Clerkship Guide 2023

GUIDE lerkship 2023 c UTSLSS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AUTHORS &

Alyssya Warty-Hasan

Akhila Jaimes, Clairessa Ng, Joshua Harrison, Mohammad Amir, Mollie Galvin, Nipun Kaur, Olga Makin, Samiksha Vaidya, and Menath Nimnaka Jayawardana

Cassandra Economides

Georgina Hedge

Miranda Clinton

Georgia Neaverson

Professor Anita Stuhmcke

Erika Serrano, Georgia Zocco, and Kurt Cheng

The UTS LSS acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation upon whose ancestral lands our university now stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these places.

Welcome Addresses

Welcome to the 2023 UTS Law Student Society Clerkship Guide. As with previous years, this 2023 Guide is informative and comprehensive. It o ers insights and practical advice to assist you in the upcoming clerkship season.

Clerkships provide an opportunity to work across various practice areas, often in commercial law in private law rms. They o er an opportunity to experience legal work.

ANITA STUHMCKE

Dean of Law

The clerkship application process is in itself valuable. It will assist you to think carefully and assess your individual skills and attributes. In this latter sense, a clerkship application is an opportunity to gain experience presenting information about yourself and your experience in a manner targeted at a speci c legal employment opportunity.

Most importantly, do not talk yourself out of it before you have even started to apply. You have to have a ‘hat in the ring’ to have a chance – remember if you do not apply then you de nitely will not be successful. Of course, we all recognise that clerkships are not for everyone. There are many alternative careers and possibilities with a law degree. I myself, as Dean of the Faculty of Law, am in one such career!

If you do choose to, I extend my best wishes for success. I am sure you will be proud ambassadors for the UTS Faculty of Law and will join many successful UTS Law alumni who have trod this path before you.

Thank you for the LSS in putting this guide together. It is an excellent source of information and advice and con rms what I know – which is how exciting it is for all of us to be part of such a collaborative and caring community of students and sta at the UTS Faculty of Law.

Professor

Welcome to the UTS LSS Clerkship Guide for 2023! The UTS LSS Clerkship Guide is prepared by our wonderful Careers (Publications) Director, Alyssya Warty-Hasan, and the Careers (Publications) Subcommittee, who have all worked extremely hard to provide you with all of the tools to succeed in applying for clerkships in 2023!

Whether you are a rst year student interested in learning more about what future career opportunities are available to you, or a penultimate student gearing up to apply for clerkships this year, this guide o ers a wealth of information directly from rms, and a diverse range of past UTS summer clerks. The guide contains interviews from our student cohort who have participated in summer clerkships, giving you the inside

GEORGINA HEDGE

President

scoop on how to thrive in all aspects of the clerkship. Alyssya and her team has also provided a holistic perspective on clerkships, focussing not only on the practical tips on how to gain a clerkship, but how to prioritise your mental and physical health while going through the application and interview process.

A clerkship provides students with an invaluable opportunity to kickstart a career in commercial law, and get a taste of what work in a big rm might look like. I would recommend to everyone who is interested in a career in law to put themselves out there, and take the jump in applying for clerkships. You never know what opportunities are around the corner!

I would also like to emphasise the utmost importance of looking after your mental health and wellbeing during the application process for clerkships. We have included a comprehensive wellbeing section within this guide to give you advice on how to look after yourselves during the clerkship process. Please remember to take advantage of the fantastic UTS support services available to students for their mental, physical and academic wellbeing.

Finally, I would like to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors for their support of this Clerkship Guide, as well as all of our other fantastic LSS events and initiatives. The support of our sponsors makes resources like these possible for our wonderful members.

I wish everyone the best of luck in applying for clerkships!

Welcome Addresses (continued)

I am delighted to welcome you all to the 2023 UTS LSS Clerkship Guide. I hope this Guide will assist you in preparations for your clerkship applications.

As you enter your penultimate year, there are many considerations to make, including deciding whether a clerkship is for you.

A clerkship provides invaluable experiences and practical legal skills that will enhance your time at university. Whether or not you have the slightest inkling about Commercial Law, keep reading! This Guide will help you further your understanding of what a clerkship is and what it entails.

Clerkships can be a competitive process, but we encourage you to put your best foot forward. A clerkship can open the doors to many opportunities and progress to a future in Commercial Law. If you decide to apply this clerkship season, I wish you the best of luck.

I would like to thank our Subcommittee (Menath, Mollie, Clairessa, Nipun, Samiksha, Olga, Joshua, Akhila and Mohammad) for their e orts in helping create this Guide for our readers. I would also like to thank the Law Faculty Dean, Professor Anita Stuhmcke, our President Georgina Hedge, and our Vice-President Miranda Clinton for their ever-guiding presence. Please also join me in thanking Erika Serrano, Priscilla Spalding, Kurt Cheng, and Georgia Zocco for their invaluable contributions.

Wishing you success, and happy reading.

Careers (Publications) Director

ALYSSYA WARTY-HASAN

Great change is here. Shape the future with Allens

With us, you’ll be more than a lawyer. Our people are technical experts, but they’re also trusted business advisers who think bigger, more broadly and more strategically. Together, we solve complex legal challenges, and collaborate across practice areas and disciplines to guide our clients.

We also work across borders, thanks to our alliance with Linklaters. This provides opportunities for our firm and our people, including annual rotations in Linklaters London, Hong Kong and Singapore being available to our graduate lawyers.

An early legal career at Allens includes highly tailored training. Developed in partnership with the University of New South Wales, our Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice will help you transition from law graduate to legal expert and trusted business adviser. With access to study leave and support from your team at Allens, you'll be on track for admission mid-year.

In a rapidly changing world, we seek opportunities to innovate by embracing creative thinking, new approaches and emerging technology. We don’t just seek opportunities to benefit ourselves and our clients; we believe strongly in driving positive change to do right by our community too, as demonstrated through our strong pro bono practices.

Our teams are open, inclusive and encouraging, giving you the opportunity to learn and grow while feeling supported. You’ll have the flexibility to drive your own career, and we’ll recognise your achievements and hard work as you progress through the firm. Are you ready to begin?

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

A clerkship at Allens is the first step in a rewarding legal career, and will give you invaluable insights into our work and culture. With support from a buddy and development supervisor, you’ll work on real matters for real clients and be involved in a variety of projects. The programs: run from three to 10 weeks; are available at our Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney offices; feature ongoing support, including a buddy system; and include exposure to one or two practice groups.

GRADUATE PROGRAM

In each rotation, you’ll gain a depth of experience that comes from seeing matters through to the end, and get exposure to stimulating legal challenges. At Allens, we don’t work in silos, meaning you won’t be limited to working with only one partner or by your practice areas. You’ll work alongside a range of partners and lawyers, giving you exposure to a wide variety of tasks. Working with different teams and leading organisations, you’ll grow a solid skills base and develop the agility needed to thrive in our ever-changing world. The programs include: two 12-month rotations in different practice areas; secondment opportunities in London or Asia, via our alliance with Linklaters, or with clients; ongoing supervision, coaching and mentoring; completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (via UNSW); and

a 12-month weekly legal seminar series (Cornerstone Program).

At Allens, we’re focused on equipping our people with the skills and experience they need to be the lawyers of the future. We’re ready to define tomorrow. Are you?

clerkship timeline overview

APPLICATIONS OPEN

Get started on preparing your application from this date (or even beforehand); it is a long process, so start early so you can make the best impression possible! Generally, you will be required to submit a CV, Cover Letter, and academic transcript to an online portal nominated by the rm.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

Now it is time to remain patient and not let the tension of receiving an o er get to you!

INTERVIEWS

There will generally be two rounds of interviews. If your application is enough to impress, you will be invited to attend the rst meeting with rm representatives. They will want a better understanding of your personality and practical skills.

If you are successful in the rst round of interviews, you will be invited for a second interview, which is normally far more informal. This may be a chat with a partner or a cocktail event. The purpose of this is to determine how you might ght into the rm's culture.

OFFERS ARE MADE

Firms will often send o ers in sync with each other. Congratulations if you are lucky enough to receive an o er. If not, remember that this is one small opportunity in your legal career. It is not the be-all and end-all of your career. The process of applying for clerkships and the skills that you developed along the way will be valuable for future endeavours.

ACCEPTANCE

If you have been fortunate enough to make it this far, it is time to choose whether you will accept or decline your o er. Make sure to assess your options and consider whether the rm you received an o er from matches your wants and needs - and remember to trust your instinct.

The Big Six

glossary

A term used to describe Australia's six largest law rms by revenue.

Front End

Transactional/non-contentious legal work. For example, negotiating amendments to a standard form construction contract.

Cultural Fit

Discrete Task

Tasks that have ‘a recognisable beginning and end.’ These are straightforward matters that may fall under the work given to a clerk.

The ability of a prospective employee to t within the environment and working culture of an organization. This takes into account a workplace's values, processes, policies, diversity, and overall environment. An integral aspect that rms and applicants alike consider when hiring/applying.

Rotation

The process of moving through practice areas while undertaking a clerkship. This helps determine what practice area a clerk might like to enter upon graduation.

Psychometric Testing

This is used throughout some rms’ application processes. This type of testing assesses an applicant's logical reasoning, problem-solving, numerical skills, and reading comprehension. Some may also include testing regarding emotional intelligence.

Back End

Contentious/disputes-focused legal work. For example, acting for a party in litigation proceedings.

• Dispute Resolution and Litigation

• Employment, Workplace and Safety

• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)

• Banking and Finance

• Competition and Consumer Law

• Intellectual Property (IP)

• Taxation

• Corporate and Commercial

• Technology, Media and Telecommunications

Create your story at Ashurst

As a global law rm with a rich history spanning 200 years, we’ve established ourselves as a leading adviser to corporates, nancial institutions and governments on all areas of the law, including nance, M&A, disputes and competition. We’re renowned for helping clients navigate a complex and constantly evolving global landscape. With 30 o ces across the world’s leading nancial and resource centres, we o er the reach and insight of a global network combined with deep local market knowledge.

Our people are our greatest asset. We invite you to explore the stories of our people, history and culture at all levels of the rm, both past and present and hope that in doing so, you will re ect on creating your own story of Ashurst. Scan the QR code to nd out more.

18 time zones

21 countries

32 o ces

4,131 people

1,737 lawyers

482 partners

About Ashurst

Our vision is to be the most progressive global law rm. For us, “progressive” is a mindset, an approach to how we do things. We instinctively take a fresh perspective on situations, exploring whether there are better ways of delivering practical, commercial solutions to the challenges our clients face in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.

We di erentiate ourselves through our values, working collaboratively, thinking di erently and being passionate about the quality of the work we deliver for our clients and internally.

As a global law rm, we’ve built a reputation for providing exceptional service standards and established ourselves as a leading adviser to local and international corporates, nancial institutions and governments on all areas of law, including nance, M&A, disputes and competition.

Our Global Social Impact Program focus areas include:

• Assisting communities experiencing marginalisation, disadvantage, nancial exclusion and hardship

• Supporting young people in their education and career journeys

• Working to eradicate all forms of modern slavery

• Working together with First Nations Peoples to achieve reconciliation in Australia.

Who can apply?

We actively involve a broad range of minds from a wide range of backgrounds, all united by a common set of strengths:

• A passion for developing a career in a global commercial law rm

• Outstanding communication skills

• Analytical ability, motivation, determination and drive

• Commercial awareness

• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills

You will be involved in case law research, drafting legal expertise updates, drafting advice to clients, note-taking during meetings, contract reviews, and the potential to attend court.

Pro Bono Legal Services

We recognise that lawyers have a moral obligation and a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those who would otherwise be without. That is why our stand-alone pro bono practice is an integral part of the rm, and we are passionate about supporting initiatives we believe will make a di erence. We work closely with community-based legal and charitable organisations to understand and identify clients who are most likely to bene t from our services.

Virtual Internships

In collaboration with Forage, we are also o ering a virtual internship program. This free interactive program provides real insight into life at Ashurst and what working in a commercial law rm may be like. Through the program, you will hear from Ashurst lawyers and partners who will task you with work similar to our graduates and junior law

Begin your story now at ashurst.com/students

We nurture a rm culture that is diverse, dynamic and friendly

during clerkship season wellbeing

Clerkship season can be a time of celebration or a time of change and uncertainty. It should also be a season where penultimate and nal-year students remember to celebrate everything they have accomplished. Students should take pride in their Law School experience which has shaped who they are and makes them unique and amazing people. Every moment and everything accomplished by an individual is something worth celebrating. No matter the outcome, UTS Law students need to remember they are hardworking, talented, and amazing future leaders.

PRISCILLA SPALDING Wellbeing Director

Being mindful is about taking in the moment and being present. If you are going through something overwhelming or just feel like you are not having the best day, it is important to take short breaks and focus on your breathing. Find a quiet place and take some time to yourself so you can better form positive thoughts.

Take a seat in a place you nd comfortable and peaceful. Relax, take some deep breaths, and allow yourself to be freed from the thoughts which may be causing you any grief. Focus your attention on your breathing and just allow your breaths to ow! Meditation is more about calming nerves and loosening up your airways as they tend to tighten when you are feeling particularly overwhelmed.

Practice mindfulness Meditate Exercise

If you engage in any form of exercise, you allow your mind and body to work together. This results in the release of natural happy hormones oxytocin and endorphins to be released. Causing you to feel a lot more energised and your mood improved. Sports can also be a social activity that encourages you to surround yourself with others and take your mind o of stress.

Talk to loved ones

Opening up about your feelings is not always easy. Expressing how you feel is one of the rst steps to healing and processing your emotions. Contact someone you trust such as a family member or friend and share how you feel. Most people in your life would be so happy to support you. Remember your self-worth and the value you add to those around you. Even when things feel harder than ever before you are not alone and someone cares. Speaking about how you feel and seeking advice is one of the rst steps to managing any type of emotion. It is also important you allow yourself to feel things because emotions are normal and make us human.

If you are feeling down, the LSS is a close network of fellow Law Students who can relate to the hard times which may lie ahead during such a daunting and stressful time. I am also available for those who want to reach out and have a chat or grab a coffee.

Here are some tips and advice you may want to consider in helping you with feelings of stess or anxiety...

