2019 USALSA Careers Guide by USALSA Publications

USALSA 2019

CAREERS GUIDE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS EDITORIAL TEAM

WITH SPECIAL THANKS

Publications Director Victoria Darzanos

Professor Rick Sarre Previous USALSA Careers teams whos previous content has been reproduced in the current guide. Cover photo by Joseph Akbrud on Unsplash

Publications Officer Claire Zollo

SPONSORS Vice President (Education) Courtney Dolphin Careers Director Lauren Knappstein Careers Officer Penny Whiting

Lipman Karas Law Soceity of South Australia Minter Ellison College of Law Finlaysons Lawyers Leo Cussen Thomson Geer Lawyers HWL Ebsworth

CONTRIBUTORS DISCLAIMER Claire Zollo Emma Martin Liam Waddill Alyse Dickson Peter Kassapidis Matthew Atkinson Natalie May Lisa Parker Seamus Brand Tina Bruno

CAREERS GUIDE

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and not those of the UniSA School of Law or USALSA. Whilst we have endeavoured to verify the information contained in this guide, USALSA accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the material. USALSA and the Editors accept no responsibility for any damage, injury, or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether law student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication. Copyright University of South Australia Law Students Association.

CONTENTS FOREWORD

Social Justice 29

Ackowledgements 3

Semester Exchange 31

Careers Portfolio 6

Legal Advice Clinic 33

Dean of Law 7

Business Mentor Program

Competitions 36

THE BASICS Creating The Perfect CV

CAREERS

CV Example 10

Career Paths 37

Cover Letter 12

To Practice, Or Not To Practice

Cover Letter Example

Alternatives 43

What Employers Are Looking For

Job Hunting 46

Interview Tips 19

Further Study 47

Linked In 21

Working Abroad 48

GDLP 22

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES CLERKSHIPS

Legal Associate 55

Clerkship FAQ 24

Working In Mediation

Dates And Tips 25

Staying Well In The Law

Registered Migration Agent

Studying As A PhD Candidate

STAND OUT Stand Out From The Crowd

Working As An Associate

The Importance Of Volunteering

Working In Community Law

CAREERS GUIDE

Local Presence. Global Opportunities. Lipman Karas is an international investigative legal practice with an outstanding track record in some of the most challenging, complex and high profile commercial litigation projects in the Asia Pacific region and internationally. Our mission is the single-minded advancement of our clients’ interests, to maximise value through the focussed application of our expertise. Lipman Karas offers lawyers commencing their careers a chance to work with recognised leaders in their field on litigation projects, investigations and inquiries that are unique in magnitude, complexity and geographic reach. A career at Lipman Karas provides opportunities and experiences that are unrivalled in South Australia.

AU S T R A L I A · H O N G KO N G · LO N D O N W W W. L I P M A N K A R A S .C O M

Clerkship applications are accepted from law students in their penultimate or final year of law. When applying candidates should ensure they provide a cover letter demonstrating that they possess the qualities that we look for (see our website), their CV and their most up to date academic transcript. Applications for our 2019/2020 Clerkship Program close at midnight on Monday, 15 April 2019 and should be emailed to clerkships@lipmankaras.com.

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Best International Firm for Work Life Balance

Insight from an LK Special Counsel I started at Lipman Karas as a summer clerk in 2008. Many years later I am still with the firm as a Special Counsel, having spent a year as an associate to a Supreme Court Judge and four years working in Hong Kong. Working at Lipman Karas has been extremely rewarding, providing me with the opportunity to work on significant litigation projects and to broaden my experience internationally whilst learning from a diverse and talented group of lawyers. Early experience and impressions Commencing as a clerk I thought that my work might be relatively mundane, but my experience was the opposite. I immediately assisted in an appeal and conducted legal research for written submissions. After years at university, it felt like “real” law. The work was interesting and challenging. After my clerkship I was fortunate to be offered an ongoing role as a clerk while I finished my university degree. In my first few years as a clerk and then an Associate I assisted in significant, large-scale litigation, including litigation arising from one of the biggest corporate collapses in Hong Kong’s history, the Akai group. I also had the opportunity to work on an appeal to the Court of Appeal of Western Australia in Westpac Banking Corporation v The Bell Group Ltd, which is one of the longest running cases in Australian history. Looking back, one of the greatest influences for me has been the amount I have learnt and continue to learn from my colleagues. Lipman Karas’ lawyers come from a diverse range of backgrounds and have experience across a number of jurisdictions, including Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. This collective pooling of knowledge and talent is an invaluable resource to a young lawyer and being able to access and share some of that knowledge has definitely helped to advance my career and understanding of the law.

The work is also truly international and clerks are exposed to a range of different jurisdictions. I have mainly worked on Australian and Hong Kong cases but clerks may find themselves researching law in other common law jurisdictions, for example, the United Kingdom, Canada and offshore jurisdictions. Much of my work relates to commercial fraud occurring in the Asia Pacific region and I have worked on a range of investigations and claims against directors, auditors and third parties arising out of corporate insolvency, as well as a substantial international arbitration. Opportunities Lipman Karas provides its lawyers with a number of opportunities to advance their own qualifications and experience, including a strong training program and actively encouraging professional development. A number of colleagues have undertaken further study with the support of the firm. Personally, with the support of the firm, I managed to secure a one-year associateship with the Honourable Justice Kelly in the Supreme Court of South Australia in 2010. It was a great experience and I was lucky enough to be offered a role returning to Lipman Karas at the end of that year. In 2013 I moved to Hong Kong and joined the firm’s office there. The firm supported me in studying for the Overseas Lawyers Qualifying Exams and I was admitted as a Hong Kong solicitor in 2015. I thoroughly enjoyed my four years in Hong Kong, which was a period of great development in my career.

Work at Lipman Karas

I am now based in Adelaide, but continue to work on both Hong Kong and Australian matters. In my time at the firm Lipman Karas has grown substantially, including the opening of the Hong Kong and London offices, but remains true to the values I found when I first joined the firm.

Lipman Karas’ matters are often complex and require in-depth research and the analysis of large amounts of information with a high degree of attention to detail.

Rowan Tape Special Counsel

AU S T R A L I A · H O N G KO N G · LO N D O N W W W. L I P M A N K A R A S .C O M

FOREWORD From your Careers Team When your law school experience is nearing completion, an overwhelming amount of career paths and options are available to graduates. Whether you have known from the beginning of your degree which path you want to take, or are still unsure, this Careers Guide has been produced to help guide you in making your decision. Not only will this guide help you to choose a career path, but also help point you in the right direction of the ways to increase your employability when your time at law school comes to an end. Universities are producing more law graduates than firms hire, which means that you must stand out from the rest of your peers. Law school presents an array of obstacles to students and requires students to put in a substantial amount of effort. As a student, accepting your law school experience as an opportunity to develop and improve your skillset will most definitely enhance your employability as a law graduate. This Careers Guide contains 5 sections; the first in which contains all the essential information you need to write the perfect rĂŠsumĂŠ and cover letter before applying for a job. This section also outlines what employers look for in graduates, and how you can stand out from the crowd. We provide you with some interview and LinkedIn tips, as well as an overview of your GDLP (Graduate Diploma in Law Practice) options. Most importantly, we have included a section on keeping well in the law. We want to highlight that maintaining your mental health during your time at law school is very important. We want you to enjoy your university experience, look after yourself and stay happy, but also know that it is okay to reach out for help if you need it. In the next sections, we have provided you with ways to stand out from your peers; and how you can get the most out of your law school experience. This careers guide will hopefully provide you with a range of professional law perspectives to help you decide on the perfect career for you. On behalf of USALSA, we would like to wish you all the best not only in the completion of your law studies but also your resulting career.

Vice President (Education) Courtney Dolphin

CAREERS GUIDE

Careers Director Lauren Knappstein

Careers Officer Penny Whitting

FOREWORD From your Dean of Law UniSA Law’s mission is to produce outstanding graduates with a combination of legal knowledge and practical skills which make them competitive and prepared for a range of legal and legally-related sectors. More than half of Australia’s law graduates will enter legal practice in some form, whether that be in private firms, working for the Crown or the DPP, or entering practice via an associateship in one of our courts. However, somewhere between 40-50% of law graduates will not enter legal practice but will instead choose to work in business and management, government policy, industrial relations, the community sector, education or areas including the media or international agencies. The great thing about a UniSA Law degree is that we know it provides an excellent foundation for an array of professional careers. Infirmation gathered by the School demonstrates that approximately 80% of our graduates are employed within months of graduating and after 6-12 months, all of our graduates have found employment. These are fantastic statistics of which we are incredibly proud and attest to the School’s commitment to providing a diverse and supportive learning experience, relatively small class sizes, flexibility through the UniSA Business School model and the opportunity to engage in practical experiences including through the Legal Advice Clinic. Law has relevance for every aspect of society and a UniSA law degree provides an intellectual foundation combined with professional skills that are highly regarded in numerous fields. Our graduates are distinctive and highly employable. The question is, how to match your own unique skillset and personality with the right role in law. Hopefully this publication will help to shed some light on the career paths that are open to you and where you might find the most rewarding opportunities that play to your individual strengths. I highly recommend a thorough read of this Careers Guide and commend USALSA for putting it together for the benefit of law students. I also encourage you to familiarise yourselves with the services provided by UniSA Careers services, and the International exchange programs, and the contacts supported by our alumni group.

Good luck in finding your own path! Professor Rick Sarre

Dean of Law University of South Australia School of Law CAREERS GUIDE

THE BASICS Creating the perfect CV 1. GET THE BASICS RIGHT There are some common sections you should cover, including: personal and contact information; education and qualifications; relevant work history and/or experience; relevant skills to the job you’re applying for; your interests; your achievements and hobbies, and references. It sounds obvious, but it happens to often. Make sure that your grammar, spelling and construction of words is perfect. Most professions, especially Law are very precise about flawless writing, and so you should exercise this in your CV and Cover Letter.

2. PRESENTATION A successful CV is always carefully presented and printed on crisp white paper. The layout should always be clean and well structured (when it comes to design remember - less is more). Your CV should never be crumpled or folded, so use an A4 envelope if you’re posting your applications. Make your CV stand out, firms receive lots of CV’s, so make sure your CV isn’t just a standard layout that most people use, make yourself stand out to catch the employers attention! You can do this by maybe adding a professional photo (not one from town, a professional business photo) or by adding some colour.

3. STICK TO NO MORE THAN ONE - TWO A4 PAGES A good CV is clear, concise and makes every necessary point without too much content. You don’t need excessive pages full of every little detail you think your employer needs to know - keep things short and sweet. A CV is a reassurance to a potential employer, and it’s a chance to impress them.

4. UNDERSTAND THE JOB DESCRIPTION Read the job application from start to finish. Take notes and create bullet points, highlighting everything you can satisfy and all the bits you can’t. With the areas you are lacking, fill in the blanks by adapting the skills you do have.

5. TAILOR THE CV TO THE ROLE Much like your cover letter, you need to establish what the job entails and match each of these requirements. Create a CV specifically for that role. Remember, there is no such thing as a generic CV. Every CV you send to a potential employer should be tailored to that role. Creating a unique CV for every job you apply for doesn’t mean having to re-write the whole thing. You can simply adapt the details so they’re relevant.

6. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SKILLS Under the relevant skills section of your CV don’t forget to mention key skills that can help you to stand out from the crowd. These could include: communication skills, team working, problem solving or even your ability to speak multiple languages. Make sure to provide examples. You’re expanding on what you’ve already mentioned in your covering letter

CAREERS GUIDE

THE BASICS Creating the perfect CV 7. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR INTERESTS Under interests, highlight the things that show off skills you’ve gained and the things an employer would look for. Describe any examples of positions of responsibility, working in a team or anything that shows you can use initiative. For example, if you ran your law school’s amazing student magazine or if you coached a successful football team. Include anything that shows how diverse, interested and skilled you are. Don’t include interests like TV (your employer doesn’t care about the time you binge watched the House of Cards), or solitary hobbies which make you look like you have no people skills. Make yourself sound interesting. If you’re going for a clerkship at a Sport Law firm, add your favourite team that you have a membership with maybe, and this may spark a similar interest with your employer and spark conversation.

8. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE Use assertive and positive language under the work history and experience sections, such as “developed”, “organised” or “achieved”. Try to relate the skills you have learned to the job role you’re applying for. For example: “The work experience involved a lot of team work and team building exercises. These skills I have acquired will assist me in this position working in a team.” or “This position involved organisation and leadership as I was responsible for a team of people”. Really think about the skills and experience you have gained from past work and activities.

9. CONVERT TO LAW Change and transform your resume to be relevant to the law. This is important to show that even if you don’t have much experience working in the law industry, that you have worked in similar environments and can adjust your learning experience to a job in the law industry. For example; I have worked at the Kirby Hotel for 4 years, and therefore have been working under the Liquor Licensing Act.

10. INCLUDING REFERENCES References should be from someone who has employed you in the past and can vouch for your skills and experience. You can also ask a lecturer or to be a referee, as they can comment on your legal knowledge and commitment to studies. You should have 2 or more references. Do not use friends and family as a reference, this looks unprofessional to employers and gives the perception that you may not be experienced enough or committed to your studies enough to include a previous employer or lecturer. Remember to always keep your CV updated, by continuing to add classes you’ve taken, and things you have achieved.

CAREERS GUIDE

Mike Ross Harvey Specter’s Shadow Home Phone: New York City, 10003 Work Phone: NY Mobile: Email: CAREER OBJECTIVES • State specifically what position you are looking for (e.g. an internship, work experience etc.) • Give a brief explanation of any experiences or skills which are suited to the position Your career objective should only be one or two sentences, so choose your words carefully and precisely.

