PRIVAT E LAW CAREERS
CAREERS GUIDE 2018
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Contributors Stephanie Blancquart Mariam Jaber Vice-President (Private Law Careers) Sam Lee Dino Permadi Fletcher O’Connor Khushaal Vyas Matthew Wang Private Law Careers Publications Louise Weir Directors and Private Law Careers Jake Widjaya Guide 2018 Editors-in-Chief Francie Xu Holly Yuan and Andrew Weng Chris Yuan Terence Zhou Private Law Careers Directors Divya Ahlawat Sponsorship Directors (Domestic) Stephanie Bian Raghav Iyer and Alistair Leung James Cai Julie Wong Sponsorship Director (International) Natalie Zhen Angus Wong William Zhou Presidents Nikita Harlalka & William Vu JP
Vice-President (International) Vivien Ding Design Holly Yuan
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Publications Design Coordinator Karina Wong
PREFACE The Private Law Careers portfolio of the UNSW Law Society is extremely proud to present the 2018 Private Law Careers Guide. In compiling and creating the guide, Andrew and I have ensured that students are accessing the latest and most relevant information. Beyond this, we hope that the guide proves to be an invaluable source of insightful advice for students of all years, particularly for the penultimate students soon to begin their clerkship applications period. We are immensely grateful for the continued support of our sponsors. Andrew and I would also like to extend our thanks to those in the UNSW Law Society and to our contributors for all their work. Holly Yuan and Andrew Weng Private Law Careers Publications Directors, 2018
This Student Club publication is proudly supported by Arc.
Š 2018 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 editor, author and the UNSW Law Society Inc. accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether law student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication.
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OUR SPONSORS This guide would not be possible without the generous contribution of our 2018 sponsors. Domestic Allen & Overy Allens Ashurst Clayton Utz Corrs Chambers Westgarth Gilbert + Tobin Herbert Smith Freehills King & Wood Mallesons Baker McKenzie Clifford Chance College of Law MinterEllison Thomson Geer ANU Legal Workshop Arnold Bloch Leibler Gadens Johnson Winter & Slattery K&L Gates Maddocks Norton Rose Fulbright Pinsent Masons International Baker McKenzie (Hong Kong) Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (Hong Kong) Linklaters (Hong Kong) Latham & Watkins (Hong Kong)
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CONT ENTS A Message from the Dean A Message from the Manager of the Careers Service A Message from the Presidents A Message from the Vice-President (Private Law Careers) A Message from the Vice-President (International)
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Private Practice
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Qualifying to Practice in Australia
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The Application Process
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Australian Law Firms
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The Private Sector
Qualifying Locally ANU Legal Workshop College of Law
Preface Testimonial Overview of the Application Process The Cover Letter The CV CVMail The Selection Criteria The Interview The Importance of Commercial Awareness The Importance of Mental Well-Being
13 15 16 18 23 24 25 28 31 32 33 36 37
Allen & Overy Allens Ashurst Clayton Utz Corrs Chambers Westgarth Gilbert + Tobin Herbert Smith Freehills King & Wood Mallesons Baker McKenzie Clifford Chance MinterEllison Thomson Geer Arnold Bloch Leibler Gadens Johnson Winter & Slattery K & L Gates Maddocks Norton Rose Fulbright Pinsent Masons
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Qualifying Internationally
108
International Law Firms
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Student Clerkship Testimonials
124
Firm Contact Details
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Hong Kong China United Kingdom United States Singapore
Baker McKenzie (Hong Kong) Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (Hong Kong) Linklaters (Hong Kong) Latham & Watkins (Hong Kong)
40 46 50 56 60 66 70 76 82 84 88 91 94 96 98 100 102 104
109 111 112 113 114 115 116 118 120
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A MESSAGE FROM T HE DEAN Professor George Williams AO
The legal landscape is – and has been – shifting for some time. Students will graduate into a very different jobs market from that experienced by their predecessors. Fortunately, the legal recruitment market is reasonably buoyant. We have seen a significant recovery in terms of summer clerk and graduate recruitment, with many top-tier law firms reporting pre-GFC hiring levels. In addition, the entry of several new “players” into the private practice space, means there are more opportunities for graduates. While a job at one of the large, commercial firms may still be the ‘holy grail” for some, the evolving private practice sector now offers a range of opportunities in which to shape your career. The past decade has seen the entry of a host of international firms – both large and small - offering quality, cross-border work and opportunities for employment in overseas offices. At the same time, we have seen the expansion of key, mid-size firms which have gone on to establish a national presence, impressive client bases and reputations for quality and professionalism. Similarly, the entry of law firms attached to the professional services firms - such as PwC Legal, KPMG Law and EY Law – attract an excellent mix of referral work and offer mentoring by partners drawn from the major firms. Corporate in-house legal teams have also been growing as more legal work is retained in-house and the role of the in-house lawyer expands to include company secretarial, compliance and risk.
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Boutique practices offering expertise in niche practice areas – for example, employment, construction, tax, intellectual property –now also offer a quality employment option in the private practice space. Referral work from in house legal teams is often specialist in nature and the boutique firm plays an evergrowing role in servicing both corporations and individuals in these specialist fields. NewLaw – the start-ups of the legal world- come in a variety of models. These are an exciting development in the private practice space, offering greater flexibility, autonomy and work-life balance. They are often niche businesses blending technology with process-driven solutions and pricing strategies. Although still in their infancy, NewLaw firms range from secondment models, legal process outsourcers, on-line lawyer registries or quoting services, tech-driven businesses through to full-service law firms that prioritise flexible arrangements and innovative pricing. The emphasis at UNSW Law on experiential and international learning in the LLB and JD programs is heavily influenced by advice from employers. Academic achievement is not the sole determinant for employment. The graduate who stands out can think critically and solve problems, communicates effectively and works collaboratively. In a position to pick from many academic high achievers, most employers will seek out the candidate who brings both breadth of experience and character. So, take advantage of what’s on offer in the Law School and, more generally, at university and in the community. Private practice has long been the starting place for many a legal career. And while partnership is the goal some of you may aspire to, other opportunities will beckon along the way; the Bar, consulting and commercial roles to name a few. Chart your own course career-wise and be active in seeking out opportunities. The legal market is dynamic: be prepared for, and embrace, change. Most importantly, find a place to work where you will be happy, where you will do something that you feel is worthwhile and which allows you to express your values. UNSW Law is committed to helping students in their career choices – we have appointed Joanne Glanz, an experienced legal recruitment professional, to work with students in conjunction with the Law Society Careers team. Professor George Williams AO Dean, UNSW Law Faculty 7
A MESSAGE FROM T HE MANAGER OF T HE CAREERS SERVICE Joanne Glanz
As Manager of the Careers Service at the UNSW Law School, my role is to help you maximise your chances of finding – and landing – a rewarding job. I believe that your career starts the moment you walk in the door at UNSW Law.
receive first and exclusive updates about just-listed jobs, employment opportunities, events and other career related news. The last few years have seen an upward trend in the number of summer clerks hired by commercial law firms. I expect it to be similar (or greater) this year, as firms continue to see the value of engaging new talent. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, more international firms have established an Australian presence and are eager to offer clerkships this summer – so make sure to keep an eye out for these firms, even if they are not on the Law Society of NSW list of participating firms.
Similarly, a number of the full-service accounting firms have established ‘law-firm’ The Careers Team will point you in the right style legal teams with graduate recruitment direction, with advice on navigating the jobs drives. Again, this is an excellent opportunity market and how to put your best foot forward to develop your commercial/legal skills in in terms of your resume, cover letter, on-line client-facing roles. profile and interview skills. Ranked 14th law school in the world, UNSW We are here to assist you in securing provides you with an exceptional educational employment both while you are a student foundation. However, should your clerkship here at UNSW and for when you ultimately application not progress, do not give up: graduate. work on bolstering your CV, getting relevant legal or other work experience and apply If you go to the Careers tab on the UNSW for graduate positions at law firms at the Law website http://www.law.unsw.edu.au/ beginning of 2019. careers you can: I am aware that firms are seeking to expand • Schedule a one-on-one appointment with their graduate intake numbers to better me; manage work flow demands – thus providing opportunities for students who did not • Check out the Jobs Board for a range undertake summer clerkships. of roles with employers as diverse as law firms, corporations, government departments, not-for-profits, the Bar and the Judiciary;
• Find out more about career path options; • Find resources such as CV and cover letter templates and industry news; and • Subscribe to the law-careers email to 8
Remember, clerkships are not the be all and end all… I encourage you all to make good use of the Careers Service. Joanne Glanz Manager of Careers Services, UNSW Law
A MESSAGE FROM T HE CO-PRESIDENTS Nikita Harlalka & William Vu
The UNSW Law Society prides itself in assisting our members to develop professionally, personally, and academically by facilitating a holistic education and equipping them with the right information and skills to achieve their career goals. With that in mind, we are very pleased to bring you the 2018 Private Law Careers Guide, condensing all the information you need to be successful in your pursuit of a career in corporate law. The guide contains firm profiles from our sponsoring firms to provide you with an insight into their culture, mark out key dates, and requirements for clerkship opportunities. The guide is intended to equip you with the skills required to develop your professionalism, regardless of whether you choose to pursue a career in corporate law. We strongly encourage students to engage with this guide to choose the best fit for them and their desired career. In the current legal job market, it is more important than ever that students remain discerning about their personal interests and the relevant career opportunities. Between the Careers Fair, the Clerkship Cocktail Evening, the Clerkship Presentation Series and various other professional development opportunities, UNSW Law Students are offered a vast range of opportunities to experience a diverse range of corporate legal career possibilities. This guide aims to be a central information resource for UNSW Law Students, allowing them to learn about the different options available and to choose their desired path. As a final note, we would like to thank all our sponsors for their generosity and support of the UNSW Law Society. Without their contributions, our society would not be able to function and for that we are very grateful. We would also like to thank those who contributed to this guide including, Fletcher O’Connor, Vice-President (Private Law Careers) and his team. We would also like to give a special thank you to Holly Yuan and Andrew Weng , Private Law Publications Directors, as well as Karina Wong, Publications Design Director, for all their work in putting this guide together. Nikita Harlalka and William Vu Presidents, UNSW Law Society
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A MESSAGE FROM T HE VICE-PRESIDENT (PRIVAT E LAW CAREERS) Fletcher O’Connor Fletcher O’Connor As the Vice-President (Private Law Careers), I am pleased to present the UNSW Private Law Careers Guide 2018. Our intention for the guide is empower students with knowledge and information regarding opportunities in private law firms both domestically and internationally, the clerkship application process and provide tips, advice and resources for success. The penultimate year of studies can prove to be incredibly difficult for students in Law School. As your degree continues to increase in difficulty, you’re tasked with making substantial decisions about your future. While these decisions may appear daunting, it is important to place them in perspective. Reflecting upon your experiences thus far is essential when coming to a decision about your career. Focus upon your strengths, acknowledge and learn from your weaknesses and let them guide you to the most suitable destination for you. Ultimately, you’re deciding on your future. Don’t let noise bother or distract you. Clerkships are a one-in-a-lifetime experience for students. Not only do they provide an opportunity to immerse yourself within the culture, values and lifestyle of a given firm, you are also afforded likely the first opportunity to genuinely apply your knowledge and skills acquired throughout your degree. Don’t forget that the application process is just as much about you ascertaining where you want to work as the firm determining whether you’re a suitable candidate. Regardless of the outcome, the opportunity to meet, liaise and network with legal professionals throughout the application process is unrivalled by any other experience at university. This guide would not be possible without the contributions of our generous sponsors, contributors and students throughout its development. I would like to thank the entire Private Law Careers portfolio for their efforts to bring the Careers Guide to life. I would particularly like to emphasise the efforts of Holly Yuan and Andrew Weng who designed and edited the guide. Finally, thank you to all of our student contributors for providing personal insights from their experience in the industry. Finally, to all the students contemplating applying for clerkships or any other opportunity within private law, I wish you good luck! You have the support of the Private Law Careers portfolio and more broadly UNSW Law Society collectively throughout this incredible stage in your life. Above all, enjoy! Fletcher O’Connor Vice-President (Private Law Careers), UNSW Law Society 10
A MESSAGE FROM T HE VICE-PRESIDENT (INT ERNAT IONAL) Vivien Ding
International Careers section in this Private Law Careers Guide gives you an overview of what it’s like working overseas. In today’s globalised world, so many exciting opportunities exist for Australian law students, especially in the U.K. and Hong Kong. To thrive in your legal career, it is important to not limit yourself and keep a global perspective in the work you do. Working overseas is a great experience not only to have on your CV, but also to broaden your horizon and expand your understanding of the global market. International law firms often provide outstanding training programs and handle challenging yet exciting front-tier deals. The experience you gain from working on these cases and the skills you develop from living in another country will stay with you wherever you go. As a common law country, the Australian legal system shares great similarities with the legal systems in the U.K. and Hong Kong. This places Australian law students in an advantageous position when it comes to landing your dream job in these regions. Vacation programs are a great starting point for you to gain a deeper understanding of the region of your interest. Many jurisdictions also require you to meet conversion requirements in order to be admitted as a lawyer, so make sure you find out this information early to plan ahead! The International Careers section of this guide will focus on law firms with a strong presence in Hong Kong. Hong Kong, as a significant economic hub in the APAC region, has long been a popular jurisdiction for many Australian students. Our annual Hong Kong Law Fair has over a dozen law firms and universities attending to answer students questions about their recruitment process. This guide also includes testimonies from students who have worked in Hong Kong and U.K. to give you another perspective. We wish you all the best with your applications and future career! Vivien Ding Vice-President (International), UNSW Law Society 11
T HE PRIVAT E SECTOR
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PRIVAT E PRACT ICE In-House Legal Counsel Larger corporations are increasingly expanding their own in-house legal teams who advise the business on legal matters concerning the company and its management. Now more than ever they have begun to take responsibility for the company’s corporate governance, compliance, and risk functions that may have been traditionally provided by a private law firm on retainer. In-house legal teams can now be found across a growing list of industries and sectors ranging from pharmaceutical, multimedia, construction, and infrastructure. Accordingly, lawyers working within in-house teams may develop specialised knowledge of the particular industry in which the business operates. Previously, there were few opportunities to complete Practical Legal Training outside of private practice, hence lawyers wishing to obtain in-house legal counsel positions needed to qualify through private practice first. However, with the big four professional services now offering their own clerkship and graduate programs in law, the path to in-house legal counsel is more accessible. The role of an in-house counsel differs from the role of a lawyer in a commercial law firm as you have sole responsibility towards one client, the business. Often, counsel is thought of as the corporation’s conscience. Within this role, lawyers navigate the potential conflicts between individual interest and organisation goals as counsels must balance their obligations as an employee of the company with their obligations to act in the interests of the client. The role of counsel is to recognise and provide guidance toward the management of the company’s legal risks. In the role of counsel, you may also be required to provide commercial as well as legal advice to your client. In-house legal counsel is the integral communicating link between the corporation and any external lawyers since they possess the combination of legal and industry knowledge to do so. 2018 CLERKSHIP PROGRAM KEY DATES Monday 18th June Applications for summer clerships open Sunday 15th July - Applications close at 5:00pm August - Interviews Commence Wednesday 26th September Offers can be made Friday 28th September - Offers must be accepted or declined by 5:00pm For more information: https:// www.lawsociety.com.au/legalcommunities/law-students/ internship-program/clerkshipprogram
Clerkships
Larger City Law Firms National and international law firms offer a plethora of legal services across a range of practice areas. A financial or commerce related degree is not required in order to enter into the commercial law sphere. As a lawyer working in a large commercial firm, you will interact with clients across a variety of industries. Although large law firms practice in a variety of sectors such as banking and finance, intellectual property, litigation, and corporate and commercial law, they are distinguished by specialised practices in certain sector areas. These firms may also practice sectors such as infrastructure, information technology, environmental law, competition law, and dispute resolution. 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 partnerships are also often afforded the opportunity to work overseas on secondments. TIP: As completing your clerkship application can be very time consuming, we highly recommend that you start preparing your applications as early as possible to ensure your application is sent in on time!
Clerkships are an amazing opportunity for penultimate year law students to gain real work experience in a commercial law firm! They usually occur during the summer holidays, with limited clerkships also available during the winter break. During a clerkship, students are typically involved in working in multiple practice areas of the firm. Your first year as a graduate is often completed in conjunction with your Practical Legal Training (PLT) and obtaining your licence to practice. This process will assist students to discover the areas of commercial law they are passionate about and gain in-depth experience related to these areas and aid them in specialising later on. Examples of practice groups student rotate through during the clerkship include, property, finance, intellectual property, and Corporate M&A. Overall, clerkships are an amazing opportunity for law students to gain some experience of working in a corporate organisation and maybe even a graduate position at the firm. The clerkship application process is competitive; see key dates above to get started on the process!
2018 GRADUATE PROGRAM KEY DATES Monday 5th March - Applications open Sunday 15th April - Applications close at 5:00pm Monday 7th May - Interviews Commence Friday 8th June - Offers can be made Monday 18th June - Offers must be accepted or declined by 5:00pm
International Firms International law firms also offer clerkships but applications tend to close earlier in the year. If you are interested in applying for international firms, note the deadlines for applications and remember that some firms can recruit up to two years in advance.
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QUALIFYING TO PRACT ICE IN AUST RALIA
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QUALIFYING LOCALLY
New South Wales
Practical Legal Training
In New South Wales, a person is admitted as a Lawyer of the Supreme Court of NSW, and, once admitted, may practice as either a barrister (by obtaining a practising certificate through the NSW Bar Association), or as a solicitor (by obtaining a practicing certificate through the Law Society of NSW).
Once you have completed your law degree, you must then undertake approved Practical Legal Training. The Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005 contains a list of accredited law degrees (Second Schedule) and Practical Legal Training course providers (Fourth Schedule).
To become a solicitor in New South Wales you must meet the eligibility requirements for admission as detailed in sections 24 and 25 of the Legal Profession Act 2004 (NSW). To be eligible for admission, an individual must be: • Over 18 years of age; and • Have completed the required academic and Practical Legal Training (PLT) requirements; and • Be a ‘fit and proper person’ (generally, this means that an individual is of good character. For more information, see section 9 of the Legal Profession Act 2004 (NSW).
In contrast to the broad theoretical knowledge gained at university, Practical Legal Training provides instructions on a wide range of tasks and procedures, such as: • Legal research • Fact and legal analysis • Problem solving • Legal writing and drafting • Interviewing and oral communication • Advising • Advocacy • Dispute resolution. A course in PLT is available through the Professional Program at the College of Law, as well as through the ANU Legal Workshop. The Professional Program consists of three components: •• Coursework Component: 15 weeks of full-time or 30 weeks of part-time study, offered via Distance Online or on-campus courses •• Work Experience Component: consists of 75 working days and may be completed full-time or part-time (at least two days a week) •• Continuing Professional Education Component: consists of two selfassessable parts being a workbook and seminars (accessible online).
Admission Criteria Having met the eligibility and suitability requirements for admission, to be eligible to practice as a solicitor in New South Wales you must be admitted to the profession in the Supreme Court of NSW (unless you have already been admitted in another jurisdiction within Australia). This is a onetime only application. Once your application for admission is approved you will need to attend the Supreme Court of NSW to: • Take and sign the Oath • Sign the Roll of Australian Lawyers • Receive your original Certificate of Admission Admission First-time applicants should apply for admission to the Supreme Court of NSW via the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB). Once you have completed your academic study and your Practical Legal Training, and satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirements (if applicable) you may make an application for admission using Form 10 of the Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005. Applications for admission must be accompanied by two character references in Form 3. Practising Certificate Prior to admission, the LPAB provides a list of proposed admittees to the Law Society of New South Wales. The Law Society will send you a kit including an application form for a Practising Certificate. If you are intending to commence practice as a solicitor in New South Wales you will need to: • Complete the application form for a Practicing Certificate and send it, together with payment, to the Law Society Registry by the date specified. • Attend an admission day at the Supreme Court of NSW to receive your original Certificate of Admission. • Take your Certificate of Admission to the Law Society to receive your Practising Certificate. Becoming a Barrister Barristers are lawyers who provide specialist services and advocacy skills to represent clients before courts and tribunals. They prepare court documents and advise clients about their legal problems and prospects of success in litigation. Barristers work on their own; they are not permitted to work in partnerships or in- corporations. They are usually briefed by a solicitor before commencing work. Requirements For admission into the Bar, a person must: • Be admitted as a lawyer by the Supreme Court of NSW (or in another state). • Obtain a 75 pass mark for all three Bar exams (‘Ethics for barristers’, ‘Aspects of evidence’ and ‘Practice and procedure for barristers’), before commencing the Bar Practice Course. This is a condition precedent to undertaking the reading program. • Complete the Reading Program, which involves a period of ‘reading’ for at least 12 months under the supervision of a barrister with not less than seven years’ standing. The program includes a month-long Bar Practice Course, which involves study of advanced advocacy and barrister-related skills. • During the 11 months after completion of the course, other requirements are imposed: criminal reading and civil reading, participation in two advocacy workshops, and attendance at six extension sessions. For full time practice at the Bar, one must commence within ten months of passing the exams. 15
Choose Australia’s leading university provider of Practical Legal Training ANU Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice > Accredited > Online, with 4 day face-to-face intensive in locations across Australia > Experienced, practitioner mentors > Choose your start date, mentor and when you graduate
Go straight to the top.
_WEB
legalpractice.anu.edu.au/gdlp _FACEBOOK
facebook.com/ANUGDLP
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ANU School of Legal Practice What does ANU School of Legal Practice consider the most valuable part of completing your ANU GDLP?
What is the duration of your ANU GDLP in part-time and full-time study mode?
Completing your ANU GDLP will give you a postgraduate qualification from Australia’s leading university provider of Practical Legal Training (PLT). Your ANU GDLP will build on the knowledge you have obtained in your undergraduate studies, providing you with the practical skills that you will need to take the next step in your career. Tailor your ANU GDLP: You decide When to Start; Where to Complete your 4 day Face-to-Face ‘Becoming a Practitioner’ course; Who Your Individual Mentor will be; Your Electives; and When You Will Graduate.
Legal Practice Experience (LPE) (also referred to as placement) is a requirement of all PLT courses. Your ANU GDLP gives you the option to choose to complete 20 days, 50 days or 80 days LPE. We have exclusive opportunities available for ANU GDLP students to apply for placements with third parties – and we have relationships with community and private employers where applications from ANU GDLP students are preferred.
What is the delivery mode for your ANU GDLP? Is it onsite, online, or combination of both?
The BAP course is offered at locations across Australia 15 times per year. You can apply at any location that suits you, and then complete the remainder of the ANU GDLP online.
slp.studentadmin@anu.edu.au
Your ANU GDLP is comprised of 5 elements:
> Element 2 – Professional Practice Core (PPC): 12 weeks, online. Includes property law, commercial law, civil litigation practice, ethics and professional responsibility, and professionalism in practice. > Element 3 – Electives: the number of electives you are required to complete depends upon how many days of LPE you choose to complete. The electives you are able to choose from are broad and comprehensive, giving you scope to develop your skills in certain practice areas. > Element 4 – Legal Practice Experience (LPE): You can choose to complete 20 days, 50 days or 80 days LPE. > Element 5 – Ready for Practice (RFP): 3 weeks online. RFP is a capstone experience which enables you to draw together your learning in the GDLP. You are offered individual mentoring throughout your ANU GDLP, and you are able to choose your mentor from our range of experienced practitioner teachers.
What is the cost of completing your ANU GDLP?
Your ANU GDLP is delivered online, and can be completed from anywhere in the world – with the exception of the 4 day Face-to-Face ‘Becoming a Practitioner’ (BAP) course.
legalpractice.anu.edu.au/gdlp
Your ANU GDLP is completely flexible, designed to be able to fit in with your existing work and life commitments – you can tailor your course and study load to suit you! > Element 1 – Becoming a Practitioner (BAP): 4 day Face-to-Face in various locations across Australia.
Is the work experience component of your ANU GDLP placement, arranged by students individually, by ANU School of Legal Practice or a combination of both? How many hours must students complete?
WEB
The duration of the course is up to you! You can complete your ANU GDLP in under 6 months – or you can take more time and complete it at a more steady pace.
> If you choose 20 days LPE, you will be required to complete 4 electives – cost of $12,324. > If you choose 50 days LPE, you will be required to complete 3 electives – cost of $11,147. > If you choose 80 days LPE, you will be required to complete 2 electives – cost of $9,970. Our fees are FEE-HELP eligible.
PHONE
+61 2 6125 3483 FACEBOOK
facebook.com/ANUGDLP
@ANUGDLP LINKEDIN
linkedin.com/in/anu-slp
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Activate your career. Practical Legal Training programs that better activate your career. Leading, and in tune with your profession, The College of Law offers the largest range of flexible programs, all purpose-driven to ensure you have the best start to your career.
Maggie Quach
Lawyer, Lander & Rogers Lawyers Graduate of the Practical Legal Training program
Learn more at collaw.edu.au/PLT or call 1300 856 111
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Practical Legal Training Study freedom With delivery modes including full-time, part-time, online and on-campus, you can select a program that will fit your work and personal commitments. You can also choose from more than 10 programs a year in Sydney so you can complete your practical legal training at a time that suits you.
Hands-on learning Practical, task-based and hands-on, our program ensures that you will transition into the workforce successfully. You will learn through everyday scenarios that parallel real-life practice such as drafting an affidavit or preparing a statement of claim.
Aligned with the legal industry Developed in close consultation with employers, our program includes the communication, leadership, time management and client relationship skills that will ensure you have the profile that is more attractive to employers. Nine of Australia’s top ten law firms have chosen The College of Law to prepare their graduates to enter the profession.
Lecturer support Passionate and experienced legal practitioners will support you throughout the program. You will have regular one-on-one contact with your lecturers who will provide advice and feedback via email, phone or via our online learning portal.
Leading provider The College of Law has been at the forefront of practical legal education since 1974 and over 60,000 of our graduates now work across all facets of our industries. Innovative and forward thinking, The College of Law has proven to be one the most trusted names in legal training.
Learn more at collaw.edu.au/PLT or call 1300 856 111
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The College of Law
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T HE COLLEGE OF LAW Activate your career. The College of Law offers the largest range of flexible Practical Legal Training programs, all purpose-driven to put your hard-earned degree seamlessly into practice. With more study freedom, lecturer support and practical task-based, hands-on learning, you’ll enter the profession with a profile that is more attractive to employers. There are three components to the Practical Legal Training program: 1. Coursework 2. Work Experience 3. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Practical, task-based learning The program content is a highly practical and relevant task-based curriculum.
Gain insight into a real legal environment The work experience component is designed to give you insight into what it’s like to work in a legal environment, this is your first opportunity to apply your skills to real-life legal problems. You can choose from two formats for the work experience of your PLT program. • Short Format – 25 days of approved work experience + Clinical Experience Module (CEM) • Standard Format – 75 days of approved work experience Discover the importance of professional career development The Continuing Profession Education (CPE) component introduces you to the importance of ongoing professional education and career development. The CPE is comprised of two series:
•• Legal Business Skills Series - a program only offered by The College of Law which You will learn key areas of competence focuses on the business of law through everyday scenarios that parallel real•• Legal Series - a range of seminars that life practice. With no academic essay writing, cover technical legal topics you will focus on solving problems and completing tasks using resources available. You can choose units from both series – or you can select units from just one. However, You can complete your coursework in one if you choose to complete all 10 units from of four study modes. Choose the mode that the Legal Business Skills Series, you will be suits your goals, timeframe and lifestyle. awarded the Certificate of Legal Business Skills in addition to your GDLP. • Online full-time • Online part-time Activate your career with the College of • Online part-time evening Law. • On-campus full-time If you select one of our online options, more than 90% of your coursework will be delivered online with just 5 days’ face-to-face training.