Busting Myths & Misconceptions

“I’ll only get a clerkship if I have an HD average”

Your grades are only one indication of your ability to succeed. Firms are looking for a well-rounded individual that will t into their team culture. Being a university student comes with many stressors; the cost of living, learning how to juggle responsibilities, and illness can all a ect grade performance. As long as you are able to explain the context for those grades and the strategies you have in place to strive for improvement (if indeed they are on the lower side), you can reframe a negative experience into an opportunity for building resilience and overcoming adversity.

“I need to have experience in Mooting and Debating”

Whilst valuable activities to take part in, there is no single extra-curricular that is necessary for law students to be competitive clerkship applicants. You do not need to be a fully- edged debate champion or master orator, but you do need to be able to demonstrate how your interests have added value to your skill set. If you’re more interested in graphic design or music, you could talk about creative problem solving and how you have learned the importance of self-discipline when developing a new skill. If you can demonstrate your passion and how that would make you the perfect applicant, you should not feel hesitant to include it on your resume.

“If I don’t get a clerkship I can’t be a lawyer”

A law degree has so many applications outside of commercial practice. Whilst an incredibly valuable stepping stone in the professional life cycle, it is not the be-all and end-all if you are not successful in obtaining a clerkship during your degree. You may want to try volunteering in a community legal centre or use your legal skills in another sector such as policy analysis or consulting. You might prefer to gain paralegal experience in private practice, where there is a smaller team and more opportunities for direct feedback and mentorship. There are many pathways to being admitted as a lawyer – it’s what you make of your experiences along the way, and how you frame your experience through the lens of acquiring knowledge and skills that is the most important.

“The only good experience is legal experience”

We all start somewhere. It is highly unlikely that you will only have work experience in the legal eld, and rms are not expecting you to! All skills have transferable applications to other professions. Whether you worked in retail or hospitality, try and showcase how you have developed soft skills like communication and time management by framing how these may be applicable to the role, or stakeholder engagement.

That’s the beauty of a clerkship! You rotate around di erent areas of practice and get to try out di erent tasks under the guidance of senior lawyers, mentors, and buddies. While it’s admirable to have a solid grasp of what area you wish to practice in, don’t limit your scope too early and allow yourself the freedom to apply for things you may not think are 100% for you.

If you do not throw your hat in the ring, you will never know if you will be successful or not. The fear of rejection can be immobilising, but it is an inevitable facet of professional growth. Even if you are not successful in securing a clerkship in your rst round of applications, there are ways to improve your chances the next time round. Failure is not only subjective, but an opportunity to reassess the evidence at hand and look for ways to actively seek improvement in areas needing development. You can ask for speci c feedback from the Hiring department, you can do more interview prepping with friends; you can use the UTS online resume checking service, or volunteer to gain more practical experience. If you are facing personal di culty which is causing academic stress, there are community resources available such as bulk billed GP access, mental health services, and food banks to help ease the mental load of the cost of living.

Applying for a clerkship when you are unwell or stressed will often translate to how you are able to prepare. If you do not feel good enough to be a competitive applicant, ask yourself why? Where are your insecurities, are there ways to overcome them through practice or community aid? Try to feel empowered by your desire for success and channel that into direct action.

“You need to know what area of law you want to practice in”

“I don’t feel good enough to be a competitive applicant”

Common Mistakes

How can I best posture myself for success?

Underselling yourself or negatively framing experience

“Falling down is not a failure. Failure comes when you stay where you have fallen.” - Socrates

Insecurities and self-doubt are common pitfalls of prospective law clerks when applying for positions. Sometimes we don’t understand that in our attempts to remain humble, we may come across as insecure or not convincing to the interviewer when trying to explain our experience. Interview preparation is essential if you tend to do this. Exercises to improve reframing your answers include:

• By yourself: Read through your resume and be able to list at least three tasks from each role, and both a positive and negative experience from each. Write next to these experiences the Situation, Task, Action and Result. Are your answers framed from a growth perspective? Do you now do things di erently? Have you learned something from this experience? How do you apply the lesson learned?

• With a friend: hand them some ashcards with common interview questions (which can be found elsewhere in this article). Practice verbalising, with positive and open body language, how you identi ed a problem and your method and rationale for overcoming that issue. The STAR method is a helpful framework. Use these questions to demonstrate a growth mindset regarding problem-solving, which is a highly valuable skill in any professional setting.

Situation:

Result:

PRACTICE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

Tell us about a time when you had

Not warning your referees

A surprisingly common yet easily avoidable mistake. Ensure that your referees ful ll the requirements stipulated by each rm. You will usually require either a recent direct manager or supervisor, along with another professional recommendation and perhaps a third personal or academic reference. These individuals will ideally need a copy of the role and responsibilities to understand the context of what you are applying for, including the date you applied for the role and when they may expect a phone call. During your application process, you may or may not be asked to provide the name and contact details of your referees. Unless stated, it is a frequent practice to write “available upon request” in the contact detail section for respect of privacy.

Your network of referees are people who have worked directly with you and seen how you have grown through overcoming challenges professionally. Hopefully, they are also people you admire and like. Building your personal network is a rewarding exercise in cultivating personal growth through seeking a rmation of your skills and practicing humility by asking for assistance.

Not doing your homework on firms and their areas of practice

Not all rms have the same areas of practice available. Check each rm’s website and thoroughly research the types of work they do and what eld of law. If you have a particular area of law you wish to gain experience in, yet the rm reading your Cover Letter does not handle those sorts of matters, your application will likely not be very successful. A simple 5 minute search can save a lot of time!

Using the incorrect file format for your CV or cover letter

Practice your attention to detail by uploading the correct le format of your paperwork, commonly Word or PDF. Not doing so can cause format readability issues for the Hiring Manager, who will not look favourably on an applicant who cannot adhere to simple formatting requests.

Silly spelling or grammar mistakes

Once again, an opportunity to practise a paramount skill in professional elds, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Using the correct “practice” vs “practise”. Editing overly long sentences. Utilising grammar checkpoint software such as Grammarly in Microsoft Word. In the legal eld, a large focus of responsibility will be on accurate writing. Actively demonstrate your aptitude from the beginning with a concise and well-edited Cover Letter and Resume.

Forgetting about LinkedIn

Many Hiring Managers will do a simple search of your name online when sorting through applications. Ensuring you have a grasp on your public digital identity will convey professional self-awareness, and prevent any embarrassing photos or posts from hindering your chance of success. LinkedIn is a common platform for professional social media networking and o ers an easily accessible digital resume when applying for jobs. At many professional events, business cards are no longer swapped; networking and job

vetting take place immediately via phone apps. Having your LinkedIn up to date and re ecting accurate information will ensure you are ready to put your best foot forward at any opportunity available.

BORN GLOBAL

Baker McKenzie invented the global law firm - so we are different in the way we think, work and behave. Like no other law firm, we were 'born global'. We have followed clients into new markets, establishing offices driven by local lawyers and talent. And our growth has been organic, giving us a strong, common culture that runs through our Firm.

Our unique culture, developed over 70 years, enables our 13,000 people to understand local markets and navigate multiple jurisdictions, working together as trusted colleagues and friends to instil confidence in our clients. We also understand the challenges of the global economy because we have been a global law firm from the start.

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 74 offices with more than 80 Partners and 220 lawyers across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. In Australia, we act for leading multinational and domestic companies on market-leading local and global transactions.

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, our clerkship program takes place from late November to mid February. Clerks who accept a graduate role with Baker McKenzie may be 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 partner and have 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. Our dedicated Leadership & Learning team facilitates sessions in five key areas for our graduateslegal learning, managing your career, the business of law, business development & client service, and people & self-leadership.

We work hard to facilitate on-the-job learning and the many ways it happens too - through informal mentoring relationships, client secondments, involving graduates in global teams working on international deals and in providing them with the opportunity to manage their own files as part of our 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 and position in the market. We look for well-rounded, motivated individuals who have a performance mindset and strive to be the best in whatever they do; who are intellectually curious and have sound academics; who display business acumen and are practical in their approach; and who have a global mindset and are passionately committed to service excellence. We look for people who enjoy a challenge and seek new opportunities; who constantly look for ways to achieve better results while learning and growing; and who take proactive ownership and responsibility for their careers. And we look for people who act with integrity, honesty and candor in their dealings, decisions and actions; who express themselves confidently while staying open to new ideas; who seek a friendly, inclusive and diverse culture; and who take seriously our role in makinga difference to our local and global communities.

Thrive in a culture of inclusion

Quality and excellence together with integrity, honesty, candor, teamwork and responsiveness are some of Baker McKenzie's key values - and are central in us delivering outstanding service to our clients. The values that make us a unique and great place to work are deeply embedded - you will notice our difference in all of your interactions with us, in Australia and globally:

We are passionately global, and leverage our global expertise for our Australian and global clients atevery opportunity, recognising our strength is in our diversity.

We are a truly multicultural firm united by a genuine and robust culture of friendship, inclusion and collaboration.

Resolution, Litigation and Insolvency

We are commercial pragmatists who make complex issues simple for our clients and we are passionately committed to service excellence.

We strive to stay ahead of the curve, bring entrepreneurial energy to our work, embrace innovative change - and our curiousity continues to push new boundaries and challenge existing norms. We actively encourage and support engaging with our community, through our pro bono and community service programs.

We want everyone at Baker McKenzie to reach their potential so we invest in global and local development and mobility programs for our people

Our award-winning diversity strategy, initiatives and programs are focused in five areas:

BakerWomen – gender equality and supporting the progression of women

BakerDNA – ethnic, indigenous and cultural diversity

BakerWellbeing – commitment to mental health and wellbeing, workplace flexibility and supporting parents/carers

BakerPride – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex diversity

BakerIndigenousEngagement – commitment to engagement with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and to making a real difference in the lives of our nation's First Peoples.

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 5 June 2023 and close at 11.59pm on 2 July 2023.

Apolonia Mendel - Talent Management

Consultant

+61 2 8922 5201

TalentManagement.Australia@bakermckenzie.com

APPLICATION TIPS

for a cover letter

Picture this: You are applying for a job, whether it be on LinkedIn, Seek, Indeed or the company website. Everything is going perfectly ne. You have added your name and contact details. You insert your resume. You are ready to submit your application, and then you see that dreaded instruction: 'Insert your cover letter'. *closes tab*.

Sound familiar? For some reason, writing a cover letter has always seemed daunting. You know how to write a semi-decent resume, but writing a cover letter seems like an entirely di erent ballpark.

As you prepare to apply for legal internships or jobs in law rms, it is essential to understand that a well-written cover letter can make a signi cant di erence in landing an interview. Writing one shows the recruiter you are a serious applicant because you went the extra mile.

A cover letter is like a sales pitch; you are trying to sell your suitability for the job you are applying for.

Next page to learn about red vs green flags

RED FLAGS

So, what are the red flags you should avoid?

BEING TOO GENERIC

Reusing the same cover letter for every role you apply for is obvious and distasteful to hiring managers. Avoid using a one-size- ts-all approach to your cover letter. While it is helpful to have a sca old, tailor it to the job description and the rm you are applying to.

FOCUSING TOO MUCH ON YOURSELF

While it is essential to highlight your skills and accomplishments, make sure to explain how they will bene t the rm you are applying to.

NOT STRIKING THE RIGHT TONE

While maintaining a professional tone is important, overly formal language can make you sound sti and impersonal. However, that does not mean you should start your cover letter with 'Hi [Hiring manager's name],'. Always address it with 'Dear [Hiring manager's name],'. If you need help nding their name, research using the rm's website or LinkedIn. At the very least, stick to 'Dear Hiring Manager', 'Dear Admin', or even 'Dear Recruiter' when in doubt.

NEGLECTING TO PROOFREAD

Nothing will show a potential employer that you are not a serious applicant than a cover letter lled with spelling and grammatical errors. Have your friend or mentor proofread your cover letter. Otherwise, run your work through Grammarly, adjust the tones, and work through its suggestions. Not noticing little things like this shows the potential employer that you must be more detail-oriented and diligent.

FAILING TO FOLLOW ONE-PAGE LIMIT

Your cover letter should only be one page. Recruiters receive a high volume of cover letters. Getting your point across e ectively yet concisely is a valuable skill to re ne.

GREEN FLAGS

Here are the green flags to look out for!

PERSONALISED TO THE FIRM

The cover letter is not a regurgitation of generic information used to mass apply for jobs. Instead, you make the letter personalised. It includes details about the rm and why you want to work for that particular rm. To do this, begin your cover letter by addressing the speci c person who will be reading it. You can generally nd this information on the company's website or LinkedIn page. Talk about how you internalise the company's values as well. Doing so will show that you have done your research, are genuinely interested in the company, and will be a great t.

SHOW, NOT TELL

The body of your cover letter shows how through your experience, you gained the speci c skills the company is looking for. You do not list your skills like a shopping list. Instead, by providing examples, you show the prospective employer that you have gained and developed the skills they seek. You can use work experience, internships, volunteer work, or even coursework as evidence.

BE CLEAR AND CONCISE

You refrain from using generic language and u ng your way through. You write clearly and concisely about your skills and accomplishments. Be transparent and do not falsify experience.

SHOW YOUR ENTHUSIASM

The letter demonstrates your passion for the legal profession and the rm you are applying to. To do this, display your eagerness to learn from industry professionals. Doing so will show the hiring manager that you are genuinely interested in the position.

LINK IT TO YOUR CV

In your cover letter, based on the job description and responsibilities, give the recruiter a summary of what you bring to the role and the rm. Doing so will draw them in and make them want to read through your CV afterwards.

FORMAT

Send or upload your cover letters as a PDF instead of a Word document. When you upload a pdf le, it minimises the chances of changing the format you created and thus makes it look professional.

BAD COVER LETTER BAD COVER LETTER

Harold Gunderson 4 Zane Street, Ultimo NSW 2007

Hi HR,

I want to apply for a paralegal position at your prestiegious law firm. I am a law student at UTS and I believe my strong academic background and passion for the legal profession make me ideal candidate for this job because throughout my academic carer, i have excellent grades and consistenyl demonstrated my strong work ethic. I am particulilary interested in the firms practice areas of commercial litigiation and intellectual properly law and i believe that my coursework and previous internship experience gave me a solid foundation in these areas.