KEY SKILLS For each skill you list, give examples of what you can do or have done already. • Legal Research: Familiar with looking up Australian legislation and legal academic journals through databases such as Westlaw, Austlii and Justis • Leadership: Competent in leading small and large groups and can improvise effectively and efficiently if necessary • Communication: Fluent in four different languages: German, French, Chinese and English

RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT Organisation Name (Dates you worked there) Position: e.g. Volunteer, Assistant, Intern, Secretary KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • What was your role in the organisation? • What responsibilities will be relevant? • Were there any responsibilities which were unique or different? KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • Give examples of success stories (e.g. were you part of a group which accomplished a particular achievement?) Provide as many employment details as you wish but remember they must be relevant to the position.

CAREERS GUIDE

OTHER EMPLOYMENT Use this section to provide any other employment which showcases your key skills.

QUALIFICATIONS Do you have any qualifications which are relevant to the position you are applying for?

ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS List any awards or achievements you have received in the last 3 – 5 years. It’s unadvisable to go further as anything beyond that time frame may not be relevant.

INTERESTS • List your hobbies and personal interests. • You can also list any clubs or groups you are associated with (e.g. Photography Club or Botany Group). This is an opportunity to show your potential employer the type of person you are. Think about the organisation you are applying for and take notice of what kind of image they promote (e.g. Google has a playful and innovative image while Microsoft is generally seen as more serious and structured).

REFERENCES Professional References Name Position Contact Number Character References Name Relationship with reference - e.g. neighbour, teacher, family friend, club member Contact Number Make sure you let your references know they may be contacted, and hopefully they’ll put in a good word about you.

CAREERS GUIDE

THE BASICS Cover Letter

A good cover letter showcases who you are with the intention of impressing the recipient so that they’ll remember you. It is probably the first point of contact between you and your potential future employer. It needs to be engaging and show the employer that you have the skills to do the job, by addressing what it is the job is asking for. You want to show the employer that YOU are what they are looking for.

IN YOUR LETTER •

Address the employer correctly

•

Include a brief introduction about yourself and why you are applying for the job.

•

Highlight your relevant skills, qualifications and experience. You can highlight these skills by providing real life examples. •

Negotiating with your Mum to let you borrow her house to hold a party doesn’t really qualify you to broker million-dollar settlements between large corporations.

•

Being good at a sport also is not equivalent to the skills you would express going for a job criminal law or land law. The two do not relate to each other and is unnecessary information to the employer.

•

Make sure your letter is specifically about the role you are applying for. Generalisation is nobody’s friend.

•

Importantly, don’t be afraid to inject your personal style into your writing. Make yourself stand out! Given that your cover letter is designed to summarise the highlights of your résumé and address selection criteria (if required), it should not be written until you have completed these documents. That is, even though the cover letter appears first in the list of documents that you submit, it should be the final document written.

GENERAL STRUCTURE OF A COVER LETTER: PURPOSE OF YOUR LETTER If you’re replying to an ad, include the job title and reference/job number (if you have one). Sound enthusiastic about wanting the job to capture the employer’s attention. Writing a cold contact letter (letter of enquiry) should target organisations you are interested in working for. Include (briefly) your current career or study circumstances and any specialised professional skills. Be specific about the type of job you are interested in being considered for.

WHY YOU WANT THE JOB Explain how your qualifications and career plans match the job. You should show that you have done your research and understand what the job entails, and address what the company is looking for. Try to use your own words.

CAREERS GUIDE

THE BASICS Cover Letter SPECIALIST (AND RELEVANT) SKILLS Identify the employers needs and address the value you can bring to the organisation and what you can offer. Describe your skills, qualifications, experiences and achievements. These are your selling points, so make sure they are relevant! Back up your claims with examples. If you’re still studying, briefly describe your course (include a completion date), majors, specialisations, and any strong academic results.

GENERAL (AND RELEVANT) SKILLS Now list your general skills, such as communication, teamwork, initiative, problem solving, organisation, self- management etc. Give examples to support these. Group projects, community activities, voluntary work, etc.

CLOSING YOUR LETTER Refer to your resume and any attachments. Say you are interested in an interview and list when you are available. Re-state your phone number or email address, whatever is your best method of contact. Thank the employer for their time. Sign the letter at the end – if sending via email or uploading on a website, use an electronic signature!

FORMAT AND STYLE •

One A4 typed page with margins not too narrow

•

10-12-point standard fonts (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial)

•

Plain business English (avoid abbreviations, jargon and slang)

•

100% accurate spelling and grammar

•

Short concise sentences (avoid chunky paragraphs)

•

Clear structure - one main idea per paragraph

•

A positive tone (do not include your weaknesses)

Accurate spelling and grammar is crucial! Employers receive a lot of job applications, and it is common practice for them to shorten the pile by immediately dispersing with a letter as soon as they find a mistake

CAREERS GUIDE

Your Name Your Address Date Name of Contact Position Title Address Dear (Ms, Mr etc.) Surname Paragraph 1 If replying to an advertisement, state the position you are applying for (if it’s a Government position then include the Position Classification and Number); and where you found out about it. OR If you’re contacting an employer about working for them even if they haven’t advertised a job vacancy, state the reason for writing and describe the type of work you are seeking, then why you are interested in working for the organisation. This sentence/s should combine your knowledge of the organisation with your experience, skills and goals for the future. Paragraph 2 Your qualifications for the position and any other relevant facts and figures. Paragraphs 3-5 Choose your three main selling points relevant to the Selection Criteria (if there are any) or advertised job description, or general skills if you have no leads as to what is required for the position. Dedicate a paragraph to each skill as follows: • • •

What the skill is; How you have demonstrated it; and How it would be useful to the organisation.

Paragraph 6 List the documents you have included in your application package. State the action you require – an opportunity to discuss your application in more detail, when you’re available for an interview and how you can be contacted. Yours sincerely, Signature Type name

CHECKLIST • • • •

Professional, active and fits the role Logical and consistent Checked for errors and edited for order Check tense

CAREERS GUIDE

• •

Reduce complex sentences Check over-writing Avoid abbreviations Most important information first

THE TRADITIONAL LAW FIRM MODEL IS TIRED THIS IS ITS WAKE UP CALL Ba

WE’RE NOT YOUR TYPICAL LAW FIRM As Australia’s largest and fastest growing legal partnership, we are proud to offer our staff unrivalled career development opportunities and provide them with a chance to work with Australia’s most highly regarded commercial organisations, as well as Commonwealth Government and State Government Departments and Agencies. Our differentiators include the following factors:

• • • •

A lower ratio of solicitors to partners than any other major Australian law firm ensures that our team members interact with clients much earlier in their legal careers. Our solicitors also benefit from having greater access to partners, which accelerates their professional development. Our transparent career development framework ensures that all team members are aware of the firm’s expectations at each level, and what is required to advance to the next career stage. We pride ourselves on promoting and rewarding talent based solely on merit, which allows all team members to reach their potential. We are committed to providing an environment that supports and encourages all team members to progress. Our focus is on removing any barriers that may restrict any of our team members from developing their careers with us. Our clients are as diverse as we are, and our lawyers’ varied backgrounds and skill sets support us in providing our clients with innovative and tailored legal solutions.

OUR CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

JOIN OUR NATIONAL TEAM HWL Ebsworth has over 1,200 staff with more than 250 Partners across our 9 offices, operating in the following areas of law: • • • • • • •

Banking and Finance Commercial Construction and Infrastructure Health Insurance Litigation Planning, Environment and Government • Property • Transport

At HWL Ebsworth we believe that a healthy balance between work and personal life is crucial. During your Clerkship, you will experience what it is like to be an employee of HWL Ebsworth and you will have the opportunity to attend a variety of social and networking events hosted by the firm. Upon the commencement of your Clerkship, you will be paired with a Supervising Partner and a Mentor who will guide, support and develop you throughout your placement and deliver comprehensive feedback at the conclusion of your time with the firm. You will participate in a customised induction program that will assist in familiarising you with our systems, processes and values and you will be welcomed as a valued member of our national team.

• Workplace Relations and Safety

HWL Ebsworth’s Clerkship Program is structured to present you with hands-on experiences and training to develop your legal skills and knowledge whilst offering the chance to network with a range of practitioners throughout the firm. You will be exposed to a broad range of work within your designated Practice Groups and we will have the opportunity to get to know you on both a personal and professional level.

INTERESTED? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW We are excited to run our Summer Clerkship Program again in our Adelaide office and applications are open to final and penultimate year students. To apply, you will be required to complete the online application form via our website and provide a copy of your academic transcript along with any additional supporting documentation that you would like us to consider. After submitting an online application, shortlisted applicants will progress through a two stage recruitment process including attendance at an Information & Assessment Centre and an individual panel interview. To apply, visit our Graduate Centre on our website - www.hwlebsworth.com.au

QUESTIONS Please contact a member of our Human Resources team if you require further information.

Applications open: Monday, 6 May 2019 Applications close: Sunday, 26 May 2019 Assessment & Information Centre &/or Individual Panel Interviews: From Monday, 17 June 2019 Offers to be released: Friday, 5 July 2019

Kiren Singh Human Resources Advisor P +61 8 9420 1517 E Adelaide.Applications@hwle.com.au

Sarah Shepherdson Human Resources Assistant P +61 7 3169 4933 E Adelaide.Applications@hwle.com.au

CAREERS GUIDE

THE BASICS What employers are looking for The first thing that will cross an employer’s mind is whether you are the best fit for doing the job advertised, and whether you have the passion, drive and motivation required for the position. Your interviewer will be looking for a person who is well suited to the culture of their firm. A tip to be prepared for questions like ‘why you want to work at this firm’ or ‘what makes you the best applicant for this position.’ They are looking for someone perfect for the position, so ensure that you have done research on the firm you are being interviewed at. A degree isn’t the only thing that will get you a job! Employers will be looking for the following qualities as well. The following skills will also demonstrate to employers that you are the person that they should offer a job to!

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

TEAMWORK

This extends to both written and verbal

Teamwork goes hand in hand with communication

communication

includes

skills. An employer wants to be assured that their

being a good listener and ensuring that

potential employee can work with numerous

your views are expressed clearly and

people on a designated task. Teamwork also

confidently between other members of

involves being able to delegate tasks and being able

the firm, as well as clients.

to work cohesively.

TIP: Improve this skill by participating

TIP: Participate in events that require you to work

class

skills.

discussions

and

getting

in groups (i.e. mooting competitions)

involved in competitions to improve your public speaking skills.

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS An employer will also be looking for a candidate who shows initiative, independence and is a critical thinker. It is also important to ensure that you incorporate a wide range of strategies, because the same method of thinking will not apply to every situation or client. TIP: The best way to learn these skills is through experience. But a good way to practise is by formulating answers to problem questions!

CAREERS GUIDE

THE BASICS What employers are looking for ORGANISATION AND PLANNING Organisation is key in the legal profession, and an employer will be after somebody who can meet deadlines and performing tasks to a certain standard. You will need to be able to manage time effectively and know when to prioritise. TIP: To do lists and weekly planners are a big help to plan out tasks for each week.

SMART AND HAS LEGAL KNOWLEDGE Employers are also looking for someone that is outstandingly knowledgeable in the legal field. Just because you have some of the above qualities does not necessarily mean that you are smart enough mentally for the job. Therefore, it is so important to try your hardest through your university experience, Employers are looking for someone can pick up legal content and apply it to the cases in their firm. TIP: Do research, study hard and try your best to absorb legal content to be the most knowledgeable about certain areas as you can be.

EXPERIENCE Employers are always looking for experience, and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coming straight out of University this may be hard to demonstrate with an abundance of law students graduating from law school every year, just having your degree will not be enough to satisfy an employer. Showing that you have experience is important, this is what the employers are looking for. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to just hire any other graduate. This is also why it is important to apply for clerkships while at University. TIP: Try your hardest to get all the types of experience possible while studying, whether it is just going to a networking event, your casual job having similar expectations such as team skills or getting a clerkship.

CAREERS GUIDE

The Indigenous Law Student Mentoring Program is a unique development opportunity for Indigenous law students. This program provides mentoring support for Indigenous law students who are studying at the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia. Aims of the program: 1.

Support Indigenous students through a positive and individualised mentor relationship to achieve their tertiary education goals;

Facilitate the transition of Indigenous law students from the tertiary environment to legal practice in South Australia;

Provide an opportunity for legal practitioners in South Australia to participate in and contribute to the professional development of prospective practitioners;

Increase awareness of and broaden career options for Indigenous law gradutes;

Educate the legal profession generally and the wider professional community about the potential contribution Indigenous law graduates have to make to the professiona and beyond.

Opportunities available to students:

 

One-on-one support throughout your law studies; Someone to talk through issues that impact your studies (i.e. juggling work and study, social life and study, which direction should I head, how does all of this make sense in the ‘real world’) with an experienced member of the legal professional who cares about you being successful;

 

Networking – connecting with the legal profession; Making the link between academia and legal practice

For further information, conact: University of Adelaide

Flinders University

University of South Australia

Law School

Alex Reilly

Jenny Richards

Matthew Atkinson & Sue Milne

alexander.reilly@adelaide.edu.au

jenny.richards@flinders.edu.au

Matthew.Atkinson@unisa.edu.au sue.milne@unisa.edu.au

Debra Sarre, Mentor Consultant, Indigenous Law Student Mentoring Program Mobile: 0407 431 007

CAREERS GUIDE

Email: debra@sarreodl.com.au

THE BASICS Interview Tips 1. PREDICT QUESTIONS You can anticipate most of the interview questions you are going to get. Three of the most common include: tell me about yourself; what is your greatest weakness in a working environment; what are your strengths regarding work. Other questions may include: why you want this job, or what’s a tough problem you’ve solved. There are many general questions that will be asked in an interview, however a lot of the questions you prepare for may not even be asked. It is important to research some of the more common interview questions online. After these common questions are asked, the interviewer will change their questions to legal relating questions and questions that are more aimed at the job.