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T HE APPLICAT ION PROCESS
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PREFACE T EST IMONIAL Last year I applied for a clerkship.
With that said, the applications are undeniably draining. Whilst the clerkship process seems I doubt any other word in a law student’s to stretch on forever, there are quite a few vocabulary can quite conjure up that fatal stages involved, which in turn, means that concoction of trepidation, anxiety and faint each stage has a deceptively short time frame. hope (although ‘closed book exam’ and I recall a particularly awful experience where I ‘100% take-home final’ are close contenders). had two interviews on the same day, and then Law school, perhaps unintentionally, has had class (so as not to fail attendance) and portrayed the clerkship as the culmination of then rushed home to complete (read: begin) your entire degree, your university experience an assignment due the next day. Similarly, distilled into a cover letter and two interviews, the overall length of the clerkship process your worth as an individual finally weighted. means that the stress does not immediately This is not true. I have many friends who chose rush over you, but rather, slowly withers you not to participate in the clerkship process down in toxic waves that recede and advance, because they were interested in other areas but always linger over your ankles. At times, such as criminal law or finance. I also have it becomes almost impossible to resist the many friends who did not receive a clerkship, death drive to open Whirlpool and see if but ended up practicing commercial law an unverifiable user has posted about their anyway. Yes - the clerkship process is overall interview invitations. For all of these reasons, rewarding and it can be self-defining, but it is I personally believe it is important to have a not a compulsory rite-of-passage. strong support network during the process. Talk with friends who can support you, and Personally, I found that there were many who understand this unique challenge. They positives to the clerkship process. Firstly, do not necessarily have to be applying for the catering at networking events was usually clerkships themselves, but having a sense of excellent. Memorably, one firm had its own camaraderie and humour will help ward away pop-up cocktail bar, and another had a the lowest of lows during the process. donut wall brightly filled with multi-coloured treats. Secondly, many of the larger firms Ultimately, would I still apply for a clerkship run workshops and events for students who with the benefit of hindsight? Absolutely. pass the first round of interviews. I was lucky The process itself is a wild, wild ride, but enough to attend both a fintech start-up the clerkship was uniformly fantastic. If the pitch, and a backstage tour of the Roslyn clerkship applications are a roller-coaster, Packer Theatre. These presentations were then the clerkship itself is closer to a funhouse: a wonderful showcase of the firm’s culture a huge variety of experiences (complex deals, and perspectives, which is always important pro bono work, trivia nights, making videos, because you should always be looking out potentially going overseas, a tour of the Royal for the firm that best aligns with your values Children’s Hospital) all of which made the as well. But most of all, I enjoyed the clerkship process worth it. interviews themselves. All of my interviews were with at least one partner. I found it humbling that these lawyers, who were incredible and respected minds, were willing to take time out of their schedules for prospective applicants. My interviews were fairly relaxed, insightful affairs, where we meandered across a kaleidoscopic range of topics such as work experience, NRL, postmodern literature, travelling in Europe, and Terence Zhou favourite brunch spots (I think I just replied Summer Clerk, 2017/2018 with ‘Bondi’ and a confident nod).
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OVERVIEW OF T HE APPLICAT ION PROCESS Application Process Firms prefer students with holistic experiences, hence balancing academics with varied extracurricular activities and work experience improves your likelihood being successful in the process. Extracurricular activities can occur within university, such as volunteering with societies on campus or through local community initiatives. Aim to be consistently involved in these extracurricular activities through your degree. Work experience need not be of a legal nature; firms also look favourably upon non-legal work such as customer service. Having prior legal work experience such as working as a legal secretary, paralegal, or volunteering at a community legal centre is also advantageous when applying for clerkships. 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.
The Five-Step Process 1. Applying: Firms generally require a cover letter, CV and an official academic transcript to be submitted, along with the completion of an online questionnaire which is set by the firm. There are three key ways to submit an application: through CVmail, through the firm website, and through the NSW Law Society ‘Student Application Form’. A majority of the firms use the first two methods. 2. First Round Interviews: You may be invited to partake in group or individual interviews, depending on the firm. You may be required to bring identifying documentation and an official copy of your academic transcript available form Student Central. 3. Second Round Interviews and Cocktail Evenings: These events allow you to meet fir representatives from senior management, or partners of the firm. Sometimes firms will also invite you to attend cocktail evenings to evaluate whether you would fit in with their firm culture. It is a two-way street; you assess the firm and they assess you. 4. Offers: Congratulations! After jumping through the first three hurdles you have received an offer for a clerkship! 5. Replying to Offers: You have the choice of accepting or declining offers. Either way, be sure to respond to the HR representative with a thank you email/call, by way of courtesy. 24
YOUR COVER LETT ER 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 jump out of the page, a candidate will have an ability to exhibit their most impressive and relevant experiences. 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.
a) Structure of written information – Although there is no set structure, make sure your sentences and paragraphs ow logically to demonstrate your qualities. (But don’t forget this is your chance to be unique and stand out.)
A cover letter allows an employer to evaluate candidates when facing the “quantity problem”. Before commencing the application process, employers develop criteria for candidates. The good news for you is that this generally varies in small and discreet ways. All organisations are looking for people who have strong records of academia, leadership, responsibility and teamwork. (These are words, or others like them that are likely to appear in your cover letter!) It allows an employer to paint a picture of the candidate and cross-reference it with the application criteria. Let’s take a deeper look at how your cover letter can meet these criteria.
c) 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.
How can I best address the employer’s needs? There are three key questions on the employer’s mind as they reading your cover letter: 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. 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 your experiences. With some clever drafting you can make these align with those of the firm. Is this a display of “written communication skills”? In short, yes. In the mind of the employer, the best candidate for the job will invariably be able to make clear and concise points in their correspondence. They will write persuasively to achieve their purpose; your cover letter should be no different. Listed below are a few specific things employees will be looking for to consider your writing ability.
b) Clarity of expression - Use crisp, clear language. 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 page and the employer shouldn’t have to dig for information.
d) Target your communication to your audience - Make sure the language and experiences in your letter are appropriate and relevant. Use the selection criteria to help you address this point. e) Spelling and grammar - Get a parent or friend to read your cover letter and over to read theirs. Format - Use clean, minimalist formatting that is easy to read and follow. f) Attention to detail - Ensure there are no typos and that the information is correct; one typo can reduce your chances significantly (this is a competitive process!) g) Address the selection criteria and key 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. Take stock - 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 and analytical skills. Employers will be assess how well you have researched the firm and the position, so if you’ve done this you’ll have an edge. Avoid relying soley on the information on their website - go the extra mile and look for other sources like newspapers. Think back to the times you were asked to write case notes in law school. The website is the case in this scenario. You wouldn’t just summarise what’s in a case, but instead use it as a starting point to and find out more. The same applies to the firm website. You can also mention the name of anyone you have talked to from that firm, the nature of their work and why you’re specifically interested in that work. Because employers know that anyone can find their website, small efforts (such as looking at their major clients and their websites) might give you the advantage.
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3. Get Writing - See the sample for more ideas.
Tips
(a) Layout
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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.
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(b) Paragraphs Briefly and clearly introduce yourself. Try to make • your personality shine through as you write. Outline your university academic credentials e.g. WAM, subjects you have performed well in and any • awards or scholarships you have received. Tell the organisation why it has grabbed your interest. In particular, you should demonstrate (researched) knowledge of the organisation, such as its most prominent practice areas, its industry connections, its reputation, any awards, and any recent newspaper articles related to the firm. Outline your professional experiences and credentials, and the skills they have provided you with. Try to subtly link these to the attributes the firm is seeking in a candidate. If possible, show the employer your personality by outlining a few of the more interesting extracurricular activities that can be found on your CV. Thank the organisation for considering your application, tell them you have attached a copy of your resume and transcript, and when you would be available for an interview. Provide your contact details (phone/email). State that you look forward to hearing from them!
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Only use the sample cover letter as an inspiration and do not just copy it as everyone may access this guide. 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. 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. Clearly demonstrate your values align with those of the firm you are applying for. You may want to state these specific values. Feel free to mention that you ‘achieved a distinction average’ or ‘topped the course in Contracts’ but only if this is relevant to the job. Remember, the employer already has a copy of your transcript and can see all your grades. Make sure you mention why you would be an asset for the firm and what you can do for them. Use resources such as UNSW Careers & Employment to check your cover letter and resume in detail. Use the full firm name, no abbreviations!
SAMPLE COVER LETT ER
Sally Gong 12 Regent Street, Coogee, NSW 2013 Phone: 0400 123 246 Email: sally.gong96@gmail.com
19 May 2018 Donna Greggory Head of Graduate Recruitment Pearson, Specter & Litt 155 Smith Place, Sydney NSW 2000 Dear Ms Greggory, RE: Application for Summer Clerkship 2018/2019 My name is Sally Gong and I am currently a penultimate year student at University of New South Wales with a strong interst in commercial law studying Commerce/Law degree. Please accept my application for a 2018 Summer Clerkship at the Sydney office of Pearson, Specter & Litt as advertised via the University of New South Wales Law Society. I have a keen interest in commercial law and I believe that I would be a good fit for Pearson, Specter & Litt. I am a highly motivated and dedicated individual, demonstrated through my excellent academic record, and have developed a broad range of analytical skills through both of my degrees. Throughout my time at university, I have also been involved with a number of extracurricular activities, such as debating, where I learnt to work in a team and gained leadership skills through my term as Vice-President on the executive committee in 2018. I have also worked in a variety of environments, from retail roles to paralegal positions, which have honed my professional, communication and legal skills. I am attracted to Pearson, Specter & Litt for a number of reasons. Firstly, I am drawn by the variety of commercial work that the firm engages in. Secondly, I really admire the friendly culture of the firm and appreciate the support and opportunities it offers its young graduates. In particular, I note that Pearson, Specter & Litt has number of international offices where they provide secondment opportunities, and I would love to gain overseas experience with a firm that I know has those international networks. Thirdly, I have a particular interest in Corporate practice and am aware that your firm is a leader in this field. Pearson, Specter & Litt’s recent involvement in the high-profile Snapchat IPO is a testament to its expertise in this area. These reasons have led me to apply for a clerkship position with the firm, and I know that the position would be an invaluable opportunity to apply my current knowledge and skill-set to real-life legal problems under the guidance of some of the best legal experts. I believe that I am an excellent candidate and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application and prospects further with you. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you. Kind Regards, Sally Gong
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T HE CV What is a CV? A CV, or curriculum vitae, recounts the life experiences that might contribute to your ability to complete a job you are applying for. Translated from Latin, curriculum vitae means “courses of life” and this is an effective way to describe the information it must convey. You want your CV to be a marketing tool that details your experience and education, demonstrating what you can offer the organisation. Your resume must be aligned with the skills they have mentioned in their selection criteria. How do I structure it? Title and Personal details The heading of the resume should be your name. At the top of the page, include your other personal details: address, telephone and email. Career Objectives or Career Profile For career objectives, have three points outlining what you would like to achieve in your career. Alternatively, use a career profile outlining three key experiences you could bring to this job, and link these back to the skills you’ve developed.
Other Experience This section should include other experiences that highlight that you are a well-rounded individual (e.g. a volunteering role at the Matthew Talbot Centre). This provides some depth to your CV and demonstrates that you have broader professional or volunteering interests and may be an interesting person to interview. Achievements If listing scholarships and other awards, show what criteria the award was based upon. Extracurricular Activities Extracurricular activities that you have participated in at university or through the local community, such as sport or music. If they involved an element of professional development that is relevant to the job you are applying for, include it in the ‘Other Experience’ section. Interests • • •
Include your personal interests and hobbies briefly (e.g. Guitar, Tennis, Rowing). Make it interesting! What type of person would you want to work with? Use this section to help complete your image on paper. Some employers will care a lot about this section, however, it shouldn’t overshadow any of the above. Try to make it short and punchy. The weight of this to different HR representatives will vary.
This could be used to: • Align your values and purpose to the values and purpose of the company and the job. Referees • Explain any confusing discrepancies in your resume (e.g. • Have your referees and their contact details listed on your fine arts with MBA). resume. • Inform recruiters as to what type of position and company • When referees are requested, usually two to three are you are seeking. required. This includes at least two current employment • Capture the imagination of the reader - to stand out. referees (within the last two years) and one academic referee. Education • Always ask if someone is prepared to act as your referee • Include your most recent education first. Tailor this section and, notify them of the job you are applying for. If possible, to the job you are applying for. Do not just repeat your you should also give them some details about the position transcript. Pinpoint particular knowledge and/or skills itself. gained in your courses that are relevant to the position. You could also outline any relevant research projects, or General Tips thesis topics. • Keep your resume maximum 2-3 pages. If a length or • Highlight any academic achievements such as awards, format is stipulated, comply with it. prizes or a high average grade point. • Use one plain font, recommended fonts include: Serif fonts, • Include non-university educational qualifications here, such Times New Roman, Cambria, Helvetica. as technical courses, TAFE or other community education • Be consistent in formatting. Put dates, titles, full stops, in courses. This helps display your range of skills, and your similar places throughout your resume. initiative in acquiring practical skills. • Format each section similarly if possible to help the reader digest your information. Relevant Experience • Language: Use formal but not flowery language. Be Used to give clear, detailed and accurate descriptions of your consistent with your language throughout your resume. skills here and often creates an impression of what you can • Use bullet points starting with an active verb to indicate accomplish. achievements, use different active verbs through your • Include major roles and positions you have held that are resume. relevant to your professional endeavors. • Editing is crucial, one typo can reduce your chances of • For each item, describe your general role, achievements success by 70%, so edit furiously. within the role, projects undertaken, skills used, and • Think carefully about the content, especially what the responsibilities in this section. Use detailed, concrete employer would value the most. descriptions, including the skills, equipment, knowledge, • Balance the resume as to what the employer will consider procedures used, the scope of your activities (e.g. how most important/relevant (e.g. focus upon your university many hours, how long, what degree, what percentage), achievements rather than those achieved in high school). the significance of your achievement. • Make the resume as simple and easy to read as possible. • Make sure that your resume is well presented and wellorganised, so that an employer can immediately see the most relevant information- use clear headings and lots of white space.
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SAMPLE CV
Timothy Osbourne 42 Shell Street, Maroubra NSW 2035 M: 0432 144 144 E: t.osbourne@gmail.com
EDUCATION University of New South Wales Bachelor of Laws (LLB)/Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) • Current Weighted Average Mark: 76.02 Randwick Boys High School Academic Achievements: • ATAR: 97.85
2015 - Present
2009 - 2014
EMPLOYMENT Legal Assistant George Street Chambers June 2017 - Present • Administrative duties (invoicing, drafting costs agreements, filing briefs). • Assistance in preparing for cases, including draft chronologies of events, legal research and reviewing evidence. • Supporting barristers in litigation by conducting research and compiling evidence. Volunteer Legal Assistant March 2016 - June 2017 Kingsford Legal Centre • Worked closely with solicitors and caseworkers in conducting legal research, reviewing documents and preparing submissions. • Taking client instructions during advice shifts and preparing client intakes with volunteer lawyers. • Supporting office administrator in management of calls and urgent enquiries. Team Leader and Head Presenter January 2015 - March 2016 Prior Education Australia • Presenting to and advising students, parents and teachers of years 7-12 on study skills research to improve the results of students both in NSW and interstate. • Training and recruiting new presenters and developing content for the company through scripting. Private Piano Teacher January 2015 - November 2014 • Instructing high school students in musicianship and performance of the piano across a range of musical genres. EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Vice President (Administration) November 2017 - Present UNSW Marketing Society • Overseeing a group of 4 students in order to ensure the cohesion and effectiveness of the society. • Liaised with Arc in order to source internal funding and to ensure compliance with university guidelines and policies. • Ensured society was prepared for re-affiliation by preparing motions for general meetings, making changes to constitution and ensuring all documents and reports were maintained. 29
Publications Director December 2016 - January 2016 UNSW Marketing Society • Worked in a team in order to prepare all publication materials for the society including the Marketing Careers Publication. • Worked to prepare weekly email newsletters for all society members. • Managed and crafted publications for society’s social media accounts. Music Director December 2016 - January 2016 UNSW Law Society • Oversaw and coordinated multiple events and initiatives for the law society band including Lawlapalooza, law ball and multiple social events over the year. Entertainment Coordinator January 2016 - December 2015 UNSW O-Week • Responsible for the organization and production of a major live entertainment lineup across five nights for all first years on UNSW campus during O-Week. • Sourcing live acts, negotiation of entertainment contracts, promotion of events and overseeing technical production requirements. Contributor, Blitz Magazine ACHIEVEMENTS
2015
• Finalist in Law Hackathon • Quarter Finalist, Clayton Utz Negotiation Competition (Intermediate) • UNSW United Nations Society Delegate
2017 2017 2016
INTERESTS • • • •
Rock Climbing F45 Fitness Training Travelling Music Composition
REFEREES Lisa Wong Barrister, George Street Chambers M: 0490 909 909 E: lisa.gong@chambers.com Professor Mason Wilson Lecturer, UNSW Law School M: 0451 515 523 E: Mason.Wilson @unsw.law.edu.au
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CVMail Overview 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. How to use CVMail 1. Go to ww.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 and your language ability (optional); 4. Return to ‘Application Manager’; and complete your academic profile, which records your degree, subject and mark details. Submitting 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. Application Timing 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; 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. 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.
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T HE SELECT ION CRIT ERIA 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.
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T HE INT ERVIEW Overview 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. Types of Interviews 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.
Before the Interview 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 The first aspect of the interview which may vary is the number only if you have something interesting to say (e.g. admire the of interviewers. Depending on the number of interviewers, the Managing Partner’s leadership style); manner in which you respond may differ. Regardless of the • The firm/organisation’s culture, values, atmosphere (crucial situation ensure you give ample eye contact to everyone in and should be incorporated into your responses); the room to demonstrate that you are comfortable holding a • The organisation’s recent work, deals, cases or transactions; conversation with multiple listeners. As an example, clerkship • Business affairs, such as a recent or intended merger; interviews often will consist of two interviewers who may be • Brief understanding of the firm’s reputation. lawyers, human resources employees or both. • The structure, activities, number of rotations etc of the position you are applying for; and, The number of candidates in the room may also vary; you may be • The current issues facing the legal industry, e.g. competition interviewing with other hopefuls for the job. In these interviews you from overseas firms. have the opportunity to demonstrate that you are able to listen to others in the room, whilst clearly conveying your own responses. Don’t forget to revise any personal knowledge or familiarity with Bounce off the ideas of others in the room and try to help everyone current employees of the firm/organisation. You may have met feel included. Take initiative with your responses without being too them at the various cocktail evenings or you may also know recent authoritative. UNSW clerks or graduates. Research methods include: • The firm / organisation’s website, particularly pages such Remember that in this kind of situation it is important that the group as ‘Our People’, ‘Our Culture’ and those dealing with the achieve its assigned goal and that to stand out, one does not clerkship and graduate programme. always have to be the leader of your group. Observers will assess • Media (Australian Financial Review (Friday legal affairs your contribution to discussion, expression, reaction to others and section); Lawyers Weekly) contribution towards reaching group goal. To perform successfully • Speaking with employees of the firm/organisation at various you should consider your position before contributing, listen to and events held in the lead-up to the interview period. support others, show courtesy and tact, remain composed and keep a focus on the goal and on time limits. On the Day 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 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. General Interview Tips •
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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.
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, a business suit 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.
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Make a good first impression
Introductory/background questions
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.
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 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.
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 Sally Gong’. 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 prepared and practiced a backup opening line. Building rapport Have a tiny piece of ‘small talk’ prepared such as comments on the weather, current events, news, company location etc. It may be difficult to think of something to say on the spot due to nerves or other factors. Take in their language, monitor their 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.
• • • •
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: • •
Types of Interview Questions There are many types of interview questions, and while the underlying intent of the interviewer may be self-evident 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.
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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. This could also include questions such as ‘tell us a time you resolved a conflict’. 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: • • • • •
Why do you want to become a corporate lawyer? What kinds of position are you most interested in? Do you have a geographical preference? Where would you like to work? What is your understanding of the current legal climate here in Australia in comparison to USA or UK? Will you relocate? Are you willing to travel?
Your contribution to the organisation • • • •
Ending the interview confidently Formulate some well-considered questions prepared before the interview, as in many cases, interviewers will give you time to ask questions or make further comments at the end of the interview. If you have any important things to add about your suitability, do it at this point. Have a closing statement prepared, for example, “thank you for your time, it was a pleasure to meet you,” so that you leave a confident and enthusiastic impression with the interviewer.
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? What is it and why is it significant?
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? Is there anything else we should take into account to help us make a decision?
Commitment to work and to the organisation An employer is interested to how you see your values being aligned to their firms. This is one area where you will shine if you have done thorough thorough research. • • • • •
What do you know about our company? What you understand about the current climate of the legal industry? How do you keep informed professionally? Give me an example in your career where you felt like giving up but managed to keep going. Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
Education
•
Tell me about a time when, despite careful planning, things got out of hand.
With these questions, interviewers hope to gain more insight into your educational background. Most importantly, they are interested Teamwork/leadership in the reasoning behind your decision to study the course you did and what you think you have attained from your studies. Follow-up • Have you been in any situations where you have been required to perform as a part of a team? What was the questions include: situation, what part did you play in the team and what was the outcome of the exercise? • Why did you choose to study law? • What university subjects did you like the best and least? Why? • Can you describe a time when your team fell apart. What was your role in the outcome? • Do you plan to continue studying? • What kind of people do you find difficult to work with and why? • What courses have you taken that prepared you for this • Tell me about a difficult situation when you pulled the team position? together. • What part of your education do you see as being most relevant • Tell me about a time when you took leadership role of a group. to this position? • What is your style of influencing/leading people? • Is your academic performance any indication of how you will do this job? Creativity/initiative • What do you like about your discipline of study? • Why did you fail/perform poorly in this subject? • Have you ever been responsible for the generation of a new idea or suggestion? Describe and explain. As for this final question, it simply demands honesty: the firm is • Tell me of a time when you generated a creative solution to a likely to be satisfied if you can cite extracurricular commitments, problem. employment or something similar. The benefit of such a response is that you are simultaneously outlining a strength, namely Client focus your involvement in activities outside university and your work experience. • What is your definition of ‘excellent’ client service? • Tell me about a time when you went beyond the call of duty to Work experience help a client. • Do you have any vacation employment or previous experience • Describe a situation that illustrates how you developed a positive relationship with a client. in the legal context? • Most jobs have their frustrations and problems. Describe some Questions you may ask that have particularly dissatisfied you. • What have been the most satisfying aspects of jobs that you At the end of the interview you will be given the opportunity to ask have held? questions of your interviewer(s). This is not a mere formality, it is • What has been the value of your previous work experience? expected that you ask some questions, which at the very least will reflect your interest in the organisation or firm. Be judicious in your Other interests choice of questions. Asking questions with an obvious answer would reflect inadequate thought and preparation. Always prepare With these questions, employers are trying to gain a better understanding of you, and thereby better assess how well you are a list of potential questions to ask in advance. Examples of such going to t in with the company. There are no right answers to these questions include: questions, but it is important to think about how your interests • Why did you choose to work here? What was the ‘clincher’ in and goals fit in with what the company does and how it hopes to your decision? What did you find unique about this firm? develop in the future. • How is a work/life balance encouraged in this firm? How do you achieve this balance? • What are your outside interests? • How often is feedback provided, both to summer clerks and to • Who is your favourite novelist? full-time lawyers? • Do you like/dislike football? • What sort of induction and training do you normally offer? • What is the firm’s policy on taking leave for further study or Approach to work associateships? • What long-term career opportunities are available at the firm? Employers are often interested in knowing how you manage • What do you enjoy about your practice group? What led you to different responsibilities, particularly how you prioritise your time. work in it? They are also interested in knowing how you cope in stressful • What sort of work would I be doing in your practice group? situations involving tight deadlines and large amounts of work. • Are there any secondment opportunities for lawyers at this firm? • How do you work under pressure? • How do you balance work priorities and those of your personal • What ‘extracurricular’ activities are available for clerks? • What is your usual retention rate between summer clerks and life and family? graduate lawyers? • Give me an example of when you had to work to an important • How many years of service does it tend to take for a lawyer deadline. What did you do to ensure that the deadline was to be promoted to a senior associate or partner? What other met? factors are relevant in such a promotion? • Have you ever had to persuade people to your way of • How do the various practice groups communicate and thinking? collaborate with each other when a matter requires it? • Describe a situation when you had to explain a difficult concept to someone. Tell me about your approach. How do After the Interview you know they understood? Problem solving/analytical skills •
This might include scenarios such as “here is a problem that we faced recently, how would you have dealt with that?”
Be sure to follow up and write a thank you letter to the HR from the firms you receive an offer from.
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COMMERCIAL AWARENESS What is it? Commercial awareness is staying frequently informed of the happenings and developments occurring in the business / commercial 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. Why is it important? The corporate workplace is a 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. What should I consider? 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.
HOW TO STAY COMMERCIALLY AWARE 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. 3. If you do not understand something initially, conduct further research into the topic! 4. Some interesting sources to keep a tab on include, but are not limited to: • • • • • • • •
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Australasian Lawyer Australian Financial Review The Economist Lawyers Weekly Various Law Journals Asia Pacific Loan Market Association Wall Street Journal International Financial Law Review
MENTAL WELL-BEING 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’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally during this time; Wellbeing Director Jake Widjaya and his Well-being Warriors share their insights on navigating the stresses of clerkship season and law life in general below. Using your time. There is no perfect balance between work and study - but the theory of 8 is a valuable tool that may help you achieve a happy work/study balance in your daily routine. In a day, there’s 24 hours. 8 for sleep, 8 for work, and 8 for life. Organizing your time into chunks of productivity will help you manage your commitments, including your applications! Create a flexible schedule. The key to using your time wisely is learning to prioritize tasks and get organized. This can be tricky- although we’ve all heard time and time again not to leave assignments and tasks to the last minute. 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. 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! Family can take on more household duties, free-ing your schedule - and friends are always there to commiserate with. If you are struggling, the UNSW Counselling and Psychological Services offer free services to students - be it counsel-ling, 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)! Reward yourself! 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. Jake Widjaya Student Wellbeing Director, UNSW Law Society
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AUST RALIAN LAW FIRMS
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It’s finding your direction. Pushing beyond what’s possible. Building the future you want.
IT’S TIME.
Visit www.allenovery.com/careers/gradsaustralia 40
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
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 three core practice groups provide a full suite of corporate, finance (debt and equity) 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.
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BE PART OF SOMETHING EXCITING | SYDNEY
Be part of something exciting
Join an elite group of Summer Clerks at Allen & Overy in 2018/19. Applications for the Sydney program open on Monday 18 June 2018 and close at 5pm on Sunday 15 July 2018. 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 our Sydney Summer Clerks from our initial program in 2010/11 to our 2018/19 intake. To apply for our Summer Clerkship program in 2018/19, please visit our website: www.allenovery.com/careers/gradsaustralia The website also contains details of our Clerkship program in Perth.
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allenovery.com
Summer Clerks 2018/2019 The Summer Clerkship at Allen & Overy was an amazing experience. During the 10 weeks we spent at the firm, we were fortunate enough to complete two rotations, host a competitive drawing fundraiser, and travel to Bangkok, Singapore and Beijing, all whilst successfully winning the wooden spoon in the clerk sports competition (which was no small feat!).