In addition to my academic accomplishments, I have also gained valuable practical experience through my previous internship at ABC Law Firm. During my time there, I was responsible for conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with trial preparation. I believe that this experience has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a legal intern at your firm.

I am confident that I have the qualities you are looking for in a candidate, including strong analytical and communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. I am eager to contribute to your team and learn from the experienced solicitors at your firm.

Thank you for considering my application for the Paralegal position at Pearson Specter Litt. I have attached my resume and academic transcript for your reference. I am excited at the prospect of joining a reputable law firm like Pearson Specter Litt. My strong academic background and work experience make me a strong candidate for this role. I am eager to learn more about Pearson Specter Litt's practice areas and to contribute my skills to the team. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and would be thrilled to interview with you. Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Harold Gunderson

1 Make sure you write out your contact details. Otherwise, the hiring manager cannot reach you since they don't know who you are.

2 Who is this cover letter directed to? You can nd the contact person to whom you should send your CV & Cover Letter in the job description. Research the person you are addressing on the company’s website or LinkedIn to determine their position title.

3 Missing a subject line. The subject line should be brief, mention the position you are applying for, and be professional.

4 Never start a Cover Letter with 'Hi' as it is unprofessional. Start the salutation with 'Dear'. Always nd out to whom you're supposed to address the Cover Letter. If the job description does not provide any contact details, use phrases such as 'Dear Recruitment Team at Pearson Specter Litt' or 'Dear Hiring Manager at Pearson Specter Litt'.

5 Try using a more professional font like Times New Roman or Arial.

Introduce yourself clearly in this paragraph. This paragraph serves as your introduction. Firstly state what year you are in academically. Are you a [ rst/second/third/penultimate/ nal] year Law and [second degree] student at the University of Technology Sydney? What is your academic standing, i.e., your weighted average mark? Explain how you obtained this mark whilst completing [work experience/internship/extra-curricular activity/ volunteer experience relating to the job description]. Then emphasise why securing this role is valuable to you. For example, is it because you have a genuine interest in intellectual property and this rm specialises in that? Explain why you are writing to this rm and provide a concise

and general overview of your letter. Furthermore, there are many grammatical and spelling errors. Such mistakes re ect poorly on you, showing the hiring manager you are not detail-oriented and diligent. Always proofread your work before uploading it, or have a friend or mentor proofread it. Otherwise, put your work through Grammarly and work through its suggestions.

7 The second paragraph should highlight your resume's 'selling' parts. This paragraph should stand out and convince the hiring manager that you are the most suitable person for this role. Focus on the most vital skills in the job description. Do you believe you internalise those skills? Why? Explain how your speci c achievements and experiences developed the said skills. For example, how did you develop your communication skills in a Commercial Law Moot?

8 The third paragraph should demonstrate why you want to work for that particular rm. Research the rm's values and the type of law it specialises in. Are those areas that you're interested in? How do you internalise the rm's values? Convince the hiring manager that you would seamlessly t into the rm as you mirror them in many di erent ways.

9 The concluding paragraph should thank the hiring manager for their time, be positive and con dent in closing and express an eagerness for an interview.

Pearson Specter Litt 123 Castlereagh Street Sydney NSW 2000

Harold Gunderson

4 Zane Street, Ultimo NSW 2007 0412 345 678 harold.gunderson@gmail.com

GOOD COVER LETTER

1 March 2023

Donna Paulson Hiring Manager Pearson Specter Litt

123 Castlereagh Street Sydney NSW 2000

Re: Application for Paralegal Position - Harold Gunderson

Dear Ms Paulson:

I am excited to submit my application for the Paralegal position at Pearson Specter Litt, one of the most prestigious commercial law rms in Australia. As a highly motivated and ambitious third-year Law and Finance student at the University of Technology Sydney, I possess the skills and experience necessary to excel in this role.

Maintaining a strong distinction WAM of 76.25, I have consistently demonstrated academic excellence. However, my passion for the legal profession extends beyond the classroom. I have gained practical experience through a Commercial Law Internship at Rand, Kaldor, and Zane, where I honed my skills in due diligence, report and agreement review, and data entry. I also assisted in ling court documents and preparing contracts. Furthermore, I am dedicated to developing my leadership skills, as evidenced by my enrollment in the Brennan Justice and Leadership Program at UTS. As an active member of the UTS Law Students' Society and the UTS Business Society, I have also honed my networking skills and gained valuable insights into the legal profession.

What sets me apart is my genuine passion for advocating for clients. Pearson Specter Litt's commitment to nancial regulation draws me in explicitly as it aligns with my career goals. The rm's involvement in a signi cant case related to this area demonstrates its expertise and dedication. Moreover, I am invested in this issue and believe responsible market regulation is critical for protecting smaller businesses. Participating in the Ashurst Commercial Law Moot semi- nal allowed me to demonstrate my oral argument skills, solidifying my passion for this area of law. I am con dent that I will make a valuable contribution to Pearson Specter Litt's outreach division, where I can gain experience advocating for speci c client populations and promoting responsible market regulation. In addition to my nance background, I am eager to work on cases dealing with transactions in remote communities or regional areas. I am exible and open to working in any other specialties that Pearson Specter Litt focuses on, including mergers and acquisitions for larger organisations.

Thank you for considering my application for the Paralegal position at Pearson Specter Litt. I have attached my resume and academic transcript for your reference. I would be thrilled to interview you to discuss my quali cations further and learn more about Pearson Specter Litt's practice areas. My strong academic background, work experience, and genuine passion for advocating for clients make me an ideal candidate for this role.

Sincerely,

Harold Gunderson.

This letter is properly formatted with all the necessary details. It uses a professional font such as Arial. This is how you should communicate a personal yet professional tone in your cover letter. Harold has o ered a thorough understanding of his educational and professional background, correctly connecting each experience (professional and extracurricular) to the requirements. He has researched the rm's program and in uence in a speci c eld of law, e ectively communicating why he would like to be included. Harold avoided using informal language and maintained the formal tone essential to a cover letter.

Enabling the best people to act for the best clients to achieve the best results

For 60 years, Barry Nilsson has been shaping a better legal experience for our clients. Our Insurance & Health and Family Law, Wills & Estates practices combine the highest standards of industry knowledge with local expertise to provide our clients with service they can trust.

Founded in 1963, we have grown to become an award-winning national law firm of more than 380 staff, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet their changing needs. Throughout the firm’s expansion and evolution, our positive culture and values, including nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment for our people, have remained at the forefront of everything we do.

KICK-START YOUR LEGAL CAREER

Our vacation clerkship program is the first step towards joining our graduate program and becoming a solicitor at the firm, where you’ll have the opportunity to be involved in top-tier work for high calibre clients, coupled with the support, mentoring and growth opportunities of a mid-tier firm.

WE’VE BEEN NAMED AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

Named an ‘Employer of Choice’ by Australasian Lawyer for the last 4 years, we are a down to earth, friendly and professional firm, where our people feel valued, respected and empowered to thrive in their careers. We also understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance, so we offer flexibility to all our staff including remote working and a 9.5 day fortnight.

Find out more about our opportunities and what we offer at www.bnlaw.com.au/careers

curriculum vitae

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a brief, written description of your education and quali cations. It is sent to potential employers to summarise “who you are” as a candidate. Typically, a CV is sent alongside your cover letter. Therefore, the information in these two documents must be consistent.

Although there are many acceptable ways of drafting a CV, the most widely used format is the ‘reverse-chronological approach’. With this approach, you rst present your most recent work experience and educational accomplishments and then move backward through your other achievements. A common mistake many students make when drafting a CV is attempting to embellish their achievements or the length of time spent with a particular employee. Such actions should be avoided, partly due to the ethical component, but also, as an interested employer, will likely cross-check the information you provided them.

To di erentiate your CV from the hundreds, if not thousands, of applications an employer may receive, you must structure it in a visually pleasing way. Undertaking this simple step will allow employers to identify the key aspects of your CV that di erentiate you from the other candidates.

In particular, paragraphs should be kept to three to four lines and bullet points should be used logically. By doing this, employers can quickly identify the critical parts of your CV.

PERSONAL DETAILS

In this section, typically at the top of the CV, you will include your primary contact details: full name, phone number, and email address. Depending on the position, you may also wish to include your LinkedIn pro le in this section.

CAREER OVERVIEW

A summary of each position should be provided. In this summary, you should include the responsibilities in the role and any essential skills you developed from this position. If applicable, it may also be suitable to include any ‘achievements’ from this position, either speci c awards you received, or times you were “uno cially” awarded for the work you completed. Many jobs on your CV may not have a direct nexus to a legal job; however, when drafting your description, it is helpful to consider aspects of the position that may be transferrable to a legal role. For example, if your previous role was as a bartender, in your ‘role description’, you could mention how the position developed your communication skills.

EDUCATION

Your educational history should be outlined, including both high school and university. This should include key relevant dates, as well as any accomplishments. Often students will elect to include a detailed description of their high school academic results, particularly their ATAR and awards. Listing the high school subjects you received a band six may be suitable.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Your description of your extra-curricular activities in your CV can be your opportunity to highlight your personality outside of a purely academic context. It is advisable to include any volunteering experience, sporting experience, or leadership positions you believe would be suitable to include. Importantly, you must refrain from constraining yourself only to include organised activities you have undertaken. Often listing unique hobbies or interests will allow you to highlight your personality and character to the employer, allowing you to di erentiate yourself from the other applicants.

REFEREES

When including referees, they may be included at the bottom of your resume. Alternatively, you can instead state ‘referees are available on request’. It is best to include two or more referees.

PROOFREADING

Various CV review methods should be utilised, including asking a trusted friend or family member to review your resume or utilising software provided by the university. Additionally, various computer programs, such as Grammarly, can be used to ensure you have used the correct grammar and spelling in your application. Reading your CV aloud to yourself is also often helpful to ensure the information and grammar included are correct. Furthermore, you should ensure you can answer any questions about any parts of your CV. You should not include any work experiences that you only have a vague recollection of, or that were insigni cant.

DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF

A prospective employer will likely be looking through an array of applications. Therefore, you need to nd ways to make yourself stand out. This is particularly important when drafting your cover letter, although it is also relevant to your CV. While drafting your CV, consider whether this would di erentiate you from another candidate.

STRUCTURE

There is often a tendency when drafting a resume to include extra-curricular achievements, or other non-academic accomplishments, at the bottom of the document. This should be avoided, as these achievements often enable you to stand out from other applicants. Therefore, if you have achievements that you are particularly proud of (e.g., signi cant sporting achievements), it may be suitable to include this towards the top of your resume.

Groundwork of a CV

Groundwork of a CV

1 Personal details

In this section, typically at the top of the CV, you will include your primary contact details: full name, phone number, and email address. Depending on the position, you may also wish to include your LinkedIn pro le in this section.

Career overview

A summary of each position should be provided. In this summary, you should include the responsibilities in the role and any essential skills you developed from this position. If applicable, it may also be suitable to include any ‘achievements’ from this position, either speci c awards you received, or times you were “uno cially” awarded for the work you completed. Many jobs on your CV may not have a direct nexus to a legal job; however, when drafting your description, it is helpful to consider aspects of these non-legal roles that may be transferable to a legal role. For example, if your previous role was as a bartender, in your ‘role description’, you could mention how the position developed your communication skills.

Education

Your educational history should be outlined, including both high school and university. This should include key relevant dates, as well as any accomplishments. Often students will elect to include a detailed description of their high school academic results, particularly their ATAR and awards. Listing the high school subjects you received a band six in may be suitable.

Extra-curricular activities

Your description of your extra-curricular activities in your CV can be your opportunity to highlight your personality outside of a purely academic context. It is advisable to include any volunteering experience, sporting experience, or leadership positions you believe would be suitable to include. Importantly, you must refrain from constraining yourself only to include organised activities you have undertaken. Often listing unique hobbies or interests will allow you to highlight your personality and character to the employer, allowing you to di erentiate yourself from the other applicants.

Referees

When including referees, it is advisable to either include their names at the bottom of your resume or simply state ‘referees are available on request’. Additionally, it is best to include two or more referees.

GET TO KNOW US

What areas of law do we practice?

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

Why are we different?

Our teams work across borders, languages and jurisdictions and share insights and expertise to achieve our clients’ commercial goals.

Secondly, we’re pioneers and work on many ‘first-of-akind’ deals.

Finally, it’s the nature of our people - highly professional and self-assured, with an entrepreneurial streak. We embrace our culture of learning and collaboration.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

Who is eligible for clerkships?

Students must be at least in their penultimate year and are available to participate in the 2025 Graduate Program.

When are our clerkship programs held?

Sydney: November 2023 – January 2024

Perth: November – December 2023

How many clerks do we take?

Sydney: 8 – 12

Perth: 4 – 6

To submit your application, scan the QR code below.

When should students apply?

You can apply between these dates.

Sydney: 5 June – 2 July 2023

Perth: 26 June – 30 July 2023

What kind of work can a clerk expect to do?

Our clerkship program is designed to provide you with a real insight into a legal career at Clifford Chance in Australia. Throughout the program, you will work alongside all levels of lawyers, including partners, while you assist with real-time matters.

You will have two rotations which allow you to experience two different practice areas.

Throughout the clerkship you will hear from various practice areas across the region which helps you develop a comprehensive understanding of life at a leading international law firm.

GRADUATE PROGRAM

Do we make graduate offers to the open market, or just through clerkships?

Graduate offers are primarily made from our clerkship program. However, if we decide to open applications to the wider market we will also consider applications from students who have not participated in our clerkship program.

How many graduate jobs do we offer?

Sydney: 6 – 10

Perth: 2 – 4

Enquiries

Grads.Australia@CliffordChance.com

CV Suggestions

Proofreading

When proofreading your CV, it is important to utilise various methods of review. These may include, asking a trusted friend or family member to review your resume or utilising software provided by the university. Additionally, various computer programs, such as Grammarly, can be used to ensure you have used the correct grammar and spelling in your application. Reading your CV aloud to yourself is also often helpful to ensure the information and grammar included are correct. Furthermore, you should ensure you can answer any questions about any parts of your CV. You should not include any work experiences that you only have a vague recollection of, or that were insigni cant.

Di erentiate yourself

A prospective employer will likely be looking through an array of applications. Therefore, you need to nd ways to include any important details that will enable you to ‘stand out’ from other applicants when drafting your CV.

