UTS LSS Clerkship Guide 2021 by UTS Law Students' Society

UTS LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY

FFICIAL

clerkship guide

THE OFFICIAL

JUNE 2021

L I C ATI

authors & acknowledgments C A R E E R S ( P U B L I C AT I O N S ) D I R E C T O R DESIGNER SUBCOMMITTEE

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT (CAREERS) VICE PRESIDENT (SPONSORSHIP) D E A N O F U T S FA C U LT Y O F L AW INTERVIEWED CLERKS

Jack Newberry Tahlia Kho Adrian Macris-Mariakis Alexander Chan Alexandra Haggerty Blake Ross Emily Kliman John Mallia Kelly Ding Vicky Kuo Cassandra Reilly Kurt Cheng Professor Lesley Hitchens Ravi Dutta

contents 01

introduction Welcome Address Clerkship Guide Outline

5 8

summary Clerkship Overview Clerkship Timeline Commercial Practice Areas Wellbeing Section

15 16 18 20

the process Cover Letter & CV Tips Model Cover Letter & CV Interview Tips Cocktail Night Etiquette Psychometric Testing Online Etiquette

35 41 44 46 48 54

professional insight Diary Entry Myths & Misconceptions

69 72

CHAPTER 01

introduction

WELCOME ADDRESS + ROADMAP

INTRODUCTION

welcome address DIRECTOR’S ADDRESS

Welcome to the 2021 UTS Law Students’ Society Clerkship Guide! Whether you find yourself in your first year of study, your penultimate year, or anywhere in between, we hope that this guide will assist you in your preparation for Clerkship applications. The Clerkship program will allow some students to experience life in a commercial firm. This opportunity will place you beside some of the best and brightest the legal industry has to offer. I highly recommend anyone remotely interested in commercial law to take a chance and apply for a position, you can never know where it could take you. The Clerkship program can be an intensely competitive process. There will be thousands of applications in pursuit of far fewer positions. Please do not let this deter you. The legal industry thrives off students from a variety of backgrounds, with an array of skill sets and diverse personalities. Regardless of the outcome of your application, the experience of applying can not only allow you to grow professionally, but personally too. For those applying this year; understand that the process will most likely be challenging and grueling. For some, the process has been something to strive toward during their whole degree. For others, this may be your first time truly considering submitting an application. Regardless of where you fall on this scale, it is important to put your best foot forward. This guide is designed to help you do so. I would also like to thank the Careers (Publications) Subcommittee for their tireless efforts in producing this Publication. Countless hours of work by the dedicated team has allowed us to showcase a Clerkship Guide which will hopefully assist fellow UTS Law students in their pursuit of a Clerkship. Your efforts during this process did not go unnoticed. Finally, I wish everybody applying for a Clerkship the best of luck! Jack Newberry

CHAPTER 01

welcome address continued DEAN’S ADDRESS

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2021 Clerkship Guide, produced, with much hard work, by the UTS Law Students’ Society (LSS). I encourage you to look at it closely as it is a great resource. You may be feeling anxious about employment in the wake of the Covid global pandemic but my conversations with law firms, formal and informal, indicate that strong demand for graduates continues. I know also from my conversations with law firms that UTS Law students are highly regarded. However, the clerkship program is highly competitive and there will be many more applicants than places. Don’t be daunted by the level of competition. If you think this is the type of practice that interests you, put in an application. Just be realistic. Even if you do not obtain a clerkship, the experience can be valuable. Preparing your application can help you identify your strengths and refine how you present yourself. Make sure you do your research about the firms you are applying for, and examine your own reasons for applying. Interviews provide useful practice and experience. They will give you an idea of what is expected of a law interview and a chance for you to see how you manage the interview. Take time after the interview to reflect on it: what went well, and what could have been improved. But do not be too hard on yourself; we can all look back on interviews and wish we had said something differently! So, if you think, a clerkship is for you, go ahead and apply. Enjoy the experience: learn from it, and keep it in perspective. And finally, good luck with the process! Professor Lesley Hitchens

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

Welcome to the UTS LSS Clerkship Guide 2021! Our Careers (Publications) Director, Jack Newberry, and the Careers (Publications) Subcommittee have worked incredibly hard to bring you this guide; irrespective of whether you are in your penultimate year, I am confident that you will find this guide informative and useful. This guide is full of great tips to help you put your best foot forward in applications, as well as information from the firms who are offering a clerkship program. A clerkship is a fantastic opportunity for those interested in a career in commercial law and I commend anyone who is willing to put themselves out there and apply for one. I encourage you all to be confident in what you have to offer and look after your mental health in what can be a stressful and competitive process. Lastly, I wish to extend a warm thank you to our sponsors for their consistent support of our publications and initiatives, this Clerkship Guide included. Without them, the work we do at the UTS LSS would not be possible. I wish everyone applying for clerkships this year the absolute best of luck.

Vicky Kuo

CHAPTER 01

clerkship overview

CHAPTER 02

S TA R T H E R E !

summary CLERKSHIP OVERVIEW & TIMELINE

So there is a firm that catches your eye, when do applications begin?

WELLBEING SECTION

COMMON PRACTICE AREAS

We have been through a pretty stressful time going through and coming out of quarantine. The added pressure of Clerkship season stresses the need to maintain a healthy mental mindset. Let’s do a mental check in.

CHAPTER 04

Still unsure which firms to apply to? Here are the common practice areas Clerks typically rotate through.

professional insight

DIARY ENTRY

A day in the life of a Clerk — What does a typical Clerkship day look like? (spoiler: no two days are the same!) 08

CHAPTER 03

the process

INTERVIEW TIPS/ C O C K TA I L N I G H T ETIQUETTE

Now it’s time to shed light on your amazing personality. What should you do and what should you refrain from doing? CV TIPS

What in the world is a CV? Is that the same as a resume and cover letter? No worries, let’s delve into the world of CV’s.

ONLINE ETIQUETTE

PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING

Online recruitment has become a popular avenue to replace face to face recruitment steps. How can we best prepare for it?

Personality tests? Numerical reasoning? Verbal reasoning? What are these? How can they affect your clerkship application, and how should you approach them?

MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS

Time to debunk those myths and misconceptions.

GOOD LUCK!

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

IT’S TIME.

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Visit allenovery.com/careers/gradsaustralia

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

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

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My Clerkship Experience Nicholas, Seasonal Clerk

Studied: Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Business, University of Technology Sydney Rotations: Corporate Transactions (M&A), Transport and Infrastructure 1. WHY ASHURST

4. CAREER DEVELOPMENT AT ASHURST

Most importantly however, what attracted me to Ashurst was the fact that the firm cared about me. From each individual to the business holistically, I felt there was a genuine investment in myself and encouragement for me to be myself.

5. ASHURST IN THE COMMUNITY

Ashurst is a renowned law firm that possesses a strong international and domestic presence, which was important for me as I wanted to work for a market leader in the profession that allowed me opportunity for career expansion (COVID willing of course!). It is a firm with a strong sense of inclusion and diversity that instils a sense of comfort and security within employees, as well as a focus on innovation to ensure market relevance.

2. YOUR WORK AS A CLERK

In my rotations I had the opportunity to sit in on a negotiation our firm conducted with a client which was very exciting, before performing some policy application and comparison. This all culminated in the closing of multiple deals that exposed me to the full life cycle of a transactional team’s project. I conducted reports to partners in summation of the acquisitions and deals that had occurred throughout the week for the purposes of any business opportunities within the M&A team. My key takeaway was that I was doing work that I could genuinely see, hear, and talk about in the real world, which both humanised the experience and made it even more exciting.

3. SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE CLERKSHIP

The social aspect of the clerkship is easily the most memorable part of my experience. Everyone from my buddy to supervising partners encouraged me to get involved with Christmas parties and coffees, but the standout was the clerkship cohort. There was no pressure to involve oneself, but encouragement to do so at your own pace. From communal lunches which would begin only when everyone was ready, to clerk sport, I honestly felt like I left the clerkship having met great colleagues, but even better friends.

The Learning and Development programs both established and enhanced our legal and non-legal skills in a way that ensured it was not daunting for an individual with no legal experience. The environment encouraged me to seek clarification and additional responsibility which assists an individual in their progression, and there is the opportunity for client interaction which is significant for the purposes of building rapport and establishing yourself in the industry. Ashurst is committed to creating a positive impact in the community in accordance with responsible business. Their interest in environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility sets a strong example for all other firms, with this underpinned by the pro-bono department. It constantly provides access to disadvantaged and marginalised groups, with priority areas in First Nations Peoples, LGBTI+ Rights and the criminal justice system to name a few. Most importantly, as a clerk you are encouraged to reach out to the department for some fulfilling and impactful work that will make a difference in our community.

6. APPLICATION TIPS

Personalise - You want the firm to care about you so you should show the firm you care about it too. Positivity – It may be a hard process, but your mood will affect how you present to employees. You have come a long way in your degree already, back yourself! Experience – Marks are not everything – Make sure your resume is holistic and shows every aspect of you as a person, and then in interviews relate this experience (even if it is not law related) to the firm to show how it makes you more attractive to hire.

7. Who Should Apply

Everyone should apply! Ashurst is a firm defined by experience and excellence, and the work you will do as well as the people you will meet will prove invaluable for your career in the industry.

careers.ashurst.com0 1 3

BORN GLOBAL At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. Like no other law firm, we were born global. Baker McKenzie has been thinking globally in Australia for more than 50 years. In 2014, we opened our Brisbane office making our Australian practice the fourth largest in our network of 76 offices with more than 80 Partners and 220 lawyers across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. In Australia, we act for leading multinational and domestic companies on market leading local and global transactions. Founded in 1949, Baker McKenzie is one of the world’s largest law firms by markets, revenue and headcount. We offer our clients and lawyers the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a leading firm and a distinctive way of thinking, working and behaving as a passionately global and genuinely collaborative firm. We understand the challenges of the global economy because we have been a global law firm from the start.

Our Clerkship Program

Right from the start, our Clerks get involved in real work. You will be exposed to our Australian and international clients through client meetings, shadowing, research and other everyday activities within your assigned practice group. Our Clerks work closely with other lawyers, are guided by a Supervising Partner and enjoy the extra support of an experienced Associate “Buddy”. You will develop practical and legal skills through our national learning program and by attending workshops specifically designed for Clerks, as well as Firm-wide sessions. In Sydney, the Summer Clerkship Program runs from late November to early February each year during which Clerks complete two practice group rotations. Clerks who accept a Graduate role with Baker McKenzie are eligible to apply for an International Clerkship, with the opportunity to work in one of our overseas offices in the year following their Clerkship.