One of the reasons many of us chose A&O was our desire to travel and work with people from all over the world. From our very first week, we were working on matters alongside colleagues from across the vast A&O network, including from the London, Hong Kong and Tokyo offices, for a diverse range of multinational clients. Every clerk also spent a week in one of A&O’s APAC offices, getting a taste of working overseas. The clerks who went to Bangkok drafted a piece on the renewables sector in Thailand, which involved looking major projects in wind, solar and hydro-electricity, and those in Singapore worked on cross-border transactions across Indonesia and Malaysia. In addition to working, the Asia experience was also a chance to explore a new city. Those of us stationed in Shanghai and Beijing took a considerable amount of time to sample a wide range of dumplings and noodles, while the group in Singapore conducted a thorough investigation of the city’s hidden cocktail bars. A&O’s relatively small team in Australia meant that we never felt like just a cog in the machine. Every person was a valuable part of their team, and the senior lawyers took the time and effort to get to know us. Often we found that it’d just be a clerk, an associate and a partner on a task. This level of exposure to real work was daunting at the start, but the on-the-job training was a fantastic way to develop our skills as commercial lawyers. The responsibility came quickly but when the going did get tough, everyone (from fellow clerks through to the partners) would pitch in to make sure the job got done.
As with any job, not every moment of our clerkship was glamorous and fun. However, each time we were faced with less exciting work, the team patiently explained our role in the context of the wider matter, allowing us to gain a better understanding of how a complex transaction or piece of litigation runs from start to finish. In addition to this, we had the opportunity to engage in pro bono legal work, such as research for a matter in Kenya run out of the London office. Some of us also had the opportunity to volunteer for a day at the Wayside Chapel, where we worked with A&O lawyers to cook a delicious meal for people experiencing homelessness. The highlight of our clerkship was undoubtedly getting to know our fellow clerks. On any given morning, you could find us chain-eating raisin toast in the kitchen and by the end of the ten weeks, we were embarrassingly inseparable, snuggling up under a blanket with wine in hand at the Moonlight Cinema. All together, we had an unforgettable summer, learnt invaluable new skills, and made some exceptional friends, and we are so excited to start as grads together in 2019.
A career in Law Find out more at: www.allenovery.com/ careers/gradsaustralia Follow the conversation: LinkedIn
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ALLEN & OVERY Areas of legal practice Our Australian practice has three core groups: Banking & Finance, Corporate and Litigation. Within these, the practice areas are diverse including International and Debt Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Projects, Structured Products, Funds, Competition, Tax, Energy & Resources, Litigation and International Arbitration. Number of partners (Australia and Global)
What is unique about Allen & Overy’s culture? It is our global reach and our local depth that sets Allen & Overy apart. Our people are hand picked. Even in such a large firm, your part of a highly focused team, playing a significant role. Our clients are blue chip. Worldwide we act for major institutions, financial powerhouses, mining giants; they could be based in your own home town or halfway around the world. We act on some of the most important deals. From the moment you join the firm, you’ll be involved in helping clients protect and grow their assets. What are some interesting cases that Allen & Overy has worked on?
Australia - 26, Globally - 554
Reckitt Benckiser, the multinational consumer goods company, in relation to proceedings commenced by the ACCC in What specific qualities does Allen & Overy look for in a the Federal Court of Australia alleging contraventions of potential Clerk? Australian Consumer Law relating to the Nurofen Specific Pain Range products, and in relation to subsequent class action There’s no such thing as a typical Allen & Overy candidate. proceedings. GO-JEK, Indonesia’s leading “ojek” (motorcycle We’re open-minded and interested in people who share that taxi) ride-hailing business (through a mobile application) on quality. Beyond strong academic performance, we want to see its Series D, USD555m fund raising from a number of major evidence of teamwork, motivation and drive, communication private equity and venture funds. The deal was awarded M&A skills, planning and organisation, critical thinking, commercial Deal of the Year: Private Equity/Venture Capital, The Asian awareness and commitment; both to a career in law and a Lawyer, Emerging Markets Awards 2016. career with Allen & Overy. What kind of responsibilities/tasks can a Clerk expect at Allen & Overy? Summer clerks gain experience in two of our practice areas, working alongside Allen & Overy lawyers on real deals and matters. Additionally, you will attend training sessions and presentations to broaden your understanding of our business and to help develop the skills necessary to be a successful commercial lawyer. Recent summer clerks have worked on an interactive deal walk-through-and a mock transaction designed to simulate real transactions from beginning to end, sharpen research skills, and gain exposure to our range of practice areas. Previously, our Sydney summer clerks have been able to spend time in one of our Asia-Pacific offices during the ten-week program. This experience will give you a greater Understanding of our global network and a taste of future opportunities at Allen & Overy if you are interested in global secondments or a transfer within our network during your career with us. Clerkship opening and closing dates Applications open on Monday 18 June 2018 and close on Sunday 15 July 2018. Sydney clerkship intake Our clerkship intake is based on our business needs. After becoming a Clerk, what are the prospects of obtaining a Graduate role? We have previously offered all summer clerks a graduate role. We base our decision on good performance during the clerkship program. How does Allen & Overy value Corporate Responsibility? Volunteering is an important part of Allen & Overy’s culture and we encourage our summer clerks and graduates to get involved as it offers a high level of responsibility and the chance to develop your client-facing skills.
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How does the firm encourage a work-life balance? Maintaining a positive work-life balance is important to all of us. Allen & Overy is committed to developing a culture that is supportive of staff and their individual needs. We offer a variety of opportunities ranging from health & wellbeing programs through to technology to assist a stream-lined approach to work. We also provide flexible work arrangements and leave opportunities that support personal, family and cultural needs. What training and development opportunities does the firm offer? Throughout your career with us, you’ll have the opportunity to attend comprehensive training both domestically and internationally to meet and learn with colleagues here and overseas. You will participate in our CLE program as part of the firm’s commitment to the ongoing professional education for our legal practitioners, as well as other bespoke practicespecific training and knowledge sharing opportunities. Technical training is complemented by business skills courses offered through the A&O Business School. They are specifically designed to enhance the core competencies that we value in our professionals. Graduate training comprises two six month rotations, with the option of additional rotations, in different practice areas, where you will work alongside a partner and our lawyers and actively contribute to the day-to-day work of that team - working on transactions and cases, taking real responsibility and gaining plenty of client exposure. Graduates attend a dedicated training program to introduce them to core legal and commercial knowledge and skills which will form the essential building blocks for your career at Allen & Overy.
Great change is here.
Are you ready? At Allens, we’re focused on advancing our industry through equipping our people with the skills and experience they need to be the lawyers of the future. We’re ready to define tomorrow. Are you? With us, you’ll be more than a lawyer. Our people are technical experts, but they’re also trusted business advisers who think bigger, more broadly and more strategically. Together, we solve complex legal challenges, and collaborate across practice areas and disciplines to guide our clients. We work across borders too, thanks to our alliance with Linklaters. This strategic partnership opens up worlds of opportunity for our business and our people, including rotations in Linklaters London, Hong Kong and Singapore for our graduate lawyers. In a rapidly changing world, we seek opportunities to innovate, embracing creative thinking, new approaches and emerging technology. And we don’t just use them to benefit ourselves and our clients. We believe strongly in driving positive change to do right by our community too. Our teams are open, inclusive and encouraging, giving you the chance to learn and grow, but your development will be down to you. You’ll have the flexibility to drive your career, and we’ll recognise your achievements and hard work as you progress through the firm. Are you ready to begin?
Clerkship program
Will you make great change happen?
A clerkship with Allens is the first step in a rewarding legal career. The program will give you invaluable insight into our work and culture. With support from a buddy and development supervisor, you’ll work on real matters for real clients and be involved in projects.
> Programs run from three to ten weeks
Graduate program
> Ongoing support and buddy system
Clerkship > Available at our Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney offices
Comprising two 12-month placements in different practices, our graduate program offers exposure to stimulating legal challenges. In each rotation, you’ll gain a depth of experience that comes from seeing matters through. However, at Allens we don’t work in silos so you won’t be limited to working with one partner or by your practice areas. Working with different teams and leading organisations, you’ll grow a solid skills base and develop the agility needed to thrive in our ever-changing world.
> Exposure to one or two practice groups
Early careers at Allens provide highly tailored training through the Allens Academy. Developed in partnership with the Australian National University, our Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice will help you transition from law graduate to legal expert and trusted business adviser.
> A 12-month legal seminar series (Cornerstone Program)
Allens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP.
Graduate program > Two 12-month rotations in your areas of interest > Secondment options in London or Asia via our alliance with Linklaters > Ongoing supervision, coaching and mentoring > Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (via Allens Academy)
Find out more at allens.com.au/yourcareer 16774D
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ALLENS Areas of legal practice Allens areas of practice are: Banking & Finance , Competition, Consumer & Regulatory, Corporate (including Funds, Super & Wealth, Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets, Technology, Media & Telecommunications), Disputes and Investigations (including Commercial Disputes Employment & Safety, Restructuring & Insolvency), Intellectual Property and Patent & Trademark Attorneys, Projects & Development (including Projects Real Estate & Development), and Tax. Number of lawyers & partners Approximately 600 and 160 (not including Linklaters) respectively. What specific qualities does the Allens look for in a potential Clerk? 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 will be. 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: •• •• ••
••
••
the environment. At Allens, we are proud of the important role we play in our community. From support for marriage equality to campaigning for refugee rights and going carbon neutral, we use our technical knowledge and professional skills to help others. 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. You’ll also be encouraged to take part in challenging matters and develop new skills that complement what you already know. 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) more than eight years ago. Since then, 23 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.
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 drives us to keep improving and inspire action within the firm. We’re proud to be the first Initiative: a curious mind is vital. The more adaptable you’re Australian law firm to achieve certification as carbon neutral. We able to be and the more energy you bring with you, the more extend our influence to outside of the firm too. you’ll get out of a career at Allens. Excellence: it’s a guarantee we give our clients. Intellectually Philanthropy At Allens, we have philanthropy committees in each office. This rigorous, driven and eager to learn. means we’re supporting the causes closest to our community. Commerciality: law is more than an academic pursuit; it’s Our people work hard to support and advocate for charities about understanding the client – their objectives and the and community organisations by hosting fundraising days and challenges they face – as well as the wider commercial events. Our legal professionals can take part in volunteering environment in which we operate. opportunities of their choosing, ranging from making meals for Flexibility: a key priority for the firm is to ensure our people homeless people to mentoring disadvantaged children. 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 kind of responsibilities/tasks can a Clerk expect at Allens? Work similar to that of a Junior Lawyer. Clerkship opening and closing dates Opening date: Monday, 18 June 2018, closing date: Sunday, 15 July 2018. After becoming a Clerk, what are the prospects of obtaining a Graduate role? We aim to fill our graduate programs with our summer clerks. We endeavor to make graduate offers to all of our clerks unless for whatever reason it isn’t in the best interests of the firm or the individual.
What is unique about Allens’ culture? We are working to create a culture where 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. Allens is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and values the contribution that different backgrounds and life experience bring to our firm. We recruit, develop and promote talented people, and we – and our clients – benefit from the different backgrounds, experiences and points of view that shape their thinking. Our diversity and inclusion strategy is focused on seven segments; Gender, Culture, Social, LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI), Disability and Carers. How does Allens encourage a work-life balance?
We expect a lot from our people. Real commitment and excellent performance. So it’s only fair that we offer a benefits package that reflects your dedication, provides support and allows for How does Allens value Corporate Responsibility? development inside and outside the firm. Our rewards and benefits package is paired with a supportive and inclusive We use our position to give back to our community. We stand culture to ensure that you have every opportunity to succeed. up for what we believe in and strive to make a real difference. We offer benefits such as gym memberships, flu vaccinations, Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because we are priority access to childcare, flexible leave options, secondments truly motivated by positive change. You’ll find individuals and and study leave to promote health and wellbeing, flexibility and teams across the firm committed to providing access to justice, alleviating disadvantage, promoting reconciliation and protecting career development.
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MOVE YOUR MIND
Graduates in Law
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 move minds.
Begin now at ashurst.com/careers Connect with us on
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ASHURST At Ashurst, you won’t just be learning from the past or from specifics. You will also be developing the instincts to tackle the most complex issues in international law and building an understanding of each client’s business. We want a broad range of minds, all united by a common set of strengths.
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WE’LL HELP MOVE MINDS
CURIOUS?
Internationalism is part of the fabric of our firm. It’s not just how many offices we have in how many countries. It’s how closely, how seamlessly and how naturally all of those offices work together.
The best way to understand what it feels like to work here is to actually work here! Every year, we hold clerkships in each of our offices to give you an intensive experience of our culture and the kind of work we do.
Pick up the phone. Send off an email. In the world’s largest financial and business centres across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the USA, there are Ashurst lawyers who’ll answer you – swiftly, efficiently, skilfully.
SO WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN?
25
offices
More access to intellectually demanding, multijurisdictional work. Great international mobility and secondment opportunities. Most of all: collaborations. Across the firm, you will find the same engaging culture wherever you are based.
3,050 people
1,080 lawyers
375
OUR STRENGTHS We’re renowned for helping our clients navigate through a complex and constantly evolving global landscape. With 25 offices across the world’s leading financial and resource centres in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and the USA, we operate at the cutting edge of the financial, resources and infrastructure, corporate and new economy markets. We tackle diverse areas of law, including finance, M&A, disputes and competition. In each, we offer advice that’s as commercially astute as it is technically accurate.
We work hard to make sure they’re as useful and as stimulating as possible. You’ll spend time in our departments, where you’ll work with a supervising partner, a lawyer and a buddy who’ll get you involved in real work.
STARTING YOUR CAREER As a firm, everything we do is characterised by a pursuit of insight, understanding and clarity. We share our clients’ ambitions and we cut to the heart of their issues with speed and clarity, whether we’re working locally or globally. As a graduate, you’ll benefit from a tailored rotation plan, in-house PLT and global firm structured aQ training to help develop the highest standards of technical legal expertise, industry know-how and business and legal skills.
APPLY What you say in your application is up to you: but be sure to express your personality and tell us why you want to be a commercial lawyer – and why you’d like to join Ashurst in particular. We need people with a rare kind of mindset: an openness to the way you work, an agility to the way you think, and a strong desire to keep evolving as a professional.
partners
To start moving your mind, begin now at ashurst.com/careers
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF‌ Roanize, Seasonal Clerk Studied: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Printmaking & Painting)/ Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of New South Wales
There is no ordinary day for a Seasonal Clerk at Ashurst. Below is a snapshot of what a typical day as a clerk may look like:
08:30 With coffee in hand, I sit down at my desk to check my emails. Some of these are alerts that track new developments and cases. I find a few important emails containing new tasks for the day and I add these to my written to-do list (I’m a lists person!).
15:30 My buddy comes to my desk to check how my day is going and invites me out for a quick coffee. On our way out of the office we catch up on how my rotation is going and she gives me some advice on what life is like as a Graduate and settled Lawyer.
08:45 I grab my to-do list and head to our weekly team meeting where we all catch up on what we have on for the week. The team suggests the clerks attend a Legal Education session on Cryptocurrency at 1pm where lunch is provided.
16:00 Moving on to a matter for a Pro-Bono client, I research whether there has been any recent amendments to legislation that applies to our client. I update an Excel compliance register with these amendments, which the client will later receive to make sure they are complying with all the laws.
9:00
My Supervising Lawyer pops to my desk after the meeting and invites me to attend a client call with her. After the call, I am asked to prepare a draft Deed of Release and Termination Letter for the client.
10:30 I attend a Clerk Learning and Development skills session on how to develop your own personal brand. This is super useful for building those professional relationships in the office! 11:30
Back at my desk, I finish drafting the client documents for my Supervising Lawyer, and send them to her for review.
13:00 I attend the Legal Education session in one of the seminar rooms and learn about Blockchain, cryptocurrency mining and smart contracts! I ask lots of questions.
17:00 I receive an email inviting me to attend the Fair Work Commission in the morning to see the hearing of an appeal! I respond to say that I am excited to attend the Commission for the first time. I spend what little time is left of the workday on a Powerpoint that a Partner in the team will be presenting to a client on the topic of workplace behaviours. 17:30 I record my time for the day and check-in with my team to see if there are any urgent tasks that need to be done. With nothing pressing, I log off! 17:45
Tonight is Trivia Night with the other Ashurst Clerks! We head off for dinner.
14:00 For the afternoon, I continue work on an article I had started earlier in the week. It tracks developments in Work Health and Safety law, and provides a case summary on an important recent Federal Court decision. The article is published on the Ashurst website!
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careers.ashurst.com
GUIDE TO
PREPARING FOR
INTERVIEWS
Know yourself • Review what the firm is looking for. Do you have good examples to talk about for each one? Take time to prepare this. • Review your application form. Especially if you made lots of applications. At Ashurst, the content of your application forms the basis of your interview.
Know the firm • What is their position in the market? Who are their clients, core practice areas and competitors? • SWOT on the firm: have you thought about the firm’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats? • Check out recent news. Any rumblings of game-changing mergers, big client wins or partner hires?
Know why you want to work for the firm • Do you know why you are applying to that firm? If you do not, you will come unstuck. Remind yourself why they meet your career criteria. • Think about the commonalities between the firms you have applied to. Can you identify from them the sort of firms you’re attracted to? If you are struggling to find similarities, then you might need to re-think.
Think about your presentation and how you come across • Dress professionally and be well-groomed; your interviewer will want to be able to picture taking you to a client meeting a few years down the line. • You will be nervous, that is to be expected, but think about your body language. Tone down the ear-scratching and arm-waving as this will distract your interviewer. • Maintain eye contact and smile; this will help you to remain calm and composed. Take time to think before answering.
Know what you want to get out of the process and what questions to ask at the end • Questions at the end are for you but can impress too. Ask about the future of the firm, the strategy, and hot topics at the partner conference. • You will probably get to meet a graduate so use them to get under the skin of the firm’s culture. Ask them about their last really great day, their worst and the support they receive.
You can’t prepare for everything • Most firms will be looking to see how you perform under pressure and will test you on topics you likely won’t have been able to prepare for. Do not panic; take your time, try to think around the issue and remember that sometimes the obvious answer is the right one. • You might be asked your opinion on an issue. Can you defend your position and will you accept that you may be wrong? Don’t be afraid to hold your ground if you can back up your argument.
CONNECT WITH US ON
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ASHURST Areas of legal practice Corporate Transactions (M&A), Corporate Projects (Infrastructure, Environment & Planning, Native Title), Disputes (including Employment, IP/TMT and Dispute Resolution) and Finance (including Banking and Insolvency) Number of lawyers & partners 1080 and 375 respectively. What specific qualities does Ashurst look for in a potential Clerk? There’s absolutely no Ashurst “type”. We actively look for a broad range of minds with a broad range of backgrounds, all united by a common set of strengths, including: • 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
make a real difference. Our lawyers help us to achieve this by providing their time, expertise and experience in any number of different ways, ranging from the provision of pro bono legal advice to charitable fundraising. What is unique about Ashurst’s culture? Open-minded, friendly, considerate – as people and as a firm we’re good company. There’s something about how we are with each other that leads naturally to collaboration. Actually, let’s go further: working together is how we thrive. We’re a community, and we want you to feel part of it. Don’t be fooled: this isn’t the place to come for an easy ride. Performing at a high level is important to everyone here, and that can mean working long hours, under pressure and to tight deadlines. We ask a lot of ourselves. We also give a lot to each other. Support is everywhere – from structured training, supervision and honest feedback. On a personal and professional level, whether you’re a partner or a graduate you know there’s someone who cares about your wellbeing as well as your billable hours. How does Ashurst encourage a work-life balance?
Ashurst recognises the importance of balancing work with What kind of responsibilities/tasks can a Clerk expect at your life outside of the office and our firm offers a number of initiatives to support you with this. You may be interested Ashurst? in joining one of our many social sporting teams, access The aim of our clerkships is to expose you to as much real our corporate gym memberships or take the opportunity to participate in a fun run event on behalf of the firm to ensure work as possible, to help you make an informed decision that you are getting the time you need outside of the office about whether this is the right firm (and career) for you. as well as having the chance to build your networks and For that reason, we’ll allocate you a supervisor and a buddy friendships within the firm. who can explain their work to you, include you in meetings and conference calls, and give you tasks to tackle. You will We also recognise the way we work and how we work has changed dramatically over the years and to address spend time in two practice areas. these changes and recognise the role that flexibility plays in work life balance, we are pleased to launch our new Clerkship opening and closing dates initiative ‘Smarter Working’ which redefines our approach 18 June – 15 July 2018 to flexibility. Our staff and partners will now be empowered to work more efficiently and flexibly and in a way that is Sydney Clerkship Intake consistent with the requirements of our clients and teams. 25 – 30 This initiative is about being trusted to deliver a best of class service whilst working around personal life patterns After becoming a Clerk, what are the prospects of and choices. obtaining a Graduate role? We predominately recruit our graduates from our seasonal clerkships. How does Ashurst value Corporate Responsibility? Corporate responsibility (CR) at Ashurst encompasses our community involvement, place-to-work and environmental initiatives. Pro bono is considered a stand-alone legal practice and we regard pro bono legal work as an integral part of our professional responsibility. Both the CR program and pro bono practice are led by a fulltime partner. We are passionate about using our skills and resources to support projects and initiatives where we believe we can
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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.
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Experiencing new cities and cultures has always been a passion of mine and working with Clayton Utz has helped fuel that passion. I was lucky enough to be selected as the Clayton Utz graduate to participate in the year long legal traineeship at a Japanese firm. I ate way too much sushi and ramen and was exposed to a wide range of matters, clients and also areas of law before returning to the Canberra office in early 2015.
STAY TRUE.
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The graduate program is well structured and I have been particularly impressed with the level and quality of mentoring. My Clayton Utz mentors have all remained true to balancing expert guidance with the freedom of autonomy, giving me the motivation and knowledge to become a better lawyer… To listen to Isobelle’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.
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.
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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.
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CLAYTON UT Z Areas of legal practice Clayton Utz has 15 national practice groups: Banking & Financial Services, Commercial Litigation, Competition, Corporate/M&A, Environment and Planning, Forensic and Technology Services, Insurance, IP and Technology, Major Projects, Public Sector/ Government Services, Real Estate, Restructuring and Insolvency, Tax, Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety & Pro Bono. Clayton Utz’s People Clayton Utz is Australia’s leading commercial and pro bono law firm, with 173 partners and over 1,400 employees across six offices. We have a reputation for standing out - and for being outstanding - with confident, innovative and incisive legal advice, and an unshakeable sense of what’s possible for our clients and our people. What specific qualities does Clayton Utz look for in a potential Clerk? Clayton Utz employs people with a wide range of backgrounds, skills, interests and competencies. We look for people who can contribute new ideas and who take a creative approach to solving problems. We look for people who are: • Flexible, and can stay effective while adjusting to a changing work environment; • Excited by learning, and actively seek new ideas and different perspectives; • Adept at building relationships with peers and clients to achieve goals; • Focused on results and can drive a task or project through to completion. We’re looking for people who are personable, practical, commercially-savvy, as well as flexible. Our lawyers undertake complex and innovative legal work, so it’s important that our clerks and graduates are motivated individuals who aren’t afraid of a challenge. We are also interested in learning more about your outside interests. You need to be able to balance your professional and personal lives, and have fun! Most importantly, we are looking for people we’d enjoy working alongside. We want clerks and graduates who embody the firm’s behavioural values of trust, respect and co-operation and our foundation value of highest ethical standards in all that they do. Things you may consider including in your application: • Why you are applying for the program; • Why you have an interest in commercial law; • Areas of interest, subjects have you enjoyed; • Skills you have built from your experiences. • Details of work experience (legal and/or non-legal); • Activities you have been involved in at university or outside university; • Contributions to the community/volunteer activities; and • Interests. Are there any international secondment opportunities at Clayton Utz? We have formal and informal international placement programs with various leading law firms around the world that see Clayton Utz lawyers living and working in London, New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Our Japanese exchange program with leading Japanese law firms and trading houses involves extended secondments both to and from Japan for graduates and lawyers. Listen to Isobelle’s story on our website story to hear more about international placements at CU. What’s Clayton Utz doing about gender equality in the workplace? Plenty! Gender is recognised as a priority area under the
Firm’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) strategy. Our approach is multi-faceted and includes maintaining its WGEA Employer of Choice status (EOCGE citation); running our highly regarded “Momentum” program (a national initiative focused on women); promoting flexible work practices; setting gender KPIs for our people and setting (and achieving) gender targets. Listen to Sonia’s story on our website to hear more about flexibility at CU. Is there support for the LGBTI community at Clayton Utz? Yes, and it continues to grow in strength! The “LGBTI Alliance” (our LGBTI program) is an essential part of our diversity agenda and is actively promoted by our Chief Executive Partner. It’s about encouraging an environment that maximises opportunities for our people to achieve business success and career satisfaction regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status. The role and activities of the LGBTI Alliance are focused around fostering an LGBTI inclusive culture within the Firm, connecting with the broader LGBTI community, developing internal policies, training and education. Listen to Luke’s story on our website to hear more about our LGBTI Alliance. What is unique about this firm’s culture? Clayton Utz was named among the ten leading pro bono firms in the world in the inaugural Who’s Who Legal Global Pro Bono Survey. The survey recognises firms that are leading the way in their pro bono contributions, levels of participation and efforts to institutionalise pro bono work. Pro bono is a fundamental part of Clayton Utz. Clayton Utz is serious about pro bono best practice. We were the first large Australian law firm to establish an in-house pro bono practice; the first to appoint a full-time pro bono partner; and the first to sign the National Pro Bono Target. Since 1997, our commitment to pro bono has helped to shape what it means to be a leading Australian law firm. In 2015, we became the first law firm in Australia to provide 500,000 hours of pro bono assistance (and counting). We have achieved this by focusing on our clients’ needs; collaborating with the legal assistance sector and other pro bono colleagues; and making pro bono work part of each of our lawyers’ everyday practice. How does Clayton Utz give back the community? The law is what we do, but our community is part of who we are. We understand that we are part of the wider Australian community and legal profession, and we have set serious goals to assist us in addressing disadvantage and support access to justice in the communities in which we live and work. Partners and employees have direct involvement with charities across Australia by volunteering and fundraising through Community Connect. This has enabled us to participate in numerous activities, with our Community Partners, including climbing mountains with children with Cerebral Palsy, holding mock job interviews in schools and setting up mobile libraries for people living on the streets. We have financially supported our charity partners through the Clayton Utz Foundation, distributing over $9.3 million since 2003. We are committed, through our Reconciliation Action Plan, to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to create positive and lasting change, and to reducing inequality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians in the areas of access to justice, education and access to support services. We promote Environmental Sustainability through initiatives that assist us to understand our impacts and incorporate sustainability into our decision-making. International Student Eligibility We are happy to consider international students for our clerkship and graduate programs, however they are required to be studying an Australian law degree (e.g. LLB or JD).
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DISCOVER YOUR INDEPENDENT SPIRIT WWW.CORRS.COM.AU/GRADUATES
Applications open - 18 June 2018 Applications close - 15 July 2018 Offers Made - 26 September 2018 60
AREAS OF PRACTICE The firm works through three main operating divisions: • Corporate, Finance & Tax (Energy & Resources, Corporate Advisory, Banking & Finance and Taxation) • Property & Development (Property & Infrastructure, Environment & Planning and Construction) • Litigation and Workplace Relations (Litigation, Workplace Relations, Intellectual Property, Technology & Competition)
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT SETS US APART FROM OTHER FIRMS? Corrs Chambers Westgarth is a premium independent law firm. We emphasise the independent part because it’s important to who we are and how we work. Independence isn’t just a description of our position in the market, it also describes how we think, our innovative style and bold decision-making. Our vision as a world class law firm is to drive Australia’s competitiveness and economic engagement with Asia. We are based in Australia and operate internationally, wherever our clients need our services. With 1000 employees, 550 lawyers and 125 partners, we have the scale that allows us to take on the largest and most challenging matters for major organisations internationally. As well as be the right size for a culture of inclusion. Corrs is a firm that thinks strategically, not just in its legal work, but also for the firm’s future and the success of its people. Corrs is known for its clear vision and ability to develop and implement strategy, as well as its lawyers’ ability to help clients achieve their business goals. Corrs’ culture of performance excellence drives this achievement and can be seen in our mentoring, coaching and comprehensive learning and development programs, both formal and informal. We draw on the best expertise in Corrs’ own lawyers as well as external specialists to make sure our people never stop learning. The combination of these factors creates a firm that celebrates its independence, is open to new ideas, has the courage to think and act differently from the rest of the market, and thrives on new challenges and opportunities. Our people thrive on this, too. We call it the inspiring workplace.
