UNSW Law Society Private Law Careers Guide 2021

Page 1

2021 PRIVATE LAW CAREERS GUIDE


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS VICE-PRESIDENT (PRIVATE LAW CAREERS) Isaac Dela Torre PRIVATE LAW CAREERS PUBLICATIONS DIRECTORS William Li Mandy Zhou PRIVATE LAW CAREERS DIRECTORS Alex Wong Denny Ahn James Trumble Madison Wu Rory Dolan Sarah Lu CO-PRESIDENTS Alex Zoras Sanjay Alapakkam DOMESTIC SPONSORSHIP DIRECTORS Calvin Fong Chloe Lee VICE-PRESIDENT (INTERNATIONAL) Harrison Zheng INTERNATIONAL SPONSORSHIP DIRECTOR

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTORS

James Yuan

Emily Donaldson Isaac Ada Marc Kopelowitz Samuel Lee Shuhan He William Vu

INTERNATIONAL CAREERS DIRECTORS Matthew Wu Dylan Chan 2


PREFACE The UNSW Law Society’s Private Law Careers Publications team is proud to present the 2021 Private Law Careers Guide. We hope that this guide will provide readers with an insightful window into what a career in private legal practice might look like in 2021. For UNSW Law students in their penultimate year, we wish you the best of luck in your clerkship applications and hope that this guide will be of some use in finding the path and firm that best suits you. On behalf of the UNSW Law Society, we would also like to extend our gratitude and thanks to our sponsors for their continued support. William Li and Mandy Zhou Private Law Careers Publications Directors 2021

This Student Club publication is proudly supported by Arc.

© 2021 UNSW Law Society Inc. This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced or stored by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the UNSW Law Society Inc. DISCLAIMER The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the UNSW Law Society Inc., the editors, or those of the UNSW Faculty of Law. Although the editor and authors have taken every care in preparing and writing the guide, they expressly disclaim and accept no liability for any errors, omissions, misuse or misunderstandings on the part of any person who use or relies upon it. The editors, author and the UNSW Law Society Inc. accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication.

3


SPONSORS This guide would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors

Allen & Overy Allens Arnold Bloch Liebler Ashurst Baker McKenzie Clayton Utz Clifford Chance Australia Clifford Chance Hong Kong Corrs Chambers Westgarth DLA Piper Gadens Gilbert + Tobin Herbert Smith Freehills K&L Gates King & Wood Mallesons Jones Day Johnson Winter & Slattery Maddocks MinterEllison Norton Rose Fulbright 4


TABLE OF CONTENTS DOMESTIC LAW FIRM PROFILES

MESSAGES Message From the Dean Message From the Careers Service Messages From the Cabinet Presidents Vice-President (Private Law Careers) Vice-President (International)

6-7 8-9 10 11 12 13

THE PRIVATE SECTOR Private Law Landscape Common Entry Pathways Areas of Practice

16-17 18-19 20-21

QUALIFYING TO PRACTICE NSW Admission Requirements

24-25

INTERNATIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS China Hong Kong United Kingdom United States of America Singapore

28 29-31 32-33 34-35 36-37

58-63 64-67 68-70 72-77 78-80 82-87 88-90 92-97 98-100 102-104 106-109 112-117 118-123 124-126 128-130 132-136 138-140 142-145 146-148

INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM PROFILES Clifford Chance Hong Kong

152-154

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

APPLICATION PROCESS Cover Letters Sample Cover Letter Sample CV CVMail Selection Criteria The Interview Commercial Awareness Mental Wellbeing Clerkships and Trimesters

Allen & Overy Allens Arnold Bloch Leibler Ashurst Baker McKenzie Clayton Utz Clifford Chance Corrs Chambers Westgarth DLA Piper Gadens Gilbert + Tobin Herbert Smith Freehills Johnson Winter & Slattery Jones Day K&L Gates King & Wood Mallesons Maddocks MinterEllison Norton Rose Fulbright

40 42-43 44-46 46 47 48-51 52 53 54-55

Emily Donaldson Isaac Ada Marc Kopelowitz William Vu

156 157 158 159

5


MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN A great deal has already been written about the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work – and doubtless there will be much more of this to come as we slowly emerge from the shadow of the pandemic and the experiences of 2020 continue to insinuate themselves into our new normal. For it is clear that there is no ‘going back’ to normal, but something altered and new in the place of what was once familiar and accepted. This is true in many aspects of our lives, but perhaps most especially it will be reflected in the future of work, including what it means to have a career in the legal profession. The experience of remote working, extreme flexibility, and the potential for sustained collaboration not limited by location or time zone, will make legal offices even more dynamic in their quest to be responsive to client needs. In my time as Acting Dean, it has been my great pleasure to talk with partners of some of the country’s best-known and most respected law and professional services firms. In those conversations, I have been hearing about how they rose to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and what they see as its lasting effects on their business going forward. The new mindset engendered by the pandemic obviously intersects with the 6

inexorable rise over several years now of technological development and its significance for legal practice Exactly how the two will combine to hasten the pace of change in the working lives of lawyers remains to be seen, but that they will do so cannot be in any doubt. In that sense, there may never have been a more exciting time to be embarking on a legal career in the private sector. The opportunities may well be different from those that have been highly sought after in the past – or at least, in the case of international postings, not as readily available for a time – but the sense of change and possibility will fuel creative thinking about how legal services are best delivered, how the client experience can be enhanced, and how staff can be supported and developed in their careers. Navigating this evolving landscape can be daunting, so I commend the UNSW Law Society for its production of the Private Law Careers Guide. Once again, this Guide provides up to date information and assistance to students as they make plans for the commencement of their professional lives in the law. It is an extraordinarily useful resource, giving students a real flavour of what they may expect from different employers and how to approach the job market.


The Faculty shares with the Law Society an understanding of the importance of making good preparation for your career as you advance in your studies and is committed to helping students attain their goals upon graduation. One way we do this is through the range of experiential and international opportunities throughout our LLB and JD programs. We look forward to these becoming fully available once more as the restrictions that have attended the pandemic are eventually eased.

I wish all students well as they take steps now towards a fulfilling and rewarding career. This Guide shows that within the scope of private practice, there is an enormous range to consider when selecting the path that is right for you.

Professor Andrew Lynch Acting Dean Faculty of Law & Justice

But most obviously, our support is found in the provision of a dedicated Careers Service, supplementing the excellent assistance available generally at UNSW. The strategic advice and information provided by this service, informed by ongoing communication with employers about their priorities in recruitment, is invaluable.

7


MESSAGE FROM THE CAREERS SERVICE

The UNSW Law Careers Service in the Law and Justice School aims to support you to forward plan your career from the moment you commence your studies. We believe identifying the type of legal role that best suits your skills and personality is a journey of realisation throughout your time at UNSW. Each subject and elective you undertake is an opportunity to identify a practice area that interests you and plays to your strengths. Understanding what type of lawyer you want to be, and how a career fits 8

within your personal goals, will ultimately help you to secure a satisfying career on graduation. The Careers Service provides you with resources and opportunities that improve your employability in the legal profession including advice on navigating the jobs market and how to put your best foot forward in terms of your resume, cover letter, on-line profile and interview skills.


We are here to support you in securing employment both while you are a student at UNSW and when you ultimately graduate. Check out the UNSW Law Careers Service MY.Law online resources, including our E-book which brings together everything you need to know to forward plan your career. These are some of the services we offer which complement UNSW Careers and Employment broader career services: 1. MyLaw Jobs Board 2. Career Resources 3. Exclusive Clerkship Program (e.g. UNSW x Corrs Chambers Westgarth Spring Clerkships) 4. Panel Discussion on Career Pathways 5. Pilot Projects The Market: 2021 sees a continued trend by commercial law firms to diversify their talent pool from the traditional hiring profile of Law/ Commerce; Law/ Business students, to recruiting students with double degree combinations such as Law/Information Technology; Law/Science, Law/ Arts, amongst others. International firms are increasing their presence in the Australian market and are eager to offer a diverse range of internship programs - so make sure to keep an eye out for these firms, even if they are not on the Law Society of NSW list of firms participating in Legal Vitae. Check out MY.Law Careers updated work opportunity lists on the resources page. And feel free to do your own research!

2020 was a difficult year that saw a number of pilot projects put on hold. But in 2021 UNSW Law Careers Service will reenergise a number of these pilots including work experience with top tier firms for international students, creating new internships including in the tech/ law space, and expanding opportunities for in house counsel clerkships through our partnership with the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC). Again in 2021 we will be increasing awareness of public sector roles by running the ‘A Day in the Life Of Series’ whereby students visit public sector organisations for a day to better understand what the realities and rewards of a career in the public service. Ranked 13th law school in the world, UNSW provides you with an exceptional educational foundation. We encourage you to use the MyLaw Careers Service to explore the different pathways which your law degree can take you on and to keep abreast of opportunities on the MyLaw Jobs Board.

Siobhan Ryan Legal Profession Manager Faculty of Law & Justice

9


MESSAGES FROM THE CABINET


PRESIDENTS

On behalf of the UNSW Law Society, we would like to wish you all the very best with your future careers, wherever they may lead you! Your careers will span many decades, and it is integral to acknowledge that this is just the beginning of your journey. Regardless of whether you are in your first or final year of your studies, we sincerely hope that reading this Guide, whether out of curiosity or in support of your preparation for clerkship applications, will be of great use to you. This Guide has been created to provide you with information regarding the array of opportunities available to you as you embark upon your career journeys, and to provide guidance when approaching the job application process, at both a general and organisation-specific level. We recognise that applying for roles is stressful and at times, can feel quite overwhelming. Please do seek support from your friends and family, and take time to reflect and recuperate throughout the application process; it will be an undoubtedly challenging, albeit rewarding time for you. Have faith in your capabil-

ities; perseverance and resilience are paramount, and remember that the strength of the UNSW Law Student Community is drawn from our willingness to encourage and guide one another during such times. Don’t forget that there are also a range of services available for use, including CAPS on campus, if you need someone to talk to; these exist to genuinely support our students, so don’t be afraid to make use of them. We would like to end with a heartfelt thank you to Isaac Dela Torre, our Vice-President of PLC, and the two PLC Publications Directors, William Li and Mandy Zhou, for their hard work and diligence in curating this Guide. We would also like to extend our appreciation to the Private Law Careers (PLC) Team more generally, for their efforts and time. Our very best wishes always,

Alex Zoras & Sanjay Alapakkam

11


VICE-PRESIDENT (PRIVATE LAW CAREERS) and differentiating attributes, will guide you as you decide where you want to carve out your path. For pre-penultimate students, I hope this serves as an introduction to the private law career landscape and inspires you as to the multitude of opportunities available to you. Without question, I have immense gratitude to all our sponsors for their continual support to the law society and its students. Your additions to this careers guide have allowed students to understand more about your firm’s culture and the broader private law landscape. Your generous support has given us the opportunity to run so many of our wonderful initiatives which aim to develop students personally and professionally.

Welcome to the 2021 Private Law Careers Guide! Our goal in creating this guide is to provide a comprehensive overview of the private law industry. It details some of the opportunities available to students and outlines advice and resources that will assist students applying for programs within the private law sphere. Coming out of COVID-19, we are still dealing with the ramifications the pandemic has had on the commercial landscape and how firms support their employees. It is clear that firms are bouncing back and responding to these effects in innovative ways with certain aspects of how we did business, now a distant memory. COVID will likely impact recruitment processes, with networking events, careers fairs and interviews still in a virtual space. However in this challenging time, it is important we equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills to support our students in their career goals. This guide was made to be accessible across all stages of law school. For students applying for clerkship and graduate programs, I hope that these insights on each firm’s expertise, culture, values, 12

I would like to also thank the executives of UNSW Law Society whose efforts have made this guide possible. In particular I would like to thank the Private Law Careers Publications Directors, William Li and Mandy Zhou, who have invested enormous thought, time and energy into compiling, designing and editing the careers guide this year. I extend this gratitude to the rest of the Private Law Careers team including Denny Ahn, Rory Dolan, Sarah Lu, James Trumble, Alex Wong and Madison Wu for their tireless work in facilitating this guide. Finally, I would also like to thank the student contributors who have shared their own professional experiences and insights with us. These are incredibly valuable in understanding employment and recruitment from a student perspective. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone taking the next step in their careers this year the best of luck in your endeavours. I hope that both this guide and the careers events throughout this year have given you insight into the legal industry, allowing you to make informed decisions about your future career. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavours!

Isaac Dela Torre


VICE-PRESIDENT (INTERNATIONAL) Thank you for taking the time to read this Clerkship Guide that has been collated with care by the UNSW Law Society team. Included in this guide is a section on International Careers which will provide you with an overview of career opportunities beyond the borders of Australia. It is a fact that the world is becoming more interconnected, with many businesses and governments making decisions that have a global impact. Navigating the different risks that come as a consequence to this has led to international legal career opportunities to become increasingly in demand and available. The International Careers section of this guide has the following aims: • to expose students to the career opportunities available overseas; • to facilitate a connection between students and international firms; and • to help students prepare themselves for an international career.

students to transition into a career overseas as well as immerse themselves in another country and region of interest. Each firm is different but usually take a summer and winter intake throughout the year, lasting 4 to 8 weeks each. Unfortunately, the International Law Fair was unable to take place this year due to the current conditions. However, we hope that in lieu of that, this guide provides a starting point and still encourages an interest in the international opportunities listed. For many law students, the idea of an international career may seem daunting. This guide aims to show the contrary – that an international career is indeed accessible and to help those who wish to pursue it.

Harrison Zheng

While there are similarities that the Australian legal system shares with other common law jurisdictions (e.g. Hong Kong and the United Kingdom), there are still specific requirements and procedures that are required by Australian lawyers to practice in those jurisdictions. In this guide, information about different firms and opportunities have been sourced and collated for your convenience. We have also gathered some information regarding the transitional requirements for international practice. Hopefully, this provides you with an insight into a global careers and encourages to seek out the challenges of crossborder and cross-jurisdictional work. In particular, be sure to have a read of the various vacation programs available for penultimate and final year students. These programs provide a way for

13


THE PRIV


VATE SECTOR


PRIVATE LAW LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LAW FIRMS Large commercial law firms offer a plethora of legal services across a range of practice areas to diverse client bases made up of predominantly larger corporations. Similarly, they employ students from a range of academic backgrounds outside of simply commerce-related degrees. Although large law firms commonly practice in a number of commercial law sectors such as banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and dispute resolution, they also offer numerous specialised practice sectors such as infrastructure, information technology and environmental law. For many, starting in the litigation team of a commercial law firm can begin the path to becoming a barrister and taking the bar later on. Starting off at a law firm can also provide a foundation from which you can progress to a career in-house or into any commercial, strategic, and management roles. Lawyers working in multinational law firms or firms with strong international alignments are also often afforded the opportunity to work overseas on secondments.

16

BOUTIQUE AND MID-SIZED COMMERCIAL LAW FIRMS Smaller law firms are able to specialise more in their practice areas. Working in a firm with leaner teams will mean that you are often given more responsibility earlier on in your career. With this, junior lawyers are given more client exposure than they would otherwise get in a larger law firm. Many also find that there is more room for growth and, because of their communal culture, junior lawyers have more interactions with senior lawyers and partners, making it easier to professionally develop and gain recognition.

WORKING INTERNATIONALLY Lawyers working in multinational law firms or firms with strong global partnerships are often afforded the opportunity to work overseas on secondments. In an ever globalising world, having a global perspective and international experience is essential as a new age lawyer. If you are interested in applying to work overseas, it must be noted that international law firm clerkship applications tend to closer earlier in the year. Some firms can recruit up to two years in advance!


IN-HOUSE LEGAL COUNSEL In-house lawyers are employed by corporations. Unlike lawyers in commercial law firms who work for numerous clients, in-house lawyers are only responsible for legal advice to their business. The work of an in-house lawyer is incredibly varied and one can expect to be working on a variety of matters from contract law, to dispute resolution or even business development on any given day as the firm acquires new assets, deals with regulators, or launches new products or services. Unlike lawyers in private practice, in-house lawyers can propose solutions and receive the satisfaction of witnessing the complete lifecycle from idea conception to implementation and post-launch. In-house counsel also have the opportunity to manage their company’s projects, branding, and business development, getting to deeply understand one client. The demand for in-house lawyers is continuously growing as larger corporations from various sectors ranging from pharmaceutical, construction, and multimedia are expanding to include an internal legal team. As a result, in-house lawyers currently make up around 25% of all legal practitioners in Australia. Lawyers working within in-house teams may develop specialised knowledge of the particular industry in which the business operates. In-house lawyers need to be attune to the commercial needs of the business and supplement their legal expertise with an understanding of their company’s business goals, liabilities, obligations, and assets.

17


COMMON ENTRY PAT DOMESTIC CLERKSHIPS Legal clerkships provide penultimate year law students with an opportunity to gain work experience in a commercial law firm. They are typically summer programs with the exception of some private practice firms that offer a different seasonal placement. Clerkships are a key stepping stone towards working in a large commercial law firm, as clerks are usually converted into Graduates at the end of the program. However, whilst this is a popular pathway, it is not the only one and is not a prerequisite to working in private practice.

During a clerkship, students get to experience working in a multi-disciplinary commercial law firm, giving them a taste of different practice areas and the tasks they might do as a graduate. As a clerk, students will generally perform “rotations” through approximately 2 to 3 practice areas in order to gain an idea of where their interests lie.

KEY DATES FOR 2021 DOMESTIC CLERKSHIP PROGRAMS THURSDAY 08 JUNE 2021 APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER CLERKSHIPS OPEN

SUNDAY 4 JULY AND MIDNIGHT 14 JULY APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER CLERKSHIPS CLOSE

WEDNESDAY 15 STEPTEMBER 2021 OFFERS FOR SUMMER CLERKSHIPS CAN BE MADE

THURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2021 OFFERS FOR SUMMER CLERKSHIPS MUST BE ACCEPTED OR DECLINED BY 5:00PM

18

Information regarding clerkship programs can be found on the NSW Law Society’s website here.


ATHWAYS INTERNATIONAL CLERKSHIPS

GRADUATES

International law firms also offer clerkships but applications tend to close earlier in the year. If you are interested in applying for international firms, please be aware of the respective deadlines for applications and remember that some firms can recruit up to two years in advance.

Clerkships are a good opportunity to gain insights into working in a legal firm and can set you up for a graduate role. Your first year as a graduate is often completed in conjunction with your Practical Legal Training (PLT) and obtaining your licence to practice. The clerkship application process is competitive, so see the key dates below and get started on the process! Similarly, graduate lawyers would typically also perform a number of rotations, which would then lead to specialisation within certain practice areas. Some of these include finance, real estate, intellectual property, employment, information technology, and M&A.

International clerkships provide students with the opportunity to experience foreign legal jurisdictions, as well as the intricacies of legal practice in the countries where they are based. We are unable to provide information regarding the travel restrictions of the various countries that international law firms or their offices are based in due to the developing nature of the global landscape. We highly recommend that you consult with the individual firm office regarding their overseas COVID-19 clerkship intake and travel procedures.

LATERAL HIRES Lateral hiring provides an alternate pathway into many firms. Lateral hires are usually made by firms looking to fill vacancies by recruiting practitioners who are in a similar role at another firm. It is not uncommon for larger firms to look towards in-house counsel, the public sector, and smaller firms as a source for lateral hires to bring with them a fresh perspective and diverse experience.

19


AREAS OF PRACTICE BANKING & FINANCE The Banking and Finance practice involves representing clients in the financing of large and complex transactions, either from the borrowers’ or the lenders’ side. This includes the financing of property development, projects and infrastructures, and M&A transactions. The graduate experience in a finance team is very hands-on and interesting, with many transaction-specific tasks including managing condition precedents, due diligence, drafting security documentations. It is a fast-paced practice area that allows for amazing learning opportunities!

COMPETITION AND CONSUMER LAW Competition and consumer law are linked by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Competition law aims to ensure that markets operate fairly and efficiently by encouraging competition and increasing outcomes for consumers. Consumer law also protects consumers’ rights and protects against unfair contract terms. Competition lawyers may assist clients in responding to any investigations by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), usually in the context of mergers and acquisitions.

CONSTRUCTION & INFRASTRUCTURE Construction law is literally one of the building blocks of the built environment we all live in. When you see a skyscraper go up or a new train line get laid, many hours of extensive legal drafting, advice and sometimes dispute resolution has been spent. Broadly there are two ‘types’ of work in construction law: ‘front end’ and ‘back end’. ‘Front end’ refers to the early life of a project - so the drafting, negotiation and execution of contracts to appoint contractors, designers, engineers and certifiers. ‘Back end’ often refers to disputes; so when parties do not agree on price or scope, the construction lawyers step in to resolve. 20

Unlike some practice areas, the lifetime of matters in construction law can vary vastly - whilst some projects last years (the ‘big ticket’ infrastructure work like skyscrapers and train lines), you also have more day-to-day work (such as minor renovation work). As a junior, the breadth of the type and scale of work in construction law makes it a great training ground - you can get technical drafting experience in the big matters, or run your own matters with the minor works. And with some teams also having a ‘back end’ embedded, you can also get some disputes work under your belt.

EMPLOYMENT LAW Employment law is concerned with relations between employers and employees on various matters such as wages, compensation, harassment, and discrimination. It is largely governed by the Fair Work Act 2009 and often involves collective bargaining, unions, and industrial relations. Employment lawyers may represent individual clients, government agencies, employers or a union. Modern Slavery is an additional area of practice in many firms’ employment law teams which is expanding. Modern slavery may take the form of forced labour, debt bondage, servitude, and deceptive recruiting for labour or services.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Intellectual property (IP) law involves protecting the rights of people who hold intangible assets like technology, writing, and art. These lawyers advise clients on using predominantly patents, trademarks, copyrights. and licenses to protect their work. In a disputes sense they represent clients whose intellectual property rights have been infringed upon. Front end IP teams advise on transactions to protect the IP interests of their client. This sector sees numerous high-profile cases like the Apple and Samsung disputes and is is a rapidly evolving area of practice.


LITIGATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION Litigation and Dispute Resolution are key areas of practice which seek to resolve ongoing legal conflicts. Dispute resolution attempts to resolve issues while avoiding the expense of going to court. When this fails, parties will often litigate and resolve their conflicts in court. Litigation lawyers must document evidence and provide relevant sections to the other party. They inform their clients of defences the other party may try to use as well as potential pitfalls. They also assist the client in selecting the right barrister and work with them to create the strongest legal argument. Litigation lawyers are responsible for finding an acceptable solution and potentially negotiating a settlement with the other party.

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS Companies and corporate entities are typically driven towards maximising profits and will often merge with or acquire other companies to do so. By combining their business activities the two companies may be able to operate more efficiently than they can on their own; acquiring a company may help the merging company grow faster or the object may simply be to eliminate competition in the market. As an M&A lawyer, your job will be to facilitate this transaction by: • negotiating the key commercial points of the transaction to determine what the deal will look like and what both parties want to get out of it; • performing due diligence for example checking that there are no surprises or issues that may be fatal to the transaction, such as a pending litigation); • drafting the transaction documents including determining what the structure of the new merged entity will look like and how it affects each side’s respective shareholders; and • setting out the operational details for how the transition will take place, e.g. merging technology systems and databases.

To be a good M&A lawyer, you need to have a solid grasp of the law as well as a a strong understanding of the client’s commercial goals and motivations for the transaction and how you can achieve the client’s business goals. Excellent project management skills are also required to coordinate the different processes that are happening (especially with transactions that occur across borders and may require lawyers from different countries and timezones). Junior lawyers and graduates can be involved at any stage in the process! Since M&A transactions are often fast moving, junior lawyers often have the opportunity to work on different aspects of the transaction and learn new commercial and legal skills. M&A lawyers develop broad and highly valuable skillsets because the work requires them to not only be legally competent but commercially savvy.

TAXATION LAW Taxation law is a specialised area where lawyers are concerned with helping clients navigate complex tax codes and minimise tax risks. There are numerous forms of taxation including income tax, capital gains tax, customs duties and inheritance tax. Tax lawyers need to conduct extensive research, identifying all legislation that concerns a specific transaction. Whilst a taxation lawyer primarily spends their time in office, they may also be engaged in off-site meetings or meet with barristers representing clients in litigation.

21


QUALIFYING TO


PRACTICE (NSW)


PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING (PLT)

GRADUATE

Must undertake PLT coursework from approved providers (including UNSW) which trains you in a wide range of practical skills, including problem solving, civil litigation practice, and ethics and professional responsibility.

Complete a Bachelor of Law (LLB), or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

PRACTISING CERTIFICATE At the end of the reading period, readers must apply for an unconditional practicing certificate when the Bar Association has received a Satisfactory Completion of Reading form from their tutors.

READING PROGRAMS

After passing the bar exams, a per complete a reading program, invo of ‘reading’ for at least 12 months supervision of a barrister with not years’ standing.

ADMISSION AS A BARRISTER After passing the bar exams, a person must complete a reading program, involving a period of ‘reading’ for at least 12 months under the supervision of a barrister with not less than 7 years’ standing. The program also includes a month-long Bar Practice Course, which involves the study of advanced advocacy and barrister-related skills.

24

The program also includes a mont Practice Course, which involves th advanced advocacy and barrister-

BAR EXAM

After being a Court, a pers three Bar exa evidence’ and commercing


rson must olving a period under the t less than 7

NSW ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS PRACTISING CERTIFICATE Prior to admission, the Legal Professional Admission Board (LPAB) provides a list of proposed admittees to the Law Society of New South Wales who will send you an application form for a Practicing Certificate. You will need to submit the form alongside a payment to the Law Society Registry by the specified date.

ADMISSION AS A LAWYER After meeting the eligibility and suitability requirements for admission, you must submit an application for admission to the Supreme Court of NSW via the LPAB, unless you have already been admitted in another Australian jurisdiction. This is a one time only applicatiion. Eligibility for admission: • Aged 18 years of age or over; and • is not already admitted to the Australian legal profession; and • has attained the specified academic qualifications prerequisite, and • has satisfactorily completed the specified practical legal training (PLT) prerequisite, and • is a ‘fit and proper person; to be admitted to the Australian legal profession (see reg 10 Legal Profession Uniform Rules 2015), and • takes an oath of office, or makes an affirmation of office, in the form required by the Supreme Court.

th-long Bar he study of -related skills.