Our Graduate Program

Over the course of the program, Graduates gain experience in different areas of law before they join a particular practice group as an Associate. You will be supervised by a senior lawyer and an Associate “Buddy” in each rotation to oversee your on-the-job and formal learning.

Develop globally

At Baker McKenzie, we have a deep commitment to development. We work with each Graduate to create a tailored development plan and career goals. To help you reach your goals, we provide targeted learning opportunities — from seminars on core legal topics to practical skills development in areas such as communication, drafting and presenting. We work hard to facilitate on-the-job learning and the many ways it happens — through informal mentoring relationships, client secondments, involving Graduates in global teams working on international deals and in managing their own files for our award-winning Pro Bono Program. We also bring Graduates from our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane offices together to help our people foster networks across the Firm, and support professional development by covering the costs of Practical Legal Training and your admission.

Our regional practice group structure means many of our lawyers attend regional training in our Asia Pacific offices. Once Graduates complete their Graduate Program, they will attend a regional orientation program with other mid-level Associates from the Asia Pacific region. The Firm also offers opportunities for lawyers at varying stages of their careers to work directly for clients or with our other offices globally.

What does the Firm look for?

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

Thrive in a culture of inclusion

Quality and excellence along with team work, integrity and responsiveness are central in delivering outstanding service to our clients, as you would expect in a top tier law firm. The values that make us a unique and great place to work are deeply embedded and you will notice our difference in all of your interactions with us, in Australia and across the globe. We are passionately global, and leverage our global expertise for our clients. We strive to stay ahead of the curve and encourage entrepreneurship.

We actively encourage and support contribution to the community, through our pro bono and community service programs. We want everyone at Baker McKenzie to reach their potential so we invest in global, regional and local world-class development and mobility programs for our people. Our award-winning diversity strategy, initiatives and programs are focused in six areas: BakerWomen – gender equality and supporting the progression of women BakerDNA – ethnic, indigenous and cultural diversity BakerBalance – supporting carers and parents, and workplace flexibility BakerPride – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex diversity BakerIndigenousEngagement – commitment to engagement with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community BakerWellbeing – commitment to mental health and wellbeing.

How to apply

Applications for Clerkships can be submitted via www.bakermckenzie.com/careers/Australia. Applications should include a cover letter, as well as details of your work experience, your extra-curricular activities and interests, and your academic results. Applications for Clerkships open at 9.00am on 8 June 2021 and close at 11.59 pm on 4 July 2021. Angelique Holden Talent Management Consultant +61 2 8922 5596 angelique.holden@bakermckenzie.com

We have a strong culture of friendship and collaborative working style. We are commercial pragmatists who simplify issues for clients.

Our key areas of practice     

Banking & Finance Capital Markets Commercial 0 1 4 Real Estate Construction Dispute Resolution

 Employment  Energy, Resources and Infrastructure  Environmental Markets

 Financial Services & Structured Transactions  Insolvency  Intellectual Property  Media

   

Mergers & Acquisitions Private Equity Tax Technology & Communications

www.bakermckenzie.com/careers/Australia Baker & McKenzie, an Australian Partnership, is a member firm of Baker & McKenzie International.

CHAPTER 02

summary

OVERVIEW + TIMELINE + COMMON COMMERCIAL PRACTICE AREAS + WELLBEING

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SUMMARY

clerkship overview Depending on your goals and career aspirations, a clerkship may be something that you have given very little thought, or a major milestone that you have been rigorously preparing for. Regardless, this publication will provide you with the skills, tips and information you need to apply, succeed and progress through the clerkship stages and further into your legal career! W H AT T O E X P E C T F R O M A C L E R K S H I P ?

Put simply, a clerkship is a program run over summer for law students in their penultimate year. However, that may be an oversimplification of the paid position which has the potential to set up students for a prosperous and successful legal career. Running over a period of between 4-15 weeks, students will experience much of what law firms and the legal profession has to offer:

• Performing legal and factual research

• Drafting and summarising legal documents, checking for accuracy

• Preparing correspondence, written reports and performing records research

• Organising and tracking case files • Writing client’s memos

• Recording client meetings and drafting daily

correspondence, including letters and legal documents

• Attending meetings and court with lawyers

• Assisting in the preparation of matters for hearings

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BENEFITS OF A CLERKSHIP?

The benefits of a clerkship are vast and cannot be underestimated. Most obviously, the clerkship gives students a taste of the legal profession and an opportunity to decide if this is a career that they wish to pursue. There are,however, far more nuanced benefits, including the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, building and developing practical skills as opposed to the theory-based nature of university study, and also receiving concrete feedback on skills and attributes as well as where improvement can be made.

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CHAPTER 02

clerkship timeline

J U LY — S E P T E M B E R INTERVIEW ROUNDS

T U E S D AY 8 J U N E

Applications for summer clerkships open. This date might make it seem like you have a lot of time, but beware, the application process can be strenuous and leaving it until the last minute may prevent you from putting your best foot forward. These applications will consist of a cover letter, CV and academic transcript submitted through a firm’s website or ‘student application form’ (provided by the Law Society of NSW).

This will generally be broken into two rounds, with the first round offered to gauge the personality and potential of the students whose applications have impressed recruiters. The second round will take place as firms get closer to choosing successful applicants and can take the form of further, less formal interviews or a cocktail night with other potential candidates. This information may vary somewhat due to evolving COVID conditions; however will likely follow some similar structure.

S U N D AY 4 J U LY & M I D N I G H T 1 4 J U LY

Applications for summer clerkships close. This may vary between firms (Tip: Note down these dates on a calendar or diary!)

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T H U R S D AY 1 6 S E P T E M B E R

Offers for summer clerkships must be accepted or declined by 5.00pm. If you made it this far, congratulations to you! Don’t forget to assess all of your options before proceeding with your decisions. Ensure that you research and understand your options to make sure that you make the best decision. Also remember that the best decision for you is just that, for YOU, everyone’s path is different, trust your instincts and do your best!

W E D N E S D AY 1 5 S E P T E M B E R

Offers for summer clerkships can be made. This is it, the culmination of all your efforts leads to this one moment in time, the fabled offer. Don’t forget though whether you are fortunate enough to receive an offer, or if you were part of the unlucky majority that miss out, this is not the be all and end all of your career. The clerkship simply serves as a stepping stone and you can still be vastly successful regardless of the outcome of your application.

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CHAPTER 02

common practice areas D I S P U T E R E S O L U T I O N & L I T I G AT I O N

Focused on resolving issues which arise between parties, be it individuals or businesses. Rotating through a Dispute Resolution & Litigation practice will expose you to many different areas of law, and may see you working on commercial disputes, civil actions and other litigious matters. E M P L O Y M E N T, W O R K P L A C E & S A F E T Y

Primarily governs workplace and industrial relations laws and employment relationships. These relationships are often between employer and employee, but can involve dealing with a corporation’s agents or subcontractors. You will be exposed to a wide range of legal issues, including dismissal, remuneration, talent acquisition, discrimination or more general industrial relations issues.

BANKING & FINANCE

Often dealing with a large range of legal issues relating to the greater financial sector. During a rotation in Banking and Finance, you can expect a significant amount of work relating to the legal intricacies of borrowing and lending of finances. You will also possibly be exposed to a variety of other legal issues in the financial sector, including financial services regulation, or government projects.

COMPETITION & CONSUMER

Concerned with the interactions of different corporate entities with their clients, and the interaction between the entities themselves. The competition sphere deals with the operation of the market, and how companies interact with and situate themselves in the consumer market. The consumer sphere is generally working to ensure that consumers are treated fairly in their interactions with companies, due to the power imbalance between the parties involved. During a rotation in these practices, you may interact with corporate entities, consumers or both to ensure the smooth functioning of consumer markets.

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C O R P O R AT E M E R G E R S & A C Q U I S I T I O N S ( M & A )

Entails the combination of different commercial entities. These arrangements fall into two broad categories; Mergers and Acquisitions. The joining of two or more companies into one is commonly referred to as a ‘Merger’, whilst one company taking ownership or control of another company is referred to as a ‘Acquisition’. Whilst rotating in this practice, you will be exposed to commercial, strategic and legal advice being provided to clients through these processes, including possibly due diligence and regulatory work. T E C H N O L O G Y, M E D I A & T E L E C O M M U N I C A TIONS (TMT)

A rapidly growing practice area, concerned with the communication of information through a variety of platforms, including television, media, print or internet services. A portion of work in a TMT practice will revolve around the regulation of complex media and online structures, licensing agreements and assisting your clients to adapt to the rapidly evolving regulatory environment of the TMT space. C O R P O R AT E & C O M M E R C I A L

Broad practices which provide advice on laws governing trade, sales and general business practices. These practices can contain specialist teams in a wide range of practices, including areas of banking and finance, tax, property, competition and consumer, or any other area which a business operates in. In such a rotation, you will be exposed to all stages of the business life cycle, and provide legal and commercial advice to clients. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

TA X AT I O N

Involved in the establishment, protection and maintenance of intangible assets. These assets are largely found in the technology, science and creative industries, however are certainly not limited to them. You will be interacting with trademarks, copyrights and patents and ensuring that your client’s intellectual property is not infringed. You will be involved in transactional agreements and may have the opportunity to work on intellectual property related dispute resolution and litigation.

Focused on providing legal advice to individuals and corporations in relation to the taxation laws of the jurisdictions they operate in. These taxation schemes can include personal income tax, stamp duty, capital gains tax, payroll tax, or any other taxation scheme implemented by governments. You may be involved in providing advice to clients to ensure they are compliant with their taxation obligations, and to assist to minimise their taxation liability.

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CHAPTER 02

wellbeing

It’s no secret that the penultimate and final years of law school are stressful. Looming deadlines for clerkship applications are bound to add additional pressure. The process of applying to these programs is often time-consuming and emotionally taxing, and yet, large firms are set to receive thousands of applications. In light of this, we recommend focusing on what you can control rather than what you cannot this clerkship season.