WWW.CORRS.COM.AU/GRADUATES
Our clients compete globally and Corrs provides the legal services they need to do that effectively, no matter where they are. Our lawyers work across practice areas and geographic boundaries to drive commercial outcomes in multiple jurisdictions. We also have a global network of the world’s best independent firms who work with us to provide the most relevant specialist expertise where and when it’s needed. With 50 firms in 20 countries, we have an extraordinary range of talent at our disposal. Our independence means we’re not locked into one legal service provider. We connect with the best lawyers internationally to meet our clients’ specific needs.
WHAT ARE WE WORKING ON? We are excited to work with some of the biggest organisations in the world on their most important matters. Our clients include more than half the top fifty ASX listed companies, some of the largest privately owned companies in Australia and a number of global Fortune five hundred companies like Johnson & Johnson, General Electric, Wesfarmers, Microsoft, BP and Pfizer. We work with well-known organisations like Vodafone Hutchison, ANZ, AMCOR, BG Group, Mirvac, Woolworths and Carlton United Breweries, mining giants like BP, Woodside and Fortescue Metal Group and leaders in finance like NAB, and CBA. We also work with governments, Federal and State, on significant matters including the $43b National Broadband Network Project. We were Australian counsel for US talent agency William Morris, which represents stars like Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey, when it acquired 49 percent of industry-leading global creative agency, Droga5.
INTERNATIONAL SECONDMENTS Our lawyers strengthen our global network and their own careers by participating in the firm’s leading secondment and scholarship programs. We invest in unique international experiences to help our lawyers grow their skills, cultural understanding and relationships worldwide. Between 10 and 20 lawyers spend between three and 12 months working in one of our global network law firms each year. Overseas secondments are available to Corrs graduates even before they start their legal careers with us. We offer our future graduates the opportunity to live and work in Tokyo for 12 months before joining our graduate development program. Japanese language skills not required! Corrs has partnered with Japanese corporate law firm Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (AM&T) to offer its Foreign Legal Trainee (FLT) Program to our future graduates. You will live and work in Tokyo and have the opportunity to further develop your legal skills while working overseas.
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WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN AN EMPLOYEE? Corrs is a place that celebrates individuals. We’re looking for spirited, determined graduates who think big and like doing things a little differently. In exchange for your energy and commitment we’ll provide extraordinary learning and work opportunities here and on an international stage. We don’t look for a Corrs ‘type’ when we interview potential graduates. Corrs people are individuals, but they do share some traits. Because this is a high performance organisation, Corrs people are good at what they do. They are able to work in a team and bring out the best in the people around them. They want to achieve the best results for the client as well as the firm and they take pride in their work and achievements. Corrs people like to find new ways of doing things and aren’t afraid to be independent and bold in their actions. This is a firm with a sense of purpose, so we’ll probably look for that in you, too.
PRO BONO, VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Helping others is a key aspect of the culture at Corrs and can be seen every day in every office at Corrs. It happens in three ways – through pro bono legal work, volunteering and philanthropy. Corrs provides pro bono legal services for disadvantaged individuals who might not otherwise have access to legal representation through the conduct of nine legal clinics and referred public interest matters. Pro Bono is one of the graduate program rotations, so graduates are involved early in their time at Corrs. In Sydney, two graduates spend half a day each week for six months at the Redfern and Inner City Legal Centres.
CLERKSHIP PROGRAM Choosing your law firm is as important as your choice to be a lawyer. It will determine the calibre of people around you, the quality of work you do, what kind of training you’ll get and how much responsibility you’ll be given. All of which adds up to the rate at which you learn and the level of satisfaction you feel in your job. The Corrs Seasonal Clerkship Program is a great opportunity for you to experience the people, clients, work and culture that differentiates Corrs from other law firms. You’ll have the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high-profile work for major Australian and international clients across all industries. You’ll soon discover the standards of quality and commitment to clients required to succeed at this level.
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You’ll be exposed to a broad range of interesting matters. You may also conduct research, review and present documents, as well as attend client meetings, mediations and settlements. The variety is enormous, so it’s the perfect way to discover the firm and the area of law that excites you most.
HOW DOES THE FIRM ENCOURAGE WORK-LIFE BALANCE? It’s not all about work! At Corrs we encourage staff to be active and participate in social and sporting events as well as learning & development activities. Some of our activities include yoga, touch football, cricket day, Friday night drinks, family days, trivia nights, End of Financial Year party and Christmas Party. Corrs also provides flexible work arrangements, paid study leave, salary sacrificing and opportunities to give back to the community.
GRADUATE PROGRAM Achieving our goals as a world class law firm requires people with vision, ambition, courage and commitment. We have a workplace that is engaging and truly inspiring, and what we consider to be the most innovative, progressive and supportive people development program in the industry. Our commitment to developing world class lawyers starts at day one. Our Graduate Development Program lays this foundation by providing rich, on the job training with a greater opportunity to work directly with partners and senior lawyers; structured learning; mentoring; and regular feedback. Supervised by partners, you will complete three six month rotations through a variety of practice areas. You are mentored by senior lawyers and your development is overseen by a dedicated Learning & Development and Human Resources team who work with partners to provide you with guidance and ensuring your success. The program begins with a residential orientation that brings graduates together from around the country in a major city location. Apart from training that enables you to hit the ground running, this four day event delivers professional relationships and friendships that last your years at Corrs and beyond.
WWW.CORRS.COM.AU/ GRADUATES
DISCOVER YOUR INDEPENDENT SPIRIT WWW.CORRS.COM.AU/GRADUATES
Contact: Rhea Shyamkant (02) 9210 6135 rhea.shyamkant@corrs.com.au
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CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGART H Areas of Practice Corrs is a corporate law firm, acting for organisations, rather than individuals. The firm works through three main operating divisions: • Corporate, Finance & Tax (Energy & Resources, Corporate Advisory, Banking & Finance and Taxation) • Property & Development (Property & Infrastructure, Environment & Planning and Construction) • Litigation and Workplace Relations (Litigation, Workplace Relations, Intellectual Property, Technology & Competition) Number of Lawyers & Partners 471 and 112 respectively. Sydney Clerkship Intake 15
You’ll be exposed to a broad range of interesting matters. You may also conduct research, review and present documents, as well as attend client meetings, mediations and settlements. The variety is enormous, so it’s the perfect way to discover the firm and the area of law that excites you most. After becoming a clerk, what are the prospects of obtaining a graduate role? The majority of our graduates are recruited through our Seasonal Clerkship Program. How does Corrs Chambers Westgarth value corporate responsibility? Helping others is a key aspect of the culture at Corrs and can be seen every day in every office at Corrs. It happens in three ways – through pro bono legal work, volunteering and philanthropy. Corrs provides pro bono legal services for disadvantaged individuals who might not otherwise have access to legal representation through nine legal clinics and referred public interest matters. Pro Bono is one of the graduate program rotations and as a clerk you will also undertake a pro bono project for the duration of the summer. What is unique about Corrs Chambers Westgarth’s culture?
Ours is an energetic and exciting environment in which our people are motivated and challenged to do their best. An Clerkship opening and closing dates open culture, where people feel free to ask questions or talk Applications open Monday, 18 June 2018 and close Sunday, 16 through an issue. We seek out the best people to work for July 2017. To apply visit www.corrs.com.au/careers/graduates us, so we can provide the best results for our clients. And we support and train them to do just that. We consider our learning and development to be the most innovative, progressive and What specific qualities does Corrs Chambers Westgarth supportive people development program in the industry. look for in a potential clerks? Corrs is a place that celebrates individuals. We’re looking for spirited, determined graduates who think big and like doing things a little differently. In exchange for your energy and commitment we’ll provide extraordinary learning and work opportunities here and on an international stage. We don’t look for a Corrs ‘type’ when we interview potential graduates. Corrs people are individuals, but they do share some traits. Because this is a high performance organisation, Corrs people are good at what they do. They are able to work in a team and bring out the best in the people around them. They want to achieve the best results for the client as well as the firm and they take pride in their work and achievements. Corrs people like to find new ways of doing things and aren’t afraid to be independent and bold in their actions. This is a firm with a sense of purpose, so we’ll probably look for that in you, too. What kind of responsibilities/tasks can a clerk expect at Corrs Chambers Westgarth? The Corrs Seasonal Clerkship Program is a great opportunity for you to experience the people, clients, work and culture that differentiates Corrs from other law firms. You’ll have the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high-profile work for major Australian and international clients across all industries. You’ll soon discover the standards of quality and commitment to clients required to succeed at this level.
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Our culture is defined by collaboration and opportunity. A supportive workplace through teamwork, mentoring and flexible resourcing. Opportunity for professional and personal growth and innovative opportunities for both legal and business services staff. An open environment in which diversity in experience, opinions and skills is embraced and celebrated. And a reward and remuneration system that drives excellence across the board. Collaboration and opportunity extend well beyond the daily legal work. They extend into Corrs’ pro bono and community efforts and social events as well. Corrs people work together, but it’s not all work! At Corrs, we also celebrate our diversity, and continue to foster and support an inclusive workplace. A workplace where all people can be themselves, know they are valued members of the team and can confidently contribute to our success. Our LGBTI network aims to support the inclusion of our LGBTI people and enhance our broader engagement with the LGBTI community. In 2014, Corrs also launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our RAP aims to develop and deepen mutual respect, form meaningful relationships and create opportunities with and for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) peoples.
Gilbert + Tobin
BE MORE BE PART OF LAW’S FUTURE MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN
If you share our ambition to be the best, Gilbert + Tobin will place you on that trajectory. 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
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Corporate Advisory
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Energy + Resources
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Intellectual Property
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Litigation
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Pro Bono
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Real Estate + Projects
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Technology + Digital.
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
If you want to work for a first-tier corporate law firm, and you want to be the best you can be, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Find out more at GTLAW.COM.AU 65
BE MORE BE PART OF LAW’S FUTURE
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GTLAW.COM.AU 66
Gilbert + Tobin
BE MORE BE PART OF THE MOMENTUM A Gilbert + Tobin clerkship is both positive and challenging. You’ll work directly with partners and lawyers who will assist with your professional development and challenge you intellectually. While your main focus will be corporate work, everyone at G+T has the opportunity to assist on pro bono matters and participate in firm-wide activities. As you progress through your rotations you will develop invaluable skills and knowledge and gain first-hand experience of our various practice groups. Our Sydney program runs for 9 weeks, consisting of two four-week rotations across the firm’s practice areas. During both rotations each clerk is assigned a supervising partner, mentor and buddy to assist with on-the-job training. Participating in our customised in-house training will build your confidence and help you understand the mechanics of legal practice. You’ll have the chance to jump right in and immerse yourself in a leading corporate law practice. And we’ll encourage you to contribute ideas and your own fresh perspective.
Preference is given to students in their penultimate year of study. 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.
Applications for 2018-19 summer clerkships in our Sydney office are open from Monday 18 June to Sunday 15 July 2018. For more information about applying for a clerkship or for program dates please visit gtlaw.com.au, or contact Kristie Barton on 02 9263 4575 or at clerkships@gtlaw.com.au
Find out more at GTLAW.COM.AU 67
BE PART OF OUR STORY My clerkship experience at Gilbert + Tobin was awesome! I was fortunate enough to rotate through Corporate Advisory and Intellectual Property and learnt so much from a range of lawyers in each group. One of the biggest highlights of the clerkship was seeing all the lawyers and partners make sure clerks were involved in practical work in really interesting matters from the start. I had the chance to work directly with talented lawyers, working on some really cool transactions and litigious matters. We also had a range of opportunities to help the wider community through pro bono projects and volunteering. The volunteering aspect was an added bonus because not only was it a rewarding experience, it was inspiring to know it was something G+T was very passionate about. The firm’s focus on innovation and technology meant I learnt a lot about Cryptocurrencies and Initial Coin Offerings during the summer clerk “Design Jam”. I was genuinely surprised and very appreciative of the range of experiences and knowledge the clerkship provided us with. Of course, the social aspects of the clerkship were another fantastic element. Weekly sporting events kept us fit, pizza making classes helped us bond as a clerk cohort and the firm Christmas parties were loads of fun! I had a great opportunity to get to know each of the clerks and a range of lawyers from the firm throughout the process. Ultimately, my clerkship experience was a whole lot of fun but it also cemented what I thought from the start – that G+T truly is a great firm that’s full of incredibly friendly, hardworking people and one that is very much focused on giving back to the community. I would recommend it to everyone!
I really enjoyed my clerkship at Gilbert + Tobin. The experiences I had in both Intellectual Property and Corporate Advisory taught me a lot and had me challenged and engaged throughout the summer clerk program. I enjoyed working in the IP practice group because it gave me real world experience applying the intellectual property work I had done at university. Working in the patent sub-group, I was able to see how real world patents are enforced, what they look like, how they hold value and how they benefit companies. My time in CA was also interesting, giving me exposure to private equity and venture capital work for a variety of clients. I even had the chance to work on an automation system which can help G+T perform company secretary work more efficiently. On top of this, completing a pro bono research exercise and participating in the design jam meant I was always busy, and had a good chance to learn about interesting new developments in the law outside of a purely commercial context. The program also gave me experiences beyond office work. The onsite learning, external seminar, and inter firm activities were all valuable, enjoyable, and definitely kept me busy. Attending team events and the Sydney office Christmas party gave me a strong sense of inclusion at G+T, and were highlights of the clerkship. Everyone I worked with was excited about their work and made a real, genuine effort to help and include me. The people are my favourite thing about G+T and made my clerkship a summer well spent. James Soussa 2017/18 Sydney Summer Clerk
Ginia Kouznetsova 2017/18 Sydney Summer Clerk
Find out more at GTLAW.COM.AU 68
GILBERT + TOBIN Areas of legal practice Banking + Infrastructure; Competition + Regulation; Corporate Advisory; Energy + Resources; Intellectual Property; Litigation; Pro Bono; Real Estate + Projects; Technology + Digital. Number of lawyers & partners 306 lawyers and 73 partners nationally across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth (+720 people nationally, legal and non-legal). What specific qualities does the firm look for in a potential Clerk? 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 kind of responsibilities/tasks can a Clerk expect at G+T? As you progress through your rotations you will 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 builds confidence in our clerks. You’ll have the chance to jump right in and immerse yourself in a leading corporate law practice. And we’ll encourage you to contribute ideas and your own fresh perspective. “I might have suffered through my Corporations class at university, but working in the corporate team at G+T was exciting! Even as a clerk, you get to hit the ground running and help with due diligence reports, accompany lawyers to meet clients and pick up documents, and sit in on internal meetings. Even you’re normally only working on a small piece of the puzzle, it’s exciting to know that you’ve contributed to a transaction worth millions of dollars or which might be covered in the Australian Financial Review!” Madeline Connolly, 2017 Summer Clerk Sydney clerkship intake 10 to 12 Summer Clerks.
Since the firm was established in 1988, we’ve been committed to promoting and supporting reconciliation with Indigenous Australians. We are committed to achieving practical steps towards reconciliation, including: our cadetship program for Indigenous law students; Indigenous employment program; Indigenous first year law student mentoring program; Indigenous cultural awareness training available to all staff; our extensive contemporary Indigenous art program; participation in national reconciliation week; providing financial support for organisations supporting Indigenous peoples (including Just Reinvest, Shine for Kids, the Cape York Girl Academy and Tribal Warrior Association); hosting visits from Indigenous high school students, especially from the University of NSW Indigenous Winter School and pre-law program; and supporting Indigenous economic development by procuring products from Indigenous businesses certified by Supply Nation. Community at G+T incorporates a range of activities including charitable giving, financial and in-kind support and volunteering. As just one example, we are a major sponsor of the Gilbert +Tobin Centre for Public Law at the University of NSW. The Centre plays a prominent, independent role in public debate on issues vital to Australia’s future including Charters of Rights, federal reform, reconciliation and native title, refugee and migration law and the challenges of responding to terrorism. We also consistently work on improving our environmental performance. Since 2014 we have been a reporting member of the Australian Legal Sector Alliance; (AusLSA), an industry association that promotes sustainable practices across the legal sector. In 2015 we launched our first certified Environmental Management System (EMS). The priorities of our EMS, as identified by our staff, are energy use, paper use, and disposal of IT equipment. What is unique about G+T’s culture? As a young and independent firm we’re not constrained by tradition, so we are always open to change, new ideas and different perspectives on how to deliver the best outcomes to our clients. We work within a flat structure, which means our clerks and graduates have direct access to lawyers and partners who are experts in their fields, as well as matters that will improve their skill sets and career prospects. We offer an informal and relaxed environment, approachable partners and lawyers, diverse teams, friendly people who care about the firm and the high performance contribution they make irrespective of their role. G+T presents a unique opportunity for you to make a name for yourself through the matters and transactions you work on, with personal accountability yet supported by those around you.
After a Clerkship, what are the prospects of obtaining a Graduate role? “Our culture is quite unique, with its focus on innovation and G+T’s clerkship programs are the primary pipeline for our graduate change. It challenges you to do better, and to be bold and stand recruitment. For our Sydney program, every summer clerk has the by the advice we give. But one thing that surprised me when opportunity to receive a graduate offer, subject to performance. I joined is how caring it also is. It’s not just about getting the work done – there’s genuine empathy, and a lack of formality or How does G+T value Corporate Responsibility? bureaucracy.” - Anna Sparkes, Chielf People Officer We believe lawyers have a responsibility to ensure that the law and the legal system are fair, equitable and accessible to all. In What is an interesting case that G+T has worked On? 1996, Gilbert + Tobin was the first law firm in Australia to appoint a In a highly competitive dual track deal, we successfully advised on full-time in-house pro bono lawyer. We now have two partners and the sale of mining consumables business Moly-Cop to American a core group of dedicated lawyers in pro bono full-time, as well as Industrial Partners for US$1.23billion. While Arrium (formerly lawyers undertaking pro bono matters across the firm. Graduates OneSteel) was placed into voluntary administration in April, are also able to apply for a first rotation position with the pro bono Moly-Cop was still profitable – manufacturing and supplying steel group, starting in February each year. grinding balls and rods to mining operations around the world. Australia’s leading restructuring team at G+T was certainly put to We are proud advocates of social justice and focus on providing the test in ensuring this deal was success. We whittled down a advice and support to marginalised and disadvantaged people list of 40 to two final bidders who were competing against an IPO. and the organisations that work with them. Our pro bono practice Pens were poised to either sign the sale agreement or launch an covers many diverse areas of law including discrimination, IPO, resulting in an outstanding outcome for the client.” - Hiroshi corporate law, property law, administrative law, defamation and Narushima, Partner – Corporate Advisory public international law with a particular focus on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, refugees, people How does G+T encourage a work-life balance? with disabilities and the protection of human rights. Working at At G+T we offer flexible work arrangements ranging from part-time G+T means being part of a team that is committed to acting in work, to job sharing and working from home opportunities. We a socially and environmentally responsible way. Our corporate also look after the health and well-being of our staff by providing social responsibility (CSR) program incorporates three key areas: fresh fruit daily, after hour meals, regular in-house yoga sessions, promoting and supporting reconciliation, contributing to our corporate gym rates, an in-house café and access to a range of community and environmental sustainability. sporting activities, either run or funded by the firm. 69
SEE OUR WORLD THROUGH OUR EYES BE A PART OF EVERYTHING
GRADUATE CAREERS IN LAW Join our outstanding graduate program with a law degree and potential to succeed, and experience real responsibility, a flexible career path and an innovative, collaborative environment to help you thrive. Join us as a Herbert Smith Freehills graduate with your degree behind you, but a world of opportunity in front of you. Don't just experience it, be a part of everything. SEARCH HSF GRADUATES AUSTRALIA FOR MORE
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OFFICES GLOBALLY
TOP 100
GRADUATE EMPLOYERS 2018
MOST INNOVATIVE INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM FT ASIA-PACIFIC INNOVATIVE LAWYERS AWARDS 2016
BE A PART OF EVERYTHING Join us as a Herbert Smith Freehills Vacation Clerk and you’ll do more than just experience life at a leading law firm, you’ll be a part of everything we have to offer.
Everything about us
With 27 offices around the world, we can show you exactly what a world class 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
We recruit people with the desire and ability to be exceptional, commercial lawyers. This means that we look for more than just a great academic record and strong technical aptitude. We seek people who are curious, empathetic and understand the importance of building relationships with clients and colleagues. We also look for an international mind-set and a desire to work within our global network, not just one office. Complex cross-border deals. A market-leading Disputes division. Worldwide reach. If you’re ready to be a part of it all, we’re looking forward to hearing from you.
HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM
Clerkship program
There’s nothing more important than finding a role and an organisation that’s right for you and there’s no better way to really get to know our profession than gaining practical, hands-on experience. Our vacation clerkships will immerse you in our business, networks and the international world of law. We encourage students to participate in our vacation clerkship program and we fill the majority of our graduate positions through this program. As a vacation clerk, you will be given extensive training on all aspects of the firm, drafting and research skills. Current lawyers and partners will speak to you about what they do and the nature of work in each part of the firm. You’ll attend workshops and presentations that will give you an insight into the depth and breadth of our practice areas and international reach. You’ll be invited to a range of events giving you the opportunity to network with partners, associates and graduates, as well as with your fellow vacation clerks.
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 team.
Key dates and deadlines SYDNEY Approximate number of positions
25-30
Clerkship programs
summer
Applications for all 2018/19 programs open
18 June 2018
Applications for all 2018/19 programs close
15 July 2018
Offers made
26 September 2018
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.
Our global practice groups • Alternative Legal Services (ALT) • Competition, Regulation and Trade • Corporate • Dispute Resolution • Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety • Finance • Projects and Infrastructure • Real Estate
Contacts James Keane Graduate Recruitment Consultant T +61 2 9322 4313 james.keane@hsf.com
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My vacation clerkship
JULIAN VERTOUDAKIS VACATION CLERK 2016/2017
Social life
Training and development
When you arrive as a fresh-faced clerk in December, the festive season is well and truly underway at Herbert Smith Freehills. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to have fun with your new colleagues and bond with your fellow clerks. Highlights include the firm-wide and practice group Christmas functions, the clerk cruise, inter-firm sport, and fun BYO dinners at questionable CBD dumpling houses.
Herbert Smith Freehills really values the training and development of young talent. Opportunities you’ll have to learn and develop your skills include:
One thing I never expected was how seriously lawyers take their costumes. Don’t be intimidated by the array of weird and wonderful characters you’ll encounter at themed events – you and your clerk buddies will have your own awesome gear to show off.
Practice groups
Herbert Smith Freehills really values the training and development of young talent.
Herbert Smith Freehills occupies a high position in the directories and the collective student imagination, but those weren’t the only reasons I decided to join the firm. I was also looking for a place which genuinely values developing its people and has a sense of humour – friends of mine who had been clerks highly recommended the experience, so needless to say I was keen on joining Herbert Smith Freehills from the outset. The final selling point was actually having the opportunity to meet people from the firm at various stages of the process. The firm has a uniquely relaxed approach to its interviews, which are conversational and conducted oneon-one rather than behavioural or by panel. All the people made me feel welcome and the firm really seemed like a place where people took their professional work seriously, but were personable and always willing to have a laugh.
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If you have absolutely no idea what area of law you want to work in, the clerkship is perfect for you. I was placed into Employment, Pensions and Incentives during my first rotation and Environment, Planning and Communities during my second. Despite having no prior knowledge or experience in these areas, I soon developed a working understanding of them and thoroughly enjoyed the learning process. Both groups work with highly specialised legislative frameworks, and so they undertake a mix of transactional, advisory and litigious work. As a clerk, this meant that I was given lots of different tasks, including legal research, helping to draft advice, correspondence, witness statements and court documents, as well as assisting with relevant aspects of due diligence. Highlights of my time in both groups include being a part of meetings with a pro bono client about to appear in the Fair Work Commission, presenting on updates to planning law, attending judgment for a regulatory prosecution in the Land and Environment Court, and taking a trip to Newcastle with my team to meet with environmental regulators for a client. These were fantastic learning opportunities that gave me an exciting insight into what commercial lawyers do on a daily basis.
••Attendance at graduate training
videoconferences. I was able to attend training on exciting topics such as Workplace Health and Safety (an introduction to the model legislation) and Cross-border Employment Law (a primer on employment law in the Asia-Pacific region and common issues that arise when employers operate in multiple jurisdictions);
••Frequent presentations about the firm’s
different practice groups and various matters of commercial relevance. These are really useful for getting a sense of where you might want to rotate in the future and the firm’s view on technological developments (which for me included blockchain and cybersecurity);
••Participation in the ‘developmental exercise’
early in the clerkship. This entails being given a fictional scenario and three hours to fire off a memo to a partner who you’ll later present to with another clerk. While it’s challenging, you’ll have experienced giving advice under pressure and received some great feedback. Don’t stress – the exercise isn’t there to judge whether you make the cut to receive a graduate position, but to give you an opportunity to identify both your strengths and some areas in which you can improve; and
••Allocation of a coach (an experienced
lawyer) and a buddy (a graduate). These are the people who are there to help when you don’t even know where to begin on a task. Everyone is genuinely interested in your learning and development, and in my experience always took the time to explain the factual and legal context of a matter even if it wasn’t needed to perform the task at hand.
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Aria Wong – The international experience One of the benefits of working at a global law firm is that our graduates have the opportunity to apply for a 6-month international secondment to one of our overseas offices, with past locations including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and London! Undertaking an international secondment provides a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the legal and cultural differences of working in a foreign jurisdiction, to network and learn from our leading lawyers across the globe, and to develop a greater understanding of crossborder transactions, all of which are hugely beneficial for your long term career.
ARIA WONG SOLICITOR
My name is Aria Wong and I am a Solicitor from our Melbourne office. I studied a Bachelor of Commerce and a Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne. As part of the graduate rotation program, I completed three 6-month seats in our Corporate, Finance and Competition, Regulatory and Trade practice groups in Melbourne. I was fortunate to be selected to undertake an international secondment to our London office, where I have been based since September 2017.
HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM
I have found my London secondment to be an invaluable experience. As in Australia, our London office has a premier reputation in the market for providing cutting edge legal advice, which means that from the moment I arrived in London I had the opportunity to sink my teeth into a broad variety of complex transactions, giving me exposure to corporate law in a different jurisdiction. I have had the opportunity to work on an initial public offering, an M&A transaction involving a private equity powerhouse, and a large corporate restructure which required input from lawyers across our European and Australian offices (and I am only halfway through my secondment!). In addition, due to the significance of London as an international hub for commercial activity, all of the deals I have worked on have had complex cross border elements, which means that we are often working collaboratively with our lawyers from across the globe. Work aside, I'm pleased to report that our London office has just as active a social calendar as our Melbourne office – our Social Committee organises regular firm drinks and countless other social activities, each of which has allowed me to get to know my colleagues on a more personal level. In this short period of time, I have attended an Italian wine tasting, a Halloween scare tour in the tombs of London Bridge (which truly deserves its award for being the 'Scariest Attraction' in the UK), a women’s self-defence course and an invaluable speed networking event with HSF alumni who now hold senior in-house roles in large multinationals.
The most interesting thing I’ve learned… I am constantly astounded by how supportive the firm is of me actively pursuing my career goals and professional development. Even at the junior level, lawyers are encouraged and given the tools necessary to take hold of their career. For example, during my third rotation I was given numerous opportunities to step up, engage directly with clients and improve my drafting skills. This culminated in one of our clients requesting, and my team supporting me, to undertake a secondment in-house at the client (a large, ASX100-listed company). This gave me the opportunity to gain a more intimate understanding of both the legal and business imperatives of our client, experience first-hand the life of an in-house lawyer at a leading company, and form closer connections with my clients. Even now, I still keep in touch with many of the people I met on secondment. It was an incredible experience, and I feel very fortunate the firm supported me in taking on this opportunity at such an early stage in my career.
