, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals in Queensland, as well as the Federal Court, Family Court, Federal Circuit Court and High Court of Australia.
BARRISTERS BARRISTERS
As you might have seen from watching your favourite legal dramas, barristers like Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird) or Cleaver Greene (Rake) appear before Courts and Tribunals to act as an advocate for their clients. Barristers are usually independent practitioners, though they often share chambers with a number of other barristers.
They can accept instructions directly from their clients, but usually obtain a brief about their client’s case from a solicitor. They can practice in a range of different areas of law, but many choose to specialise in one or two areas.
If you want to pursue a career as a barrister, you will need to complete the Bar Exam in addition to being admitted to practice in Queensland.
SOLICITORS SOLICITORS
Everyone who is admitted to practice as a lawyer can be described as a solicitor. You must undertake an undergraduate degree in law, and complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) before seeking admission from the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board, who will determine whether you are fit to practise as a lawyer in Queensland. Solicitors work in a wide variety of legal areas, and work on a range of tasks such as preparing briefs for barristers, compiling letters and memorandums of advice for clients and assisting with other matters like preparing wills.
* NON-EXHAUSTIVE * NON-EXHAUSTIVE
Please note that legal professionals (especially solicitors) may choose not to practice law in their everyday working lives but might rather work in different fields and utilise their legal skills in different ways. Additionally, many law graduates often choose not to be admitted as a solicitor and dive straight into work in a different or law-adjacent industry.
I DIDN’T GET A GRADUATE OFFER OR A JUDGE’S ASSOCIATESHIP. WHERE ELSE CAN I FIND A GRADUATE JOB?
If you did a clerkship but did not get a graduate offer, and if you applied for judge’s associateships but were not picked (both of these things are highly competitive, so don’t beat yourself up), it can be a bit demoralising. But there is always something out there, and there is a place in law for anyone who wants to be a lawyer! You may just have to look in places you may not have thought before.
Seek Seek
You can find lots of advertisements for firms looking for graduate lawyers here.
GradConnection GradConnection
GradConnection not only is a jobs listing board, it is a site that lets you research different companies and organisations, browse the student blog, employer blog, and university blog
GradAustralia GradAustralia
Similar to GradConnection, GradAustralia has a range of resources to help you apply for jobs, research companies, and a jobs listing board.
LinkedIn Jobs LinkedIn Jobs
This is a super slept-on feature of LinkedIn! A variety of roles get posted here for large commercial firms all the way to government lawyer positions to judge’s associateships even! Use your LinkedIn to cultivate a newsfeed of posts from organisations you are interested in and about topics you care about.
Prosple Prosple
Another platform similar to GradConnection and GradAustralia, which has its own host of resources and information on applying for jobs
Queensland Law Society’s Proctor Job
Queensland Law Society’s Proctor Job Vacancies Board Vacancies Board
Yup - Job advertisements!
APS Jobs APS Jobs
Want to work for a federal government agency or department? The public service is a great way to use your lawyer-ly skills to contribute to policy creation and implementation, or work as a lawyer in a department’s professional services branch.
Queensland Government Jobs Queensland Government Jobs
If you want to be a government lawyer for the state government, go no further than the Queensland Government jobs website.
Facebook Networking Groups Facebook Networking Groups
Like Fellow Surviving Law Students, QUT Law Students, etc. These groups often post looking for a variety of both undergraduate law students to fill paralegal or administrative roles and graduates to fill solicitor roles.
WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG?
If you are putting in lots of applications and not getting even so much as an email response informing you that your application has been unsuccessful, it can be frustrating. Remember that this is part of the process, and it does not mean that you are not meant to be in law. Keep applying, make sure you update your resume regularly, and reflect on what you think you could do better in your next cover letter or interview. The right opportunity will come at the right time. It is your career and no one else’s so try not to compare yourself to your peers who seem like they have their entire career planned out.
Applications close: 9 August 2024 Applications open: 15 July 2024
Recruitment & Offers: 9 October 2024
Clerkship Commencement: November 2024 / July 2025
HOW TO DEMONSTRATE
TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS IN CLERKSHIPS
Mark Salamy – Lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth
3.Communication
At a high level, a law firm is a business that provides legal services. As such, an employee’s ‘transferable skills’ will be just as valuable at a law firm as they are at any other business you may have worked at. This is because certain transferable skills, including the skills set out below, are essential to being a good member of any team, independent of the nature of the work. The good news is that you will have developed many of these skills from your previous experiences.
