clerkship guide 2015

Clerkship Guide 2015 [ 1 ] Macquarie University Law Society

ClerkshipGuide

2015

Dean’s WelcomeI am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce this guide

to the summer clerkship program. Students study law for

many reasons, going well beyond the desire to practice as a

lawyer as a career path: the intellectual pursuit, the desire to

make a difference in the world, and the chance to build a set

of skills that can be used in diverse professional contexts.

Your education at Macquarie is an important first step in

developing the great knowledge and many skills you will use

throughout your working life.

The summer clerkship program provides a valuable

opportunity to see the operation of the legal profession

first hand. It can further enable you to create important

networks and provide you with a personally challenging,

but rewarding, experience. The summer clerkship is often

seen as an important rite of passage for law students,

as it provides exposure to the daily operation of the law

in key commercial settings. The learning that comes

from working with law firm partners, senior associates

and other law staff provides a unique insight into the

interpretation and application of the law. You will return

to your studies with new insights not only about the law

and its operation but also about yourself, your skills and

capabilities and your character.

We have found that students who undertake clerkships are

also wonderful ambassadors for Macquarie Law School, and

you may well have the opportunity to see how our alumni

spend their professional lives.

While competition for clerkships can be tough, it is an

opportunity that is well worth pursuing. Irrespective of the

career path you ultimately follow, the experience from the

clerkship should serve you extremely well.

You all have a lot to offer and the advice in this guide will

provide you with great tips and advice on how to prepare

and work your way through the process.

My congratulations to the Macquarie University Law Society,

especially the Editor and Publications team, for their hard

work in putting together this excellent guide.

Professor Natalie Klein

Dean, Macquarie Law School

With thanks

to...

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

[ 2 ] Clerkship Guide 2015 Macquarie University Law Society

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily

reflect those of the Editor nor Macquarie University and

are in no way associated with Macquarie University. Best

efforts have been made to ensure that all information in this

guide is correct as of 30 April 2015 but is subject to change

without notice. The advice is merely advisory and should

not be relied upon as professional advice. This publication

is distributed free of charge with the understanding that the

authors, Editor and any persons related to this publication

are not responsible for the results of their actions or

omissions on the basis of any information provided

within this publication. The user of this guide, therefore,

acknowledges that he or she will take responsibility for

his or her actions and will under no circumstances hold

the Editor, authors or Macquarie University Law Society

responsible for any damage resulting to the user or anyone

else from use of this publication.

MULS encourages all summer clerkship applicants to obtain

confirmation of all information from the firms themselves.

5PART I - INTRODUCTION

6 Clerkships

7 An Overview of the Clerkship Application Process

8 The Essentials: Clerkship Week

9PART II - THE CV

10 How Not to Apply for a Clerkship

12 Getting Ready to Apply

13 Writing an Outstanding Cover Letter

15 How to Write Your CV Whilst Staying Sane

20 Online Applications and cvMail

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EDITOR Brendan Lord

DESIGNER Nathan Li

CONTRIBUTORS Nicola Amys, Nick Larkin,

David Mullan, Olivia Nunn, Meena Muthuraman,

Pavitra Raja, Benjamin Roe, Valiant Warzecha

Special Thanks: Tim Grellman, Emma Grimley,

Matt O’Connor, Angela Voerman and Valiant Warzecha for

their time, effort and counsel in the production of this guide.

Thanks to the UNSW Law Society for allowing the

reproduction of their question bank.

Other acknowledgements: I would like to thank

Nathan Li (NXL Design) for his truly remarkable

talents. His fantastic design and vision has been

integral to delivering this publication.

22PART III - THE INTERVIEW

23 Interview Process

24 Question Types

26 Style

27 Cocktail Evening and Networking

28 Offer Etiquette

29PART IV - THE EXPERIENCE

30 Q&A with the Clerks

35PART V - THE FIRMS

36 Common Practice Areas

38 - 68 Firm Profiles

69 Index: Participating Law Firms

CONTENT

Gold Sponsors


EDITOR’S NOTE

The legal sphere is broad and diverse. There

comes a time where every law student stares

down the abyss of possibilities. A Clerkship

can help shape those future ambitions by

offering a unique opportunity to learn from

highly experienced practitioners and gain

exposure to a variety of different practice

areas. The clerkship process is ultimately

designed for your benefit, providing you

with the invaluable experience of exploring

a career within Commercial Law in some of

the largest firms in Australia. This guide is

designed to assist you with all stages of the

Clerkship process, from helping you develop

a professional CV to preparing for the types

of questions you may be asked in interviews.