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POSITIVITY THROUGHOUT THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Through applications, interviews, testing and other various steps in the recruitment process, you must take care of yourself and your health. We recommend taking a little time out of every day to dedicate to you. Below are some reminders for things that are often overlooked when stress levels heighten:

keep active:

Go for a run or a walk around your neighborhood, find a gym or attend a group fitness class with friends.

watch what you’re eating:

Research suggests that eating a wellrounded, wholesome diet improves performance and happiness.

get enough sleep:

Sleep is significantly beneficial to your health, and importantly it allows your body to reset after a stressful day. Try to get between 7-9 hours of sleep a night.

remember to relax:

Make sure you’re making time for yourself to unwind, try watching a movie, reading a book or spending time with a beloved pet.

give mindfulness a try:

Try employing mindfulness techniques to manage anxiety levels and stress. Valuable resources include apps and websites like Headspace, 10% Happier and Calm.

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CHAPTER 03

wellbeing continued DEALING WITH REJECTION

Throughout this process, rejection in some form is inevitable. Consider the high volume of applications received by firms proportionate to that of clerkship positions available. Although it can be difficult dealing with rejection whilst your peers seem to be landing their ‘dream jobs’, remember that whatever stage you got to in the process is an achievement. Ultimately, in the grand timeline of your career, this experience will be a minor blip on the radar of career highs and lows. What is essential now is a focus on your wellbeing and your next few steps. Take time out to keep this rejection in perspective, check in with yourself, and then carry on. Try to turn your rejection into an opportunity for further development. Look into strengthening parts of your application you feel could be improved. Identify these issues and formulate a plan to remedy them. Perhaps this is the year you volunteer at a legal centre or a charity? Maybe you could gain valuable transferable skills in part-time work either within or outside of the legal sector? Or perhaps this is the time you get involved in university life, volunteering for societies you’re passionate about and contributing to exciting student programs? UTS have some valuable tools to consider utilising to aid in all of these areas, notably UTS Careers and Careers Hub.

SUPPORT

If you need assistance or someone to talk to, try communicating with family and friends. Alternatively, seek the help of UTS counselling services which offer consultations over the phone, by Zoom or face to face. They also provide group counselling sessions or weekly Mindfulness Meditation workshops. Beyond this, please see the below numbers for accessible mental health services:

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BEYOND BLUE:

1300 224 636

H E A D S PA C E :

1800 650 890

LIFELINE (24 HOURS):

13 11 14

N S W M E N TA L H E A LT H LINE (24 HRS):

1800 011 511

& Clerkships A clerkship with Bird & Bird is just the start of your exciting legal journey with one of the world's best international law firms. Find out where a clerkship with Bird & Bird can take you.

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STAY TRUE.

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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.

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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Activate your career. ‘PLT at The College of Law is so much more practical than I expected. I got experience speaking in a court setting and cross-examining a witness. I also drafted legal documents, letters and affidavits – which I never did at uni.’

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Cormac Foley Solicitor, Danny King Legal Graduate of the University of Wollongong

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Practical Legal Training

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15 weeks full-time or 30 weeks part-time study options

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15 days or 75 days work experience options - or online alternative

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New South Wales course dates Online full time Location

Start Date

End Date

Code

New South Wales

19 Apr 2021

30 Jul 2021

NP2106F

Parramatta

22 Mar 2021

09 Jul 2021

NP2106F_RPAR

New South Wales

24 May 2021

3 Sep 2021

NP2107F

New South Wales

21 Jun 2021

1 Oct 2021

NP2112F

New South Wales

5 Jul 2021

22 Oct 2021

NP2108F

Parramatta

12 Jul 2021

22 Oct 2021

NP2108F_RPAR

New South Wales

9 Aug 2021

26 Nov 2021

NP2109F

New South Wales

6 Sep 2021

17 Dec 2021

NP2110F

Kensington

6 Sep 2021

17 Dec 2021

NP2109F_KEN

New South Wales

11 Oct 2021

4 Feb 2022

NP2111F

On-campus full time Location

Start Date

End Date

Code

New South Wales

3 May 2021

13 Aug 2021

NP2102C

New South Wales

23 Aug 2021

3 Dec 2021

NP2103C

Location

Start Date

End Date

Code

New South Wales

19 Apr 2021

12 Nov 2021

NP2106P

Parramatta

22 Mar 2021

15 Oct 2021

NP2106P_RPAR

New South Wales

24 May 2021

17 Dec 2021

NP2107P

New South Wales

21 Jun 2021

14 Jan 2022

NP2112P

New South Wales

5 Jul 2021

4 Feb 2022

NP2108P

Parramatta

12 Jul 2021

4 Feb 2022

NP2108P_RPAR

New South Wales

16 Aug 2021

18 Mar 2022

NP2109P

Online part time

New South Wales

6 Sep 2021

8 Apr 2022

NP2110P

Kensington

6 Sep 2021

8 Apr 2022

NP2109P_KEN

New South Wales

11 Oct 2021

6 May 2022

NP2111P

Online part time evening Location

Start Date

End Date

Code

New South Wales

05 Jul 2021

28 Jan 2022

NP2102E

Learn more at collaw.edu.au/PLT

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S H A RE O U R V I S I O N

S H A PE YOU R F UTU RE

Our goal is simple. We want to create the future leaders of the firm. That means giving you the skills you need to become a successful lawyer, but also the experiences to discover where your true interests lie. Find out more at

DLAPIPERGRADUATES.COM

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YOU R PATH TO A C A RE E R W ITH U S DL A Piper is a global business law f irm based in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacif ic. We help clients succeed through innovative and pragmatic legal solutions.

matters, and rely on our seamless cross-border prowess and sector knowledge. Wherever you are, and whatever your challenge, we speak your language.

Leading businesses across the world trust us with their most complex

In ever y thing we do connected with our People, our Clients and

Clerkship Programme

International Graduate Programme

During your Clerkship, you’ll experience what life is really like at DL A Piper. What’s more, you’ll also be considered for a place on our International Graduate Programme. Throughout your programme, you will do more than just shadow our law yers. You will be given real responsibilities. Whether you’re attending a cour t hearing, contributing to a client meeting or expanding your professional network at social events, you’ll have plenty of oppor tunity to discover your potential. Visit our website w w w.dlapipergraduates.com to f ind out more about our clerkships across our Australian off ices.

During your graduate programme, you will experience a number of rotations throughout our eight different practice groups, giving you the oppor tunity to develop your knowledge and skills. By the end of the programme, you’ll emerge with a clearer understanding of where your talents and interests lie. The experience you’ll have gained, as well as the networks built will provide a strong foundation for your future career at DL A Piper.

our Communities, we live by four values: Be Suppor tive, Be Bold, Be Collaborative and Be Exceptional.

International Induction At DL A Piper, we know that the connections you make within our international network will stay with you for the rest of your career. At the star t of your graduate programme, you will par ticipate in an International Graduate Induction, which brings together our graduates from the International Firm to take par t in a fun and experiential learning programme. The International Graduate Induction takes place in London, and is an inspirational and memorable week f illed with business leaders, engaging team building activities and the networking oppor tunity of a lifetime. We’re committed to giving our graduates an industr y leading star t to their careers.

You will have an opportunity to engage in dynamic work across a range of sectors

INTERNATIONAL

PLACEMENT

LEARNING &

SOCIALISING &

INDUCTION

ROTATIONS

DEVELOPMENT

NETWORKING

QUALIFICATION

the process CHAPTER 03

A successful cover letter and CV are key parts of your professional portfolio. To put your best foot forward in clerkship season, and for any job opportunity, it is important to spend a good amount of time on making a successful cover letter and CV. It is said that recruiters spend on average 6 seconds looking at a CV; first impressions are lasting and quickly made! We have assembled some tips and tricks to help you make a great first impression and get your application to the top of the pile.

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CHAPTER 03

cover letter Recruiters have the unenviable task of sorting through hundreds of similarly qualified law students from each other. A cover letter is your opportunity to ‘pitch’ your specific interest in working for a firm and to distinguish yourself from many other candidates. A template letter won’t cut it! It can be time consuming to craft an effective cover letter, but it is worth the effort. THE BASICS OF A COVER LETTER

A successful cover letter should:

highlight your CV

Your cover letter should make the reader want to pick up your CV. Focus on the important parts of your CV, particularly your achievements. Note your achievements: impressive grades, prizes, and extracurricular involvement. You should also focus on work experience and your tangible successes at work. Whether in the legal industry or not, all jobs will have transferable skills. Try to relate your achievements and experience to the particular role, if possible. Be careful, however, to not simply reproduce your CV. Importantly, in all of this, come across as eager rather than arrogant.

be relevant

show your writing skills

Get the basics right. Lawyers need excellent communication skills and your cover letter should be a great sample of your ability to write concisely and accurately. No spelling mistakes! Keep in mind that recruiters do not want or need to read a thesis, one page is more than enough and plain english will help. Get the structure right, start early and refine!

Correctly address your letter; avoid using generic forms of address. Your cover letter must be relevant to the position. It must address any selection criteria; show how your skills, education and experience are relevant to the position; and otherwise show interest in that particular employer. A template letter will be much less impressive to an employer or firm than a cover letter tailored to the position and organisation. If more than half of your cover letter still makes sense when you change the name of the firm you are applying for, ask yourself if your cover letter is too generic.

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A cover letter should be in standard business letter format. No more than one page is necessary. It should be clearly structured and easy to read. With cover letters, less is often more. This is your opportunity to show how you can communicate concisely, and four or five paragraphs will generally be enough. White space is your friend and improves readability. A SUGGESTED STRUCTURE IS: 1

introduction —

State why you are writing to the firm and provide a concise and general overview of your letter;

why me? —

highlight the ‘selling’ parts of your CV, particularly your achievements and experiences and how they may relate to the firm’s work;

why the firm? —

demonstrate why you want to work for the particular firm, show original research and knowledge of the firm specifically and its values. Generally, this section should take the most work!

conclude —

thank the reader for their time, be positive and confident in closing and express eagerness for an interview. NN

O TAT

You can also check out the ‘model’ cover letter example over the next few pages for an idea of how to structure your cover letter.

THE PROCESS

cover letter continued

MPL

SOME POINTERS

address your cover letter properly

Research the firm’s website to find the recruiter’s name or otherwise find out (try giving HR a call). It is a small and important touch. Starting your letter with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ is generally not a good look and may give a recruiter the sense that your letter is not tailored to their firm.

start early

Do not leave your cover letter to the last minute. Refine it and check for mistakes (a good tip is to print and review your CV on paper). As with essays, drafting a cover letter is not an exact science and you may find yourself

watch your tone!