Structure

There is often a tendency when drafting a resume to include extra-curricular achievements, or other non-academic accomplishments, at the bottom of the document. Where possible this should be avoided. These achievements often enable you to stand out from other applicants. Therefore, if you have achievements that you are particularly proud of (e.g., signi cant sporting achievements), it may be suitable to include this towards the top of your resume.

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

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.

A BROAD RANGE OF PRACTICE AREAS

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

OUR PRESENCE

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.

FORMAL TRAINING PROGRAM

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.

INNOVATION

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

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.

COLLABORATIVE CULTURE

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.

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.

We

Learn what makes our global law firm different:

Check out our Facebook page: /klgatesgraduaterecruitingau

Check out our videos on YouTube: /klgateslaw

Visit our Careers page at www.klgates.com for application details.

APPLICATIONS

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.

Contact details

Tania Brierley Recruitment Consultant

P +61 3 9640 4214

W www.klgates.com

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.

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.

Staying true to your direction is what

STAY TRUE.

claytonutz.com/graduates

We’ve built a culture that sets us apart from other law

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

GRADUATE PROGRAM

It’s not just about wearing a suit.

That’s where we come in.

You’ll get…

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CAREER PATH

We’re King & Wood Mallesons. The top tier international law firm, from Asia, for the world. The world’s leading organisations turn to us to unlock opportunities and deliver smart, considered, and confident advice. Where others see problems, we see possibilities.

Innovation is in our DNA. We equip our people with the skills to partner with our clients and bring to life pioneering solutions which will help them to adapt, reinvent and evolve. We believe innovation comes from giving our people room to grow. At KWM, our people are encouraged to shape their own career path, supported every step of the way with world-class training, coaching and hands-on experience.

Diversity of thought, perspective and experience is critical to our culture. We provide a broad, inclusive and open environment in which our people are fully supported to bring their whole selves. There is no ‘one size fits all’ career model, and we offer multiple opportunities for our lawyers to gain experience and thrive.

Planning for a sustainable future

A core value for KWM is to grow our business sustainably and responsibly and leave a positive impact.

Our commitments:

Reduce our emissions by:

Becoming certified carbon neutral by December 2022 Setting science-based targets by December 2023 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050 Complete Complete

Undertake various energy, paper, water and waste reduction initiatives (ongoing).

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: 5 June 2023

Applications close: 9 July 2023

How to apply: Via our online application system at kwm.com/careers

We offer clerkships that give you insight into what it’s like to be a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons. You’ll get to know our people, the way we work, our culture, practice areas, clients and more.

What you’ll learn:

The day-to-day skills to get you started – taking instructions, meeting with clients, drafting memos and documents, managing your practice and professional relationships.

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

GRADUATE PROGRAM

We offer a unique future-focused experience and invest heavily in your development to support you throughout your journey

You will benefit from a bespoke comprehensive learning and development program tailored specifically for our graduates

You will take part in our 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 our graduates a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course with the College of Law, ensuring that you meet the requirements for admission to legal practice.

The program also promotes and supports the mobility of our people by giving you the opportunity to apply to go on exchange in one of our interstate or overseas offices or undertake a client or pro bono secondment

Through these opportunities, you can access greater on-the-job experience and create a positive impact

What you will receive:

Meaningful work covering a wide range of practice areas

Client contact and an in-depth understanding of how they operate in a commercial and regulatory environment

The opportunity to work as part of a team with a range of partners, senior associates and solicitors

Our impact:

Experience Program (VEP) The platform features 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

We are making progress towards our target of 40% female representation at partnership level

We work with

The industry-makers, nation-builders and market-disrupters to drive growth and power innovation KWM is a launchpad for endless opportunities. We want to help you think differently about yourself and the possibilities of where a career in the law might take you

Our LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Network at KWM (LINK) raises awareness of and advocates in relation to LGBTIQ+ issues and concerns, and promotes inclusion, provides support and builds a sense of community for LGBTIQ+ identifying people and allies

We offer:

Culture of innovation, collaboration and high performance. Multiple career pathways where you can shape your future World-class training and coaching to unleash your full potential High impact work for the world’s leading organisations

Relationships that last a lifetime

Over 90% of our lawyers delivered 44,240 pro bono hours in FY22

Key contact

PEOPLE & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - EARLY CAREERS, SYDNEY

TEL +61 410 480 120

EMAIL GRETA TRELOAR@AU KWM COM

Over 231 organisations received legal assistance in FY22

careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia

kwm.com

Over $766,000 was raised & donated via DigDeep® (workplace giving project) to 27 community organisations in FY22

A practical understanding of areas of our legal practice

Training in the latest legal technology

VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

No matter where in the world you are or what stage in your law degree, you can now experience what it is really like to be a lawyer at KWM with our Global Virtual

ERIKA SERRANO

SEASONAL CLERK INTAKE: 2022/23

Area/s of rotation: Banking & Finance (Financial Markets and Regulation), Mergers & Acquisitions (International Funds)

University: University of Technology Sydney

Degree: Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Communications (Social and Political Sciences)

I was involved in a diverse range of work across both of my rotations. In the Fintech team, I was involved in researching global regulatory requirements for cryptocurrency, while also drafting internal polices for clients in compliance with Hong Kong regulations. In M&A, I joined client calls and worked with the Special Counsel to develop client alerts and preliminary advices.

The firm provided opportunities for us to bond through a scavenger hunt on the first day, and to compete together in inter-firm clerk sports. We also built a tradition of weekly after work drinks for those in the mood to socialise!

The written application involved straightforward questions about my background, my interest in the firm and my passions outside of law. The interviews were personable and felt more like an informal chat than an interview, in fact this is what sold me on the firm! They were genuinely curious about my written application and valued my personal experiences.

Beyond the firm’s position as a market leader both domestically and internationally, I have always had a positive perception of KWM from my interactions with past clerks and graduates, people making the same decision years before me. My exposure to the recruitment process cemented this perception as I experienced how truly friendly and down-to-earth people were across the firm.

Having previously worked for a small firm, I was unsure what the workload and dynamics would be like. I felt immediately reassured. My partners consistently took time to explain concepts and valued my input. I was also surprised that the clerkship connected me with so many new people and that it would lead to lasting friendships.

My clerk cohort was extremely close and social which meant that it really felt like another day spent with friends.

The annual M&A Olympics was organised during my time in the team and the practice group spent an afternoon competing in Olympic games with a twist. Each team designed their own activity, and my team, International Funds, designed a Pitbull (Mr Worldwide) themed putt-putt course. Other activities included an equestrian race on horse-sticks!

Remember that the clerkship process is equally an opportunity for you to get to know the firms as it is an opportunity for them to know you. Take note of your interactions with the firm, their recruitment process style, and whether the firm demonstrates a genuine interest in your experiences. For all these reasons, I knew KWM was the firm for me.

tips & tricks interview

BE PUNCTUAL

Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your interview. Not only does this leave a positive impression on the interviewer but it also allows you to calm down and bring out the best possible side of you. Remember there is no worse way to start your interview than by keeping your interview waiting!

BE YOURSELF

Remember, the rm has invited you to an interview, so they are already impressed with you on paper. Make sure to check in on yourself with exercise, adequate rest, and have a balanced meal before the interview to bring out the calm, con dent person you are!

KNOW YOUR CV & FRAME YOUR EXPERIENCES WELL

Prepare answers for questions that you think could be relevant. Avoid cramming information and regurgitating paragraphs but make sure to convey your learnings in a simple yet professional manner. Any experience you have ought to be connected to a talent or skill and express how you'll use that talent or skill for your work as a clerk.

KNOW YOUR FIRM

Having a thorough rundown of your prospective rm's background or culture is extremely important. This might include things such as the rm’s practice areas, recent news, or signi cant cases. This allows you to stand out among applicants and demonstrates your interest in the rm. Make sure to ask relevant questions as well. An interview is a conversation in which you and your rm get to know each other better. It is not a one-way street.

PRESENTATION Lastly, be presentable and dress your best. First impressions count!

preparing for interviews

So, you have landed your rst interview! But it is a mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety. You may start getting overwhelmed at what they may ask, how do I land a good rst impression? Before you know it, you may start doubting your abilities about whether you can do it.

However, interviews do not have to be daunting. In fact they are a conduit to greater and more exciting opportunities that may assist you in your legal career. In fact, think of the interview as a game in which you have a deck of cards (your skills and experiences) and you decide when to bring the right cards to impress your interviewer. So here are some vital tips to use at your disposal to ace that interview.

CLUBS: RESEARCH THE FIRMS (THE DIFFERENT LEGAL “CLUBS”)

Even though clubs are the lowest suit, researching your rm’s values is one of the rst steps in preparing for your interview. Each rm may have slightly di erentiated values when screening candidates, their priority is trying to nd the best candidate that aligns with their own. So make sure that you have thoroughly researched the rms you are applying to but remember to keep in mind your own values and what's important for you. You do not want to apply for a position if those values do not align.

Keep in mind interviews can range from 30 to 60 minutes and that you should be prepared about questions of the position that you applied for. By taking the time to research the rm, not only do you demonstrate an understanding of both the rm and the specialised practise groups they o er, but it also shows the interview that you are passionate about applying to their rm

Here are examples of what you could research:

• Firms learning and development strategies

• Work Flexibility

• Their core values

• Programs or opportunities they o er for career progression

Here are some questions that may be asked by your interviewer:

• Why do you believe our rm’s values align with your own?

Sample Answer: The rm's value of inclusivity in the workplace is one that I also prioritise and value given my own experience of providing accessible legal services for disadvantaged groups when I worked at Redfern Legal Centre [....].

• Which area of law that the rm o ers, would you like to specialise in? Why?

Sample Answer: An area of law that I am interested in pursuing is Environmental Law because [....] therefore I applied to your rm because of your program which o ers [....].

• Are there any initiatives that the rm o ers which sets us apart from others?

Sample Answer: I saw in your annual sustainability report that you established a program which [....]. Considering my interest in environmental law, I found this initiative to be not only distinctive and novel compared to other rms, but also [....].

DIAMONDS: FIND A CONTACT (THE DIAMOND)

The second step/suite is diamonds, in the context of clerkship interviews your diamond is going to be a pre-existing contact within the rm. This may not always be possible but if you are able to, nd a contact within your target rm since they can provide a valuable insider perspective on the rm's life and culture, as well as tips on how to prepare for the interview. This could be someone you already know, or you could reach out to your personal and professional network and ask them to introduce you to somebody. In most cases, you will often be assigned a buddy during the clerkship recruitment process, so use them as your point of contact if you don't already have one.

Once you have found a contact, ask them questions of how their interviews went:

• What kind of questions did they ask?

• What are the traits the interviewers are looking for in candidates?

• What can I do that will set me apart from other candidates?

Having a contact is a huge advantage in preparing yourself for the potential questions your interviewer would ask. This way you can compile a list of questions to practise before you sit the interview which not only makes you feel more con dent in your responses but relieves a tremendous amount of stress.

HEARTS: PERSONAL PITCH

The second highest suit is hearts, similarly you have to appeal to the "heart" of your interviewer, meaning delivering the best "personal pitch". As much as having an impressive and professional front is, your interviewer also values your personality and communication skills. In clerkship interviews, you will most likely be asked to share examples in which you have demonstrated abilities of leadership,con ict/management and resolution, inclusion or prioritisation.

Here are some questions that could be asked:

• When was a moment in which you did not receive the outcome you wanted? What did you learn from it?

Sample Answer: In my rst year of university, I received a really bad grade because I misinterpreted the assignment. Instead of blaming some external factor for the bad grade, I instead asked my professor for clari cation on how I could improve my legal writing [....]. As a result of me directly asking for advice, I am able to carry his advice of using concise language and structure in any writing task that I do.

• Tell me about your experience of (...), how did you demonstrate our rm's values of (...) in it?

• Tell me about your work with previous clerkships? What skills did you acquire while working with them?

• What do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Towards the end of an interview, you will be given the opportunity to ask any questions you have. To show interest and your listening skills about the company and role, arm yourself with at least 3-4 ready in advance. Also bring a pen and paper into the interviewer to write any notes or information that the interviewer mentions about the position or the rm, to ask as questions later. Asking questions will allow you to determine whether this role is the right t for youremember that the interview is meant to help the rm determine your suitability for the role. And it's equally an opportunity for you to assess your own interest in working there!

SPADES: PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE!

As the highest suit, spades requires you to hone and polish your skills for the interview.

Ask a family member or friend to ask you some typical interview questions so you can practise your answers. Here are some examples you can ask them to give you feedback on:

• Content - Was it relevant to the question?

• Pace - did you speak too fast? or too slow?

• Volume - did you speak too loudly? or too softly?

• Delivery - did you speak clearly and concisely? Was it engaging? Do you sound con dent?

Avoid using sentence llers such as ‘um, err’ when making attempts to ll the silence. Interviewers prefer you take your time with responding to questions. A good tip would be to record yourself on your phone when practising question responses to hear how often you subconsciously use these words in your vocabulary. By practising this regularly, you will be able to speak more con dently and avoid using these ller words unnecessarily.

JOKER: BE YOURSELF

Finally, the most underrated card in the deck but arguably the most important is the joker card- Be yourself.

Avoid trying to fake a professional front that is not an extension of your personality or values. Interviewers can often tell the di erence between someone who is trying to mimic an ideal candidate and someone who is themselves and also exhibits the qualities they are looking for. Smile, shake the interviewer's hand and have an ice-breaker ready to initiate small talk before answering those questions. This will help you ease into the interviewer and make it just as comfortable for the interviewer too.

Think of an interview as a networking opportunity too, so don't be afraid to connect with your interviewers digitally afterwards, to keep the communication and relationship going. Engage with everyone, regardless of their role within the rm.

Our significant work

We let our work speak for itself. We’re proud to work with some of the biggest organisations in the world on their most important matters.

Our clients include more than half of the top 50 ASX-listed companies, some of the largest privately owned companies in Australia and a number of global Fortune 500 companies.

We work with well-known organisations like AGL, Amazon, Australia Post, BP, Blackstone, CBA, Coles, eBay, Google, Johnson & Johnson, Medibank, NAB, PayPal, Stockland, TPG Telecom, Rio Tinto, BHP, TransGrid, Wesfarmers and Westpac.