In the preparation of this guide, I’ve received

numerous insights from previous clerks and

what they believed to be the key to their

success. In short, enthusiasm, curiosity

and dedication will go a long way. So I

encourage you to not fret about whether

your marks satisfy the requisite threshold,

or whether your extra-curricular pursuits

have been diverse enough, or whether you

have sufficient work experience. Show the

firms how you can be a unique and valuable

investment opportunity, as your individual

talent will differentiate you from the crowd.

This guide has been prepared with the goal

of maximising Macquarie University law

students within the 2015 Summer Clerkship

programs. I hope given this Guide you will

have the best opportunity to realise your

clerkship potential.

Brendan Lord | Executive Officer (Editor)

Macquarie University Law Society

Dear Law Students,

It is an honour to welcome you to the 2015 Clerkship Guide.

All law students – every one of us – feel both excited and

uncertain of what career path we seek and to where the future

will take us. We feel excited and uncertain of what a clerkship

and a commercial law career may entail. This Clerkship Guide

captures that excitement and addresses these uncertainties.

The Guide describes the exciting opportunities available to you

at commercial law firms and equips you with knowledge that will

guide you through the application process.

The competitive nature of the clerkship process may tempt us

to believe we should project the perfect image when applying

to firms. We may think that only a “perfect” student lands a

clerkship. These thoughts however, are inaccurate depictions

of what the legal profession is targeting in potential clerks.

The profession is made up of people stemming from diverse

backgrounds. This means your unique background, experiences

and goals are not a liability, but are your greatest asset. As

you will see in this Guide, the key challenge of the application

process is to show how those unique traits will be valuable to a

law firm. This Guide equips you with all the information needed to

successfully meet this challenge.

On behalf of the Macquarie University Law Society I thank

the many students and legal professionals for their valuable

insights into the Clerkship process – your contribution makes this

Guide possible and assists our members greatly. The Society

also thanks our 2015 Sponsors for their contribution to the

Clerkship Guide and enduring commitment to being a part of the

professional and personal development of every Macquarie Law

student. Finally, we thank the innovative and hard-working MULS

Executive Officer (Editor), Brendan Lord, for this picture-perfect

publication that he has produced.

I wish all applicants every success for the clerkship process and

future career endeavours,

Tim Grellman | President

Macquarie University Law Society

PRESIDENT’SWELCOME


Part I: Introduction


WHAT IS A CLERKSHIP?

Clerkships are paid employment programs at large law

firms that take place over the summer holidays, typically

running for 10 weeks. These coveted positions provide

an opportunity to experience life in a commercial firm, gain

practical legal experience and potentially lead to graduate

employment. To be eligible to apply for a seasonal

clerkship, students should be in their penultimate year

of study within an LLB course (commencing their final

semester in 2016), or 2nd year if they are a JD student.

Students that fall outside of this criterion, particularly those

already in their final year of study, should check with

each law firm if they are accepting candidates outside the

desired year group before submitting their application.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

There are no set requirements for attaining a clerkship.

Provided you correspond to the appropriate year level,

you are able to apply and you are encouraged to do so!

As firms receive hundreds of applications from various

Universities during the application process, there are

three general factors that firms look for in prospective

applicants, with varied emphasis on each quality;

1. Strong academic records – Firms understand that

your transcript says a lot about your work ethic and

the areas of law you have excelled in. Spectacular

marks are not a pre-requisite for gaining a clerkship,

but they can enhance your application’s credibility

• Almostallfirmswillrequireacurrentacademic

transcript,whichisavailablefromyour

MacquarieE-studentprofile.Ifyou’reunsure

ofyourGPAthiscanbefoundatthebottomof

yourtranscript.

2. Work Experience – Time management is crucial for

working in a commercial environment, showcasing

your ability to manage work and study can easily

demonstrate this. What is important here is to show

any relevant work experience that emphasises skills

that translate into a legal environment.

• Remember,clerkshipsaredesignedaswork

experiencewithinthelegalsector,sohaving

priorlegalworkexperienceisnotessential,

buthelpful!

3. Varied extracurricular activities - Whilst excellent

academic results can enhance you application’s

credibility, firms look beyond this for evidence

of teamwork, communication skills, planning and

organisation skills, problem solving, commercial

awareness, and a commitment to a career in law. It is

here where you can address gaps in your academic

results or work experience.

• Evenabstractextracurricularactivitiescan

emphasiseinherentcharacteristicsthatfirmsare

searchingfor!

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF

GAINING A CLERKSHIP?

1. Work on your academics – it’s never too late to do

better in your subjects!