2. WRITE DOWN POTENTIAL ANSWERS It is important to write down potential answers for the questions that may arise. The more answers you write out, the more this will prepare you for the interview. This may be hard and frustrating, but it makes it stick in your brain. You want your answers to be concise, and you want to avoid being put on the spot. You don’t want to have to think about your answers too much during an interview, and this is the perfect way to prevent that from happening. However, try not to be too prepared, you don’t want to sound like you’re reciting a script. Being a little unprepared and more realxed in your answers is important too - just don’t go in blind!

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS •

Why are you interested in joining this organisation?

•

What do you believe you can contribute to this company?

•

Why did you select ___ as a career?

•

Can you give us an example of your use of initiative – either in starting a new venture or doing more than was required in a particular activity?

•

What are your major strengths?

•

What would you describe as your weaknesses?

•

What do you regard as your most important accomplishment?

•

What does teamwork mean to you?

•

What are the biggest obstacles you have overcome and how did you overcome them?

3. HAVE A BACKUP PLAN Try writing down three answers for each of the questions. Why? You need to have a different, equally good answer for every question, just in case the interviewer is looking for a little more. This way you can answer again differently if they repeat the question, or you can save it for your next interview. Sometimes, an interviewer might ask for another perspective at the end of your answer, or be looking for a bit more information, which is why planning a bit more than a single answer is recommended.

CAREERS GUIDE

THE BASICS Interview Tips

4. PROVE YOURSELF Every question should be answered with a story that proves you can do what you’re being asked about. “What makes you a good negotiator?” should be answered with “I’m a co-operative but assertive advocate. During such and such time...” Always tell a story or have facts to prove you are what you say you are. As discussed earlier however, do not go on a story about personal life like negotiating with parents as a teenager.

5. READ THE ROOM Because you’ve predicted the questions and prepared your answers, suddenly you have time to freely consider the situation. Look around. Focus on the interviewer. In the first ten seconds, is there anything in their office, or about them, you can notice and use to forge a connection? A book on a shelf? A family photo? Read the interviewer: is their body language open or closed? Are they tired, and should you try to keep them interested? Most importantly - do they like your answer or should you veer in another direction? Understanding the situation, you are sitting in is very important.

6. PRACTICE Practice your interview questions and answers out loud, until you can tell each story smoothly and know them by heart. Practice with a friend, family member and they can give you great feedback on your execution of your answers.

QUESTIONS TO ASK ASK

THE “STAR” APPROACH

•

What is the organisation’s attitude to further

Situation – set the context for your story. Say what

study?

happened, how it happened and lead into what came

What is the organisations opinion on a

next.

•

particular issue? •

A question about the changes happening at

Task – what was required of you. Outline your

industry level is good practice. It shows that

responsibility and what you needed to do to get the

you are aware of and interested in the ‘big

situation back on track.

picture’. •

•

What do you think are the most important

Activity – what you actually did. Detail what you did

qualities for someone to have to excel in this

to find a solution and keep whatever the issue was

role?

from spiraling out of control.

What are your expectations of a person holding this role?

Result – how well the situation played out. Reflect

•

Can you describe the culture of the company?

on how well your activity assisted in rectifying the

•

What are the next steps in the interview

situation, detail the results and the outcomes you

process?

would use for the future. Then seek to explain briefly what you learned from the experience.

CAREERS GUIDE

THE BASICS LinkedIn LinkedIn is a fantastic, free resource in your job hunt. LinkedIn is growing rapidly in Australia, as employees and employers alike realise its value in growing your professional network and seeking out opportunities.

SET UP YOUR PROFILE

you, or by requesting to be a connection (note: if

The first step is to register at linkedin.com and set

you take this approach, don’t just send the generic

up your profile. Make sure that you fill in all the

request. Explain why you would like to connect

fields, so that your profile is 100% complete.

with the person).

LinkedIn is a live resume, so it should be current

and relevant. If you change jobs, win an award or

Groups are a great place to “join the conversation”

take on a volunteer position, try to update your

on LinkedIn. You can join the University of South

profile right away.

Australia group, as well as groups dedicated to law, and particularly areas of law which are particular

When filling in your profile, keep in mind “search

interest to you.

engine optimisation” (SEO). Try to use words that you think will be searched for recruiters and

The Australian Law Students Association has a

employers.

great group here: If you can’t find a group that you would like to join, you could even consider

Also make sure to create a “vanity URL” with

starting one and opening it up to other interested

your name. linkedin.com/janesmith is a lot more

professionals. You can join in the discussion in

interesting and memorable.

these groups, which brings us nicely to the next tip.

Choose a nice, professional and recent photograph

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

of yourself to accompany your profile.

Like all social media, LinkedIn is more than just static content. While the tone is more professional

CONNECT

than other social media platforms, it is similarly a

Find people to connect with. LinkedIn, like many

conversation.

websites, has a helpful “find connections” tool, however you will need to give it access to your

Many firms, as well as experts, regularly publish

email address book. Other people to connect with

content either on their personal LinkedIn profile

include lecturers, fellow students, colleagues and

or in groups. You can show your interest in this by

other professional contacts. Personal contacts are

either liking or commenting on the posts.

fine as well. You may like to ask these professional connections to “endorse” you for a skill, or even

You can also add in your own content, however

better, leave a reference. You can also reach out to

remember that it is a professional tool, not

people you would like to know more about, either

Facebook!

by message, asking a mutual contact to introduce

CAREERS GUIDE

THE BASICS GDLP The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, or GDLP,

•

How many contact days are required?

is the qualification obtained through practical legal

•

What support systems are offered to students?

training (PLT). In Australia, PLT is a compulsory requirement to be admitted as a solicitor or

JURISDICTION

barrister.

Where do you want to practice and which provider will allow you to be admitted there?

With various PLT providers to choose from, such as

Remember mutual recognition allows practitioners

the College of Law, Australian National University,

to apply for a practicing certificate in other states

or the Law Society of South Australia, students are

and territories.

able to not only select the form in which they will complete their GDLP, whether it be in person or

IS THERE FEE-HELP (HECS)

online, but also the jurisdiction into which they

How much of the programs fees can you obtain

will be admitted.

financial assistance for?

Once admitted in their chosen jurisdiction,

PLACEMENTS

practitioners may apply for a practicing certificate

•

in other states and territories. Upon the successful completion of your PLT, you will have satisfied

required placement days? •

the prescribed national competences developed by the Law Admissions Consultative Committee

Can the provider help you in securing the Are there benefits on offer for completing more placement days?

•

Are there alternatives to placements?

and Australasian Professional Legal Education Council. Some qualities obtained through your

PRACTICAL SKILLS AND GROUP WORK

PLT include lawyers’ skills, work management and

•

business skills, trust and office accounting skills, as well as responsible and professional values.

How will the course help build your advocacy and drafting skills?

•

Are there group work requirements?

•

How is group work assessed?

When contemplating PLT options, it is not only important to consider whether a GDLP is required

STARTING DATES

for the career path you have chosen, or may

•

When is the course offered?

choose, but also which provider is best for you and

•

Can you start your PLT as an undergraduate?

what they can offer compared to the others.

What are the minimum requirements to enrol?

FLEXIBILITY AND DELIVERY

REPUTATION AND WORD OF MOUTH

•

How flexible is the delivery of the course?

How well is the provider recognised in the legal

•

Can you study full-time or part-time?

profession?

•

Is the course external?

How have previous students found the provider?

CAREERS GUIDE

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Aurora Internship Program

Do you have an interest in native title, land rights, policy development, social welfare, legal aid, community/environmental development? Are you studying:

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4 to 6 week winter & summer placements

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Over 30 rural, remote and city placements across Australia

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CAREERS GUIDE

CLERKSHIPS Clerkships FAQ 1. WHAT IS A CLERKSHIP?

than one clerkship also increases your chances

A clerkship is an opportunity for you to undertake

in receiving a clerkship, so it is not discouraged!

work experience at a law firm, usually over the

In saying that however, it is advised that you only

summer break. It is a program where students are

apply for clerkships that you are interested in.

selected, and are then invited to work at a firm directed at students who are in their penultimate

6. HOW DO CLERKSHIP?

or final year, but there can be flexibility with this.

In the event that you have to decline a clerkship

for usually 4 - 6 weeks. Normally clerkships are

TURN

DOWN

(i.e. because you receive more than one offer) you

2. WHY SHOULD I DO A CLERKSHIP?

should be very professional and courteous. You

A clerkship provides an invaluable experience of

could notify the firm via a telephone call, but you

what to expect upon graduation, if you choose to

may be asked to follow this up in writing (usually

enter legal practice. It is also a way of getting your

via email). Make sure that you don’t forget to thank

foot in the door of the profession to expand your

them for the opportunity.

professional networks.

A clerk will generally be expected to perform

7. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE FIRM I’M INTERESTED IN DOESN’T OFFER CLERKSHIPS?

legal research, as well as drafting documents. You

Some firms do not have an official and structured

may also be asked to attend meetings and client

program for clerks. But one way to approach this

interviews. Clerical and administrative duties

situation is to contact the HR Manager to enquire

(such as photocopying) should also be expected.

about such opportunities. Sometimes firms will

3. WHAT DOES A CLERKSHIP INVOLVE?

take on clerks without offering a program.

4. WHICH CLERKSHIP DO I PICK? The choice is open to you, and you have a number

8. WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS OUT?

of options. Your first consideration however,

If unfortunately, you are unsuccessful in obtaining

should be based on what industry you may like to

a clerkship, this is by no means a reason to panic.

join (i.e. corporate, private, criminal). A clerkship

There are many other ways to obtain experience

is also an opportunity for you to be able to try out

(i.e. volunteer work – see this guide for more

an area of law, so it might be a good idea to try

information!). You can also directly contact the

a different area of law if you are still undecided.

firm for some advice as to what to improve on for

But if you have your heart set on a particular area

next time. And it is always encouraged that you

of practice, it is probably best to apply for those

give it another shot next year!

clerkships.

5. HOW MANY SHOULD I APPLY FOR?

9. WHAT DO I DO NEXT IF I RECEIVE A CLERKSHIP?

This is a decision that is completely up to you.

This is great, well done!! Make sure you refer to

But it would be expected that you would apply for

this guide for some tips! A clerkship can be a very

more than one clerkship. There is no use putting

challenging experience in many respects, but it is

all your eggs in one basket! Applying for more

an experience that is well worth the effort.

CAREERS GUIDE

CLERKSHIPS Dates and Tips DATES FOR UNIVERSAL CLERKSHIP SCHEME Applications open: Monday 2nd July Interviews commence: set by firms

Applications close: Monday 23rd July Offers made: Monday 27th August

Participating firms to be announced

GO THE EXTRA MILE

BE RESPECTFUL

Show interest in the firm. Be punctual. Be

Smile and be polite to everyone you meet. Avoid

enthusiastic. Ask questions. Putting in extra

office gossip. Interact with other clerks. In saying

research and going beyond what has been asked of

that, don’t be caught standing around chatting

you will pay off in the long run. Be organised. Save

to your new mates like you would in school; it

a copy of everything you find and everything you

makes you look lazy. Be sociable whenever it is

write. Keep good records of your instructions, and

appropriate. Talk to your colleagues. Go to Friday

if you don’t know, ask how much time you should

night drinks. Go to functions if you’re lucky enough

spend on a task and when it’s needed by.

to get invited. Don’t get stupid drunk.

ASK FOR HELP!

RELAX, AND BE YOURSELF!

Approaching a supervisor for assistance can

You may think of lawyers as being super serious.

seem terrifying! But it’s a sign that you’re willing

All the lawyers I met while clerking where actually

to learn, and it’s better to get things right than

quite chill, and while I spent 4 weeks super busy,

wrong. No one expects you to be perfect and know

I also enjoyed joining in a bit of the office banter.

everything, but they do expect you to try your

Embrace who you are.

hardest.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CLERKSHIP

It sounds wrong but as a clerk you will be judged

1. Be confident

on your appearance and general presentation. Pay

2. Be open to learning

attention to small details, such as making sure

3. Carry a pen and a pad of paper with you,

your shirt is ironed and your shoes are polished.

everywhere

Piercings are a grey area; if you don’t want to take

4. Pay close attention to what’s going on

them out, at least use a plastic retainer (you can

5. Take every opportunity presented

buy these at most body modification shops).

6. Network! Get to know everyone you can! 7. Be flexible 8. Have an open attitude towards all the different areas of law

CAREERS GUIDE

STAND OUT Stand out from the crowd Employers don’t only look for people that excelled

or participate in law school competitions where

with their good grades in university. Employers

you will learn and develop invaluable legal skills.

are now looking for quite a lot more, especially

Competition trainings are great because you get to

when there are many applicants for a position.

learn from practitioners that are there to help.

They want to see that you have experience, you’ve volunteered, and have relevant interests. To stand

One last thing – socialise. Go to career events

out from the huge pool of law graduates you

where you are given the opportunity to meet and

need to do everything you can to improve your

talk with actual practitioners. Ask them about

employability.

life after law school. This idea of networking is actually very important. One day down the track

One way to do this is to get involved with any extra-

if a practitioner recalls knowing your name and

curricular activities you can. This could include

remembers you as the intelligent friendly law

joining the USALSA committee, writing for the

student you may have excelled chances to move

law school magazine (The Obiter) or volunteering

forward, compared to if you never met them.

as a Business Peer Mentor for the UniSA Business School.

The only person stopping you from putting yourself out there is yourself.

You can investigate doing an overseas exchange

CAREERS GUIDE

STAND OUT The importance of volunteering Many not-for-profit organisations and community legal centres (CLCs) take on volunteers. Volunteering at these organisations provides students with the opportunity to experience real world lawyering as well as practical legal application with real results. Volunteering will also provide networking and placement opportunities for your future, while giving you a sense of achievement for the work you perform. Volunteering is generally flexible, and you do not usually have to commit to more than one day a week.

Entering the legal job market is frightening.

in. The skills you gain can be transferable and

Believing that you lack the experience or the

demonstrates your dedication to something you

grades to get a job is a terrible mind set to have.

are passionate about.

To demonstrate that you have the skill set that an employer needs is difficult when you’re a waitress.