We also work with Federal and State governments, as well as on high profile and market-leading transactions.

Our Lawyer Development Program

The Lawyer Development Program is designed to support you in the formative stage of your career. It aims to build the capabilities and relationships that will drive career progression and underpin future successes, as rapidly as possible. Unique features of the program include:

• Mentor partner – You will be allocated a mentor partner (in most cases your supervising partner in your first rotation) who remains in this role throughout the program and potentially beyond. This will build a personal and enduring relationship that transcends everyday transactional work. You will also be supported in each rotation by a supervising partner and SA/SC who will source meaningful and challenging work.

• 12 x 6 x 6 rotation structure – The first practice group rotation is 12 months to ensure you have time to learn on the job and build strong capabilities and relationships in your first year. In the second year, when you have an increased level of experience and confidence, you will complete two six-month rotations in order to gain exposure and build relationships across different groups.

• Formal learning – The program incorporates comprehensive formal learning opportunities including our national Graduate Academy, local Graduate Orientation, practical legal training with the College of Law, practice group induction sessions and the national Legal Excellence program.

Corrs Graduate Academy

At the start of the Lawyer Development Program, we bring all our graduates together in one location for a multi-day learning experience where you can meet with your peers, learn and have fun.

Graduate Academy is specifically designed for new graduates and aims to:

• welcome you to the firm;

• help you to understand the future direction of the firm and our vision for success;

• develop the core knowledge and skills essential to being an effective graduate;

• further develop your connections with peers in person; and

• meet and learn from firm leaders.

Diversity and inclusion

We strongly believe that diversity in all its forms should be embraced and celebrated. This benefits our people, our clients, our firm and the industry at large.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion includes gender equality, cultural diversity, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, First Nations inclusion, flexible working, carers support and disability inclusion and accessibility.

Corrs was recently named a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for the seventeenth year in a row, named a DCA Inclusive Employer (2021-2022) and was the only Australian law firm to be recognised as a finalist for outstanding diversity and inclusion in the 2023 Chambers Asia-Pacific & Greater China Awards.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth is Australia’s leading independent Australian law firm. We’re known for delivering legal excellence, exceptional client service and outstanding results.

Pro bono and community

We have a long and proud history of helping those in need, and you will have the opportunity to contribute and make a real difference.

We focus on how we can strategically make a long-term difference for a wider range of people by addressing systemic inequalities, and inspiring a new generation of lawyers to embrace their passion for pro bono work to create lasting impact.

Throughout 2022 we contributed over 28,000 hours of pro bono and community work for those who need it most.

Wellbeing

We recognise the importance of health and wellbeing and are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace through a range of programs and policies.

Our wellbeing program provides a range of initiatives to assist people in maintaining good overall health. Some of our activities include mixed netball, pilates and yoga, touch football, cricket day, Friday night drinks, family days, trivia nights, annual legal retreats and end of year / financial year parties.

International opportunities

We invest in international experiences that help our lawyers grow their skills, cultural understanding and relationships worldwide.

Through our long-term relationships with leading law firms across the world, we advise on the most significant global matters and connect with the best lawyers internationally to provide our clients with the right team for every engagement.

Our international program allows you to gain experience, skills and relationships that will provide enduring benefits throughout your career. In addition to our roles advising on significant global matters, connecting with the best law firms and lawyers internationally, we offer:

• Scholarships which provide financial support for the completion of postgraduate study at leading institutions including Oxford and Cambridge.

• International secondment opportunities to premium independent firms in locations such as New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Madrid, Mumbai, Singapore and Tokyo.

Australian Law Firm of the Year 2022 Chambers Asia-Pacific & Greater China Region Awards

Key dates 2023

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

The application and interview process

The application and interview process for Corrs was refreshingly straightforward. Corrs skipped the psychometrics and rigorous testing, simply asking for clear and concise documents that allowed you to put your best foot forward. The interview was professional yet friendly and I had access to a buddy within the firm prior to the interview to quell any last minute nerves. The Taste of Corrs networking event was not only extremely informative, but also delicious (read: it involved plenty of snacks and wine tasting).

Rotations

The clerkship program at Corrs offers three rotations in different practice groups, each roughly three weeks long. This was a really important factor for me when deciding where to apply for clerkships, as I knew I wanted to experience as many practice groups as I could. Rotations are essential to help figure out where your interests lie and what type of work you enjoy, which is especially helpful if, like me at the time, you have no clue. Corrs also provided seminars on all practice groups to expose clerks to the groups they may not have gotten a chance to rotate through.

The work

Teams within the firm endeavoured to get clerks involved on a range of work, not only to keep us interested but also to show us the vast types of matters that may come across our desks. I was briefed both on brand new matters and matters that had stretched years, with lawyers happy to explain the situation every step of the way. Any initial shock upon receiving a task I had never seen before was soon soothed when I realised how much support was available and I was ultimately able to complete all tasks successfully.

A culture of continued learning

The culture of the firm truly encourages learning opportunities for clerks and junior lawyers, both formally and informally.

Casual coffee catch-ups are valued as equally as formal seminars as both offer the insights and skills needed to work in the profession. The many social events on offer allow you to actually connect and develop friendships with your fellow clerks. It may sound trite, but it is actually true: armed with learning opportunities and the support of your peers, you are in a great position to start your career

Pro bono and community engagement

Each clerkship will have a large pro bono project to work towards over the three months. During my clerkship, we had the incredible opportunity to help on a pro bono international law matter that is now on its way to the International Court of Justice! I am a true nerd when it comes to international law issues and was incredibly excited about this. There are also many opportunities to work on pro bono matters separate to the large project and the firm is receptive to new ideas on where and how we can help.

Why I chose Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Choosing Corrs was not a hard decision. I wanted to learn from some of the best lawyers in the country and work on some of the best matters. Corrs offers both with the addition of international opportunities, community engagement programs, social functions and even the chance to put on a silly comedy revue at the end of the year. You undertake serious work at Corrs, but you don’t have to take yourself too seriously and that is a rare balance to strike.

Advice for applicants

Help firms see who you are as easily as you can. That means both being yourself and putting your best foot forward. The clerkship process can be extremely stressful for applicants and is a huge responsibility for recruiters, so knowing who you are will make a firm more confident and excited to invest in you. You can also easily forget how many accomplishments you have actually achieved. Write down a list and go from there!

Eleni Carydis

Corrs law graduate and UTS alumni

Clerkship profile

STAR Question

To emphasise the skills and knowledge you have gained through your experiences, it is important to implement speci c examples from your CV while answering interview questions. By doing this, you can e ectively show your decision-making skills, self-evaluative techniques, and your ability to learn from past experiences. The STAR framework is a useful tool to utilise during the interview process.

ituation ask ction esult

Describe the situation you were in and the circumstances which make it unique.

What was your role in this situation? What thoughts or options did you have that you were considering for the task?

Explain how you acted and what led you to making that decision. What was your thought process or reason for making this decision?

What was the result of your actions in this situation? What did you learn from this experience? In retrospect, would you have done anything di erently?

SOFT SKILLS

It is important to understand that where your CV and grades showcase your hard skills (i.e. research skills), interviews focus heavily on an applicant’s soft skills. Soft skills include communication skills, thoughtfulness, composure when under pressure, quick problem-solving skills, and even enthusiasm. Interviewers generally will search for these soft skills in unique ways throughout the course of the interview – from greeting you, to asking you unexpected questions or even trying to make conversation with you. As such, developing these skills and showcasing them in the interview will certainly help your case!

PRESENTATION

It is essential to dress professionally for your interviews. Irrespective of whether the interview is held virtually or in-person, dressing in clean and appropriate corporate wear re ects positively on both your ability to t in with the professional work culture and your eagerness for the opportunity. You may want to prepare your out t prior to the day of the interview to avoid any unfortunate surprises (such as stains or uncomfortableness) and avoid any unnecessary stress on the day.

If your interview is in-person, you should aim to attend the venue and check-in at least 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled time. While waiting, avoid checking your phone or doing other passive activities, and remain professional and approachable. Every moment counts in making an impression!

For online interviews, your environment should remain minimalist and re ect your attention to the task at hand. Ensure it is quiet and has a still background (no one walking past in the view of the camera) to maintain professionalism. If you have trouble nding a suitable place, do not forget about UTS on-campus rooms that all students can book. Furthermore, you should ensure your camera and microphone work to avoid any issues on the day. The camera should be at your eye-level to avoid you from looking up or down at the interviewer. Although interviewers are likely to be understanding of technical di culties, try your best to anticipate potential issues and solve them – the best way to do that is to have a trial run with a family member or friend!

In essence, always strive to embody professionalism.

SCALE OF PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE

casual smart casual business casual business professional

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

out what it’s like to work at Maddocks.

What teams were included in your

As a clerk, I rotated through Public Law and Employment, excellent lawyers and generally wonderful people. Having caring and passionate people around me helped me learn numerous legal, analytical and interpersonal skills while I was in each team.

So many lawyers took time out of their days to teach me how to complete different legal tasks, which I am very consequently felt valued and capable of helping the team – even at such an early stage in my career.

What teams have you worked with

As a graduate, I jumped back into Public Law and Employment Safety and People and also rotated through the Corporate Commercial team. In each team, I had an incredibly positive experience – always being taught, always learning, and always felt part of a team. In my time growth in one short year, and that is a testament to the great culture that Maddocks has of raising young lawyers. While in these teams, I have worked in both court-based and transactional matters. This has involved me attending court hearings, sitting in a board room as part of alternative dispute resolution, and helping draft clauses in a contract to assist in completing a big deal. This variety of work has made my days go quickly and allowed me to get a taste of the full spectrum of law that Maddocks operates in.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far during your

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned at Maddocks is not to rush. University deadlines, time-restricted exams and workloads train you to think that you have to do things quickly

whether you are going in the right direction.

your actions instead of rushing to a conclusion. By doing this, especially when thinking about the best way to complete a task, I came up with new ideas or changed how I would approach the task initially.

Meet Emily Peachey

Emily joined Maddocks as a Summer Clerk in Sydney and is now a Graduate.

How has your career developed at

Maddocks cares about my career. By going through the clerkship and graduate programs, I have had numerous conversations with junior lawyers, all the way up to partners, about what I want my career to look like.

The guidance I have received has been invaluable and has helped me to navigate what I want my work life to look like. I have had opportunities to meet lawyers from a great ‘intro to networking’. As a graduate, networking is puts you in situations where you get to network at such an early stage in your career.

It has felt like every week, often every day, I am learning a new skill, a new area of law, or a new way of thinking. The way Maddocks does this is not overwhelming — it’s exciting! There is a wealth of lawyers around me to support me and help me when I need it. With this foundation, I look forward to my future career as a lawyer at Maddocks.

What’s the best thing about working

The best thing about working at Maddocks is the people. The people that work at Maddocks are kind and encouraging and have given me great opportunities to learn. It is wonderful to be able to go to work knowing that you are working with great people who are not only excellent lawyers but enjoyable to work with and want you to succeed.

What advice would you give a

I would say be yourself! Maddocks wants to hire authentic people who are passionate about law and can work well in a team. Maddocks wants you to bring your whole self to work, so don’t be afraid about sharing what makes you unique.

We recruit our Graduates from our Summer Clerk program and assist them in completing their Practical Legal Training.

Scan this QR code to discover more about what it’s like to work at Maddocks.

Resumes and cover letters do not often allow a rm to grasp a holistic view of you as a candidate, therefore they have included psychometric testing as part of the application process. Contrary to popular belief, psychometric tests are not used as a measure to exclude a candidate from the application but rather used as another metric to assess candidates and guide interview questions. There are two main types of psychometric tests: cognitive ability and personality tests.

Cognitive Ability

verbal reasoning

Verbal reasoning tests assess a candidate’s ability to understand and analyse written information. These tests typically involve passages of texts followed by a series of questions that require the candidate to identify relevant information, draw conclusions, and make logical inferences. Verbal reasoning tests are often used to evaluate communication skills, comprehension abilities, and critical thinking.

Cognitive ability tests are designed to measure a candidate’s mental capacity and reasoning abilities. They include verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and abstract reasoning tests. These tests assess a candidate’s ability to interpret and understand information, and their aptitude for problem-solving and critical thinking.

numerical reasoning

Numerical reasoning tests measure a candidate’s ability to interpret and manipulate numerical data. These tests typically involve graphs, charts, and tables, followed by a series of questions that require the candidate to perform calculations, analyse trends, and draw conclusions. Numerical reasoning tests are often used to evaluate mathematical abilities, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.

abstract reasoning

Abstract reasoning tests evaluate a candidate’s ability to identify patterns, solve problems, and make logical connections. These tests typically involve a series of shapes, symbols, and patterns that require the identi cation of the underlying logic or rule governing the sequence. Abstract reasoning tests are often used to evaluate a candidate’s creative thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle complex information.

PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING

Personality Tests

Conversely, personality tests are used to evaluate a candidate’s character, traits, and behavioural patterns. These tests provide a rm with insights into how a candidate might behave in di erent work situations, how they are likely to interact with colleagues and clients, and their compatibility with the rm’s culture. Personality tests are designed to measure several dimensions of personality, including openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability.

There are di erent types of personality tests, including self-report questionnaires, projective tests, and behavioural assessments. Self-report questionnaires are the most common type of personality test and involve a series of questions that require the candidate to rate themselves on various traits and behaviours. Projective tests involve the candidate interpreting ambiguous stimuli such as inkblots to evaluate their unique interpretation. Some personality tests also present candidates with scenarios similar to those in the work environment to assess their suitability with the rm.

Preparing for the Test

Taking psychometric tests can be daunting. Here are few tips that can help you stay cool, calm, and collected throughout the tests to allow you to perform the best.

1. MANAGE YOUR TIME:

Make sure to read instructions carefully and manage your time e ectively during the test. Be aware of the time limit and make sure you have enough time to answer all the questions.

2. GET ENOUGH REST:

Being well-rested is crucial for optimal performance. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the test and avoid staying up late.

3. STAY HYDRATED AND NOURISHED:

Drinking enough water and eating a healthy meal before the test can help you stay focused and alert during the testing process.

4. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES:

Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and visualisation can help you manage stress and stay calm during the testing process.