The following guide will assist you in demonstrating the most important transferable skills from Day 1 of your clerkship.
Clerkships are packed full of tasks, events, training, seminars and coffee catchups, which can make it tricky to balance your priorities (e.g. do I finish an urgent advice or go to a lunch with the CEO?). To show that you’re organised and reliable, consider the following: To-do list: Keep an up-to-date list of all your tasks and the deadline for each.
Manage deadlines: Communicate regularly with your team as to how you’re tracking and what else you have on your plate (sometimes a deadline can be moved but you won’t know unless you ask).
Manage your capacity: Assess your capacity for tasks in light of the events and activities in your calendar to ensure that you can fully participate in the clerkship. Start scheduling coffees early: This will help you to find the time to catch up with everyone you’re interested in talking to.
2.Teamwork
To demonstrate to your team that you will be a good person to work with, consider the following: Seek regular input: Sense check your work with your team as you go to make sure you’re on the right track. For example, if you’re going to suggest a different structure for an advice, get your team’s feedback before you start adopting that approach. Be enthusiastic: Your team will appreciate you providing energy and excitement about the work during your clerkship.
Develop relationships: Leverage the questions you have about the work to grow relationships within your team – they’re a great way to start a conversation.
You will need to be able to explain your views, and the reasons for those views, to your team. To demonstrate your communication skills:
Be concise: Keep any communications (whether verbal or written) direct and straightforward (i.e. you should distil the complex issues so they are easy to digest). It can be helpful to include a high-level summary of the relevant issues at the start of your work to highlight the key takeaways.
Presentation: If you are required to do a presentation, it will be a great opportunity to demonstrate your communications skills. It can be helpful to practice giving the presentation with your buddy to ensure you are prepared, feel confident and are ready.
Talk to your team: As mentioned for Organisation and Teamwork, keep your team in the loop about how you’re going.
4.Problem solving
Consider the following to show that you know how to solve a problem (even though there may be different views as to the best approach):
Have a first go: Suggest a way to tackle a problem related to your task, including your reasoning for taking that approach. For example, when completing a research task, try and also think about the practical application of your findings for the client.
5.Listening
You will receive a lot of instructions, information and advice during your clerkship, which may seem overwhelming at times. To demonstrate your listening skills: Take notes: This will make it easier to remember everything you get told.
Ask questions: You want to make sure you understand what is being asked of you (i.e. what the output should be).
Repeat back instructions: This helps to make sure you’ve understood the task.
In conclusion, while there will be new things to learn during your clerkship, you will be able to leverage the transferable skills you have already developed from your previous experiences to help you make a lasting impression.
FIRM DIRECORY
GRADUATE AND CLERKSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WITH LAW FIRMS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES AND OTHER CAREER PATHS
LAW FIRMS
HERE ARE THE BIG 6 PUT IN A GLOBAL FOCUS
PREDOMINANT PRACTICE AREAS
Environmental planning, banking and finance, dispute resolution, employment, tax, real estate.
Clerkship (Summer, Winter)
https://www.allens. com.au/careers/
ASHURST
CLAYTON UTZ
HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS KING & WOOD MALLESONS
Full service firm (with a focus on commercial law).
Corporate, employment, real estate, finance, construction, energy & resources, intellectual property, projects and infrastructure, restructure, turnaround and insolvency
Clerkship (Winter, Summer, Autumn)
Clerkship (Winter, Summer, Autumn)
https://www. ashurst.com/en/ careers/
Worldwide, partnership with London (Linklaters)
Firms all over the world
MINTER ELLISON
Full Service Firm (with a focus on Banking and Finance
Banking and Finance, Competition, Corporate, Private Equity, M&A, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Projects, Energy & Resources, Real Estate, Restructuring & Insolvency, Securities and Tax
Intellectual property, energy & resources, real estate, securities and tax.