MS

BECOMING A BARRISTER Barristers are lawyers who provide specialist services and advocacy to represent clients before courts and tribunals. Barristers work on their own and are not permitted to work in partnerships or in corporations. They are usually briefed by a solicitor before commencing work.

admitted as a lawyer by an Australian Supreme son must then obtain a 75 pass mark for all ams, including ‘Ethics for barristers’, ‘Aspects of d ‘Practice and procedure for barristers’, before the Bar Practice Course. 25


INTERNATIONAL ADMIS


SSION REQUIREMENTS


CHINA To become a practicing attorney in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) you must have: • • • • •

PRC, Taiwan, or Hong Kong/Macau citizenship; Completed an undergraduate degree in any field; Passed the National Judicial Examination; Completed a one-year internship in a law firm; and Proof of recruitment by a law firm.

THE NATIONAL JUDICIAL EXAMINATION The National Judicial Examination is administered by the Ministry of Justice. It is a unified legal examination and unlike judicial examinations of most other countries, candidates sit the 17 subjects at the same time. Usually, the exam is scheduled for a weekend in September. The Examination is a closed book exam mainly designed to test the legal knowledge of the candidates and their suitability to join the legal profession. Questions are divided into four categories: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Theoretical legal science Applied legal science Provisions in current laws Legal practice and ethics

HONG KONG/MACAO RESIDENTS Since 2004, the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), has allowed permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau, with Chinese nationality, to take the National Judicial Examination and register to practice on the mainland. The practice areas are limited to nonlitigation issues and litigations in marriage and succession relating to Hong Kong and Macau.

28

However, a Hong Kong or Macau permanent resident who is a practicing barrister or solicitor in their respective jurisdictions, can be hired as ‘of counsel’ in a mainland law firm to provide legal advice relating to practice in Hong Kong, Macau or other foreign jurisdictions.

NON-CHINESE CITIZENS Foreign lawyers cannot provide legal services in person in the PRC. Foreign lawyers cannot represent clients in court unless they obtain LLM or other graduate degrees and pass the Chinese bar exam. Likewise, Chinese lawyers may work in foreign firms operating in China, but may only work as assistants due to restrictions on foreign law firms. Foreign law firms are able to establish representative offices and can: • Provide legal advice concerning the legislation in its admitted jurisdiction and the application of international treaties and practices; and • Represent clients from their admitted jurisdiction in transnational cases. The chief representative, the representative and the resident foreign lawyers of the firm all need to register with the All China Lawyers Association (ACLA).


HONG KONG QUALIFYING AS A SOLICITOR There are two avenues to qualifying as a solicitor in Hong Kong: as a trainee solicitor, or via the overseas lawyer route.

1. THE TRAINEE SOLICITOR ROUTE This is the easiest pathway to qualification for university graduates. To be admitted, prospective solicitors are required to complete the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) from a common law jurisdiction, the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) in Hong Kong, and a two-year training contract with a law firm. Students must complete a law degree, including the Priestly 11 units: f. Equity a. Land law b. Business Associations g. Torts c. Commercial Law h. Civil Procedure d. Criminal Law i. Evidence j. Contract e. Criminal Procedure

POSTRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LAWS (PCLL) The PCLL is a one-year full-time legal education programme provided by three universities: Hong Kong University, City University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Other than securing a training contract, the requirements for admission into the PCLL are the most challenging barriers to admission in Hong Kong. These are: • Completion of your LLB/JD before PCLL commencement • Demonstration of competence in 11 core and 3 top-up subjects • A score of at least 7 from the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test Moreover, competition for places in the PCLL programme is intense and usually based only on academic merit. A high credit or distinction average in your law degree is generally recommended.

TRAINING CONTRACTS Training contracts are special employment contracts with law firms. During the two-year period, trainee solicitors are exposed to work from at least three practice areas. Many top-tier firms send their trainees to their overseas office as part of the training programme. Internships are generally for penultimate year students and last between two weeks to a month. They are available in June, July, December, January and February, although not all firms run schemes in these months. Please note that due to trimesters, some internship dates will run through the Term 2 and Term 3 study periods. In order to complete mid-year internships running through June/ July, students will have to take Term 2 off. Interns at top-tier firms can be expected to be remunerated at the market rate and may even receive a living allowance. For Australian students, interviews for internships in Hong Kong are conducted over the phone, Skype, Zoom, Google Meets, or through the firms’ Sydney or Melbourne offices.

29


2. THE OVERSEAS LAWYER ROUTE Practising solicitors in an overseas common law jurisdiction (including Australian States) with at least three years post-admissions experience can seek admission through this route. In order to be admitted, the solicitor must sit and pass five Overseas Lawyers Qualification Examinations (four written and one oral). There are also additional certain residency requirements that must be satisfied. An overseas lawyer, pending qualification, can also be registered as a foreign lawyer with the Law Society of Hong Kong. Experience gained as a registered foreign lawyer can count towards the three years post qualification experience requirement. However, registered foreign lawyers must work from within a law firm.

VACATION WORK AND PUPILAGES / TRAINING CONTRACTS Recruitment practices vary between employers. Generally, applications made for vacation work should be submitted several months in advance and for pupillages about 1 to 2 years beforehand. Training contracts with large law firms should be sought over 2 years in advance of your desired start date, while the Department of Justice normally conducts its legal trainee recruitment shortly after the commencement of the PCLL year. Most law firms have one intake of trainee solicitors each year (in August/September) and will interview all their vacation students for training contracts. When you apply for a vacation placement depends on when you will join as a trainee solicitor.

The formal requirements are: 1. Have at least three years of post-admissions experience 2. Be a person of good standing in the jurisdiction of admission 3. Pass the Overseas Lawyers Qualifications Examinations as well as either; a. Lived in Hong Kong for 3 months prior to application; or b. Be a resident of Hong Kong for at least 3 years; or c. Be in Hong Kong for at least 180 days in each of the last 7 years.

QUALIFYING AS A BARRISTER The pathways to admission as a barrister are largely similar to that of a solicitor. Prospective barristers in Hong Kong can either seek ad hoc admission, if they have been admitted overseas or general admission after completion of the PCLL. For those who elect to take the PCLL, certain electives must be taken within the PCLL programme and you should check with the relevant Hong Kong universities. Instead of a training contract, a pupillage is required. General admission is also available to practising solicitors in Hong Kong or overseas practising lawyers, provided they have completed a pupillage. For more information regarding admission requirements, it is strongly recommended that those interested in qualifying as a barrister in Hong Kong visit the website of the Hong Kong Bar Association at http://www. hkba.org/.

30


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PCLL AND HONG KONG CONVERSION EXAMS WHAT IS IT? The Hong Kong Conversion Examinations are preparatory exams for non-Hong Kong students to meet requirements for admission to Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) in Hong Kong. Entry requirements for PCLL require demonstration of competence in 11 core subjects: Australian students with non- Hong Kong law qualifications must also demonstrate competence in three top-up subjects for the purpose of PCLL admission, namely: 1. Hong Kong Constitutional Law; 2. Hong Kong Legal System; and 3. Hong Kong Land Law. HOW DO I GET EXEMPTIONS FOR THE 11 CORE SUBJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN ALREADY COMPLETE OR WILL BE COMPLETED AT A UNIVERSITY OVERSEAS?

WHAT IF MY LAW DEGREE DOES NOT INVOLVE A COURSE LISTED ABOVE OR IF I DO NOT GET AN EXEMPTION? You must satisfy all 14 subjects before you begin the PCLL programme, which is a necessary step to qualifying as a solicitor in Hong Kong. If your law degree does not require you to complete certain subjects listed above or PCEA does not grant you an exemption, you must sit the Conversion examinations. These are administered by PCEA and obtaining a pass in these examinations demonstrates ‘competence’ in the relevant subject. Another way of demonstrating competence is to complete the relevant subjects as a visiting ‘internal’ student at either the University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, or the Chinese University of Hong Kong. WHEN ARE CONVERSION EXAMINATIONS OFFERED?

To apply for exemption from any Conversion Examination(s), students must submit an application for Evaluation to the Conversion Examinations Board.

Conversion exams are usually offered in January and in June/July. Students should check the PCLL Conversion Examination website www.pcea.com.hk for specific dates.

DO ANY OF MY UNSW COURSES EXEMPT ME FROM ANY OF THE PCLL EXAMS?

HOW LONG DOES THE PCLL COURSE TAKE?

The UNSW LLB/JD programme, when completed, will exempt you from at least 10 of the 11 core subjects required for the PCLL conversion exams. You will need to complete the 3 top up subjects and commercial law (you may be exempt from a part of the exam if you take commercial law as an elective). For more information please visit www.pcea.com.hk

The Postgraduate Certification in Laws (PCLL) can be completed in 1 year full time or 2 years part time study. DO I NEED TO HAVE ANY CHINESE LANGUAGE SKILLS? Having Chinese language skills is definitely an advantage. Whether it is a requirement will depend on the firm itself. If you do not have the prerequisite Chinese language skills, it is important that you are able to demonstrate that you are willing to learn as it is becoming a stronger focus.

31


UNITED KINGDOM THE STEPS If you have a law degree from an overseas institution, you can apply to the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (SRA) for a Certificate of Academic Standing. This will qualify you to apply for entry into the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) (if you want to become a solicitor) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) (if you want to be a barrister).

ADMISSION AS A SOLICITOR

SOLICITORS QUALIFYING EXAM

You must be willing to undertake further training and study if you wish to become an accredited solicitor in the UK. As a law graduate, training will take at least three years. This includes studying for and passing further exams beyond law school. The Solicitors Regulation Board oversees the requirements of becoming a solicitor, known in the UK as being admitted to the roll of solicitors.

Overseas law degrees are not recognised by the SRA as qualifying law degrees (nor are most LLMs completed in the UK). If you have a law degree from an overseas institution, you can in some circumstances apply to the SRA for Equivalent Means, which can grant exemption from qualification and training requirements such as the LPC, Common Professional Examination (CPE) and Period of Recognised Training (PRT).

As a law graduate, there are four components to being admitted to the roll of solicitors in the UK: • A Law Degree (LLB or JD) – including successful completion of Contract, Restitution, Torts, Criminal Law, Equity and Trusts, Property Law, Public Law, Constitutional Law, and Administrative Law; • Legal Practice Course (LPC) (1 year) – similar to Australia’s College of Law; • Practice-based training contract incorporating Professional Skills Course (2 years full time); and • Admission to the roll of solicitors As an overseas applicant, there is an alternative pathway to becoming an accredited solicitor that avoids the difficulties of using Australian University law courses to satisfy UK requirements (for example, European Union Law, one of the requirements, is not taught here at UNSW). This involves becoming accredited in Australia through the College of Law, applying for a Certificate of Eligibility from the UK’s Solicitors Regulation Authority, applying for the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme, and thus becoming a qualified lawyer in England and Wales. 32

Bear in mind that from September 2021 everyone wishing to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, including overseas candidates, will be required to take the new SQE instead of the QLTS. You will need to show that your non-UK qualification is equivalent to either a UK degree or equivalent UK qualification through a UK NARIC Statement of Comparability, and complete the two-year period of qualifying work experience like all other domestic candidates who pursue the SQE route. The work experience can be obtained in England and Wales or overseas.

THE TRAINING CONTRACT You must complete training with a law firm for two years. Most training contracts are taken on a fulltime basis and last two years.


ADMISSION AS A BARRISTER The first step to becoming a barrister in the UK is to satisfy the academic requirements. This means a law degree (LLB or JD) followed by a Graduate Diploma in Law. Questions of transfer eligibility of Australian degrees to satisfy LLB/ JD requirements should be directed to the Barrister Standards Board (BSB). While LLB/ JD and GDL are prerequisites for moving onto the vocational stage, it however does not guarantee admission. The second stage of training to become a barrister is the vocational stage. This takes the form of the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), which can either be taken over one-year full time or two years part time; the latter of which allows time for students to carry out paid work and gain useful legal experience. Prospective barristers must also pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test: https://www. barprofessionaltraining.org.uk/s4/oa/candidates/ start.asp The final stage of training to become a barrister is a one-year pupillage. This is usually undertaken in a set of barristers’ chambers, although it can also be undertaken with certain other organisations. Being a pupil is similar to being an apprentice where you will gain practical training under the supervision of an experienced barrister or barristers. At the end of the year you will be a fully qualified barrister. Pupillage is divided into two parts: the “first six” which is a non-practising six months and the “second six” which is a practising six months. During the first six, pupils generally shadow their pupil supervisor, do legal research, draft opinions and other court documents, read their pupil supervisor’s paperwork and observe him or her in conferences and in court. During the second six, pupils can take on some work of their own, under supervision. For more information visit this website: http://www. barcouncil.org.uk/becoming-abarrister/ how-to-become-abarrister/

BAR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING COURSE You must complete the Bar Professional Training Course in order to be admitted as a barrister. The full-time course lasts for a year, while the part-time option is spread over two.

FURTHER INFORMATION Chambers Students UK This website is for anyone considering a law career in the UK. There are thousands of interviews with trainees, pupils and market sources, as well as interesting and informative articles. There is also a newsletter which you can sign up to for free. http:// www.chambersstudent.co.uk/ The Law Society of the UK The Law Society of the UK also offers support for those working towards becoming a qualified solicitor or other legal professional in the United Kingdom. http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/ Solicitors Regulation Authority To find out more about becoming a qualified solicitor in the United Kingdom, please contact the Solicitors Regulation Authority, which oversees the requirements for admissions. http://www.sra.org.uk/

33


UNITED STATES OF AME Whilst there is a large legal market in the US, to practice law in the US, all lawyers both foreign and domestic must be admitted to the bar association for the state they wish to practice in. Each US state establishes its own rules for bar admission.

NEW YORK

CALIFORNIA

New York has traditionally been the most receptive state to lawyers who have qualified in Australia and is home to one of the nation’s most attractive legal markets. Unlike many other states, New York does not require a law degree from a school accredited by the American Bar Association.

California is also quite a receptive state, but in a more narrow sense. Australian lawyers who move to California tend to practice in areas such as project financing, intellectual property, and technology.

To qualify to practice in New York: 1. Applicants must have a “qualifying” law degree that satisfies the educational requirements to practice law in a foreign country. 2. The qualifying degree must be from a law school accredited by the government of the foreign country and must be deemed qualified and approved. 3. The applicant must have successfully completed a legal program of equivalent length to the Juris Doctor legal education provided by American Bar Association (ABA) Legal education in the US is traditionally a full-time, three-year course of study - foreign lawyers, accordingly need similar credentials. 4. Similarly, the program and course of study successfully completed by the applicant must be substantially equivalent to that of the Common Law education provided by an ABA-approved law school in the United States. New York is common for lawyers who practice in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and banking and finance.

34

If an applicant wants to practice law in California as a foreign-educated applicant not admitted to practice law in any United States jurisdiction they must: 1. a) Obtain from a credential evaluation service approved by the Committee of Bar Examiners a certificate that the applicant’s first degree in law is substantially equivalent to a Juris Doctor degree awarded by a law school approved by the American Bar Association or accredited by the Committee or; b) Obtain from a credential evaluation service approved by the committee a certificate that the applicant’s first degree in law meets the educational requirements for admission to practice law in the foreign state or country in which it was obtained. 2. They must also show that they have successfully completed a year of law study at an ABAapproved law school or a law school accredited by the committee. Law students in this category seeking to qualify to take the California Bar Examination must provide the following to the State Bar’s Office of Admissions in Los Angeles: 1. A completed “Registration as a Foreign Educated General Applicant” form with the required registration fee of $119. 2. An evaluated law degree equivalency report and a “Foreign Law Study Evaluation Summary” form, which must be completed by a credential


ERICA evaluation agency approved by the Committee. A detailed course by course evaluation report is required.

WASHINGTON DC

Please note that the information provided above is by no means definitive, and is meant to merely provide general background information. We advise students to do their own research on US admission requirements.

Washington DC is another possible location, but it is harder for Australian qualified lawyers to break into practice in this area because the Washington legal market has a significant US government focus. Those interested in working here are advised to enter through New York and then move after gaining US experience and a US Bar qualification or Masters.

Below are a list of useful resources and links:

These are currently the only three US jurisdictions in which Australian lawyers can work. This is because in the US, being admitted to a state Bar only permits the barrister to practice in one state - i.e. being admitted to the New York Bar only permits the individual to practice in the state of New York.

CALIFORNIA BAR WEBSITE http://www.calbar.ca.gov/

Only these three Bars do not require certain units of study which can only be taken in the US. US firms do not usually recruit out of Australia at graduate level as they traditionally take their first year lawyers from the US university JD programs.

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION http://www.americanbar.org/ AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL LAW http://www.asil.org/

NEW YORK BAR WEBSITE https://www.nysba.org/ UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS http://www.utexas.edu/law/career/LLM_ Licensure. pdf/

It is important to note the practice areas within firms that are able to be translated across borders. The lateral hire move is usually around the two to four year level. Many Australian lawyers who move over to the US also practice Australian law for clients with a US presence. Most US firms do not require Australian lawyers to already have US Bar qualifications. However, they will require Australian lawyers to sit the Bar Exams within 12 months to become fully qualified US attorneys.US firms will generally provide assistance in the preparation for Bar Exams. This includes giving lawyers study leave as the pass mark is 75%. 35


SINGAPORE Singapore is a common law jurisdiction but the legal profession is fused, meaning that lawyers can act as both a solicitor and a barrister. To qualify as a lawyer in Singapore, one must fulfil the requirements of being a ‘qualified person’ and then sit the Singapore Bar Examinations, which is divided into Part A (for overseas graduates) and Part B (a five month practical course).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applicants must: • Have attained the age of 21 years; • Be of good character; • Have satisfactorily served the practice training period applicable to you;

• Have attended and satisfactorily completed such courses of instruction as the Board of Directors of the Singapore Institute of Legal Education (SILE) may prescribe; and • Have passed such examinations as the Board of Directors of the Institute SILE may prescribe.

QUALIFYING TO PRACTICE Under Rule 9 (1) of the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules, you are a “qualified person” if you fulfil ALL the following requirements: (a) That person is a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore; (b) That institution of higher learning is an institution of higher learning in Australia or New Zealand specified in the First Schedule; (c) That degree is a degree of Bachelor of Laws or degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence specified for that institution of higher learning in the First Schedule; (d) that person — i) commenced reading on or after 1 January 1994 a course of study as a candidate for that degree, if that degree is a degree of Bachelor of Laws; or ii) is conferred that degree on or after 1 December 2017, if that degree is a degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence;

36

(e) that person has been ranked by that institution of higher learning as being amongst: i) the highest 70%, in terms of academic performance, of the total number of graduates in the same batch who have been conferred the degree or degrees of Bachelor of Laws specified in the First Schedule in respect of that institution of higher learning; or ii) the highest 70%, in terms of academic performance, of the total number of graduates in the same batch who have been conferred the degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence specified in the First Schedule in respect of that institution of higher learning (f ) that person has passed Part A of the Singapore Bar Examinations; and (g) after that person has passed the final examination for that degree, for a period of not less than 6 months within a continuous period of 8 months, that person has received relevant legal training, has been engaged in relevant legal practice or work, or has received relevant legal training and been engaged in relevant legal practice or work.


ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO LEGAL PRACTICE IN SINGAPORE

THE SINGAPORE BAR EXAMINATIONS

Practicing as a Foreign Lawyer Individuals who are admitted to practice in another jurisdiction can apply to the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ Legal Profession (International Services) Secretariat to work as a ‘Foreign Lawyer’ in Singapore under Part IXA of the Legal Profession Act. Applicants will not need to take any courses or examinations.

PART A

FOREIGN PRACTITIONER EXAMINATIONS The Singapore Institute of Legal Education (SILE) conducts the Foreign Practitioner Examinations (FPE). Lawyers admitted to practice in other jurisdictions who pass the FPE can apply for a Foreign Practitioner Certificate from the AttorneyGeneral. This certificate permits them to practice in limited areas of Singapore law. Areas permitted include intellectual property law, banking and finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Foreign lawyers must have at least three years of relevant legal experience (either in Singapore or overseas) before they can apply to sit for the FPE. For more information, please visit: http://www.sile.edu. sg/ eligibility-to-register-to-sit-for-the-fpe

Part A is a conversion examination for eligible overseas graduates from overseas universities. These examinations are held in November each year and applicants are able to take Part A even if they have not fulfilled all the “qualified person” requirements graduates.

PART B A compulsory 5-month practical law course and examination for both local and overseas graduates.

Practicing as In-House Counsel Individuals may be able to practice as in-house counsel at an organisation in Singapore. Please visit the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association website for more information: www.scca.org.sg

37


APPLICATION PROCESS

2. ONLINE APPLICATION

1. MEET FIRMS Meet firms are various events run by the firms themselves or by UNSW Law Society and find out more about who they are, what they do and what their culture is like.

Firms may require a resume, cover letter, firm specific questions, transcript, psychometric testing, video interview.

GENERAL TIPS 1. Firms seek well-rounded individuals with a diverse set of experiences. While academics are certainly pivotal, they are balanced against extracurricular activities and work experience. University offers the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities through societies, competitions or local community initatives. Firms regard unique qualities and experiences that can distinguish the applicant particularly valuable.

8. OFFER Firms will often call successful applicants with an offer.

38

2. Having prior legal work experience suc as a legal secretary, paralegal, or volunt a community legal centre is advantageo applying for clerkships. However, firms non-legal work such as customer servic

7. SECOND ROUND INTERVIEWS Final round interviews are typically with partners in practice groups you have indicated an interest in.


3. INFORMATION EVENTS

4. FIRST ROUND INTERVIEWS

Once you’ve passed the application stage, firms typically host an event to tell you more about their firm including diversity initiatives, key practice areas or international opportunities.

These are usually with HR and senior lawyers, typically a mix of behavioural and motivational questions.

S

ch as working teering at ous when s also value ce and retail.

3. Clerkships are intended to provide students with practical involvement in corporate law and certain practice areas within that field. It is not necessary to have prior extensive and diversified legal experience, but some form of legal experience could be considered useful.

6. COFFEE CHATS

5. COCKTAIL EVENING

Some firms will also put you in touch with lawyers in practice groups you are interested in for you to find out more about the work they do and see if you fit within the culture of the firm.

Firms will often host a cocktail evening for you to meet more of their lawyers across all practice groups over drinks. 39


COVER LETTERS The cover letter is the first component of your application read by a prospective employer. You want it to be a short blurb about yourself that is enticing, interesting, and makes them want to meet you. In order to stand out, a candidate should exhibit their most impressive and relevant experiences on their cover letter. Your goal is to take your own experiences and tie them together in a way that meets the organisation’s aims and addresses the qualities of their ideal employee. WHAT THE COVER LETTER AIMS TO DO There is no one right way to structure the cover letter. However it should exhibit your skills, knowledge, and experiences in a way that demonstrates your competencies and how they might be relevant for the role.There are three key questions on the employer’s mind as they reading your cover letter: 1. Can you do the job? Your cover letter should flaunt your skills, knowledge, and experiences in a way that demonstrates your competencies and how they might be relevant for the role. 2. Will you do the job? You should also treat your cover letter as an opportunity to show you are dedicated, interested in the work itself and have the right mindset to succeed in the role and the organisation as a whole. 3. Will you fit in? Take some words to describe how you will fit into the organisation’s culture. Throughout the cover letter you want to weave your values and goals into you experiences, demonstrating how these align with those of the firm.

40

COHERENT AND WELL WRITTEN RESPONSE Remember, this is a display of written communication skills, demonstrating your capacity to write persuasively, succinctly and make clear points in correspondence. a) Clarity of expression Make sure your sentences and paragraphs flow logically to demonstrate your qualities. The language you use should be incisive. Flamboyant language should only be used if it is the most appropriate choice. Remember you only have one to two pages and the employer should not have to dig for information. Use clean, minimalist formatting that is easy to read and follow. b) Target your information to the employer Conduct research about the organisation you’re applying to and cite your most relevant experience e.g. commercial experience should be preferenced in an application to a commercial organisation. c) Target your communication to your audience Make sure the language and experiences in your cover letter are appropriate and relevant. Use the selection criteria to help you address this point. d) Attention to detail Ensure there are no typos and that the information is correct; one typo can reduce your chances significantly as this is a highly competitive process. Read it aloud yourself to catch small mistakes, or ask a parent or friend to read over it. e) Address the selection criteria and requirements This is essentially the marking criteria. Just as for an assignment, make sure you are answering and addressing these elements.


HOW DO I CONSTRUCT MY COVER LETTER? 1. Reflect Before you start writing your cover letter, evaluate your past few years of law school. Think about some achievements you are particularly proud of and skills you have that may be transferable to the position you are applying for, specifically at the organisation(s) you have chose to apply to. Jot these ideas down in a list or a mind map. Alternatively, if you have an updated CV at hand, this will be a useful tool. This process is a good check for yourself 2. Research A cover letter can also demonstrate your research A cover letter can also demonstrate your research and analytical skills. Employers will be assessing how well you have researched the firm and the position, so if you’ve done this you’ll have an edge. Avoid relying solely on the information on their website, go the extra mile and look for other sources like newspapers. Because employers know that anyone can find their website, small efforts (such as looking at their major clients and meeting representatives at events) might give you the advantage. 3. Get Writing See the sample for more ideas.

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY COVER LETTER? (a) Layout Cover letters should begin with your name in the upper right-hand corner, followed by your address, contact phone number, and email address. Next, insert the date on the left-hand side, followed by the name of the contact person, their position within the organisation, the name of the organisation, and the address of the organisation. Always double check the organisation and HR’s name you are addressing the letter to! Begin the letter with Dear [name of the contact person], as it is best to avoid ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘To Whom it May Concern’. These suggest that you have not bothered to ascertain the name of the relevant person. For graduate programs you can use ‘Dear Head of Recruitment’, but always try to find the name of the HR representative. In the heading, state the name of the position for which you are applying for.