2. Get involved at University – sign up for a mentoring

program, write for The Brief, compete in a MULS

competition or help out with a charitable cause

3. Get legal work experience – it is always possible to

gain experience by:

• Volunteering at a Community Legal Centres

(CLC’s) – help out on a regular basis (one day

a week). This experience is highly attractive to

firms as it shows you recognise the importance

of social justice initiatives are important!

• Undertaking PACE/work placement units

(LAW488 or 551) – these placements can be in a

commercial or public interest context.

• Volunteer at your local law firm or barrister’s office.

4. Start honing your CV and Cover Letter early

– practice makes perfect! MULS Careers and MQ

Career and Employment Services are able to provide

assistance with editing your CVs and Cover Letters.

5. Consider purchasing corporate attire if you do not

already have it – even if you don’t get an interview it is

always good to have clothing for a professional context.

CLERKSHIPS


1. Applying – Most firms will require you to submit

a cover letter, resume and an official transcript,

and some firms will require you to fill out an online

questionnaire.

Applications can be submitted via:

• CV Mail;

• A custom online application on the firm’s website; or

• A ‘Student Application Form’ downloadable from the

NSW Law Society Website.

2. First Round Interview – Firms will invite you to attend

an interview if they are impressed by your application

3. Second Round Interviews & Cocktail Evenings –

If firms are further impressed by your performance at

the interview they will invite you to attend a second

round of interviews and possibly a cocktail evening

(the hors d’oeuvres are always exquisite).

4. Offers – Based on your application and your

interviews/cocktail evening experience, you may be

offered a summer clerkship position!

5. Accepting or declining offers – You can accept or

decline an offer. It is always courteous to thank your

interviewer via email and call the HR representative

at each offering firm.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE CLERKSHIP

APPLICATION PROCESS

APPLICATIONS OPEN

Wednesday17 June 2015

APPLICATIONS CLOSESunday

19 July 2015

INTERVIEWS COMMENCE

Monday17 August 2015

OFFERSMADEFriday

25 September 2015

OFFERS ACCEPTED OR DECLINED BY

5pm Tuesday29 September 2015

KEY DATES


WHAT IS CLERKSHIP WEEK?

Clerkship Week is the Career portfolio’s biggest event!

You will have the opportunity to meet with, and gain

invaluable information from, representatives of many

of Australia’s biggest and best law firms right here at

Macquarie University. The following events will be held

throughout Week 11 (18-21May) to prepare you for

clerkship applications:

1. Networking Skills Workshop

5:30-7:00pmE7BT218May

The most underutilised skill of most law students is networking.

This event will help you brush up on the right ways to expand

your professional network and will cover the following:

• How to approach a law firm’s representative;

• What law firm representatives want to know about

you; and

• What questions you should be looking to ask in order

to make yourself memorable.

2. Clerkship Q&A

12:00-1:00pmE3A24419May

Get the inside scoop on what happens during a clerkship

from some of our past Macquarie Law Clerks! They have

graciously given up their time to answer your questions and

provide you with personal insights into the application process.

3. Interview Skills Workshop

10:00-11:00amE6B13620May

Nervous about interviews? Not sure how to prepare? This

workshop is designed to help you lock down the basics,

so you can be prepared for all types of questions.

4. Interview Roulette

3:00-5:00pm21MayW6B282

Firm representatives have given up their time to give you

a first-hand insight into what a law firm interview is like.

This is the best time for you to find out how your interview

skills shape up, and what areas might need improving.

5. Clerkship Fair

6:00-8:00pm21MayC10AAtrium

The Clerkship Fair is the main event of Clerkship Week.

Here, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable

insights from firm representatives and speak to previous

clerks about their experiences. This is a fantastic

opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the

Australian legal landscape, and the nature of the work

within a commercial law firm.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU DURING

CLERKSHIP WEEK?

• Come to as many of the events as you can! The

best insights you can get into the Clerkship process

come from those who have experienced it, and from

those who ultimately run it. The Clerkship week

brings together past clerks and firm representatives to

give you a greater understanding of what is involved,

so it is for you benefit to attend as many of the events

as possible.

• Dress to impress. Make sure you dress in

professional attire! First impressions count, and

you never know who you will meet at the Clerkship

event – you could be meeting the person deciding

whether you’re fit for a clerkship position or even a

future employer. Wear a suit, polish your shoes and

come as though you were starting the first day of your

legal career. [Adetailedstyleguideisprovidedinthis

Clerkshipguideforyourreference.]

• Bring your CV: Make sure you bring an updated

version of your CV that outlines all your achievements

and skills to the Interview Roulette.

• Do your Research: Make sure you do your research

about all the firms in attendance at Clerkship Week to

make a good impression.