The tone of your cover letter should be polite, professional and confident. Avoid colloquial language. Use Plain English. Focus on providing evidence of why you are a good fit – avoid unsupported claims of being ‘excellent’ or ‘talented’. Be confident but not arrogant.

refining your cover letter over time. You will benefit from more time to review your cover letter and have others check it for you. Any spelling or grammatical mistakes will count against you.

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CHAPTER 03 THE PROCESS

cover letter continued tailor your letter

If the firm you are interested in requires a cover letter, ensure that you tailor your cover letter to that firm. Show that you have researched the firm and understand what they are about. If possible, speak to other students who have clerked at the firm and attend information sessions. While it will be time consuming to prepare different cover letters for each firm, it is very important that firms can see your research skills and your specific interest in

their work, not a template letter. There will be some material in your cover letter that can be the same in each application, but the bulk of your cover letter should be specific to the relevant firm. If the firm does not require a cover letter, these tips generally apply to any online forms or questions that may take the place of a traditional cover letter; try to take the same approach in these tips as far as they apply.

curriculum vitae (CV) A CV is a written summary of your experience and qualifications for a job opportunity. It has one objective: to secure an interview. To do that, you again need to consider the perspective of the reader: a time poor recruiter reading hundreds of CVs. A well-prepared CV that makes your experience and qualifications easy to identify and understand will make all the difference. Unlike a cover letter, a CV can, in most cases, be used without writing a new one for each application and with only minor adjustments.

THE BASICS OF A CV

There are few absolute rules, but the standard CV format is generally a good one to follow. Your clerkship CV should include the following:

your personal details

Your name, address, phone number and email. You might consider including your LinkedIn profile (recruiters may search for it anyway!). You should not include your date of birth or a photo.

a career overview

Detail your work experience. Include your job title, responsibilities and key achievements. Focus on legal jobs, if possible. Highlight transferable skills gained through other jobs.

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your educational qualifications

Include your university, degree and any specialisation, and expected year of graduation. Highlight any achievements or scholarships. There is no need to list every subject completed. If you have significant career experience, it may not be necessary to include your high school experience. Otherwise, it is often safer to include it. Highlight any ATAR (or equivalent) or HSC subjects (if you consider it beneficial to do so).

(THE BASICS OF A CV)

volunteer experience, extra-curricular activities & community involvement

Include any activities or interests; particularly things that demonstrate leadership or make you memorable in the crowd (remember, most applicants will have broadly similar academic qualifications!).

a list of any professional accreditations or other qualifications For example, a certificate of proficiency in a different language.

details of your referees

O TAT

You can also check out the ‘model’ CV example over the next few pages for an idea of how to structure your CV.

Include two referees; direct supervisors or people who can comment on your work ethic are best, if possible.

MPL

SOME POINTERS

be honest

Do not ‘fluff’ your CV. It is important to place your experience in the most positive light, but be aware that recruiters have seen hundreds of CVs and know exaggeration when they see it. You should not include anything you cannot speak to at interview. If you score an interview, interviewers will be familiar with your resume and will ask you about it.

But do not sell yourself short! Focus on your achievements.

Did you really ‘participate’ in that group activity or did you ‘lead’ it? There is a tension between sounding impressive and being humble, but do not sell yourself short. Think critically about and draw on any positive feedback you have received at university and during employment and reflect that strongly in your application. Firms want confident and self-assured (but not arrogant) candidates. When discussing your responsibilities, try to quantify your actual performance. For example ‘Responsible for managing legal files’ could be re-framed as ‘Successfully managed 50+ legal files for various clients and received positive feedback from my supervising lawyer for my client service’. Remember that firms have commercial objectives so, where possible, show how you have worked to meet such objectives through your own experience. Think about the qualities that commercial law firms are looking for in candidates and try to incorporate that into your CV. Even if you do not have much (or any) legal experience you can still focus on leadership, teamwork, and communication skills developed at university or through other work or volunteering.

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CHAPTER 03

curriculum vitae (CV) continued refine and proofread

Polish your CV over time and, like your cover letter, start early. Again, two sets of eyes are better than one — have a colleague or peer read over your CV, keeping in mind these tips. Print your CV and read it on paper (you might be surprised what you pick up after staring at a screen for hours!). U T S ’ ‘ R AT E M Y R E S U M E ’

UTS students can also benefit from Rate My Resume, an ‘AI’ program that reviews your CV in real time and provides you instant feedback on: Avoiding repeated words Effectively positioning knowledge, skills, and abilities to boost your profile The impact of qualifications included Use of action-orientated words Formatting and structure; presentation elements (design, look, and feel) UTS students have up to 10 uploads a year, which allows you to make edits and receive further feedback.

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THE PROCESS

model cover letter

If possible, avoid being generic. Address the recruiter specifically.

Ms Recruiter Clerkship Program Fancy Law Firm Commercial Street Sydney NSW 2000

Introduce yourself in this paragraph. Provide your basic details: name, university, degree and year of study. Summarise why you want to work for that firm and conclude with a short sentence on ‘why’ the firm should be interested in you (ideally summarising the paragraphs to follow).

In this paragraph, expand on what it is that attracted you to apply to the firm. In this case, the narrative is clearly an interest in the firm’s strong government/commercial practice and pro bono. You need to demonstrate an interest in the firm. Why should the firm want you? Sell yourself! Outline your skills, qualifications and experience. Elaborate on and demonstrate why these experiences or skills make you a good fit for the firm and link them to the firm.

R E : A P P L I C AT I O N F O R 2 0 2 1 / 2 0 2 2 S U M M E R C L E R K S H I P

I write to apply for [Fancy Law Firm]’s (FLF) Clerkship Program in the Sydney Office. I am a penultimate year law student at University of Technology, Sydney. I have had many positive experiences with your firm during my degree, and I am very interested in FLF’s clerkship program because of your reputation in [government and commercial law], areas of interest to me, and your firm’s commitment to [pro bono]. I have strong academic results and legal experience in the areas of government and commercial law, and demonstrated pro bono experience, that would enable me to hit the ground running at FLF. Because of my interest in the interaction between law, government and politics, I am particularly attracted to FLF’s strong performance and reputation in [government and commercial law], particularly the firm’s recent work on [government project]. I am also aware that FLF has an impressive commitment to pro bono, a commitment that I consider important, having recently won the [Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year Award], and I have greatly enjoyed the [Social Justice Lectures] sponsored by FLF over the past year. Over the last two years, I have gained experience working at Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) in the Commercial team, working on government legal projects, where I was grateful to receive the AGS Client Service Award for my “excellent and proactive legal support”. I have also honed my legal editing, research and writing skills by assisting Emeritus Professor Clerkley with her upcoming textbook in constitutional law and through my contribution to the UTS Law Students’ Society’s academic law journal, The Full Bench. Further, while studying at high school and through university, I developed my client service skills as a barista at Silks Café and I have also volunteered at Inner City Legal Centre, a community legal centre, where I have developed my interest in pro bono work. While working, I have achieved a 75 WAM (Distinction) and look forward to graduating with First Class Honours. I have performed well across my law subjects and received the highest mark of my cohort in Administrative Law and Constitutional Law, winning the subject prizes.

Include a short final paragraph to thank the firm for their time considering your application.

I believe that my interest in FLF’s work, and my experience and skills, make me an ideal candidate for a clerkship with FLF. I look forward to the opportunity to interview with you. A copy of my CV is enclosed. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Able Clerk

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CHAPTER 03

model curriculum vitae

Your name should feature clearly and prominently. Overall, use a clean and simple format. Your contact details need to be clear: address, email and phone number. No novelty fonts. As with fonts, remember your reader: a professional. No photographs! Only one email address. You should avoid unprofessional emails (some might suggest hotmail.com should be avoided!). The best formula to follow is ‘firstname.lastname@ emailprovider.com’ (or as close to that as possible). One phone number with a professional voicemail message.

Put your education as the first category and highlight any impressive academic achievements or results. Use bullet points and do not be afraid to use bold, italics and underline for important emphasis (but do not go overboard). Do not go over two pages in length.

Able Clerk A D D R E S S : Sydney NSW 2000

E M A I L : able.clerk@outlook.com

M O B I L E : 0412 345 678

E D U C AT I O N

Bachelor of Laws at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)

• Distinction average grade (GPA: 6/7, WAM: 75) • 2020: Subject Prize for Administrative Law • 2019: Subject Prize for Constitutional Law

2018 — 2022

Higher School Certificate at [High School]

• ATAR: 98.00, Band 6 results in Economics, English, Legal Studies and Business Studies • Peer Support Leader and Peer Tutor

2017

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Law Clerk at Australian Government Solicitor

SEPTEMBER 2019 — PRESENT

Do not talk too much about high school experiences, emphasise university experiences instead.

(3 days per week) • Manage a high volume of commercial and property matters (40+ matters) from start to finish including drafting, document review, provision of legal advice and negotiation (under the supervision of lawyers). • Provide legal support to the practice group’s lawyers, including legal research in different areas of law, conduct due diligence and investigatory work, draft ‘first cut’ advice and proofread legal documents. • A GS Client Service Award: This award noted my “hard work and dedication in managing a very high workload while at the same time providing excellent and proactive legal support”.

Put your experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

• Assisted with the proofreading and legal editing of a Professor’s textbook on constitutional law.

Break up your information with bullet points. Aim for no more than three lines of text per bullet point. Ideally two. Do not be afraid to include non-legal experience. And do not hide what you think is ‘irrelevant’ experience. Any working experience will be valuable. The key with any experience listed is to highlight achievements, primary duties and key skills. However, do not write too much. Get to the point.

Research Assistant at UTS Law School Barista at Silks Café

044

SEPTEMBER 2019 — PRESENT

(Casual) • Prepared and served food and beverages and interacted with customers; received positive feedback from the café owner for excellent customer service. VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Volunteer at Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC)

JANUARY 2019 — PRESENT

• L egal research to support volunteer solicitor and interviewing clients and conducting client intake at evening advice nights, on a fortnightly basis.

Brennan Justice & Leadership Program

You do not have to (and should not) include all volunteering experience (the same applies to extra-curricular involvement). Pick relevant examples and, if possible, link them to the specific firm. Remember, no volunteer or extracurricular experience is worth pushing your CV past 2 pages!

J U LY 2 0 1 9 — J U LY 2 0 2 0

MARCH 2020 — PRESENT

• C ompleting the program, an initiative of the UTS Faculty of Law and UTS Law Students’ Society, which involves extracurricular learning or ‘reflections’ on justice and leadership through service (volunteering).