(b) Paragraphs Opening Paragraph Spark the employer’s itnerest Why are you attracted to: • This position? and/or; • this particular organisation? and/or; • the particular service line? Demonstrate your research into the organisation and knowledge of the governance structure. Middle Paragraphs Demonstrate ‘fit’ • Why you? • Focus on their top 3-5 skills & attributes. • Provide SPECIFIC examples as evidence. • Stress relevant acccomplishments. Closing Paragraph Ask for interview • Summarise what you offer them and your aspirations for the future (after you graduate) • Be positive in your expectations. • Thank them

TIPS 1. Only use the sample cover letter as an inspiration and do not copy it as may will access this guide. 2. Your cover letter should be incredibly tailored to the strengths and values of the firm you are applying for. If you can swap the name of the firm out for another firm and it still makes sense, then it is not specific enough to the firm and unlikely to convey your interest in them. 3. Have a distinctive style and a logically flowing cover letter. This will attract the employer’s attention, making them want to read your resume and meet you. Highlight your unique selling point whether it is speaking a second language or excellent mooting skills. 4. Show, don’t tell. Steer clear from simply stating that you have ‘good communication skills’ or are a ‘diligent’ person. Instead, show you have these qualities through examples of experiences. 5. Make sure you mention why you would be an asset for the firm and what you can do for them. 6. Use resources such as UNSW Careers & Employment to check your cover letter and resume in detail 7. Don’t be afraid to mention events where you met firm representatives, drawing on specific aspects of the firm you heard or talked about. 8. Use the full firm name, no abbreviations! 41


SAMPLE COVER LETTER

42


UNSW MICHAEL CROUCH INNOVATION CENTRE


SAMPLE CV

44


45


CVMAIL OVERVIEW

APPLICATION TIMING

CVMail is a centralised law student portal run by Thomson Reuters. It provides information about the legal industry and enables law students to apply and schedule interviews online. Most law firms use CVMail for summer clerkship applications, but ensure that you check with each firm first.

1. As CVMail can only store a work-in-progress application form, you can only work on one application at a time; 2. Partially completed applications can be saved, allowing you to continue at a later time; 3. When completing the application form, CVMail only allows you 90 minutes to answer the questions and fill in your details before it automatically logs out; 4. You should apply as early as possible, as CVMail has been known to crash and succumb to internet traffic close to the application deadline. Be prudent and make sure it is completed days before it is due. 5. Before you submit your application, make sure that you have saved a backup copy of your responses to your computer; 6. Once you have submitted your application, you are given a unique receipt number and are sent an automated email confirming that your submission has been successful.

HOW TO USE CVMAIL 1. Go to www.cvmail.com.au; 2. Click ‘register’ at the very top-left-hand corner of the page, and enter your details; 3. You will then be asked to complete your ‘Personal Profile’, which includes contact details 4. Return to ‘Application Manager’; and complete your academic profile, which records your degree, subject and mark details.

HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION 1. The ‘Application Manager’ displays which firms are taking applications. Click the ‘seasonal’ tab for the summer clerkship and ‘NSW’ for law firms in this state; 2. At the top of the list of firm names, you will see ‘Practice Firm’. This allows you to fill in a mock application in order to familiarise yourself with the process; 3. You can also click ‘Resources’ towards the top of the page to access a range of useful material about each law firm; 4. When the applications are open, CVMail will walk you through the process of entering your details; 5. Depending on the firm, there may be a number of interview-style application questions to answer. It is recommended that you prepare answers to these in a word processor, and then copy/paste them into CVMail; 6. This same method can be used to insert your cover letter; 7. Your CV can be attached to your application by uploading the relevant file from your computer. 46

MY CVMAIL This section of the website allows you to view submitted applications, correspond with law firms regarding your applications, and schedule interviews once the firms have contacted you.


THE SELECTION CRITERIA OVERVIEW Using the selection criteria will help ensure you have met all of the employer’s key requirements. The selection criteria are a list of the essential and desirable skills, attributes, experience, and education deemed necessary for a position. Selection criteria are used to help select the most capable, effective, suited, experienced, and qualified person for the job. Applicants must demonstrate and prove the ways in which they will be of value for the job and the organisation. An application may not be shortlisted if it fails to establish how the applicant meets any one of the criteria. Applicants who are able to successfully and competitively demonstrate that they meet each of the selection criteria will usually be offered an interview. From the organisation’s point of view, selection criteria can help standardise the recruitment process. They serve as a guide for employees and recruiters to help look for essential and desirable requirements in applicants, which can help reduce personal and social bias in selection decisions, and to ensure that the most suitable candidate is selected.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE SELECTION CRITERIA ? In holistically considering an individual’s characteristics, law firms (and companies in the private sector as a whole) generally have a loose selection criteria they hire candidates based upon. However, they may not be as clear or followed as rigidly as selection criteria in the Public Service. Selection criteria for jobs in the private sector may be outlined in the job advertisement, or may be available from manager of the work unit or the recruitment consultant who is working to fill the position.

TIPS Clarify the selection criteria by either requesting a recruitment package, analysing the job advertisement, or speaking to the contact officer or recruitment consultant. Research the position and the organisation further. Alternatively, attend firm presentations and speak to firm representatives when they are on campus.

47


THE INTERVIEW An interview is the culmination of your research into the firm and your personal ‘sales effort’ represented by your cover letter and CV. Reaching the interview stage is an achievement in itself, as partners are willing to give up time and high billable hours to meet and get to know you.

and may take the form of a conversation. Remember this is a sliding scale and interviews may be a blend of the two, with some requisite questions asked with casual conversation in between. A top tip is to do a quick search of people’s interview experiences at the organisation or similar organisations , so you can be prepared for the interview environment you will be heading in to.

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

GENERAL INTERVIEW TIPS

Interviews can vary significantly depending on the particular organisation. You can even experience very different styles of interview between particular interviewers at the same organisation. Given that you might not be able to predict what kind of interview situation you will be walking into it is useful to be aware of the different varieties. In the instance you do know something about how the interview will run, this is a great opportunity to practice what you might say.

The first aspect of the interview which may vary is the number of interviewers. Depending on the number of interviewers, the manner in which you respond may differ. Regardless of the situation ensure you give ample eye contact to everyone in the room to demonstrate that you are comfortable holding a conversation with multiple listeners. As an example, clerkship interviews often will consist of two interviewers who may be lawyers, human resources employees or both.

OVERVIEW

The number of candidates in the room may also vary; you may be interviewing with other hopefuls for the job. In these interviews you have the opportunity to demonstrate that you are able to listen to others in the room, whilst clearly conveying your own responses. Bounce off the ideas of others in the room and try to help everyone feel included. Take initiative with your responses without being too authoritative. Remember that in this kind of situation it is important that the group achieve its assigned goal and that to stand out, one does not always have to be the leader of your group. Observers will assess your contribution to discussion, expression, reaction to others and contribution towards reaching group goal. To perform successfully you should consider your position before contributing, listen to and support others, show courtesy and tact, remain composed and keep a focus on the goal and on time limits. Another variable in the interview process is the structure of the interview itself. Some have set questions to be answered, while other interviews have no structure 48

• •

If you are asked to answer behavioural questions (e.g. “tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership”), use the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This allows you to support your answer with concrete evidence. What action did you undertake and what was the result of the action? Be yourself, be calm and try not to show your nervousness. Small talk is good to break the ice before and after the formal part of the interview. Make sure you re-read your cover letter and resume before the interview to remind yourself of what you wrote.

GENERAL INTERVIEW TIPS Know your CV and cover letter like the back of your hand! Your CV and cover letter have created a positive impression, so you now have an opportunity to reinforce this opinion. The interview should be seen as a two-way process: the firm will ask you to expand on elements of your cover letter and CV, and you will be expected to ask questions of the interviewer(s), which allows them to find out more about you and ensure you are the ideal candidate for the job.

RESEARCH As you did for the cover letter, you need to research the firm in more detail for the interview. Aside from preparing for likely interview questions, you will also be expected to have done some research into each law firm. You should research: • • •

The firm’s practice areas and particular strengths; The organisational structure, rough number of partners/lawyers/directors etc. (briefly); The name(s) of key people in the organisation. Mention this only if you have something interesting to say (e.g. admire a Partner’s leadership style);


• • • • • •

The firm/organisation’s culture, values, atmosphere (crucial and should be incorporated into your responses); The organisation’s recent work, deals, cases or transactions; Business affairs, such as a recent or intended merger; Brief understanding of the firm’s reputation; The structure, activities, number of rotations etc of the position you are applying for; and, he current issues facing the legal industry, e.g. competition from overseas firms.

Don’t forget to revise any personal knowledge or familiarity with current employees of the firm/ organisation. You may have met them at the various cocktail evenings or you may also know recent UNSW clerks or graduates. Research methods include: • • •

The firm / organisation’s website, particularly pages such as ‘Our People’, ‘Our Culture’ and those dealing with the clerkship and graduate programme. Media (Australian Financial Review (Friday legal affairs section); Lawyers Weekly) Speaking with employees of the firm/organisation at various events held in the lead-up to the interview period.

ON THE DAY What to bring

In order to feel confident and well prepared you will want to take a copy of your CV, cover letter, and the official copy of your academic transcript available from Student Central.

Presentation

You have the firm’s attention and they already value your skills and experience. The interview is your chance to continue to impress them. You need to create a positive and professional impression to give yourself the competitive edge.

Clothes

Generally, formal business attire is most appropriate. However, dressing standards might differ depending on the firm or organisation. Choose styles and colours that do not distract others or yourself. They should fit well, be in good repair and be neatly pressed.

Grooming and hair

Clean, neat and simple. Pay attention to possible details eg chipped nail polish and dirty fingernails. Make sure aftershave/perfume you wear is not overpowering.

Make a good first impression

Your relationship with the interviewers, especially your

non-verbal communication is crucial in the success of the interview. If you appear to be confident and enthusiastic from the outset, your answers are more likely to be reviewed positively.

DURING THE INTERVIEW Starting the interview confidently

The impression you create will weigh upon the tone of voice you use. Attempt to communicate positive emotions (interest, enthusiasm or confidence) rather than negative emotions (anxiety, uncertainty or boredom). Modulate your voice to maintain the attention of your interviewers and use hand gestures where appropriate to reinforce an image of confidence.

Introducing yourself

Preparing an opening line may assist you to exude an air of confidence. Use a simple phrase such as, ‘Good morning, pleased to meet you. I’m Isaac Dela Torre. Choose something you feel comfortable saying and say it instinctively. Smile and talk to, not at, the interviewer. Show the interviewer that you are glad to meet them and you are enthusiastic about the job. Remember, you do not have to use this opening - another conversation may take place - but it can be reassuring to have a backup opening line.

Building rapport

While having canned small talk on the weather or news may help ease initial nervousness, the most important aspect to building rapport is being genuine. Coming off as artificial can be just as damaging as a slight bit of awkwardness. During the interview take into account their language, body language, and consider their perspective to form your responses effectively. Subtle mirroring and responsiveness to the interviewer will help build rapport (i.e. if they lean forward, you may lean forward, or if the interviewer sits with arms on the table, you may do the same).

Body language

Maintain appropriate eye contact throughout the interview (do not stare or look away too much). Listen carefully to what the interview is telling you about the organisation and your likely role within it in order to ask informed questions in response. Use appropriate listening cues such as nodding in order to look engaged at all times.

Answering questions

Listen to the interviewer and clarify the question if you do not understand it to allow yourself to answer the question adequately. The bucket approach (i.e. throwing everything that you know about the question) will not effectively answer the quesiton. Try to relate your answers to the requirements of the position and the organisations.

49


TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Your contribution to the organisation

There are many types of interview questions, and while the underlying intent of the interviewer may be selfevident with some, for others it’s important to understand what the interviewer is trying to find out about you. Regardless of the question asked, remain calm and confident in your answer.

Introductory/background questions

These questions are designed to find out a little bit more about you. It is a chance for you to explain what you have done, your attitudes and values, and the choices you’ve made in your life. It is often a good idea to address the question in a reverse chronological order and also to start with a brief synopsis. Remember that you need to be informative without going into so much detail that you bore your interviewers. Such questions may be as follows: • Tell me about yourself. • How would you describe yourself? • What are your strengths and weaknesses? • Is there an achievement of which you are particularly proud of? What is it and why is it significant?

Objectives

With these questions, you need to demonstrate to the interviewer that you have thought about what it is that you want from working at the firm and what you hope to achieve. At the same time you need to assure them that you are flexible and would be prepared to work in a range of areas. Some example questions include: • What are your long term and short term goals and objectives? How are you preparing yourself to achieve them? • What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

Behavioural questions To address these questions apply the STAR model and consider various scenarios, such as a time you were a good leader, resolved a problem, or adjusted to a last minute change. Questions: • ‘tell us about a time you resolved a conflict’. • Give me an example in your career where you felt like giving up but managed to keep going. Career interests

Employers are often keen to find out what your major areas of interest are so that they can better assess how well you will fit into their organisation, both now as well as your potential to develop within the organisation in the future. Questions: • Why do you want to become a corporate lawyer? • What kind of positions are you interested in? • Do you have a locational preference? • What is your understanding of the current legal climate here in Australia? • Are you willing to travel or relocate? 50

• •

Why should we consider you for this position? In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company? What other skills would you like to develop in the future?

Commitment to work and to the organisation

An employer is interested in how your values are aligned with their firms. This is one area where you will shine if you have done thorough research. • What do you know about our company? • How do you keep informed professionally? • Why did you decide to seek a position with this company? Education With these questions, interviewers hope to gain more insight into your educational background. Most importantly, they are interested in the reasoning behind your decision to study the course you did and what you think you have attained from your studies. Follow-up questions include: • Why did you choose to study law? • What university subjects did you like the best and least? Why? • Do you plan to continue studying? • What part of your education do you see as being most relevant to this position? • Is your academic performance any indication of how you will do this job? • What do you like about your discipline of study? • Why did you fail/perform poorly in this subject? As for this final question, it simply demands honesty: the firm is likely to be satisfied if you can cite extracurricular commitments, employment or something similar. The benefit of such a response is that you are simultaneously outlining a strength, namely your involvement in activities outside university and your work experience. Work Experience • Do you have any vacation employment or previous experience in the legal context? • Most jobs have their frustrations and problems. Describe some that have particularly dissatisfied you. • What have been the most satisfying aspects of jobs that you have held? • What has been the value of your previous work experience? Other interests With these questions, employers are trying to gain a better understanding of you, and thereby better assess how well you are going to fit in with the company. There are no right answers to these questions, but it is important to think about how your interests and goals fit in with what the company does and how it hopes to develop in


the future. • What are your outside interests? • Who is your favourite novelist? • Do you like/dislike football? Approach to work Employers are often interested in knowing how you manage different responsibilities, particularly how you prioritise your time. They are also interested in knowing how you cope in stressful situations involving tight deadlines and large amounts of work. • How do you work under pressure? • How do you balance work priorities and those of your personal life and family? • Give me an example of when you had to work to an important deadline. What did you do to ensure that • the deadline was met? • Have you ever had to persuade people to your way of thinking? • Describe a situation when you had to explain a difficult concept to someone. Tell me about your approach. How do you know they understood? Problem solving/analytical skills • Here is a problem that we faced recently, how would you have dealt with that? • Tell me about a time when, despite careful planning, things got out of hand. Teamwork/leadership • Have you been in any situations where you have been required to perform as a part of a team? What was the situation, what part did you play in the team and what was the outcome of the exercise? • Can you describe a time when your team fell apart. What was your role in the outcome? • What kind of people do you find difficult to work with and why? • Tell me about a difficult situation when you pulled the team together. • Tell me about a time when you took leadership role of a group. • What is your style of influencing/leading people? Creativity/initiative • Have you ever been responsible for the generation of a new idea or suggestion? Describe and explain. • Tell me of a time when you generated a creative solution to a problem. Client focus • What is your definition of ‘excellent’ client service? • Tell me about a time when you went beyond the call of duty to help a client. • Describe a situation that illustrates how you • developed a positive relationship with a client.

QUESTIONS YOU MAY ASK At the end of the interview you will be given the opportunity to ask questions of your interviewer(s). This is not a mere formality, it is expected that you ask some questions, which at the very least will reflect your interest in the organisation or firm. Be judicious in your choice of questions. Asking questions with an obvious answer would reflect inadequate thought and preparation. Always prepare a list of potential questions to ask in advance. Examples of such questions include: • Why did you choose to work here? What was the ‘clincher’ in your decision? What did you find unique about this firm? • How is a work/life balance encouraged in this firm? How do you achieve this balance? • How often is feedback provided, both to summer clerks and to full-time lawyers? • What sort of induction and training do you normally offer? • What is the firm’s policy on taking leave for further study or associateships? • What long-term career opportunities are available at the firm? • What do you enjoy about your practice group? What led you to work in it? • What sort of work would I be doing in your practice group? • Are there any secondment opportunities for lawyers at this firm? • What ‘extracurricular’ activities are available for clerks? • What is your usual retention rate between summer clerks and graduate lawyers? • How many years of service does it tend to take for a lawyer to be promoted to a senior associate or partner? What other factors are relevant in such a promotion? • How do the various practice groups communicate and collaborate with each other when a matter requires it?

AFTER THE INTERVIEW Be sure to follow up and write a thank you letter to the HR from the firms you receive an offer from.

51


COMMERCIAL AWARENESS WHAT IS IT?

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER?

Commercial awareness is staying frequently informed of the happenings and developments occurring in the business world. More than simply being informed, commercial awareness means considering the potential implications of an event and how it will affect the commercial space. Regularly seeking news on prevalent deals, transactions and issues in the industry allows you to remain informed about matters of interest to the firms you will be applying for.

Knowing a significant event happened is not sufficient. You should think about why this happened, the causes, stakeholders, and implications. Do you agree with how key stakeholders manage the situation? Would you do anything differently? This is how you stay informed and ‘connect the dots’. Bear in mind too, commercial awareness is not something that can be developed overnight, as you will need to constantly build your knowledge on news and events over time

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? The corporate workplace is highly competitive and employees need to know the business that they are dealing in. This not only means being knowledgeable in the matters of their own firms but that of their clients as well. Having current knowledge about relevant industries is highly advantageous to establishing links with clients and avoiding poor business decisions.

HOW TO STAY COMMERCIALLY AWARE

52

1. Read business pages and follow the stories and trends throughout a period – connect the dots. 2. Keep an eye out for big deals occurring in the commercial world, these are not just big for the company but will definitely have consequences for the industry and beyond. The monthly UNSW Law Society Private Law Careers Commercial Awareness Update is a good source to start! 3. If you do not understand something initially, conduct further research! 4. Some interesting sources to keep a tab on include, but are not limited to: • Lawyers Weekly • Australian Lawyer • Australian Financial Review • The New York Times • Bloomberg News • Financial Times • International Financial Law Review


MENTAL WELLBEING The clerkship application period and process can be one of the most stressful times in a law student’s time at law school. But remember, clerkships are by no means the be all and end all! It is important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally during this time.

CREATE A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

REWARD YOURSELF

The key to using your time wisely is learning to prioritise tasks and get organized. Whether you procrastinate or not, when you have multiple deadlines you have to meet it can be difficult to accord time to each task. Thinking ahead when creating your schedule is your best bet. Plan out the semester ahead and take careful note of when assignments are due, along with your work obligations and other personal commitments. Always be realistic with how much time you will need to complete each task, start things early and set goals. Most importantly, communicate your schedule with your workplace, family and friends so that they are aware and can support you the best they can.

Law school is hard. Work is hard. Clerkship applications are hard. But that doesn’t mean that you should be hard on yourself! It’s a good idea to just switch off once in a while and do something you enjoy. Always make time for your family, friends, and most importantly for yourself. Stay healthy, ensure you are getting sufficient sleep, maintain a healthy diet and relieve stress through exercise. This is important, as maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help ease stress and keep you going for the semester and/ or your application period.

BUILD YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK AND USE IT It’s no secret that law students suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety. Add part or even full-time employment and a stressful application period into the mix & you may be left feeling seriously overextended. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your support network! If you are struggling, the UNSW Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offer free services to students, be it counselling, or personal skills sessions. Alternatively, swing by our well-being events at any time for some tips on coping with and managing stress (or just some free food)!

53


CLERKSHIPS AND TRIMESTERS


CLERKSHIP DATES AND 3+ Under the new UNSW3+ academic calendar, students now annually enrol in courses for each Term of the coming year from October. • Students are able to apply for a Summer Clerkship in T2, and will be notified of the outcome by early T3. • Students apply for a Summer Clerkship from early June in T2 and will be notified of the outcome in week 1 of T3 by the firms. Students will have 24 hours to accept an offer from a firm. • Students who do not receive an offer are advised that if they are enrolled in compatible clerkship courses in T3, it may be worth reconsidering whether to proceed with these courses or to change enrolment to other electives based on their interest or a wish to diversify assessment timelines across your T3 courses. Please make any changes to enrolment promptly, and obviously before the T3 census date. • Students who accept an offer but have NOT enrolled in clerkship compatible courses should enrol into a compatible course(s) immediately. During Week 1 of T3, there is some movement as students adjust enrolment based on the outcome of the clerkships process, and students are advised to watch for places at frequent intervals. • The Law Faculty advises that any student who accepts an offer can seek assistance, if needed, to enrol in a clerkship compatible course. Please contact the Faculty Careers Manager, Ms Siobhan Ryan, s.ryan@unsw.edu.au, providing your contact number on the day of acceptance. Proof of offer and current enrolment information must be provided. NOTE – the Faculty does not guarantee choice of course that is clerkship compatible.

AVOIDING OVERLAPS BETWEEN T3 ELECTIVES AND CLERKSHIPS • To maximise compatibility with Clerkship programs, UNSW Law is offering a higher than usual number of electives to UG and JD students in T3 that do not feature a formal examination (or in which such assessment is optional) that would clash with the start of Clerkships. • Additionally, a number of these electives are taught intensively and will commence in Week 2 of T3. This will enable students who need to alter their enrolment after receiving an offer to change into a course without having missed the first week of classes. • UNSW Law has reviewed current enrolment figures in T3 electives and noted that UG and JD places remain across the offerings. Further places may be opened up in some courses as required in Week 1, T3. • Students who receive an offer will be assisted, as needed, to enroll in an elective compatible with undertaking a Clerkship. However choice of course is not able to be guaranteed.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Because students will be required to prepare applications for clerkships during Term 2 rather than in the semester break that existed under the former academic calendar, the Faculty is committed to providing them with greater support so they may maintain focus on their study and still seek clerkship positions to the same extent as previously. Students should attend one of the Law & Justice Careers Services established to to help students’ best position themselves to secure a rewarding job at the end of their studies.

55


DOMESTIC LAW


W FIRM PROFILES


ALLEN & OVERY KEY DATES

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS?

08 JUNE 2021

We focus on innovative and expert legal solutions across a broad range of areas: mergers and acquisitions; private equity; capital markets; regulatory and funds; anti-trust/competition; litigation and dispute resolution; banking and finance; infrastructure and projects; energy and resources; communications, outsourcing and technology and tax.

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? It depends on business needs. We generally hire around 10 summer clerks each year.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? We aim to recruit Graduates through our Summer Clerkship Program.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Our online application form will be available on our website between 8 June and 14 July 2021. You will be required to provide your CV, current transcript and answer 10 questions (with a 50 word limit). Please do not submit a cover letter.

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? Globally we have 550 Partners and 2,400 other Lawyers. In Australia, we have 23 Partners and 82 other Lawyers.

58

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? When hiring in to Allen & Overy, we are more interested in where you are going than where you have been, and what kind of lawyer you can become is more important than your current knowledge of the law. We look for: • Mental Agility - Applies a sharp and insightful mind to work challenges. Accurately analyses information, including numerical data. • Change Agility - Thrives on change and actively instigates innovative improvement. Is passionate about learning and keen to develop skills and knowledge to enhance performance. • People Agility - Builds consistently excellent working relationships with clients and colleagues. Uses deep understanding of others, from all backgrounds, to adapt influencing style. A supportive colleague and team-player. • Solutions Agility - Highly energetic with keen focus on results. Persists to overcome obstacles. Delivers work in an efficient, effective, timely and technology-savvy way. Meets deadlines and has a fine-tuned detail and quality ‘radar’. For further information, please watch our Are we right for you? video.


WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? Joining our paid Summer Clerkship Program is a great way to experience firsthand our work and culture. During the program, you will gain real experience in our practice areas, working alongside our lawyers on real deals and cases. There will also be time to socialise with our lawyers, partners, other clerks and the graduate team during your placement. This will help build your network and broaden your understanding of the firm. As one of the world’s largest law firms, our lawyers are working in multi-jurisdictional teams on a daily basis and we expect our lawyers to have the opportunity to work overseas at some point during their career – cultural awareness, teamwork and a global mind-set are skills that are vital to your success as a lawyer at A&O.

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? We offer a range of wellbeing initiatives and benefits to our staff to address not only work/life balance but elements such as stress management, growth and development opportunities and relationships with work colleagues and line managers. These include flexible working arrangements, a variety of ‘time out’ policies, various committees (sporting, social, diversity and inclusion etc), health benefits such as flu vaccinations, skin checks and massages and our Mind Matters Programme that focuses on mental health in the workplace.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... To date, all our Sydney Summer Clerks have been offered a Graduate position. As you gain experience as a Graduate, your level of responsibility will increase. Your professional development is a continuing priority for us and we will deliver training and support in a variety of ways, including mentoring from your supervisors and department specific courses. People in every part of the firm will help you; there is a good balance between support and supervision, and being encouraged to work independently. Whatever your future holds, your A&O graduate contract will give you a platform of skills and experiences on which to build a long-term career. Many of our Graduates have had the opportunity to expand their horizons by completing a client secondment or working on a temporary or permanent basis in A&O offices in the APAC region.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? The online application is the first opportunity to stand out, so make the most of it with thorough preparation. • Understand our requirements – prepare some examples to show that you have the skills we are looking for. • Make the most of your experience – highlight what you’ve gained from your experiences, try to show your appetite for responsibility, your capacity to influence events and outcomes, and teamwork. • Be commercial – show an interest in the legal industry and what’s going on in the world and how it might affect us and our clients. • Focus on this firm - of course we expect you to apply for clerkships at other firms, but make sure you tailor your answers to demonstrate why Allen & Overy Australia is right for you. • Be accurate, clear and concise – these are fundamental writing skills of a lawyer. 59


Face up to the challenge. Put the competition behind you. Make it to the top together.