My advice to someone looking to apply for a clerkship at Herbert Smith Freehills? I really encourage you to use law firm information sessions and networking events as an opportunity to speak to and get to know representatives from each firm – this is a good way to pick their brains about what they do on a day to day basis, why they chose their firm and to get an understanding of what the culture is like at the office. Finally, while the application process can be a stressful experience, make sure you take care of yourself and keep up the things in your life that aren't strictly law-related but provide balance. There really is no 'cookie cutter' Herbert Smith Freehills lawyer – having a diversity of backgrounds and opinions not only makes our office a cohesive, multicultural workplace, but also ensures that we provide the best and most measured advice to our clients. So have a think about what makes you, you – we are interested in getting to know about your passions and what keeps you engaged in life!
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HERBERT SMIT H FREEHILLS Areas of legal practice • • • • • •
Alternative Legal Services (ALT) Competition, Regulation & Trade Corporate Finance, Real Estate & Projects Dispute Resolution Employment, Pensions & Incentives
What specific qualities does Herbert Smith Freehills look for in a potential Clerk? We recruit people with the desire and ability to be exceptional, commercial lawyers. This means that we look for more than just a great academic record and strong technical aptitude. We seek people who are curious, empathetic and understand the importance of building relationships with clients and colleagues. We also look for an international mind-set and a desire to work within our global network, not just one office. We are also interested in language ability, particularly native/fluent Mandarin (written and oral) skills. Clerkship opening and closing Dates Applications open 18 June and close 15 July Sydney Clerkship Intake 25-30 How does Herbert Smith Freehills value Corporate Responsibility? At Herbert Smith Freehills our focus is on using our expertise and leadership to increase access to justice and opportunity for the benefit of local and global communities. At the core of Herbert Smith Freehills’ approach is a long-standing and proud tradition of providing pro bono legal services and advocacy. This commitment to pro bono legal services for members of the 74
public has developed into a broader program of volunteering and charitable giving that involves a wide range of people across our firm. Many of our vacation clerks participate in pro bono and community work and describe it as one of the highlights of their clerkship. What is unique about Herbert Smith Freehills’ culture? We’re proud of our culture. It’s supportive and it’s non-hierarchical. When you join us as a graduate, you’ll find that your growth is supported at all levels across the firm – whether you’re working on a high-profile takeover, catching up with an overseas client or taking on some challenging pro bono work. It’s an environment that will give you the skills you need to become a brilliant lawyer. And it’s an environment in which your perspective, ideas and experiences will make a real difference.
KING & WOOD MALLESONS
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. Exceeding the expectations of our clients is a key priority, and as such the world’s leading organisations turn to us to unlock their biggest opportunities and deliver solutions to their most vexing challenges. 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 at all levels of the firm. Our people are encouraged to think differently and 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. At King & Wood Mallesons we provide you with the opportunities to reimagine the law to become what you want to be. Are you ready?
KEY STATISTICS: • Most Popular Overall Law Employer in the 2018 AFR Top 100 Graduate Employers Rankings • One of the Top 100 Graduate Employers in GradAustralia’s 2018 Student Survey • Top 15 global brand* • 27 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: 2017 Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index
REGIONAL PRESENCE 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
you’ll work closely with the partners, senior associates and solicitors in that team. It’s a hands-on role, you won’t just be watching from the sidelines. Our people have the opportunity to get involved in the many social and sporting activities that go on in the firm, as well as pro bono and volunteer work to give back to the broader community in which we work and live. Graduate Program
Applications open: 18 June 2018
We offer a unique training experience with multiple rotations and a comprehensive learning and development program for our graduates. We invest heavily in development to support graduates in fulfilling their potential.
Applications close: 15 July 2018
What you’ll learn
How to apply: Via our online application system at kwm.com/careers
The program provides a practical business foundation for junior lawyers. You’ll receive:
Our clerkships 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.
• Meaningful work covering a wide range of practice areas • Client contact and an in-depth understanding of how they operate in a commercial and regulatory environment • The opportunity to work with a range of partners, senior associates and solicitors in different practice groups • A practical understanding of areas of our legal practice • A comprehensive knowledge of the firm, our technology, our resources, our processes and, of course, the people you’ll work with.
OUR PROGRAMS Seasonal Clerkship Program
During your clerkship, you’ll learn: • The day-to-day skills to get you started – taking instructions, meeting with clients, drafting 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. 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
As part of the Graduate Program, 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 are able to access a greater choice and variety of destinations and on-the-job experience.
Asia Pacific | Europe | North America | Middle East www.kwm.com
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Kellie Mildred People & Development Advisor (Graduates) kellie.mildred@au.kwm.com (02) 9296 3592
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Most ranked individuals and (equal) most Band 1 practices 2017 Chambers Rankings – Australia
4 Best law firm (revenue over $200m)
ds AFR Client Choice Awar 2017 (and 2016)
7 25,000 hours spent on pro bono in 2017
2 Fastest growing Big 8 firm Peer Monitor – growth Q3 FY17
by revenue,
3 Highest portion of female equity partners The Australian Law Partnership Survey Dec 2017
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Silver Employer Status for LGB TI Workplace Inclusion 2017
No. 1 firm for Asia Pacific M&A Mergermarket CY 2016 and 1H 2017 M&A league tables – by deal count and deal value
Australian Workplace Equality Index
8 WGEA Employer of Choice Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA)
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expertise Leading rt in sma ts and contrac ain blockch
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29 AU Grads have completed a rotation in another KWM office (international/ domestic) since 2015 KWM inter
(AWEI)
ve AC Innovati 2017 FT AP ards winner Lawyers Aw the Business n in A ‘Innovatio KWM’s DN of Law’ for acts initiative ntr Smart Co
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KWM internal
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Clerkship Profile
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If you are considering a career in commercial law, a clerkship is a highly rewarding experience and will provide you with invaluable insight into what it really means to be a commercial lawyer. King & Wood Mallesons provides a supportive, fun and safe learning environment for their summer clerks, so there is truly no better place to kick off your legal career. THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS:
MICHAELA JOHNSTON Summer Clerk King & Wood Mallesons SUMMER CLERK INTAKE: 2017/18 AREAS OF ROTATION: Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Finance UNIVERSITY: University of New South Wales DEGREE: Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce
Applying for clerkships can be a very stressful period, but you should take comfort in knowing that KWM’s application and interview process is the most unique and relaxed process out of all of the firms. KWM has waived the need for the traditional ‘cover letter and resume’ application formula, and asks specific questions which allow each applicant to showcase their individuality. In the interviewing stage, I found that my interviewers were more interested in my hobbies and passions, than my marks or my employment history. THE WORK: During your clerkship, you will rotate through two different practice groups and will be kept busy with a variety of work. The clerks are extremely involved over the summer, whether it be working on corporate deals, drafting documents or undertaking important legal research. Whenever I was given a task, the instructing solicitor always sat me down and provided me with comprehensive context of the matter. This meant that even when I was doing a task which seemed relatively small, I was constantly learning and felt that I was making a valuable contribution to the team. THE CULTURE: KWM’s vibrant and collegiate culture is truly underpinned by the hard-working, diverse and sociable people who work at the firm. There is a real sense of community which permeates the firm and encompasses all practice groups and offices in KWM’s global network. THE SUPPORT: It isn’t necessary to have worked at a law firm before the clerkship, as the summer clerks are provided with thorough training across all aspects of the firm before you actually hit the floors. Additionally, you are allocated a buddy for each rotation to support you throughout the summer clerkship. Your buddy is your first port of call for any question (big or small) and is always there to help you navigate any ‘unknowns’ which may arise in your workday.
PRO BONO AND COMMUNITY: The firm has a range of different pro bono associations and partnerships, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved! During the clerkship, the clerks were lucky enough to spend a day cooking for the Salvation Army at their Streetlevel mission in Surry Hills and meeting wonderful people from the local community. There were also opporuntities to visit Salvos Legal in Lakemba, shadow a KWM solicitor volunteering at the Downing Centre and volunteer with the NCYLC. THE SOCIAL LIFE: Whether it be the interfirm clerk cruise, trivia nights, pub dinners or Monday night sport, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know the other clerks at KWM, as well as clerks from other firms! KWM also put on a range of events for the summer clerks including an ‘Amazing Race’ through the city. WHY I CHOSE KING & WOOD MALLESONS: I wanted to learn from the best solicitors in Australia and work with industry-leading clients, so KWM was an obivous choice from the outset of the clerkship process. However, it wasn’t until I met people from the firm during the various clerkship events that I was completely won over. Everyone I crossed paths with at KWM were incredibly down-to-earth and approachable, so I could see myself being really happy and prospering at the firm. MY CLERKSHIP VS. MY EXPECTATIONS: The clerkship definitely exceeded my expectations. I was very impressed by the great scope of exposure we had to the different practice groups and community initiatives of the firm, as well as the trust we received from our teams and the high level of involvement we had in our work. WHO WOULD I RECOMMEND A KWM CLERKSHIP TO: If you are interested in pursuing a career in commercial law and commencing your career at a firm with a stellar international reputation, then KWM is for you. If you strive for excellence and are passionate about working in an environment where you are both challenged and supported, then you should apply for a clerkship at KWM. Finally, if you want to work with people who have a genuine interest in your professional and personal development, then this is definitely the firm for you.
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We are redefining what a law firm can be. Working for some of the world’s most innovative organisations, our people go beyond the law. They are inventors, designers and pioneers – translating smart ideas into groundbreaking solutions. KWM is a launchpad for endless opportunities. We want to help you think differently about yourself and the possibilities of where a career in the law might take you. WE OFFER: •
Culture of innovation, collaboration and high performance
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Multiple career pathways where you can shape your future
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World-class training and coaching to unleash your full potential
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High impact work for the world’s leading organisations
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Relationships that last a lifetime
Download the KWM Become app today! Available from the App Store or Google play now.
Interested in building skills in commercial law and getting insight into life at a leading international law firm? KWM have partnered with InsideSherpa to launch an innovative online Virtual Experience Platform. Check it out here! www.insidesherpa.com/king&woodmallesons
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KING & WOOD MALLESONS Areas of legal practice The firm offers a number of market-leading practice teams including; Banking & Finance, Dispute Resolution, Mergers & Acquisitions, Projects & Real Estate and Taxation. Number of lawyers Approximately 2000 Lawyers (globally) Number of partners 500+ Partners (globally) What specific qualities does King & Wood Mallesons look for in a potential Clerk?
firm’s ongoing commitment to pro bono and community work. Through this program, our staff provide support for our charity and community partners in a variety of forms. This includes pro bono advice, charitable giving and volunteering initiatives. Our vision for the The KWMIC program is to help those suffering disadvantage in our community by assisting the various organisations that support them. The specific charitable targets/ priority areas of the firm are to: • • • •
Help children and young people at risk; Education; Help alleviate poverty and improve community welfare; and Support the environment and sustainability.
Pro bono program We see pro bono work as being as valuable to our lawyers as it is to those who benefit from their work. Support for our pro bono lawyers is a core part of our corporate responsibility strategy and integral to our people’s development. Approximately 70% of our lawyers participated in pro bono work in the last year. What is unique about King & Wood Mallesons’ culture?
The firm is a firm with a community feel that empowers each individual 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 We understand that technical excellence is only one success supporting a culture that encourages and embeds diversity factor and therefore value a range of skills in our employees and inclusion, both within the firm and across the broader legal recognising that a diversity of strengths leads to better results. We are looking for people who have an intellectual curiosity and sector. are intrinsically motivated. We are results orientated and have a track record of high achievement and performance in life, not just in our professional Excellent marks are not necessarily a predictor of professional and academic careers. capability. We recruit high achieving, client centric, learning agile people with an international perspective.
• • • •
Are you empathetic? Can you stand in the shoes of our client and experience the problem from their perspective? Is it more important to you to admire the problem or are you most interested in providing a practical, efficient and commercially sound solution? Are you traditional and risk averse, or are you excited by a changing and fluid work environment? When you think about your career are you only focused on Australia, or do you appreciate that Australia’s closest neighbours are the new power houses of the global economy?
We believe in teamwork and the ‘Power of Together’. We are not a collection of siloed practices, but work closely across our network to pursue opportunities and deliver outstanding results for our clients. Clerkship opening and closing dates Sydney Clerkship Applications open on Monday 18 June 2018 and close on Sunday 15 July 2018. Sydney clerkship period Monday 3 December 2018 – Friday 15 February 2019 How does King & Wood Mallesons value Corporate Responsibility? A core belief at The firm is that we have a responsibility, inherent in practising law, to use our legal skills to give back to the community. As such, the The firm in the Community (KWMIC) program was introduced in 2001 to formalise the
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Many graduates state 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. 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.
Your journey to a world-class career begins here
Baker McKenzie is Australia’s first global law firm. We’ve been developing global lawyers in Australia for more than 50 years – each started out as a law student, just like you. Become a world-class lawyer. Join the firm that was born global.
Ready to explore our world? Angelique Wanner +61 2 8922 5596 angelique.wanner@bakermckenzie.com
www.bakermckenzie.com/australia#careers
Find us at @BakersAUS
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A DAY IN THE LIFE Jennie Bian Junior Associate, Sydney International Clerk, Shanghai Choosing Baker McKenzie As a truly global firm, Baker McKenzie was my first choice for a Summer Clerkship. Not only does it have 77 offices across 47 countries, it is also one of the most successful global firms in China. It established a presence in China since the late 1970s and is the first international firm to be granted a joint operation license in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone. As someone who is particularly interested in Australian-Chinese cross-border work, Baker McKenzie was therefore the number one choice for me. As a Summer Clerk, I rotated through the Corporate and Financial Services & Funds Practice Groups. I worked on numerous cross-border matters involving Chinese and Australian clients, particularly in the Equity Capital Markets space. I was lucky enough to be offered an International Clerkship with our Shanghai office before commencing as a Graduate in Sydney and I knew this was an invaluable opportunity to develop myself both professionally and personally.
Mergers & Acquisitions I was placed in the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) team in Shanghai. During this time, I was involved in a number of interesting and complex matters for clients who are household names around the world. For example, we acted for clients seeking to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Hong Kong Stock Exchange, advised a large international client who intended to expand into the Chinese market on various compliance and regulatory issues, and acted for a potential acquisition of a large state-owned enterprise. I drafted client advice and correspondence, reviewed legal documents, sat in on client meetings, and researched a wide range of Chinese and cross-border legal issues. Almost every matter I worked on was cross-border which really demonstrated the fluency that Baker McKenzie has across jurisdictions. I was also able to put my Chinese Mandarin to use and develop stronger insights into Chinese law and the commercial landscape within the broader Asia-Pacific. The Shanghai office is also an integral part of Baker McKenzie's Joint Asian Offices (JAO). As a result of this, I was able to participate in meetings and professional development sessions with colleagues from our offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand.
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What really stood out to me was that my colleagues from the various offices in the JAO were all familiar and friendly with each other. This really highlighted to me Baker McKenzie's culture of friendship and really opened my eyes to the
opportunities of cross-border work within the Asia-Pacific region.
China's financial centre Working in Shanghai made my International Clerkship experience even better. Although I had been to other cities in China before, it was my first time in Shanghai. I was amazed by the city and its cultural differences. It was also fascinating how technologically-advanced the city was. For example, you can pay with everything using mobile applications (it truly is a cashless city), you can have your groceries and meals delivered to you within 10 minutes, and there's free Wi-Fi almost everywhere. The Baker McKenzie Shanghai office is located at Jinmao Tower, which is part of the financial centre hub. It is a lively place to be with so many things to see and do. During my lunch breaks, I was able to stroll past iconic landmarks, explore exquisite shopping malls with colleagues, and try delicious traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
Developing lasting friendships To me, the highlight of my International Clerkship was the opportunity to develop so many lasting friendships. As I was in Shanghai from November to December, I attended a number of end-of-year social events, including the Christmas Party. In addition to all the skills and knowledge I acquired regarding the complexities of a completely different legal system, I believe that the bonds I made were invaluable and careershaping. To highlight this, I have since corresponded with my supervising partner and buddy in Shanghai about a potential collaboration between the Sydney and Shanghai office regarding an Australian-Chinese client. The International Clerkship is an excellent way to learn about a different legal system, explore opportunities on cross-border work, and develop yourself professionally and personally. I am grateful and excited to be part of the international network that Baker McKenzie offers. I look forward to maintaining my international friendships as I commence and progress through the Graduate Program in Sydney. It was an absolute privilege to work alongside our incredibly accomplished colleagues in the Shanghai office. They were all extremely skilled, hardworking, and generous with their advice. Working alongside this team, I was able to develop my professional skills and business acumen.
BAKER McKENZIE
Our award winning diversity strategy, initiatives and programs are focused in four areas, in which all of our people can participate: • BakerWomen – gender equality and supporting the progression of women; Global Offices • BakerDNA – ethnic, indigenous, and cultural diversity; Abu Dhabi, Almaty, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Bahrain, Baku, • BakerBalance – supporting carers and parents, mental health Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Cairo, Casablanca, and wellbeing, and workplace flexibility; and Doha, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, Jeddah, • BakerLGBTI & Allies – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Johannesburg, Kyiv, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, intersex diversity. Munich, Paris, Prague, Riyadh, Rome, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Vienna, Warsaw, Zurich, Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Hanoi, Ho Chi What kind of responsibilities/tasks can a Clerk expect at Baker Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Melbourne, McKenzie? Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Yangon, At Baker McKenzie, we have a deep commitment to your Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Palo development. Alto, Toronto, Washington DC, Bogota, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, • A solid transition from law school to a law firm – We understand Caracas, Guadalajara, Juarez, Lima, Mexico City, Monterrey, Porto that the transition from university to legal practice can be Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Sao Paolo, Tijuana, and Valencia. challenging. We provide our Summer Clerks and Graduates with a comprehensive induction program, to help make Areas of legal practice this transition as smooth as possible. Our training program Banking & Finance; Corporate (including Mergers & Acquisitions, is designed to help you get the most out of your Summer Private Equity and Capital Markets); Commercial Real Estate; Clerkship experience. Construction; Dispute Resolution & Litigation; Employment & • Working and thinking globally – We know you want to be Industrial Relations; Energy, Resources, Infrastructure & Corporate; working with clients on real work right from the start. We pair Environmental Markets; Intellectual Property; Media; Tax; and each Summer Clerk and Graduate with a supervising Partner Technology, Communications & Commercial. and an Associate “buddy” to maximise on-the-job and formal learning. Summer Clerks in our Sydney office also complete a What specific qualities does Baker McKenzie look for in a one week client secondment and have the opportunity apply potential Clerk? for an International Clerkship. Our lawyers also attend regional Each applicant is unique, which makes each application unique. training in our Asia Pacific offices and Associate Training Each individual brings their own style, profile, experience, and Programs overseas. interests to their application. Some general features which will • Setting you up for success – We work with you to create a ensure your application stands out, include: tailored development plan aligned with the your career goals. We offer learning opportunities and work hard to facilitate Style your on-the-job learning and the many ways it happens – • Well-written, well-structured, and succinct application; and through informal mentoring relationships, client secondments, • Correct grammar, no spelling errors, headings, and easy to involving you in global teams working on international deals, read font selection. or supporting you to run your own file as part of our awardwinning pro bono program. Content • Highlight information about you and your achievements (e.g. How does Baker McKenzie value Corporate Responsibility? your personality, skills, experience, and interests), making Pro Bono and Community Services initiatives are an integral part readers want to work with you; of Baker McKenzie’s mission. Our Pro Bono, Community Services • Outline why you want to work with us by demonstrating a good and corporate social responsibility programs aim to inspire staff to understanding of our Firm – beyond what is contained in a make a difference and collaborate with clients who share the same Clerkship guide or on our Firm’s website. commitment to social justice. We believe that the provision of pro bono legal services is a fundamental professional responsibility. Baker McKenzie looks for people who genuinely want to work with us and who understand our unique offering and position in • Pro bono legal services – Baker McKenzie is a signatory to the market. We look for well-rounded, motivated individuals who the National Pro Bono Aspirational Target of at least 35 hours of share our global perspective; who are intellectually curious and pro bono legal work per lawyer per year. Our lawyers regularly have sound academics; who display business acumen and are undertake a wide range of pro bono legal work for disadvantaged practical in their approach; who enjoy a challenge and seek new clients in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as well as not-foropportunities; who like taking responsibility and getting things profit organisations. Some of our work includes assisting victims done; who express themselves confidently while staying open to of domestic violence seek compensation; representing asylum new ideas; who strive to provide excellent service to their clients; seekers seeking judicial review of decisions relating to their refugee who seek a friendly, diverse, and inclusive culture; and who take status and statement-taking in support of protection visas; helping seriously our role in making a difference to our local and global elderly and ill clients and young people exiting the child protection communities. system with their legal affairs; assisting with submissions and advocacy papers to support law and policy reform; and presenting What is unique about Baker McKenzie’s culture? legal workshops to vulnerable and at risk youth. Our pro bono work Baker McKenzie’s difference is in our unique values: our passion extends globally, including the Asia Pacific region. for being global, our culture of friendship, our commercial pragmatism, our support for entrepreneurship, our commitment to • Community Services and CSR – We also offer the opportunity development, our focus on contributing to the community, and our to participate in a variety of community service initiatives. Our genuine focus on maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment community service programs include the LEAPS literacy and for all of our people. Baker McKenzie is committed to diversity, mentoring program in Sydney, and the MacChat program run by inclusion, and workplace flexibility. As the first truly global law the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne. Baker McKenzie firm, Baker McKenzie’s origins are rooted in the respect for and staff also have the opportunity to join their office’s Community appreciation of difference. We understand that organizations Service Committee which is responsible for organising awareness work best when people with different backgrounds and multiple and fundraising for each office’s nominated charities throughout the points of view are brought together. Our own diversity mirrors our year. In FY18, our Partners and staff are supporting organisations commitment to exploring multiple perspectives to develop the which include the Refugee Advice & Casework Service (RACS), best possible solutions for our clients and to fostering a culture Mary’s House, The Freedom Partnership, Youth Projects and the of respect and inclusion that celebrates diversity. Diversity and Deafness Foundation. inclusion are in our DNA.
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WHERE BRIGHT MINDS MEET
At Clifford Chance, our diverse and talented people are at the heart of everything we are and everything we do. Your time with us as a graduate will connect you with the best clients, and the most innovative transactions in the market. Working with a dynamic, diverse and ambitious team across the globe, you will also have access to our first-class lawyer development programs, a breadth and depth of expertise and the best opportunity to begin your international legal career. For enquiries please contact grads.sydney@cliffordchance.com Learn more at www.careers.cliffordchance.com/ australiagrads
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WHERE DIVERSE MINDS MEET
We’re a premier global law firm. Joining us means sharing commitment, a drive to innovate and grasping new opportunities as we help our clients as they face a wide range of business, financial and legal issues. A global firm means international opportunities; a rotation in an overseas seat, and exposure to some of the highest profile deals and clients in the market. We have 32 offices in 22 different countries, more Chambers tier-one rankings than any other firm, and an extensive team of professionals who take pride in being among the very best in the world. Say g’day to us at careers.cliffordchance.com/australiagrads grads.sydney@cliffordchance.com
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CLIF FORD CHANCE
be supported with training, feedback and mentorship and given a supervisor in each rotation. Clifford Chance takes a “learn-bydoing” approach which sees graduates taking on important work in all matters. How does Clifford Chance value Corporate Responsibility?
We’re deeply committed to responsible business and partner regularly with organisations such as Opportunity International, Antitrust, Banking and Finance, Corporate, Private Equity, Litigation the Refugee Advice and Casework Service and Salvation Army to fundraise, increase awareness and provide legal support. The firm and Dispute Resolution also has a number of internal networks which take on significant issues, such as the Arcus network which advocates for equal rights Global offices and fair treatment of LGBT+ individuals both at Clifford Chance and in the wider community. 32 offices in 22 countries Areas of practice
Australia: 80+ lawyers Global: 3200+ lawyers.
Pro bono work is an expectation of all lawyers, and graduates have assisted with numerous initiatives, assisting Justice Connect, the Refugee Advice and Casework Service, the Cancer Council and many other organisations.
Perth Summer Internship Period
What is unique about Clifford Chance’s culture?
Office Address: Level 7, 190 St George’s Terrace, Perth WA 6000 Internship period: December 2018 and July 2019.
Our Sydney office, which consists of approximately 50 lawyers, offers the close-knit and inclusive culture of a smaller law firm with the internal networks, resources, reputation and market-leading work of an elite global law firm. Working at Clifford Chance offers constant exposure to top-tier domestic work together with matters from Asia-Pacific and our global network – opportunities that few firms in Australia can offer. Our women’s networks, cultural and faith based groups, and our Arcus network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) colleagues and its Allies network for their supporters and friends, thriving local and global groups help encourage an inclusive, integrated culture in our firm. It is important to everyone at Clifford Chance that we foster an environment where everyone can be themselves and can perform to the best of their abilities
Number of lawyers
Applications open 16 July 2018 and close 5 August 2018. Sydney Graduate Intake start date March 2020 (with an option to work as a paralegal prior to starting as a graduate). Winter Internship and Graduate opening and closing dates Applications closed on 21 May 2018. Same application for both. If yours is a Graduate-only application please put this in your cover letter. What specific qualities does Clifford Chance look for in potential Graduates? Clifford Chance is one of the world’s leading law firms with 32 offices in 22 different countries, more Chambers tier-one rankings than any other firm and an extensive team of legal professionals recognised as being among the very best in the world. Our graduates must have a global perspective and be ready to work across borders and jurisdictions on complex and challenging matters in Banking and Finance, Private Equity, Mergers and Acquisitions, Commercial Litigation and Antitrust. We are looking for ambitious people capable of working with significant responsibility from day one, who are committed to an international legal career with a dedicated team of domestic and international practitioners and who will thrive in Australia and the Asia-Pacific. What kind of responsibilities/tasks can a graduate expect at Clifford Chance? Our graduate program is two years, with four rotations of six months each. Three rotations are in the Sydney office covering the three core practice areas of Corporate, Banking and Finance and Litigation. One rotation will be (subject to business needs) in one of our international offices. Graduates are expected to take on significant responsibility from the start of the program and are supported by a close team of senior and junior practitioners. With just a small intake of outstanding candidates, our graduates are an integral part of the Clifford Chance team. Throughout the graduate program you will
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What are some interesting cases that Clifford Chance has worked on? At any one time our Firm has a number of ground-breaking and high profile transactions being worked on. In Australia, some of our most recent transactions include: • • •
•
Advising global asset manager The Carlyle Group on its acquisition of 100% of The Accolade Wines Group for total purchase consideration of AU$1 billion. Advising Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell) on the sale of 111.8 million shares in Australian Oil and Gas company Woodside for approximately AU$3.5 billion Advising William Hill on the sale of its Australian bookmaking business (William Hill Australia) to one of Australia’s largest gaming and entertainment groups, CrownBet via a competitive sale auction process. Advising China Jianyin Investment Limited, JIC Huawen Investment Limited and Tamar Alliance Capital (the Consortium) on the acquisition of a majority stake in Australia’s leading vitamins and supplements business, Nature’s Care.
How does Clifford Chance encourage a work-life balance? Our lawyers are hard-working and there will be long hours involved in your graduate contract. To look after our people, Clifford Chance has a number of policies in place and supports staff with regular social events, lunches, participation in sport and flexible working arrangements. As part of a small team, you won’t be lost in the crowd and we are committed to ensuring the physical and mental well-being of all lawyers.