THE PROCESS

model curriculum vitae continued

OTHER EXTRA-CURRICULAR EXPERIENCE

UTS Law Students’ Society (UTS LSS)

J U LY 2 0 2 0 — P R E S E N T

• 2 021: Member of Careers (Publications) Subcommittee. Assisted with the preparation of the Clerkship Guide and other careers materials for UTS law students. • 2020: Article Contributor to The Full Bench Vol. 2, 2020 (UTS LSS Academic Law Journal). • Competitor in Client Interview, Negotiations and Witness Examination competitions. OTHER INTERESTS

• Amateur tennis • Helicopters (PPL license in progress) • Saving the world REFEREES

Ms Able Lawyer

Senior Executive Lawyer Australian Government Solicitor (02) 3456 7891 able.lawyer@ags.gov.au

Emeritus Professor Clerkley

Professor of Constitutional Law UTS Law School (02) 9876 5432 professor.clerkley@uts.edu.au

Include extra-curricular experience that demonstrates qualities that firms look for in clerks: for example, teamwork and leadership. Do not list everything you have ever done. Keep it short and simple. Do not go overboard and list every interest you have and remember that law does not have to be your only interest! Use this section to differentiate yourself from hundreds of other applicants and to have an interview talking point!

Include at least two referees with full contact details. Ensure your referees are willing to provide accurate and relevant references for you. Consider whether referees should be included in your CV if this information is already captured in an online application format.

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CHAPTER 03

interview tips FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT!

You’ll never get the chance to make a second first impression! From your handshake, appearance, attitude and eye contact, the people around you are making subconscious decisions about you that will affect how they perceive you from that moment on. That is why whether you are attending your first interview or getting ready for a cocktail night, don’t leave anything to chance, be prepared and put yourself in a position to make the most of your opportunities. By far, the simplest and most effective way of achieving this is to act calmly and be yourself. GENERAL INFO

Whether you are attending a cocktail night or interviewing for a clerkship, interviewing for another job or simply meeting new people, social skills are the backbone of successful communication.

interview tips

Know the firm you are interviewing with! This might seem like a no brainer, but it is extremely important that you have some knowledge of the firm that you are applying to. This might include things such as the firm’s practice areas, recent news or significant cases, or even examples of the firm’s culture that you may be able to observe from a firm’s website or social media. QUESTIONS

Tell me about a time you...

Cliché, yes, but ever so important. When your interviewer asks you a question,it may be instinct to blurt out your reply with little thought. However, a more beneficial response is to take a deep breath, think clearly about what is actually being asked of you, and calmly articulate your reply. This will prevent you from stumbling over your words, or potentially going off track with your responses. While it can be difficult to predict what an interviewer might ask you, you must come to the interview prepared with key examples or situations you can draw upon when answering a question; firms want you to demonstrate skills, not merely assert them.

Do you have any questions for us?

In almost every interview, the interviewer will end the meeting by offering you an opportunity to ask any questions. Do not waste this opportunity. An interview is a two-way street, and it is important for you to demonstrate your interest in the firm. Make sure you have a few thoughtful questions prepared. To show that you have a demonstrated interest in the firm, this will require research. You want to avoid the impression that you are asking a question for the sake of asking a question. Preparation is key and will ensure that you leave a great impression.

046

THE PROCESS

interview tips continued B E E A R LY ! ( O R M A K E S U R E Y O U R I N T E R N E T CONNECTION IS WORKING)

If your interview is in person, make sure you are there with time to spare. It is generally best to aim for a 15-minute leeway before your interview begins. This will allow you time to relax, settle in, and ensures you avoid any chance of being late. If your interview is online, you have a little bit more flexibility, just make sure all of your equipment is functioning correctly well in advance. BE YOURSELF

Try not to be too nervous. The firm has invited you to an interview, so they are already impressed with you on paper. Be authentic; as with your cover letter and CV, it is important to be confident and sell yourself but do not fall into the trap of boasting or being ostentatious: your goal is to develop a friendly and professional relationship. Ultimately, the interviewers need to know that you are someone they can work with. Your interviewers are bright legal professionals, but they are people (not robots!) who have

personal interests and hobbies. Where appropriate, find some common ground with your interviewer. If an opportunity presents to talk about your passions, including things outside the law, take it! It will show that you are personable and hopefully distinguish you from other candidates. Ultimately, genuine people with different experiences, interests, and values, are highly valued in a professional environment: there is nothing wrong with demonstrating your personality as long as you remain professional.

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CHAPTER 03

interview tips continued P R E S E N TAT I O N

In addition to being yourself, you need to portray confidence through your body language and show that you can fit in a professional services environment.

body language

THE PROCESS

Non-verbal communication is important. While it may be obvious, ensure that you communicate confidence and positivity with your body language and facial expressions: try not to slouch, and make sure you smile and maintain friendly eye contact as appropriate.

dress professionally

Have a look at the firm’s website and social media to gauge typical office attire and dress as though you already have the job. Not only will this make you look the part, but knowing you are dressed appropriately will make you more confident.

cocktail night tips While the firm will be looking at your personality to see if you fit their culture on cocktail night, remember that the pressure is not all on you! The cocktail night is an opportunity for the firm to sell themselves to you and distinguish themselves from competitors. If you have made it through the written stage of the clerkship process, the firm is already impressed by and interested in you on paper.

mix & mingle

Do not be afraid to relax a little and to get to know those around you in an authentic way. Try to use the time to develop personal relationships and have meaningful conversations.

be professional

Firms will observe how you interact socially to ensure that you are a good fit with the firm’s culture. Make sure that you are polite and friendly to everyone and stay away from any controversial topics.

follow your interests

While it is important to mix and mingle on the night, do your research beforehand and figure out which lawyers practice in practice areas you are interested in. This will give you an opportunity to talk about something that you are genuinely interested in, and allow you to get a head start on building relationships should you be lucky enough to undertake the clerkship.

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DO’S & DON’TS FOR THE I N T E R V I E W & C O C K TA I L N I G H T

do: Think outside the box, ask unique questions and show off what makes you different. Use your emotional intelligence to read the crowd, this will allow you to time your questions, reactions and responses. Remember not to cut anyone off and ensure you let other people participate in conversations. ork the room – whether engaging with a range W of people at the cocktail party, or spreading your questions across the interview panel, the more people you talk to the more chance you have to impress someone and the more you will gain from the experience. Be prepared for everything in advance — the better prepared you are the less there is that can go wrong and the more confident you will be.

don’t:

Dress too casually; you must wear professional corporate attire. Oversell yourself. Remember, the firm is already impressed with you on paper. Try to instead develop relationships as authentically as you can and collect useful careers information. Let your nerves get the better of you, breathe and stay calm. The firm wants you to like them too!

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CHAPTER 03

psychometric testing W H AT I S P S Y C H O M E T R I C T E S T I N G A N D W H E R E D O E S I T N O R M A L LY F I T W I T H I N T H E I N T E R V I E W P R O C E S S ?

Psychometric testing is an umbrella term for various different types of skill and personality tests administered by many firms in the clerkship application process. The aim of psychometric testing is to provide the firm with a more in-depth picture of your reasoning skill set and personality. These are things that are not always apparent on a person’s academic transcript, CV or cover letter. They provide the firm with more evidence on which they can make their hiring decisions. The firm will use the result from your psychometric tests to assess your suitability to the firm as a whole, the clerkship role and whatever team or practice group you have applied to. The firm may also use the results to inform their interview questions. Within the clerkship application process, you can expect to find psychometric testing to occur after your general application but prior to the interview rounds. The results can play a significant part in deciding who will and will not continue.

W H AT A R E T H E D I F F E R E N T K I N D S O F P S Y C H O M E T R I C TESTING AND WHICH ONES DO LAW FIRMS USE MOST?

personality test

The personality test measures behavioural styles, attitudes and personality characteristics that are normally found to affect people’s performance in a workplace. These tests measure your attitude towards stakeholders and your ability to work with them, management style, behavioural style towards your co-workers and managers, ability to cope with stress in the workplace, decision-making style and level of creative thinking and acceptance of change. These tests are lengthy and ask similar questions in a variety of different styles in order to determine where you fit in relation to the major personality types. The key with these questions is to answer them truthfully based on who you are as a person. Attempting to answer the questions based on what you think they want to hear will not assist you.

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Example of the type of question you can expect to see:

To which extent do you agree with the following statement on a scale one to five:

“I don’t like to leave unimportant things uncompleted.” 1

S T R O N G LY D I S A G R E E

DISAGREE

NEUTRAL

AGREE

S T R O N G LY A G R E E

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CHAPTER 03

psychometric testing continued the aptitude tests numerical reasoning Numerical reasoning tests are designed to measure your ability to quickly respond and accurately analyse numerical data, graphic data, identify critical issues and whether you can logically draw a conclusion from numerical data. The difficulty of these tests differs based on the aptitude expected in the role you are applying for. Numerical reasoning tests will likely present you with graphs and tables for interpretation, percentage problems, financial report interpretation, ratio problems, and currency conversion problems.

Mathematical analysis may not be one of the core aspects of a lawyer, however it can still be relevant to certain law areas. More importantly, as a clerk or graduate lawyer, it is expected that you have quick and accurate skill sets in identifying work related issues and in some cases, analyse and assess a client’s figures and reports. Additionally, you will be required to monitor your own performance and success using numerical metrics. So, a firm may use this type of psychometric test. Typically, law firms will assign numerical tests of a lower level of difficulty and complexity.

Example of the type of question you can expect to see:

The Graph describes the number of registered businesses in Harare, Zimbabwe between the years 1920 and 1980.

What is the increase, in percentage, of the registered businesses in Harare between 1920 and 1980?

TIME REMAINING:

14:37 mins

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 19

30 940 950 960 970 980 1 1 1 1 1

Number of businesses (in thousands) AROUND 60%

AROUND 400%

AROUND 90%

AROUND 600%

AROUND 50%

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verbal reasoning Verbal reasoning tests are designed to measure a candidate’s oral and written communication skills. This tests your ability to quickly understand and effectively convey work-related concepts and information, how you sort through extensive information to identify the critical issues and whether you can logically draw a conclusion. Again, the test is timed, and the level of difficulty is again tailored to the level expected in the role you are applying for. In verbal reasoning tests, you will be presented with short passages of written information followed by a number of statements, and the task is to decide whether each statement is true and logical or not, or whether you do not have enough information to make that decision.