IT’S TIME.

Visit allenovery.com/careers/gradsaustralia


An Allen & Overy Summer Clerkship Experience The Summer Clerkship at Allen & Overy was a truly unforgettable experience. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, we had the opportunity to complete two practice area rotations, be involved in exciting cross-jurisdictional deals, dine at some of Sydney’s finest restaurants, all the while building meaningful relationships with our fellow clerks and colleagues. You may have heard the words, “Global reach, local depth” used to describe Allen & Overy. But rather than just being another slogan, it truly underpins what everyday life is like at A&O. We experienced this first-hand as clerks, through working with colleagues across the vast A&O network on matters for a diverse range of multinational clients. In addition to being involved in exciting cross-jurisdictional deals, we were supported by lawyers at all levels across the firm, who always took time out of their day to provide advice and guidance. We participated in a tailored induction program that not only offered us an opportunity to see how different practice groups operate, but also helped us explore the areas of law that we are interested in. Throughout our clerkship, we had the incredible opportunity to take part in various exciting challenges. For instance, we worked directly with A&O’s i2 Team based in London for a ‘legal tech’ challenge where we were responsible for finding inefficiencies within the office and resolving them through legal tech – reiterating A&O’s emphasis upon innovation. Unfortunately, despite A&O’s clerks typically spending a week in one of A&O’s many APAC offices, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic kept us grounded in Sydney. Yet, we were given numerous opportunities to network with and get to know our assigned APAC buddies and other colleagues in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo, allowing us to experience A&O’s truly global network of preeminent lawyers. The emphasis the firm places on community services & pro-bono work was immediately clear to us when we were provided the opportunity to work on a complicated pro-bono

matter out of the firm’s London office. Working on a matter about to be brought before the highest court in the United Kingdom was an unforgettable experience for us all. The importance of giving back to the community was clear from the opportunity the clerks had in organising a firm-wide charity to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. These opportunities revealed that A&O isn’t your typical corporate law firm – it’s a firm that truly cares about the broader interests of society too. Undoubtedly, the highlight of our clerkship experience was meeting and bonding with all the other clerks. Having the opportunity to build relationships with a group of kind-hearted and like-minded people made this summer an unforgettable experience. By the end of the clerkship, we had explored Sydney together, made many great connections worldwide, worked on a range of exciting and unique matters, and ate at some of the best restaurants Sydney has to offer (from team lunches at Yum Cha, to dinner at Bennelong!). We all thoroughly encourage you to apply for A&O’s 2021/22 Summer Clerkship – it’s truly the opportunity of a lifetime.

A career in Law Find out more at: allenovery.com/ careers/gradsaustralia Follow the conversation: LinkedIn

Allen & Overy means Allen & Overy LLP and/or its affiliated undertakings. Allen & Overy LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC306763. Allen & Overy (Holdings) Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 07462870. Allen & Overy LLP and Allen & Overy (Holdings) Limited are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales. The term partner is used to refer to a member of Allen & Overy LLP or a director of Allen & Overy (Holdings) Limited or, in either case, an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications or an individual with equivalent status in one of Allen & Overy LLP’s affiliated undertakings. A list of the members of Allen & Overy LLP and of the non-members who are designated as partners, and a list of the directors of Allen & Overy (Holdings) Limited, is open to inspection at our registered office at One Bishops Square, London E1 6AD. This document is for general guidance only and does not constitute advice. ROW

© Allen & Overy LLP 2021 | CS2103_CDD-63684


IT’S TIME | SYDNEY

It’s time… As an Allen & Overy Summer Clerk, you will be a part of a team which prides itself in working on top tier Australian and international deals and cases. What we can offer you During your ten week placement at Allen & Overy, you will participate in real transactions from beginning to end as well as specifically designed exercises that provide a valuable insight into the role of an Allen & Overy lawyer. Bespoke training is provided by some of our leading lawyers in Australia including access to international training sessions too. In addition to gaining experience in two of our practice areas in the Sydney office, our previous summer clerks have been able to spend time in one of our Asia Pacific offices during the program. This experience will give you a greater understanding of our global network and a taste of future opportunities at Allen & Overy. As your career progresses with Allen & Overy, you will be given a range of choices to develop your experiences, such as taking up the opportunity to spend time working in another office, whether that’s a rotation as a junior lawyer, a longer term secondment or a permanent transfer. Top tier Australian and international work From the moment you join the firm, you’ll be involved in helping our clients to protect and grow their assets. You will get involved in cross-border deals including inbound investment by international clients and outbound investment by Australian clients; international disputes and

© Allen & Overy LLP 2021

regulatory reviews; project financing for projects both in Australia and around the world; and international bond programs. Clients increasingly expect global service providers and Allen & Overy is currently one of the only firms in Australia able to provide a fully integrated domestic, regional and global offering. Our four core practice groups provide a full suite of corporate, finance (debt and equity), international capital markets and litigation services. Within these Groups, the practice areas are diverse, including Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Projects, Structured Products, International and Capital Markets, Funds, Asset Finance, Competition, Tax, Litigation and International Arbitration. What we are looking for Our shared culture and the values inspire the way we work and behave: instinctively thoughtful, collectively ambitious, insightfully inventive and refreshingly open. There is no typical Allen & Overy lawyer. We realise each person has their unique skills and qualities. In addition to excellent academic results, we seek penultimate year students who are team players, show resilience, are good communicators, have strength in planning and organisation, are adept at problem solving and have general commercial awareness with an overall ambition to build a career at Allen & Overy.


BE PART OF SOMETHING EXCITING | SYDNEY

Be part of something exciting

Join an elite group of Summer Clerks at Allen & Overy in 2021/22. We accept applications from overseas students, however applicants must demonstrate a commitment to starting their legal career in Australia and have the right to live and work in Australia. We invest in hand-selecting our Summer Clerks each year and were pleased to offer graduate positions to all of our Sydney Summer Clerks to-date. Applications for the Sydney program open on Tuesday 8 June 2021 and close on Wednesday 14 July 2021. To apply for our Summer Clerkship program in 2021/22, please visit our website allenovery.com/careers The website also contains details of our Clerkship program in Perth.

allenovery.com


ALLENS KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? 40-45 clerks in Sydney.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? 40-45 graduates in Sydney.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Graduates: Our programs - Allens

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? Approximately 150 partners and 800 lawyers.

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 64

Banking & Finance Competition, Consumer & Regulatory Corporate Disputes & Investigations Intellectual Property Projects & Development Tax

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? We’re proud that there isn’t an ‘Allens’ type’. We know that diverse perspectives help solve complex problems, strengthen teams and enrich client relationships. The more you enjoy working with a diverse range of people, the greater your success. While we celebrate our differences, it’s important to understand what unites us. These are attributes that our people have in common. These help us to succeed as a team and individually: • Initiative: a curious mind is vital. The more adaptable you’re able to be and the more energy you bring with you, the more you’ll get out of a career at Allens. • Excellence: it’s a guarantee we give our clients. Intellectually rigorous, driven and eager to learn. • Commerciality: law is more than an academic pursuit; it’s about understanding the client – their objectives and the challenges they face – as well as the wider commercial environment in which we operate. • Flexibility: a key priority for the firm is to ensure our people feel they are trusted to work in a way that allows them to balance the needs of the firm alongside the pursuit of their own career and life goals irrespective of gender, age or life stage. • Commitment: positive people thrive in our environment. We look for people who can build sustainable careers with us, and successfully juggle work and a personal life while maintaining their wellbeing.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? • Our clerkships are designed to give students first hand exposure to life as a lawyer at Allens. Our clerks get involved in work as soon as they arrive, working alongside lawyers and partners and their peers. The day to day tasks our clerks get are similar to those of a junior lawyer, including attending court hearings and client meetings.


HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? • Our approach to flexible work recognises that everyone needs balance. The outcomes of our work are more important than how, where or when work gets done, and we empower our people to make choices that balance the needs of our clients, our business and their personal circumstances. • Flexible work is for everyone at Allens. Our partners and people take part in many different types of formal and everyday flexible work. • At Allens, you’ll find individuals and teams across the firm committed to providing access to justice, alleviating disadvantage, promoting reconciliation and protecting the environment. We are proud of the important role we play in our communities which has seen us lead the way on constitutional recognition, carbon neutrality, refugee rights and marriage equality.

• Ranked #1 law firm in the Top 75 graduate employers by Australian Association of Graduate Employers (#22 overall) • Ranked an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for the past 15 years (The Workplace Gender Equality) • Ranked a Bronze employer in the 2020 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards (Australian Workplace Equality Index) • Our graduates will be the fastest to qualification and admittance in the market!! • Recognised by AFR and Boss on its Most Innovative Companies list 2020 for four consecutive years.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... Go onto join our graduate programs, participate in client and overseas secondments and many make partner in future years if they have met the key goals and milestones.

WE ARE THE ONLY LAW FIRM IN AUSTRALIA THAT ...

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS?

• Allens is Australia’s oldest law firm – in 2022 we will celebrate 200 years. • Our founder, George Allen, was the first person to complete their full legal training in Australia. • We have played a pivotal role in some of the most significant moments in Australia’s history including: • saving Australia’s banks from the threat of nationalisation in the 1940s • bringing an end to literary censorship in Australia in the 1970s, and • supporting Indigenous Australians in the first stolen generation cases, which paved the way towards the National Apology in 2008. • As we head into our third century, we are continuing to help shape the future of the nation In 2020, we were: • Ranked #1 law firm of the year by Grad Australia, for the third year in a row, as voted for by students

Number one tip is research the firms you are applying to. Comparing firms can sometimes feel like an impossible task. While we think there are a few things that make us unique – like our twoyear graduate program which offers two 12-month rotations and a commitment to invest in your career for the long term, our illustrious list of alumni and the fact that we’re one of Australia’s longest running businesses – it’s our culture and the way we work together that really sets us apart. Culture can be a tricky thing to put your finger on from the outside. We’ve had almost 200 years to build ours, and it’s what we think makes Allens such a great place to build a career. Other tips can be found on our website: Student newsletter: Inside Allens: Clerkship interview tips.

65


We shape the future of communities And so will you Shaping the future is in our DNA – whether it’s helping our clients see around corners and take advantage of new opportunities or contributing to the development of sustainable, diverse, equitable and just communities where everyone is recognised and included. At Allens, you’ll find individuals and teams across the firm committed to providing access to justice, alleviating disadvantage, promoting reconciliation and protecting the environment. We are proud of the important role we play in our communities which has seen us lead the way on constitutional recognition, carbon neutrality, refugee rights and marriage equality. PRO BONO Pro bono work is a valued part of life at Allens. Join us and you’ll have the opportunity to apply your skills and contribute to causes and organisations. And, you’ll be encouraged to take part in challenging matters and develop new skills that complement what you already know. Currently our work is focused on advancing human rights of asylum seekers, the homeless and LGBTI people. We partner with inspirational organisations and community legal centres such as Homeless Persons’ Legal Clinics, the Human Rights Law Centre and asylum seekers’ legal services. We also offer a pro bono secondment at the Refugee Advice and Casework Service and fund the only ongoing graduate position in the community legal sector in Victoria.

ENVIRONMENT We take responsibility for our impact on the planet and work together to reduce it. We’re committed to organisational sustainability and best practice environmental management. Our staff-led Footprint Committee drive us to keep improving and inspire action within the firm. We’re proud to be the first Australian law firm to achieve certification as carbon neutral. We extend our influence to outside of the firm too. Our legal professionals provide pro bono legal assistance to environmental NGOs, including Bush Heritage Australia and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

PHILANTHROPY At Allens, we have philanthropy committees in each office. This means we’re supporting the causes closest to our community. Our people work hard to support and advocate for charities and community organisations by hosting fundraising days and events. Our legal professionals can take part in volunteering opportunities of their choosing, ranging from making meals for homeless people to mentoring disadvantaged children.

RECONCILIATION We believe in creating a just society. We’re committed to ensuring the same level of opportunity exists for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as for other Australians. That’s why we launched our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) over 8 years ago. Since then, twenty-three Allens’ staff have spent a total of 154 weeks living and working alongside Indigenous communities from Arnhem Land to inner Sydney to the West Kimberley. Our lawyers have the opportunity to participate in on-country secondments to Aboriginal-led organisations. Or, they can contribute to the firm’s ongoing reconciliation program which includes mentoring, education and cultural activities. To bring our program to life, we collaborate with organisations such as Jawun, Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) and Australian Indigenous Education Fund (AIEF). Allens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP.

ALLENS CONFIDENTIAL PODCAST

allens.com.au/careers/podcast-allens-confidential/

ALLENS MEET AND ENGAGE meetandengage.com/allens

STUDENT NEWSLETTER

allens.com.au/careers/student-newsletter/

FACEBOOK

facebook.com/allenscareers/

LINKEDIN

linkedin.com/company/allenslawfirm

Find out more at graduates.allens.com.au 18217D


Great change is here. Shape the future with Allens Every firm claims their culture is what sets them apart. But culture can be a tricky thing to put your finger on from the outside. We’ve had almost 200 years to build ours, and it’s what we think makes Allens such a great place to build a career. But don’t just take our word for it. We've drawn back the curtain on our culture, so you can see whether it's one you'd thrive in. Visit graduates.allens.com.au/why-allens/ to see for yourself. Our values reflect who we are, where we've come from and who we want to be.

IN IT TOGETHER Greatness is a team sport, and it’s baked into how we operate. Whether we’re working in multi‑disciplinary teams with our colleagues, or partnering side‑by‑side with our clients, every challenge is something in which we are all invested. We all participate not spectate, share our views and get involved in every aspect of the firm. We never win alone or lose alone.

FOSTERING GREATNESS We are bold and challenge the status quo. We don’t just play it safe. We aren’t afraid to experiment. We solve the problems others can’t because we are willing to look at things from new angles and challenge conventional thinking. We know that integrity sometimes takes courage.

EYES ON THE HORIZON We look to the future and see the big picture, spotting new challenges and opportunities, helping our clients and ourselves prepare for what’s to come.

DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE

COURAGEOUS AND CREATIVE

Everything we do, from delivering client work to interacting with one another, is done to the highest possible standard of quality and integrity. We strive to do the best and to be the best, and we never settle for anything less.

We build each other up. We take pride in, and celebrate, the diversity of our team. With unwavering conviction, we work to make ourselves and each other the best we can be.

Allens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP. 18217D

Find out more at graduates.allens.com.au


ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER KEY DATES

we provide you the opportunity to have a coffee with one of our graduates.

28 JUNE 2021

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE?

15 AUGUST 2021 (11:59PM)

Partners: 11 in Sydney & 29 in Melbourne Lawyers: 30 in Sydney & 81 in Melbourne Graduates: 2 in Sydney & 15 in Melbourne

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? We run a formal clerkship program in Melbourne, where we usually take approximately 35-40 clerks over three intakes that coincide with university holidays (November/ December, January/February and June/July). We aim for around 10-15 clerks in each intake, so you won’t get lost in the crowd. Candidates from Sydney are welcome to apply for a clerkship in our Melbourne office, and would be considered for Graduate positions in Sydney for the following year. Alternatively, expressions of interests in roles in Sydney are able to be submitted in rounds as we may hire on an ad hoc basis.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? Approximately 15-25 graduates across Melbourne and Sydney.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? We keep things simple in the application process - you’re asked to upload your CV, transcript and a covering letter via the careers section of our website. When it comes to the interview, we only hold one round. Our interviews are informal as we feel it’s the best way to get to know. After your interview, 68

• • • • • • • • • •

Banking & Finance; Competition; Corporate & Commercial; Dispute Resolution & Litigation; Native Title & Public Interest Law; Property & Development; Reconstruction & Insolvency; Taxation; Technology & Intellectual Property; and Workplace Advisory.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? We look for exceptional people who are seeking, and can provide, something extraordinary. We value good grades and intelligence, as well as life experience, lateral thinking, imagination and a passion for the law. Work experience and extracurricular activities show your ability to manage your time. We look for people who know how to use initiative and accept shared responsibility for their career development. The other personal qualities we consider are a willingness to learn, sense of humour and preparedness to assume responsibility. We also like to know why you’re interested in us, so please tailor your covering letter to explain why you’ve chosen to apply to ABL.


WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?

WE ARE THE ONLY LAW FIRM IN AUSTRALIA THAT ...

Essentially, our clerkship program is a condensed version of our graduate experience − you’ll be immersed in our culture, be given real work, real responsibility and real contact with partners and clients in meetings, calls and court hearings. We offer legal advice and support to a diverse range of clients, however we are best known for advising entrepreneurial businesses (ASX-listed, family owned and international) and for our work with private clients. We also work with international corporations with interests in Australia and enjoy long-standing relationships with a select group of other professional advisors − including accountants, private equity firms, insolvency practitioners, private bankers and overseas-based specialist law firms. While you will be placed in one team for your clerkship, our teams work together fluidly, and we work closely with our colleagues in our Sydney office. You’ll also have the opportunity to try out working for other practice groups.

When you join ABL as a graduate, you will immediately experience our firm’s point of difference. ABL is well known for being the goto firm when it matters. We pride ourselves on providing strategic guidance and solving complex problems related to our clients’ commercial interests, legal position and reputation. This means that our legal staff are exposed to interesting and varied work where they can fully utilise their skills and potential. We do not try to be everything to everyone − rather, we strive for excellence in our chosen areas of expertise. We encourage our employees to bring their whole selves to work each day, recognising that diversity of thought, background and life experience all contribute to our distinctive culture and the solutions we deliver for each of our clients.

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? At ABL, we don’t expect people to remain in the office at the end of the day for the sake of being seen. We want our people to enjoy their life outside work – after all it’s our diversity of thought and experience that binds us, produces our collegiate culture and ensures our success. We support a variety of health & wellbeing events and initiatives, which include sponsoring fun runs and sports teams, providing fresh fruit daily, an onsite café in Melbourne, our fully subsidized gym membership, flexible work practices among many more.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... Join our graduate program, undertake SLT or PLT programs in order to be Admitted, undertake further sponsored study on an adhoc basis, participate in in-house training programs like our comprehensive Law Graduate Training program, 1-4 year Lawyer Development Program and Senior Associate Development Program, and gain exposure to some of the most complex and high-profile matters in Australia.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? We like to know why you’re interested in us, so please tailor your covering letter to explain why you’ve chosen to apply to ABL.

69


The ABL difference Arnold Bloch Leibler is regarded as one of Australia’s leading commercial law firms. We’re known for doing things a little differently by the way we work and our approach to problem solving. We do not try to be everything to everyone – rather, we strive for excellence in our chosen areas of expertise.

For information about our seasonal clerkship and graduate recruitment programmes, visit our careers page

www.abl.grad.careers


UNSW SIR JOHN CLANCY AUDITORIUM


ASHURST KEY DATES

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS?

08 JUNE 2021

We have five divisions: • Corporate - which includes Corporate Transactions (M&A) and Digital Economy Transactions • Finance, Funds and Regulations - which includes Banking, Global Markets, Insolvency and Financial Regulation • Projects - which includes Transport & Infrastructure, Project Finance, Environment & Planning, Real Estate and Hotels • Strategic Advisory - which includes Dispute Resolution, Employment, IP Media, Competition and Tax

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021 (11:59PM)

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? Between 20 -25.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? Between 20-25.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Through our careers website.

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? Globally - 1652 lawyers and 432 partners. In Australia - 512 lawyers and 162 partners.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? There’s absolutely no Ashurst “type”. We want to actively involve a broad range of minds with a broad range of backgrounds, all united by a common set of strengths: • Excellent academic record and a passion to develop a career in an elite international law firm. • Outstanding communication skills. • Analytical ability, motivation, determination and drive. • Commercial awareness. • Teamwork and interpersonal skills.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? The work undertaken by clerks is varied and depends on the team you are in. Tasks include case law research, drafting legal expertise updates, notetaking during meetings and contract review. There will also be opportunities to be involved in attending court, drafting advice to clients, client secondments and accompanying lawyers to a pro bono clinic.

72


HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? Ashurst recognises the importance of balancing work with your life outside of the office and our firm offers a number of initiatives to support you with this. You may be interested in joining one of our many social sporting teams, access our corporate gym memberships or Headspace membership or take the opportunity to participate in a fun run event on behalf of the firm to ensure that you are getting the time you need outside of the office as well as having the chance to build your networks and friendships within the firm. We also recognise the way we work and how we work has changed dramatically and to address these changes and recognise the role that flexibility plays in work life balance, we have a flexible working policy.

WE ARE THE ONLY LAW FIRM IN AUSTRALIA THAT ... Has its Managing Partner Paul Jenkins as one of the members of the Champions of Change Coalition (2017). In the strategy, men of power and influence step up beside women leaders. They form a highprofile Coalition to lead and be accountable for change on gender equality issues in their organisations and communities – be they local, national or global. Paul has led from the front and driven the diversity & inclusion agenda in Ashurst. The results show that we have made incredible progress with 33 % of women in leadership or management positions, although we still have a long way to go.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... Join our graduate program and have an opportunity to apply for an international rotation as part of their graduate program

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? • Be genuine, we are really keen to get to know you better. We want you to be able to be yourself at work and during the recruitment process • Take your time to research the firms and prepare a tailored cover letter that clearly articulates why you are a good fit and why you want to join that firm. • During interviews listen carefully to the questions asked and taking your time before responding this will show thoughtfulness and you’re more likely to give a considered response • Have well researched questions to ask the interviewers which will demonstrate motivation and being well prepared. • Attend as many virtual or face to face events as possible to get a better sense of the firms and their culture • Participate in our free Virtual Experience Program to gain an insight into life at Ashurst.

73


make the difference

to your career, clients and community

Aim beyond pure legal knowledge. Beyond commercial advice. Be known for something more: a clarity of thought and an instinct for problem solving that can influence governments and leading businesses the world over. Join us and we’ll help you enrich and expand your worldview, grow your skills and influence new ways of thinking. In other words, we’ll help you make the difference.

Begin now at ashurst.com/careers

Connect with us on


Make the difference at Ashurst As a global law firm with a rich history spanning almost 200 years, we’ve established ourselves as a leading adviser to corporates, financial institutions and governments, on all areas of the law including finance, M&A, disputes and competition. We’re renowned for helping our clients navigate through a complex and constantly evolving global landscape. With 26 offices across the world’s leading financial and resource centres, we offer the reach and insight of a global network combined with deep local market knowledge. Our people are our greatest asset. We bring together lawyers of the highest calibre with the expertise, industry experience and regional know-how to provide the incisive advice our clients need. As a global team we have a reputation for successfully managing large and complex multi-jurisdictional transactions, disputes and projects.

Ashurst around the globe

Glasgow London Paris Madrid

Brussels Frankfurt Munich Milan Luxembourg Abu Dhabi Jeddah Riyadh

New York Beijing New Delhi Mumbai

Dubai

Tokyo Shanghai

Los Angeles

Hong Kong

Singapore Jakarta

Port Moresby

Perth Melbourne

Brisbane Sydney Canberra

11

time zones

16

countries

Begin now at careers.ashurst.com

28

offices

3,435 people

1,652 lawyers

Connect with us on

432

partners


Tips for clerkship success Be self-aware and remember that first impressions count

Remember to request feedback after completing tasks

• In locations with multi-clerkship opportunities, a 3.5 to 4 week clerkship is essentially a long interview for a graduate position

• A clerkship is a great opportunity for you to learn and develop your legal knowledge and skills

• Consider your personal brand and how you want to be perceived and remembered in terms of your strengths and fit with firm

• Take the time to follow up your work providers and get their thoughts on the work you have completed - however be aware of their workload and the timing of asking for feedback

• A great attitude, enthusiasm for any sort of task and the ability to quickly build rapport with others goes a long way

• Acting on this feedback is a great way to demonstrate your ability to learn quickly – a key skill for junior lawyers

Show initiative and seek opportunities

Develop your networks – speak to as many people as possible

• What do you want to get out of your clerkship? What do you want to learn about the firm and what work do you want to get involved in?

• As well firms looking at your abilities and fit to the firm, it’s also your opportunity to find out if this is the place you want to start and establish your career

• Take the initiative to get to know your team as well as other practices across the firm, meet as many people as possible and try to get involved in different types of work, projects and activities

• Take every opportunity to meet people from across the firm to learn about the practice groups and if they are people you would like to work with in the future

Keep your supervisor updated on workload and schedule

• Lastly, take the time to get to know your fellow clerks – you may be colleagues one day

• Communication is key in a law firm. Take on a variety of work for different people across the team, but don’t forget the importance of managing your priorities and keeping your work providers up to date • Clerkships involve a number of training sessions and other activities so it’s important to keep people informed as to where you will be if you are away from your desk for a long period of time

Connect with us on


My Clerkship Experience Lauren, Seasonal Clerk

Studied: Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws, University of New South Wales Rotations: Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property/Media 1. WHY ASHURST

The firm offers dynamic learning opportunities that adopt an innovative mindset into addressing emerging legal issues alongside its clients. Ashurst’s distinguishing factor is its authentic culture that takes immense pride in its diverse range of people. Its culture of inclusivity and collaboration was evident throughout my interviews, where everyone took great interest in learning about my own experiences and were very open to any questions I had about the firm, big or small. I really gravitated towards Ashurst, as its people are welcoming and supportive individuals who value all its members and invest in their success.

2. YOUR WORK AS A CLERK

Both of my rotations provided me with a great taster of the litigious and transactional matters that Ashurst works on. There was never a dull moment, where I researched arbitration rules and novel areas of patents law, attended witness interviews, drafted expertise articles to publish on Ashurst’s website and assisted lawyers in managing clients’ international trade mark portfolios. There were several opportunities to work directly alongside Partners and Senior Associates, who trusted and valued my efforts. The teams I rotated in made an active effort to integrate me into their matters, by explaining the context behind the research I was conducting and were happy to answer any questions or issues that I encountered along the way. This enriched my professional development throughout my clerkship.

3. SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE CLERKSHIP

Even with COVID restrictions, my clerkship was an incredibly social experience. Inter-firm clerk sport was always a highlight for us, alongside group drinks at the end of the week and various team Christmas parties and drinks. I still had plenty of opportunities to meet new people and create meaningful relationships with lawyers at the firm beyond the office setting. Within the clerkship cohort, we also organised many activities including a socially distanced picnic and boat cruise. I am really lucky to have made so many incredible and like-minded friends throughout my clerkship that I am in contact with every day.