For more details make sure you check out the MULS

website and the MULS Facebook page closer to Week 11.

Wishing you all the best for Clerkship season,

Pavitra Raja | Executive Officer (Corporate Careers)

THE ESSENTIALS:CLERKSHIP WEEK


Part II: The CV


Each year law firms receive hundreds of applications

– many of these applications are terrible. Years ago I

decided to start keeping record of the bad applications I

received. I pulled out quotes from atrocious cover letters

and stated emailing them to friends. They forwarded the

email to their friends and soon I was receiving replies from

all over Sydney. Human Resources managers and angry

lawyers had been keep their own list which they were only

too happy to share.

My book covers the most common errors in cover letters:

arrogance, entitlement, eroticism, nonsense, providing too

much information and carelessness. What follows is the

chapter on nonsense.

Nonsense

“Grappling with the nature of lived experiences through

text requires intellectual, ethical and visceral engagement.

Literature provided metanarratives, the archetypal

metaphors that provide quiddity to form to our daily lives.

Literature is a war on cliché…”

LawClerkshipApplication, 2011

A few words on nonsense

It’s hard to properly define a nonsensical application. It

can take many forms. It ranges from applications that

include sentences like this:

“a disposition and candour that balance felicity and

warmth, with professionalism and consultancy.

Through this I am able to galvanise model

paradigms of justice…and articulate the aporias of

justice.”

to ones that include sentences like this:

“I have 4 years work experience in the accounting

industry, so I’m not as much of a n00b as a lot of

other people applying.”

The only thing that these two sentences have in common

is that they both fail a very basic test. If an application

causes the reader to think “what?!” it’s probably a

nonsensical application.

Let’s have a look at why these two sentences are so

nonsensical. First, the felicity and aporias of justice one.

The following words do not belong in an application:

“felicity”; “galvanise”; “paradigms” (whether model or not);

and “aporia”. Including all of these words in the space of

two sentences gives the impression that the applicant has

a creepy vibe.

It appears that the aporias of justice comment is a

reference to Jacques Derrida’s Deconstruction and

the Possibility of Justice. As an absolute rule, Jacques

Derrida should not be alluded to in an application to a

professional services firm. In fact, avoid references to

any post-modern jurisprudential or philosophical scholar.

Discussing philosophy is great, but your professional

services firm application is not the place to do it.

Now lets look at the not-a-n00b one.

This was widely discussed. No-one who reviewed

application in 2011 knew what a “noob” was. If we don’t

know what you’re saying, you are definitely not off to a

good start.

Upon asking our previous interns, we discovered that a

“noob” was someone who was new at something. This led

us to question why the applicant bothered synthesising

the data for us. If you have four year experience, just

leave it at that – we understand that if you’ve worked at

something for four years you aren’t new at it.

Never in applying to a professional services firm (or

anywhere for that matter), use number in the place of

letters. We had a good long chat to our interns. We no

understand that writing like that is “1337” and thus epically

non-n00bish. Unfortunately seeing this type of nonsense

just make us feel old. That makes us hate you.

Even ignoring the weirdness of youth today,

slang shouldn’t be included on application.

HOW NOT TO APPLY FOR A CLERKSHIP

By David Mullan – Former HR Recruiter and current

Tutor, Macquarie University Law School


Neither should lolcats, proclamations of “yolo” or

references to the wambulance.

In the end, it doesn’t really matter why your application

makes us question your sanity. If our first reaction is a

confused “what?!”, you aren’t getting an interview.

More examples of nonsense

Let’s look at more examples of nonsense. Not because it

will be much help, just because it’s entertaining.

“I bring the following qualities to the firm:

(a) a thirst for excellence;

(b) a thirst for learning;

(c) a sense of commitment; and

(d) a thirst for followship”

Spot the problem? There are two.

The excessive thirst. If you bring four things to a firm, only

one of them should be a thirst.

Followship. What the hell is followship? This type of self-

improvement-seminar-buzz-word crap might fly on an

application to management consultancy firm, but those

applying to other profession service firms should stick to

real words.

“Dear Sirs and Mssrs”

Spot the problem? The applicant seems to have assumed

that Mssrs is the plural of Mrs. This seems kind of

sensible. Mssrs looks like Mrs but with a couple of extra

“s”. Unfortunately the applicant relied on this logic, and

didn’t search the World Wide Web. As a consequence, the

letter is addressed to all of the males and French males in

the firm.

“I seek to excellencise all that I do…

Premiumisation is the cornerstone of my product”

Spot the problem? Again, weird business jargon. Don’t

include jargon. If you’re applying for a management

consultancy position, ignore this advice – premiumise your

excellence quotient with vigourization.