WANT TO TRAVEL AND VOLUNTEER?

However, you can set yourself apart from the

There are a lot of different overseas volunteer

rest without even having a job. Volunteering will

opportunities out there, you just need to know

give you that competitive edge that you need. By

where to look. The Centre for Volunteering has a

volunteering, you will see the benefits to you and

great list of different organisations on their website

to others. You will improve your network skills,

for you to check out. A couple of examples are:

increase your self-confidence and develop skills that will make your resume stand out. You will

Real Gap Experience

also be amazed by the sense of achievement for

This organisation has not set up any of their

the volunteer work that you do. The feeling you get

own projects. They instead work with locally run

from helping members of the community through

projects which have been established out of the

volunteer work is completely different than

needs from the local community.

scanning someone’s grocery shopping.

International Volunteers for Peace SO, WHERE SHOULD YOU VOLUNTEER?

This organisation’s aim is to organise volunteer

VolunteeringSA-NT is the leading volunteering

opportunities around community needs while

service in South Australia and the Northern

promoting the appreciation of the problems that

Territory. Their website has a fantastic search

different communities face in their struggle for

engine for volunteer vacancies which allows you to

environmental harmony and social justice.

limit the search to your interests and how much time you can devote to volunteering. This can

World Youth International

give you an idea of what kind of opportunities are

WYI takes a ‘hand up, not a hand out’ approach

out there and you may even find an opportunity

to their projects in areas of health, education

that you are interested in. These opportunities

and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene). They

do not necessarily need to be law related but

implement projects which the communities can

can be something you enjoy or have an interest

continue to access in the long term.

CAREERS GUIDE

STAND OUT The importance of volunteering Want to be involved with Social Justice?

large portion of WRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s client-services work of

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legal Service offers free legal advice and

assisting clients to challenge incorrect Centrelink

representation to women who are facing a crisis.

payments. To apply, visit their website for the

Volunteers assist with administration work which

application form.

includes answering phone calls from members of the public and data entry. In this role, you will

Roma Mitchell Community Legal Centre

have the ability to assist disadvantaged women to

This CLC is run by volunteers who provide advice

understand their legal rights. It is confronting but

either face to face or over the phone. Volunteers

your role will be rewarding. Visit their website if

can also help with their Human Rights Volunteer

you want to find out more information or want to

Service. While providing their service, this

apply.

CLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aim is to uphold culturally appropriate protocols to the Indigenous and the Multicultural

Welfare Rights Centre (SA)

communities. Volunteers will also have the ability

WRC is a non-government agency who provide free

to assist with law reform, training and community

assist to those with matters relating to Centrelink

education.

payments. Volunteers will be undertaking a

CAREERS GUIDE

STAND OUT Social Justice THE UNISA LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC

ROMA MITCHELL CLC

Students have the opportunity to work in the

This CLC is run by volunteers who provide

University of South Australia Law School’s own

advice either face to face or over the phone.

Legal Advice Clinic. The clinic provides advice

Volunteers can also help with their Human

on a variety of legal matters, including traffic,

Rights Volunteer Service. While providing their

motor injury, tenancy disputes and family

service, this CLC’s aim is to uphold culturally

disputes. The clinic operates three days a week

appropriate protocols to the Indigenous and

at the Law School, with outlets at both Elizabeth

the Multicultural communities. Volunteers will

and Port Adelaide Magistrates Courts operating

also can assist with law reform, training and

the other two days. For more information on

community education. This is their Human

how to get involved, contact managing solicitor

Rights Volunteer Service. Send applications to

Matthew Atkinson at matthew.atkinson@unisa.

rmclc@ozemail.com.au, romamitchell_sa@clc.

edu. au. Applicants must have completed the

net.au and Patrickbyrt@clc.net.au. Email all

subjects Lawyers, Ethics and Society (LAWS

three.

4006),

WELFARE RIGHTS (SA) JUSTICENET

WRC is a non-government agency who provide

A not-for-profit legal referral service which

free assist to those with matters relating

coordinates pro bono legal assistance to

to Centrelink payments. Volunteers will be

disadvantaged

South

undertaking a large portion of WRC’s client-

Australians. Volunteer applications are accepted

services work of assisting clients to challenge

all year and expressions of interest should be

incorrect Centrelink payments. It also runs the

sent to admin@ justicenet.org.au with your CV

Housing Legal Clinic which provides pro bono

and academic transcript.

legal advice to the homeless, or those at risk of

and

low-

income

becoming homeless. Submit the online form at

YOUNG WORKERS LEGAL SERVICE

wrcsa.org.au.

Free work-related advice is provided for workers under the age of 30. There are usually

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERING

yearly intakes of volunteers in January and July.

There are many providers who have a range

However, volunteers may also be needed at other

of programs aboard. To find out more, check

times. See their website for more information

out their websites, contact them directly or

and criteria.

go to an information session. Projects abroad, Antipodeans Abroad and Australian Youth

WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE (SA) INC.

Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) are just a

A community based legal centre which provides

few. Find out more: http://www.clcvolunteers.

legal services to women in South Australia.

net.au lists community legal centres and if they

Volunteers are needed for administration work

are looking for volunteers http://www.naclc.org.

and legal advice and information. Apply at www.

au/ has a full list of community legal centres in

wlssa.org.au/get-involved/volunteering. html

Australia http://www.saccls.org.au/

CAREERS GUIDE

Connect with us... Thomson Geer @ThomsonGeer www.tglaw.com.au

ARRIVE... AT A LARGE AUSTRALIAN CORPORATE LAW FIRM WHY CHOOSE US?

YOUR NEW CAREER

We know you’re not just a student on work experience. We want to give you a realistic, stretching introduction to the legal profession.

We are looking for law students who have excelled academically, are customer focused, commercially minded, and work well in a team environment. We are especially keen to talk to students who have an additional technical degree.

How does this happen? From day one, you’ll be an active member of the team, working directly with experienced practitioners. We also want you to enjoy your time with us – there are lots of social events you can join, and what better way for you to get to know your colleagues?

DEVELOPING YOU We will dedicate time to your development as an up-and-coming lawyer in our team: an investment in you is an investment in our future, and the future of our valued clients. You will find that our partners and staff are approachable and happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. We encourage our clerks, graduates and trainees to get as much exposure to different practice areas and ways of working as they can – this is a reflection of how we work as a wider organisation; 30 integrated, CAREERS GUIDE national team. a fully cohesive,

Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide

FINALIST AFR most popular clerkship employer award

Our structured four week program helps clerks learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching and observation. Students who complete a clerkship with us are eligible to be considered for a position in our next graduate program, commencing in 2021. This program runs for 12 months and includes rotation among different practice areas to help determine the area of law which best suits you.

ARRIVE... AT THOMSON GEER If your ambition is to develop a career in commercial law and you possess the drive to make your ambitions a reality, we want to hear from you! Applications open 3 June 2019 via cvMail or our website.

STAND OUT University Semester Exchange Claire Zollo

During my exchange, I met so many incredible people and was exposed to so many amazing opportunities. I experienced a new schooling system, completely different to UniSA, which included more independent learning, and exams that were worth my entire grade. It was a big and somewhat daunting change, but also so interesting to see how students in another country study. Not only did I get to experience a new schooling system, but also an entirely new culture. While the Danes can be reserved and quiet when you first meet them, they soon become some of the friendliest people you will ever know. By living with Danish students, I got to be apart of all the traditions (many involving too much beer for my liking), like trying all proper Danish treats and listening to some surprisingly good Danish rap. Not only did I make friends with the Danes I have During the second semester of 2018, I undertook

my own little family of exchange students from all

a semester exchange as a part of my Law and

over the world. I quickly made friends with people

Business (Management) degree. I studied at

from as far away as the United States, Canada and

Aarhus University in Aarhus, Denmarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second

The Netherlands and as close as Queensland. We

biggest (and if you ask anyone from Aarhus,

quickly became close and they became an amazing

Denmarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best) city in the country. If you have the

support network for me. They were the people who

opportunity to go on exchange during your degree,

were physically there, and who I could spend time

I would highly recommend it.

Even before I

with when I was so far away from home. We most

started my degree, I was interested in undertaking

definitely made the most of our time together, and

a semester exchange. Numerous people have

spent most days together, whether it was travelling

always said that it is an amazing opportunity to

around Europe, partying and singing our lungs

go on an overseas exchange, and that it could help

out, or just at someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place watching movies.

me during my university studies as well as help me stand out when I begin my career. I spent a

We laughed over our inability to speak Danish,

long time thinking about this exchange, so when I

cried over how much we love dogs, and spent

finally got the chance, I jumped at it.

hours and hours just talking about anything and

CAREERS GUIDE

STAND OUT University Semester Exchange Claire Zollo

everything. It was so amazing to meet and become

rent had been paid. While I have always thought of

close to people from all over the world, hearing

myself as independent, this was a whole new level.

about their culture, comparing lifestyles and even

I gained so many life skills that I would not gain in

trying their homemade recipes (I now like brussel

any other way.

sprouts thanks to them). They are some of the most amazing and caring people I have ever met and I

Furthermore, as anyone who goes on exchange

am so lucky to have shared this journey with them.

will tell you, there will be some serious moments

I know that I have met some truly special people

of homesickness. Seeing your friends at home

who I will be friends with for the rest of my life.

going out and having fun, or missing out on family dinners is one of the hardest parts of going on

Another aspect of my overseas exchange that I

exchange. You learn to become more resilient

enjoyed was going to school in Europe. I had the

to missing out on all the amazing adventures at

chance to travel to a range of different countries

home, but also the people who mean the most

during my exchange. Not only did I get to explore

and care about you will always be just a phone

Denmark, but I visited multiple countries within

call away. These challenges helped me grow as a

Europe such as Germany, Sweden and The

person and even though many tears were shed, the

Netherlands. I got travel alone for the first time

overall gain was worth it all.

which was liberating, but I also made so many hilarious and touching memories that I will never

Overall, going on an overseas exchange was one of

forget. Blocking an entire canal because we could

the most enjoyable and life changing experiences

not steer the boat we rented in Copenhagen

I have ever done. It was truly a once in a life time

will forever be one of the funniest yet terrifying

opportunity that I recommend to anyone who is

moments of my life.

considering it. If I had to give one piece of advice for anyone planning to study overseas, it is to say

Now of course, exchange isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all smiles and

yes to everything. Of course, be safe and try not

weekend trips to Sweden, it can also be an

to spend every dime you have, but get out there

extremely challenging

physically,

and seize every opportunity you have, it will make

mentally and emotionally. Living alone for the

your experience better than you will ever believe.

first time in a country where the first language

Personally, just the little things, like going out for

isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even English exposed me to a range of new

some drinks with other exchange students that I

challenges I have never experienced before. I had

had never met, led to making friends I will have for

to learn true and complete independence very

life. The world is so big and there is so much to see

quickly as there was no longer anyone around to

and do, so take this chance while you can!

experience,

make sure there was food in the fridge, or that my

CAREERS GUIDE

STAND OUT Legal Advice Clinic Liam Waddill

tender advice to a client on an insurance dispute, copyright issues and debt recovery. In fact, a highlight of my placement was seeing the full process of legal practice; everything from booking the appointment and conducting the interview to researching and drafting the final letter of advice. There is no feeling quite like mailing your first letter of advice to a client. Although I found it challenging at times to manage the high workload, the comradery and support provided by colleagues and supervisors alike made the Clinic the perfect stepping stone for entering the "real" legal world. In retrospect, the skills I learnt in my time as a student advisor have undoubtedly been utilised in subsequent undertakings. During a clerkship I was asked to draft a letter of demand and letter of advice; something I would not have known where to start or how to complete without my In a nutshell, my role as a Student Advisor at the

prior experience at the Clinic. I would highly

UniSA Legal Advice Clinic, as clichĂŠ as it sounds,

recommend any law student take the opportunity

was challenging yet rewarding. From the moment

to be placed in the Clinic. Even if you are not sure

we began our training in week one, fellow students

whether legal practice is for you, the meaningful

and I were supported by the teaching staff to really

work that you will undertake and issues you will be

get to grips with the skills needed to be an effective

exposed to will serve you well in so deciding.

and efficient legal practitioner. During my time in the Clinic, I was able to work in a team to

CAREERS GUIDE

STAND OUT Business Careers Mentor Program Lauren Knappstein

Not long after, you engage in an online interview, where you answer questions like why you want to be a part of the program, and why you should be chosen for this experience. After getting paired with a very successful and amazing mentor, I was so excited to start a mentee relationship with them. The BCMP team invited all the mentees to an information session which gave a starter point to people that were new to the program. The session talks about conversations to strike with your mentee and how to network to make the most benefit out of the program. Despite sounding like more of an intimidating experience, the first meetings with your mentor are extremely relaxed, and helpful. My mentor helped me perfect my resume, cover letter and all The Business Career Mentor Program is one

interview tips. He helped me meet some important

of the most sought-after opportunities at the

people in the legal profession, especially down

UniSA Business School. It allows students from

the path I wanted to go also. I learnt so many

across disciplines, including law, to be paired

new things with my mentor, that I will forever

with an industry professional and attend monthly

be grateful for. Another amazing thing about the

meetings with your mentor.

program is that the BCMP team create networking events for all the mentors and mentees to attend,

In 201 I applied to be in the business mentor

where you can meet even more people in the

program. There was a list of many potential

professional field of your choice. This makes your

mentors, that were both from a business

networking skills improve significantly. Better yet,

perspective which would have complimented my

the BCMP program print all mentees 50 personal

double degree, as well as those that work in the

business cards so that you can network and stand

law industry. After reading all about the mentors

out to those you are networking with.

that are participating, as an applicant you select the top three mentors you would prefer to be

The program involves you setting your goals for

partnered with for the year as well as answer some

your mentor relationship, as well as reflecting on

simple questions.

the goals you set. Each month after your meeting,

CAREERS GUIDE

STAND OUT Business Careers Mentor Program Lauren Knappstein

you are required to write a reflection, what was

that this program has given me and the skills I

talked about and how you can use your new-found

have acquired. I will definitely be applying for the

information in the future.

program again in the future years of my studies.