Clerkship (Winter, Summer) Graduate
https://www. minterellison.com/ careers
Firms all over the world
OTHER TOP LAW FIRMS
RECRUITING QLD STUDENTS
BARRY NILSSON
COLIN BIGGERS PAISLEY
COOPER GRACE WARD
CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH
CLYDE & CO
DLA PIPER
GADENS
GILBERT + TOBIN
HALL & WILCOX
HOLDING REDLICH
HOPWOODGANIM
HWL EBSWORTH
K&L GATES
JOHNSON WINTER & SLATTERY
JONES DAY
MACDONNELLS LAW
MCCULLOUGH ROBERTSON
MAURICE BLACKBURN
MILLS OAKLEY
PIPER ALDERMAN
SPARKE HELMORE
RUSSELL KENNEDY
THOMSON GEER
Each of these firms will have information on their website as to whether they participate in clerkship recruitment, and definitely keep your eye out on their position vacancies pages, because you never know when a role that’s perfect for you might crop up!
GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT SECTOR JOBS ARE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND MIGHT INVOLVE WORKING FOR A NATIONAL OR STATE-BASED AGENCY OR IN PARLIAMENT. GOVERNMENT-EMPLOYED LAWYERS PRACTISE ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF AREAS OF LAW, FROM CRIMINAL TO TAX LAW. ADDITIONALLY, LAW GRADUATES ARE OFTEN EMPLOYED IN A RANGE OF DIFFERENT POSITIONS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE OUTSIDE OF LEGAL PRACTICE I.E. AS POLICY OR POLITICAL ANALYSTS, LOBBYISTS, LEGISLATIVE DRAFTERS OR INVESTIGATORS.
ORGANISATIONPREDOMINANT
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT POLICY FUTURES Criminal law Administrative law
Policy creation and implementation Broad range of topics and department rotations available
Work Experience Placement Program (WEPP) Unpaid, 4 weeks, Winter, Spring and Summer rotations
CROWN LAW
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT
Policy and program Legal practice (Australian Government Solicitor) Economics Industrial relations legal
COMCARE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
Health and safety, worker’s compensation
Legal stream (among other streams including generalist, finance, human resources, data, digital and STEM)
Technical Intelligence Research, Innovation Policy and corporate (includes legal)
First Nations Clerkship Smartjobs website - applications usually close mid-year
ORGANISATION
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EMPLOYMENT
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE
AUSTRALIAN TAXATION OFFICE
Policy Advice
Statutory Interpretation
Corporate and Commercial Law
Dispute Resolution and Litigation
2 streams: Corporate and Policy
Human Resources
Crisis Management
Humanitarian Assistance
Diplomatic Security ICT
Corporate
Generalist Stream
Digital Stream
Human Resources Stream
Indigenous Graduate Pathway
Legal
Policy
Risk and assurance
Corporate Accounting and finance
Legal
Data
Tax Technical Information Technology
DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY, SCIENCE, ENERGY AND RESOURCES
DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF PARLIAMENTARY SERVICES
Legal Stream, Data Stream, Digital Stream, HR Stream, Indigenous Graduate Pathway, Intelligence Stream, STEM Stream
STEM
Data
Digital Economist
Generalist
Human Resources
Indigenous Graduate Pathways
Policy Program
Corporate services
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Graudate Program
Graduate Program
University Partnership Employment Program (UPEP)
Graduate Program
Summer clerkship Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Department of the House of Representatives
Department of the Senate Parliamentary
Budget Office
Graduate Program
ORGANISATION PREDOMINANT PRACTICE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE MORE INFORMATION
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS
AUSTRALIAN COMPETITION AND CONSUMER COMMISSION/ AUSTRALIAN ENERGY REGULATOR
Policy and corporate services in delivering projects relating to Australia’s social welfare system
Generalist (social and domestic policy, national security, women’s issues, economics and governance.)
Corporate (human resource management, communications and media, ICT and financial management)
Fiscal policy Economics Finance
Broad range of topics in policy , program, coordination and strategy.