“I enjoy good music, wine and fromage du

excellent”

Spot the problem? The applicant switches to French

half way through that sentence. I think he wants to say

“excellent cheese”. Why didn’t he? Liking excellent

cheese is something that we can all agree on. Instead he

chose to be pretentious. To add insult to injury, his French

doesn’t make sense.

“I have travelled to every state in Australia,

including Victoria.”

Spot the problem? No, its not that he’s talking about travel

in an accounting job application. It was in the “interests”

section of an application form, so discussing this type of

thing was perfectly acceptable. It’s the weird “including

Victoria” bit. Why was it singled out?

Key Points

Unless you understand a word, don’t use it. By its very

nature, most nonsense is completely unpredictable. If

we can’t predict what the nonsense will be, it’s almost

impossible to devise a strategy to avoid it.

The thesaurus is your enemy. Don’t use it when writing

your application.

Don’t use words that you never hear other people use.

Don’t write anything that your grandmother wouldn’t

understand.

Try to be normal. Stand out with your clarity. Inject some

personality into your application, but don’t show us your

weird side – we’re not ready for it yet.

For more advice and unique insights into what not

to do in your clerkship application, the book ‘Why

We Didn’t Hire You’ by David Mullan can be found on

Amazon.com


PREPARATION

1. Read the job criteria and application requirements to

make sure you are eligible.

2. Find out about each individual firm’s application

process.

3. Analyse the job by deconstructing the selection

criteria and assessing how your skills would

address them.

4. Research the firms and their practice areas – why do

you want to work for them?

5. Create a short list of ‘evidence’ for how your

experience and skills address these criteria and

conform to the firm’s culture.

RESEARCH

The firms you are applying for will no doubt receive

hundreds of applications, so its important that you do not

just copy and past the names of the firms on the same

cover letter and send it off to the relevant HR. The key to

writing an attention grabbing cover letter is to know the

firm you are applying for inside and out - information to

research may include:

1. Firm’s practice areas and strengths;

2. Organization structure and partners;

3. Firm’s culture and values;

4. Firm’s recent transactions (or mergers), business

affairs and clients;

5. Structure, activities and rotations of the clerkship

offered;

6. The HR Representative and addressee for the letter;

and,

7. Present market condition of the legal industry.

This information can be ascertained from:

a) The firm’s website – pages that deal with culture,

people and the clerkship program.

b) Former clerks, graduates and HR representatives

– as employees and successful applicants, these

people will be the best source of information.

c) Look up firm rankings – the best source is http://www.

chambersandpartners.com

d) News sources such as the Australian Financial

Review and Lawyers Weekly.

Start your research as early as possible - this knowledge

is also applicable for the Clerkship Fair and Interviews

GETTING READY TO APPLY


GENERAL TIPS:

1. Use a business letter format.

2. It should be one page maximum.

3. Know and double check your recipient – make sure

you address the letter to a person not a generic ‘Dear

Sir/Madam’.

4. Be enthusiastic and positive – make your letter read

this way.

5. Sell yourself and your experiences!

6. Add to your CV using the cover letter, don’t

reproduce it!

7. Link your skills and experience to the role – use

wording of the employer’s advertised criteria to show

your suitability

8. Tailor your application for each firm – they are all

unique

9. Demonstrate commercial awareness - don’t name

drop firm clients or employees unless they are

relevant, talk about recent transactions and you

would like to be a part of them.

10. Convert the final product to PDF.

WRITING AN OUTSTANDING COVER LETTER

Orientation

State why you are writing to the company and a

general overview of what is your letter/application.

Why me?

Highlight the details of outstanding achievement / leadership

that you may have and why these make you attractive.

Why the firm?

This is the most difficult paragraph - you need

to demonstrate commercial awareness and an

understanding of the firm whilst relating this information

to why you want to work with them. You can cite

recent matters the firm has advised on which relate

to your interests. It is also helpful to mention firm

representatives or relevant people you have spoken

who have inspired you to apply.

Conclusion

A final paragraph thanking the firm for considering your

application and indicating your eagerness to work for them.

SUGGESTED STRUCTURE AND CONTENTS:


[Name]

[Address]

[Suburb, State, Postcode]

[Email Address]

[Title, Recipient]

[Position]

[Firm]

[Address]

[Suburb, State, Postcode]

[Date]

Dear [Title Recipient],

RE: APPLICATION FOR 2014/2015 SUMMER CLERKSHIP

I am in my penultimate year of [Degree] at Macquarie University and [Firm] is my priority firm for a Summer Clerkship in

2014/2015. I am particularly attracted to [Firm] for its reputation as an industry leader in a number of areas of commercial law

in which I am very interested. In [Practice Area] Partner [Partner’s name] has advised leading clients on headlining transactions,

reflective of the strength and expertise of its [practice group]. Being extremely interested in [area of law], the chance to sit within a

leading [group] in Australia, with exceptional solicitors who would be great mentors, makes [firm] an ideal place to begin my career.