Meeting around every month was great, and a

I recommend this program to all students that

relationship grew strong. If you put in the effort

study law and business subjects.

into your mentor relationship, the mentor does really appreciate it and it helps to grow your bond even stronger. A year after the beginning of my mentor relationship, and my mentor and I keep in contact. I am forever grateful for the experience

CAREERS GUIDE

STAND OUT Competitions Emma Martin students. The ALSA Conference also gave me the opportunity to meet students and judges from across Australia. It has been invaluable for my experiences both in and out of Law School to participate in these competitions. Exposure to mooting in my first year prepared me for the various advocacy assessments that everyone must do in subjects later in their law degree; such as the moots required in Constitutional Law and Administrative Law. Learning the art of Mediation also prepared me for the assessments in the Dispute Resolution and Civil Litigation course. Competing has helped me to gain more confidence and discover skillsets that I otherwise would not have utilised. It has refined not only my oral advocacy skills, but also my written advocacy. It has taught me how to work in a team in a different dynamic and has helped me develop new friendships with my fellow students. Other skills that you refine by competing include learning how I have found that one of the most beneficial things

to think quickly on your feet and mastering basic

you can do while at university is to engage in

court etiquette.

the competitions offered throughout your law degree. My first experience with competitions

Competing

invaluable

extracurricular

was participating in the Novice Moot organised by

activity to be able to include in your CV, no matter

USALSA in my first year. I have also competed in

what you want to do with your law degree in

the Tri-Varsity Mediation Competition, USALSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

your chosen future career. Mooting and Witness

Open Moot, and Negotiation. Subsequently, from

Examination help prepare you for a future in the

this, I was given the opportunity to represent

Courts. Competitions such as Client Interview

UniSA at the annual ALSA Conference in 2018.

and Negotiation can assist in careers beyond the typical law careers. It can help establish practical

I competed at ALSA in 2018 in the Negotiation

skills in dealing with conflict and dealing with

Competition

clients.

against

students

from

other

Australian and New Zealand Law Schools. This was a rewarding opportunity to represent the

I am not a particularly confident person, however

university at a national level with my fellow

the decision to engage with these competitions

CAREERS GUIDE

CAREERS Career Paths

SOLICITOR

‘Medium’ firm

After being admitted to practice, you can choose

Six to 20 partners/principals. Your work will be

to work as a solicitor. A solicitor is usually the

more specialist (particular areas). Medium firms

first point of contact for a person seeking legal

often work in more specialist areas. Clients ranging

assistance. Solicitors generally advise clients as to

from large corporations to small businesses, and

their legal rights and obligations; appear in court;

individual clients. Junior solicitors often given

assist corporations with compliance; prepare legal

more responsibility than those in large firms.

documents; provide legal advice.

‘Large’ firm Solicitors usually follow the following career path:

More than 20 partners/principals. Very structured

•

Solicitor

recruitment, induction and training programs.

•

Associate

Complex infrastructure including a law library,

•

Senior Associate

provision for continuing legal education and

•

Partner/Principal

training and pro bono initiatives. Tend to offer a wider spectrum than small or medium firms,

Private practice

especially in commercial law.

The hierarchy of solicitors in a law firm (generally):

Regional firm •

Junior Solicitor

Offer opportunities which may not be available in

•

Associate

a city law firm, such as: more reasonable working

•

Senior Associate

hours; more direct and personal relationships

•

Partner/Principal

with clients; a wide variety of work, and a faster

•

Practice Manager

track to being offered a partnership.1

Sole practitioner firm

ACADEMIA

A sole practitioner firm is exactly as the label

Going into ademia usually requires high academic

describes – there is only one principal solicitor

achievement, and sometimes a post-graduate

who owns the practice. Sole practices make up a

research degree is expected. Academics help

large percentage of law rms. Very hands on.

shape and develop legal minds, forcing students to critically consider legal issues. Academics

‘Small’ firm

generally look to developing a deep understanding

Two to five partners/principals. Small firms

of the law both in application and as well as

generally offer graduate lawyers almost immediate

theoretically, whilst imparting knowledge and

responsibility for client briefs. High level of

experience and influencing the way law students

‘exposure’.

think. Academics undertake further research in a specialist area of law, contributing papers and theses. exam problem questions.

CAREERS GUIDE

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CAREERS Career Paths BARRISTER

CORPORATE SECTOR

It is generally held that, while solicitors work in

Large corporations often have their own legal

offices and undertake legal work dealing directly

departments, sometimes referred to as in-house

with clients, barristers undertake court work

counsel.

and advise on matters, but only when instructed to do so by a solicitor. In South Australia, law

The role of the in-house counsel is to provide

graduates are admitted as both a solicitor and

legal advice to the corporation, add value by

a barrister, although there are a number who

having expertise in the corporation’s business

practise as barristers only. Generally speaking,

specialty, assist in the management of corporate

those who choose to practise as barristers become

risk, ensure compliance and manage change

members of the independent Bar and operate

within the organisation. Graduates can work for

from chambers.

organisations such as banks, insurance companies and investment rms. Consider doing your research

Most South Australian barristers voluntarily

beforehand.

practise in the same way as barristers from other states (as independent legal practitioners),

COURT SYSTEM

although some large firms employ or retain ‘in-

The court system is made up of the following roles:

house’ barristers (information courtesy of Legal

•

Judge

Services Commission of SA Law Handbook).

•

Judge’s Associate

Each state and territory in Australia has a Bar

•

Magistrate

Association which prescribes its own practising

•

Support staff, such as: Registrars; Law Clerks;

requirements for Barristers.

Legal Assistants; and Legal Executives.

COMMUNITY SECTOR

GOVERNMENT SECTOR

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are independent,

Such as government departments, statutory

not-for-pro t organisations concerning social

authorities and administrative and regulatory

justice and access to justice. CLCs can range from

bodies.

centres staffed solely by volunteers, to federal/ state government funded facilities. CLCs provide

Federal and state public services have regular

legal advice, referral services, legal information

graduate intakes. Most government departments

and

employ graduate lawyers to work in legal, policy,

education,

law

reform

activities

and

sometimes advocacy. These services are generally

research and advisory positions.

free of charge. Some CLCs are generalist, while others are specialist, such as the Women’s Legal

Examples of federal government departments

Service in SA (women’s issues) or Welfare Rights

with graduate lawyer intakes:

in SA (welfare issues). For more information on CLCs, head to page 32.‘

CAREERS GUIDE

•

Attorney-General’s Department: policy and

CAREERS Career Paths •

•

Australian

Competition

and

Consumer

There are 8 independent Legal Aid Commissions

policy and consumer protection

in Australia, one in each state and territory (in SA:

Australian Defence Force: military justice,

Legal Services Commission of South Australia).

military administrative law, international law

Legal Aid Commissions mainly provide practice

and commercial law

in criminal, family and civil matters. Most Legal

Australian

Federal

Police:

litigation

and

forensic and commercial investigations •

•

Australian

Government

Aid Commissions offer free legal advice and duty lawyer services at courts.

Solicitor:

legal

representation for the government. Organised

Most Legal Aid Commissions offer:

in the same fashion as a commercial law firm

•

Admin and business roles

Australian Law Reform Commission: advises

•

Community legal education and publishing

the federal Attorney-General in relation to

•

Law reform and policy development

particular areas of law

•

Legal work

•

Social work

• Australian Tax Office: taxation law •

LEGAL AID SECTOR

Commission: industry regulation, competition

Commonwealth Director of Public Prsecution & Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (State): prosecution of offences against the Commonwealth, and the State, respectively.

•

Human

Rights

Commission:

and

Equal

inquiries

Opportunity

into

alleged

infringements of the federal human rights and anti-discrimination legislation. Also a state counterpart.

CAREERS GUIDE

CAREERS To practice, or not to practice Although it might seem like the most obvious

life as an in-house lawyer or working as a solicitor

pathway out of a law degree, statistics show that

in a big law firm.

only about 50% of law graduates end up practising as lawyers.

While many practitioners specialise there is always the opportunity to change the path you’re

“

As one experienced practitioner told me,

on later in life. One of the most obvious examples is

Almost none of the people I went to law school with are exactly where they thought they’d be when we graduated. I know I’m not.

”

While this may have something to do with a difficult job markets for legal graduates, there are also many people who put their law degree to use in pathways other than traditional legal practice by choice. With individuals from Australian comedienne Rebel Wilson to current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull possessing a LLB, the path out of law school does not necessarily need to lead straight into a law firm. Of course, for many students, a job as a practising solicitor or barrister is the end goal of their years studying the law. A career in the legal industry has so much to offer; a chance to work in an evolving, interesting field that often combines multiple disciplines (such as business in a commercial context), becoming part of a respected profession, and, in many instances, a career that can provide financial reward and stability. The other great thing about a legal career is that there are so many options. Flipping through this guide, it is clear that life as a community lawyer provides different challenges and benefits than

CAREERS GUIDE

moving to the independent bar, a path frequently undertaken by experienced solicitors looking for something different. However, for other students, legal practice may never have been the aim - or maybe it loses its appeal partway through law school. If for some reason you are thinking of heading in a different direction do not panic! Current UniSA alumni are in a variety of positions that aren’t strictly legal. Financial and consultancy firms often value law degrees, and for those with an interest in business, this can be an exciting and fast-paced career path. Other law-related jobs include heading for academia

even

considering

teaching

secondary school level. This often provides the opportunity to continue the study of law, in a more theoretical way. It may even provide opportunities to add your voice to law reform. Still other students end up in careers entirely removed from the legal industry. From the entertainment industry to floristry, it is surprising where law graduates end up! However, nearly all will tell you that the skills learn in law school particularly critical thinking, writing, persistence and research skills - were invaluable in their career.

CAREERS Alternatives A career in law doesn’t end at the ‘big’ firms. With a law degree comes versatility; opening up a far wider career path. In an article for Lawyers Weekly, Senior Consultant Megan Drysdale lays down some of the alternative careers path by which a law degree can take you:

IN-HOUSE

students looking to work in the public sector at

Enables you to work closely with clients, be involved

a Federal level, most governmental departments

in whole transactions and contribute towards the

in Canberra offer graduate programs, which

overall success of an organisation. It can also be

are highly competitive. Government work as a

a great stepping-stone to a senior management

law graduate is similar to an in-house position,

position. Most vacancies are filled by lawyers from

because most government departments and

large firms, with one to five years’ commercial law

statutory

experience, although today an increasing number

enterprises. They may offer more flexible working

are coming from small-and-medium-sized firms.

conditions, including study leave and part- time

While commercial law experience is ideal for in-

hours, and have traditionally offered greater

house, there are a few opportunities for litigators.

security, although this is less so today.

THE BAR

UNIONS

If you enjoy litigation and like the idea of running

Unions help support and come alongside workers

your own business, consider working for the bar.

who desire to be in a workplace where there is

The bar offers lawyers an exciting alternative to

fairness and equality. Most law graduates working

private practice and still allows you to specialise

for Unions are employed as Industrial Officers.

in your chosen field. It also lends itself to part-

Industrial Officers in Unions take up cases such as

time work. Life at the bar for junior barristers

unfair dismissals and aim to negotiate agreements

can be difficult while they develop their practices.

between the parties in dispute.

It is considered advisable to get at least a couple

corporations

operate

business

of years’ experience in private practice before

OTHER OPTIONS

making a move to the bar. You then have the

•

Community legal centres

solicitor contacts you need in order to develop

•

Recruitment co-ordinator in a law firm

your practice.

•

Human resources manager in a law firm Professional service marketing or management

GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR

•

Ministerial advisor

Both State and Federal Government departments

•

Academia

employ lawyers in a range of areas, such as in law

•

Company secretary (often combined with inhouse legal)

reform, policy advising and international trade and affairs. At a Federal level, lawyers have the

•

Legal recruitment

opportunity to work with Cabinet and the Prime

•

Legal publishing

Minister in advising on government policy. For law

•

Politics

CAREERS GUIDE

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• Personalised mentoring – comprehensive feedback and support, with regular one-on-one feedback on your work as you do it from very experienced lawyers • Develop excellent advocacy skills – through compulsory civil and criminal file work and advocacy • Gain strong legal business skills – run your own files, maintain client contact, meet deadlines and bill clients in practical settings • No theoretical exams – ‘learn by doing’

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Practical Legal Training (PLT) Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice About Leo Cussen Leo Cussen has been operating since 1972 and we continue to be recognised as a centre of excellence for providing high quality practical legal training. Our Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice is highly comprehensive and well respected by the legal profession. At Leo Cussen, our trainees learn how to practise law in a very professional, yet friendly and engaging environment. In our online blended learning program, you work predominantly online but with 13 days of face-to-face instruction to give you a more personalised mentoring program. We believe that practical legal training should be just that, practical. That’s why our training programs incorporate small group training, comprehensive and personalised mentoring and feedback, to provide the finest practical training experience.

Why Leo Cussen •

An outstanding reputation – Leo Cussen has offered practical legal training courses since 1974

•

Career support – dedicated Graduate Placement and Careers Advisor to help with job search and preparation

•

Online course – online blended learning with 13 dynamic days of intensive, personalised, face-to-face training split into 3 touch-points at the beginning, middle and end of the course

•

Personalised mentoring – comprehensive feedback and support, with regular one-on-one feedback on your work as you do it from very experienced lawyers

•

Develop excellent advocacy skills – through compulsory civil and criminal file work and advocacy

•

Gain strong legal business skills – run your own files, maintain client contact, meet deadlines and bill clients in practical settings

•

No theoretical exams – ‘learn by doing’, with continuous practical assessments

•

Develop strong networks – with peers and those in the legal profession

•

Leo Cussen graduates work in a wide range of legal and professional environments in worldwide

Who can apply • Graduates of Australian law schools. • Practitioners admitted in overseas jurisdictions. • Australian citizens and permanent residents. • Overseas students with an eligible Visa.

