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King & Wood Mallesons
How many partners and lawyers does your firm have?
500+ partners and more than 2,000 lawyers
How many clerks are you intending to take on this summer?
Our summer clerkship intake for Sydney is usually 30 – 35.
How does your firm embody the notions of social and corporate responsibility?
King & Wood Mallesons is proud of the ongoing contribution that we make to the community. ‘KWM Community Impact’ is the name of our pro bono and community program. It is a multi-faceted, national integrated strategy that uses the skills of our lawyers and non-lawyers. We give back to the communities in which we live and work through financial contributions, pro bono support and volunteering, and everyone in the firm is encouraged to get involved. Some examples of pro bono work our graduates have been involved in include attending the Street Law Clinic one day per week, and involvement with the National Children’s and Youth Law Centre. Our summer clerks are also able to get involved in pro bono initiatives, including volunteering at the Red Cross, Salvation Army and the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
How does your firm strive to protect its junior lawyers’ work-life balance?
At King & Wood Mallesons we have a range of practices and policies in place to support our people in integrating their personal and professional commitments. Central to that is maintaining a flexible approach to work patterns which allows our people to adjust their work days, hours or location. We recognise that flexible working will mean different things to different people and, for that reason, flexibility is discussed regularly between individuals and in team meetings so changing needs can be addressed.
Our graduates are given multiple levels of support to not only ensure they are kept motivated and engaged, but also to assist them with managing their workload. Each graduate has a supervising partner, development coach and buddy per rotation, and the People and Development Graduate Team also act as a support network for the graduates throughout the Graduate Program.
What opportunities does your firm uniquely offer that may be of interest to prospective clerks?
Our ability to connect Asia to the world and the world to Asia, is our key differentiator. With all the facets of a world-class law firm and unique Asia perspective, we act as a bridge between East and West and help our clients cut through the cultural, regulatory and technical complexities of getting deals done in new markets. King & Wood Mallesons is a unique employer for a number of reasons. As the only global law firm that can practice Chinese, Hong Kong, UK, European and Australian law, we offer real depth and local connections in China.
Our Australian practice spans international, local and regional clients. With an ambition to help clients to shape their business for the future – we can help you to shape your world too. That’s because our people are our future and a significant source of pride to us at KWM.
We have a legacy of excellence spanning more than 200 years, but we know that our future is in the hands of the next generation of lawyers. As such, at KWM we make your development our priority, and encourage our lawyers to be innovative and creative in meeting our clients’ challenges.
Does your firm offer any opportunities to work overseas?
The graduate program promotes and supports the mobility of our staff across our offices by giving you the opportunity to apply to go on exchange to one of our interstate or overseas offices. Similarly, as part of the program we also provide you with the opportunity to apply for various client and pro bono secondments. Through this, you can access a greater choice and variety of destinations and on-the-job experience.
What makes your firm’s culture unique?
King & Wood Mallesons is a firm with a community feel with room for everyone to make their mark. Our people are the difference and we believe the power of together delivers the best results for our people, our clients, and the firm. We are committed to supporting a culture that encourages and embeds diversity and inclusion, both within the firm and across the broader legal sector.
We are results orientated and have a track record of high achievement and performance in life, not just in our professional and academic careers. We also have a strong focus on recognising and acknowledging our staff ’s contribution. We are client centric and work in our clients’ worlds, partnering with each client to help them to achieve their business goals.
Many graduates tell us one of the main reasons they joined the firm was the people. We work hard together but we also enjoy spending time with each other outside the office. Each centre has social and sporting committees to help organise a wide range of activities for staff to enjoy, from themed Friday night drinks to free gym memberships. We also have a multitude of sporting teams including soccer, basketball, netball and cricket.
Welcome to a new dimension of Law
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) 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. Your role Clerks are allocated a practice group and may also have the opportunity to work across other teams of interest throughout their 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.
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). Originally launched in 2017, 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. careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia at kwm.com/careers 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. • 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. 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.
OUR PROGRAMS SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
Applications open: 9 June 2020 Applications close: 12 July 2020 How to apply: Via our online application system KELLIE MILDRED • Europe • Middle East • North America People & Development Advisor, Sydney +61 2 9296 3592 kellie.mildred@au.kwm.com
Clerkship Profile
careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia
ZAK VIDOR STAUB SUMMER CLERK KING & WOOD MALLESONS
SUMMER CLERK INTAKE: 2019/20
AREAS OF ROTATION: Projects & Real Estate and Dispute Resolution
UNIVERSITY: University of New South Wales
DEGREE: Arts / Law
THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS: THE CULTURE:
The practical nature of the KWM application meant that I was able to communicate who I was as an applicant and learn about the firm in a genuine way. The video interview, practical exercise and the ‘Inside a Deal’ evening were all great examples of this. The KWM team put a lot of effort into ensuring the process was as comfortable as possible. The second round format, which comprised of a lunch, office tour and coffee with a partner, felt like a particularly good opportunity to make sure that the firm was a good fit for both parties. While each team at KWM is unique, the firm has an overarching culture of inclusivity, support and collegiality. As KWM is a fast paced commercial law firm, you can expect to work hard and learn quickly, but this will always be done with the help of professional mentors who are genuinely invested in your success. The group dynamic in each team was genuine, and it was exciting to work towards common goals.