4. CAREER DEVELOPMENT AT ASHURST

The clerkship was a great opportunity to not only understand what it was like to work at a top tier commercial firm but how to do so. The Learning and Development Programme training sessions covered a holistic range of topics that enhanced our legal research and writing skills, time management and explored practice areas in more detail. As the lawyers I worked with were very approachable, I was comfortable seeking out feedback and asking questions whenever I encountered any issues.

5. ASHURST IN THE COMMUNITY

My experience assisting Ashurst’s stand-alone pro bono practice was a fulfilling way to work alongside existing community legal centres to support disadvantaged and marginalized communities affected by domestic violence. Additionally, the teams I rotated in also provided bespoke pro bono work for clients, including advice on intellectual property arrangements for those with limited means. Pro bono work is actively encouraged at Ashurst and every clerk has an opportunity to participate. This was truly a highlight of my clerkship experience.

6. APPLICATION TIPS

Start your applications as early as possible – many applicants underestimate the amount of time each application takes! Before applications open, consider writing your CV and cover letter and conducting research to get a general understanding of the firm, so that you can refine further it once they are open. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the clerkship application process. Whilst it is a stressful process, keep in mind that clerkship applications are an important way of getting to know different firms, so come prepared with questions and demonstrate your excitement through your answers to application and interview questions.

7. Who Should Apply

Everyone should apply to undertake a clerkship at Ashurst! They are a fast-paced, commercial law firm full of intelligent lawyers ready to support you throughout the journey, and my experience validated this. My clerkship experience surpassed my expectations and provided me with invaluable learning opportunities.

careers.ashurst.com


BAKER MCKENZIE KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021 (9:00AM)

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

04 JULY 2021 (11:59PM)

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? 6-10

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? We recruit the number of Summer Clerks intended to commence in our Graduate Program.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? The Summer Clerkship Application comprises: (a) a cover letter; (b) answers to a set of application questions; and (c) your academic transcripts. We do not request a copy of your CV. Students can apply via our Careers Page, Legal Vitae, and GradAustralia platforms.

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? In Australia: Number of Partners: 86 Number of Lawyers: 201

78

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • • • • • • • • • • •

Banking & Finance Commercial Real Estate Construction Corporate (including Mergers & Acquisitions, Capital Markets and Private Equity) Dispute Resolution Employment and Industrial Relations Energy, Resources and Infrastructure Environmental Markets Intellectual Property Tax Technology Communications & Commercial

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? Baker McKenzie looks for people who genuinely want to work with us and who understand Baker McKenzie’s unique offering, values, and position in the market. We look for well-rounded, motivated individuals who share our global perspective; who are intellectually curious and have sound academics; who display business acumen and are practical in their approach; who enjoy a challenge and seek new opportunities; who take responsibility and use their initiative; who act with integrity and honesty in all of their dealings, decisions and actions; who express themselves confidently while staying open to new ideas; who strive to provide excellent service to their clients; who seek a friendly, diverse, and inclusive culture; and who take seriously our role in making a difference to our local and global communities.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? Clerks at Baker McKenzie have the opportunity to be involved in varied tasks, including drafting correspondence, preparing court documents, drafting advices or agreements, document review, attending client meetings, attending court/ mediations, attending meetings with barristers, attending meetings with expert or other witnesses,


attending settlements, and preparing client alerts. You will also be able to put into practice the excellent research skills you’ve gained at university by researching and preparing memoranda and case summaries. Our Clerks also have the opportunity to participate in pro bono matters and community service initiatives. In addition, our Clerks have the opportunity to attend our Diversity & Inclusion (BakerWomen, BakerDNA, BakerBalance, BakerWellbeing, BakerPride, BakerIndigenousEngagement) meetings, and various social events held during the Clerkship. The Clerks who have ultimately succeeded during their Clerkship and in securing a Graduate position have performed strongly by displaying excellent legal and technical skills. They have also displayed commercial acumen and awareness, strong communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and a great attitude, initiative, a client-service focus, and a genuine interest (and excitement!) in working with us. They have also made an effort to be a part of Firm life by attending social events and professional development sessions and developing their internal network.

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? Our award-winning diversity strategy, initiatives, and programs, in which all of our people can get involved, are focused in six key areas: • BakerWomen – gender diversity, including the implementation of our gender diversity strategy to support the progression of women as a strategic priority for the Firm; • BakerDNA – ethnic, indigenous and cultural diversity; • BakerBalance – supporting carers and parents, and workplace flexibility; and • BakerWellbeing – mental health and wellbeing; • BakerPride – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex diversity; and

• BakerIndigenousEngagement – commitment to engagement with our Indigenous community - achieving better social, economic and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to making a real difference in the lives of our nation’s First Peoples. Central to our Diversity programs are BakerBalance and BakerWellbeing: working groups dedicated to ensuring that our lawyers of all levels are supported in maintaining work-life balance and prioritising mental health and wellbeing as paramount in their careers as successful legal professionals at Baker McKenzie. Naturally, whether a junior lawyer has to work longer than usual hours ultimately depends on how busy the practice groups are. However, it is certainly not the norm. Our bAgile program encourages a range of flexible work opportunities for all. We invite our people to let us know of any reasonable adjustments they require to perform the requirements of a role at Baker McKenzie.

WE ARE THE ONLY LAW FIRM IN AUSTRALIA THAT ... We are the only law firm in Australia that was born global.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... Join our Graduate program, undertake client secondment with our clients, study and work overseas.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? When applying, remember to tailor your cover letter and answers to our application questions to our Firm and the role you are applying for. We don’t ask for a CV because we prefer to see the information about your skills, experiences, and achievements expressed in your cover letter and your answers to our application questions. 79


Your journey begins with a world-class Summer Clerkship

Real client work. Invaluable coaching. A tailored development program. A genuine insight into working with our Firm – while building great friendships. Plus, we offer the unique opportunity to build your global knowlege and network – through an International Clerkship. Become a world-class lawyer. Join the firm that was born global.

www.bakermckenzie.com/australia#careers Find us at @BakersAUS

Find us on Facebook

Ready to explore our world? Angelique Holden +61 2 8922 5596 angelique.holden@bakermckenzie.com


81

UNSW SCIENCE & ENGINEERING BUILDING


CLAYTON UTZ KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? 30-35.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? 30-35.

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? 1700.

82

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Banking & Financial Services Commercial Litigation (including Insurance) Competition Corporate, M&A & Capital Markets Environment & Planning Forensic & Technology Services IP & Technology Major Projects & Construction Pro Bono Public Sector (Government Services) Real Estate Restructuring & Insolvency Tax Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety


WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS?

Research, writing and drafting memos/letters, attending court and client meetings, pro bono, and assisting with preparation of matters for hearings.

Attention to detail is critical so make sure you allow enough time to review your application in full prior to submitting it.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? Clayton Utz employs people with a wide range of backgrounds, skills, interests and competencies. We look for people who can contribute new ideas, who take a creative approach to solving problems, are personable, practical, and commercially-savvy, as well as flexible.

83


As a junior lawyer, your enthusiasm is in overdrive. Everything is interesting. You have a million questions for everyone. You want to be the best. And for me, I wanted to be the best lawyer and leader I could be. Right now I’m a corporate and tax lawyer, buying and selling companies, structuring investments and having the occasional battle with the ATO.

STAY TRUE.

So, a little while after I started at Clayton Utz, I joined the social committee. A powerful assembly fuelled by lunchtime pizzawielding lawyers making important decisions like choosing the Christmas party theme. They knew I liked pizza, but had no idea I was gay. You see, I wasn’t out at work yet and this became a genuine source of anxiety for a good two years. But In May 2015 this all changed... To listen to Luke’s full story, go to: claytonutz.com/graduates Academic brilliance certainly counts, but graduates who thrive here have something extra – a natural passion for connecting with people and a strong sense of self. That’s what staying true is all about. If you have these qualities, Clayton Utz is for you.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


STAY TRUE.

Staying true to your direction is what defines Clayton Utz. We’ve built a culture that’s unlike any other law firm, but don’t just take our word for it. A good lawyer needs compelling evidence so meet our people and judge for yourself. claytonutz.com/graduates

Academic brilliance certainly counts, but graduates who thrive here have something extra – a natural passion for connecting with people and a strong sense of self. That’s what staying true is all about. If you have these qualities, Clayton Utz is for you.


STAY TRUE.

I am a daughter of Vietnamese migrants who came to Australia in the late eighties in search of a better future. My parents have always struggled with the English language so it’s really been my role to help them navigate their way through filling in forms dealing with Government departments and various legal issues. From a very young age this experience made me realise that it was likely there were many more people in a similar position to my parents. I wanted to help those people the same way I’d helped my parents and that’s when it clicked that becoming a lawyer was the thing for me. I am now a full time pro bono lawyer at Clayton Utz. This means that I help to implement the firms pro bono strategy by co-ordinating pro bono matters for our lawyers supervising our pro bono files and working on pro bono cases myself. A large part of my role in the pro bono team is to help our lawyers manage challenges… To listen to Hai-Van’s full story, go to: claytonutz.com/graduates Academic brilliance certainly counts, but graduates who thrive here have something extra – a natural passion for connecting with people and a strong sense of self. That’s what staying true is all about. If you have these qualities, Clayton Utz is for you.


CLIFFORD CHANCE KEY DATES 08 MARCH 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 MAY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY WINTER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? 2-4 for Program 2 of our Winter Clerkship Series

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? We are intending to recruit 4 - 6 Graduates to commence in 2023.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Applications should be made online via our careers site: https://careers.cliffordchance.com/apac/ locations/australia.html

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? Globally we have more than 6,400 staff including 560 partners and 3,400 legal staff. Domestically, we have around 145 staff across our offices in Perth and Sydney.

88

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? Our selection process is designed to identify people who have the right intellect, motivation and personal qualities to succeed as an international lawyer with Clifford Chance. To be successful you will need to demonstrate your potential to become a first-class lawyer and your willingness to take advantage of the many opportunities that you encounter. You will need to exhibit ambition, drive and commitment, the ability to articulate ideas clearly, and have the desire to build relationships and deliver outstanding service. We’re also looking for business awareness, a keen commercial insight and a strong ability to lead and to manage. When completing your application consider how you can best demonstrate these qualities and try to provide examples from your academic life, work experience or other activities. We’re also looking for intellectual curiosity, common sense, strong interpersonal skills, an interest in business and the capacity to assimilate detailed information quickly. These are the qualities that will determine your future with us – not your background.


WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? Throughout the clerkship or graduate program you will be closely supported both informally and through formal mentoring with advice and guidance from your supervisor in each of your seats, We will make sure that your energy and time are focused on activities that will best develop your legal and business skills. You could be drafting and proofing documents, conducting due diligence on a client’s acquisition target, meeting clients, preparing documents for a court hearing or creating a data room ahead of a major transaction. Most of your time will be spent working in teams where you will make an important contribution to their success – you may even run some smaller transactions for clients.

WE ARE THE ONLY LAW FIRM IN AUSTRALIA THAT ... What makes Clifford Chance lawyers different? Firstly, our collaborative and adaptable culture. We work together across borders, languages and legal systems, sharing insights and expertise to achieve our clients’ commercial goals. Secondly, we’re pioneers, working on many ‘first of a kind’ deals. Finally, it’s the nature of our people. Highly professional and self-assured, with an entrepreneurial streak, they embrace our culture of learning and are more than happy to share their expertise and knowledge.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... Experience the world! Our extensive international network and the global nature of our business mean that it is both possible and beneficial for you to take one of your seats in one of our overseas offices. Secondments are an opportunity for you to acquire new skills and experience, develop your language skills and give you a valuable international perspective in a new business and cultural environment.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? As well as providing us with basic information about your background and education, this is your opportunity to tell us what it is that makes you exceptional – we receive a very large number of applications from people who’d like to join us, so you should think about how you’re going to set yourself apart. We want to know what you can bring to the work we do at Clifford Chance. This is a crucial part of the overall process, and we’ll be looking for excellent communication – make sure your answers do you justice.

89


GET TO KNOW US What areas of law do we practice?

When should students apply?

Across our two Australian offices, Perth and Sydney, we advise clients on their most complex matters in areas including Corporate, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Antitrust & Competition and Global Financial Markets.

You can apply between these dates.

Why are we different? Our teams work across borders, languages and jurisdictions and share insights and expertise to achieve our clients’ commercial goals. Secondly, we’re pioneers and work on many ‘first-of-akind’ deals. Finally, it’s the nature of our people - highly professional and self-assured, with an entrepreneurial streak. We embrace our culture of learning and collaboration.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM Who is eligible for clerkships? Students must be at least in their penultimate year and are available to participate in the 2023 Graduate Program.

When are our clerkship programs held?

Sydney: 30 August 2021 - 10 September 2021 Perth: June to July 2022

How many clerks do we take?

Sydney: 8 March 2021 – 14 May 2021 Perth: 13 July 2021 – 2 August 2021

What kind of work can a clerk expect to do? Our clerkship program is designed to provide you with a real insight into a legal career at Clifford Chance in Australia. Throughout the program, you will work alongside all levels of lawyers, including partners, while you assist with real-time matters. You will have two rotations which allow you to experience two different practice areas. Throughout the clerkship you will hear from various practice areas across the region which helps you develop a comprehensive understanding of life at a leading international law firm.

GRADUATE PROGRAM Do we make graduate offers to the open market, or just through clerkships? Graduate offers are primarily made from our clerkship program. However, we also consider applications from students who have not participated in our clerkship program.

Sydney: 4 – 6

How many graduate jobs do we offer?

Perth: 4 – 6

Sydney: 4 – 6

To submit your application, scan the QR code below.

Enquiries Melissa Urquhart

Grads.Australia@CliffordChance.com

Perth: 2 – 4


JASPER THE UNSW DOG Dogtorate of Law @jasper.samoyed UNSW LIBRARY

91


CORRS CHAMBERS WESTG KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? 20-25.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? The majority of Corrs graduates join us after experiencing a seasonal clerkship program.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Via our website - corrs.com.au/graduates

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? 130 partners and 660 lawyers.

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Arbitration; Banking & Finance; Class Actions; Commercial Litigation; Competition; Corporate/M&A; Employment & Labour; Environment & Planning; Financial Sponsors; Intellectual Property; Projects; Property & Real Estate; Restructuring, Insolvency & Special Situations (RISS); • Tax; • Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT).

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? We look for graduates who can make a positive contribution to the firm and help us in delivering legal excellence and outstanding client service. We want people who bring out the best in those around them, work well in a team, and take pride in their work and achievements.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? You’ll be exposed to a broad range of interesting matters. You’ll also have the chance to complete a broad range of tasks, such as conducting research, reviewing and presenting documents, attending client meetings, court hearings, mediations and settlements, as well as shadowing partners and lawyers in client meetings and business development activities. You will also work on a pro-bono project with your clerkship cohort which you will present to the client together as a cohort.

92


GARTH HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

WE ARE THE ONLY LAW FIRM IN AUSTRALIA THAT ...

We take our work seriously but we also recognise the importance of looking after ourselves and having fun.

Offers an international study scholarship that provides financial support for the completion of further study at Oxford, Cambridge or a US equivalent (full-time on campus).

We encourage staff to be socially active and participate in social and sporting events as well as learning and development activities. Corrs recognises the importance of health and wellbeing and is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace through a variety of programs and policies. Our wellbeing program provides a range of initiatives to assist people in maintaining good overall health. Importantly, we also recognise the role a person’s manager plays in their wellbeing and we place emphasis on effective ‘everyday leadership’ and have processes in place to monitor a person’s welfare and workload. Our flexible work policy empowers individuals to fulfil their work and life responsibilities in a way that best suits them. Our continued focus on promoting formal and informal flexible work options has resulted in different types of work practices across the firm – from job sharing, to part-time work, to extended leave options.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... • • • •

Paralegal roles at the conclusion of the clerkship Join our graduate program Client and international secondments Sponsored post graduate study at Australian universities • Sponsored international study scholarships • Enhance their technical knowledge and expertise as part of our extensive in-house learning and development program

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? Be prepared and be yourself.

93


Be exceptional. Your journey from outstanding graduate to exceptional lawyer begins at Corrs.

corrs.com.au/graduates


About Corrs Corrs Chambers Westgarth is Australia’s leading independent Australian law firm. We’re known for delivering legal excellence, exceptional client service and outstanding results. Through our long‑term relationships with leading law firms across the world, we advise on the most significant global matters and connect with the best lawyers internationally to provide our clients with the right team for every engagement. For almost two centuries, we’ve been advising our clients on their most complex challenges. We’re the firm of choice for many of the world’s most significant organisations – from large corporations to governments, banks and financial sponsors.

What does Corrs look for in a clerk/graduate? We look for graduates who can make a positive contribution to the firm and help us in delivering legal excellence and outstanding client service. In exchange for your energy and commitment we’ll provide extraordinary learning and work opportunities here and internationally. We want people who bring out the best in those around them, work well in a team, and take pride in their work and achievements. At Corrs, you’ll enjoy the benefits of working alongside a high‑performing team with a shared commitment to our culture of excellence, collaboration, commitment and respect.

The clerkship pro-bono project was a rewarding experience and demonstrated the scale and impact of Corrs’ pro-bono program, as well as the dedication and passion that people at Corrs have, to make a difference in domestic and international communities. Isaac Ada, 2020 Clerk

Your time as a clerk at Corrs The majority of our graduates join us after experiencing a seasonal clerkship program. Our clerkships give you the opportunity to connect with partners and lawyers across the firm, learn what a ‘day‑in‑the‑life’ at Corrs is like, and experience the type of work we do and the clients we partner with. The Corrs seasonal clerkship program gives you the opportunity to work alongside some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high‑profile work for major Australian and international clients. You’ll be exposed to a broad range of interesting matters. You’ll also have the chance to complete a broad range of tasks, such as conducting research, reviewing and presenting documents, attending client meetings, court hearings, mediations and settlements, as well as shadowing partners and lawyers in client meetings and business development activities.


I rotated through three practice groups which provided me with an opportunity to work on transactional, advisory and litigious matters. In my competition and consumer rotation I was given research, case summary and advice review and amendment tasks which were both challenging and incredibly interesting. Georgia Winkcup, 2020 Clerk

Your time as a grad with Corrs The reason we continue to attract exceptional graduates and lawyers is simple: we provide you with the opportunity to work with great people; to work on career‑defining matters from the start of your career; and to work and/ or study internationally. From your first day at Corrs, you will have the opportunity to accelerate your career in a high‑performing and supportive environment.

Graduate development program Our graduate development program is your first step towards a successful career. As part of our 18‑month program, you will have access to: •

on‑the‑job training as you work directly with partners and senior lawyers;

structured learning;

mentoring; and

regular feedback.

During this time, you’ll complete three six‑month rotations through a variety of our practice areas and you’ll also be involved in pro bono opportunities. The program begins with our Graduate Academy – a highlight for our graduates every year. We bring all our graduates together for a multi‑day learning experience, giving you the chance to meet with your peers, learn and have fun. Then it’s on to your Practical Legal Training (PLT) studies and your local orientation before you dive into the program.

International opportunities (work and study) We invest in international experiences that help our lawyers grow their skills, cultural understanding and relationships worldwide. Our International Study Scholarship supports the continuing professional development of exceptional legal staff. The Scholarship provides financial support for the completion of further study at Oxford, Cambridge or a US equivalent (full‑time on campus). Over the last seven years, we’ve sent 44 secondees to 14 countries worldwide. We have sent our lawyers on secondment to some of the world’s leading firms in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore, China, Spain, France, India, Germany, Brazil, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

I found that Corrs was responsible for market-leading deals and was ranked strongly in a number of the practice areas in which I had an interest. The impression I was left with was that Corrs would be a supportive and friendly place to work, while also giving me exposure to demanding and interesting work. James Brannan, 2020 Clerk


Our recent significant work We let our work speak for itself. We’re proud to work with some of the biggest organisations in the world on their most important matters. Our clients include more than half of the top fifty ASX‑listed companies, some of the largest privately owned companies in Australia and a number of global Fortune 500 companies. We work with well‑known organisations like AGL, Amazon, Australia Post, BP, Blackstone, CBA, Coca‑Cola European Partners, Coles, EBay, Google, McDonalds, Medibank, Mirvac, NAB, PayPal, TPG Telecom (Vodafone) and Wesfarmers. We also work with governments, Federal and State, as well as on major transactions that make the news.

Key dates Applications open 8 June 2021

Applications close 14 July 2021

Offers are made 15 September 2021

A few examples of our recent significant work include advising Coca‑Cola European Partners on its proposed acquisition of Coca‑Cola Amatil Limited, valued at A$11. billion, and ING on its implementation of the new ‘customer data right regime’ which implements open banking in Australia.

Contact us

Be exceptional.

Kimberly Howe People & Performance Consultant +61 2 9210 6044 kimberly.howe@corrs.com.au

Corrs Chambers Westgarth @CorrsLawyers @CorrsLaw corrs.com.au/graduates


DLA PIPER KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • • • • • • • •

Corporate; Employment; Finance, Projects & Restructuring; Intellectual Property & Technology; Litigation & Regulatory; Real Estate; Tax; Pro Bono.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? Approximately 35 across our Australian offices.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? We typically offer around 20 positions across our four Australian offices - Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Apply online at: dlapipergraduates.com

98

Our people come from a diverse range of backgrounds. That’s what sets us apart. By opening up a range of different and unique perspectives, allows us to service our clients better. You will need a strong academic record, and a real passion for developing a career as a lawyer. But it goes further than that… Among other things, we’ll be looking for candidates who are naturally inquisitive, have plenty of drive, and can show a genuine commitment to their chosen career path. By bringing your authentic self to work every day, you’ll have an instinct ability to build relationships with peers, colleagues and clients alike.


WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?

WE ARE THE ONLY LAW FIRM IN AUSTRALIA THAT ...

Our summer clerkship is designed to give you insight into what DLA Piper is really like.

DLA Piper is a firm with ambition. Since our formation in 2005, we’ve more than trebled in size, making us one of the most successful law firms of recent times. We have even bigger plans for the future, which means even more possibilities for your career. Just as we grow, so will you.

Our programme starts with an induction. This induction provides an advanced introduction to the legal sector and the firms practice groups. It also builds your professional skills and workplace capability. Throughout the induction there will be opportunities to hear from and network with senior members of the firm. Once you are inducted you’ll have the opportunity to complete work placements in our different practice groups. You’ll be given real responsibilities. Whether you’re attending a court hearing, contributing to a client meeting or assisting a large corporate transaction, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to reach your potential.

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? Our policies have been shaped with our people in mind – we’ve offered more choice to work in an agile way and provide a range of support for different life events to create a truly inclusive workplace for everyone. We are sensitive to the variety of needs that people have at different stages of their personal and career life and recognise an individual’s focus on their family and career.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... A clerkship will be your first experience of DLA Piper. On a clerkship, you’ll experience what life is really like at DLA Piper. What’s more, you’ll also be considered for a place on our graduate programme. The graduate programme will see you rotating between different practice areas and rapidly acquiring the skills to be a successful lawyer. During your graduate programme you’ll have an opportunity to engage in dynamic work across a range of sectors. Working alongside experienced lawyers, you’ll develop your commercial acumen as well as your legal expertise. You’ll also be encouraged to do pro bono and community work; not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it will develop your skills in leadership, teamwork and communication. By the end of the program, you’ll emerge with a clearer understanding of where your talents and interests lie. The experiences you’ll have gained – and the networks you’ll have nurtured – will provide a strong foundation for your future career at DLA Piper.

99



UNSW ROUNDHOUSE


GADENS KEY DATES 15 MARCH 2021

Gadens has over 80 partners and 630 staff across our offices nationally.

09 APRIL 2021

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS?

GRADUATE APPLICATIONS OPEN GRADUATE APPLICATIONS CLOSE 10 MAY 2021 - 13 MAY 2021 FIRST ROUND INTERVIEWS

24 MAY 2021 - 26 MAY 2021 SECOND ROUND INTERVIEWS

04 JUNE 2021 OFFERS MADE

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? We take approximately 25 graduates nationally.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S GRADUATE ROLES? Our application process is online: www.gadens.com/grads@gadens. You will need to attach the following documents as part of your application: • Cover letter • Resume • Full academic transcript • Evidence that you will be admitted before the start date of the Grads@Gadens program or PLT qualified with admission within the first three months of the program

102

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE?

Our market leading expertise covers: • Property, Construction & Planning • Corporate Advisory & Tax (including Intellectual Property & Technology, and Employment Advisory) • Banking & Finance (including Corporate & Institutional, Commercial & Residential, and Recovery & Insolvency) • Disputes • Private Clients (including Family & Relationship Law)

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN GRADUATES? We look for well-rounded people who align with our firm values, demonstrate excellent character, have a willing “can-do attitude” and sound judgement. Our ideal graduate has a great work ethic, likes producing fantastic work and is collaborative, positive, commercial, responsible and will act in the best interests of the firm.


WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? A GRADUATE EXPECT TO TAKE ON? Our graduates take on the responsibilities and tasks of a lawyer from their first day. It varies between practice groups and can include meeting with clients, conducting research, drafting a range of documents or even appearing in court! You will team-up with a dedicated mentor who will work closely with you to develop your technical skills, allocate work and provide ongoing feedback through your rotations.

We encourage you to use your application to give us an idea of who you are both within university and outside. Try to succinctly draw us a picture of who you are, what you’re passionate about and your proudest achievements. Remember: We can see your work experience and academics at a glance. What can you share about yourself beyond these that we will remember you by?

“It is a fun and steep learning curve to be running your own files as a junior and being in direct contact with clients.” – Montana Pirrucio, Lawyer on our 2021 Grads@Gadens program.

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? We recognise that a modern flexible workplace is essential to attracting and retaining high performing people. Flexible work arrangements mean our people can work the way they work best. This will allow them to experience an improved work-life balance, work where they want and are most productive.