How to apply To apply now, please complete your application online at:

www.leocussen.edu.au/apply If you are unable to complete your application online, please phone 1300 039 031 or email enrolment@leocussen.edu.au and we can arrange to send you a hard copy.

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CAREERS Job Hunting SUBSCRIBE, STALK AND FOLLOW! Legal firms and organisations often promote job vacancies on their websites, through their social media and to their email databases. It’s a good idea to make a list of the firms/organisations that you’re interested in and subscribe to their mailing list, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn and stalk their websites regularly. Job opportunities can come up really quickly and disappear again in the blink of an eye, so it’s important to check back often.

ONLINE JOB BOARDS There are a number of legal websites that provide online job boards. These sites are like gold because they take all of the hard work out of it for you and are updated frequently. Some good ones are: Beyond Law – www.beyondlaw.com.au Survive Law – www.survivelaw.com.au Law Society of South Australia – www. lawsocietysa.asn.au The College of Law – www.collaw.edu.au Rural, Regional & Remote (RRR) Law – www.rrrlaw.com.au

EMPLOYMENT AND RECRUITMENT WEBSITES It’s a good idea to register to receive regular job notifications from employment websites. Tip: Set your notification for jobs containing the words ‘law’, ‘legal’, ‘lawyer’, ‘solicitor’ etc. and you will be notified any time a new job is posted which fits that description. Easy! Seek – www.seek.com.au Job Search – www.jobsearch.gov.au CareerOne – www.careerone.com.au

RECRUITERS Legal recruitment firms may be able to assist with finding legal work, particularly as a paralegal or legal secretary.

UNISA CAREER HUB www.unisacareerhub.unisa.edu.au Jobs and graduate positions are often advertised through the UniSA Career Hub. By signing up you will gain access to career information and a personalised job search, with weekly email notifications of all new jobs fitting your search criteria.

CAREERS GUIDE

CAREERS Further Study There are many reasons why you may decide to

doctorate (PhD): This will consist almost solely of

undertake further study after the completion

completing a thesis through supervised research.

of your law degree. From pursuing a career in

Note that this usually requires a Master’s degree

academia (which often requires higher research

(research). Professional doctorate: This is ideal for

degrees) or gaining an in-depth understanding of

professionals who want to advance their knowledge

a particular area, there are many justifications to

in their field without committing to a more time

complete post-graduate study. Many past students

consuming research thesis.

feel that by undertaking a Master’s degree or going further and completing their PhD, they were able

OVERSEAS OPPORTUNITIES

to find work in their desired field and gave them

Of course you don’t have to stay in Australia to

more opportunities after studying. Generally,

study, a Masters or PhD abroad is a fantastic way

fees for higher study can be deferred via HECS

to live and learn in a new environment. In fact for

loans, however you should check your individual

some subjects it is beneficial to move abroad and

applicability.

be closer to the action so to speak, and primary research may need to be conducted if there has

MASTERS DEGREE

been little written on the subject before. Australian

A Master’s degree is the “next step” after completing

students have

your undergraduate degree. It provides a higher

institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard

level of education, and is typically one or two years

or Yale for many years. Often, study at these

in length. There are three formats in which the

respected universities is easier than it may first

degree is offered for study. Coursework: A degree

appear: if your grades are within the top 10% of

which will centre on different coursework, project

your cohort, you stand a good chance of gaining

work and research questions. This would be most

admission! Many other overseas institutions also

similar in style to an undergraduate degree but will

offer post-graduate opportunities for Australian

be more challenging. Research: This will focus on

students. In order to position yourself for the

a research project or thesis which will be expected

best chances of gaining admission at an overseas

to take up about two-thirds of course. Some

institution, it is highly recommended you complete

Research Masters are only offered after a Master’s

your undergraduate law degree with Honours.

preliminary year is completed.

Extended: This

Many overseas institutions, such as Oxford, do not

would probably consist of a work based project, and

consider applicants without an Honours degree.

can expect to take three to four years to complete.

Further to a strong academic record, you may

been

studying

at prestigious

also require other supporting evidence, such as

DOCTORAL DEGREE

a recommendation from a Professor/ the Dean of

Doctoral degrees are awarded to recognise

Law. Other achievements such as the publication

work which has contributed significantly to the

of research will also support your application.

field of study in the form of new information or

Overseas study may be expensive, as international

interpretation of current knowledge. They usually

students are often required to pay course fees up

require a Master’s degree, or in some cases a

front. As a result, it is highly advisable to consider

Bachelor’s degree(honours) may be sufficient,

whether any scholarships are available.

and

are

offered

two

formats.

Research CAREERS GUIDE

CAREERS Working Abroad

UNITED KINGDOM ADMISSION Australians seeking to be admitted in the UK are required to take the Quali ed Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT), and satisfy other eligibility criteria as prescribed by the Quali ed Lawyers Transfer Regulations 1990. Prior to sitting the QLTT, applicants must obtain a certi cate of eligibility from the Solicitors Regulation Authority. In order to obtain this, applicants must prove they are suitable for admission to practice in England and Wales by disclosing all relevant matters and any convictions. QLTT covers four subject areas: property; litigation; professional conduct and accounts, and principles of common law. Applicants may also be required to satisfy a two-year legal experience requirement, although an exemption can be sought on the basis of prior legal experience.

IMMIGRATION Australians seeking to work in the UK must obtain a working visa. Australians may be eligible to work under the Highly Skilled Migrant Program. Applicants must obtain a certain number of points across a range of criteria including quali cations, earnings, experience and age. This visa lasts for 24 months, with an option to renew for a further 3 years. For further information on admission, see: www.lawsociety.org.uk. For further information on immigration, see: www.ind.homeof ce.gov.uk

CANADA ADMISSION Australian graduates must apply to the Canadian National Committee on Accreditation, a committee of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. They will look at the applicantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; academic and professional achievements, may issue a certificate of qualification, or recommend further study. For further information on admission requirements, see: www.sc.ca/en/nca.

IMMIGRATION Australians wanting to immigrate to Canada to practice law temporarily require a Work Permit that specifies both the employer and the duration of the permit. For further information on immigration, see: www.cic.gc.ca.

CAREERS GUIDE

CAREERS Working Abroad

JAPAN ADMISSION Australians interested to practice law in Japan may be admitted as Foreign Special Members of the Japanese Federation of Bar Associations. Once admitted, foreign lawyers are limited to advising on the law of their home jurisdiction. Australian lawyers seeking admission must apply to the Minister of Justice and be qualified in their home jurisdiction with three years post-admission experience. They must satisfy the Minister that they have the will and financial means to act as a lawyer, have residence and also meet the character and bankruptcy requirements. For further information on admission requirements, see: www.nichibenren.or.jp/en/.

IMMIGRATION Individuals wishing to work as lawyers in Japan may apply for a Legal/Account Working Visa which is valid for one or three years. To work in Japan a foreign citizen needs an Eligibility Certificate, which must be approved by the Minister of Justice. For immigration, see: www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/index.html. For the Foreign Lawyers Act, see: www.cs-trans.biz/J-Foreign-Lawyers.htm.

CHINA ADMISSION Most foreign lawyers are unable to advise or act in relation to Chinese legal issues and are generally not admitted in China. However, they are able to practice their home jurisdictionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s law through international firms. Chinese citizens seeking to be admitted in China should refer to the website of the Ministry of Justice. For further information on admission requirements, see: www.legalinfo.gov.cn/english/node_7590.htm.

IMMIGRATION Australians seeking to work in China require an Employment Visa (Z Visa). The Employment Visa is valid for three months. Visa holders must apply for residency from the local Public Security Office within 30 days of arriving in China. For immigration, see: au.china-embassy.org/eng.

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I chose MinterEllison because of its emphasis on learning. There is a strong culture of knowledge-sharing and mentorship, which is particularly important for young lawyers. I find the people here are warm, knowledgeable and eager to teach.â&#x20AC;? Ann Wen Vacation Clerk

The world is full of relentless disruption. Now is the time to reimagine the future as we know it. The next generation of graduates will mark a change in closing the gap between who we are today and where we are headed to better meet market demands. More than ever, we need creative thinkers, innovators and agents of change.

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The world is being disrupted and market demands are changing. The next generation of graduates will transform the future of legal services – we can give you the skills you need to do it well.

We are global leaders MinterEllison is a prestigious, international law firm, headquartered in Australia. As one of Asia-Pacific’s leading firms, we’re borderless. We have the best people, working on the best matters, regardless of location. Our multidisciplinary and industry-facing lawyers collaborate closely across our offices in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the UK. Our independence means we can adapt in parallel with our clients and market demand. In fact, we often lead the way. With MinterEllison, you can be a global leader too. You’ll have the opportunity to work with renowned lawyers and experts from around the world. And to build remarkable solutions that go beyond one region’s laws and grasp the global picture. Essentially, you can be as agile, innovative and creative as we are.

We support you to succeed Our award-winning Clerk and Graduate Programs ensure a supportive and highly engaging experience to provide you with the best career start. Be assured that you will become a well-rounded lawyer; developing excellent technical and business skills; and collaborating with a highly reputable legal network. Our graduates accelerate their legal and business acumen through exposure to our partners, lawyers and professionals in our collaborative and innovative work environment. You will have the opportunity to rotate across different practice areas, and be exposed to inspiring and challenging transactional, advisory and litigation work.

Your success is our success Which is why we celebrate and invest in our people. We consistently have a record number of promotions, and last year, won the award for ‘Best Learning & Development Program’ at the Australian HR Awards. We’re committed to helping our people achieve their best. And our development programs and initiatives are second to none. We’re always working to open more doors for you. Recently, we restructured our organisation to make it even easier to collaborate across all our offices and access an international network of brilliant legal thinkers. Our structure also offers new career paths, allowing you to seamlessly work across multiple practice areas.

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NEW ZEALAND ADMISSION Australian lawyers admitted in any Australian jurisdiction can apply to practice in New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997. Australian graduates yet to be admitted can apply to the New Zealand Council of Legal Education. For further information on admission requirements, see: www.lawsociety.org.nz For information regarding the TTMRA, see www.nzcle.org.nz/.

IMMIGRATION Australian residents seeking to work in New Zealand are not usually required to obtain a visa, provided the character requirements are satisfied.

SOUTH AFRICA ADMISSION In order for an Australian law graduate to be able to practice local law, they will need to hold a permit for permanent residence in South Africa and further hold a Bachelor of Law degree from a South African University. This can be achieved by submitting their Australian degree for credit and then completing any relevant courses needed to qualify. They are also required to complete two years of articles of clerkship with a practising South African attorney and successfully complete the admission exam. Candidates will then need to attend a training course with the relevant law society in their chosen province before finally being able to apply for admission as an attorney. For further information on admission requirements, see: http://www.lssa.org.za/.

IMMIGRATION Australian citizens receive a visa on arrival in South Africa for 90 days which can be extended while they are looking for work.

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CAREERS Working Abroad

HONG KONG ADMISSION Australian Graduates wishing to practice in Hong Kong as Solicitors or Barristers are required to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) and undertake either trainee work as a solicitor, or a pupillage for Barristers. To qualify for admission to the PCLL, an applicant must hold a degree from a common law jurisdiction. Usually graduates undertake â&#x20AC;&#x153;top-upâ&#x20AC;? courses in the three Hong Kong specific subjects; Constitutional Law, Hong Kong Land Law and the Hong Kong Legal System. For further information on admission requirements, see: hklawsoc.org.hk For the PCLL, see: www.hku.hk/pcll,

IMMIGRATION Australians intending to work in Hong Kong must obtain a work visa prior to arrival. Special visas for professionals seeking to work in Hong Kong are granted under the General Employment Policy (GEP).

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADMISSION Admission requirements in the United States differ in each State. Every State requires applicants to sit a bar exam and satisfy the relevant admission authority that they are of good character. In some States, applicants may be required to take additional courses in US Law at an ABA approved law school. Alternatively, foreign lawyers may practice with a Foreign Legal Consultant Licence. This allows lawyers to engage in restricted legal practice within a State, based on their home jurisdiction qualifications and experience. For further information on admission requirements, see: www. calbar.org for California; and www.nybarexam.org for New York.

IMMIGRATION Australians seeking work in the US must obtain a work visa. Australians may apply for the special E-3 Visa which permits Australians to work temporarily in specific occupations. In order to qualify for the visa, the applicant must have a job offer from an organisation in the US prior to departing Australia.

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CAREERS Working Abroad

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ADMISSION A United Arab Emirates (UAE) National is required for court appearances in UAE courts. These courts follow Sharia law and all proceedings are conducted in Arabic, especially in family and criminal law matters. However, Australian graduates who have also completed their GDLP, and are looking for international exposure and experience primarily in civil law, can apply for a working permit with the Ministry of Labour. They may then work for an international or local rm on international law and the law of any jurisdiction they are quali ed in, under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Financial Centre Courts (which operate in English and bear a striking resemblance to the common law judicial system). The laws enacted to govern individuals, companies and nancial institutions within the DIFC are in effect a “commercial code” modelled on the best practices of the world’s major nancial jurisdictions. Australian lawyers are well sought after and have been successful in obtaining work with international rms who see them as a good cultural t to their organisation, but it is important to note that expatriates are mainly considered for their experience, expert knowledge or specialised skills.

IMMIGRATION An Australian citizen receives a 30 day visa on arrival in Dubai which can be extended while they are looking for work. A residence visa is granted when a company employs and sponsors you and this is renewed every couple of years.

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PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Legal Associate Family Court of Australia (Appeals Division) Alyse Dickson

As a Legal Associate, I have the rare opportunity to gain insight into the court process behind the scenes, as well observe some excellent advocacy. The most valuable part of the role is being mentored by some of the greatest legal minds in our country. At the end of appeal hearings, my Judge will ask my opinion on particular arguments and will discuss with me, and give feedback on, those opinions. This has assisted me to develop my understanding of family law and the appeal process, to articulate that understanding and has encouraged me to develop a higher level of critical thinking.