Describe a successful MinterEllison candidate 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 qualities to us. At MinterEllison we want you to bring your whole self to work, individual strengths and diversity is what builds our teams up to be the successes they are. For MinterEllison, an outstanding applicant will know their application inside and out and be confident in their responses. They need to have considered what business acumen means for them and be able to provide real life examples to the questions with which they are presented. A strong applicant has a desire to get to know, not just the business, but also the people at the firm, why they are there, and what they enjoy about MinterEllison.
What can a successful candidate expect at MinterEllison?
How does the firm support continuous personal and professional growth?
Be more than just a technically excellent lawyer
At MinterEllison, your ongoing professional development is key to being our clients’ best partner. We have a distinctive learning culture, where all of our people are encouraged to be their own career architect – learning through experience, exposure to others and program participation.
MinterEllison is committed to providing you with the tools to become a top-tier lawyer. You will be empowered to become a technical thinker and truly commercial advisor, enabling you to utilise your business acumen every time you interact with clients.
Achieve early success through fast tracked career opportunities At MinterEllison we understand that our people are our greatest asset. We have invested heavily in understanding how best to capitalise on the unique and diverse range of expertise that our people bring to the firm and have designed a range a development programs to help you accelerate your career.
Become your clients’ best partner By empowering you to work outside the office, you will have genuine opportunities to work hand in glove with clients, and build enduring relationships both locally and internationally.
Create innovative solutions for clients With our solution focus, we understand that all of our clients have a unique business and to solve their problems in real time we need to be innovative in everything that we do. You will be challenged to think outside the box by a firm that embraces new ideas.
Gain broad exposure through a flexible graduate program We are committed to ensuring that you have the all the information you need to make the right decision about where to focus your career. Our program is designed to give you the critical experiences necessary to become a well-rounded lawyer.
During your career with us you will be exposed to great work with top-class clients whilst being surrounded by supportive teams who are experts in their fields. This experience and exposure provides you with a fantastic opportunity to continue to develop yourself and others throughout your career. Our milestone programs target Graduates, Associates and Senior Associates. All programs offer current thought leadership, focused capability development and networking. Our learning offer is tailored to ensure our people realise their potential, think like leaders and take responsibility for building their own careers. All development is focused around our MinterEllison career framework and development guides.
What is the firm’s position on diversity and inclusion? We believe diversity is about creating a high-performance culture that values individual contribution, teamwork, innovation and productivity regardless of background, ethnicity, disability, gender, faith, sexual orientation or family structures. Diversity and inclusiveness are at the core of our values and we firmly believe our people should be able to bring their whole self to work. We are committed to leveraging the advantage of a diverse and inclusive workforce and actively promote an inclusive work culture through our Empower Program, our Pride Respect & Inclusion at MinterEllison (PRiME) network as well as numerous internal training sessions and related resources.
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Key Dates Applications open 18 June 2018 Applications close 5.00pm 15 July 2018 Offers made 26 September 2018
Lines of Business 1. Capital Markets & Corporate 2. Risk, Regulatory, Insurance & Controversy 3. Infrastructure, Construction & Property 4. Consulting Solutions
Graduate and clerkship launch program For details on our program dates and durations: graduates.minterellison.com
Your passion for excellence leads you
to winning solutions Building relationships excites you – you see yourself partnering with clients to truly understand their needs You’re looking for a firm with a clear strategy You want to feel empowered and be part of a high performing team Collaboration and inclusiveness are principles you value You’re a game changer – you think outside the box and embrace new ideas
About the MinterEllison graduate and clerkship launch program
What makes MinterEllison a Game Changer?
The MinterEllison graduate and clerkship launch program is critical to our firm for three reasons. First, the market has changed, companies don’t recognise borders the same way they used to, neither should your career. Secondly we know that graduates entering the job market today have unique career expectations – and we have listened. Lastly the future of legal practice is moving very quickly and we need to be agile to ensure we continue grow as a firm and that our talented people are able to future proof their career.
At MinterEllison our aspiration is to be our clients’ best partner. Last year, MinterEllison introduced a new internal structure whereby the firm operates under four Lines of Business. This unique and market facing structure provides opportunity for greater collaboration across the firm and ensures that we are able to seamlessly service clients with our solutions-based approach.
Prior to the launch program we will work closely with you to identify areas of the law that you are passionate about. Throughout the launch program we will ensure you gain experience in practice areas, within our Lines of Business, that match your interests and that fit with your career goals. Successful candidates get the opportunity for real life work experience, a supervising partner, career mentor, and a buddy. Our launch program is filled with challenging and exciting work, support and mentorship, as well as professional and personal growth – all the while having the opportunity to develop new networks and friendships. Candidates who complete a launch program often take on the opportunity to continue with MinterEllison in a flexible role throughout their final year of study. Following the launch program, MinterEllison graduates are able to fast-track their full time career in a Line of Business that aligns with their career objectives. MinterEllison’s agile program also provides the flexibility for graduates to move between practice areas and Lines of Business while they are looking for the area of law that they wish to pursue.
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You should consider a career at MinterEllison if:
This operating model also encourages a broad career path for our people, with increased opportunities to work across multiple practice areas our lawyers have the opportunity to develop a breadth of skills that will future proof their career. MinterEllison lives and breathes the mantra of Innovate, Collaborate, and Inspire; we think beyond the law and apply a commercial approach and creative thinking to some of the region’s most high-profile transactions, projects and disputes.
Your contact Anna Jackson anna.jackson@minterellison.com Level 40, Governor Macquarie Tower 1 Farrer Place Sydney 2000
MINT ERELLISON Areas of legal practice Dispute Resolution, IP, Insurance and Corporate Risk, Competition, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Financial Institutions Group, Corporate M&A, Private Equity, Property, Projects, Construction, Environment and Planning, Human Resources & Industrial Relations and Tax Number of lawyers 750+ Number of partners 200+
• Charity morning teas to raise money for organisations including World Vision, Kids Help Line, Jeans for Genes and the Cancer Council. • Regular blood donation drives. • MatchME, a staff donation program that enables staff to donate directly from their pretax pay to a charity. The firm matches dollar for dollar every contribution made, donating up to $120,000 annually. • World Vision sponsorship of children by our staff through automatic payroll deductions. • Non-legal volunteering opportunities, including student mentoring partnerships with government schools, through our membership of the Australian Business and Community Network.
Clerkship opening and closing dates 18 June 2018 – 15 July 2018 Sydney Clerkship Intake 35 What is MinterEllison’s approach to community investment and pro bono work? At MinterEllison, our people take immense pride in contributing to the communities in which we live and work. The focus areas of our community work is driven by our people who have driven our efforts towards breaking cycles of disadvantage – especially for young people; people experiencing homelessness and poverty; and those who require access to justice. Our community partnerships ensure that resources are targeted effectively where assistance is most needed, with our contribution including pro bono legal work, staff volunteer hours, in-kind support and community grants. Some of our community initiatives include: • Strong local pro bono practices and a national commitment to Legal Clinics in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. 89
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Connect with us... Thomson Geer @ThomsonGeer www.tglaw.com.au
ADVICE | TRANSACTIONS | DISPUTES Domestic & Cross Border www.tglaw.com.au Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide
ARRIVE... A LARGE AUSTRALIAN CORPORATE LAW FIRM WHY CHOOSE US? We know you’re not just a student on work experience. We want to give you a realistic introduction to the legal profession. How does this happen? From day one, you’ll be an active member of the team, working directly with experienced practitioners. We also want you to enjoy your time with us – there are lots of social events you can join – and what better way for you to get to know your colleagues?
DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS TO SET YOU UP FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE We will dedicate time to your development as an up and coming lawyer in our team: an investment in you is an investment in our future, and the future of our valued clients. You will find that our partners and staff are approachable and happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. We encourage our clerks, graduates and trainees to get as much exposure to different practice areas and ways of working as they can – this is a reflection of how we work as a wider organisation; a fully integrated, cohesive, national team.
Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide
OUR CLERKSHIP & GRADUATE PROGRAM We are looking for law students who have excelled academically, are client focused, commercially minded, and work well in a team environment. We are especially keen to talk to students who have an additional technical degree! Our structured four week program helps clerks learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching and observation. Students who complete a clerkship are eligible to be considered for a position in our next graduate program, commencing in 2020. This program runs for 12 months and includes rotation among different practice areas to help determine the area of law which best suits you.
APPLICATIONS If your ambition is to develop a career in commercial law and you possess the drive to make your ambitions a reality, we want to hear from you. If you also have a desire to work interstate one day, let us know! We welcome the opportunity to assist our team members with personal career development. Applications open 18 June 2018 via cvMail or our website.
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Connect with us... Thomson Geer @ThomsonGeer www.tglaw.com.au
ADVICE | TRANSACTIONS | DISPUTES Domestic & Cross Border www.tglaw.com.au Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide
ARRIVE... A LARGE AUSTRALIAN CORPORATE LAW FIRM
Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide
WHAT OUR GRADUATES SAY ABOUT US “My time at Thomson Geer has seen me transition from a summer clerk to an admitted lawyer. Throughout this time, Thomson Geer has provided me with the exciting opportunity to be engaged directly with clients, helping solve real issues and provide value-add services. Importantly, the summer clerkship and graduate lawyer programs gave me an opportunity to choose a career path after being exposed to a range of different practice areas.” Thomas Honeywill, Lawyer “One of my favourite things about working at Thomson Geer is the firm’s encouraging and supportive culture. I started at Thomson Geer in the clerkship program, and continued on into the graduate program. Both programs are wonderful mentoring opportunities that
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enabled me to feel comfortable and supported whilst I developed my legal skills and career. Everyone in the firm, from first year lawyers to partners, were enthusiastic and willing to help me grow in any way that they could.” Stephanie Opeskin, Lawyer “The nature of my work is constantly changing, with a variety of tasks coming across my desk every day. One of the things I love most about my job is that, by working for a number of partners, I am involved with a variety of matters and am able to learn from each partner’s different approach and perspective. I like the fact that I have new challenges to tackle every day, and I am able to play a part in solving some huge problems for our clients. Luckily, the senior colleagues who I work with are always willing to talk things over, and are more than happy to share their experiences and assist me to learn.” Penny Carter, Law Graduate
T HOMSON GEER Areas of legal practice Advertising & Marketing, Agribusiness, Banking & Finance, Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical, Competition & Regulation, Construction & Projects, Corporate & Advisory, Education, Employment, Workplace Relations & Safety, Energy & Resources, Environment & Planning, Franchising, Funds Management & Financial Services, Gaming & Leisure, Government, Health, Aged Care & Retirement Villages, Insurance, Intellectual Property, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Media, Broadcasting & Entertainment, Mergers & Acquisitions, Property, Restructuring & Insolvency, Superannuation & Wealth Management , Tax, Technology, and Telecommunications. About our firm We are a large Australian Corporate law firm. We have around 500 people, including approximately 100 Partners operating out of our offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. By size we are one of the 10 largest law firms in Australia. Our industry coverage and client work is diverse. About our Clerkship program We offer a structured program where Clerks learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching and observation. During your clerkship with Thomson Geer you will: • Participate in a structured induction program spread out over the course of your clerkship • Undertake meaningful work for real clients, including opportunities to attend client meetings, observe court proceedings, conduct legal research, draft correspondence and court documents and develop technical skills in areas such as drafting, due diligence and disclosure. • Have the assistance and support of a supervising partner as well as a junior lawyer who remembers what it was like to be a new clerk and can act as a buddy and mentor • Have weekly catch ups with your mentor and with People & Development • Have support and access to fantastic technology and research resources • Participate in a formal performance review process with your supervising partner and mentor to reflect on your development and capture feedback from your colleagues.
Clerkship opening and closing dates Applications open Monday 18 June, and close Sunday 15 July 2018. Sydney Clerkship intake Thomson Geer typically takes on 6-10 clerks each year, per office. In Sydney, there is one intake of clerks for an 8 week clerkship beginning November 2018 and ending February 2019, with a break for Christmas in between. Our Graduate Program Students who complete a clerkship with the firm will be eligible to be considered for a position in the firm’s next graduate program, commencing in 2020. In Sydney, our program runs for 12 months and includes rotation among different practice areas to help determine the area of law which best suits you. This program is geared towards expanding your skills across a range of practice areas. You will be able to express your preference for the areas of practice through which you would like to rotate. All Thomson Geer graduates complete comprehensive training in-house, as well as structured external training which will support them to become well-rounded and technically competent practitioners, fully qualified to gain admission to practice. Our comprehensive New Lawyer Training program provides our graduates with skills that aren't taught in the classroom; structured, real world development to set our graduates up as high functioning and savvy practitioners. Following the graduate program, all of our employees can access our comprehensive in-house continuing professional development program, and are encouraged to attend external training that will benefit their careers. We also have a Study Assistance program should our employees choose to undertake additional studies. How does the firm encourage a work-life balance? The law is an incredibly rewarding profession, however at Thomson Geer we also recognise that it can be demanding. For this reason our environment is flexible, friendly, personable, collegiate and professionally stimulating. We work hard to enhance this culture through transparent and authentic communication, and by ensuring we are respectful and accountable to each other every day.
Wellbeing has a significant impact on motivation, morale and performance at work. Our wellbeing@work program supports employees to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Our active What qualities does Thomson Geer look for in a potential social committee ensures there are lots of opportunities to Clerk? develop close relationships with colleagues. Our lawyers and We are looking for hard-working and motivated law students who other staff also practice their teamwork outside of the office by have excelled academically, are client focused, commercially participating in various sporting teams. minded, work well in a team environment and are enthusiastic about commencing their career with a dynamic law firm. A snapshot of some of our benefits: Wellbeing: access to free, confidential counseling service We are especially keen to talk to students who have an additional for employees and their immediate family, in-house exercise technical degree! programs such as yoga, corporate health insurance rates, healthy breakfast provisions and fresh fruit daily, flu vaccinations All of our clerks are viewed as potential graduates, and all of our and skin checks. graduates as potential leaders. We therefore look for the same qualities in our clerks and graduates that our lawyers need to Balance: ability to 'purchase' additional annual leave, paid possess. parental leave benefits, flexible work policies, community service leave, study assistance and study leave. Our lawyers are genuinely interested in our clients and their businesses. They need a critical and curious mind and are Fun: end of financial year and Christmas functions, Social Club passionate about developing solutions in their commercial activities, discounted goods and services through our clients context. Our lawyers work constructively in diverse teams with and commercial partners, Friday night drinks, sporting teams. both senior and junior practitioners across legal disciplines and jurisdictions.
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ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER Arnold Bloch Leibler is the commercial law firm clients turn to for advice and support on their most complex legal matters, high stakes transactions, litigation and commercial decisions. With a reputation built on a long history of success, our lawyers are often at the centre of law reform and regularly advise on landmark matters. Our firm advises entrepreneurial family-owned businesses, ASX listed companies, private clients and international corporations. We enjoy longstanding relationships with a select group of other professional advisors − including accountants, hedge funds, insolvency practitioners, private bankers and equity firms and overseas-based specialist law firms.
that enable our lawyers to draw on their expertise and intellectual potential. We encourage them 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. Our internal structure is also a little different to our competitors. Our lawyers are trained to be ‘generalist specialists’ - able to straddle a range of different legal matters, as opposed to only being super specialised in a narrow field. Working in a broad based practice group this way, you’ll work across the full range of matters that the group deals with. Clerkship and Graduate Opportunities
For clerkship and graduate opportunities in our Sydney office, please visit our careers page on our website, www.abl.com.au. Expressions of interests We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver innovative are available year round as we hire on an ad hoc strategic guidance and solutions to complex basis. problems related to our clients’ commercial interests, legal position and reputation. For further information about our clerkship and graduate programs in Melbourne, including key dates Practice areas and details regarding the application process, please visit www.abl.grad.careers We organise our practice groups to allow our lawyers to be broad generalists, our groups are split between What does ABL look for in a clerkship application? transactions and disputes. We look for exceptional people who are seeking, From the client perspective, our services cover: and can provide, something extraordinary. We value good grades and intelligence, as well as • Banking & finance life experience, lateral thinking, imagination and a • Competition passion for the law. Work experience and extra• Corporate & commercial curricular activities show your ability to manage • Dispute resolution & litigation your time. We look for people who know how to use • Native title & public interest law initiative and accept shared responsibility for their • Property & development career development. The other personal qualities we • Reconstruction & insolvency consider are a willingness to learn, sense of humour • Taxation and preparedness to assume responsibility. • Technology & intellectual property • Workplace advisory Because we don’t make you jump through hoops in our application process, we like to see tailored Number of lawyers covering letters telling us why you’re interested in working at ABL. Sydney - 18, Nationally - 74 Number of partners Sydney - 7, Nationally - 33 What distinguishes ABL from other firms? At Arnold Bloch Leibler we relish our exposure to a wide range of interesting and challenging matters
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GROW YOUR CAREER Find out where your legal career can take you with our Graduate Program.
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Gadens is a leading, independent top 10 Australian law firm, with over 90 partners and 700 staff across offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Our core values are our foundation and reflect our essence and character – they define how we interact with one another and our clients. Our Graduate Program - Grads@Gadens - ensures you develop a broad set of skills which you’ll carry with you throughout your career. Grads@Gadens is open to candidates who are PLT-qualified and will be admitted before commencing with us annually in March. Visit www.gadens.com/grads@gadens to find out more. 96
GADENS Areas of legal practice Our significant breadth and depth of expertise encompasses banking and finance, corporate advisory, tax, dispute resolution, government, intellectual property and technology, private clients, property and construction, planning and environment, recovery and insolvency, and employment advisory. Number of lawyers 178 Number of partners 95 What kind of responsibilities/tasks can a Clerk expect at Gadens? We like to do things a little differently at Gadens. We offer a 12 month program for newly admitted lawyers. We call it Grads@Gadens! We offer two, six-month rotations through different practice areas. This ensures that our graduates immediately receive interesting and varied work from day one. Through our practical onthe-job training, you get exposed to ‘real work and ‘real clients’. Clerkship opening and closing dates Applications for our graduate positions open Tuesday 1 August 2018 and close on Thursday 31 August 2018. How does Gadens value Corporate Responsibility? We strive to create a culture where the principles of sustainability and sound corporate responsibility are embraced and lived by our people every day. We are a signatory to the Australian Pro Bono Centre’s Aspirational Target, which encourages lawyers to subscribe to a voluntary target of 35 hours of pro bono work per lawyer per annum. Accordingly, we encourage our people across all areas and levels of the firm to proactively undertake pro bono work and participate in community assistance initiatives. Through our pro bono program, we partner with a number of groups including Moonee Valley Legal Service, Many Rivers Microfinance, Australian Men’s Shed Association, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and Women’s Legal Service Victoria. We recognise the importance of taking responsibility for our environmental footprint. We are a member of the Australian Legal Sector Alliance (AusLSA), an industryled association that works collaboratively to promote sustainable practices across the legal sector, and we participate in their annual reporting process which is consistent with management and reporting frameworks commonly applied in Australian and international organisations.
What is unique about Gadens’ culture? It is up to us as a provider of legal services to develop a culture across our firm that genuinely supports innovative thinking so that we may pass on these improvements to our clients and ensure that staff undertake work that is meaningful and rewarding. Gadens’ staff live and breathe the firm’s values in their day-to-day activities, and operate in a supportive environment that encourages them to be champions of innovation in every respect. We provide a collaborative, open and welcoming team environment where you can achieve the best in your personal and professional development. Gadens offers work-life balance and accessibility to senior lawyers and partners. Our Social Committee organise regular events and functions to allow relaxed interaction with your colleagues whilst providing a valuable opportunity to enhance those ever-important networks and business relationships. Our Health and Wellbeing Committee organise initiatives such as fitness sessions, group sporting events, mindfulness and yoga. We also value diversity and invest in a number of initiatives, training and policies to support diversity and inclusiveness. What is an interesting case that Gadens has worked on? We work on a number of interesting cases throughout the year across all of our practice groups and teams. Gadens is currently acting for the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), representing its interests in the current, ongoing and high-profile Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry. APRA is one of the two key regulators in the financial sector. With a wide-ranging mandate, the Royal Commission has been established to ensure that Australia’s financial system is working efficiently and effectively. How does Gadens encourage a work-life balance? We are a firm that values balance and well-being. On top of the initiatives already mentioned, we offer a number of flexible work options and have a comprehensive policy to support this. We also are a firm which sets realistic targets for our staff to achieve, and we provide the support, training and guidance to allow our staff to excel, provide high level client service and enjoy a life outside of work.
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YO U R C A R E E R , YO U R C H O I C E
SHAPE YOUR CAREER Develop strong technical and client service skills, and benefit from professional development programs and mentoring from Australia’s best lawyers.
THRIVE WITH NO BOUNDARIES Collaborate with diverse teams of specialists across the country, and work side by side with experienced partners. Dip your toe in various practice areas, all free of financial targets.
Join our internship program and experience a snapshot of your f uture w it h us.
EMBRACE YOUR AMBITION Build relationships with executives from Australia’s most successful companies. Contribute to our reputation for practical commercial solutions and outstanding client service, and play a meaningful role in complex transactions and disputes.
www.jws.com.au/en/graduate-lawyer-careers 98
JOHNSON WINT ER & SLATT ERY Areas of Practice Transactional & Advisory, Dispute Resolution Number of Lawyers Over 100 lawyers Number of Partners 63 partners Sydney Internship Intake
approach is the recognition that when managing strategic and complex matters, superior outcomes are achieved through the ‘hands-on’ involvement of expert senior lawyers. We therefore maintain a higher ratio of partners to lawyers and focus on assignments that are well suited to this low leverage structure. Our recruitment process aims to ensure that junior lawyers work with exceptional individuals who will enrich their professional lives and support their growth within the firm. Work Side by Side with Partners Our low leverage structure means that young lawyers receive greater attention from senior practitioners than they would in commercial law firms that typically operate with far higher leverage models. This ‘low leverage approach’ results in young lawyers being fully engaged on client assignments alongside more senior practitioners, providing them with development opportunities as well as the chance to develop strong client relationships early in their careers.
Our internship intake is based on business needs.
Top Tier Client Base Our lawyers represent major private and public sector What specific qualities does Johnson Winter & Slattery organisations in high-value transactional, advisory and look for in potential interns? dispute work. Our clients typically fall into four broad categories: We look for candidates that: • ASX listed and foreign corporations • Are enthusiastic about succeeding in a service driven • Substantial privately owned enterprises environment • Not-for-profit organisations such as universities, industry • Have excelled academically bodies and charitable and cultural organisations • Are committed to the continual development of their • Australian government, government agencies and technical and commercial skills regulators. • Are excellent communicators • Will thrive in a collaborative environment We build close relationships with our clients for the long• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the commercial term and the quality of these relationships is reflected in affairs of our clients and Australian commerce the complexity and value of the work entrusted to us. What kind of responsibilities/tasks can an intern expect at Johnson Winter & Slattery? • Researching technical information for current matters • Drafting correspondence to clients and other parties • Preparing briefs to counsel and experts for court hearings and mediations • Providing general legal assistance to our practitioners • Analysing legal documents for accuracy • Liaising with the courts, counsel and third party suppliers After becoming an intern, what are the prospects of obtaining a graduate role? Graduates are recruited from our clerkship and internship programs. In Sydney, we aim to offer all of our clerks & interns a Graduate position. What is unique about Johnson Winter & Slattery’s culture? ‘Hands On’ From Day 1 Our business model distinguishes us. At the heart of our
Our Culture The culture of the firm is authentically: • • • • • • •
Friendly Professional Focused Dynamic Open Collaborative Enabling.
Our partners are committed to ensuring that: • Members of the firm conduct themselves with integrity, while encouraging open communication, reliability and accountability. • We maintain a professional environment which promotes and rewards collaborative effort. Teamwork and collegiality is also fostered informally through a variety of social activities, Associates and Partners Conferences, and firm based sports teams.
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GROW YOUR CAREER Looking for a law firm that is defined by its universal experience and unsurpassed commitment to client service? With approximately 2000 lawyers across 5 continents, you will be joining a team of passionate professionals who work across: • Corporate & Transactional • Labour, Employment and Workplace Safety • Energy, Infrastructure and Resources • Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Finance • Policy & Regulatory SYDNEY • Financial Services Clerkship applications open: • Real Estate 18 June 2018 • Intellectual Property Clerkship applications close: Join us and grow your career.
15 July 2018
Check out our Facebook page. /klgatesgraduaterecruitingau /klgateslaw
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Watch our brand video. /klgateslaw
K& L GAT ES Areas of legal practice • • • • • • • • •
Corporate and Transactional Energy, infrastructure and Resources Finance Financial Services Intellectual Property Labour, Employment and Workplace Safety Litigation and Dispute Resolution Policy and Regulatory Real Estate
Global Day of Service Program is to help foster and strengthen connections across the firm’s global platform and promote, recognize, and celebrate our personnel’s commitment to community service around the world. In 2018, the theme of our Global Day of Service is "The Power of Giving Back". What is unique about K&L Gates’ culture? There are many law firms to choose from. But what if there were a law firm that really is different from the others? •
Law firms often talk about many of the same things - having great lawyers, delivering excellent client service, offering global capabilities. At K&L Gates, we consistently provide all those things to clients, and indeed, we often surpass expectations in those areas. But that’s what we do - it isn’t who we are.
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K&L Gates is about more than practicing law or making a living. It’s about building something amazing - creating a legacy for you, the firm, our clients and the communities we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces our diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals, an approach that ultimately enables us to serve clients more effectively. Here you can make a difference, lead the way, and let your innovation shine.
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We are all in it together. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done. We are a global community of entrepreneurs and self-starters. We are nimble and ambitious with a high level of integrity, resolve, and strength of character. Although we take pride in our willingness to run through walls for clients, we also value the importance of laughing with clients, colleagues, or friends. We genuinely enjoy working with each other and for our clients.
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We have doubled in size in the last decade. You don’t do that by waiting for someone to show you the way. There is no “that’s the way it’s always been done” at K&L Gates - instead we have adapted and evolved as we’ve experienced our exponential growth.
Number of lawyers Australia - 274 and Globally – 1,862 Number of partners Australia - 68 and Globally - 846 What specific qualities does K&L Gates look for in a potential clerk? We believe in hiring individuals who will become a part of our collaborative, committed and diverse team. To be successful at K&L Gates you will have: •• •• •• •• •• ••
Leadership experience: You’re a self-starter committed to personal and professional development. And you’re demonstrated initiative, tenacity and potential. Curiosity: You’re a strategic thinker who solves problems creatively. Maturity: You possess sound judgment and have excellent people skills. You’re confident and professional. Passion: You must be dynamic, enthusiastic and excited about our firm. First class communication skills: You possess the ability to speak and write clearly and intelligently. Attributes of a team player: You’re approachable and enjoy participating in group activities. You’re a good listener. And you’re always willing to share thoughts and ideas.
What kind of responsibilities/ tasks can a clerk expect at K&L Gates? During your clerkship at K&L Gates, you will benefit from being involved in real legal work. This will include participation in client meetings and court visits, research and drafting of advice and general support within one or more of our Practice Areas. Sydney Clerkship Intake We offer a 10 week program consisting of 2 rotations. We are looking for 8-10 clerks for our 2018 program.
We guide our clients through their most complex legal issues while they shape their futures, businesses and industries. The net result of building a unified and globally integrated law firm is that we are confident that we can do this better than our competitors. At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hardworking people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place. And hopefully, you’ll agree that we are different from all the other law firms - and the right place for you to grow your career. How does K&L Gates encourage a 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 Graduates are recruited from our previous clerks. In Sydney, we global vitality program and various sporting and social events that we host throughout the year. We support flexible working aim to offer all of our clerks a Graduate position. practices to ensure that employees can balance work and other responsibilities. How does K&L Gates value corporate responsibility? After becoming a clerk, what are the prospects of obtaining a graduate role?