DLA Piper

Clerkship Programme

Our seasonal clerkship is designed to give you insight into what sets us apart. Our programme starts with an induction which provides strategy, practice groups, sectors and clients. It also builds your skills and networks. Following induction, you’ll have the opportunity to

real responsibilities. Whether you're attending a court hearing, contributing to a client meeting or assisting a large corporate

Clerkship intakes:

Graduate Programme

During your graduate programme, you’ll experience three you’ll have gained – and the networks you’ll have nurtured –

Find out more about our programmes and application dates:

2024 PROGRAMME

Rare Contextual Recruitment System

The Rare Contextual Recruitment System is a tool used by some law rms to make the application process more equitable for students that have faced disadvantages such as a low socio-economic background. This is an optional extra step in which you can choose to provide information regarding any circumstances you have experienced that impacted your performance in school and university in comparison to other applicants. This levels out the playing eld and provides recruiters with some context of your achievements. This tool is currently only used by 4 law rms in Australia being Ashurst, Clayton Utz, DLA Piper and Herbert Smith Freehills. However, it is a great resource which promotes diversity and inclusion amongst sta at law rms and helps them nd the best talent.

With a challenger mindset, G+T is always pushing the status quo and taking a stand on things that matter. That’s why we constantly seek new ideas, fresh energy and di erent perspectives from our clerks and graduates. Work at the forefront of significant change in our society and economy, and open the door to experiences that will shape your career – wherever you want it to take you.

» Visit gtlaw.com.au/starthere

IMPACT

STARTS HERE

G+T has the momentum and energy to be Australia’s best corporate law firm. Our clients turn to us at pivotal moments in their growth trajectory – from industry-shaping M+A deals to high-stakes disputes and regulatory work.

From your first day with us, you’ll be given work that matters – not paperwork. You’ll be exposed to milestone deals and major clients across Australia, Asia, Europe, North America and emerging markets. And you’ll feel like you’re making a di erence and learning from the best lawyers in their fields.

You’ll also have the opportunity to work in practice areas focused on ESG and the transition to renewable energy, as well as emerging regulatory change and tech transformation.

Join our team in Sydney’s Barangaroo precinct, and work alongside Australia’s leading practitioners in:

+ Banking + Finance

+ Competition + Regulation

+ Corporate Advisory

+ Disputes + Investigations

+ Energy + Infrastructure

+ Intellectual Property

+ Legal Service Innovation

+ Pro Bono

+ Real Estate

+ Technology + Digital

If you share our entrepreneurial spirit and restless energy, you’ll feel like you belong with us here at G+T. And you’ll see how quickly our network can open doors to experiences that will take you further, faster.

Launch your career with G+T

» Visit gtlaw.com.au/starthere

“As a progressive firm, we are constantly changing and always thinking about the future. That’s why we’re always looking for fresh ideas and energy. For talented people who will make an impact in their careers, wherever that takes them.”

Danny Gilbert Managing Partner

OPPORTUNITY STARTS HERE

Our clerkships in Melbourne, Perth or Sydney o er a unique chance to experience one or two practice areas in corporate law, and learn from some of Australia’s most talented legal minds.

In Sydney, we o er a summer clerkship with two 4-week rotations across two practice areas and the option to apply for the Aurora Internship, a fully funded 5- to 6-week winter internship.

Is a G+T clerkship right for me?

The G+T clerkship experience is open to law students in their penultimate year of study, as well as final year students for our Melbourne and Sydney o ces. Our culture is built on inclusivity and individuality, and we want you to feel like you can be yourself at work. Our people are ambitious, creative and entrepreneurial – they bring energy and a can-do mindset, and are willing to challenge assumptions. If that sounds like you, you’ll feel like you belong here.

What will I experience?

During your two-, four- or eight-week clerkship (depending on location), you’ll be provided with a supervising partner, a mentor and a buddy who will help you develop your day-to-day legal and personal skills. You’ll also grow with the help of structured in-house training, covering drafting and technical skills through to business development and personal branding. You’ll mainly work within one or two of our corporate law practice areas, and you’ll also have the chance to work on innovation projects or pro bono matters. This is your opportunity to explore areas you’re interested in, push out of your comfort zone and bring your own ideas and perspective to the team. Plus, you’ll build a valuable network that will support you throughout your career – wherever it takes you next.

I’ve clerked at another firm – can I still apply?

in touch

We’d love to hear from you.

Kristie Barton

Early Talent Manager

+61 2 9263 4575

kbarton@gtlaw.com.au

G+T clerks typically receive priority o ers for graduate roles, and we have a high conversion rate. However, graduating students are always welcome to apply to our 18-month graduate programs. Look for graduate vacancies on our website.

Clerkship application dates

SYDNEY

June 5 2023

July 9 2023

MELBOURNE Monday, July 3 2023 Sunday, August 13 2023

PERTH Monday, June 26 2023 Sunday, July 30 2023

» Learn more about our clerkship programs at gtlaw.com.au/starthere

There’s never been a better time to be part of G+T. The pace is fast, the energy is high, and the people are smart, supportive and fun. Open the door to opportunities without limits, and see where G+T can take you.

“I think graduates today are looking for the whole package – collaborating with the best people on interesting work, being stimulated in an inspiring o ce, being valued for their input. And I feel like I’m in the perfect place for that at G+T.”

Karla Je rey Graduate Get

Cocktail Night Etiquette

Many rms hold a cocktail night as part of their recruitment process. This is usually held later in the process following your application and often after an initial inter view. This is a casual event that gives rms a more genuine insight into your char acter and whether you t into their organisational culture. Although it is import ant to prepare for this event and maintain a level of professionalism, you should not approach it exactly like an interview and instead take a more relaxed or casual approach to enable them to get to know the real you.

• Do engage with people at the cocktail party, and make an e conversate by asking unique questions about areas that interest you.

• Do some research on the attendees using LinkedIn if possible so you can bring up relevant points, whether that is about a speci professional's practice area or a matter they have recently been involved in, but be sure to only bring up professional matters.

• Be mindful of your body language and try to stay as relaxed as possible, non-verbal cues say a lot about your con

• Wear professional attire and avoid dressing too casually.

• If you are having your networking night online ensure you are in a quiet environment, with a clean background.

• For online events, make sure your webcam and microphone are working in advance to avoid any issues during the event.

Do’s Don’ts

• Do not bring up any sensitive or controversial topics and avoid getting political.

• Do not talk too much, give others a turn to get involved, and make sure you are not cutting anyone o

• Do not talk too fast, this often happens when we are nervous, slowing down your speech can help you come o control.

• Do not have too much to drink.

YOUR GLOBAL SUCCESS

Entrepreneurial | Creative | Collaborative

Who are we?

HFW is an international law firm with a strong global presence and a reputation for providing an excellent service to an impressive list of domestic and international clients. With over 600 lawyers working across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, we take a progressive approach to our role in commercial business – thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients. With our head office in London, HFW provides a global and seamless service 24 hours a day.

We leaders in our specialist sectors, being Shipping, Construction, Commodities, Corporate & Commercial, Insurance & Reinsurance and Aerospace.

Our clerkship program

Our clerkship program will introduce students to all of our sector groups, providing an opportunity to understand what different areas do, and meet our professionals across all areas. During the clerkship, you will be assigned a mentor and buddy in one of our major sector teams, predominantly Insurance/ Reinsurance and Construction, where you will experience working on real matters, both domestic and international. You will also have a key contact in other groups to facilitate exposure to the work of that group.

Our graduate program

Graduates will participate in a 12-month rotational program. This will include three placements, two of which will be in your local office, with the option of a third in either another Australian office, or one in our APAC network, dependent on availability. hfw.com

What does HFW look for?

HFW looks for people who have a global mindset and an interest in international matters, with a particular affinity for our specific sectors and focus, and interested in disputes matters. We look for people who aren’t afraid of a challenge, and are eager to learn the skills that will be required to shine in their careers. Our ideal applicant is down-to-earth, well rounded, with good attention to detail and a teamoriented mindset. We also look for people who are open to and will chase opportunities, and have the intellectual rigour to work on complex matters.

Our culture

HFW is a collaborative, team oriented environment. We are inclusive and have a diverse variety of team members enabling different ideas and approaches to thrive. Our entrepreneurial culture means that you can see ideas implemented quickly and we are nimble in response to client and market requirements. This is a workplace where we expect respect and open communication and get it every day.

How to apply

Applications for clerkships can be submitted via www.hfw.com/careersAPAC

Applications should include a current CV, a copy of your academic transcript, and a cover letter addressing why you would like to work with HFW, what you can bring to the team, and something that will help us get to know you, such as your extracurricular activities and interests.

Networking Tips

Networking can be an intimidating concept. Networking is about building career connections, even beyond the scope of clerkships. You can reach out to and network with other students, and alumni, through volunteering opportunities and coworkers. It is a great way to develop your con dence and communication skills, and also allows you to gain greater awareness of potential law avenues.

OUR TOP TIPS:

• Attend events and show a genuine interest in other people. Make sure your intentions are to get to know the person.

• Meeting new people and being able to share common interests is a valuable way to make industry connections, which can be useful throughout your career.

• Do not be afraid to put yourself out there, dress appropriately, and be aware of people’s time.

• Maintaining the network connection is an important aspect of networking.

The UTS LSS Clerkship Networking Evening

The UTS Clerkship Networking Evening is held annually in the latter half of the Autumn semester and is a great opportunity to socialise and network, which is a less daunting way to practise your networking skills. The event can also be quite an important part of the clerkship process, as it allows you to get your name known amongst the interviewers who attend the event.

OUR TOP TIPS:

• Keep conversation natural and relatively casual.

• Treat it as an opportunity to ask the representatives questions.

• You can ask them about their practice areas, what a typical day involves, who their main clients are, and what matters they have been involved in. Let the discussion evolve naturally!

• You can ask to connect on Linkedin to potentially foster a meaningful industry connection.

ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE

ABOUT US

With over 25 o ces spanning Asia, Europe, Australasia, and the Middle East, careers at Herbert Smith Freehills o er our graduates the opportunity to experience being part of a truly global law firm. Working with some of the most significant organisations in the world, opportunities to have social impact, and learning from our world-class team every day will enable you to create solid foundations on which to build your career in law.

We’re proud to say that we put people first. Our firm is built on a diverse culture, reflective of the societies in which we live and work. That’s why inclusivity is key to our success. At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll be valued for what makes you di erent and accepted for who you are. We recognise the power of diversity and inclusion to drive innovation, collaboration and business outcomes. So, whether it’s working on the latest advancements in digital law, taking part in some of the biggest mergers and acquisitions around, or helping people through our extensive pro bono work – you’ll develop the skills to solve the most complex challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways.

WE WELCOME DIFFERENT

Great lawyers are both curious and creative. We encourage you to challenge assumptions and open yourself up to new ideas. 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.

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 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, 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

• Work with cutting edge technology through our innovation projects

• Networking opportunities to meet people across the firm

Contacts

We're Herbert Smith Freehills, one of the world's leading international law firms. Join us and you'll be at the centre of high-profile cases, highimpact deals and you'll grow from new experiences every day.

JOINING US

We o er a range of summer and winter clerkships across our Australian o ces. 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

Kok

Recruitment Consultant T +61

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.

A HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS CLERK’S REFLECTIONS

“I was surprised at how many partners were willing to take the time to speak to us about their practice areas, despite being notoriously busy, and even taking us for chats over co ee - whether these chats were about the work itself, our personal interests, meaningful career advice or something completely unrelated. It showed me that the firm genuinely values its people and wants to see us succeed.”

My name is Shanya Singh and I was a vacation clerk over the Summer 2022/23 session. I would describe my pathway to HSF as di erent to others, as I did not come from one of the ‘Group of Eight’ universities, and rather am studying a double degree of law and business at Western Sydney University. I also had never worked as a paralegal in a law firm. Despite feeling like the odds were against me, I realised

throughout the clerkship recruitment process how much HSF values diversity, extracurriculars and non-legal experiences.

How my non-legal experience, background & skills helped me as a clerk

My second degree is in business, majoring in human resource management, and I also worked in a workplace relations role prior to the clerkship. These non-legal skills that I developed helped me in my rotation through the Employment, Industrial Relations & Safety team, as it allowed me to better understand the tasks that I was given and my comprehension of certain terms/concepts. For example, I already had exposure to the terms that are found in modern awards and enterprise bargaining agreements, which helped me in tasks where I had to compare the two, and overall allowed me to make meaningful contributions.

I have also worked as an analyst (consulting) in a professional services firm, where I had minimal legal exposure, as well as working in retail for many years. Throughout these experiences I gained a variety of skills, including written/verbal communication and customer service, which were all looked upon favourably, especially given the firm’s focus on client empathy. Overall, despite never o cially working as a paralegal, I felt that my skills, background, and experience in these non-legal areas were well-recognised by HSF.

Expectations before joining Herbert Smith Freehills

Prior to joining HSF, my expectations for the firm were similar to that of any other ‘Big 6’ law firm. That is, with the firm being market leading in many practice areas, that everyone would be constantly busy and that there may be a solely ‘serious’ firm culture.

However, I quickly realised throughout the recruitment process and clerkship role itself that this was not the case with HSF. Everyone I met, from graduates all the way up to partners, were incredibly approachable. I was surprised at how many partners were willing to take the time to speak to us about their practice areas, despite being notoriously busy, and even taking us for chats over co ee - whether these chats were about the work itself, our personal interests, meaningful career advice or something completely unrelated. It showed me that the firm genuinely values its people and wants to see us succeed, and allowed me to learn so many new things from people who are willing to share their knowledge.

Clerkship application experience and advice

My clerkship application experience was positive and overall felt quite casual. It began with the online application and personality questionnaire, then two one-on-one interviews with a partner, a few information sessions, and a cocktail evening. It was very accommodating, in that there were remote options always available, and we were given buddies to provide us guidance and support throughout the entire process.

Shanya Singh Paralegal, (Vacation Clerk 2022/23)

BECOME PART OF OUR STORY

ABOUT

OUR FIRM

Clyde&Coisadynamic,rapidlyexpandinggloballawfirmfocusedon providingacompletelegalserviceto clientsinourcoresectors–Insurance, Trade&Commodities,Energy,Transport andInfrastructure–whichplacethefirm attheheartofglobaltradeand commerce.