Data, ICT, Human Resources
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduates
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
AUSTRALIAN CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE COMMISSION
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE
Competition and consumer protection law and policy Graduate Program
Corporate (policy, human resources, finance and accounting, legal, communications and media, and project management),
Intelligence (criminal justice, criminology, international relations, national security, and social science),
Technical (data science, data analytics, cyber security, engineering and programming)
Transnational and organised crime, intelligence, fraud and corruption, counter-terrorism, cybercrime, child protection
Financial and performance auditing of the Australian Government
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
ORGANISATION PREDOMINANT PRACTICE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE MORE INFORMATION
AUSTRALIAN PRUDENTIAL REGULATION AUTHORITY
AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER
AUSTRALIAN SECRET INTELLIGENCE SERVICES
AUSTRALIAN SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT COMMISSION
AUSTRALIAN SECURITY INTELLIGENCE ORGANISATION
AUSTRALIAN SIGNALS DIRECTORATE
Regulation of banks, financial instituions, insurance and superannuation companies
Generalist Data
Digital Indigenous Pathways Human Resources Intelligence, national security
Graduate Program
NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA
Maths, Statistics, Data and Analytics, Legal Finance, Business, Economics and Accounting Information Technology
Graduate Program
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS AGENCY SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA
Graduate Lawyer Program Technologist Graduate Program
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement, collection management, communications and marketing, conservation and preservation, cyber security, digital archives research, digital publishing, exhibitions, human resources, information technology, visitor services
Rotations move through working on the agency’s key priorities. For law, this can include working on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and in the Legal Services Branch on Land and Public Law
Generalist (including legal services) Data STEM I ndigenous Graduate Pathway
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Graduate program
OFFICE OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE Information and technology
RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA
Enterprise level management of the
ONI does not currently run a graduate program however recent graduates are encouraged to apply to vacancies when advertised
Summer Intern Program Graduate Program
AND MORE!
For state government programs, we have only included the Queensland Government based programs. Please be aware that every Australian state and the Northern Territory also have their own state goverment graduate program, which are quite easy to find with a quick Google search (e.g. Victorian Government graduate program’). If you are interested in moving interstate for these programs, they can be a great way to kickstart your career in the public service as well.
Many of these roles will be available mostly in Canberra, and some departments have offices in capital cities around Australia. Some departments also have rotations that can take you all over Australia, even if you are based in Canberra.
Federal Government graduate programs have specific pathways for applicants who have disabilities, and applicants who identify as a First Nations person.
If you are interested in any of these departments or agencies listed above, please research further into the specific details of those organisations and acquaint yourself with their locations and the other eligibility requirements of the graduate programs.
This is a curated list of the numerous federal government organisations that take graduates and have entry level positions available. Check out the APS directory here: https://www.directory.gov.au/departments-and-agencies for a more exhaustive list with links to each page.
COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES IN SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND
If you see yourself working in the community sector after you graduate, then volunteering at your local community legal centre is a fantastic way to give back to your community while learning about real-life legal issues and practice. We have compiled a brief overview of CLCs in South East Queensland below, but be sure to check out the Community Legal Centre Volunteers website which lists all CLCs in Australia.
LEGAL
Phone: (07) 3214 6333
Email: volunteers@caxton.org.au
Postal Address: Level 23/179 Turbot Street, Brisbane City QLD, 4000
Phone: (07) 3392 0644
Email: admin@wlsq.org.au
Street Address: 5 Ponsonby St, Annerley QLD 4103
Postal Address: PO Box 119, Annerley, QLD, 4103
For current vacancies, check out: https://caxton. org.au/aboutcaxton-legal- centre/vacanciesat-caxton/
For current vacancies and to read volunteer position descriptions, check out: https://wlsq.org.au/aboutus/work-with-us/
For volunteering at Women’s Legal Service events, join the Facebook group “WLSQ Event and Fundraising Volunteers” to keep up to date with opportunities to help out.
Phone: (07) 3162 3282
Email: info@bcls.org.au
Street Address: 1st Floor, Wynnum Community Centre 105 Florence St Wynnum QLD 4178
Apply here to become a volunteer: https://bcls.org. au/current-opportunities-2/
BRISBANE NORTH COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE
LAWRIGHT
Phone: 07 3260 6820
Email: admin@northsideconnect.org.au
Street Address: 14 Station Street, Nundah QLD 4012
Postal Address: PO Box 386, Nundah QLD 4012
Keep up to date with Northside Connect, the community support centre which runs Brisbane North Community Legal Service, for volunteering opportunities:
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANS. INTERSEX (LGBTI) LEGAL SERVICE
Phone: 07 3846 6317
Email: admin@lawright.org.au
Postal Address: PO Box 12217 George Street QLD 4003
Check out this page for more information: https:// www.lawright.org.au/ supportlawright/law- students/ Volunteers are recruited as needed before semester starts. Follow LawRight on social media to be notified about opportunities or email admin@lawright. org.au with your CV and with your interest and availability.