We actively encourage our lawyers to provide pro bono legal representation and to participate in other charitable, community, educational, and professional activities. The goal of our annual
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At Maddocks, we are looking for people who want to make a difference. Since 1885, we have assisted our clients in matters of importance to them, engaged with the communities in which we operate by supporting organisations and individuals who need assistance, and to invest in our people as they pursue their career goals. Our approach has led to a sustained period of growth and expansion. Find out how you can join Maddocks and make a difference at graduates.maddocks.com.au 102
MADDOCKS
What kind of responsibilities/tasks can a Clerk expect Maddocks?
Areas of legal practice
Our clerks rave about how meaningful and involved their experience at Maddocks is.
Many areas on a national level, including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Asia & International Banking & Finance Charities & Not-for-profit Commercial Contracts Competition & Regulation Compliance & Enforcement Construction & Projects Corporate & Commercial Debt Recovery (Local Government) Dispute Resolution & Litigation Emerging Companies Employment Energy & Resources Environment Equity Capital Markets Financial Services FOI & Privacy Funds Management Government & Administrative Law Government Litigation Industrial Relations Inquiries & Coronial Inquests Intellectual Property Investment Licensing & Disciplinary Inquiries Major Projects / PPPs Mediation & Arbitration Mergers & Acquisitions Planning Private Equity Probity Advice & Audits Property & Development Restructuring & Insolvency Safety Superannuation Sustainability & Climate Change Tax & Revenue Technology, Media & Telecommunications Valuations and Compensation Wholesale Funds Wills & Estates And many more
Clerks have the opportunity to work one-on-one with lawyers and partners, attend court, attend client meetings, partake in research activities. We also provide our clerks with a comprehensive learning and development program, which continues in to their grad year. Clerkship Opening and Closing dates Monday 18 June - Sunday 15 July Sydney Clerkship period 26 Nov 2018 – 8 Feb 2019 After becoming a Clerk, what are the prospects of obtaining a Graduate role? In most recent years, all our clerks have been offered graduate positions. How does Maddocks value Corporate Responsibility? Pro bono We take pro bono very seriously. Our community includes organisations and individuals working for the public good, but who have limited resources available to improve and protect their work. Our people recognise that many individuals in society cannot obtain access to justice without legal assistance on a pro bono basis. We’re committed to supporting these organisations and individuals in matters of public interest by providing our legal services on a pro bono basis. Our pro bono scheme operates across all of the firm’s areas of practice. We assist clients with respect to corporate governance, commercial, tax and structuring advice, DGR applications, industrial relations, FOI as well as contract, property and estate disputes. We also advise pro bono clients on complex and sensitive complaints and decision review processes.
Number of lawyers
Sustainability & Environment Maddocks is committed to operating in a sustainable and environmentally-responsible manner. In keeping with the firm’s vision of ‘sustainable success’, the Maddocks Environment Policy and Environment Plan align with the firm’s strategic objectives of having an outstanding working environment, living our values and investing for the future.
Nationally - 220
What is unique about Maddocks’ culture?
Number of partners
Our culture is based on inherent core values that are promoted and observed across the firm: • Integrity • Stewardship • Collaboration and working together in promoting the interests of the firm • Commitment to doing things better through excellence, change and innovation • Respect for the value of the individual and diversity
Nationally - 76 What specific qualities does Maddocks look for in a potential Clerk? We look for clerks who are well rounded. Academics are important, but so are other things. Work experience, voluntary work and other extra curricular activities are all things we look for. In addition to this, we place great emphasis on employing clerks who align with our strong values.
How does Maddocks encourage a work-life balance? We have a high percentage of staff across all levels who are on informal and formal flexible work arrangements. This is not considered to just be a lip service, but very much a part of the Maddocks culture.
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Norton Rose Fulbright balances freedom for personal development with regular and consistent guidance.
Graduate Academy Over the course of our Graduate programme, you will develop a huge range of knowledge and skills, gain exposure to different sectors and work environments, and ultimately build up the experience you need to become a qualified lawyer. Clerkship Get a taste for life at our firm and find out if we’re the ones for you. Our clerkship programme offers you a real taste of life as a Graduate.
To see how you could define your own path within our global legal practice, visit: nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com/australia
Progress with purpose
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NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT AUST RALIA Areas of legal practice • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Banking & Finance Restructuring & Insolvency Real Estate Corporate M&A Technology Financial Services Tax Litigation Insurance Intellectual Property Construction & Engineering Environment & Planning Employment & Labor.
Number of lawyers 363 Australia wide, 2192 globally Number of partners 144 Australia wide, 1206 globally What specific qualities does Norton Rose Fulbright look for in a potential Clerk? We look for candidates that are open-minded and show a willingness to learn. We believe commercial awareness and strong interpersonal skills are crucial attributes.
Clerkship Opening and Closing dates • • • •
Applications Open – 18 June 2018 Applications Close – 15 July 2018 Offers Made – 26 September Offers Accepted/Declined – 28 September 2018
Sydney Clerkship Intake We are looking at taking 15 – 20 clerks this year. After becoming a Clerk, what are the prospects of obtaining a Graduate role? Assuming you perform well as a summer clerk, you will be offered a Graduate role through the priority offer process. We hope to provide a Graduate role to every summer clerk so we hire the same number of clerks as we have available Graduate positions. How does Norton Rose Fulbright value Corporate Responsibility? We focus our CSR efforts in support of human rights, Indigenous rights, rights of the LGBTI community, rights of women and children, rights of homeless people and rights of those in the community who are otherwise less fortunate. We do this through pro bono legal support, charitable giving and fundraising, volunteering, our environmental sustainability initiatives and through the actions and initiatives identified in our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our Graduates can participate in a 6 month pro bono rotation.
To learn more about Norton Rose Fulbright please visit www.nortonrosefulbright.com and for What kind of responsibilities/tasks can a Clerk more about the summer clerkship and graduate expect at Norton Rose Fulbright? programme, please visit www.nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com Our summer clerkship programme offers a real taste of life as a Graduate, including: attending clients 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
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A new firm for a new business age The future we offer is one in which you can become much more than a first-class lawyer. We’re looking to develop independent thinkers who are curious about the what, why and where-to-next of international business; innovators with the potential to become well-rounded business advisers, with the ability to lead a new kind of firm into a very different age. For more information about what we are looking for, visit graduate.pinsentmasons.com
www.pinsentmasons.com I www.Out-Law.com Š Pinsent Masons LLP 2018
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PINSENT MASONS Number of lawyers 3000 globally and currently 50 in Australia Number of partners 400 globally and currently 14 in Australia What specific qualities does Pinsent Masons look for in a potential Clerk? • • • • • • • •
Commercially interested Confident Detail-conscious Driven Intellectually capable Organised Self-directed Sociable
How does Pinsent Masons value Corporate Responsibility? For us, doing business responsibly is how we do business; it is intrinsically linked to our values, strategy and overall purpose. This means creating an inclusive workplace where all of our people can be themselves and have the opportunity to reach their potential, managing our impact on the environment and maintaining our commitment to transparent, fair and ethical dealings with clients, suppliers and other external stakeholders.
Not just from doing something worthwhile, but also from understanding how other people experience the world and all its challenges. What is unique about Pinsent Masons’ culture? Every firm should be distinctive by its values – the core principles that govern its internal culture and external market profile. We believe ours are fundamental to who we are, all we have achieved and all we are capable of achieving. In the day-to-day world, these values inform, and are reflected in, everything that we do – how we approach our work, our clients and each other. Our values – Approachable, Bold and Connected – come from who we are as people, and as professionals, and how we all want our firm to evolve and grow. Approachable - We’re down to earth, approachable and always treat each other with respect. We act with integrity, backing our own judgement and providing pragmatic solutions rather than sitting on the fence. Trust is vital to everything we do. Bold - We are enterprising and willing to rise to the challenge. We strive for success and for excellence in everything we do, driving ourselves to do better. We innovate and think beyond conventions to find lateral solutions. Connected - Our strength comes from our relationships – with others across the firm, with our clients and with our communities. We work in a diverse business and value the different perspectives that brings. We’re committed to working together as one team to deliver the best outcomes for our clients and for the firm. From your point of view, it means that you can expect to find colleagues who are welcoming, inclusive and encouraging, not too hung up on hierarchies and happy to help each other however we can. Being a Trainee Solicitor is a tough challenge. However, when everyone around you is on your side, you’ll find it all becomes that little bit easier.
Our community investment programme, Starfish, focuses on enriching the lives of young people who may live within minutes of our own offices, yet have little prospect of enjoying the life chances How does Pinsent Masons encourage a work-life balance? that we often take for granted. Starfish in the Community We form community partnerships to raise aspirations, dismantle barriers and create a level playing field for young people to fulfill their potential. Our work encompasses many different projects including: • Forming long term partnerships with local schools to foster academic attainment and reduce the number of school leavers not in employment, education or training • Working with charities to give young job seekers the guidance and confidence they need to gain a foothold in the workplace • Sponsoring artistic projects that encourage young people to explore the wider possibilities of culture, education and work • Forming a global partnership with the international charity and youth empowerment movement, Free the Children • We are also committed to providing pro bono legal support, primarily through our work with Amicus, iProBono and ESpark
We've embraced agile working Agile working is a style of working that focuses on what's accomplished rather than where or when it's accomplished. Agile workers may work from any location – including but not necessarily from home. They may also break up their working day to enable them to take time out for caring, family or other interests and responsibilities, before completing their work outside traditional, 'core' office hours. Agile working shifts the emphasis from work being in an office where you spend a fixed number of hours to work being a series of tasks, projects and objectives that you complete efficiently, effectively, to a high standard and profitably. Why are we seeking to embed agile working?
There are many reasons, all linked to delivery of our strategy: • Our business is becoming more international. Agile working makes it easy for us to work together across time zones while The Pinsent Masons Board is fully committed to empowering our maintaining a healthy work life balance. people to engage in Responsible Business and make a difference. • Agile working fits squarely with our values: it’s an This is why every member of staff is encouraged to spend up to approachable, bold and connected way of working that three days (or 25 hours) each year for volunteering in Starfish minimises unproductive down time, such as time spent initiatives. commuting, so we can all focus instead on delivering great client service (internally and externally). We form community partnerships to raise aspirations, dismantle • There’s a correlation between agile working and high barriers and create a level playing field for young people to fulfill employee engagement. Engaged colleagues tend to enjoy their potential their role more, perform like market leaders and stay with a business for longer. Getting involved can range from mentoring young people as they • We’re constantly showcasing innovative products, services prepare for the world of work, college or university to providing proand ways of working with clients. This is an innovative way for bono legal advice to small start-up businesses. There’s no shortage us to work and is one more way to demonstrate that we walk of opportunities – it’s whatever works for you. the innovation talk. Ultimately by giving something back, we get a lot back ourselves.
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QUALIFYING TO PRACT ICE INT ERNAT IONALLY
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QUALIFYING TO PRACT ICE IN 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. The Trainee Solicitor Route This is the most obvious pathway to qualification for university graduates. To be admitted, prospective solicitors are required to complete a 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.
For Australian students, interviews for internships in Hong Kong are conducted over the phone, oncampus during the Hong Kong Law Fair, or through the firms’ Sydney or Melbourne offices. The Overseas Lawyer Route Practising solicitors in an overseas common law jurisdiction (including Australian states) with at least 2 years post-qualification 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 2 years post qualification experience requirement. However, registered foreign lawyers must work from within a law firm. QUALIFYING AS A BARRISTER
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL)
The pathways to admission as a barrister are largely similar to that of a solicitor. Prospective barristers in The PCLL is a one year full-time legal education Hong Kong can either seek ad hoc admission, if they programme provided by three universities: Hong Kong have been admitted overseas, or general admission University, City University and Chinese University after completion of the PCLL. For those who elect to Hong Kong. Other than securing a training contract, take the PCLL, certain electives must be taken within the requirements for admission into the PCLL are the the PCLL programme and you should check with the most challenging barriers to admission in Hong Kong. relevant Hong Kong universities. Instead of a training These are: contract, a pupillage is required. General admission is also available to practising solicitors in Hong Kong • Completion of your LLB/JD before PCLL or overseas practising lawyers, provided they have commencement completed a pupillage. Given that the focus of this • Demonstration of competence in 11 core and 3 guide is set on qualifying as a solicitor in Hong Kong, top-up subjects this sub-section is admittedly brief and incomplete. For • A score of at least 7 from the IELTS (International more information regarding admission requirements, English Language Testing System) test it is strongly recommended that those interested in qualifying as a barrister in Hong Kong visit the website Moreover, competition for places in the PCLL of the Hong Kong Bar Association at http:// www.hkba. programme is intense and usually based only on org/. academic merit. A high credit or distinction average in your law degree is generally recommended. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PCLL AND THE HONG KONG CONVERSION Training Contracts EXAMS These are special employment contracts with law firms, and trainee solicitors are roughly comparable to graduate solicitors in Australia. During the twoyear period, trainee solicitors are exposed to work from at least three practice areas. Many top-tier firms send their trainees to their overseas offices 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. Interns at toptier firms can be expected to be remunerated at the market rate and may even receive a living allowance.
Other than securing a training contract, this is perhaps the most difficult step in qualifying to practice in Hong Kong. It is therefore important that you familiarise yourself with what is involved and how you can overcome this step. 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.
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Entry requirements for PCLL require demonstration of competence in 11 Core Subjects: Contracts; Torts; Constitutional Law; Criminal Law; Land Law; Equity; Civil Procedure; Criminal Procedure; Evidence; Business Associations; and Commercial Law. Australian students with non-Hong Kong law qualifications must also demonstrate competence in three Top-up Subjects for the purpose of PCLL admission, namely:
and in June/July. Students should check the PCLL Conversion Examination website www. pcea.com.hk for specific dates.
How do I get exemptions for the 11 core subjects that have been already completed or will be completed at a university overseas?
There are courses available to help you prepare, but these are not mandatory. Most students do not sit preparatory courses. We recommend you have a look at past exams and comments before deciding whether it is necessary for you.
How long does the PCLL course take?
Australian students will need to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) (either 1 year full time or 2 years part-time). PCLL providers include the City University of Hong Kong, The Chinese 1. Hong Kong Constitutional Law; University of Hong Kong, and The University of Hong 2. Hong Kong Legal System; and Kong. Students should contact these institutions to 3. Hong Kong Land Law. determine if a specific course is sufficient for the purposes of admission into the PCLL programme. However, students who have already completed or will Australian students will also need to undertake a complete all or some core subjects in an Australian training contract (2 years full time) at a law firm. university may apply for exemptions to the PCLL Possession of Chinese language abilities are Conversion Examination and Administration (PCEA) if advantageous in when obtaining a training contract. the subjects are completed as part of their non-Hong Kong common law qualification. Do I need to take courses before I do them?
To apply for exemption from any Conversion Examination(s), students must submit an Application for Evaluation to the Conversion Examinations Board. Do any of my UNSW courses exempt me from any of the PCLL exams?
When should I start taking the conversion exams? Start taking the PCLL conversion exams as early as possible. Taking the exams before you graduate demonstrates to your employers that you have a strong desire to work in Hong Kong and understand the necessary prerequisites.
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 Vacation Work and Pupillages/Training Contracts law (you may be exempt from a parts of the exam if you take commercial law as an elective). For more Recruitment practices (for Vacation Programmes/Miniinformation please visit www.pcea.com.hk. pupillages and Training Contracts/Pupillages) vary from employer to employer. Generally applications What if my law degree does not involve a course should be made earlier rather than later: for vacation listed above or if I do not get an exemption? work, several months in advance; for Pupillage, about 1 to 2 years beforehand. Training Contracts with large You must satisfy all 14 subjects before you begin law firms should be sought over 2 years in advance the PCLL programme, which is a necessary step to of your desired start date, while the Department of qualifying as a solicitor in Hong Kong. If your law Justice normally conducts its legal trainee recruitment degree does not require you to complete certain shortly after the commencement of the PCLL year. subjects listed above or PCEA does not grant you Most law firms have one intake of Trainee Solicitors an exemption, the most obvious route to take is to sit each year (in August/September) and will interview Conversion examinations. These are administered all their vacation students (and others) for Training by PCEA and obtaining a pass in these examinations Contracts. Thus when to apply for a vacation demonstrates “competence” in the relevant subject. placement depends on when you will join as a Trainee Another way of demonstrating competence is to Solicitor. complete the relevant subjects as a visiting “internal” student at either The University of Hong Kong, City Do I need to have any Chinese language skills? University of Hong Kong, or the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Having Chinese language skills is an advantage. Whether it is a requirement will depend on the firm When are Conversion examinations offered? itself. If you do not have the prerequisite Chinese language skills, it is important you are able to Conversion exams are usually offered in January demonstrate that you are willing to learn as it is 110 becoming a stronger focus.
QUALIFYING TO PRACT ICE IN CHINA To become a practicing attorney in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) you must have: • PRC, Taiwan, or Hong Kong/Macao citizenship; • Completed an undergraduate degree in any field; • Passed the National Judicial Examination (NJE; also required for judge, procurator, or notary public); • Completed a one-year internship in a law firm; and • Proof of recruitment by a law firm. The National Judicial Examination The NJE 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 NJE is a closed book exam mainly designed to test the legal knowledge of the tested persons and their ability to join the legal profession. Questions are divided into four categories: • • • •
Theoretical legal science Applied legal science Provisions in current laws Legal practice and ethics
Candidates are tested on their knowledge of legal theory, economic law, international law, international private law, and international economic law as well as ethics. For more information, please visit: Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority http://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/ipe/nje/#7 Path to Qualification The most common path is to complete a four-year bachelor of law programme at the undergraduate level, taking the examination in either junior or senior year, followed by an internship.
practice areas are limited to non-litigation issues and litigations in marriage and succession relating to Hong Kong and Macao. However, a Hong Kong permanent resident who is a practicing barrister or a solicitor in Hong Kong, or a Macao permanent resident who is a practicing lawyer in Macao, can be hired as ‘of counsel’ in a mainland law firm to provide legal advice relating to practice in Hong Kong, Macao or other foreign jurisdictions. Non-Chinese Citizens Foreigners may obtain LLM or other graduate degrees and work in Chinese law firms as long as they are not interpreting Chinese law. Likewise, Chinese lawyers may work in foreign firms operating in the PRC, 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. According to the regulations, the chief representative, the representative and the resident foreign lawyers of the firm all need to register with the All China Lawyers Association (ACLA). For more information, please consult the following resources: • International Bar Association: http://www.ibanet. org/PPID/Constituent/ Student_Committee/qualify_ lawyer_China.aspx • PRC Ministry of Justice National Judicial Examination Office: http://www.moj.gov.cn/sfks/ node_8007.htm • All China Lawyers Association: http://www.acla.org. cn/ • Measures for the Registration of Resident Lawyers of the Chinese Representative Offices of Foreign Law Firm • Regulations on the Administration of Foreign Law Firms’ Representative Offices in China
Hong Kong/Macao residents Since 2004, the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and Mainland and Macao Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), has allowed permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macao, with Chinese nationality, to take the NJE and register to practice on the mainland. The
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QUALIFYING TO PRACT ICE IN T HE UK
Lawyers Transfer Scheme, and thus becoming a qualified lawyer in England and Wales.
The Steps
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 next stage - vocational stage - they do not guarantee admission.
If you have a law degree from an overseas institution, you can apply to the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority for a Certificate of Academic Standing. This will qualify you to apply for entry into the Legal Practice Course (LPC) (if you want to become a solicitor) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) (if you want to be a barrister). Legal Practice Course LPC is not an academic course – it is vocational and requires good time management, organisation and preparation. There are many providers so look around. Bar Professional Training Course The full-time course lasts for a year, while the part-time option is spread over two. The Training Contract You must complete this training with a law firm for two years. Most training contracts are taken on a full-time basis and last two years. What types of firms recruit our students?
Admission as a Barrister
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.
Major UK firms, in particular the Magic Circle firms, actively Pupillage is divided into two parts: the “first six” which is a recruit students from overseas. non-practising six months and the “second six” which is a practising six months. Admission as a Solicitor 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. 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.
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/
Further Information Chambers Student 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/ Solicitors Regulation Authority To find out more about becoming a qualified solicitor in the As an overseas applicant, there is an alternative pathway to United Kingdom, please contact the Solicitors Regulation becoming an accredited solicitor that avoids the difficulties Authority, which oversees the requirements for admissions. http://www.sra.org.uk/ of using Australian University law courses to satisfy UK requirements (for example, European Union Law, one of the The Law Society of the UK The Law Society of the UK also offers support for those requirements, is not taught here at UNSW). This involves working towards becoming a qualified solicitor or other becoming accredited in Australia through the College of legal professional in the United Kingdom. Law, applying for a Certificate of Eligibility from the UK’s http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/ Solicitors Regulation Authority, applying for the Qualified
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QUALIFYING TO PRACT ICE IN T HE US Whilst there is a large legal market in the US, New York has traditionally been the most receptive state to lawyers who have qualified in Australia. This is common for lawyers who practice in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and banking and finance. 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. 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.
US firms will generally provide assistance in the preparation for Bar Exams. This includes giving lawyers study leave as the pass mark is 75%. Please note that the information provided above is by no means definitive, and is meant to provide some general information. We advise students to do their own research. Please find below, a list of useful resources and links: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS http://www.utexas.edu/law/career/LLM_ Licensure.pdf/ AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL LAW http://www.asil.org/ AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION http://www.americanbar.org/ CALIFORNIA BAR WEBSITE http://www.calbar.ca.gov/ NEW YORK BAR WEBSITE https://www.nysba.org/
These are currently the only three US jurisdictions in which Australian lawyers can work. This 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 barrister to practice in the state of New York. 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 programmes. It is important to note that in the US, the LLB is not offered; US graduates are from a JD programme. Students who wish to work in the US as lawyers are advised to first gain experience with the larger Australian firms in practice areas that are able to be translated across borders. The lateral hire move is usually around the two to fouryear 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.
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QUALIFYING TO PRACT ICE IN 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 fivemonth practical course). 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. PATH TO QUALIFICATION FOR UNSW GRADUATES Under Rule 9 (1) of the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules, you are a “qualified person” if you fulfil ALL the following requirements: (a) You are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident (NB: Requirements of applying to be a permanent resident in Singapore can be found using the following website: www.ica.gov.sg/page. aspx?pageid=151); (b) On or after 1st January 1994, you commenced reading a course of study as a candidate for the degree of Bachelor of Laws at the University of New South Wales in Australia (specified in the First Schedule); (c) You were conferred the degree of Bachelor of Laws by that University; (d) You were ranked by that university as being amongst the highest 70%, in terms of academic performance, of the total number of the graduates in the same batch who were conferred the degree of Bachelor of Laws by that university (all graduates in that university who, in the same calendar year, commenced the final year of their course of study leading to the degree of Bachelor of Laws are regarded as belonging to the same batch); (e) You read the degree as a “full-time internal candidate” of that university; or if you did not read the degree as a “full-time internal candidate” of that university, this was approved by the Board of Legal Education before 31 July 2009 or by the Minister for Law on or after that date (see Rule 10(3) and the definition of a “full- time internal candidate” in Rule 2); (f) You commenced and completed the course of study leading to that degree over a period of at least 3 academic years (i.e. not as an “accelerated course”); or if the period was less than 3 academic years, you fulfil ONE of the following requirements: i. You were admitted by the university for the “accelerated course” before 1st August 2001; ii. You commenced reading the “accelerated course” before 1st May 2002; or iii. You obtained approval for the “accelerated course” from the Board of Legal Education before 31 July 2009 or by the Minister for Law on or after that date; (see Rule 11(1) (a) and (2), the definition of “accelerated course” in Rule 2 and the definition of date of admission in Rule 3); (g) You did not read the degree as part of a “dual degree”; or if you did read the degree as part of a “dual degree”, you fulfil ONE of the following requirements: i. You were admitted by the university for the “dual degree course” before 1st August 2001; ii. You commenced reading the “dual degree course” before 1st May 2002; or iii. You obtained approval for the “dual degree course” from the Board of Legal Education before 31 July 2009 or by the Minister for Law on or after that date; (see Rule 11(1) (b) and (2), the definitions of “dual
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degree” and “dual degree course” in Rule 2 and the definition of date of admission in Rule 3); (h) You were not conferred a “combined degree”; or your “combined degree” was approved by the Board of Legal Education before 31 July 2009 or by the Minister for Law on or after that date, and you complied with all requirements specified by the Board or the Minister for Law, if any (see Rule 12 and the definition of “combined degree” in Rule 2); and you fulfil ONE of the following requirements: i. You have obtained the Diploma in Singapore Law [Note: Under Rule 17(1)(c) of the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules, individuals in this category who are “qualified persons” by virtue of obtaining the Diploma in Singapore Law but who have yet to be admitted as an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court shall make an application under section 12(2) of the Legal Profession Act to do so on or before 2nd May 2012 (Rule 17(2))]; or ii. You have passed Part A of the Bar Examinations and, after you have passed the final examination for your degree, for a period of not less than 6 months within a continuous period of 8 months you have been engaged in “relevant legal training” and/or “relevant legal practice or work” (see definitions in Rule 2) or you are exempt from the latter requirement because: iii. On or before 1st August 2009, you have been engaged in “relevant work” for a period of not less than 6 months within a continuous period of 8 months (see definition of “relevant work” in Rule 15A(2) of the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules) [Note: Under Rule 17(1) (c) of the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules, individuals in this category who are “qualified persons” by virtue of having been engaged in “relevant work” but who have yet to be admitted as an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court shall make an application under section 12(2) of the Legal Profession Act to do so on or before 2nd May 2012 (Rule 17(2))]; or iv. With the approval of the Board of Legal Education before 3rd May 2011 and for a continuous period of not less than 6 months within a continuous period of 8 months, you have received supervised training in relation to the practice of Singapore law through working as a Legal Service Officer or under the supervision of a “relevant legal officer” (see Rule 15A(1) of the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules for details). THE SINGAPORE BAR EXAMINATIONS Part A 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. Part B A compulsory 5-month practical law course and examination for both local and overseas graduates. ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO LEGAL PRACTICE IN SINGAPORE 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. Foreign Practitioner Examinations (FPE) 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 Attorney-General. 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.org.sg/eligibility- to-register-to-sit-for-the-fpe 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
INT ERNAT IONAL LAW FIRMS
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Recruitment
Hong Kong
We Will Show You The Way to Success! 2019 Winter Clerkship Programme
Hong Kong
Train for a world-class career with Baker McKenzie Hong Kong 2019 Winter Clerkship Baker McKenzie Hong Kong runs one Winter Clerkship Program in January (the Winter Clerkship). This Program is aimed at Australia based candidates to tie in with their academic vacation period. The Winter Clerkship is a comprehensive four week program and aims to give students the opportunity of experiencing first hand what it is like to work at the firm. In addition to getting to know the firm's culture, vacation clerks will participate in the training programs available to trainees and junior lawyers, and be exposed to the type of work typically undertaken by them. The clerkship program is the main pathway to securing a training contract with the firm, as clerks who perform well during the program will be selected to join our Hong Kong office as trainee solicitors after they have completed their legal studies and their Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (P.C.LL). Participation is therefore strongly recommended for those seeking a 2021 training contract. Experience Required To apply, candidates should be in their penultimate year of study of their law degree program, have strong academic results, fluent Chinese language skills (written and spoken) and be firmly committed to establishing a legal career in Hong Kong.