THE WORK:
The teams in both of my rotations ensured I was able to get involved in diverse and dynamic work that gave me a great overview of what it might be like to work at KWM as a graduate. They always took time to contextualise my tasks and explain how they fit into the broader strategies of the matter. I got to work with lawyers at all levels, providing invaluable opportunities for growth and feedback.
THE SUPPORT:
I always felt supported throughout the clerkship. My dedicated buddy, development coach and partner were always there for me when I had questions and always took the time to explain what I was supposed to do and why I was doing it. This made me feel included and a part of the team. KWM also has a focus on support for mental health and physical health. The mental health support services were highlighted throughout the clerkship and we had access to a gym membership should we want it.
PRO BONO AND COMMUNITY:
There were consistent opportunities to get involved in pro bono and community work. These included a day at the Red Cross, the ‘Change Challenge’, which focused on innovation and creative thinking, broader research tasks focused on Indigenous communities, and various other research tasks. It was clear this work was very valued throughout the firm, as we were encouraged to make it a priority and get involved as much as possible.
THE SOCIAL LIFE:
The social aspect of the clerkship was great. The firm organised events including bowling, karaoke and the amazing race. These events were a great way to break the ice and get to know the other clerks. Over the summer, the clerks bonded with each other, the graduate cohort and their teams through Friday afternoon drinks, breakfast at the KWM Café and lunches in the city. I know I have made friends for life through the clerkship!
WHY I CHOSE KING & WOOD MALLESONS:
I chose KWM because not only is the firm a top-tier commercial law firm known for legal excellence, it is full of impressive, supportive and friendly individuals who are a pleasure to learn from and work with everyday. This was the sense that I got throughout the interview process and I was delighted to have it confirmed during the clerkship.
MY CLERKSHIP VS. MYEXPECTATIONS:
My clerkship surpassed my expectations in every sense. The professional, personal and social aspects were outstanding. The commercial and pro bono work I was able to get involved in was professionally and personally fulfilling. I expect that the friendships I made and mentors I met along the way will last a life time.
WHO WOULD I RECOMMEND A KWM CLERKSHIP TO:
I would recommend a KWM clerkship to anyone who wants to experience working in a fast paced commercial law firm in a supportive and friendly environment. So long as you have an interest in commercial law and a love of learning you will have a great time at KWM.
What is the Insight Program?
As the name suggests, the Insight Program will give you a high level overview of how King & Wood Mallesons is structured, what areas of law we practice and the type of clients we work with. As part of Insight we will give you: • An in-depth look at particular matters in the firm. • A chance to listen to some of our staff talk about their experiences supporting our community programs including pro bono legal services, charitable giving, volunteering initiatives and community partnerships. • Plus the opportunity to shadow one of our lawyers. The Insight Program is aimed at law students who are not yet able to apply for a summer clerkship i.e. pre-penultimate, and who are keen to gain some further knowledge and experience to assist them in the clerkship recruitment process. However, if you are eligible for a clerkship this year but are unable to participate (e.g. overseas exchange), and would like to participate in Insight please contact us. • A high level overview of how King & Wood Mallesons is structured, what areas of law we practice and the type of clients we work with.
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I APPLY?
Applications will close on 9 July 2020 (11.59pm) Applications open on 17 June 2020 (9.00am) are made via our careers website kwm.com/careers.
What sessions can I expect to attend?
4. March/April 2020 – Shadow a Lawyer – What is it really like to work in commercial law? Gain some real insight into the type of work we do by spending time with one of our lawyers!
Do you have any tips for my application?
1. September 2020 – The Global Legal Market –This session will provide an introduction into the ever-changing global legal market. 3. November 2020 – Skills Based Session – This session will provide you with practical skills to assist you now and in your legal career. 2. October 2020 – Networking at King & Wood Mallesons –
Ever been speed dating? Come and meet our lawyers from each of our practice groups. This is a networking session in the format of a “group speed dating”!
Unlike our clerkship recruitment process, there are no interviews involved in the Insight Program so your written application is very important. Please therefore ensure you take the time to review your application prior to submitting it.
If I am unsuccessful for Insight, does that mean I will automatically be unsuccessful for a clerkship at KWM?
Absolutely not. The Insight Program is a highly competitive process due to the limited spots available. Even if you are unsuccessful for a place on the Insight Program we fully encourage you to apply for a summer clerkship with us and would like to assure you that an unsuccessful outcome for the Insight Program should not be taken as an indication of unsuitability for a clerkship.
Sydney Kellie Mildred
People & Development Advisor T +61 2 9296 3592 kellie.mildred@au.kwm.com
Melbourne Sofija Jovic
People & Development Advisor T +61 3 9643 5105 sofija.jovic@au.kwm.com
Brisbane Megan Chalmers
People & Development Advisor T+61 7 3244 8704 megan.chalmers@au.kwm.com
Perth
Shenae Djulbic
People & Development Advisor T +61 8 9269 7643 shenae.djulbic@au.kwm.com
Welcome to a new