HOW DID YOU GET IN TO YOUR JOB, AND DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR PEOPLE APPLYING FOR JOBS? WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?

I have wanted to be a Judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Associate since second year of law school and from then I began planning my application. I approached law school

I work as a Legal Associate to a Judge of the Appeals

like I was already part of the profession and I

Division of the Family Court of Australia. My role

immersed myself into the culture. I participated

primarily involves assisting my Judge in full court

in mooting competitions to develop my advocacy

sittings, as well as legal research, preparation of

skills, joined the editorial board of the Student Law

judgments, proof reading papers and articles to be

Review to develop my editing and proof reading

presented by my Judge, and administrative tasks

skills and MOST IMPORTANTLY I attended classes

such as preparing orders.

and networked with my lecturers and peers in order to develop my understanding of the law and

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF THE POSITION YOU WORK IN?

demonstrate my commitment to the profession. This meant that writing my application was the easy part.

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Legal Associate Family Court of Australia (Appeals Division) Alyse Dickson

Most Judges appoint their associates one or two years in advance and positions are not usually advertised. Jump online to find out the application

application process. •

Ask a lecturer at university to proof read your application.

process for the specific court you are interested in and get your application in early!!

Usually only a few applicants will reach the interview stage so if you land an interview have

Some tips for preparing your application:

confidence that, in the Judge’s view, you have the skills to do the job. Associates work very closely

•

If you are applying for a specific Judge,

with their Judge, so let your personality and

research them. Find out the area/s of law

passion for the law shine through at the interview.

they practised in before their appointment,

Working as an associate to a judge is a highly

familiarise yourself with significant cases they

competitive and prestigious role and one that is

presided over, and find out if they are on any

incredibly rewarding.

committees or boards. •

Work out why you want to work for a particular Judge and make your application reflect that.

•

Get in contact with a previous associate and ask questions about the role and the

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Working in Mediation Peter Kassapidis

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF THE POSITION YOU WORK IN? Practising as a mediator enables you to utilise many of your legal skills but within a different context and in a different way. Rather than acting for one party, the mediator remains neutral and facilitates dialogue between the parties and assists them to identify the issues in dispute and later identify potential solutions. The greatest personal satisfaction is finding the ‘Aha!’ moment during a complex mediation – where the parties realise that a resolution is within sight.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO PURSUE THIS KIND OF ROLE? After being admitted and working within various fields of law, I was motivated by the potential that existed of being able to assist parties in dispute by offering them an additional process within the dispute resolution arsenal. In my experience,

WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? I am employed as a solicitor within a medium sized Adelaide based firm and I practise predominantly within the commercial law and civil litigation spheres. I am also on the Panel of Private Qualified Mediators for the Magistrates Court of South Australia where my role involves facilitating mediations between parties in dispute within the Court precinct.

many litigants or potential litigants presume that ‘suing the bastard’ is the sole way of achieving an outcome to their dispute and some are largely unaware that mediation, and other forms of ADR, are additional choices available to them.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED IN YOUR JOB SINCE LEAVING UNIVERSITY? The biggest challenge I found in trying to break into the market is challenging the stereotype that

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Working in Mediation Peter Kassapidis

knowledge and competence only come with ‘age and grey hairs’. The law market is tough. What did you do to make yourself stand out? What would

WHAT SKILLS DID YOU LEARN IN LAW SCHOOL THAT HAVE ASSISTED YOU IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

you recommend to new law students who may be interested in following a similar path to you?

Some of the most important skills that I learnt in law school included patience, perseverance,

I invested time into up-skilling, undertaking

attention to detail, critical analysis, asking the right

further education, attending ongoing CPDs, and

questions at the right time and active listening.

making contact with colleagues who practice

These skills assist in endeavouring to identify

within the fields that interest me, to ‘pick their

what the main drivers of each individual dispute

brains’ while building professional networks. My

really are. Is this dispute about ‘Capital J Justice’,

advice to new law students would be to ensure that

a ‘matter of principle’, a relationship breakdown

when you are not busy focussing on completing

hidden within a commercial dispute, or is really

the degree, make a habit of actively ‘meeting and

because the ‘price is not right’?

greeting’ colleagues in the field. One of the great things about the legal market within this State is that most legal practitioners and academics love to catch up over a coffee and share their ideas and their networks.

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Staying Well in the Law Matthew Atkinson

lawyers suffering mental distress. Hence, I think discussing well-being in the law in a supportive environment is apposite.

Personal experience

has also encouraged me to teach and encourage reflection about this subject. At UniSA Law School, I have spoken with numerous law students who have suffered mental distress.3 Likewise, I have supported distressed friends and colleagues who work in the legal profession. I also regularly hear anecdotal stories about new and experienced lawyers suffering mental distress. Sometimes it feels like the law is a particularly dark art. If I knew the way to constant sunshine and a world where all of humanity dances in flowers singing joyous songs about life without exclusion, fear, heartache or darkness, I’d share it. Unfortunately, (or perhaps, fortunately, depending on your view of utopia) I can’t share the way to this world. I also suspect this world might exclude lawyers In Law Professional Placement (LAWS 4021), I teach

(attempted lawyer joke). However, what I can share

a seminar about well-being in the legal profession.

is my personal experience and my understanding

For assessment, I require students to examine

of the literature about staying well in the law.

well-being literature and also reflect on how they will stay well in the law. The relationship between the legal profession, law students, and well-being makes for sombre reading.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE AND IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE PERFECT

Concern about the

lack of well-being in too many law students and

Do you fear failure? Are you afraid to present a new

legal professionals can be traced back to 1980s

idea or share your answer in class or with your

North American literature,1 and this initial trickle

colleagues because you’re unsure or uncertain

has developed into a growing stream of concern,

whether it’s right? Do you aim to be (or at least

especially in Australia.2

think why can’t I be) the law student who kicks butt in the classroom, courtroom, boardroom and

There are numerous research studies that highlight

dance floor?

disproportionate numbers of law students and

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Staying Well in the Law Matthew Atkinson

Guess what!? You’re not alone. Most (if not all) law

In legal practice, it won’t destroy all chances of

students feel this way at some time during the

promotion or result in you being “struck-off” the

course of their studies. These fears also don’t end

role of legal practitioners. It may personally hurt

at law school. Lawyers experience the pressure

though, you may feel foolish, and you’ll probably

to be perfect and hide their fear of failure too.

be overly self-critical (that’s what a lot of law

In law school and legal practice, the tendency

students and lawyers do because they are typically

towards perfectionism and the fear of failure is

perfectionists).6

a combination of individuals’ personality-type4 and their immersion in the institutional culture of

It’s good to experience failure and to learn from it.

some law schools and legal environments.5

Learning from failure will help you to be a better student and legal practitioner.

Experiencing

Similar to getting to utopia, I don’t have any magic

failure and learning from it will also help you to

advice on how to cure the fear or self-doubt

anticipate future failure and even possibly avoid

that seems to pervade the study and practice

it.7

of law.

It will probably always exist to some

and eschewing failure no matter what the cost, will

degree: practising law can be stressful and you’re

lead to anxiety, stress or depression.8 Law school

constantly dealing with uncertainty. But know that

and supportive work environments are good places

you’re not alone, and that it’s okay to fail. With

for you to stop trying to be permanently perfect

failure, I’m not encouraging you to be okay with

and to learn from failure – start with sharing your

avoiding class, exams, or handing up minimal

thoughts on a case you’re studying or working

effort essays. I’m also not saying you should be

on. Rather than face failure, you’ll probably find

okay with rocking up to court unprepared and

others are thinking the same thing but are fearful

saying, “Yo, your Honour, I’m like okay to fail.”

of sharing.

Conversely, trying to be permanently perfect

What I am advocating is that you present and share your ideas, answers, or concerns in class and

You are not alone, and to misquote that famous

amongst your legal network, especially mentors.

R.E.M. song, “everybody fails, sometimes.”9 Even

Likewise, in legal practice, share these things with

that overachiever on the dance floor.

your supervisors, colleagues and clients. Inevitably, some of your ideas, answers, or concerns will be ill-conceived and will result in failure. That’s okay.

DON’T OVERLY PRIVILEGE THE SKILL OF “THINKING LIKE A LAWYER”

If your thought and action

stem from a position of genuine benevolence and

In law school, thinking like a lawyer is a prized skill.

care, failure won’t result in permanent harm to

It’s prized because you’ll struggle as a lawyer if you

your academic reputation or career prospects.

don’t know how to analyse case law and engage in

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Staying Well in the Law Matthew Atkinson

lawyer is only one skill in a lawyer’s skillset and

‘natural capacity for behaving, thinking or feeling

it has limitations. In fact, only being able to think

in a way that enables … optimal functioning and

like a lawyer will also result in you struggling to be

performance in pursuit of valued outcomes.’¹4 To

a lawyer.

get a better understanding of your psychological strengths

check

out:

www.viacharacter.org.

Thinking like a lawyer is rooted in an objective,

Knowing your psychological strengths will help

adversarial and catastrophising paradigm.¹0 When

you to determine the type of legal work that

you think like a lawyer, clients become solvable

maximises personal autonomy (what you want to

legal problems where calculations of risks and

do) and authenticity (who you want to be).

prediction of outcome can be performed for any particular action throughout the legal battle. It

Why is this psychology important for law students

comes as a rude shock to many law students when

and lawyers? Well there’s a perception that if you

they enter legal practice or undertake a course like

study law and do it right, you’ll be on a path to

Legal Advice Clinic (LAWS 4018) to find that clients

fame, fortune and power. You’ve no doubt heard

are humans who often come seeking help during

about the stories of high-powered lawyers who

a period of crisis. Human conflict is inextricably

can name their price and don’t break wind for

linked to emotion, feelings, bias, frailty, and error

much less than $10K a day.

in perception and judgement.¹¹ The reality is different. Most lawyers work long Another complication is that court process does

hours and only get paid a small fraction of this

not ordinarily provide the best solution to most

kind of money. No doubt, lawyering is demanding,

legal problems involving human conflict. This

time-consuming work. Hence, try to find or do

means that for most of the time the skill of thinking

something in law that complements your personal

like a lawyer is redundant. What is required are the

autonomy and authenticity – it will support you

‘soft skills’ of lawyering including creative thought,

to stay well in the law and make you a better

relationship building and an ability to empathise

professional.¹5 Don’t sacrifice doing something in

with others.¹²

These skills will help you to stay

law that is enjoyable, interesting and meaningful

well in the law because they will enable you to be a

in order to seek wealth, power and status. There’s

better lawyer.¹³

a very broad brush of different opportunities to work in the law – look for ones that match your psychological strengths and values.

PLAY TO YOUR PSYCHOLOGICAL STRENGTHS AND VALUES You have psychological strengths and values; don’t ignore them.

A psychological strength is your

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Staying Well in the Law Matthew Atkinson

MAYBE IT’S NOT YOU, IT’S YOUR ENVIRONMENT

needs to change in order to promote individual well-being.

Individual remedies are not the

answer. Yoga and mindfulness training may I’m working in the law and it sucks. I’ve done yoga,

ameliorate distress in order to cope in a toxic

mindfulness training, and I went to a motivational

working environment, but you can’t perpetually

speaker who told me that I need to embrace my

operate in a toxic place and stay well in the law.

inner grit in order to optimize resilient efficiency. But I don’t have any inner grit and am unable to

GETTING HELP

maintain a healthy work/life balance. What’s wrong with me? I just work and I’m not doing it that well

Finally, the most important advice: if your mental

because I’m always being yelled at. Maybe I’m just

health is suffering, get help. Mental health is no

a loser.

different from physical health in that if you don’t get help things usually get worse. Go to your doctor

If you find yourself in this situation, know that

and talk with trusted friends and family members.

you’re not a loser, and there’s probably nothing

It’s cheesy but there’s truth in the saying a

wrong with your inner grit. If you’re expected

problem shared is a problem halved. At UniSA,

to work incredibly long hours and achieve

you can also get help at the student counselling

unachievable billable targets in an environment

service, which provides free and confidential

where such targets are enforced by unacceptable

counselling to enrolled students. The Law Society

behaviour, the problem is with your working

of South Australia provides services to help legal

environment. Such an environment is corrosive

practitioners with their health and well-being.

to your autonomy, authenticity and personal

Both services can easily be found with a simple

resilience.¹6

‘google’ search.

In this situation, the environment

1. Stephen B Shanfield and G Andrew Benjamin, ‘Psychiatric Distress in Law Students (1985) 35 Journal of Legal Education 65. 2. Christine Parker, ‘The Moral Panic Over Psychological Wellbeing in the Legal Profession: A Personal or Political Ethical Response (2014) 37 University of New South Wales Law Journal 1103. 3. Sharon Medlow et al, ‘Depression and the Law: Expreriences of Australian Barristers and Solicitors’ (2011) 33 Sydney Law Review 771; Norm Kelk et al, ‘Courting the Blues: Attitudes towards Depression in Australian Law Students and Lawyers (Report, Braining and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney 2009); Molly Townes O’Brien et al, ‘No Time to Lose: Negative Impact on Law Student Wellbeing May Beign in Year One (2011) 2 International Journal of the First Year in Higher Education Review 149. 4. Kaci Bishop, ‘Framing Failure in the Classroom: Techniques for Encouraging Growth and Resilience’ (2018) 70 Arkansas Law Review 959, 968-69. 5. Ibid 980 - 84.