You should expect to receive a high-level verbal reasoning test. As you are applying for legal roles, your employer will expect that you have an extensive knowledge of verbal and oral communication. These are very important for high performance in the legal profession. You will be expected to demonstrate a strong capacity to quickly and effectively identify critical issues and logically draw conclusions from written work presented to you. You may also be expected to demonstrate a strong ability to explain work-related issues in a simple manner (for example, to a client!).

Example of the type of question you can expect to see: QUESTION 6 OF 20

SYLLOGISMS

TIME REMAINING:

13:15 mins

No cheap earrings are solid gold. All children’s earrings are cheap earrings.

Which one of the following conclusions is definitely true based on the statement?

All children’s earrings are solid gold

Some children’s earrings are not solid gold

No children’s earrings are solid gold

No valid conclusion

Some children’s earrings are solid gold

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CHAPTER 03

psychometric testing continued the aptitude tests

abstract reasoning Abstract reasoning is designed to measure your conceptual reasoning skills, which are also referred to as lateral thinking or fluid intelligence. This test aims to measure your ability to quickly learn new information, identify patterns in data, integrate complex information and apply it to solve work related problems. Again, the level of difficulty is designed to correspond with the level of aptitude expected in the role you are applying for. Abstract reasoning tests will present you with a series of shapes, each series will have one or more logical rules that define a pattern amongst the shapes. You must determine what the rule is as quickly as possible, and you will

either be asked which shape will come next in the series or to replace a missing shape within the series. The shapes presented will not always be the same. You should expect to receive a high-level abstract reasoning test, as in a test that presents rules and patterns that are of a high difficulty and complexity level. As an applicant to a legal role, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate a strong capacity to quickly gather a variety of new information and data to assist you with making decisions. You will also be expected to be able to adapt quickly to change and pick up skills that might be outside your general and comfortable skill set.

Example of the type of question you can expect to see:

? A

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the aptitude tests continued All of the aptitude tests are timed and designed so that only 1-2% of test takers are able to correctly answer all of the questions in the allocated amount of time. TIPS & TRICKS TO GET THROUGH THE TESTING PROCESS

Get enough rest the night before

If there are multiple rounds of testing, take breaks as you go along

Make sure you’re in a quiet environment

Have a strong internet connection

If something goes wrong, tell the test provider

Take the time to de-stress and ground yourself if need be

UʼVE

THI

Make sure you practice, especially for numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning — practice can help you get into the right state of mind

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CHAPTER 03

online etiquette With the shift from in person interactions to online during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Clerkship process has changed to accommodate these virtual interactions. But first, why does the clerkship application process even have an interview stage? The interview stage allows recruiters to put a face and personality to your written application. By the time you get to the interview stage, they BE ON TIME

Aim to arrive prior to your allocated interview time. If you fail to be at the interview at the specified time, call ahead to inform the firm.

are interested to learn more about you, and how you could possibly grow within the firm. This is a crucial stage to show how you are able to professionally present yourself through body language and verbal communication. Since we understand the importance and purpose of the interview stage, let’s see what in-person etiquettes have stayed the same.

BODY LANGUAGE

Be sure to maintain good posture and refrain from fidgeting. POSTURE

Keep your back straight and refrain from slouching.

Now, let’s delve into online interviews. There are 2 main types: 1

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LIVE

This is a synchronous process where you are speaking to the interviewer in real time (e.g. a chat over Zoom or Microsoft Teams). Here, the

interviewee (you) and the interviewer (law firm) are both present at the same time. You will be given a set time and date for the interview.

BACKGROUND RESEARCH

Regardless of the interview format, you need to do your background research. Think about: • W hy does this particular law firm resonate with you and your values? • Which area of law does the law firm specialise in and why are you interested? • Are there any initiatives that the law firm has that sets them apart from others? DRESS TO IMPRESS

Not only does it give off a more professional touch to your appearance, but it can help boost your confidence. BE YOURSELF

S TA R M E T H O D

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to better convey scenario based questions. For example: • Situation — The files on the computer were poorly organised. • Task — My supervisor instructed me to organise them based on importance. • Action — I started by collating all the files in a folder and then differentiated them based on importance. Once I completed the task, I informed my supervisor. • Result — The files are now organised in a more efficient manner promoting productivity.

As cliche as it sounds, be yourself!

PRE-RECORDED

This an asynchronous process where a question is presented to you on a screen and your responses are recorded. These responses will then be viewed by the recruiter at a later time.

Here, the interviewee (you) and the interviewer (law firm) are not present at the same time. You will typically be given a window to complete the interview (e.g. 48 hours).

QUESTION:

Tell us about yourself.

T I M E L E F T: 1 M I N 1 0 S E C S

SUBMIT

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CHAPTER 03

online etiquette continued In addition to in-person etiquette, please account for the following technological considerations: DISTRACTIONS

Be sure to minimise distractions by letting anyone in your house know to keep noise to a minimum. Alternatively, book a room in the library or on campus for a quiet space. CONNECTIVITY

Ensure your internet is stable enough to last the entire interview. Consider doing the interview on campus or connecting to data for a secure connection. S E AT I N G

If you have a swivel chair, do not swing around in it. Alternatively, opt for a stationary chair.

E Y E C O N TA C T

Look at the camera, not the screen!

CAMERA ANGLE

Make sure your camera angle and lighting is appropriate. Check this prior to the interview by using a camera application on your chosen device. POSTURE

As well as maintaining good posture, be sure to have a reasonable distance between you and the camera.

VIDEO SOFTWARE

Familiarise yourself with the video software that the law firm will be using. This information should be contained in the email confirmation. If not, consider reaching out to the law firm recruiter.

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NOTES

Consider having notes on one side of your screen to help ease the nerves. For example, reminding you to smile and pause to think.

LIVE INTERVIEWS

PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEWS

Ensure that the interviewer can hear you clearly.

Prior to commencing the actual interview, record your responses to potential questions and replay them back to yourself. See what you can improve on (e.g. eye contact, posture, tone, speed).

Be early — This is increasingly important in case you encounter technical difficulties. By being early, you can notify the interviewer of any technical difficulties to ensure your interview starts on time. Show gratitude — Be sure to express gratitude for the interviewer’s time.

You will most likely have thinking time before the actual recording. Use this time wisely to collect your thoughts and actually answer the question.

It is important to uphold the same etiquette standards as you would during an in person interview. Be sure to prepare yourself to be comfortable sitting in front of a camera, and portray yourself in the best light. EXTRA TIPS

If you want more insights into your chosen law firm, see if there are any UTS alumni on LinkedIn who have held or currently hold the position you are applying for. Look through the law firm’s website for videos and pay attention to how they present themselves and project that vibe through your online presence.

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

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

HOW WILL YOU LEARN?

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

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

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

KEY DATES OFFICE

APPLICATIONS OPEN

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

Sydney

8 June

14 July

Perth

28 June

1 August

Melbourne

28 June

15 August

CONTACT KRISTIE BARTON

Clerk + Graduate Program Manager

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

gtlaw.com.au/careers 060

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

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

+ Disputes + Investigations

+ Competition + Regulation

+ Pro Bono

+ Corporate Advisory

+ Real Estate + Projects

+ Energy + Resources

+ Technology + Digital

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

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

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

EVERYONE MADE A GENUINE EFFORT TO INCLUDE THE CLERKS, UNDERSTAND WHAT WORK INTERESTED THEM, AND MAKE THEM FEEL INCLUDED AND PART OF THE TEAM.

The Gilbert + Tobin (‘G+T’) clerkship program provides students with an invaluable opportunity to be a part of a top-tier corporate law firm that radiates drive, passion and collegiality in all facets of its operation. I rotated through the market-leading Competition + Regulation and Intellectual Property groups, and both were incredibly positive and fulfilling experiences. In each rotation, clerks were assigned a mentor, a pool of buddies and a supervising partner. This ensured I had a point of contact to ask any questions, with people at different levels of their legal careers. Everyone made a genuine effort to include the clerks, understand what work interested them, and make them feel included and part of the team. I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed partners wanted to know what I liked doing outside of the law. To me, this showed the culture at G+T is one that fosters an environment that is welcoming, even from a partner level. Having chosen G+T due to its genuine commitment to Social Justice, Corporate Social Responsibility and its market leading Innovation Practice, I was excited to throw myself into the group Pro Bono and Innovation Projects that the clerks were assigned. My team’s Pro Bono project focused on Indigenous Children and their separation from families, in instances where the Children’s Court or Department of Communities and Justice concluded it best to do so. We were tasked with writing a submission and presentation in relation to our findings and whether there are avenues to challenge these decisions. Our Innovation Project focused on Legal Professional Privilege for the Competition + Regulation team. We worked with Checkbox.ai, a company that has developed their own inhouse software application that empowers people to build their own automated solutions. It was wonderful working on the app with my team, receiving invaluable feedback from the G+T Innovation teams and lawyers, to ensure the end outcome was feasible, viable and actually user-friendly for the target users. Various training sessions were hosted by lawyers and partners. For instance, we heard from partners on how a matter evolves within its life cycle, ethics in the legal profession, how to stand out from the crowd and stay true to yourself, among others. The HR team organised sessions focusing on team-bonding, personal branding and how to present with impact, among others. All of these made the clerkship a holistic experience, one which not only improved my hard skills but also significantly improved my inter-personal skills and confidence. Finally, the clerkship is not just about the law. The clerks were from all walks of life, with their own experiences and backgrounds. By the end of the first few weeks, we had gotten to know one another really well, and there was a sense of community. I built friendships that I know will last and can confidently say the cohort itself was one of the best parts of the clerkship. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the social side of things, we still organised our own social events such as a Karaoke night, drinks after work and house parties. I will definitely look back at my time as a clerk and reflect on it as an incredibly positive experience which fostered my personal and professional growth, I would recommend the clerkship program at G+T to anyone thinking of applying! RAVI DUTTA, 2020 SUMMER CLERK

gtlaw.com.au/careers 062

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

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

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

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

HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM

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

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

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

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

JOINING US

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

KEY DATES/DEADLINES SYDNEY Positions

30 - 35

Clerkship programs

1 Summer

Applications for all 2021/22 programs open

Tuesday 8 June 2021

Applications for all 2021/22 programs close

Wednesday 14 July 2021

Offers made

Thursday 16 September 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM

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

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

Your career. Your choice.