My experiences to date have further provided me with the skills and knowledge that would make me a strong candidate for a summer

clerkship position at [Firm]. My diversity and motivation is best seen through my current work as a [legal assistant/paralegal] at

[firm/place of work], which has provided me with an appreciation of some of the commercial considerations underlying [legal

sectors]. In my work as a [legal assistant/paralegal] I have engaged in diverse tasks that have provided me with experience in

undertaking research, drafting discrete legal advices, and exposure to [specific legal task(s)]. To complement my legal experiences,

I am involved in a range of volunteer and co-curricular activities, such as [position]. My ability to solve problems and achieve

results is evidenced through my [Organisation of Events/ Initiatives + Explanation]. Finally I have substantially benefited from my

involvement in [hobbies/volunteer work] has helped hone my communication skills, whilst at the same time being an immensely

rewarding experience.

My average law mark to date is [LAW WAM] and I am looking forward to graduating with [Class] Honours. I am passionate about

the law above all else, and have committed to excelling at [Degree] which is indicative of my commercial way of thinking. This is

reflected by the fact that I have recently finished writing my Honours thesis on [subject matter], as well as the High Distinctions I

received in [Subject] (Grade) and [Subject] (Grade).

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application with you further. Thank you for taking the time to consider my

application.

Yours sincerely

[Name]


GENERAL TIPS

1. Be honest – if you are given an interview, you need

to be able to discuss the CV content in depth (if this is

not possible, don’t include it).

2. Use professional language

a. Use action verbs i.e. achieved, delivered,

attained (firms can filter through applications

using such keywords

3. Keep it up to date – generally it shouldn’t have any

content older than 4 to 5 years.

4. Be as brief as possible – it is a summary of your

highlights, not a personal history!

a. Use short sentences and bullet points.

b. It should not be longer than 3 pages.

5. Tailor the information – relate your experience and

achievements to the professional criteria in the job

description.

6. Use a simple, consistent and easy to read format:

a. Use headings to sign post your information.

b. Use dot points to highlight information.

c. Use a consistent theme and fonts such as Times

New Roman or Arial for a professional look and

size 12 point to ensure legibility.

d. Narrow your margins to fit more content but

remain uncluttered.

7. Spell and grammar check – thoroughly proofread

your CV even for punctuation.

8. Convert it to PDF for submission – it is the

professional standard!

STRUCTURE

Whilst the exact structure of your CV is a personal choice,

it should definitely include the following information:

1. Your Details: Name, Address, Phone Numbers and

Email Address (even Linkedin profile IP address)

2. Education

a. Tertiary

i. Achievements

b. High School

i. Achievements

3. Work/Professional Experience

a. Company and Job Title

i. Responsibilities

ii. Key Achievements

4. Extra Curricular Activities

a. Society/Activity/Sport

i. Position Titles

ii. Achievements

iii. Participation

5. Community

a. Organisation

i. Brief explanation of the organisation if it isn’t

well known

ii. Positions held

6. Hobbies or Other Qualifications

a. Hobbies – things that you interested in

b. Other Qualification – such as a First Aid

Certification or RSA Certificate

7. References – most people do not provide these

and state that they are ‘available upon request’.

However, firm usually like them to be included –

give their Name, Job Title, Company and a contact

phone number.

HOW TO WRITE YOUR CV WHILST

STAYING SANE

Havingwrittenanoutstandingcoverletter,firm

representativesshouldwanttoknowmoreaboutyou-in

otherwords,abriefsummaryofyourworkexperience,

extracurricularandachievementsintheformofaCV.


[NAME][Address]Tel: [number] Mobile: [number]Email: [email]

EDUCATION

Macquarie University 2011 – 2015 (expected)Bachelor of Commerce (International Business) with a Bachelor of Laws • 3.825 Law GPA

Killara High School 2005 - 2010• 97.25 ATAR.• Band 6 (over 90) scores in Extension English, IPT, Ancient History and Chemistry.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Legal Department, Miscellaneous Law Firm February 2012 - PresentResearch Assistant/Paralegal (16 hrs p/w)• Drafting advices for Senior Associates and Partners.• Researching key areas of firm practice and updating firm intranet, wikis and databases.