103


Grads@Gadens Grads@Gadens is the program through which we attract and retain talent within the firm. Once on our program, you will immediately receive challenging and varied work with a high level of responsibility. Grads@Gadens is based on two, six-month rotations through different practice areas. Practice areas in the rotations include: • • • • •

Property, Construction & Planning; Corporate Advisory & Tax (including Intellectual Property & Technology, and Employment Advisory); Banking & Finance (including Corporate & Institutional, Commercial & Residential, and Recovery & Insolvency); Disputes; and Private Clients (including Family & Relationship Law).

Spending time in different practice areas means you have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your chosen area of specialisation. It also ensures you develop a broad set of skills, which you can carry with you throughout your career. Through our practical, on-the-job training, you get exposed to ‘real work’ and ‘real clients’ from day one. Training and development Throughout the program we will invest in you and provide comprehensive support to ensure each rotation is a success. You will team-up with a dedicated mentor who will work closely with you to develop your technical skills, allocate work and provide ongoing feedback. You will attend multiple seminars each month led by partners and senior members of staff so that you are continually learning and developing. These sessions focus on business skills and technical development, and ensure that you are given the support you need to excel in a commercially driven environment.

About Gadens Gadens is a leading, independent top 10 Australian law firm, with 80 partners and over 630 staff across our offices nationally. Our core values are our foundation and reflect our essence and character – they define how we interact with one another and our clients. We work collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their objectives – providing an outstanding client experience for every client. This is underpinned by our intense focus on understanding our clients, their needs and expectations and building meaningful, long-term relationships – many of which span decades. We have a strong reputation and are well regarded for our specialist, market-leading practices in advisory, transactional and disputes work. We work with clients across an extensive number of industry specialisations. Our significant breadth and depth of expertise encompasses banking and finance, corporate advisory and tax, dispute resolution, employment advisory, government, intellectual property and technology, private clients, property and construction, planning and environment, and recovery and insolvency. Our pro-bono partners:

Eligibility Grads@Gadens is open to candidates who are PLT-qualified and will be admitted before commencing with us in March each year (or within the first three (3) months of commencing the program). Application dates Visit www.gadens.com/grads@gadens for our Grads@Gadens application dates.

For more information Visit www.gadens.com/grads@gadens.

gadens


105

UNSW LAW LIBRARY


GILBERT + TOBIN KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? Our summer clerk numbers are typically confirmed closer to the date. In previous years our intake has ranged anywhere between 15 and 29 clerks.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? The primary pathway for graduates is currently via our seasonal clerkship programs. All summer clerks have the opportunity to secure a graduate offer, based on performance.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Complete an online application form and attach your cover letter, resume and transcript(s). Successful candidates will progress through the following selection stages: online ability test; video questions; assessment centre (includes first round interview); second round interview, with final online testing for shortlisted candidates. For a detailed overview, please refer to our website.

106

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • • • • • • • • • • •

Banking + Infrastructure; Competition + Regulation; Corporate Advisory; Disputes + Investigations; Energy + Resources; Intellectual Property; Legal Service Innovation; Pro Bono; Real Estate + Projects; Tax; Technology + Digital.

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? Lawyers: 461 nationally; 341 Sydney Partners: 92 nationally; 71 Sydney

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? Ambitious, highly driven people who can identify with G+T’s core attributes of performance, innovation, authenticity and collaboration, who enjoy what they do and don’t take themselves too seriously.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? From your first day, you’ll be given the opportunity to test your skills and interests – you can expect to be involved in some challenging matters, and your work will be presented to clients. Often, you’ll work directly with a partner on a matter, or as part of a bigger team on larger transactions. While every experience varies, you might be asked to draft documents and memos, carry out research, attend client meetings and court, and assist with preparing for hearings or negotiations.


“I had the opportunity to conduct a wide variety of tasks and work of several different matters. One transaction that was a particular highlight for me was the chance to work on a company acquisition from early beginnings until closing. I was able to work with my team on drafting documents and conducting tasks at various stages throughout the process. In the end it was a fabulous experience to see a matter from start to end, as well as the great final outcome the team achieved for the client.” – Emily Donaldson, 2020 Summer Clerk While your most valuable learning will be the experience of working on real matters during your practice group rotations, you’ll also receive structured training – including sessions on the different practice areas, technology, how to create your personal brand, and business development. It’s a practical blend of on-the-job, workshop and online learning that covers a broad range of technical, interpersonal and leadership skills. You’ll also have access to G+T’s regular practice group training with other lawyers, as well as online resources to help you keep up to date with the latest legal developments.

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? We have a range of flexible working arrangements and support structures available, including bestpractice leave entitlements policies, part-time and job share opportunities and flexible working hours. All employees have access to a ‘work from home IT kit’ to enable greater flexibility in how people manage their personal commitments with the needs of clients. We also provide a range of discounted products and services to help our people balance their out-of-work responsibilities.

WE ARE THE ONLY FIRM IN AUSTRALIA TO... have achieved 100% of our tenancy electricity needs from renewable sources, an important milestone in our long-standing focus on improving our environmental performance and ambition towards becoming a carbon neutral organisation.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... Work as paralegals; pursue further studies (including firm-funded PLT or overseas scholarships); complete three practice group rotations as part of the G+T graduate program; undertake inter-office or client secondments; build lasting friendships with their G+T peers; and make a name for themselves through the matters and transactions they work on, with personal accountability whilst supported by those around them.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? Maintain perspective. It’s very easy to get caught up in the hysteria of clerkship recruitment, positions which are still highly coveted and therefore highly competitive. Whilst it is often the most linear pathway to a graduate position within private practice, a clerkship is certainly not the only way. A huge benefit to participating in this process, which is often overlooked by students, is the expansion of your network. Regardless of whether you obtain a clerkship offer or not, keep in touch with the people you connect with and build on those relationships; they can be invaluable in future years.

107


ARE YOU READY TO BE BOLD? There’s never been a better time to be part of Gilbert + Tobin. From day one, our flat structure allows you to take ownership of challenging work and cutting-edge projects. Work directly with partners and team leaders – nobody is too important to take time to explain things clearly, or give a helping hand. Our open and welcoming culture underpins our continued success in Australian corporate law. Through our pro bono practice, we are actively making a difference, every single day. If you’re comfortable being challenged, as well as challenging us on the way we think and operate – you’ll fit right in. We’re not worried about you being you. We’re counting on it.

gtlaw.com.au/careers


BE BOLD BE PART OF THE ACTION Gilbert + Tobin is a leading transactions, regulatory and disputes law firm, committed to outstanding citizenship. We guide our clients through defining moments in their business and are renowned for our ability to get things done.

We employ a diverse mix of talented and ambitious people who are attracted to the firm because of its entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach and capacity for change. These are the reasons we enjoy a reputation as the most successful corporate law firm to emerge in Australia in many years. We advise many of Australia’s and the world’s leading organisations and focus on the most dynamic sectors. Our clients and projects span Australia, Asia and emerging African markets. Located in the heart of the CBD, the partners and lawyers in our Sydney office include some of Australia’s leading practitioners in: + Banking + Infrastructure

+ Disputes + Investigations

+ Competition + Regulation

+ Pro Bono

+ Corporate Advisory

+ Real Estate + Projects

+ Energy + Resources

+ Technology + Digital

+ Intellectual Property If you want to challenge your thinking and stretch your abilities, this is the firm for you. There has never been a better time to be a part of our story and enjoy the stimulating challenge of working with Australia’s most innovative corporate law firm.

Find out more at www.gtlaw.com.au/careers

WE DELIVER ON OUR PROMISE TO PROVIDE REAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. WE PROVIDE THE CHANCE TO BE DEEPLY INVOLVED IN INTERESTING, CHALLENGING WORK MUCH EARLIER IN YOUR CAREER, ACCELERATING YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCE. DANNY GILBERT, MANAGING PARTNER


WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? The G+T clerkship experience is open to students in their penultimate year of study, as well as final year for our Sydney office. We’re not a prescriptive firm when it comes to our people; we invite individuality and diversity. We also hold ambition, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in high regard. Our people are collaborative, passionate and dedicated – but most of all they enjoy what they do and never forget to have fun. We seek clerks and graduates who will complement our practice groups and don’t feel the need to take themselves too seriously.

WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE? Depending on your location, you’ll complete two, four-week rotations across the firm’s practice areas in summer, or a seasonal clerkship over a number of weeks in winter or summer. All clerks are assigned a supervising partner, mentor and buddy to assist with on-the-job training for each rotation - an immediate support network to help smooth the transition from university and assist with your professional development. While your main focus will be corporate work, everyone has the opportunity to assist on pro bono matters, innovation projects and participate in firm-wide activities.

HOW WILL YOU LEARN?

WE’RE BIG ON BOLD Standing up for what you believe in and standing out in the crowd. Having the confidence to take risks and the courage to say no. Trusting in the tradition of embracing innovation. Being adventurous, spirited and unexpected. At Gilbert + Tobin, we believe in being bold.

During the clerkship you’ll take part in our customised in-house training, and cover topics such as research, analysis, drafting, developing technical skills, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, business development and client orientation. As you progress through your rotations you’ll develop invaluable skills and knowledge and gain first-hand experience of our various practice groups. Understanding the mechanics of legal practice through research, drafting memos, attending court and meeting clients will all help to build your confidence. And we’ll encourage you to contribute ideas and your own fresh perspective.

GRADUATE PROGRAM Our summer clerk program is the primary pathway for graduates at G+T, however we also invite interest from graduating students who may have clerked elsewhere or taken up other opportunities in their penultimate or final year of studies. Keep an eye on our website for active graduate vacancies.

KEY DATES OFFICE

APPLICATIONS OPEN

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

Sydney

8 June

14 July

Perth

28 June

1 August

Melbourne

28 June

15 August

CONTACT KRISTIE BARTON

Clerk + Graduate Program Manager

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

gtlaw.com.au/careers


THE COLLABORATIVE AND HELPFUL NATURE OF THE COHORT MEANT WE WERE CONTINUOUSLY LEARNING FROM ONE ANOTHER AND WITHIN JUST NINE WEEKS, I REALLY FELT LIKE I WAS A PART OF THE G+T FAMILY.

My clerkship at Gilbert + Tobin (‘G+T’) was an incredible opportunity to experience a firm where brilliant legal minds come together in a supportive and friendly environment. I can confidently say the experience was nothing short of amazing, from being involved in high profile matters to forming close friendships with fellow clerks. I chose G+T because I wanted to work with market-leading practice groups, led by people who are passionate and excited about the next generation of this firm. Everyone I met during recruitment, be a graduate lawyer or Danny Gilbert himself, was so friendly and generous with their time. I could see a genuine appreciation for the firm’s culture and the work they were doing, in addition to their interests outside of work. They were people I could see myself enjoy working with every day. One thing that surprised me was how genuinely invested everyone was in our professional development. During my first rotation in Banking + Infrastructure we received hours of individual training sessions from Partners on the fundamentals of Banking law. We were encouraged to ask questions on everything from the content presented, to general career advice. This was a real testament to the culture of G+T where the firm invests in the careers of junior lawyers, who are cared for while being mentored by the best of the best. The open plan office, general approachability of the lawyers, and collegiate environment means you are always supported. During induction we were introduced to our innovation project. We worked closely with our knowledge lawyers to design an app which solved real legal problems identified as pain points by G+T lawyers. It was very cool to present our final app to an esteemed panel of judges and show off the new app design skills we had learnt. Later in Competition + Regulation (C+R), I helped with an airline merger and assisted with the Media Bargaining Code matter, which was really exciting given it was in the news every morning at the time. I was given meaningful work drafting sections of client reports and ACCC submissions which were included in the final copy. I was invited to strategy meetings and team drafting sessions with the head of C+R, which really made me feel like part of the team. I also received detailed feedback on my work, which was a great learning opportunity. I hadn’t studied competition law at Uni, but through my interest in the economics side of my degree and commercial law, found I really enjoyed the practical application and intersection of both areas. Even during COVID, the social aspect of clerkship was the highlight. From cheering each other on during weekly clerk sport games, to painting our very own Picasso masterpieces together, we formed tight friendships I’m sure will continue. The collaborative and helpful nature of the cohort meant we were continuously learning from one another and within just nine short weeks, I really felt like I was a part of the G+T family. It also felt great to know I was working for an ethical employer who has taken proactive steps to resolve some of the inequalities in the legal sector. During the clerkship, I attended a Flexibility Committee meeting which aims to make flexible working arrangements more normalised and accessible to lawyers who should need them. Further, with G+T having one of the highest proportions of female partners among the large law firms, I could truly see this reflected in the culture of the firm where women are supported, Partners are able to bring their children to work, and strong female mentors are abundant. I would highly recommend the G+T clerkship to all penultimate and final year law students who are looking for a challenging, supportive and fun start to their legal career.

DIVYA AHLAWAT, 2020 SUMMER CLERK

gtlaw.com.au/careers


HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? 30 - 35 clerks.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? Graduate offers are made to all students that successfully complete the vacation clerk program.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Apply online via our Herbert Smith Freehills Graduate page: https://careers.herbertsmithfreehills. com/au/grads/apply

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • • • • • • • • • • 112

Alternative Legal Services (ALT) Competition, Regulation and Trade Corporate Digital Law Group Dispute Resolution Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety Finance Legal Operations Projects and Infrastructure Real Estate

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? 5000+ employees globally across 26 offices.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? Great lawyers are both curious and creative. We encourage you to challenge assumptions and open yourself up to new ideas. It’s this growth mindset that creates opportunities for you and your clients. We look beyond your academic record and your technical aptitude. We’re focussed on finding students who have the curiosity to explore all the angles and the empathy to place themselves in their client’s shoes. Building great relationships takes a certain understanding and as our global village gets ever smaller, we look for graduates who think of themselves as citizens of the world. We recognise and value the differences that make us unique. By embracing diverse views, we can provide our clients with innovative solutions. We are not looking for the finished product and we know that gaining legal work experience is increasingly difficult. What we are looking for is your potential to become a Herbert Smith Freehills lawyer. Demonstrate the transferable skills you have gained through the experience you have, legal or non-legal.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? As a clerk you will: • Rotate through two different practice areas and assist our teams with delivering real work for key clients. You will also assist with research tasks, draft documents and client communication and attend client meetings and court hearings. • Attend workshops and presentations covering all our practice areas, legal skills, D&I and Pro Bono initiatives. • Have the opportunity to participate in Pro Bono and firm culture initiatives through our Diversity


Networks (LGBTI, Ability, Multicultural, Gender Equity Matters, and Veterans Networks) • Contribute to ongoing innovation projects through our Innovation Lab Program • Network with Solicitors and Partners from across the national firm.

• • • •

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS?

In 2020 we updated our agile working policy (renamed ‘Agile 60’) , encouraging our people to work in the office for an average of 60% of their working time. This policy covers Vacation Clerks, Graduates, Solicitors, Partners, Business Services Staff and Legal Administration Assistants.

• Applications that stand out are the ones that personalise their applications to HSF. For example what are your key achievements and how will they make you a great clerk at HSF? • The best applications we see are also focused on a student’s individual strengths. We don’t recruit to a formula; we want to hear about your strengths and achievements (legal or non legal)! • Typically students do not have a great deal of experience or knowledge about specific sectors/ practice groups when they apply. This is fine because we are hiring based on your future potential, not your current experience. Instead, it is worth knowing the basics of what practice areas a firm offers when you do your interview prep and to think about what areas you might like to pursue (for example if you loved your property law unit at university you might have an interest in pursuing work in our real estate/ property teams).

“Despite the pressure and worries of the pandemic, we know that many of our people have greatly valued the flexibility of how, where and when we work, gaining more time for their families, health and other commitments. By setting this benchmark for postpandemic operations, we hope to give our people the flexibility to design a working pattern that suits them, their colleagues and our clients, and to offer some certainty in uncertain times.” Global CEO Justin D’Agostino

WE ARE THE ONLY LAW FIRM IN AUSTRALIA THAT ...

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... Join Graduate programs. Sponsored study. Secondment opportunities to clients. Overseas opportunities.

• Offers staff the option to work 40% of their time from home. • Provides its staff to dedicate 10 days of the year to innovation projects. • Offers graduates an opportunity to rotate through our Legal Operations and Digital Law Group practices. • Is working with CSIRO’s Data61 and IBM to build Australia’s first cross-country, large-scale, digital platform to enable Australian businesses to collaborate using the IBM Blockchain Platform and blockchain-based smart legal contracts. 113


360° THINKING What's your angle? We're looking for those who see things differently. The kind of people who bring new ideas and create innovative opportunities for our clients. Share your unique perspective by applying to careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads www.herbertsmithfreehills.com


360° THINKING ABOUT US With over 25 offices spanning Asia, Europe, Australasia, and the Middle east, we can show you exactly what a world class commercial law firm has to offer, giving you the chance to work as part of an international team, on high-profile matters, for some of the most significant organisations in the market. Our focus is on the future: the future needs of existing and new clients, the future of the legal profession and investing in our future lawyers. That’s why we aim to attract the best talent from a broad range of backgrounds, ensuring we are optimising our position as a progressive, forward thinking professional services business. At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll be given the opportunity to develop the skills you need to help solve our clients’ most complex challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Great lawyers are both curious and creative. We encourage you to challenge assumptions and open yourself up to new ideas. It’s this growth mindset that creates opportunities for you and your clients. So, what exactly are we looking for? There’s no single path to becoming an exceptional commercial lawyer. We look beyond your academic record and your technical aptitude. We’re focussed on finding people who have the curiosity to explore all the angles and the empathy to place themselves in their client’s shoes. Building great relationships takes a certain understanding and as our global village gets ever smaller, we look for graduates who think of themselves as citizens of the world. In line with our 10 Actions for Change we are proud to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS). The CRS allows us to understand

HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM

We're looking for those who see things differently, the kind of people who bring new ideas and create innovative opportunities for our clients.

each applicant’s achievements in the context that they have been gained. We understand that not every candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, from every background.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

We select many of our graduates through our vacation clerkships. During this immersive experience, you’ll receive hands-on practical experience, actively contributing, as you work on some of the diverse challenges facing the team you’re collaborating with. You will gain a deeper understanding of life at the firm and what your future could look like if you join us. Some key features include the opportunity to: • Sit within a specific team, delivering real work for key clients • Before you join, submit a preference for a team to tailor your experience • Navigate the first step of your career with partner and graduate mentoring support • Attend workshops and presentations covering all our practice areas • Contribute to our pro bono practice

JOINING US

We offer a range of summer and winter clerkships across our Australian offices. If you have queries about graduate or vacation clerk positions, please visit our website: careers.herbertsmithfreehills. com/au/grads/vacation-clerkships or contact one of our graduate recruitment consultants.

KEY DATES/DEADLINES SYDNEY Positions

30 - 35

Clerkship programs

1 Summer

Applications for all 2021/22 programs open

Tuesday 8 June 2021

Applications for all 2021/22 programs close

Wednesday 14 July 2021

Offers made

Thursday 16 September 2021

Please note: An application should only be submitted to the office where you intend to start your career as a graduate. Multiple applications will not be considered.

• Work with cutting edge technology through our innovation projects • Networking opportunities to meet people across the firm

Contacts Rachel Kok Graduate Recruitment Adviser T +61 2 9225 5054 GraduatesSydney@hsf.com

© Herbert Smith Freehills 2021 NOF186936_A4_Advertorial_SYDNEY /260321


TOP TIPS WE ARE LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALS We recognise and value the differences that make us unique. By embracing diverse views, we can provide our clients with innovative solutions. Be yourself throughout the application process and emphasise the qualities that make you stand out. If you are invited to a first round interview, we will also ask you to complete our online psychometric assessment beforehand. There are no right or wrong answers to the questions – your responses simply provide insight into where your likely strengths lie.

PERSONALISE YOUR APPLICATION Tailor your application by conducting thorough research. Our brochure, website and social media channels are good places to start. You can then think about what stands out about us. The more you learn about us, our values and our areas of expertise, the more helpful it will be for your application: this proactive approach will demonstrate your motivation.

REMEMBER, IT'S A TWO WAY PROCESS Meet us at events, online and get to know our people. Think about who you will be meeting in advance and what you would like to ask them. Our lawyers can give you a real insight into who we are, what we do and how we do it. This is your chance to get to know us in a more informal environment and find out whether we are right for you.

LINK EXPERIENCE TO LAW When talking about your experience, explain how the skills you have gained are relevant to a career in law – and to Herbert Smith Freehills specifically. Consider the way we work and the skills and abilities we look for to deliver high-quality services to our clients.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALS We recognise and value the differences that make us unique. By embracing diverse views, we can provide our clients with innovative solutions. Be yourself throughout the application process and emphasise the qualities that make you stand out.

SHOW YOUR POTENTIAL We are not looking for the finished product and we know that gaining legal work experience is increasingly difficult. What we are looking for is your potential to become a Herbert Smith Freehills lawyer. Demonstrate the transferable skills you have gained through the experience you have, legal or non-legal.

CHECK AND DOUBLE CHECK Before you apply, don’t forget to double-check your application for typos.

HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM

HOW TO APPLY You can apply online by visiting careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads Tell us about your academic credentials, the skills you have gained from extra-curricular activities and work experience, and why you have the motivation and potential to become a great Herbert Smith Freehills lawyer. We are proud to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS). The CRS allows us to understand each applicant’s achievements in the context that they have been gained. We’re committed to working with all candidates to enable them to demonstrate their potential throughout our process. If you have any disability-related queries or would like to have a conversation with our team about adjustments, please contact your local Recruitment Contact.

Contact: Rachel Kok Graduate Recruitment Adviser T +61 2 9225 5054 GraduatesSydney@hsf.com

© Herbert Smith Freehills 2021 NOF186936_Ad_2021_Uni_Apply_SYD/290321


CLERKSHIP APPLICATION EXPERIENCE Charlotte Michalowski Vacation Clerk 2020/21

My name is Charlotte Michalowski and I was a Vacation Clerk over the 2020 – 2021 period. 2020 came with its own serious of unexpected challenges, but having the clerkship application process run entirely virtually ended up a blessing in disguise. I’m studying in Canberra, and had heard stories from older year groups about the struggle of commuting up and down between Sydney and Canberra for those two packed months. While I missed out on seeing the firm itself (and maybe some free food) I was still able to get a really strong feel of the firm culture through my buddy, the two interviews, two information evenings and a morning tea.

HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM

A stand-out feature of the HSF interview process is that it’s one on one, with a partner. It’s much more casual than many other firms in my experience, and you tend to talk about things outside of your CV. Before the interview I repeatedly read the firm website, any news articles about HSF, and looked up cases HSF was involved in. Although this helped me get a sense of what the firm was about, and the types of matters they worked on, those things were never the focus of my interviews. We talked about where I grew up, what it was like living away from home, when bin night was in Canberra, and home renovation. Everyone I spoke to during the process not only seemed interested in who I was, and why I wanted to come to HSF, but they also genuinely loved the law and what they did. On offer day, there were two things that helped me decide that HSF was the best place for me to go. The first was the vibe. During the clerkship process this was the most frustrating thing to hear – because how on earth can you understand the vibe of such a huge company? But it’s a cliché because it’s true. The firms will start to feel different. While the big commercial law firms do similar work – but there will be one whose mentoring, team structure, and beliefs fit better with you.

The second thing that stood out to me was how many people I spoke to that had clerked and stayed at HSF, from solicitors to partners. It was a clear marker of the investment that HSF makes in you. The people I spoke to were from such varied backgrounds and they had all found their niche in one way or another and found an area of the law where they could be creative and enthusiastic. Although at times quite stressful, the clerkship application process can be rewarding even before offer day through the people you meet and what you can learn. On Offer Day I had the opportunity to speak to anyone that I needed to, to help cement my decision. Over this summer I have had the opportunity to meet people from so many teams, work with lawyers from different offices and have always been made to feel part of the team. A HSF clerkship will be one of the most fun, engaging and coffee and sport filled summers that you can have.

© Herbert Smith Freehills 2021 NOF186936_A4_Grad Profile_(Charlotte Michalowski)_V2 /220421


JOHNSON WINTER & SLAT KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? We usually take between 8-10 clerks over the summer period.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? 8-10.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Apply to our clerkship program by submitting your CV, covering letter and current official academic transcript via cvMail, addressed to Renee Patu, our Professional Development Advisor.

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • • • • • • • • • 118

Class actions Competition/antitrust Corporate (M&A/ECM) Corporate crime & investigations Corporate governance Debt finance Dispute resolution Employment Energy & resources

• • • • • • • • • • •

Environment & planning Foreign investment Funds management Intellectual property & IT Media Private equity Projects & construction Real estate Regulatory Restructuring and insolvency Tax

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? We have over 65 partners nationally, supported by more than 250 lawyers.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? If you are enthusiastic, driven to succeed and want to continually develop your skills, you’ll fit right in. We’re looking for clerks who have not only excelled academically, but have great communication skills, thrive in a collaborative environment and want to deliver legal advice to create the best outcomes for our clients.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? The day in the life of a Clerk is learning in the flow of your work – you add value to our matters from day one: • There’s no limit to your exposure. You have the freedom to work closely to any partner and lawyer across all of our practice areas • Be supported by a Mentoring Partner and Buddy Graduate/Associate who will kickstart your learning experience • Involvement in complex and challenging matters and see how they evolve • You may learn something unexpected and


TTERY unusual through detailed research in those matters and writing articles • Honing in your skills by reviewing, proofreading, and drafting contracts and memorandums • Supporting on the ground by attending and understanding the courts • First-hand exposure to the inner workings of a matter by attending and sitting in on client calls and meetings.

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? Looking after people is our top priority: our lawyers, business services professions and our clients. Our ethos is: “we’re in it together” – it’s the cornerstone of our business and what makes us a bit different. We value ‘humanity’ and ‘collaboration’ over everything else. We care about the wellbeing of our people and invest time in understanding their objectives to support their development, throughout their careers. When people come first, numbers take the backseat. We have no billable targets and less internal hierarchies, so you will be free to focus on the quality of your work and delivering the best results for our clients. We support our lawyers to actively pursue their passions. From the beginning of your career, we will support your involvement in pro bono legal work and industry associations, giving you time and resources to carve out your niche. This supportive approach has seen many of our associates take leading roles with organisations such as Australian Lawyers For Human Rights, Turnaround Management Association, AMPLA and the Australian Institute of Energy.