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Staying Well in the Law Matthew Atkinson

6. Susan Daicoff, ‘Lawyer, Know Thyself: A Review of Empirical Research on Attorney Attributes Bearing on Perfectionism’ (1997) 45 American University Law Review 1137. 7. Bishop, above n 4, 1000 – 05. 8. Ibid 970. 9. The correct words are “And everybody hurts, sometimes”. If you don’t know the song, it has been said that it promotes well-being too. 10. Rachael Field and James Duffy, ‘Better to Light a Single Candle than to Cures the Darkness: Promoting Law Student Well-being through a First Year Law Subject (2012) 12(1) Queensland University Technology Law & Justice 133, 153 -54. 11. Ibid 154. 12. Ibid 155. 13. Susan Daicoff, ‘Lawyer, Form Thyself: Professional Identity Formation Strategies in Legal Education Through Soft Skills Training, Ethics, and Experiential Courses (2014-15) 27 Regent University Law Review 205, 207. 14. Colin James, ‘Law Student Well-being: Benefits of Promoting Psychological Literacy and Self-Awareness Using Mindfulness, Strengths Theory and Emotional Intelligence (2011) 21 Legal Education Review 217, 224. 15. Lawrence S Krieger, ‘The Inseparability of Professionalism and Personal Satisfaction: Perspectives on Values, Integrity and Happiness (2005) 11 Clinical Law Review 425, 430-1. 16. Parker, above n 2, 1133. Also see, Margaret Thornton, ‘Squeezing the Life out of Lawyers: Legal Practice in the Market Embrace’ (2016) 25(4) Griffith Law Review 471.

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PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Registered Migration Agent Natalie May

task on those files was to review Freedom of Information

Act

releases,

audit

information

provided and scrutinise the primary decision. I thoroughly enjoyed this process and then became involved in the discussion of strategy on each of those files. In Australia, migration advice and assistance is regulated by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). Those wishing to engage in the provision of migration advice and/or assistance must be registered with the MARA, and this currently includes Solicitors. As a Migration Agent I assist with primary applications and also merits review processes. Our I am a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0100623)

firm also briefs judicial review matters. Primary

employed by MSM Legal, which is a mid-size

application work is more than just filling in forms.

boutique Adelaide law firm. I have been employed

It requires an in-depth understanding of what

by the firm for the last 18.5 years and secured my

is, often very complex criteria, strong attention

role by approaching the firm directly with my

to detail, strategy and a big-picture view of the

resume. MSM Legal employs four solicitors, who

process. Due diligence and risk management are

are also Migration Agents, and I am the only non-

key.

Solicitor Migration Agent. The Department of Home Affairs will consider I completed a Bachelor of International Studies

information

given

applications,

(Hons) in 1999 and went on to further studies to

compliance with visa requirements and also

qualify as a Registered Migration Agent in 2001. My

information given to third parties related to

interest in migration was piqued when I undertook

the process. Refusals based on the provision of

a work experience placement with a local firm

information that is deemed false or misleading in

and was exposed to merits review applications

a material particular, can be disastrous and very

of refused Australian visa applications. My main

difficult to rectify.

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Registered Migration Agent Natalie May

Migration assistance also involves a cross-over

work while completing your studies, try and find

to other areas of law. We refer family migration

administration or para-legal work in firms with

clients to family lawyers, all types of clients to

a migration practice. This will expose you to the

criminal lawyers if there is an issue of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;characterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,

concepts, procedures, clientele and the types of

employer-sponsored applicants and/or businesses

wins and losses you could expect to see. Having

to industrial-relations lawyers.

another language can be a bonus, but not essential.

Being aware of where the work can cross over, and

I would say that being resilient and the ability to

your ability to provide advice on those issues is

very quickly adjust to rapid change are personal

important. Know your limitation!

traits that will stand a person in good stead. Good luck!

If you are interested in this area of work, I would suggest making connections with practitioners in this area. If you are looking for casual or part-time

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Studying as a PhD Candidate Lisa Parker

of reading and writing. Once completed, two examiners will review the written thesis. As part of recent changes to the PhD program, I will also need to defend my research at an ‘oral defence’ in front the same examiners. My PhD research is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF YOUR POSITION? I feel very fortunate to do what I do. Undertaking a PhD has given me the luxury of time and the freedom to research an area of law of my choosing. Doing a PhD also has the added benefit of flexible

WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?

‘working’ hours. As someone with three young children, this has been invaluable to our family. The trade off, however, is that I do quite a lot of

I’m a full-time PhD student with the School of

work on weekends, and early in the morning or

Law at UniSA. I also work as a sessional academic

late at night while everyone else is asleep.

staff member, mostly tutoring in public law subjects including Criminal Law and Procedure, Legislation,

Principles

Public

Law,

and

Constitutional Law. I have worked as a research

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED IN THIS POSITION SINCE LEAVING UNIVERSITY?

assistant to both academics and barristers, and I have recently started my own freelance

PhD students wanting to go into academia face

consultancy business providing legal research

particular challenges. You may be surprised

services to legal practitioners.

to learn the academic job market is even more

A PhD in law is a four-year program. Initially

competitive than legal practice. There are very few

it involves producing a research proposal of

permanent jobs in academia and the number of

approximately 10,000 words in your first year

PhD students is increasing each year. Because of

of study. From there, PhD students are required

this, PhD graduates face a similar problem to law

to produce a dissertation (or thesis) of around

students in that they need to be able to stand out

100,000 words. Simply put, this involves a lot

from other graduates. A good academic has the

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Studying as a PhD Candidate Lisa Parker

connect with industry, build research networks, and attract research income, amongst other things. PhD students are now having to develop

WHAT SKILLS DID YOU LEARN IN LAW SCHOOL THAT HAVE ASSISTED YOU IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

these capabilities before they graduate in order to be competitive in the job market, which is added

It probably goes without saying that legal research

pressure on top of an already heavy work-load.

is an essential skill for a law PhD student. But

THE LAW MARKET IS TOUGH. WHAT DID YOU DO TO MAKE YOURSELF STAND OUT? WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO NEW LAW STUDENTS? Students can stand out by making themselves known. I have found the old adage ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’ to be very true when

almost all of the skills you learn at law school can be applied to doctoral research in law. Critical thinking, problem solving, written advocacy and analytical skills, to name a few, are just as important.

WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU HAVE FOR STUDENTS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING A SIMILAR PATH TO YOU?

it comes to employment. In fact, most of the work I have done has come about through people I

Doing a PhD is an amazing opportunity, but it’s not

know. This is why I believe it’s really important for

for everyone. A PhD involves a substantial body of

students to build connections with people in the

work produced over a long period of time. It suits

legal profession or whichever industry they hope to

someone who is self-motivated and able to work

end up in, but also with their peers and lecturers.

autonomously. It needs dedication, perseverance

For new students, you can do this by volunteering

and resilience, and you need to be highly organised.

or joining committees whilst at uni – USALSA

Entry into a PhD program also requires reasonably

is a good opportunity. Attend Law School events

good grades. At a minimum, you need an Honours

and get to know staff and fellow students outside

degree in Law to be eligible for admission and

of your immediate friendship group. You could

possibly more to secure a scholarship.

also become a student member of a professional association in an area of law that you are

It is also important to note that a PhD isn’t just a

interested in. The Migration Institute of Australia

pathway to academia. Many PhD graduates now go

or the Australian Institute of Administrative Law

on to work in Government or industry positions.

are two examples, but there are many more. The

Thinking about the different pathways for a PhD

Law Society of South Australia also offers free

graduate is something all students should consider

membership to law students. These bodies are a

before undertaking postgraduate research.

great platform for students to connect and engage with the profession.

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Working as an associate Seamus Brand

alone or lost, there is always someone I can turn to for assistance. The best thing about Lipman Karas is that there is never a dull moment and I feel constantly challenged and excited by my work.

HOW DID YOU GET IN TO YOUR JOB, AND DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR PEOPLE APPLYING FOR JOBS? I did things a little bit backwards from the normal Uni-Clerkship-Graduate Job route. I started a role at SACAT in my final year of law school and then undertook an Associateship to Justice Hughes, President of SACAT. I applied for a lot of jobs during that Associateship that I thought suited my skillset but nothing seemed to be going my way. I didn’t think of applying at Lipman Karas because I had no commercial or corporate experience and

WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF THE POSITION YOU WORK IN?

thought they wouldn’t consider me. However, a friend from university who worked at Lipman Karas as a clerk while studying, and is now a registered foreign lawyer in Hong Kong, suggested that I apply and didn’t think my lack of experience

I am an Associate at Lipman Karas, a specialist

would veto my application. I thought he was insane

international investigative legal practice with a

but he was right!

focus on complex disputes.

Lipman Karas was

established in Adelaide in 2004 and now has offices

Following interview, I was offered a four week

in Hong Kong and London. My job involves all the

clerkship at the end of my Associateship. In

standard lawyer tasks you would expect such as:

retrospect, I should have applied earlier. You

Research, factual analysis, writing memoranda for

might think your strengths are in one area and that

partners etc. The bonus of working at Lipman Karas

you would never have a chance working in an area

is that I spend a lot of time working on international

other than that but you really never know. I think

matters. I’ve learned more about Cayman Islands

the best piece of advice I can give is not to focus so

and New York law here than anything else but I still

much on the area of law you want to get into but

get to work on some Australian matters too. There

on the kind

are also excellent mentors and I never feel like I’m

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Working as an associate Seamus Brand

of workplace in which you want to work. For me,

likes to stand out or you’re the kind of person who

it’s a supportive and stimulating environment like

is used to their grades defining them. What worked

Lipman Karas.

for me won’t work for everyone and I believe the trick is to find things you enjoy doing or relate to

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO SOMEBODY PREPARING FOR A JOB INTERVIEW?

where you want to go. Joining a student society is generally good but employers (and other students) can tell when you’re doing it just to fill some space on your resume. Paid employment is never going

Treat a job interview like you would an exam or

to hurt either, no matter what that employment is.

a moot: Go in prepared! If a job has selection

I worked from the time I was 14 in 7 different jobs

criteria, go through those carefully and try and

before I landed my first job in the legal industry. I

determine what skills the employer is looking

was surprised by how much I learned from those

for that align to each criterion. Then, think of a

roles and they were invaluable when it came time

relevant example in your life that showcases that

to landing a graduate role. Most importantly, try

skill. It doesn’t have to be in the same context

and do something outside of uni that: a) isn’t

and you’d be surprised where examples can

necessarily paid employment; and b) isn’t related

come from (hospitality, for example, offers useful

to the law. It might help you get a job but, more

examples of patience and handling difficult people

importantly, it will help you stay sane and remind

in emotional situations). Write down a couple of

you that there is life beyond the law.

dot points for each example next to the criterion and take them to the interview. This way when you’re asked a question, you’ll almost always have a prepared answer. If there isn’t any selection

WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW GRADUATES WHO HAVE JUST LANDED THEIR FIRST JOB?

criteria, research the role and the organisation a little bit more and try and align examples to things

You’re not going to be as smart as your supervisor

you expect the organisation might do.

or your more experienced colleagues right away, it takes time! However, the only thing separating

THE LAW MARKET IS TOUGH. WHAT DID YOU DO TO MAKE YOURSELF STAND OUT? WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO NEW LAW STUDENTS? Making yourself stand out can be quite difficult, particularly if you’re not the kind of person who

CAREERS GUIDE

you and Kiefel CJ is a whole lot of experience and hard work. Enjoy the journey and wherever it may take you!

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Working in community law Tina Bruno

I am making a difference in the lives of other and this gives me the drive to be the best version of ME! I

believe

my experience

in working with

disadvantaged groups gave me a strong advantage in applying for my first junior solicitor role. The job was advertised and I applied for it. Tips for applying for jobs…always contact the organisation to ask questions about the role and their organisation, hand deliver your resume/ application with a big SMILE! Do your research on the organisation – know their website inside out. Let some of your personality shine. Show them that you would be an awesome person to work with. I have had many challenges, but these are important because they help shape who we are meant to become. Embrace them. My time in My name is Tina Bruno and I work as a Solicitor at

private practice was very enlightening. Not being

the Northern Community Legal Service. I am part

able to help people because they were unable to

of their Family Law Family Violence Team. I can

pay me caused me dsitress. Stay true to the person

honestly say that I love my job. I get to help people

you are. Listen to your body. It is always trying to

and not have to ask them for money in order to do

tell you something. If you are not happy with your

so. I also love mentoring and guiding young minds

job/situation, you are the only person who has the

and at present I have a junior solicitor to be able to

control to do something about it. If you can’t help

show all the ropes to (and teach her all the things

yourself, you cannot truly help others.

I have learnt from making mistakes). How do you make yourself stand out? This is Not only do I get the opportunity to attend Court, I

difficult on paper (although Elle Woods tried it

also get to go out in the community to give a variety

with a pink perfume infused resume, but I don’t

of outreach services including at an emergency

recommend that, unless you are certain your

accommodation for women. I get to go out in the

future employer is a Legally Blonde fan), so make

community and educate them on a variety of laws.

yourself stand out by meeting the HR/employer

CAREERS GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES Working in community law Tina Bruno

try to things. Embrace making mistakes, it is how

but most importantly she was a great fit for our

you learn. Own your mistakes, never bury yourself

organisation. Connect with CLC employees, either

in the sand. A great mentor of mine said there is no

on LinkedIN, ask to meet them for coffee to chat

problem that does not have a solution. I often think

about their role.

of this and it gives me great comfort. Lastly…never lose hope. Even ‘in my day’ almost 15 GET A MENTOR and preferably more than one. To

years ago everybody said getting a job out of law

this day I have a wonderful list of people I trust and

school was tough. Put yourself out there and have

who have guided and supported me throughout

confidence in your abilities. If you can get yourself

my legal career. Succession planning for our

through law school, you can do anything!! The

profession is so important. You will find that in

right door will open for you at the right time.

most cases senior members of our profession are only to willing to help (the Law Society has lists of practitioners who have agreed to be contacted). If you are interested in a career in a Community Legal Centre (CLC) – make enquires to see if you can volunteer. Consider doing the UniSA subject where you can be placed at a CLC (Legal Professional Placement). Our organisation has recently hired a UniSA student at the end of her placement because of the initiative she showed

CAREERS GUIDE

I truly wish you all the very best.

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• 5 mandatory subjects and 2 electives;

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A 2019 USALSA PUBLICATION CAREERS GUIDE