Commercial Law FirmNovember 2012 – February 2013Records Management Assistant (38 hrs p/w)• Identification of files, barcoding case files, preparing files for Access off-site

storage, delivery of files retrieved from off-site to lawyers, file location and retrieval, updating databases.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

Killara High School February 2011 – August 2012Swimming coach (20 hrs p/w)• Running race days for up to 50 swimmers from four schools. Coaching up to 15

swimmers (age 13-18). Coaching involves analysing the relative strength and weaknesses of swimmers for technique, confidence and fitness and overseeing a training regimen to resolve them.

Format used by a successful

applicant in the 2014 Clerkship

Program – content is only used to

illustrate the formatting:


VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Macquarie University Law Society December 2013 – PresentExecutive Officer (Careers) • Liaising with the Director of Firm Engagement and firms for Clerkship Week.• Disseminating careers related information. • Proof reading CVs and Cover Letters.

Key achievement:• Created consistent format for disseminating careers information and event.• Successful organisation of the 2014 Clerkship Fair.

The Brief December 2011 – December 2012Editorial Sub-Committee• Sourcing and editing contributions;• Coordinating graphic design and printing; and• Ensuring adequate distribution of the magazine.

Key achievements:• Substantially increased student contributions; and• Published a “40 Years of Macquarie Law” special edition, in conjunction with the

Macquarie Law School and its Alumni.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

2013: • Member of the Editorial Review Committee for The Brief. • Member of the MULS Basketball and Touch Football teams. • Paper Presentation Competition Winner.

2012: • Member of Social Basketball and Touch Football teams.• Faculty of Business and Economics Merit Scholar Mentor • Faculty of Business and Economics Team Leader

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

• Academic and non-academic writing and editing.• Playing Rugby League, Swimming and Netball.• Playing guitar.

REFEREES (Available upon request)


[NAME][Address]Tel: [number] Mobile: [number]Email: [email]

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Bachelor of Arts (Media) and Bachelor of Laws 2011-2015 (expected) Macquarie University, Sydney

Achievements:• Grade Point Average: 3.5• Global Leadership Program• Faculty Award for Meritorious Performance 2014

Higher School Certificate 2010Killara High SchoolUAI: 95.5

Achievements:• School Captain 2010• Inter-School Mock-Trial Champion Team 2009• Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award• School Exchange Program 2008

WORK EXPERIENCE

Legal Department, Miscellaneous Law Firm February 2013-PresentLegal Assistant/Paralegal (part time)• Researching and advising on developments the law• Drafting Advices for Senior Associates and Partners

Company December 2013-Janurary 2014Legal Intern (full time)• Preparing settlement folders and attending to court filings

Killara High School February 2011 – March 2012Swimming Coach (Part time)• Running race days for up to 50 swimmers from four schools. Coaching up to 15

swimmers (age 13-18). Coaching involves analysing the relative strength and weaknesses of swimmers for technique, confidence and fitness and overseeing a training regimen to resolve them.

Format used by a successful

applicant in the 2014 Clerkship

Program – content is only used to

illustrate the formatting:


SKILLS SUMMARY

Professional and Legal• Legal research, editing and writing

Communication and Interpersonal• Leadership and organisational experience from school captain duties

Community/Extracurricular

Macquarie University Law Student SocietyCareers Officer (elected) December 2012 – November 2013Committee Member, Governance Reform Committee 2012

Achievements:• Created consistent format for disseminating careers information and event• Responsible for organising the annual Clerkship Fair in 2014.

Participation in Mooting & Skills Competitions• Senior Client Interview Competition National Representative, 2012• Kirby Contract Moot Quart-finalist, 2012• Negotiations Competition, Runner Up, 2013• Paper Presentation Competition, Winner, 2013

Australian Law Students' Association

Careers Officer December 2013 - presentCouncillor December 2012 - presentNational Negotiation Championship, Semi-Finalist July 2013

Student RepresentationFaculty of Business and Economics Representation Academic Senate, (campus wide election)

Other Qualifications• Responsible Service of Alcohol• Responsible Service of Gambling• Senior First Aid (2013)

REFERENCES

[Name][Position][Place of Employment][Number]

[Name][Position][Place of Employment][Number]


Firms often require you to submit your applications

using cvMail or equivalent application portal through

their website.

GENERAL TIPS:

1. Make sure you have already done your research

about the firm and the position.