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Apply by completing the online application form on our career portal by choosing "Entry Level Associate" openings in Hong Kong at http://www.bakermckenzie.com /en/careers
www.bakermckenzie.com
BAKER McKENZIE HONG KONG Areas of legal practice • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Antitrust & Competition Banking & Finance Aircraft Leasing & Finance Construction Capital Markets Merger & Acquisitions Private Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Securities Wealth Management & Private Banking Dispute Resolution Anti-Corruption Arbitration Employment Energy, Mining & Infrastructure Environmental and Climate Change Financial & Regulatory Services Healthcare, Insurance Intellectual Property International Trade & Customs Investment Funds Lifesciences & Healthcare Major Projects & Project Finance Information Technology and Telecommunications Advisory Private Equity Real Estate Restructuring & Insolvency Tax Trade and Commerce
After becoming a Clerk, what are the prospects of obtaining a Graduate role? Every clerk needs to go through assessments for the firm to consider whether to offer a graduate role. How does Baker McKenzie value Corporate Responsibility? Highly What is unique about this Baker McKenzie’s culture? We are a global firm with 77 offices and definitely a truly local firm given our long standing history in the local market and strong list of corporate clients. How does Baker McKenzie encourage a work-life balance? The firm has launched a work-life balance initiative called bAgile which allows employees to enjoy flexible work arrangements. Website www.bakermckenzie.com
Number of lawyers 240 Number of partners 48 What specific qualities does Baker McKenzie look for in potential Clerk? Candidates should be in their penultimate year of study of their law degree program, have strong academic results, fluent Chinese language skills (written and spoken) and be firmly committed to establishing a legal career in Hong Kong. What kind of responsibilities/tasks can a Clerk expect at Baker McKenzie? Legal research, translation, client meetings, court hearing, drafting, presentation, lunch seminars, firm events Clerkship opening and closing dates From mid March to end of July
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Choose a firm where your curiosity, ideas and hard work will be rewarded. Where you can experience everything that a career in commercial law has to offer, through a distinctively flexible training contract and beyond. A firm whose international outlook and world-class reputation open up a multitude of opportunities.
See the whole story at freshfields.com/chinarecruiting
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Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
A career in law is demanding, so choose somewhere that makes it all worthwhile.
FRESHFIELDS BRUCKHAUS DERINGER HONG KONG Hong Kong office staff numbers Legal: 108 Non-Legal: 110 Main practice areas in Hong Kong • • • • •
Application process All applicants should submit their application via our website www.freshfields.com/ chinarecruiting. Applications of our 2018 Summer internship programme is now closed. Applications of our 2019 Winter internship programme were open from February to April 2018. Please check our website for more opportunities.
Antitrust, Competition and Trade Dispute Resolution Global Transaction Group – Corporate Global Transaction Group – Finance Global Transaction Group – IPIT
Internship Programme For those interested in applying to be a Hong Kong trainee, we run three four-week internship programmes every year so you can experience what life is like at Freshfields. The firm offers Hong Kong internships every January (for law students in Australia), June and July (for law students in Hong Kong, UK and Canada). We also hold a number of presentations and attend law fairs in the UK and Australia. The internship programme is a four-week programme which we will provide you with a full introduction of the firm. You will also be assigned to sit with the associates who you will work with on real legal tasks assigned to you. We give priority to penultimate-year law students who are on track for a 2:1 degree or equivalent and are fluent in written and spoken Mandarin and English. Internship Intake About 8 students for each internship programme. 119
Great change is here.
Are you ready? From a shifting geopolitical landscape to the exponential growth in FinTech, this is a time of unprecedented change. At Linklaters, we’re ready. Our people go further to support our clients, with market-leading legal insight and innovation. And we go further for each other, too. We’re people you want to work with, generous with our time and ready to help. So no matter what the future holds, with us you’ll be one step ahead. Great change is here, and we make sure you’re ready.
Outstanding training We believe what makes us stand out as an employer, is the attention we give to training and support. We offer the fully rounded programme you need to rapidly develop your understanding of commercial law and build your skills. Providing the foundation you need to become a successful lawyer. This dedication is paying dividends, as our trainees choose to stay with us year after year.
Summer Vacation Scheme Our four-week summer scheme (June and July) offers genuine insight into life as a Trainee in different practice areas combined with workshops and seminars dedicated to your professional development. You’ll get to know Linklaters, and develop negotiation and presentation skills. You’ll automatically be offered an interview for a Training Contract. The Scheme is for penultimate and final-year law undergraduates or graduates (law and non-law). If successful, you’ll be invited to an interview with Human Resources, followed by an online test and an interview with a Managing Associate. APPLICATIONS OPEN 1 November 2018 – 31 January 2019 INTAKE 20 – 24 students
Find out more at careers.linklaters.com/en-hk
120 Allens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP.
LINKLAT ERS HONG KONG Areas of legal practice • Banking and Project Finance • Capital Markets (Equity-linked, Debt, Structured Finance) • Corporate (M&A, IPOs, Advisory) • Competition • Dispute and Resolution • Employment • Financial Markets (Financial Services/ Regulatory) • Restructuring and Insolvency Number of lawyers 203 Number of partners 23 Clerkship Opening and Closing Dates Application opening date: 1 November 2018 Application closing date: 31 January 2019
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LATHAM & WATKINS
Beijing Boston Brussels Century City Chicago
Comprised of more than 2,200 lawyers in the world’s major business and financial centers, including Hong Kong, London and New York, Latham & Watkins offers virtually limitless opportunities to develop your practice and grow as a leader.
Dubai Düsseldorf Frankfurt Hamburg Hong Kong Houston London Los Angeles Madrid Milan Moscow
US Law Firm of the Year IFLR Asia Awards 2018
Latham’s Revenue Record in ‘New Normal’ Context The Law Firm Disrupted
Named to “A-List” – 15 years in a row; one of only two firms named to the elite ranking since its inception The American Lawyer “A-List” 2017
Munich New York Orange County
Best Law Firms for Women
Working Mothers Magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers 2017
Paris *Riyadh Rome San Diego San Francisco Seoul Shanghai Silicon Valley Singapore Tokyo Washington, D.C.
* In cooperation with the Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi
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Client Service A-Team BTI Consulting Group 2017
Ranked in Top 10
Vault 2017
“Innovation in Legal Expertise: Accessing New Markets and Capital” Financial Times Innovative Lawyer Awards 2016
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Latham & Watkins operates as a limited liability partnership worldwide with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as affiliated partnerships conducting the practice in Hong Kong and Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office. Latham & Watkins works in cooperation with the Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. © Copyright 2018 Latham & Watkins. All Rights Reserved.
LAT HAM & WAT KINS HONG KONG Areas of Legal Practice • Antitrust & Competition • Banking • Leveraged Finance and Structured Finance & Securitization • Capital Markets • Corporate Governance • Derivatives • Financial Regulatory • Greater China Practice • International Arbitration • Islamic Finance • Korea Practice • Litigation, Mergers & Acquisitions • Oil & Gas Transactions • Private Equity • Project Development & Finance • Public Company Representation • Real Estate, Restructuring • Insolvency & Workouts • Securities Litigation & Professional Liability • White Collar Defense & Investigations Number of Lawyers and Partners 80
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ST UDENT T EST IMONIALS EXPERIENCES FROM UNSW SUMMER CLERKS 2017/2018
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ST EPHANIE BLANCQUART LAW FIRM IN SYDNEY
nerve-racking, I actually really enjoyed meeting my interviewers and found that it was so much better to try and enjoy the process.
SAM LEE LAW FIRM IN SYDNEY
What was the most interesting part of your experience? I really enjoyed that no two days were the same. One day I would be preparing documents to finalise a deal, and the next I was doing legal research for an advice. It was rewarding to see how my work contributed to the final product for the client. Being able to do two rotations in the firm meant that I gained experience with two different teams kept the work varied and in areas of law that I had never learnt at uni before.
Why did you choose to work at your chosen firm?
My firm was the standout option for me because I felt that the firm best embodied the dual focus on professional excellence and a positive culture that I prized. I was already well-aware of the firm’s reputation as a top-tier firm with an excellent commercial reputation and I knew that I would be working with some of the best commercial What did you find most challenging and/or rewarding about working at your chosen firm? lawyers, receiving the best training and working on some of the highest-profile matters if I chose the firm. My experiences interacting with P&D, Before my clerkship, I had no prior legal staff and lawyers through the Insight Program and experience. I didn’t know what to expect and it was a little bit of a learning curve. However, from clerkship process also made a big difference. I found everyone to be quite down-to-earth, able to my first day, I was very well supported by the firm. The clerkship started with extensive training have a laugh and genuine. Putting the two factors providing an overview of how the firm worked and together, I felt that I really couldn’t go wrong all the systems we needed to use. Once I arrived picking the firm. at my desk, I had a buddy who was always happy to answer my questions, no matter how silly they What kind of work did you do? were. I was involved in a very diverse range of tasks including proofing complex Project What advice would you have for future Finance contracts, writing casenotes on active students? professional negligence litigation, attending the signing of a major banking transaction I think it’s important to keep an open mind and drafting documents directly for a client. throughout the entire process. You will probably have some initial ideas about what the firms that A hallmark of all the work I conducted was that it was well-balanced toward maximising you’re applying for, but don’t let these influence my professional development – it was always your final decision too much. It’s important to challenging enough to be interesting and deep, make sure that you feel comfortable at the firm but also diverse enough for me to broaden the you finally decide on. While interviews can be 125
skills and experiences I developed. I ended my clerkship with the strong sense that I had not only developed technical skills, but also gained genuine commercial insights and acumen upon which I could build a future career as a commercial lawyer.
experienced lawyers. I found that these strategies were very helpful in helping me navigate some of the challenges of working in a professional commercial environment. What advice would give future students?
I think it’s important firstly to develop a broad range of skills and experiences. Challenging yourself and getting involved in a range of There are aspects that are both similar and activities helps you to develop the maturity and different. Skills I had developed through my skills base to succeed in your future career. studies, such as the ability to conduct legal However, being proactive and taking the research and think critically were certainly initiative to challenge yourself and learn new important. However, skills I had developed things is also essential. I found that both of these through my extra-curricular experiences were characteristics were of significant assistance to arguably more important – teamwork, leadership, me when I undertook my clerkship at my firm, time management and communication being were relevant on a daily basis and helped me foremost among them. Additionally, I think the to make the most of my experience. Perhaps a ability to manage expectations (of the team and final point to make is this – it’s completely okay to the client), taking initiative (being proactive and make mistakes and they are to be expected – I’ve thinking more expansively than your particular made a veritable litany of them over the years, task might require) and considering the but they are part of the learning process and in commercial, as well as legal implications, of any fact set the foundation for your future successes. decision were key differences. Without them, I certainly wouldn’t have gotten as much out of experiences such as my clerkship as What are some difficulties you encountered I did! in your work environment and how did you overcome them? KHUSHAAL VYAS What was the transition from law school to practice like?
I think there are aspects of working at a top-tier commercial law firm to which many students will be unfamiliar without prior experience in a professional commercial working environment. Making decisions such as when to ask questions of the partner and when to recognise that they are busy, how and when to notify people that you have no capacity for additional work, how to take instructions in an efficient manner, and how to conduct yourself in a client meeting were initial challenges I faced. While I was significantly helped by my prior experience as a paralegal at a boutique commercial law firm, I also found that asking questions and communicating openly were especially helpful. You’ll find that most of your colleagues will be happy to help, and will have had similar experiences when they were junior lawyers. One of the strategies I adopted was to arrange for a sit-down chat with my development coach before each of my clerkship rotations, so that I could ask questions and get a sense of the team’s expectations. I also took the opportunity to get to know the team, develop professional relationships, ask lots of questions and learn as much as I could by observing more 126
LAW FIRM IN SYDNEY
Why did you choose to work at your chosen firm? Broadly, I can split it up into two reasons: Firstly, after attending the interviews and events associated with the Clerkship, I found that the dynamic of the Firm was one where every team member was valued. For me, I felt like the senior partners right to the graduates all wanted you to
succeed and were there looking out for you. It meant that new starters like myself had excellent access to experienced mentors who were at the top of their respective fields.
this year. Whilst it was incredibly rewarding to be able to contribute, what was more special was the fact that I was working at a firm that was willing to actively listen and action the ideas of even its most junior members. Secondly, I found my firm to be particularly What advice would you have for future students? unique in its domestic and international standing. Attend the events of the firms that you’re Its domestic and international influence meant interested in and don’t be afraid to ask questions. that as a clerk you were exposed to both major If you do that much, you’ll be able to trust your domestic matters as well as cross-border work. gut instinct as to where you’ll be most happy and comfortable working. What kind of work did you do? I rotated through the IP/TCC and Disputes teams respectively. In IP/TCC I was working on cyberpiracy matters and the blocking of online pirated content which included several court proceedings. I also spent some time working with the Singapore office on matters relating to data breaches. The Disputes team exposed me to the way large matters are brought to court and included various issues in the fields of competition & consumer law, health & medical law, property as well as pro bono matters.
DINO PERMADI LAW FIRM IN SYDNEY
What was the most interesting part of your experience? Having never been exposed to the work I was involved with, most things I came across were inevitably very new and interesting. Perhaps what was especially unique was the client secondment experience that the firm organises for all its Clerks. I was lucky enough to spend a week at a global e-commerce company which exposed me to client needs and expectations. It definitely gave a very new perspective on the whole Clerkship experience. What was the transition from law school to practice like? Very straightforward. The firm understands that we’re still at university and are also at the firm to learn and develop. The transition is nothing to worry about and you will be trained by the Firm as well as guided on how to make the most of your experience as a Summer Clerk. What did you find most rewarding about working at your chosen firm? The firm was very supportive and enthusiastic about a new pro bono/community service project I had pitched to them, which will be actioned later
Why did you choose your chosen firm? One of the key influencing factors for my decision to clerk with my firm was that I wanted to work with a firm that possessed a strong focus in technology and worked with top tier clients in the technology space. The firm I clerked at was unique in that the firm combined the strong and clear direction of a specialist firm, with the resources and global capabilities of a large international law firm. The firm has a very practical and ‘hands-on’ approach to their clerkship training programme. From day one, the firm actively encouraged us to be involved and meaningfully contribute to client matters. I had the opportunity to work on a broad range of fascinating matters ranging from regulatory work for telecommunication companies, contract reviews for start-up companies, to even a complex copyright matter for a large games studio. The breadth of clients and nature of work that the firm undertakes is quite remarkable. 127
Furthermore, there was never a moment where I could not ask for assistance or guidance, and I was given constant support, mentorship and feedback throughout the entire programme. And, perhaps most importantly, the firm has a genuinely friendly, quirky and down-toearth culture that is difficult to describe, but is something that I found refreshingly unique and a joy to be a part of. What advice would you give future students? I would suggest maintaining your extra-curricular activities and commitments throughout the application process. Not only is it a fantastic way to take your mind of the stress, but it might even form an interesting conversation starter in your next interviews. Lastly, keep an open mind and be flexible to new opportunities that present themselves – it might turn out to be even better than your original plans!
LOUISE WEIR LAW FIRM IN SYDNEY
What kind of work did you do? At the firm we did 3 rotations, so I tried to pick a really varied mixture of practice areas. This meant I was able to get involved in a range of different tasks, such as attending court, undertaking legal research and reviewing company constitutions. What was the most interesting part of your experience? I honestly learnt something new everyday. Everyone is so eager to teach you about what they do, so you are constantly trying to absorb as much information as you can. You just get thrown random facts from everywhere. So when they tell 128
you to always carry a notepad they aren’t kidding! What advice do you have for future students? Try and get involved in as much as you can, and give everything a go. You may not enjoy every task you do, but working out what you like and what you don’t is part of the experience and it helps determine what areas of practice you enjoy and what areas aren’t. Also try and talk to as many people as you can. They were all in your position at some stage and can offer great tips and advice. What are some difficulties you encountered in your work environment and how did you overcome them? I think one of the main difficulties I first encountered can be summed up into one word: Capacity. Capacity essentially means how busy you are – and there is an art to finding the right amount of capacity. Some days you worry that you have too much capacity, other days you worry that you have too many tasks. I found the best way to overcome this issue was through communication, prioritisation and teamwork. No one will know if you are struggling to get through all you work unless you tell them. Whenever I got instructions I learnt that you should always note if the work is urgent and when the lawyer would expect you to have it done by. If you already have work to do, make sure they are aware and then prioritise which work is more important. Also, if you have been given a task and have no idea what to do (it happens!) ask another clerk or grad. Chances are they’ve done something similar and run you though how it’s done.
CHRIS YUAN LAW FIRM IN SYDNEY
Why did you choose to work at your chosen firm? I chose my firm for two main reasons. The first was its reputation – My firm is one of Australia’s leading law firms, and has strong teams in the practice areas I was interested in. To me, this meant working at a firm that would attract large and complex matters, and working alongside partners who are the best in their fields. The second reason was the good vibes. As you go through your clerkship season, you will attend many fun and not-so-fun events, and meet many fun and not-so-fun people. It really brings out the extremes. But the people I met at My firm, from juniors to partners, were all fun and genuine and showed to me that the firm prioritised good culture. What kind of work did you do? Really varied, based on what you found interesting or put your hand up for. Disputes and litigation involved a lot of legal research, reading contracts, observing court matters, pro bono work, and writing up briefs on areas of the law. Mergers & acquisitions was mainly transactional work - drafting documents, reading about deals, training AI (a lot more boring than it sounds), and digesting a lot of new knowledge.
Figure out what area of law interests you, and why you want to join a particular firm. Get involved! There is so much information about there – attend events, sign up to mentoring programs, research the lay of the land. Firms spend a lot of money to make it as easy as possible to figure out what they’re on about because it’s just as important for them (as for you) to really see if you’re a good fit for the firm. Take your own development seriously and don’t compare yourself to others too much. Others might have high WAMs, paralegal jobs, or heaps of connections. But ultimately what’s important is a balance of so many factors that will make up who “you” are - figure out what you’re passionate about, what your strengths are, and how you can build this up. A firm would much rather hire someone who took risks to develop themselves and knows that they want to work with the firm than someone with a 90 WAM but spent their whole life studying.
FRANCIE XU LAW FIRM IN HONG KONG
What was the transition from law school to practice like? Quite okay! I went in with no experience working at a law firm and it definitely wasn’t ‘needed’ (in practice, the clerkship is ten weeks of learning). Instead the skill that I valued the most/wish I paid more attention to in during my degree was legal research skills (ALR). The rest was learning to apply the core legal knowledge I had into a practical setting.
Why did I choose my firm?
My interest in the firm is from its presentation in Hong Kong Private Law Fair. As one of the The greatest challenge was learning to juggle magical circle law firms, the firm has a fantastic multiple tasks, each with their own priorities, training program and maintains a reputable global complexities, other tasks relying on it, and the potential to suddenly change in urgency. It tested presence. Additionally, the firm has extensive breadth and depth of sector experience, my ability to gauge my own capacity for work spanning across China and the greater Asia(and the ability to say ‘no’) but ultimately a lot of Pacific region. Freshfields is at the very forefront insight into how real work operates. of legal practice and routinely at the top of global performance rankings. What advice would you have for future students? I can also get high-quality training in my firm. 129
From legal training to personal management skills to one-to-one mentoring and coaching, my firm offers a wealth of guidance and advice throughout my vacation scheme. Even if I was in Dispute Resolution team, I was also invited to other corporate training such as joint venture and M&A.
MATT HEW WANG LAW FIRM IN LONDON
Working in my firm isn’t always easy and the hours are sometimes long but I was surrounded by dedicated, supportive and ambitious people in a friendly, collegiate atmosphere with the support I need to thrive. What kind of work did you do ?
Completing the Australian Clerkship at my firm in London was an invaluable and amazing I was in Dispute Resolution team and this was experience. I chose to apply to the firm in London my first time to do DR. Main responsibilities in because I knew I wanted an international career DR include but not limit to bundling, assisting at a top reputable law firm. Particularly, London is partners and associates in preparing evidence for one of the largest financial hubs in the world and I arbitration, conducting legal research and drafting believed that this was the perfect place to start my legal documentations such as legal memo and career. The firm has specific programs that recruits agreement. Except for billable work, I also got clerks from around the world and this speaks to the opportunities to do some pro bono work. The firm firm’s commitment to diversity and excellence of its encourages people to devote time to community people - this was a firm I knew I wanted to work in. and pro bono work. During the clerkship, I rotated through the Capital Markets and TMT/IP practice groups and was able What was the most interesting part of work? to complete a range of tasks; from sitting in on client calls to extensive research memorandums. Working in DR is much more interesting than I Alongside work, I attended a plentiful amount of thought. Except for commercial transactions, I practice group presentations where I was able to also did some interesting legal research such as hear from lawyers in each practice group from the ‘champerty and maintainance for public interest’ firm to gain insight into what practice areas I would which has never been discussed in the Hong Kong like to explore further. before. The most interesting part of my experience, People in the firm always work hard and play hard. however, was the group activity where the clerks We also had many interesting social activities were put in teams to prepare a pitch in front during internship such as lunchtime hiking, food of partners at the firm who were roleplaying as volunteering, making pizza and football games. prospective clients. This experience was a foray into an area that I had no experience in and taught What advice would you have for future me about the importance of client relations and students? commercial understanding to succeed as a lawyer in the firm. Good marks still matter. Some international law firms especially US firms may have a minimum Ultimately, apart from the work and the opportunity GPA grade requirement that must be passed first to be in a new and exciting environment, what I in order to attain an interview. But more important found most rewarding during my time were the is learning agility and other emotional-intelligence bonds formed with not only my fellow Australian traits. Develop commercial awareness. Reading clerks, but also the other international clerks news is always a good place to start. If you are as well as the lawyers in the firm. Whilst being applying to a particular firm or sector, look at the apart from family and friends in Sydney may be a websites and mission statements of the firm and challenge, the people I met on the clerkship were their competitors. Before going to an interview, welcoming and inclusive and the firm organized research the company’s current activities, any many fun activities to give us a proper experience publications they have recently released, relevant of London! press articles and what their current deals are. 130
FIRM CONTACT DETAILS* ANU LEGAL WORKSHOP Canberra Contact: Amy Begley (Lecturer) Email: Amy.Begley@anu.edu.au Canberra Office Location: 5 Fellows Road, Canberra ACT 2600 Website: legalpractice.anu.edu.au COLLEGE OF LAW Sydney Contact: Student Services Team Sydney Phone: 1300 856 111 Sydney Office Location: 2 Chandos Street, St Leonards NSW 2065 Website: www.collaw.edu.au ALLEN & OVERY Sydney Firm contact: Megan Bruce (Human Resources Assistant) Sydney Phone: 02 9373 7700 Sydney location: 85 Castlereagh Street, Sydney 2000 Website: http://www.allenovery.com/careers/ gradsaustralia ALLENS Sydney Firm contact: Lauren Kay (Graduate Resourcing Consultant) Sydney Phone: 02 9230 5371 Sydney location: 126 Phillip St, Sydney 2000 Website: www.allens.com.au/yourcareer ASHURST Sydney Firm contact: Joanne Dean (HR Manager, National Graduate Programs) Sydney Phone: 02 9258 6000 Sydney location: 5 Martin Place, Sydney 2000 Website: www.careers.ashurst.com CLAYTON UTZ Sydney Firm contact: Sarah Pinczewski (Graduate Resourcing Consultant) Sydney Phone: 02 9353 5477 Sydney location: 1 Bligh Street, Sydney 2000 Website: https://graduates.claytonutz.com/ CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH Sydney Firm contact: Rhea Shyamkant (People and Performance Administrator) Sydney Phone: 02 9210 6135 Sydney location: 8-12 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW 2000 Website: http://www.corrs.com.au/careers/graduates GILBERT + TOBIN Sydney Firm contact: Kristie Barton (Clerk + Graduate Program Manager) Sydney Phone: 02 9263 4575 Sydney location: 200 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo NSW 2000 Website: http://www.gtlaw.com.au/
*IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS Sydney Firm contact: James Keane (Graduate Recruitment Consultant) Sydney Phone: 02 9322 4313 Sydney location: 161 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000 Website: https://careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/ grads/ KING & WOOD MALLESONS Sydney Firm contact: Kellie Mildred (People & Development Advisor - Graduates) Sydney Phone: 02 9296 3592 Sydney location: 1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000 Website: www.careers.kwm.com/en/graduatesaustralia BAKER McKENZIE Sydney Firm contact: Angelique Wanner, (Talent Management Consultant – Graduate Recruitment & Diversity) Sydney Phone: 02 8922 5596 Sydney location: Level 46, 100 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Melbourne Firm contact: Natalie Mascarenhas (Talent Management Consultant) Melbourne Phone: 03 9617 4349 Melbourne location: Level 19, CBW, 181 William Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Website: www.bakermckenzie.com/en/careers/ Australia CLIFFORD CHANCE Sydney Firm contact:: Kelly Meaney (HR Manager, Australia) Sydney Phone: 02 8922 8010 Sydney location: 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Website: www.cliffordchance.com/careers.html MINTERELLISON Sydney Firm contact: Anna Jackson (Graduate Resourcing Adviser) Sydney Phone: 02 9921 4880 Sydney location: Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, 2000 Website: graduates.minterellison.com THOMSON GEER Sydney Firm contact: Karolina Lisowski (People & Development Manager) Sydney Phone: 02 8248 5802 Sydney location: Level 25, 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Website: www.tglaw.com.au
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ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER Sydney Firm contact: Hayley Brown (Human Resources Consultant) Sydney Phone: 03 9229 9802 Sydney location: 2 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW 2000 Website: www.abl.grad.careers GADENS Sydney Firm contact: Tara Luketic (Human Resources Advisor) Sydney Phone: 02 9231 4996 Sydney location: 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney NSW 2000 Website: www.gadens.com/grads@gadens/ K&L GATES Sydney Firm contact: Gemma Oldman (HR Business Partner) Email: gemma.oldman@klgates.com Sydney Phone: 02 9513 2330 Sydney location: 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Website: http://www.klgates.com/ JOHNSON WINTER & SLATTERY Sydney Firm contact: Connie Herbert (Professional Development Advisor) Sydney Phone: 02 8247 9655 Sydney location: 20 Bond Street Sydney NSW 2000 Website: www.jws.com.au/en/firm/careers MADDOCKS Sydney Firm contact: Ekmini Das (People & Culture Advisor) Sydney Phone: 02 9291 6286 Sydney location: 123 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Website: https://www.maddocks.com.au/ NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT Sydney Firm contact: Milly Waters (Human Resources Coordinator) Sydney Phone: 02 9330 8478 Sydney location: 225 George Street and 44 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000 Website: https://www.nortonrosefulbrightgraduates. com PINSENT MASONS Sydney Firm contact: Kate Chisholm (HR Consultant) Sydney Phone: 03 9909 2509 Sydney location: Level 32, International Tower 2, Barangaroo NSW 2000 Website: www.pinsentmasons.com
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INTERNATIONAL FIRMS BAKER McKENZIE - Hong Kong Hong Kong Firm contact: Loretta Pang (Graduate Recruitment Manager) Hong Kong location: 14th Floor, Hutchison House, 10 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong Website: http://ww.bakermckenzie.com FRESHFIELDS BRUCKHAUS DERINGER Hong Kong Hong Kong Phone: +852 2846 3400 Hong Kong Fax: +852 2810 6192 Hong Kong location: 55th Floor, One Island East Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay Website: www.freshfields.com/chinarecruiting LINKLATERS - Hong Kong Hong Kong Firm contact: Symone Budhrani (Resourcing Manager) Hong Kong Phone: +862 2842 4809 Hong Kong location:10th Floor, Alexandra House 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong Website: https://www.linklaters.com/de-de/ locations/hong-kong LATHAM & WATKINS - Hong Kong Hong Kong Firm contact: Charlotte Lam (Recruiting Assistant) Hong Kong Phone: +852 2912 2574 Hong Kong location: 18th Floor, One Exchange Square, Central, Hong Kong Website: https://www.lw.com/
On behalf of everyone at UNSW Law Society, we would like to wish you all the best with your Clerkship applications and your professional career. We hope this guide has been a useful tool through the clerkship process and we are sure that the 2019 Student Testimonials Section will be flooded with your wonderful summer clerkship experience. Nikita Harlalka & William Vu
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