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

Johnson Winter & Slattery was started by three lawyers who wanted to do things differently. We’ve grown rapidly to become one of Australia’s leading independent firms and now have offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

• Competition/antitrust

Working with us will give you all the benefits that come with working for a leading law firm and much more. We will put you at the forefront of the corporate world, working with our clients on their most complex and business critical legal work – it’s what we do best.

• Intellectural property and IT

• Dispute resolution • Funds management • Projects and construction • Corporate • Employment

• Regulatory • Corporate governance • Energy and resources • Media • Restructuring and insolvency • Debt finance

It’s our people that really sets us apart. We pride ourselves on being down to earth, approachable and, 0quite 6 6 simply, a great place to work.

• Foreign investment • Private equity • Tax

ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER Our flexible team structure means you will not be held back. Our lawyers take on the work that reflects their ability, not their job title. You’ll also benefit from your own structured and bespoke professional development program. There are no barriers to your success with us.

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

HOW DO I APPLY?

GO YOUR OWN WAY Our business model is different to other firms. We want our lawyers to focus on the quality of their legal work and client experience. That means you won’t be under pressure to meet billing targets. You will compete with your adversaries, not your peers.

IT’S A VIBE THING What truly sets us apart is our people. We pride ourselves on being down to earth, approachable, but always high performing. Our ethos is: “we’re in it together” and it’s what we live by.

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

LET’S CHAT Renee Patu, Professional Development Advisor on email renee.patu@jws.com.au or phone 02 8247 9653. To learn more about our programs, visit our website: www.jws.com.au/careers

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

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

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DISCOVER. DEVELOP. THRIVE. THE K&L GATES EXPERIENCE. K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents. In Australia we have four offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. FULLY INTEGRATED

OUR PRESENCE

INNOVATION

We are a fully integrated network of lawyers and legal professionals who believe that clients need more than technical legal skills; they need insightful and practical advice on the diverse issues that affect their businesses, delivered with unparalleled client service. Our combination of practice strength, global platform, and unsurpassed client service is a true differentiator in the legal services marketplace.

With a strong presence in key capital cities and world commercial and financial centres, we represent a broad array of ASX, Global 500, Fortune 100, and FTSE 100 corporations in nearly every major industry, including energy, financial services, health care, infrastructure, life sciences, manufacturing, sustainable development, technology, telecommunications and transportation amongst others.

We define innovation as change that adds value, making innovation everyone’s business.

A BROAD RANGE OF PRACTICE AREAS

FORMAL TRAINING PROGRAM

COLLABORATIVE CULTURE

In conjunction with on-the-job experience, we provide formal training. On day one, you will receive an in-depth induction to the firm as well as training on relevant IT systems, followed by sessions over the course of the clerkship and graduate programs. These sessions have been designed to develop your legal knowledge and business skills, as well as to give you a broader insight into the various areas of law in which we practise.

We truly believe that working together is better. Your supervisor and buddy will help you settle into the office and you will work closely with the partners, special counsel, senior associates and lawyers in your team. You will be provided with opportunities to build strong relationships, both within your team and the wider firm network. We provide and encourage a collaborative environment in which you can grow and develop.

We have nine core practice areas across Australia. As part of your clerkship you will complete rotations within at least one of these. In your graduate year, you will experience multiple areas across three rotations.

No matter the innovation, a humancentred approach focuses our efforts on our clients and our people. We produce tailored solutions that consider the outcomes that meet human needs. Our Australian Innovation Committee cultivates our innovative culture.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE You will be embedded into the practice areas and be involved in real legal work right from the start, giving you an in-depth experience and providing a real insight into life as a corporate lawyer at K&L Gates.

K&L Gates is about more than practising 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 are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working 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.

APPLICATIONS

Learn what makes our global law firm different:

Contact details

Check out our Facebook page: /klgatesgraduaterecruitingau Check out our brand video on YouTube: /klgateslaw Or visit our Careers page at www.klgates.com for application details.

We accept graduate and clerkship applications in line with law society guidelines in the relevant state. Please check our website for application dates by office location. Tania Brierley Recruitment Consultant P +61 3 9640 4214 W www.klgates.com

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CHAPTER 04

professional insight

DIARY ENTRY + MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS

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diary entry B U S Y D AY

8:45am — 9:00am VE

RIFIED

SIGH

Every day I arrive at the office at 8:45, 15 minutes earlier than the official start time. Before work, I grab some breakfast from the office’s internal cafe or some free fruit and then head to my own workspace/desk to prepare for my work for the day.

9:00 am — 9:30 am

I check for any unread emails and see whether any of my supervisors have left me work that requires my attention. I would then use a chart to prioritise my work by importance and urgency.

9:30 am — 10:00 am

Around this time, lawyers in my team brief me on and provide context about future work and events. This helps me to see where my work will fit in the broader scheme of the tasks.

10:00 am — 11:00 am

When I am nearly finished with my briefing, I normally have a general clerk training session. One of the sessions was run by a Partner. It was about how a typical legal matter evolves. On other days where I wouldn’t have a clerk training session, a more siloed training session is prepared by a Knowledge Lawyer.

11:00 am — 1:00 pm

As soon as my training finishes, I continue working on billable work. This work mostly consisted of legal research, drafting documents, putting together a brief for counsel, attending court for litigious matters or more ad hoc tasks for the team.

1:00 pm — 2:00 pm

By this time, I am grouping with the other clerks to get lunch. On sunny days, we would go to the Barangaroo Wharf to discuss work while eating our lunch.

2:00 pm — 4:00 pm

After settling down from lunch, I resume my billable work. During this time, I would normally have check-ins with my buddies, mentor and/or supervising partner to see how I was tracking. They would give me important critical feedback on my performance and advice on important work during the check-ins.

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diary entry B U S Y D AY

4:00 pm — 5:30 pm

If I have no more work, I would usually work on my group innovation project which focused on legal professional privilege for the Competition and Regulation team. However, if there was any other work I might finish it.

5:30 — 7:00 pm

Once in a while, we would do sporting activities with the other clerks.

7:00 pm — 9:00 pm

After a short spotting period, I would go together with my cohort for a social outing.

Q U I E T E R D AY

8:45am — 9:00am

Every day I arrive at 8:45 at the office, 15 minutes earlier than the official start time. As I wait for my work hours to start, I grab some breakfast from the office’s internal cafe or some free fruit and then head to my own workspace/desk to prepare for my work for the day.

9:00 am — 9:30 am

I log on to my computer to check for any unread emails for the day and see whether any of my colleagues have assigned me any work. I would then use a chart to prioritise my work to finish it effectively. However, if there isn’t much billable work, I would usually take the initiative to get coffee with a lawyer and learn more about the team and the firm from them first hand.

9:30 am — 11:00am

I have a group meeting with the Pro Bono team for our group project. The meeting is centred on the topics of Indigenous Children and their separation from their families. The main aim of these meetings is to challenge these decisions.

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Q U I E T E R D AY

11:00 am — 1:00pm

Myself and the other clerks would attend an HR social event once in a while. In one of the events, we went to Cork & Chroma in Surry Hills.

1:00 pm — 2:00pm

Again, by this time I would have lunch with the clerk cohort.

2:00 pm — 3:30pm

As I finished my lunch with my clerk cohort, we began to walk to a meeting room for our Clerk Innovation Project and discuss our progress with a technology project.

3:30 pm — 5:00 pm

By this time, I would have time to continue to do my remaining billable work and have check-ins with my buddies, mentor and/or supervising partner to see how I was tracking. However, if I have extra time or not have any other work, I would spend more time with my supervisor to discuss more about my personal progress and spend time understanding the internals of the firm.

5:00 pm — 6:00 pm

As it is closing into the end of work hours, it would get quiet so normally I would get briefed on the leading matters the team was working on, and given work to do the next day. Before I leave for home, I would double-check that my billable time entries were up-to-date.

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CHAPTER 03

myths & misconceptions MYTH:

Law firms won’t hire me because… I don’t have a High Distinction average. Law firms look at an individual’s application holistically. Many factors are taken into consideration including work experience, extra-curricular activities, education and much more. University grades are just one factor, and you may be surprised to learn that most firms don’t have a grade ‘cut-off’. A high GPA is not a prerequisite. Firms are more interested in finding out about you as a student. What are your hobbies? What are your interests other than law? Grades are only one dimension. YO

UʼVE

THI

MYTH: G

Although firms are interested in recruiting individuals who have demonstrated initiative, shown excellence, exhibit flexibility and are committed to what they do, mooting is not essential. Law firms are aware that you can’t do everything, nor do they expect you to. Of course, involvement in extracurricular activities is valued, but competing in and winning mooting competitions is not essential. MYTH:

Law firms won’t offer me a clerkship because… my only work experience is in retail or hospitality. Many clerks have never stepped foot in a corporate environment before. So, it doesn’t matter whether you’ve had legal experience or only have experience waitressing, working in fast food, or stacking shelves at a supermarket. There are valuable skills to be gained from working in retail and hospitality, and these skills can be relevant to life in a law firm. Firms are interested to learn about you and what skills you have developed from your past experiences. Don’t think your experience in retail or hospitality isn’t valued! MYTH:

Law firms won’t offer me a clerkship because… I didn’t do well in my first year at university. It’s no secret that studying law is challenging. Law firms value students who can overcome adversity. So, as long as you’ve acknowledged that your grades weren’t strong in your first year, and put in more of an effort to progressively make them better, law firms will recognise that you’re committed to improvement.

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Law firms won’t hire me because… I have never won a moot.