ABOUTOURINSURANCEPRACTICE

Wehavebeenrecognisedastheworld’s leadinginternationalinsuranceand reinsurancelawfirm.Wehavethe broadestbusinesslineandgeographic coverage,aswellasthehighest concentrationofleadingpractitioners,of anyinsurancefirm.InAustralia,and acrossourglobalnetworkofoffices,we offerourarangeofcontentiousandnoncontentiousservices.Ourinsuranceand reinsurancepracticeinAustraliaisledby partnerswhoarerecognisedasleading insurancepractitionersbyChambersAsia PacificandLegal500AsiaPacific.

WEARELOOKINGFORCLERKSWHO ARE:

Simone Rodgers

Early Careers Advisor | Clyde & Co

Email: Simone.Rodgers@clydecoc.om

I would say that the firm’s “growth-oriented” mentality and entrepreneurial spirit are what distinguish it from the competition. If you’re eager to constantly challenge yourself, work with and learn from industry leaders, and to make meaningful contributions from day one of your career, then this is the place for you!”

2021/ 2022 Summer Clerk

Diary Entry

A Random Day in the Financial Markets & Regulation Team (in the office)

by Erika Serrano

Summer Clerk at King & Wood Mallesons

My Partner asks to meet me. She is compiling a best practice overview of cryptocurrency custody (essentially how to safely store online assets) for compliance in the Hong Kong market. As international regulators are still continuing to develop their digital asset regulatory regimes, she asks me to research the various custody requirements across various markets including the US, Bermuda and Singapore. She explains to me the fundamentals of ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ storage and sends me a list of the current Hong Kong Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements. She asks me to compile my ndings into an email memo.

Today is the day of our monthly ntech meeting where experts from across the rm discuss developments on crypto and derivative regulation in Australia. As someone who barely understands how crypto functions, this is a great way to learn by osmosis and pick up on what the key concepts are and take notes!

Grabbed some co ee and breakfast with some of the other clerks at the in-house cafe.

I receive an email from a solicitor. She explains that our clients are looking to update their internal documents to best re ect the SEC regulatory requirements. She sends me a draft Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) policy and asks me to compare the document with the SEC AML/CTF guidelines. She also asks me to proofread the document and mark-up any necessary changes.

Today’s team meeting is a brief one. We jump straight into a whip around the team where each person gives an update on what they will be working on for the day and what work they anticipate will come through.

Lunch with my buddy (a graduate lawyer in my team) before taking a walk outside to grab a co ee.

Head to the cafe to buy a pack of red frog lollies for an afternoon pick me up.

After having reviewed various policies during my rotation, a senior associate in the team asks me to have a rst-go at drafting a Con ict of Interest policy for our client. He explains our client’s company structure to me and provides me with an example from a similar matter. He notes that this policy is less urgent and that I have a few days to complete it, but I start working on it straight away.

I open the billing software and enter in my time for the day before heading out.

No matter what day of the week it is, there will always be someone looking for company at after work drinks. Today is no exception.

Head to page 70 for Part 2: A Random Day in the Funds (Superannuation) Team (working from home)

A Random Day in the Financial Markets & Regulation Team (in the office)

Choose your next move wisely

Our business model is di erent to other rms. We o er our graduates the opportunity to get hands-on experience, working on market leading legal work in a down-to-earth environment where people thrive.

Corporate M&A

Restructuring & insolvency

Environment & planning

Projects

Energy & resources

Competition & antitrust

Intellectual property & IT Tax

Employment

Real estate

Dispute resolution Finance

Foreign investment

Private equity & Venture capital

Funds Management

Corporate crime & investigations

Life with us has more bene ts than just working for a large corporate rm. We will put you at the forefront of Australian commerce, working with our clients on their most complex and business critical legal work.

The team usually meets online every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning to discuss capacity and current matters. As usual however, the majority of the meeting is spent discussing current a airs, everyone’s weekend plans and in my case, Phoebe Bridgers concert plans. Team meetings are also an opportunity for work to be distributed or for people to get involved in new matters.

In the team meeting, my Partner let me know that he would be pulling me into a client meeting. He sends through an email chain with some documents attached for me to read so that I can understand the context of the meeting. He asks that I take note of any action items that arise during the client meeting. I spend time reading the chain and attachments in preparation for the meeting.

I receive a Teams call from a special counsel in my team. Our client is in the process of updating their nancial adviser nomination forms and has asked us to review the documents. The special counsel explains that these documents will be used for individuals to nominate a nancial adviser to act on their behalf so they must be reviewed and simpli ed.

It is nally time for client meeting. My partner leads the meeting and our client walks us through the reporting structure they have in place for company executives, outlining the roles of directors and excutive o cers. They explain that they are unsure about how the reporting obligations imposed by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority a ect them and whether they are able to reassign certain position titles based on sta responsibilities.

I noted the client’s question from the meeting as an action item to follow up. My partner asks me to research this area of law with reference to the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 and relevant ASIC publications. I conduct some research and draft a short memo to be sent back to the client and discuss it with my partner.

After returning from lunch, I see an email from my Partner asking me to call him. I call him and he asks me to assist with drafting a voluntary disclosure letter based on letter prepared in a similar matter. He asks that I adapt the template and identify what information we need from the client in order to complete the letter on their behalf. I obtain the template and draft the letter, pre- lling information variables to assist the client with identifying the relevant information for their situation. I send the draft to my Partner for his review.

Another solicitor buzzes me on email. She explains that she would like an overview of the law in relation to bare trustees and an answer as to whether they owe any duciary duties under common law or statute. She asks me to identify Australia’s position and to see if any commentary exists in other jurisdictions. I draft a memo and provide her with case summaries form various Federal Court cases.

I open the billing software and enter in my times for the day before heading to the couch.

Q&A

KURT CHENG

Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Sciences)

2022/23 Summer Clerk at Ashurst

Why did you decide to apply for clerkships?

With so many career options available with a Law degree, I wanted to know whether commercial law was for me to commence my early career. While studying Law and Communication (Social and Political Sciences), I had a passion for public policy and a strong interest in law, yet I was at a crossroads regarding what I would like to do once I nish up at UTS.

Did you have any legal experience prior to your clerkship?

Absolutely none. I worked at a regulation tech start-up for about three years prior to my penultimate year. Between nishing up at the start-up and starting my clerkship at Ashurst, I worked at the Parliament of NSW. Both these jobs, while not legal in nature, allowed me to develop transferable skills and expertise.

Skills such as customer and client-facing, a strong commercial mindset, and balancing multiple stakeholders and priorities are all transferable. So, in short, legal experience is not a must – if anything, having no legal experience enables you to absorb and learn so much more during the clerkship.

How did you narrow down which firms to apply to?

Learning about the 25+ rms that o er clerkships through the UTS LSS initiatives was a great way to decide where I wanted to apply. For me, a sense of belonging, rewarding work, and a sustainable career trajectory were my three values and priorities in selecting where I wanted to do my clerkship.

Everyone has di erent values and priorities, so I encourage you to think about yours before attending the various recruitment events. Eventually, I ended up narrowing it down eight rms, and ended up choosing a rm that ticked the boxes, and so much more since.

How long did you spend on each application?

This will vary among everyone, but I spent about one day per application. I encourage you to work backwards from the due date, and prepare a timeline of what you will do three weeks prior to plan your workow. For me, I broke down the three weeks as follows:

• Week 1: Preparing a spreadsheet listing each rm including login details for applications, speci c practice areas of interest and why I am interested, recent awards and accolades, the relevant hiring manager contact details, and requirements of each application (such as CV, cover letter, psychometric testing requirements, and how many rounds of interviews).

• Week 2: Extensive research of each rm to form part of the cover letter (if required) and prepared notes to aid interview opportunities. Reviewed my CV and applied a simple design. Commenced drafting standard lines in each cover letter (such as an introduction about yourself which will rarely change).

• Week 3: Prepared an individual cover letter for each rm I am applying to. Once all letters are collated, asking a friend or relative to review them to pick up on mistakes. Once reviewed, prepared each application for submission, as well as any other requirements (additional questions within the application portal).

How would you describe your experience undergoing the application process?

It was stressful and rewarding. But it was also exciting to know this is a point of my degree that I can begin to think about career options after university. University only forms a small portion of our lifetime, and the career opportunities that exist outside of UTS will enable experiences we never thought were possible.

What lessons have you learned from your clerkship experience?

From applications, to interviews, to receiving o ers and spending three months at Ashurst, I learnt three key lessons:

1. Do not choose a rm for the sake of it. It might be the name, the ‘prestige’, or what someone said, but choose a rm that you aligns with your values and priorities. For me, a sense of belonging was a key priority, so true cultural diversity and inclusion beyond lip-service was something I looked for, and felt, at the rm I chose.

2. Look out for one another during the application period. Competitive as clerkships may be, the wellbeing of yourself and your friends is more important than any clerkship will ever be. Create group chats, call one another, complete applications together and even go out to celebrate once applications are submitted.

3. It is ne to not be interested in commercial law. Use the clerkship to give yourself a clear and concise answer that commercial law is not for you. Give yourself three months to get a sense of whether commercial law is for you, and if the answer is no, there are absolutely no hard feelings.

What words of wisdom do you have for applicants this year?

Find a rm where you see yourself starting your early career. Decide on your values and priorities, and whether that rm aligns with them. Work in the legal industry is often the same, but the people and environments in which you work will vary greatly. It is an exciting time to be thinking about your early career, so enjoy the process and use it to make meaningful connections and develop your professional relationships.

If you are applying for the clerkships this year, feel free to reach out for a chat over co ee (or a juice)!

kurt.cheng@student.uts.edu.au

Early careers at MinterEllison

Our clerks and graduates tell us that three key things make the MinterEllison experience:

1. Experiencing high profile matters in a top tier firm

2. Our culture

3. Our learning and development programs

Learn by working on real challenges

Right from the start you’ll work on real client engagements, preparing you for any challenge. Discover new areas of practice, and learn the technical knowledge and tools you need to achieve your career ambitions.

An award winning start to your career

Winner, Most Popular Clerkship Employer

Top100 Graduate Employer Awards 2023

Top Graduate Employers 2023

Australian Association of Graduate Employers

graduates.minterellison.com

Finalist, Most Popular Law Employer

Top100 Graduate Employer Awards 2023

Top Intern Programs 2022

Australian Association of Graduate Employers

Five reasons we’re di erent

Great roles in great matters

Our industry go-to-market strategy is key to achieving our growth ambitions. You could be working on the matters changing the landscape of law and legal practice.

Feed your curiosity

Our learning programs will help you build the skills you need to be the trusted advisor of tomorrow.

A focus on you

Our wellbeing program, leave policies and entitlements ensure our people are supported.

An inclusive culture

It’s no surprise that the MinterEllison workplace culture is awarded key inclusion awards and benchmarks. We’re truly inclusive and value diversity in all its forms.

A passion for social justice

You’ll have the chance to join our pro bono and community investment program to help address disadvantage.

For information and to apply visit graduates.minterellison.com

Early careers at MinterEllison

Will Vu, Associate, Sydney shares his career journey, hints and tips.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am the son of refugees, a junior lawyer in the Projects, Infrastructure & Construction (PIC) team and an avid constitutional law fan (let me explain). My parents risking everything so that I could have a best start in life is what drives me every day to work hard and also to give back by volunteering. As a junior lawyer, I have an interest in major public transit and civic projects and am grateful to be working amongst some of the best lawyers in the country in this space. And whilst I know constitutional law is not a natural favourite for law students, I always love learning new things and it’s an intellectually challenging area of law, but can also have ramifications in people’s day-to-day lives (such as with the WA border challenge).

What rotations have you done?

My rotations were with Real Estate, AMP Capital and PIC.

Have you undertaken any secondments?

I was on secondment to AMP Capital, sitting in their legal team for 10 months. It was a great opportunity to get an inside look at how a major fund and asset manager operates, and bring those lessons back to MinterEllison to help us better service our clients. As a junior, it’s also the perfect time for you to build your networks outside of the firm and get a taste of in-house life – would highly recommend a secondment to anyone! You can also do a secondment to the Public Interest Advocacy Centre or Optus as part of the graduate program.

What do you love most about MinterEllison?

I love that we know how to work hard but also have fun. During the day we work for some of the largest clients in Australia on the most interesting work – it’s a privilege being able to work on projects that fundamentally shape the way people live, work and commute. But then we can close our laptops and march at Mardi Gras, where the firm has been the pro bono lawyers for over 20 years. The overwhelming sense of inclusion and the celebration of all our people, right alongside doing my day job, is what makes me feel just so ‘at home’ at MinterEllison.

What are you involved in beyond the law?

I’ve recently gotten back into swimming, but also started with rowing (if anyone has good tips on how to stop blisters, please give me a shout)! When I’m not in the water, I am on the search for my next favourite watering hole that serves up good drinks and good vibes.

Q&A

GEORGIA ZOCCO

Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communication

2022/23 Summer Clerk at King & Wood Mallesons

Why did you decide to apply for clerkships?

I enjoyed my study of commercial law subjects at uni, and I like following commercial law issues in the news. I applied for a clerkship to gain insight into the practical application of these subjects across a range of commercial legal practice areas. I had also heard great things from friends who had completed clerkships across previous summers, so I was keen to hopefully get involved myself!

Did you have any legal experience prior to your clerkship?

Yes, I worked in a small suburban law rm for almost 2 years. I primarily worked as a conveyancing paralegal, but I also worked on wills and estate matters and some family law matters. There were people in my clerkship cohort who had not worked in law before though.

How did you narrow down which firms to apply to?

I spoke to friends who had completed clerkships, and I went to the Clerkship Networking Evening to speak to rm representatives. I then researched the rms using their websites and their social media (including LinkedIn, which was particularly helpful) to determine if I would apply to them.

How long did you spend on each application?

Overall, probably about a day for each application, and I submitted eight applications. This didn't mean that I sat at my computer and worked on a whole application for a day. It's an estimate based on the amount of time I spent researching using rm websites, social media, talking to people who worked at the rm and then completing the applications themselves (including psychometric testing for some rms). I would recommend leaving enough time to come back to to your application and look over it afresh. Having someone else proofread your application helps too, so factor in time for this as well.

How would you describe your experience undergoing the application process?