Phone: 07 3124 7160 / 0485 908 380
Email: mail@lgbtilegalservice.org
Street Address: Level 1, Oxley House 20 Hockings Street West End QLD 4101
Postal Address: Level 2, 725 Ann Street , Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
More information here: https://lgbtilegalservice.org.au/s upport-us/
Phone: 07 5578 9009
Email: office@mycommunitylegal.org.au
Street Address: Room 2.7, Robina Community Centre, 196 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina 4226
Phone: (07) 3889 0063
Email: encircle@encircle.org.au
Street Address: 4A/481 Gympie Rd, Strathpine QLD 4500
Postal Address: PO Box 489, Lawnton, QLD, 4501
THE AUSTRALIAN EARTH LAWS ALLIANCE (AELA)
AELA is a national not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to increase the understanding and practical implementation of Earth centred governance in Australia, with a focus on law, economics, education, ethics and the arts. AELA’s work is inspired by Indigenous knowledge systems and the theory and practice of Earth jurisprudence. Earth jurisprudence proposes that we rethink our legal, political, economic and governance systems so that they support, rather than undermine, the integrity and health of the Earth.
More information here: https://www.mycommunityl egal.org.au/contact-us/
More information available here: https://encircle.org.au/volunte er/
If you are interested in volunteering, reach out via email with your CV and interest.
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS
AELA manages a range of multi-disciplinary programs, so we welcome student volunteers from fields as diverse as law, economics, environmental science, arts, communications, Indigenous studies, political science and other disciplines. Although we’re based in Brisbane, Queensland, we’re happy to oversee volunteers from anywhere in Australia. If you’d like to volunteer for AELA, please fill out our Volunteer Application form and email it to: aela@earthlaws.org.au. For further information, please visit the web- site: https://www.earthlaws.org.au/ or con- tact them here: aela@earthlaws.org.au. Find the volunteer application form here: https://tinyurl.com/292ttcb8
CONSULTING
Many law graduates choose to pursue a career in consulting after finishing their studies. Consulting firms provide commercial advice and services to other businesses operating in a broad range of industries. This could mean working in legal practice within these firms or applying your skills in a different context.
Consultants work across a range of fields to provide expert opinions, analysis, and recommendations. Sometimes consultants already have significant industry experience, but you can also pursue a career in consulting straight out of university. To be successful as a consultant, you need to have strong interpersonal communication skills, creativity, problem-solving skills and adaptability. You will also likely need strong technical skills in your chosen field.
Graduate positions (Associate Consultant) offered in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth
Undergraduate and graduate employment opportunities available
Trainee program, vacation program, graduate program, and legal clerkship program.
Summer vacation program and graduate program Internship and graduate programs
Cadet program, vacationer program, graduate program
Your career is a timeline of accomplishments. Big steps and little steps that mark how you’ve grown. First days. First deals. First mistake – and how you learned from it.
So here’s your next big step – a first introduction to your future. We’re Norton Rose Fulbright; pre-eminent legal advisors to businesses and financial corporations across the world. And we might just be the right law firm to help you progress with purpose.
Email us at: Australian.Graduates@nortonrosefulbright.com
Scan to learn more about student and graduate careers nortonrosefulbright.com
Macpherson Kelley is a launch pad for endless career opportunites.
Thinking about your future? So are we.
We want our graduates to become strong, commercially minded lawyers. That means working closely with clients to understand the challenges they face, identifying opportunities for them and adding value to their businesses. One day you might be in a client’s factory or head office. Another you could be in court or front and centre at a mediation.
Our commitment to internal development and career progression is genuine, and we will help you rise through the ranks and achieve your full potential.
Scan the QR code to find out more about our 2025 MK Graduate Program.
Thinking about your future?
So are we.
About Macpherson Kelley
We are a national commercial law firm with over 300 employees across offices in Brisbane, Dandenong, Melbourne and Sydney.
Our vision is to be the leading Australian law firm for medium to large private businesses. That’s why ‘law fit for business’ is our promise to clients.
Our Graduate Program
We want our graduates to become strong, commercially minded lawyers. That means working closely with clients to understand the challenges they face, identifying opportunities for them and adding value to their businesses.
One day you might be in a client’s factory or head office. Another you could be in court or front and centre at a mediation. Our year-long graduate program will see you rotate every three months through a range of law practice areas. We want to give you the opportunity to see what you enjoy and where you would like to focus your career long term. This is your year so make the most of it! We don’t expect you to know it all. In fact, your professional development is a key priority for us. You will be able to take part in our Macpherson Kelley Business School, as well as business bootcamps which feature practical scenarios and real-world case studies. You’ll also receive mentoring and regular feedback from our senior lawyers.