MYTH:

Law firms won’t offer me a clerkship because… I’m in my final year. Some students miss out on applying for a clerkship in their penultimate year due to going on exchange or for other personal circumstances. Don’t be discouraged! Many firms will accept clerkship applications from students who are final year law students. That being said, it may be a good idea to address in your application form why you were unable to apply for or complete a clerkship in your penultimate year. MYTH:

Law firms don’t want to hear about… my passions and interests. They only care about my grades. Myth! Myth! Myth! One of the biggest misconceptions is that law firms only care about a student’s grades. Law firms want to get to know you as a person and are very interested in your passions outside of law. Law firms recognise the importance of balance and encourage students to engage in unique and interesting activities outside of work. MYTH:

I’m at a disadvantage because… I’ve never been a part of the Law Students’ Society. As mentioned earlier, students who have a diverse range of extra-curricular activities are valued, however, participation in the Law Students’ Society is not essential. That being said, there is much benefit in getting involved in the Law Students’ Society if you haven’t already!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LILY VELEZ

SUMMER CLERK KING & WOOD MALLESONS SUMMER CLERK INTAKE: 2020/21 AREAS OF ROTATION: Projects & Real Estate (Real Estate) and Mergers & Acquisitions (International Funds) UNIVERSITY: University of Technology Sydney DEGREE: Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Communications (Creative Writing) THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS: Applying in COVID, I appreciated KWM’s application process for how straightforward it was. I didn’t need to answer curly questions or choose a fruit that resembled my personality. I didn’t need to answer flying mental maths questions or establish whether I was a risktaker, popping virtual bubbles. I simply needed to share my experiences and interests, both legal and beyond. The interviews were conversational and surprisingly enjoyable. Forget ten behaviourals in a row. My housemates in the next room were confused as to why they heard laughter! THE WORK: Across both my rotations, I worked on a variety of matters, attended settlement, conducted research tasks, and drafted letters. I was able to learn while also feeling like I was adding value from my first day.

I also learnt so much from merely sitting in on meetings. Listening to what was important for each side in a real estate deal helped clarify why specific clauses in the 1000 page contract were phrased in particular ways. This ‘all-access’ view to the work, meetings and conversations of senior lawyers and partners makes a KWM clerkship special. THE CULTURE: I had a sense of KWM’s culture from my first interview. KWM has a warm, supportive environment. Strangers chat with you in the café line, and everyone is happy to answer questions about their work and experiences. It was the collaborative work between teams, whether on a large deal or a quick call for particular expertise, which solidified that this was the firm for me. THE SUPPORT: KWM provides many touchstones to assist you throughout the clerkship. In each rotation, you are paired with a buddy (a junior lawyer), a development coach (senior lawyer), and a partner to ask questions and learn. These connections not only allow you to develop an understanding of the different types of work lawyers do in the firm but also ensure there is always someone you can go to. PRO BONO AND COMMUNITY: KWM offers many opportunities to get involved in pro bono work during the clerkship. Even on my last day, I was able to sit in on a telephone meeting between a graduate lawyer, a translator, and a client seeking legal advice through the Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS). I like that KWM’s approach to pro bono work is thoughtful and targeted. Pro bono and community work is not a secondary task for a lawyer at KWM; it is integrated into the culture.

THE SOCIAL LIFE: Our cohort was not the sportiest bunch, but our Monday evening clerk sport events were so much fun. Whether we were failing at touch or netball, we cheered each other on and enjoyed post-match picnics. Our first win on the last week was such a joyous moment that we were the loudest team on the park (despite the championship happening on another field). I feel like I’ve now got a team of people rooting for me for life. WHY I CHOSE KING & WOOD MALLESONS: KWM’s application process was organic. Lawyers are much more involved in reading applications than at other firms. With a lot of the firm involved in the process, there is a level of warmth and investment from everyone that really translates. I felt I was able to share who I was and that this would be welcomed. KWM kept connected before and after interviews where other firms didn’t. I knew I’d love working at KWM. MY CLERKSHIP VS. MY EXPECTATIONS: I entered the clerkship with clear ideas about what areas of law I enjoyed. I left so much more open to other ideas and wanting to try practice groups I’d never considered. I was mainly so surprised with how generous senior lawyers and partners were with their time. Everyone remembers what it was like to be a clerk and are eager to answer questions, train, and give advice. WHO WOULD I RECOMMEND A KWM CLERKSHIP TO: Curious people who love learning and challenging themselves. Working in a law firm is so different from studying. At KWM, you can explore a variety of work – whether you love the idea of litigation, transactional, or advisory work. You may surprise yourself!

Your career begins on

Day One

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

Scan this QR code to find out what it’s like to work at Maddocks. 079

Where you are supported to think differently, grow and develop your career. Real responsibilities. Real relationships. Sooner.

At McCullough Robertson, our Clerkship Program offers law students in their penultimate year a summer program from November to February each year. McCullough Robertson is an independent Australian law firm with more than 400 staff spread across five offices. Operating for over 93 years, we have a range of legal services on offer for clients comprising major Australian and foreign owned corporations, financial institutions, governments and high net worth individuals. We offer ‘Real responsibilities. Real relationships. Sooner.’ and are looking for law students who value a growth pathway – starting with our Clerkship Program and moving towards securing a place in our Graduate Program.

Clerkship applications open on Tuesday 8 June 2021 and close on Wednesday 14 July 2021.

We are renowned for challenging our clerks and graduates early in their career to pursue both personal and professional development opportunities.

Our Clerkship Program - what’s in it for you?

To apply, please visit our website: mccullough.com.au/join-mcr/ For any inquiries, please contact:

Induction – our Clerkship Program offers you support through a sophisticated learning and development framework, complementing hands on work experience gained. Our blended learning approach provides access to our Success Academy as well as dedicated subject matter experts to better understand the law and our clients.

Nicole Watson HR Consultant nwatson@mccullough.com.au

Rotations – you are offered an opportunity to rotate across several practice groups, strengthening your practical understanding and broadening your experience of the law. Across these rotations you will learn from the best, working closely with our partners on complex and high profile matters.

Danielle Miller HR Coordinator dmiller@mccullough.com.au

Diversity and Inclusion – through our dedicated Diversity and Inclusion Committee, we provide an inclusive working environment allowing our people to bring their whole selves to work. Embedding our four diversity pillars; Gender, Family and Flexibility, Cultural Diversity and LGBTI in everything we do. Community – our people have the opportunity to give back and facilitate positive social change through pro bono volunteer work, sponsorship, funding and donations. We have a long history of partnering with the community to provide them with our talent, our time and our resources to make a difference by creating lasting change. Future career opportunities – students completing our Clerkship Program will be considered for ongoing casual opportunities and of course our 18 month Graduate Program. Our Graduates are fully supported as they undertake PLT and throughout the admission process.

“

Start your legal career with us. What made you accept an offer with McCullough Robertson?

What are your top tips for the Summer Clerkship recruitment process and during the program?

Personally, the firm stood out to me for a number of reasons. I found that during the interview process, everyone I spoke to was very experienced, down to earth and approachable. This was particularly important for me because I wanted to work at a firm where I could develop my skills and learn in a supportive environment – fortunately that is exactly what I have found at McCullough Robertson. I was also drawn to the firm due to the emphasis on workplace equality – as a young female with strong ambitions in law, this is particularly important to me.

My top tip is to gain an understanding of the firms you are applying to by networking with individuals who work there and to prioritise your time wisely (the applications and interview process can be quite time consuming). Regarding success during the clerkship, I think it is really important to be open and to be yourself. The clerkship process will expose you to incredibly smart and experienced people so get involved and make the most of it!

I was most surprised by the amount of support I was given throughout the Clerkship Program. In all of my rotations, I found that the lawyers (and partners) were willing to set aside time to understand my interests, provide me with work based on this and also to give me general advice/tips for my personal career trajectory. In turn, this has provided me with a better understanding of the areas of law I would like to practice in, which I am very grateful for!

BRISBANE | CANBERRA | SYDNEY | NEWCASTLE | MELBOURNE

Tara Taylor

Summer Clerk, Sydney (2020/2021)

”

www.mccullough.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

graduates.minterellison.com

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

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

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

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graduates.minterellison.com

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

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Reach your potential

Join a major Australian law firm. Starting your legal career at Thomson Geer will not only offer you real, hands-on experience across a wide variety of commercial disciplines and industry sectors, it will also instil in you an ethical code to serve you throughout your working life. We’re ready for you

Are you ready for us?

With over 560 people, including 126 partners across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, we’re one of Australia’s 10 largest law firms and its 5th largest independent one.

We’re looking for hard-working and motivated law students who have excelled academically, are customer focused, commercially minded, work well in a team environment and are ready to commence their career with a major law firm.

Our industry coverage and client work is diverse and we are regularly engaged on challenging, complex, commercial work.

We are especially keen to talk to students who have, or are working towards a second degree in technical fields, such as commerce, engineering and science.

We offer a flexible, friendly and professionally stimulating environment that puts both our trusting client relationships and our staff’s wellbeing and development at the forefront.

Who are we looking for?

From day one, you’ll be an active participant in the team, involved in all aspects of legal practice, and working directly with experienced practitioners.

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All of our clerks are viewed as potential graduates, and all of our graduates as potential leaders. We therefore look for the same qualities in our clerks and graduates that our lawyers need to possess. Our lawyers are genuinely interested in our clients and their businesses. They need a critical and curious mind and are passionate about developing solutions in their commercial context.

“ I felt included and part

of the team from day one which made me comfortable being myself, and made it a pleasure to come to work.

Our Clerkship Program Our structured eight week program helps clerks to learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching and observation.

”

During your clerkship with us, you will: •

Participate in a structured program.

•

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. Participate in a formal performance review process with your supervising partner and mentor to reflect on your development and capture feedback from your colleagues.

How can I make my clerkship application standout? Our clerks are curious, hungry to learn and committed to constant innovation and improvement. When we receive a clerkship application, these are the things that make you stand out from the crowd: •

A genuine interest in the areas of law in which we practice.

•

Demonstrating an understanding of, and interest in, the commercial environment, as this helps our clerks contribute to the success of our clients.

•

Demonstrating a dedication to pursuits outside of your university studies. Whether it be in work or community interests, or being able to show that you constantly seek opportunities to contribute more than is expected – in both your personal and professional pursuits. We hold in high regard a commitment to continuous self-improvement.

•

We look for a strong work ethic in our clerks, so we look for an application that is able to demonstrate that.

Our Clerkship application process Our recruitment process is efficient, informative and streamlined, acknowledging the often stressful nature of this period. The first stage of our process involves your application being submitted through our website using cvMail. You will be required to respond to questions regarding your experience, interests and academic achievements, and will also need to submit a copy of your current CV and most recent academic transcript. The first round of our interview process is a video interview. This provides you with an opportunity to perform at your best, by providing you with time to consider the questions, conduct some limited research and then present your responses. Those selected to progress beyond this stage will have an opportunity to engage directly with our Partners on their current and recent work and learn more about the firm.

And importantly, be yourself. A diverse range of people is important to our success and we love to see your personality in your application.

How to apply Applications open 8 June 2021, via cvMail or our website. For further information please contact: hr@tglaw.com.au

tglaw.com.au Thomson Geer @ThomsonGeer

Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth | Adelaide

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THANK YOU TO OUR

clerkship sponsors

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