It was intense, but incredibly rewarding. It was intense because while the applications are the rst step, the cocktail evenings and interviews occur over a number of weeks, and often within close proximity to each other. Despite this, I immensely enjoyed getting to know people across the rms and learning more about their areas of practice. My interviews in particular were a highlight as it was a great opportunity to ask my interviewers questions that I couldn't answer through research. I also gained a better understanding of what they personally enjoyed about working at their rms.

What lessons have you learned from your clerkship experience?

I learned how important it is to communicate clearly with colleagues, particularly around capacity to take on work and meet deadlines. This allows you to manage your time e ectively, and it assists the people who have given you the task with knowing when it will be completed. I also learned to not be intimidated when asking questions upon receiving a task. Asking clarifying questions when you receive the task, and throughout if you are unsure of anything, will ensure that you're on the right track. It's also important to be enthusiastic, willing to learn and adaptive to feedback. As you'll be exposed to new types of work, no one is expecting everything to be done perfectly, but your attitude towards tasks is what is important.

What words of wisdom do you have for applicants this year?

I know that this is very common advice, but it is good advice: know your CV and your application! To demonstrate why this is important, I had referenced an article that a rm had written in my application for that rm. My interviewing partner then asked me why I found the article interesting. While this may seem intimidating, it enabled me to express my areas of interest to the interviewer. Be aware of the di erent application requirements across rms, like longer responses or psychometric testing. It helps to start early, about 3 weeks out from the deadline. Many applications also ask about your interests outside of work, so use that as an opportunity to let your personality come through. It really helps to build rapport with your interviewers. For example, I discussed how I like to cook, so I ended up telling one of my interviewers about how I make my lasagne! Overall, good luck, stay calm and have faith in your abilities.

Together we make a mark

Discover White & Case

Working across borders

Over the past 100 years, we’ve built an unrivalled network of 44 offices in 30 countries. That investment is the foundation for White & Case’s client work in over 180 countries.

Many White & Case clients are multinational organisations with complex needs that require the involvement of multiple Firm offices. We believe global exposure is an integral part of becoming a great lawyer, and our graduates and trainees are encouraged to take up international secondment opportunities, either as a part of their program, or early in their career.

Virtual Learning Platform

Our virtual learning programs are a great opportunity to discover life as a White & Case graduate or trainee, and experience the stimulating and challenging reality of working as an international commercial lawyer.

You’ll gain insight into the fast-paced innovative projects and matters our teams work on and gain valuable skills on true-to-life legal tasks. This experience will be recognised on our application forms and will demonstrate your interest in law and White & Case.

All of our global virtual learning programs can be found on Forage, by searching “White & Case”.

Global Citizenship

Global Citizenship comprises pro bono, volunteering, charitable giving, legal education and environmental sustainability. It helps us fulfill our responsibilities to the global community with the greatest possible impact.

Lawyers from every office and practice participate, with more than 122,000 hours of free legal services provided last year.

Our Global Pro Bono practice allows our junior lawyers to build a network outside of their initial practice and team, both locally and globally. It also gives them the opportunity to implement their theoretical learnings from law school, and take a degree of ownership early in their careers.

Practice areas in Asia-Pacific

Antitrust/Competition

Capital Markets

Commercial Litigation

Debt Finance

Energy, Infrastructure, Project and Asset Finance

International Arbitration

Investment Funds

Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity

Restructuring and Insolvency

Tax

White Collar

Ready to find out more?

White & Case offer a four-week winter program in Sydney and four-week summer and winter programs in Melbourne.

Please note the following Australian clerkship application periods:

2023 Sydney Winter Clerkship: Closed (Applications will open in March 2024 for our 2024 program)

2023 – 24 Melbourne Vacation

Clerkships: 3 July – 13 August 2023

www.whitecase.com/australiagrad

44 offices across 30 countries

Tier 1

by The Legal 500 for Project Development and Project Finance

114 nationalities represented across the firm

Band 1

Asia-Pacific M&A Chambers Asia-Pacific, 2022 – 2023

Pioneering, united, human – three values that shape our distinctive culture and differentiate us from others.

Our Clerkship program

Change Navigators

We provide the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We have more than 3,000 lawyers and other legal sta based in Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa. Recognized for our industry focus, we are strong across all the key industry sectors. And in amongst that global network, you’ll find some of the finest minds in the legal sector – all ready to aid your development.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Scan to learn more about our Graduate opportunities

Diversity, equity and inclusion is a critical business issue at Norton Rose Fulbright in Australia.

We value di erence and appreciate the variety of perspectives that this brings to our business. We know that if our people are able to be themselves at work, they are more engaged and productive.

We aim to create an inclusive culture where every individual can bring their whole self to work and have a sense of belonging.

We base our approach to diversity, equity and inclusion on six key pillars: Practice areas

Antitrust and competition

Banking and finance

Commonwealth Government

Corporate, M&A and securities

Employment and labour

Environment and planning

Intellectual property

Litigation and disputes

Projects and construction

Real estate

Restructuring

Risk advisory

Tax

Our values

Law around the world

nortonrosefulbright.com

Our values are our hallmarks. They sing through in the work we do and the relationships we build. And, of course, they’re principles we’ll pass on to you.

Quality

We’re a team of the highest calibre, providing consistently high quality work, because our clients always come first.

We share our knowledge and we work to support one another across teams and borders, because our team culture makes us who we are.

We’re trustworthy, open and fair. We respect colleagues and clients deeply, and we work to the highest ethical, professional and business standards.

Gender diversity

Cultural diversity

LGBTIQ+ inclusion

Disability confidence

Family & those with caring responsibilities

Flexible work

We are proud of the recognition we receive for our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in Australia.

Our Clerkship program

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Our clerkship program

Scan to learn more about our Graduate opportunities

Experience a real taste of life as a graduate. Our clerkship program is the primary source for our graduate academy which feeds directly into our international opportunities. Wherever you look, you will be immersing yourself into new opportunities such as attending client meetings, visits to court, exposure to our deals, culture, practice areas and a lot of additional activities such as pro bono, fundraising, and social committee events.

Once you apply, your application will be reviewed and if successful in securing an interview, you will also be invited to an information evening to learn more about our firm and meet our people. Below are the key dates for our upcoming program.

O ice Applications Open Applications Close Clerkship O ers Made Clerkship Program

Brisbane Monday, 17 July 2023

Friday, 11 August 2023

Wednesday, 11 October 2023

November 2023 - December 2023 (Summer)

1 x 4 week program, 1 rotation

June 2024 - July 2024 (Winter)

1 x 4 week program, 1 rotation

Sydney Monday, 5 June 2023

Perth Monday, 26 June 2023

Melbourne Monday, 3 July 2023

Graduate academy

Sunday, 9 July 2023

Sunday, 30 July 2023

Sunday, 13 August 2023

Wednesday, 13 September 2023

Friday, 15 September 2023

Wednesday, 18 October 2023

November 2023 - February 2024 (Summer)

1 x 10 week program, 2 rotations

November 2023 – February 2024 (Summer)

1 x 10 week program, 2 rotations

November 2023 – December 2024 (Summer)

1 x 4 week program, 1 rotation

June 2024 – July 2024 (Winter)

1 x 4 week program, 1 rotation

This is the most important part of your journey with us. It is also a journey in itself. Over the course of the program, you will develop a vast range of knowledge and skills, gain exposure to di erent sectors and work environments, and will ultimately build up the experience you need to become a qualified lawyer.

We o er a 2 year program consisting of 4 x 6 month rotations. Our aim is for each graduate to complete at least one transactional and one litigious rotation during their program.

All graduates will be supervised by a partner and mentored by a senior lawyer, in addition to being paired with a buddy who has recently completed the graduate program at the firm.

International opportunities

You have the opportunity to apply for an international rotation and pro bono secondment. To date, over 100 Graduates have been sent on 6 month rotations to London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Athens, Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong and Beijing.

All graduates will be admitted to practice within their first year of the program (Nov-Dec).

All graduates will be enrolled in Practical Legal Training with The College of Law and will receive continuous training throughout the program.

12 months into the program, graduates can be permanently placed in a team of preference as a lawyer. Others will benefit from 3rd or 4th rotations.

Working in a global law firm means global opportunities – and that means getting the experience of working in our global o ices. We are committed to our graduates building connections with their peers overseas, build upon their legal knowledge in a di erent jurisdiction and experience life on the other side of the world so that when they return, they can play a pivotal role in our global connectivity and contribute to our success as a truly global law firm.

If you would like to learn more about our opportunities, please visit our website or contact our team directly: nortonrosefulbright.com/graduates | australian.graduates@nortonrosefulbright.com

Reach your potential

Join a major Australian law firm.

Starting your legal career at Thomson Geer will o er you real, hands-on experience across a wide variety of commercial disciplines and industry sectors, in a supportive and collaborative environment.

We’re ready for you

With over 560 people, including 138 partners across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra, we’re one of Australia’s 10 largest law firms and its 5th largest independent one.

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

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

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.

Are you ready for us?

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.

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.

Who are we looking for?

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.

What it’s like to work for us

The law is an incredibly rewarding profession, but we recognise it can be demanding. For this reason we create an environment that is flexible, friendly, personable, collegiate and professionally stimulating.

Our clients are at the centre of everything we do; so it is not only the collaborative, supportive relationships we have with each other, but also the well-established, trusting relationships we have with our clients, which make Thomson Geer a great place to work.

Our wellbeing@work program supports employees to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

We also have an active social committee, providing lots of opportunities to develop close relationships with your colleagues.

Developing you

We will dedicate time to your development as an upand-coming lawyer in our team: an investment in you is an investment in our future, and the future of our valued clients.

You will find that our partners and sta are approachable and happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. We encourage our clerks, graduates and trainees to get as much exposure to di erent practice areas and ways of working as they can – this is a reflection of how we work as a fully integrated, cohesive, national team.

Our Graduate Program

Students who complete a clerkship with us will be eligible to be considered for a position in our next graduate program. This program runs for 12 months and includes rotation among di erent practice areas to help determine the area of law which best suits you.

We want to hear from you

Applications for our 2023/2024

Sydney Summer Clerkships open on 5 June 2023 through our website.

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.

I applied with Thomson Geer because it is a large Australian corporate law firm that is continuing to develop even further. I very much wanted to be a part of that growth and development. The depth and nature of work was also significant.

If your ambition is to develop a career in commercial law and you possess the drive to make your ambitions a reality, we want to hear from you!

UTS CAREERS’ TOP TIPS FOR LAW STUDENTS

START HAVING CAREER CONVERSATIONS

No matter where you’re at in your studies or career, asking questions and chatting about your options with your peers or industry professionals can provide invaluable new insights into what your next career step may be. As a UTS Law student, you have several options when it comes to exploratory career conversations.

First, you can book a free one-on-one express appointment (uts.ac/CareerAdvice) with one of UTS Careers’ Peer Career Advisors and get answers to your general career enquiries, learn more about how UTS Careers can help, and discover what resources and opportunities are available to you.

Or, if you’re looking to chat to an industry professional, UTS alumni, or your fellow peers then the Online Career Communities (uts.ac/OCC) may be for you. Hosted on the Professional Mentoring Platform, these communities offer an inclusive space to share and receive career advice, explore your future career options, and ask questions.

At UTS you have access to a ready network of brilliant minds, people who want to see you succeed, and industry contacts eager to work with you. But it can be hard to know where to start and where to focus your energy when you’re trying to determine the next step in your career. Luckily, UTS Careers can help provide the tools, support and resources you need to find success.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your career journey, changing industries, or already navigating your career in law, read on for some of UTS Careers’ top tips for both undergraduate and postgraduate students looking to find career success while at UTS and beyond.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH LAW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WHILE YOU STUDY

If you’re starting to think more deeply about your next career move it’s important to stay up to date with the different opportunities that may be coming your way while you study. Not sure where to look? If you’re interested in exploring where your degree could take you, or you simply want to learn more about events and learning experiences designed to help you start planning your career journey, then visit the Law Career Hub (careerhub.uts.edu.au/s/law)

The Law Career Hub is a curated online career support hub designed with your unique faculty needs in mind. UTS Careers developed this one-stop, discipline-specific online location to help you find on-demand resources, events and opportunities to help you take ownership of your career.

STAY CURIOUS AND SEARCH OUT NEW PERSPECTIVES

One of the best ways to build your career know-how is to learn from others’ experiences. Lucky for you, the UTS Careers Blog (careersblog.uts.edu.au) offers a range of career advice and inspiration from industry professionals, as well as UTS alumni, staff and students. Whether you’re looking for tips on advancing your career, guidance around the recruitment process, or want to explore stories from the UTS community, this blog is the place to visit.

For example, do you want to learn how a recent UTS Law alumna went from volunteering in Italy and Kosovo to her current role within the Attorney-General’s Department? Check out this interview (uts.ac/azimiblog) with Australian Government Solicitor, Sadaf Azimi, to learn about her experience studying law and entering legal practice.

BRUSH UP ON YOUR RECRUITMENT SKILLS

While building your professional skills through your studies is vital to landing a career in law, some students struggle to convey their skills and knowledge during the recruitment process. Whether it’s writing a great resume, or standing out in an interview, developing your recruitment skills is a great idea. If you’re looking for feedback on your resume, check out Rate My Resume (uts.ac/RateMyResume). This free online tool offers you tailored guidance at any time, no matter where you are. Simply upload your resume to receive advice on everything from word choice to formatting, and beyond. Or if interviews are your kryptonite, practise your skills with the Video Interview Practice Tool (uts.ac/videointerview). This is free online tool that can help you build your confidence and familiarise yourself with video interviews. Plus, you can submit your interview for feedback from a UTS Careers team member.

Finally, you can discover more recruitment, interview and application resources on the Law Career Hub (careerhub.uts.edu.au/s/law)

A FINAL TIP FOR STUDENTS COMING FROM OTHER INDUSTRIES

Remember, many students will work in other industries prior to starting their law careers - whether that means they’ve had a career in a previous industry and are now studying a degree in law, or they’re an undergraduate student working part-time while they study.

Either way, the expertise you bring from other industries can be invaluable in your law career and can provide you with skillsets that other job applicants may lack. When looking for what your next step may be, consider how your previous experience could be leveraged to your advantage. You can access the resources and support mentioned above

If you’re curious about the other ways UTS Careers can support you on your career journey visit our website at careers.uts.edu.au.

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