What we offer
Our commitment to internal development and career progression is genuine, with Macpherson Kelley Business School programs designed to help our lawyers rise through the ranks and achieve their full potential.
The programs that we run for Lawyers through to Principal level focus on leadership development, commercial mindset, business development, coaching, mentoring and presentation skills to name a few. These may be short lunchtime sessions through to multiday offsite programs.
We encourage all our employees to pursue a healthy balanced life through our Flex+ and Wellness+ programs. We’re not clock watchers, we’d rather measure you on your output and firm contribution and trust you to get it done.
There is no dress code at Macpherson Kelley. Wear whatever you think is appropriate for whatever your day holds for you – casual around the office or something more formal for client meetings.
We support our employees and their family responsibilities with up to 20 weeks paid parental leave. We strongly believe in diversity, equity and inclusion and promoting an inclusive workplace for all.
We’re committed to supporting charities and other care giving organisations through the Macpherson Kelley Foundation, which has donated over $450,000 to a variety of charities since its formation. Our corporate volunteering policy offers employees a full day of paid volunteer leave per annum.
We work hard but know how to have fun along the way We support each other and want to see our employees succeed. An array of internal and external social events as well as monthly office morning teas provide opportunities to update everyone on how the firm is performing and celebrate our successes.
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Meet Jordan Woolley and find out more about his graduate story…
Name: Jordan Woolley
Job title: Lawyer – Intellectual Property and Commercial Law
How did you secure your current position?
Following completion of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at QUT, I enrolled in Practical Legal Training (PLT) at QUT. As a part of the PLT program, students undertake four weeks of placement at a relevant company/organisation.
Noting my interest in Intellectual Property, the placement coordinator put me in touch with Mark Metzeling, who was a Special Counsel within the Intellectual Property team at Macpherson Kelley (MK).
Following an interview, Mark offered me the opportunity to partake in placement at MK. At the end of this placement, I requested to continue to undertake work experience at MK on a part-time basis.
After a few months in this work experience position, I was offered a job at a company which provided virtual case management and hearing services. I accepted this job on the understanding with Mark that once I was admitted, I would be eager to return to MK.
Some months later, I applied to MK’s graduate program and was accepted. Whilst undertaking the graduate program, Mark (who was now a Principal Lawyer), offered me a permanent position as lawyer within the Intellectual Property, Trade and Technology Team.
What was the MK interview process like?
Owing to my prior MK work experience and Covid-19, my interview process was slightly different from the standard interview process at our firm. I had to complete a virtual interview (which involved recording myself responding to questions on the spot) and then attend a one-hour interview with both the Managing Partner and Head of Human Resources at MK’s Brisbane office.
Traditionally, however, graduate’s seeking positions at our firm are additionally required to partake in a half-day practical interview. This interview is quite a fun exercise and enables applicants to showcase their time-management and client-management skills.
What kind of questions were you asked?
Regarding the formal interviews, the primary questions related to my background, interests and passions. Additionally, there were various questions about why I wished to work at MK.
Suppose a student was considering your practice area, what would you advise them to study? Should they pursue any sort of work experience?
Firstly, I would advise that they enrol in as many IP and technology related legal subjects as are offered by their respective universities. Second, I would recommend for them to seek to get their foot in the door as early as possible (but not to worry if they do not manage to achieve this as early as they hope). Finally, I would advise them to read and investigate their area(s) of law as widely as possible (outside of formal university course-content).
What do you love the most about your job?
As nerdy as it sounds, my favourite part of my job is the sense of achievement I get from working through and solving the ‘puzzle-like’ element integral in all practice areas. For example:
• Ienjoy drafting customised contracts which are specifically tailored to a client’s unique needs. Often, such contracts involve a significant number of moving parts (in the form of clauses) which interact with and must account for each other. It is a great feeling when it all comes together in a practical and efficient manner. In relation to legal disputes, there is often a lot of “backand-forth” arguments raised by disputing parties. I enjoy drilling down to the root cause of the issue and looking for novel or inventive solutions.
• What advice would you give to a current university student?
1. Ensure you have a passion for the law. It is important to enjoy what you do.
2. Network as much as possible - connections can have a great impact on your career in the short and long term.
3. Recognise that you will have to work hard and sacrifice to succeed in this industry - particularly early on within your career. However, do not let this take precedence over your physical and mental health.