WE ARE THE ONLY FIRM IN AUSTRALIA WHO... Doesn’t have graduate rotations. Our team structure means that our junior lawyers are not tied down to specific practices areas. You will work with partners across our national offices, and a broad range of

practice areas and sectors, throughout your early career.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... Clerks at Johnson Winter & Slattery go on to join our graduate program. Our graduate program is an extension of our clerkship program – you will be given the opportunity to work on matters impacting major Australian and international corporations. In addition to the ‘on the job’ and structured training you will have received in your clerkship program, our graduate program will also give you access to: • Grad Academy – an intensive off-site two day conference where you will meet your peers from across our national offices, learn about our practices, important legal concepts and the skills to accelerate your career • College of Law enrolment and a dedicated tutor support • Access to work on pro-bono matters and participate in pro-bono secondments .

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? Candidates should be well prepared, have great communication skills and show a little bit of their personality. Interviews are a two-way street, so it’s important that you ask questions too, so you can choose the right firm for you. We are looking for candidates that have not only excelled academically, but who will fit with our people and culture. Make sure you tell us why you want to work for us and why you are a great fit. We want to know about your previous work experience, university studies, other achievements and any other experiences you want to share with us – so come prepared. Of course, we’ll also have a few behavioral questions. It might help to do a little research on common interview questions and have a think about your responses before we meet. 119


OUR FIRM

Johnson Winter & Slattery was started by three lawyers who wanted to do things differently. We’ve grown rapidly to become one of Australia’s leading independent firms and now have offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. Working with us will give you all the benefits that come with working for a leading law firm and much more. We will put you at the forefront of the corporate world, working with our clients on their most complex and business critical legal work – it’s what we do best.

Your career. Your choice.

It’s our people that really sets us apart. We pride ourselves on being down to earth, approachable and, quite simply, a great place to work.


VIBE

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

Looking after people is our top priority: our lawyers, business services professionals and our clients. Our ethos is: “we’re in it together” – it’s the cornerstone of our business and what makes us a bit different. We value ‘humanity’ and ‘collaboration’ over everything else. We care about the wellbeing of our people and invest time in understanding their objectives to support their development, throughout their careers. When people come first, numbers take the backseat. We have no billable targets and less internal hierarchies, so you will be free to focus on the quality of your work and delivering the best results for our clients.

Gain a realistic snapshot of what your future with us would look like. You will:

A BIT ABOUT YOU

In addition to all of the above, our graduate program will give you access to:

If you are enthusiastic, driven to succeed and want to continually develop your skills, you’ll fit right in. We’re looking for graduates who have not only excelled academically, but have great communication skills, thrive in a collaborative environment and want to deliver legal advice that will propel clients forward.

• work closely with partners and senior lawyers across all of our practice areas • from day one, you will work on high profile, complex matters • benefit from your own structured and bespoke professional development program • receive guidance and mentoring from a strong support network

GRADUATE PROGRAM • Grad Academy – an intensive off-site two day conference where you will meet your peers from across our national offices, learn about our practices, important legal concepts and the skills needed to accelerate your career • College of Law enrolment and a dedicated tutor support

PRACTICE AREAS When you join us, you’ll become part of a national team and work with some of Australia’s brightest legal minds on a broad range of practices areas.

Competition/ antitrust

Dispute resolution

Funds management

Projects and construction

Corporate

Employment

Intellectual property and IT

Regulatory

Corporate governance

Energy and resources

Media

Restructuring and insolvency

Debt finance

Foreign investment

Private equity

Tax


A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR FUTURE Associate Blake Hunt shares his story and experience as part of the team. What does your role entail? As an associate at Johnson Winter & Slattery, my role covers a wide variety of legal work across different practice areas including intellectual property, dispute resolution, and competition law to name a few. At Johnson Winter & Slattery, junior lawyers are encouraged to get as much experience as possible in different areas of law to become more knowledgeable and to eventually find your ideal specialty. On a day-to-day basis, I review contracts, prepare court documents such as affidavits and do a range of legal research and drafting tasks.

foundation of knowledge, studying from textbooks is often very different to actually working in the field, whether that be law, HR, or any other career. It can really help to gain experience during university to make sure it is the right career for you. It can also be really difficult to land your first full-time graduate job, and I had to make countless applications before I found the right fit for me. Don’t let rejection dishearten you as everyone goes through it and often there are just so many good applicants that it can be hard to get noticed. Keep putting in the effort and take in the feedback that is given and the right opportunity will eventually come to you.

What is the most rewarding aspect and the most challenging aspect?

What have you learned?

For me, the most rewarding aspect is also the most challenging. Working across multiple areas and experiencing different parts of law, I don’t have one day that is the same as the last. I am constantly being exposed to new legal issues and challenges to solve for our clients. I find it extremely rewarding to have a role with such variability, but it also requires me to manage my time and workload effectively in order to switch between tasks.

The role has taught me so much more about the law, managing full-time work and even just myself as a person. I have definitely found a love for the challenge that the legal world presents, particularly the variability of a lawyer’s role and the ability to work with a range of different people and clients. It has also taught me the importance of time management, communication, and the need to maintain a good work life balance.

What lead you to this role?

Why this role?

I definitely didn’t take the “standard” path to becoming a lawyer. I studied a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Law (Honours) at Macquarie University, while working part-time. During my first few years of uni, I interned for a couple of different law firms and even worked in a bottle shop. However, I primarily worked as a Legal Recruitment Consultant, learning the legal world from the other side of the interview chair. After a psychology honours year in 2018, I finished my degree in 2019 and landed my first full-time role at Johnson Winter & Slattery as a summer clerk. From there, I started as a Law Graduate in 2020 and became an Associate in November 2020.

I was really attracted by the culture that JWS presented and the opportunity to gain experience in many areas of law. Johnson Winter & Slattery has a high partner to lawyer ratio, which has meant I get to work directly with senior lawyers who have great experience in their fields. Johnson Winter & Slattery also has a great collegiate culture and everyone is happy for you to knock on their door and ask any questions you have.

What advice would you give your university aged self? Try and gain as much experience as possible in the field you want to work in and don’t get disheartened if jobs are hard to come by as a graduate. While university gave me a great

What personal qualities are required for success? Life as a lawyer requires a lot of dedication and hardwork to make sure you are always best representing your client and fulfilling your duties as a legal practitioner. It also requires adaptability to changing circumstances, great communication skills and a passion for learning new things.


HOW DO I APPLY? Just submit your CV, covering letter and current official academic transcript via cvMail. You can address this to Renee Patu, our Professional Development Advisor.

WHAT’S NEXT? Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a ‘get to know us’ session and an interview with one of our partners and the professional development team. You’ll also be invited to a drinks and networking evening, where you can meet our partners and lawyers to find out why they think Johnson Winter & Slattery is such a great place to work. If you’re successful, we’ll be in touch to let you know when you start!

LET’S CHAT Renee Patu, Professional Development Advisor on email renee.patu@jws.com.au or phone 02 8247 9653. www.jws.com.au/careers

Embrace your ambition.


JONES DAY KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

04 JULY 2021 (11:59PM)

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? We typically have an intake of 3-5 summer clerks in Sydney each year. There is no target set, it really depends on the candidates we meet through the recruitment process.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? We hire approximately 8-10 Graduates nationally. There is no specific target number for the Sydney office. We look for a record of academic excellence, superior written and analytical abilities, strong interpersonal skills, and interest in our Firm

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? All applications must be made online. When applications open, please visit www.jonesdaycareers. com/australia and follow the links to the relevant page to apply.

124

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? Over 2500 lawyers across 42 offices worldwide. We have approximately 30 Partners and 70 Lawyers nationally.

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Antitrust & Competition Law Banking, Finance & Securities Business Restructuring & Reorganization Capital Markets Energy Global Disputes Intellectual Property Labor & Employment Mergers & Acquisitions New Lawyers Group Private Equity Pro Bono Environment Tax

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? We are looking for exceptional and independent individuals with strong analytical and communication skills. Apart from strong academic achievements, it is important to demonstrate an ability to deal effectively with people in a professional environment. You should be flexible and creative in your approach to work, and be able to work cooperatively and responsibly in a teamwork setting.


HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS?

At Jones Day we encourage all of our lawyers to find a successful balance between the demands of client service, community involvement, family and personal interest. The balance is often vital to long term success and enjoyment in the practice of law. Jones Day provides gym subsidies, sporting teams, fresh fruit, monthly morning teas.

We look for candidates who have a strong work ethic and respect for their colleagues and who place a high value on working as an effective team as well as an individual. We look for well-rounded candidates who are willing to pitch in and do whatever is required in order to ensure the best outcome for our clients. In addition, we seek candidates who are always looking for opportunities to contribute more in solving our clients’ problems and who focus on why we are crafting a particular solution rather than merely concentrating on the mechanics of what needs to be done.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? We give our clerks real work for real clients, to provide them an opportunity to learn what the practice of law at a large firm is all about. Providing challenging assignments also allows us to assess clerks’ potential to deliver first-rate legal services and to flourish in Jones Day’s culture. We aim for clerks to become future graduates of the Firm.

125


Working at Jones Day… One Firm Worldwide® Jones Day is a global law firm with more than 2,500 lawyers in 42 offices across five continents. The Firm is distinguished by: a singular tradition of client service; the mutual commitment to, and the seamless collaboration of, a true partnership; formidable legal talent across multiple disciplines and jurisdictions; and shared professional values that focus on client needs. The Firm’s 125 years of sustained growth—in experience, reputation and successful client interaction—have been built by its dedication to a ‘One Firm Worldwide’ philosophy, which fosters the creation of interoffice and cross-practice teams, assembled to ensure that clients receive the best possible guidance and representation, without regard to barriers conventionally imposed by geography, borders, time zones or language.

Australia

Graduate and Clerkship Program

Jones Day’s presence in Australia has grown significantly. The Firm has added new offices in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane over the last five years in addition to our office in Sydney, reflecting our commitment to expanding our service to the Australian market.

We run clerkship programs at Jones Day across our offices in Australia that offer selected positions to talented students who are in their penultimate year of university. We give our clerks real work for real clients, to provide them an opportunity to learn what the practice of law at a large firm is all about. Providing challenging assignments also allows us to assess clerks’ potential to deliver first-rate legal services and to flourish in Jones Day’s culture. We aim for clerks to become future graduates of the Firm.

Our lawyers work in a dynamic and stimulating multidisciplinary environment by collaborating with colleagues from different practices and different offices worldwide. We continue to attract many of the legal industry’s most highly regarded and sought-after lawyers while maintaining our focus on promoting internal talent through the ranks.

Applications

The New Lawyers Group

We run a Summer Clerkship program in Sydney and applications and recruitment dates follow the NSW Law Society Guidelines.

Jones Day recognizes that many law students leave law school not knowing which practice they want to enter. We also believe that a more well-rounded law yer is a better lawyer and that a wide range of experience is valuable to a new lawyer. Accordingly, many years ago Jones Day created the New Lawyers Group, which allows new associates to gain exposure to different practice areas and lawyering styles at the Firm before making a commitment to a specific-practice. We provide extensive training through the New Lawyers program. Each year, we endeavor to bring together new associates from across the Firm at the “New Lawyers Academy” in Washington for three days of hands-on training and meetings with Firm leaders. In addition to helping them understand Jones Day’s culture, organization and operation, the Academy gives our new lawyers the opportunity to meet their peers in the Firm’s other offices.

Opening date: 8 June 2021 Closing date: 11.59 pm on 4 July 2021 Applications must be made online. Please visit us at www.jonesdaycareers.com/australia and follow the links to the relevant page. For further information regarding our recruitment programs, the application process or the interview process, please visit our website at www.jonesday.com.


JONES DAY AUSTRALIA THE FACTS Jones Day’s Australian offices, an integral part of the worldwide Firm, are seeking highly skilled graduates and lawyers who are interested in working as part of an integrated team of lawyers on a truly global scale. Joining Jones Day means starting your career in a dynamic global law firm, in which you will find ample opportunity to acquire the full array of skills and experience necessary to meet the legal-services needs of sophisticated clients on a worldwide basis.

FIRM OVERVIEW LAWYERS WORLDWIDE

AUSTRALIAN OFFICES

OFFICES

2500 4 Detroit Chicago Minneapolis San Francisco Silicon Valley Los Angeles

42

17

Amsterdam Cleveland Pittsburgh Boston New York Washington

Brussels London Paris Madrid

Columbus Atlanta Miami

Irvine San Diego Dallas

COUNTRIES

Düsseldorf Frankfurt Munich Milan

Beijing Shanghai Tokyo

Taipei

Saudi Arabia

Hong Kong

Dubai

Mexico City

Singapore

Houston

Brisbane Sydney São Paulo

Perth Melbourne

AUSTRALIA MAIN AREAS OF PRACTICE Antitrust & Competition Law

Global Disputes

Banking, Finance & Securities

Intellectual Property

Business Restructuring & Reorganization

Labor & Employment

Capital Markets

Mergers & Acquisitions

Energy

New Lawyers Group

Environment

Private Equity

Financial Markets

Pro Bono


K&L GATES KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

05 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? Approximately 10

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? Approximately 10

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Online via our website: klgates.com/careers

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? Australia: • Partners: 64 • Lawyers: 210 Globally: • Partners: 839 • Lawyers: 930

128

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • • • • • • • • •

Finance Litigation & Dispute Resolution Corporate Real Estate Policy & Regulatory Tax Asset Management & Investment Funds Labour Employment & Workplace Safety Intellectual Property

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? We are looking for smart, imaginative and hardworking people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. We seek out clerks who have a variety of experiences both personally and professionally. We want to see that you have the ability to be able to manage the balance between your university studies, work and personal life. Whilst experience in legal and or commercial environments is advantageous, it does not mean that your experience in retail is not! Showcasing these experiences and how they have enabled you to understand the commercial issues our clients face is just as important.


WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? A clerkship program is the ideal opportunity for you to experience firsthand what it is like to work as a lawyer in our firm. As a seasonal clerk you will be embedded into our practice areas and be involved in real legal work right from the start, giving you in-depth experience and providing real insight into life as a commercial lawyer at K&L Gates. Not only will you get to experience what it is like to work in a global commercial law firm firsthand, you will have the chance to enjoy our down to earth culture we are known for. Clerks are encouraged to attend learning and development sessions, firm celebrations and other activities such as staff drinks and our regular pro-bono, community and charitable activities. There will also be opportunities to join in on some of the work our Diversity Committee does to create an inclusive, diverse and supportive working environment.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... Join the Graduate Program the following year. As a graduate you will complete 3 practice area rotations which run for four months over a 12 month period.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? Remember, first impressions really do count, so make sure you consider this when preparing for your interview. BE YOURSELF. Know your CV and application back to front. Be honest in your responses and don’t be afraid to ask questions about us or the firm that are specific to what you are looking for in an employer.

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? We expect you to work hard, but we don’t want you to be a robot! We encourage our employees to look after their health and wellbeing through a number of initiatives such as our global vitality program and various sporting and social events that we host throughout the year. We also support flexible working practices to ensure that employees can balance work and other responsibilities.

129


DISCOVER Looking for a law firm that really is different? Where you can be empowered to DISCOVER quality work and clients, DEVELOP through opportunities to learn more while growing your career, and THRIVE in a diverse and inclusive culture? Then join our global community of talented visionaries. To learn more about how you can discover, develop, and thrive in a dynamic global law firm, visit klgates.com/careers.

THE K&L GATES EXPERIENCE. K&L Gates LLP. Global counsel across five continents. Learn more at klgates.com.


UNSW THE LOUNGE


KING & WOOD MALLESON KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

Across our Australian offices, KWM currently has 163 Partners and 629 Solicitors and Senior Associates

14 JULY 2021

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? Intake numbers vary from year to year, however we usually take on anywhere between 30 to 40 clerks.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? Approximately 30 to 35.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? All clerkship roles are available via our KWM graduate website. Once applications open, there will be a link to apply via our application form. https://careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia/ being-a-clerk

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • • • • •

132

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE?

Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Finance, Dispute Resolution, Projects & Real Estate, Taxation.

We recruit high achieving, client centric, learning agile people with an international perspective. We understand that technical excellence is only one success factor. We value a range of skills in our employees and recognise that a diversity of strengths leads to best results. We are looking for people who have an intellectual curiosity and are intrinsically motivated. Excellent marks are not necessarily a predictor of career success. We believe in teamwork and the ‘Power of Together.’ We are not a collection of siloed practices; we work closely across the network to pursue client opportunities. Through a high-performance culture our results are realised through collaboration, innovation, and engagement.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? Our clerkships give you a clear picture of what it’s like to be a lawyer at KWM. You’ll get to know our people, the way we like to work, our culture, practice areas, clients and more. During a clerkship at KWM, you’ll learn: • The operational “nuts and bolts” – our technology, real-world financial systems, research and support resources, firm policies, procedures and the structure and approach of the firm itself. • The day-to-day skills to get you started – taking instructions, meeting with clients, drafting


NS memos/documents, managing your practice and professional relationships. • Our core practice teams – who they are, what they do, how they’re structured, the clients they work for, and of course, your role within them. • Our culture – you’ll be exposed to (and encouraged) to get actively involved in the many activities and events that define KWM. • Our people – you’ll find that people from every part of the business will help you along, sharing their knowledge, and ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? KWM has a range of practices and policies in place to support our people in integrating their personal and professional commitments. Particularly following the events of last year, we reimagined the traditional approach to better suit our people. Central to that is maintaining a flexible approach to work patterns which allows our people to adjust their workdays, hours or location. Flexibility is discussed regularly between individuals and in team meetings so changing needs can be addressed. In addition, we have: • A comprehensive Working Parents Framework to provide support for all expectant parents through to beyond their return from parental leave. • A partnership with an external consultancy to deliver a ‘Working Mothers Program’ and ‘Working Fathers Program’ in each of our centres to support our working parents, from their time as expectant parents through to their return to work from parental leave and transition back into their roles. • An Emergency Childcare Policy to provide access to and reimbursement for childcare providers on occasions where urgent business matters require attention. • Regular engagement surveys to obtain insights regarding wellbeing and determine actions of greatest impact and need going forward.

WE ARE THE ONLY FIRM IN AUSTRALIA TO... practise Chinese, Hong Kong, UK, European and Australian law. We offer real depth and local connections in China.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... If successful, clerks at KWM go on to join the graduate program and as part of the Graduate Program, we also offer Practical Legal Training (PLT) for our Australian Law Graduates. PLT ensures that you meet the practical requirements for admission to legal practice. There is also the opportunity for graduates to travel to other KWM centres in Australia, and hopefully in the near future, back to our overseas offices!

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? • Get involved! – join in with various social and team-based activities. • Ask questions – we have an open and honest culture; it’s fine to ask questions and we actively encourage you to do so. • Share your thoughts and ideas – the ‘power of together’ is all about sharing your thoughts and ideas to improve what we do, think differently, and create value for clients and each other. • Build connections – genuine and authentic conversations, be yourself! • Team player – help solve problems through teamwork, collaboration, and engagement. • Legal Knowledge – aim to demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to understanding concepts and legal issues. • Research – ensure you know the firm and show your interest

133


Life holds endless opportunities for those who dare to grow careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia

As an elite international law firm headquartered in Asia, we are reshaping the legal market by challenging our people and our clients to think differently about what a law firm can be today, tomorrow and beyond. We thrive on exceeding the expectations of our clients, and as such the world’s leading organisations turn to us to unlock their biggest opportunities and deliver clever solutions to their most vexing challenges. Where others see limitations, we see possibility. With ambitious thinking and innovation in our DNA, we partner with our clients to bring to life pioneering solutions which will help them to adapt, reinvent and grow. We believe innovation comes from giving our people room to grow, and as such actively encourage input and ideas from all levels of the firm. Our people are encouraged to shape their own career path, supported at every step of the way, with world-class training, coaching and hands-on experience. There is no ‘one size fits all’ career model, and we offer multiple opportunities for our lawyers to gain experience and thrive.

KEY STATISTICS • #1 ranked law firm in Australia and China* • Top 15 global elite brand** • 28 international offices; • One of the largest international legal networks in the Asia region with 500+ partners and more than 2000 lawyers; • Our clients range from a mix of global financial and corporate powerhouses through to new industry-makers and all levels of government • With an unmatched ability to practise Chinese, Hong Kong, Australian, English, US and a significant range of European laws under one integrated legal brand, we are connecting Asia to the world, and the world to Asia. *Source: Chambers and Partners 2020 **Source: 2020 Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index GLOBAL REACH The King & Wood Mallesons network extends across the following regions: • Asia Pacific (Australia, Mainland China including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore) • Europe • Middle East • North America

OUR PROGRAMS SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM Applications open: 8 June 2021 Applications close: 14 July 2021 How to apply: Via our online application system at careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia We offer clerkships to give you a clear picture of what it’s like to be a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons. You’ll get to know our people, the way we like to work, our culture, practice areas, clients and more. During your clerkship, you’ll learn: • The day-to-day skills to get you started – taking instructions, meeting with clients, drafting memos and documents, managing your practice and professional relationships.

Your role Clerks usually work in one or two different practice groups, depending on the length of the clerkship. You’ll be allocated a supervisor in each of your practice groups and you’ll work closely with the partners, senior associates and solicitors in that team. It’s a hands-on role, so you won’t just be watching from the sidelines. GRADUATE PROGRAM We offer a unique future-focused training experience and invest heavily in development to support you to fulfil your potential. You will benefit from a bespoke comprehensive learning and development program tailored specifically for our graduates. As a graduate you will take part in graduate technology bootcamps. These bootcamps will provide you with exposure to the many different types of emerging legal technologies, which are available at our firm. These skills will help prepare you for the future and ensure that we continue to evolve to meet our clients’ changing needs. We also offer a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course with the College of Law to our Australian Law graduates, ensuring that you meet the requirements for admission to legal practice. The program also promotes and supports the mobility of our staff across our offices by giving you the opportunity to apply to go on exchange in one of our interstate or overseas offices. Through this, you can access a greater choice and variety of destinations and on-the-job experience. VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM Wherever you are in the world you can now experience what it is really like to be a lawyer at KWM with our Australian-first legal virtual work experience program (VEP). The platform features two programs – ‘Intro to Law’ and ‘Advanced Law’ – which each include five learning modules curated by KWM based on real life firm matters and activities. Through this program you can build real skills and the confidence to excel in a commercial law career before you even step into one of our offices.

• The core practice teams at King & Wood Mallesons – who they are, what they do, how they’re structured, the clients they work for, and of course, your role within them. • Our culture – working within your team, you’ll be exposed to (and encouraged) to get actively involved in the many activities and events that help create our unique culture. • Our people – you’ll find that people from every part of the business will help you by sharing their knowledge and ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.

KELLIE MILDRED People & Development Advisor (Graduates) +61 2 9296 3592 kellie.mildred@au.kwm.com


Clerkship Profile careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia

DOROTHY CHUNG SUMMER CLERK KING & WOOD MALLESONS SUMMER CLERK INTAKE: 2020/21 AREAS OF ROTATION: Mergers & Acquisitions (Public M&A/ECM), and Projects & Real Estate (Real Estate) UNIVERSITY: University of New South Wales DEGREE: Bachelor of Psychology / Bachelor of Law THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS: KWM’s written application is unique in that it replaces the traditional CV and cover letter with an online form which asks you three questions about your work experience, extracurricular activities and areas of interest in commercial law. The interviews were purposefully conversational (without niche behavioural questions!) so that the interviewers can gain a real sense of your personality and interests. THE WORK: One of my favourite aspects of working at KWM was the level of involvement I was given to work on the most complex matters in the market. Rather than administrative work, the tasks I worked on related directly to the legal services the firm is providing such as conducting legal research to answer complex issues or having a go at drafting commercial documents.

THE CULTURE: From the interview process to my first day, a consistent aspect of KWM was the friendly and supportive culture. From my experience, this was most evident in the way that the firm handled COVID. There was no pressure to go into the office if you weren’t comfortable and it was evident in team catch-ups that everyone genuinely cares about each other’s wellbeing. THE SUPPORT: I found the clerkship support system really helpful during my clerkship. I was assigned a buddy and development coach in each team who were there to answer all my questions and check in everyday on my progress. Both the partners I worked for were very approachable and made real efforts to ask me about my interests and help me make the most of my clerkship! PRO BONO AND COMMUNITY: KWM have an abundance of pro bono and community outreach programs run by a dedicated team in the firm. Early on in the clerkship, we are given a presentation on the wide breadth of areas that KWM are involved, including legal and non-legal opportunities. The opportunities to participate are made easily available and participation is truly encouraged! THE SOCIAL LIFE: Despite being the ‘covid cohort’, we were not robbed of the social aspects that a summer clerkship at KWM provides. We participated in the weekly inter-firm sports competition and a few of my clerkship colleagues (the ‘social coordinators’) organised frequent after work activities. As the Instagram ambassador myself, I had full reign to document our experience on the KWM Instagram account!

WHY I CHOSE KING & WOOD MALLESONS: I chose KWM because of the firm’s investment into their employees. Having worked at KWM prior to the summer clerkship, I had a unique insight into the way partners, senior lawyers and the P&D team help facilitate the career goals and interests of law clerks and junior lawyers. It was clear from this that a career at KWM would come with an abundance of support and opportunities. MY CLERKSHIP VS. MY EXPECTATIONS: Initially, I was unsure whether a 3-week rotation would allow me to gain a lot of insight into each practice group. However, both my teams were dedicated to providing an all-rounded experience and even in a few weeks, I felt like I gained a real insight into what it’s like being an M&A and Real Estate lawyer! WHO WOULD I RECOMMEND A KWM CLERKSHIP TO: I would recommend anyone who is passionate or wants to find out more about commercial law to apply for a KWM clerkship. Those without a commerce background should also not be discouraged from applying as there is no expectation to have any technical expertise – a good attitude and willingness to challenge yourself is enough!


What Does Innovation Mean For Lawyers Today? At KWM, we view innovation through the lens of “change that makes a positive impact”. I often view there being two aspects to innovation – the micro and the macro. The micro changes are the little things here and there that add up to make your life easier and help you get out of the office in time to get to the beach after work. Then there are the macro changes that involve the introduction of new technology and processes which directly affect the way we do our work, and lead to improved client outcomes. Both aspects are equally important. Some recent examples of legal technologies that have brought about positive changes at KWM include: • automated processes to generate high-volume, pro-forma documents; • an online platform to allow clients and lawyers to track the progress of conditions precedent for a deal so that they do not need to continually ask for updates; • a program to coordinate verification of disclosure documents so the different parties can work across one document rather than several versions; • artificial intelligence (AI) to review a suite of contracts to identify common provisions; and • AI to assist in document review processes, reducing the number of documents reviewed in person by approximately 80%.

As a result of implementing the above, I have found it is easier to maintain work/life balance and focus on more interesting work streams instead of spending time on version control and document management, and have spent less time on document reviews that used to take months (a huge result!). At KWM this ultimately means that lawyers are happier, more stimulated and engaged at work and we are also able to deliver greater value for our clients. While some law students and graduates worry about AI taking over the role of junior lawyers and that we should all fear the rise of AI, I think the opposite is true. It is something to be embraced. AI does not replace the role of junior lawyers, it assists junior lawyers and makes them more efficient, which frees them up to spend more time on more intricate legal problems. This is one reason why the upskilling of graduate and junior lawyers, particularly in relation to legal technology, is so important at KWM. With this in mind, KWM has comprehensively reimagined what graduate training looks like. Alongside the usual graduate induction training, there is now a focus on upskilling graduates with specific legal technology training relevant to their practice groups. This training is designed to ensure KWM graduates develop deeper understandings of legal technology. This training is repeated in each practice group that graduates rotate through, so that by the end of the graduate program, KWM graduates have developed a broad understanding of the technologies and can think laterally about how certain legal technologies can be applied in a different way in a different practice group. The new approach to graduate training was informed by feedback from an innovation ‘sprint’ to tackle the design challenge of: How might we design a legal technology training experience to enable

graduates to thrive in their teams and build productivity enabled practice skills. I was involved in the sprint from the dispute resolution perspective, which involved travelling to a number of KWM offices to conduct a series of interviews with colleagues across my practice group to map the key technologies applied now in each practice team and understand the motivations and blockers to adoption. The sprint culminated in a design workshop utilising a number of innovation tools and techniques to design our practice specific bootcamps.

“KWM has comprehensively reimagined what graduate training looks like.” Alongside this training to develop technical ability among KWM graduates, is a cultural shift that ensures KWM graduates and junior lawyers feel comfortable to suggest new ways of utilising technology and promoting changes that make positive impacts. Coupled with the removal of billable hour targets for graduates, KWM graduates are encouraged to pursue their curiosity and develop their confidence to explore different ways of utilising technology to deliver changes that have a positive impact, for themselves, the firm and our clients. Patrick Mackenzie is a Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution (General Commercial) and Restructuring and Insolvency practice groups in King & Wood Mallesons’ Perth office, and one of KWM’s Innovation Guides.


UNSW HILMER BUILDING

137


MADDOCKS KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? We are looking to recruit 8-10 clerks for this years’ intake.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? We recruit our graduates from our Summer Clerk programs.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Apply for our Summer Clerk program via the following link: https://www.maddocks.com.au/ careers/clerkships-graduate-program

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? Maddocks has over 80 partners, who work alongside more than 550 people across our offices in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? Sectors • Infrastructure • Education • Government • Healthcare • Technology Practice Teams • Corporate & Commercial • Construction • Dispute Resolution & Litigation • Employment & Workplace • Government Advisory • Property & Development

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? We are looking for talented and ambitious students to join our clerkship program. Students who have a well-rounded experience and approach to life and who not only have a strong academic ability but who also fit our firms culture and values. Our comprehensive application and recruitment process enables us to get to know our candidates so we can effectively assess their suitability to join Maddocks. The clerkship program is the first step for students seeking graduate positions.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? From Day One you will experience what it’s like to work at Maddocks. This means you will have challenging, meaningful work, gain exposure to clients, be given a good level of responsibility, work in a supportive and collaborative team and have regular access to our partners. The training you receive throughout your clerkship

138


will ensure you are thoroughly prepared and ready to get involved in and contribute to client work straight away. The program begins with a comprehensive orientation which includes training and development activities. You will also meet the people you’ll be working with. During the program you will rotate through two practice groups of your preference, with support in each rotation from a buddy and coordinator. You will receive feedback from partners and others you work with, and a feedback review at the end of each rotation.

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? Of course it’s important to have some fun too and you will have plenty of opportunities to experience life at Maddocks through a range of social and sporting activities. Maddocks is also very proud of and committed to its pro bono program which engages lawyers to contribute to the community in a meaningful way. Flexible working practices have long been a part of our culture. We recognise that work is what people do, not a place where you go. As an employee you will have access to market-leading working and parental leave arrangements. All of our employees can take advantage of our great learning and development programs, mentoring and networking opportunities. Our people are encouraged to participate in seminars and training programs, with partners dedicated to continuing legal education.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... You will have access to top quality work for high calibre clients. This will enable you to develop both

your technical legal skills and business acumen on a diverse range of complex and interesting projects. Working autonomously and collaboratively, you will be supervised, mentored and supported by recognised experts in their respective legal fields at every stage of your career progression. In addition, the firm offers a significant range of outstanding training and development programs tailored to a wide variety of needs and interests. Maddocks is very proud of and committed to its pro bono program which engages lawyers to contribute to the community in a meaningful way. Or perhaps your interests and passions will lead to your involvement in one of our Diversity, Inclusion and Innovation projects. For those lawyers with leadership aspirations, our Accelerate program is a career development program that has a focus on empowering senior lawyers to maximise their potential as individuals and as leaders.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? 1. Get to know us It is important to do your research to understand who our clients are, our practice areas, our culture and values. 2. Be prepared Take the time to prepare your application. Check spelling and grammar and ensure you have answered the questions that have been asked, attention to detail is critical. 3. Show us who you are Tell us about your experiences, your interests or hobbies outside of university and work, where you have demonstrated leadership and responsibility. 4. Develop your network Find out as much about us as you can, speak to our people, attend clerkship events and ask questions about things that are important to you. 139


Your career begins on

Day One

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


UNSW BOOKSHOP


MINTERELLISON KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? 25

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? We most often recruit our graduates from the clerkship program, but from time to time we do go to market for graduate roles. If you are looking specifically for a graduate role, please keep an eye on our website.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? The first step is to complete an online application and psychometric assessment. Our online application form will ask you to submit your resume, a cover letter and your most recent academic results. Apply online at graduates.minterellison.com.

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? Total Employees: 2400+ Partners: 260+ Legal: 1300+

142

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Banking and Finservices Capital Markets Class Actions Competition Regulation and Trade Corporate Dispute Resolution Education Energy Environment and Planning Infrastructure Construction Property Insurance Mergers & Acquisitions Real Estate Restructuring and Insolvency Sustainability & Climate Change Tax and Superannuation TMT Workplace/Employment

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? At MinterEllison we are not looking for people to fit a mould. Academics are just one piece of the puzzle and we recognise the strength that diversity can bring to a team. Work experience, extra-curricular activities, sporting participation, music and travel are all important criteria to us. We want you to bring your whole self to work - individual strengths and diversity are what build our teams up to be the successes they are.


WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?

WE ARE THE ONLY FIRM IN AUSTRALIA TO...

Our clerkship program offers meaningful work experience, structured by a comprehensive orientation program and learning on the job to build both technical skills and commercial knowhow.

In 2020 we were the first law firm to have a float in the Sydney Mardi Gras and continued our participation with marchers in this year’s Mardi Gras!

During our program you will: • work closely with Partners and Lawyers on active matters to meet deadlines • produce quality and meaningful work • participate in tangible learning & development activities and; • attend social and networking events

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO...

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? We support a range of flexible and agile working arrangements including part-time, job-sharing, variable start and finish times and working from home. We also offer unpaid leave opportunities for special requirements not covered by our usual leave policies. Typically this may cover study, overseas work experience and judges associateships.

The prospects of obtaining a graduate role at MinterEllison after completing a successful clerkship with us are very high. The majority of our Graduates come through our Clerkship Programs. Our clerks may also have the opportunity to work as Paralegals after their clerkship.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? Tailor your application to MinterEllison; highlight the research you have done and make sure you address why you want to work with us. Start preparing your application early to ensure you can submit it on time, and proofread your application before you submit it!

143


Your future. Your choice. Choose to make an impact. Never underestimate the power in you to make an impact MinterEllison clerks and graduates become well-rounded, technically excellent lawyers who help to solve some of our clients’ most complex challenges. But we also empower you to be so much more.

Joining us is just the beginning You’ll gain exposure to a wide variety of business areas, skills, teams and challenges, helping you to understand where your strengths and interests lie. You’ll be given exciting and challenging opportunities and responsibilities, because we want you to be more than just a technically excellent lawyer. We want you to create lasting impacts. Joining us for your clerkship is only the beginning. You’ll accelerate your legal and business acumen by working alongside highperforming partners, lawyers and professionals in a diverse, collaborative and innovative environment. You’ll have access to an awardwinning learning and development program, and we will provide you with career building opportunities designed to guide you on your best career path.

It’s your path Our program ensures you have the development you need, when you need it. It’s this flexibility that provides our graduates with many opportunities to learn on the job, while being constantly supported by lawyers and partners who want you to succeed. By the end of your graduate rotations, you’ll have an extensive network within and outside of the firm. You’ll have experienced transaction, litigation and advisory work and you’ll be supported when deciding where to settle.

“The biggest impact I want to have as a lawyer is working with our clients to deliver a solution that not only meets their goals now, but also creates long-term, meaningful impacts for the future.” Emily Hill Lawyer For information and to apply visit graduates.minterellison.com

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

graduates.minterellison.com


To me, MinterEllison’s inclusive and supportive culture, and focus on delivering excellence without attitude, is what makes the firm special.” Arman Saffar Lawyer

MinterEllison is a leading law firm. But we think beyond the law. Why? Because we have big ambitions to grow our firm in a world of relentless disruption. Because now is the time to reimagine the future so that we can create lasting impacts with our clients, our people and our communities. Never underestimate the power in you to make an impact.

Your future. Your choice. Choose to make an impact.

graduates.minterellison.com


NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT KEY DATES 08 JUNE 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

14 JULY 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? Approximately 60-70 nationally.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM?

We are a full service commercial law firm. Our lawyers practice in various areas of law such as • Litigation & Disputes, • Employment & Labour, • Intellectual Property, • Competition, • Environment & Planning, • Construction & Engineering, • Competition, Insurance, • Banking & Finance, • Financial Restructuring & Insolvency, • Government, • Corporate M&A, • Tax, Financial Services, • Real Estate, • Technology and • Risk Advisory.

Approximately 35 – 40 nationally.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES?

We are looking for people who share Norton Rose Australia’s values – Unity, Quality and Integrity.

Students need to apply online through our Global Graduate Recruitment website – www.nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com

Successful candidates should be in their penultimate year of studying law. Life experience is also highly regarded at Norton Rose Fulbright, be it in the form of work experience; an involvement with campus, or non-campus, clubs and societies; travel; or even a previous career before embarking on law.

Your application will need to include a one page cover letter, CV and your most up to date academic transcript. We only accept online applications.

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? Globally we have over 3,700 lawyers and 1,100 Partners. Within Australia, we have over 110 Partners and 450 lawyers nationally.

146

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS?

The way summer clerks and graduates interact with our clients is as important as their working relationships with colleagues. A genuine passion for the law will not only drive career progression but inspire candidates to be part of a great team. At Norton Rose Fulbright you will enjoy a high level of access to Partners, working in a non-hierarchical and supportive culture. Although academic achievement is important it is considered in the much broader context of your other life experiences.


T WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? Our Clerkship Program offers a real taste of life as a Graduate, including attending client’s meetings and teleconferences, visits to court, research, preparation of court documents, drafting deeds/contracts, discovery and much more. There will also be additional activities for you to take advantage of including: • Key skills training with our Learning and Development team • Q&A sessions with our leaders • Presentations about practice areas and deals • Networking and social events

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? We appreciate that maintaining a work life balance is an important aspect for all our employees. We encourage all our people to balance flexible working in their everyday work with work and client commitments to ensure they don’t compromise on what is important to them – whether its maintaining some form of exercise, undertaking carers responsibilities or other social activities. We encourage our people to take advantage of our formal flexible work arrangements including part time work, remote working and job share arrangements as well as a combination of all. In addition to this, we launched a formal agile working program for those wanting to incorporate ad-hoc and less formal flexible work practices into their day to day work schedule.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... All of our Summer Clerks will be considered for our National Graduate Program. We have designed the graduate program to give you the widest exposure to our world. It features a maximum of four rotations across two years, each of which will broaden your understanding of our work, our clients and our global reach. When you commence as a graduate, we will support your Practical Legal Training through the College of Law. You will receive onsite training, study leave allowance and the cost of your course covered. You will also be eligible to apply for a 6-month rotation to one of our international offices. We have sent Graduates to work in Singapore, Dubai, London, Tokyo, Johannesburg and New York. Throughout the graduate program, we provide inhouse specialist training through our world-class global learning and development framework. Our training will build your career both as a lawyer and a business adviser. In addition to all of this, we will provide you with all the support, insights and advice you could possibly need to help you realise your potential and decide on your future direction.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? Authenticity is absolute key. We want to get to know the real you and what you’re passionate about outside of the law.

WE ARE THE ONLY FIRM IN AUSTRALIA TO... Have a global scent!

147


Nina is a change navigator When you’re playing futsal, you attune to a pace that’s fast. Fast and critical thinking as part of a team comes naturally to Nina. Currently on our graduate program, she’s putting her speed of thought to good use on secondment, walking – or running – in the shoes of our client. We’re providing the next generation of lawyers like Nina with the knowledge, skills and understanding to help our clients achieve their goals on the global stage – always staying one step ahead of the competition. We don’t simply adapt to change. We thrive on it. Law around the world nortonrosefulbright.com


UNSW LOWY CANCER RESEARCH CENTRE


INTERNATIONAL LA


AW FIRM PROFILES


CLIFFORD CHANCE HONG KEY DATES 01 SEP 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

03 DEC 2021

CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSE

HOW MANY SUMMER CLERKS IS YOUR FIRM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS YEAR? We take between 25-30 interns annually.

HOW MANY GRADUATE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR FIRM? We make between 12-15 offers annually.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUR FIRM’S CLERKSHIP ROLES? Via our Careers Site: careers.cliffordchance.com/apac/home.html

152

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRM’S KEY PRACTICE AREAS? • Global Financial Markets (Finance and Capital Markets), • Corporate, • Litigation and Dispute Resolution.

HOW MANY PARTNERS AND LAWYERS DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE? Hong Kong • Lawyers: 175 • Partners: 32 Globally • Lawyers: 3,400 • Partners: 560

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOUR FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS? To be successful in your application, you will need to demonstrate your potential to become a first-class professional, and your willingness to take advantage of the many opportunities that you encounter. You must exhibit ambition, drive and commitment; you will have the ability to clearly articulate your ideas, and the desire to build relationships and deliver outstanding service. We’re also looking for business awareness, a keen commercial insight, and a strong ability to lead and manage.


G KONG WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON? We want you to gain a real understanding of what it’s like to work here, so you can expect to work on a wide range of tasks – from research, drafting and assisting with deal management to attending court.

HOW DOES YOUR FIRM PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK/LIFE BALANCE? Across the firm, at every level, we encourage open, honest conversations about how we can realise our ambitions and continue to make Clifford Chance a great place to work. We pride ourselves on the absence of ‘facetime culture’ and a wide network of support is available to ensure that workloads can be spread equally.

CLERKS AT YOUR FIRM GO ON TO... Complete training at Clifford Chance or another international firm or take up a career in another professional service industry.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS? Be yourself, do your research and speak to people at the firm. Don’t forget to double check your application too!

153


WHERE BRIGHT MINDS MEET

2022 HONG KONG SUMMER VACATION SCHEMES At Clifford Chance, our diverse and talented people are at the heart of everything we are and everything we do. Our ability to excel on behalf of our clients; the quality of work; our international capabilities; collaborative and supportive working culture; our innovative mindset – they are all driven by our people. Joining us means sharing our ambitions, realising your potential and making an impact. Our vacation schemes will be held in June and July 2022, applications will open on 1 September 2021 and close on 3 December 2021. Candidates will be invited to first-stage interview on a rolling basis. All applications must be completed online at https://careers.cliffordchance.com/apac/home.html For enquiries please contact gradshk@cliffordchance.com


STUDENT TESTIMONIALS


EMILY DONALDSON 5th Year Arts/Law Clerked at Gilbert + Tobin

THE BEST PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP? My clerkship at Gilbert + Tobin had a significant and lasting impact on both myself and my career to come. I really enjoyed the opportunity to become part of a new team and discover different, previously unknown areas of law. Gilbert + Tobin provided so many opportunities for me to learn and develop my skills and it was such a great experience to partake in alongside my fabulous cohort. I had the chance to develop new professional relationships and I was particularly thankful for the guidance and mentorship I received from my partners and mentors, and which I am fortunate to continue receiving after the clerkship – this is something that I will take with me long into the future. The clerkship really allowed me to develop passions for new areas of law that I would love to work in and will ultimately shape my future career as a lawyer in every aspect.

THE MOST SURPRISING PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP? I was particularly surprised and amazed by the amount of one-on-one time I had the opportunity to spend with the partners of both the Corporate Advisory and Banking + Infrastructure teams I rotated in. Despite their extremely busy schedules, both partners generously went out of their way to spend time with me, assign me tasks and answer my endless questions on a daily basis. They exceedingly included me in all aspects of their team and were both genuinely committed to helping me learn and develop my legal skills.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS Although clerkship applications can be a daunting process, it is really important to be confident in your own abilities and stay genuine to who you are – firms sincerely want to get to know you and what makes you different! 156

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR FIRM? I selected Gilbert + Tobin for my clerkship because of the amazing opportunities the firm offers. I was extremely interested in the complex, high profile work that the firm does, at the forefront of the legal sector, and was particularly drawn to the strength of their Corporate Advisory and Banking practice groups. I was also passionate about G+T’s commitment to innovation and their use of cuttingedge technologies. Most significantly, I loved the fresh, vibrant and exciting culture of Gilbert + Tobin. I wanted to be part of a team that not only knew how to have fun but were highly intelligent and hard-working people from which I could best learn and develop my skills.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK DID YOU DO? I rotated in both the Corporate Advisory (Private M&A) and Banking + Infrastructure (Leveraged Finance) practice groups and during my time as a clerk, I had the opportunity to conduct a wide variety of tasks and work on several different matters within both teams. One transaction that was a particular highlight for me was the chance to work on a company acquisition from early beginnings until closing. I was able to work with my team on drafting documents and conducting tasks at various stages throughout the process. In the end it was a fabulous experience to see a matter from start to end, as well as the great final outcome the team achieved for the client. In addition to matter work, Gilbert + Tobin placed a significant emphasis on their clerks receiving a wide-ranging and diverse clerk experience. As part of the clerk cohort and as an individual, I was given endless opportunities to become involved in all different aspects of the firm. As clerks we were able to participate in a Pro Bono project, create apps as part of an Innovation venture, participate in young lawyer training sessions, attend client meetings, receive training from lawyers and partners and attend presentations from people at all levels in the firm.


ISAAC ADA 6th Year Science/Law Clerked at Corrs Chambers Westgarth

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR FIRM? It ultimately boiled down to two aspects of the firm that made Corrs differentiate themselves: 1. Firm Strategy The Corrs philosophy and firm strategy involves consolidating work with leading independent law firms from other jurisdictions. An aspect that excited me the most as an applicant are the opportunitites to work as an international secondee at one of these firms in offshore markets. The flexibility that extends from working at a leading independent Australian law firm also sees other benefits such as the ability to maintain two practice groups as a settled lawyer, working in teams which are horizontal in structure as opposed to hierarchical, and the opportunity to assume wide discretion and autonomy over highstake matters early on in your career. 2. People My impression of Corrs, its people and the firm culture was best informed through my various interactions with Corrs employees over the years. I was always taken by the pure joy, excitement, ambition and enthusiasm expressed by each of the people I spoke with. This clearly signalled that Corrs, internally, must be successfully fostering a vibrant firm culture while also continuing their work on matters at the cutting edge of the market.

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP? Being involved in the clerk pro bono project. The opportunity to collaboratae with other clerks and lawyers of all levels of seniority across the firm, conferencing our client, briefing a leading international barrister and hearing from experts in the relevant area of law was an extraordinary, rewarding and fulfilling experience.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK DID YOU DO? The clerkship program at Corrs has been designed to maximise your exposure to complex, interesting and varied work, and creating the opportunities for you to get involved. During my rotations in Banking & Finance, Environment & Planning, and Intellectual Property, I assisted with drafting advices, contracts, internal research memorandums and court documents, shadowing at conferences, performing legal research, updating Corrs’ precedents and liaising with courts.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS My simple advice: Give it a go. A clerkship is a unique and fantastic opportunity to meet a number of bright and driven individuals with diverse backgrounds and worldviews, and to gain deep insights into what it may be like to work as a lawyer at a leading commercial law firm. In the lead-up to applications, my advice to you is twofold: Know the firm and be selective. Carefully consider the firms that you decide to apply to and make a serious effort to strike a balance between the number of firms that you apply to and achieving a high quality application for each firm. For the application itself, my advice to you: Be interesting and demonstrate that you are a driven, ambitious and proactive individual. Avoid simply listing all your experiences in the application and be very selective. Choose one or two experiences, discusss some of the challenges you have had to face and explain how you overcame them. If you do not have any experience in commercial law, do not worry. I, nor most of my clerk cohort had ever worked in a commercial law firm. I would advise to use your experiences in other areas of law, or other sectors, to your advantage in your applications. It will spark an interest to bring a unique skillset and perspective. Clerkships are competitive. Do not be disheartened or disappointed if you do not secure a clerkships. There are many avenues toward achieving your career goal/s, and there are many things you can do with a law degree. Take rejection as an opportunity to reflect and evaluate. Remember that with grit, hard-work and determination, you can ascend to limitless heights and achieve what you set out to achieve.

157


MARC KOPELOWITZ Juris Doctor Clerked at Norton Rose Fulbright

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR FIRM?

WHAT TYPE OF WORK DID YOU DO?

I chose Norton Rose Fulbright for a few different reasons. Firstly, everyone I had interacted with from the firm during the application process was really personable and likeable, this gave me a really positive impression of the firm and its culture. Secondly, the firm is large with teams in many different areas of the law, which provides a lot of opportunities to gain a breadth of experience and hone your skills to ultimately become the best lawyer possible and I really liked this about the firm. Finally, the potential for international opportunity with the firm as well as the opportunity to do cross-border work due to its global footprint was also something that really interested me about the firm.

I worked in the Norton Rose Fulbright Financial Services team and Banking and Finance team. In the Financial Services team I did really interesting work pertaining to funds, Australian Financial Services Licence and superannuation matters. In the Banking and Finance team I did really stimulating work on asset-based lending deals and project finance transactions.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS My advice to students who are applying for the clerkships is to be organised early. I would encourage students to do extensive research on each of the firms before they submit their application, try and attend as many clerkship related events as possible to find out as much as possible about the clerkship process and have a copy of your resume ready before the application period starts.

158

THE BEST PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP? The best part of my clerkship experience was the really interesting and substantive work I was given that was genuinely value adding work that provided benefit to clients. The work was challenging but really exciting and I really enjoyed being challenged in a really positive manner. Additionally, I had fantastic colleagues that were more than happy to provide feedback and advice which provided me with some great learnings from my clerkship experience.

THE MOST SURPRISING PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP? The most surprising part of my clerkship was the really close bond that our clerkship group formed. We did a lot of activities together including having group lunches, going out for dinners on Friday nights, participating in the law clerks sports competition and even going away on weekends. Getting to know so many new people over a short period of time was really enjoyable and one of the highlights of the clerkship.


WILLIAM VU Graduate Clerked at MinterEllison

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR FIRM? For me, it came down to the calibre of the work at the firm as well as the people. I have always had an interest in architecture, engineering and construction, so naturally wanted to work at a firm that excelled in that space. I knew my firm had one of the best teams and lawyers in the country in this space, so that was an easy win. Then it came down to who I felt I wanted to work with day-in and day-out; it’s a very subjective decision, but from meeting the various representatives that my firm put forward and talking to people I knew who worked there, I knew I could thrive as a lawyer but also have so much fun at the same time.

THE BEST PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP? Making the ‘clerk video’. It’s meant to be a series of skits the clerks put together detailing their time at the firm over the summer. It was just so much fun as we had people of all seniorities involved and filmed the most hilarious scenes – one of my favourites was the clerks donning hard hats and hi-vis vests and converting the lift lobby into a construction site to alleviate our desk shortage.

THE MOST SURPRISING PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP? The strength of the bond you form with your clerkship cohort. Kudos to the firm for creating the environment (and the budget!) to allow the clerks to regularly hang out with each other, both during and after work. It’s a great way to form those connections early on that will help personally and professionally as you progress through your career.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK DID YOU DO? The great thing about a clerkship is that at most firms you get rotations through different teams, which means you can get a great range of work. My work went from transactional to advice to disputes. On the

transactional side, I was thrown straight into M&A and construction deals and helped with drafting (albeit with copious amounts of review and editing from seniors). When I was in the Technology Law practice group, we prepared advices on complex privacy matters for both government and private entities. And in disputes I got a glimpse into how affidavits and submissions were drafting.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS GET TO KNOW THE FIRMS AND THE PEOPLE AT THE FIRMS.

As much as it is the firms choosing you, you also want to be choosing a firm that you can be comfortable working in but also be intellectually challenged. Attend as many inperson events as you can and take advantage of your networks; it may seem daunting, but people are more than happy to give up some of their time to chat with prospective clerks – you just need to ask! PERFECT YOUR CV AND COVER LETTERS IN ADVANCE.

Whilst the application window is just over a month long, you can still review and prepare your CV and cover letter before applications open. Take the time to give them love, including asking others to look over them with fresh eyes. Once applications open, you can tailor your work depending on what each firm is asking for.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

The running joke is that the clerkship application process is longer than the clerkship itself. Make sure you work hard and invest in the process, but also take breaks away from the whirlwind of gossip and stress that inevitably comes. Connect with friends and family who don’t do law – perspective is everything. 159


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.