2. Pre-prepare responses to question that may be asked

on the online portal, the most common include:

a. Discuss your university activities and

achievements

b. Discuss any further interests, activities or

achievements

c. Indicate your career objectives – may include fields:

i. Interest

ii. Job preferences

iii. Reason/s why you chose your course of

study

d. Talk about any other relevant skills you may

possess (foreign language, computing or

computer work-related skills).

e. Provide additional information – elaborate on

factual material already presented and how it

related to the position that you are applying.

3. The application portals such as cvMail have time limits

of 90 minutes before it automatically logs you off.

4. Read all the portal FAQs and instructions before

starting your application.

5. Provide relevant information from all relevant aspects

of your life (part time job, work experience, volunteer

work, sport etc..)

6. Avoid referring to the same example more than once.

7. Don’t rush your application and pay attention to detail

– applications can be discarded for small careless

errors.

8. Be honest – all the information provided will

be subject to academic transcript checks, refer

confirmation. Don’t get caught out!

9. Proof read your answers and get someone else,

preferable who works in the legal industry, to check

your answers.

10. Keep a copy of any answers you submit – they may

be referred to in interviews.

11. Make sure you submit a scanned copy of your official

academic transcript (it is also a good idea to bring a

copy to your any interviews you may get).

ONLINE APPLICATIONS


cvMail is a law student portal that provides information

about law firms, the legal industry and enables law students

to apply for the jobs and schedule interviews online.

GETTING STARTED:

For first time log in, follow the following steps:

1. Go to http://www.cvmail.com.au and register as a

first-time user.

2. Create your personal profile by clicking on the

‘Personal Profile’ button on the left hand side of the

screen and filling in your personal details.

3. Complete your academic profile by clicking on the

‘Academic Profile’ button, also on the left hand

side. You will need to enter information about your

educational background (university degree(s) and

their starting and finishing dates) and also your

academic results according to the online instructions.

4. You can now apply to the firms via the Application

Manager. To do so, click on the ‘Apply Here’ button

next to the firm you wish to apply for.

5. For each firm, choose the State, Territory or

country you wish to apply to, and select the type of

application you wish to submit (vacation or graduate)

from the tabs.

SUBMITTING A COVER LETTER?

Cut and paste your ustomized cover letter into the

appropriate field in the online application form, ensure

your cover letter is in plain text formatting.

5 KEY TIPS TO HELP YOU MANGE WITH PLAIN TEXT

FORMATTING

1. Left align as much text as possible and adhere to a

single column layout;

2. Underline major headings using the equal (=)

character;

3. Underline minor headings using the hyphen (-)

character;

4. Start bullet points using the hyphen (-) character; and

5. Use white-space to give the text a spacious feel

(i.e.two lines before each heading etc.)

Note: make sure the firm you are applying to is receiving

applications through cvMail.

CVMAIL


Part III: The Interview


Interview Process involves two rounds of interviews:

• The first round is a more structured and formal,

usually conducted by a partner or HR rep; it will

contain a mixture of questions to get to know you.

• The second round is more informal, focusing on

whether you will fit into the firm’s culture.

You will be notified by email prior to the interviews who

will be conducting your interview – do some research on

their backgrounds and the clients they have worked with.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE INTERVIEW?

Be sure to bring a few copies of your:

a) CV;

b) Cover Letter; and

c) Official academic transcript, not only as a point of

reference for yourself, but also if your interviewers do

not have a copy spare.

DYNAMITE INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE

1. Beginning confidently – be mindful of your tone, body

language and facial expression. It is always useful to

have a strong opening phrase, for example: ‘Hello, I

am Alan Shore, it’s nice to meet you!’. However, be

spontaneous and open to other opening conversation.

2. Shaking hands – a firm but gentle handshake is

the best way to communicate enthusiasm. Allow the

interviewer/s to initiate or lead the handshake, face

the them and lean into the handshake whilst relaxing

your upper body. Practice makes perfect – shake

hands with 10 different people in the days leading up

to the interview!

3. Rapport building – have some form of topical

conversation prepared to break the ice (ensure it is

appropriate for the interview/ interviewer). Be aware of

the interviewer’s body language, mirror their movements

in a subtle way to help build rapport. It is also polite to

wait until you are offered a seat before you sit.

4. Body language – use open body language (face,

gestures and hands) to show you are receptive to

what the interviewer is saying. When seated you

should be sitting back in the chair with your lower

back supported. Moderate your eye contact should

(approximately 80% making contact and 20% looking

away) and actively listen to the interviewer, giving

appropriate acknowledgement for what is being said.

5. Responding to questions – listen to the questions

asked and don’t be afraid to clarify the question if

you are unsure what is being asked. A useful way to

structure complex answers to difficult questions is to

break it down into a STAR:

• Situation – describe a scenario or issue you have

faced.

• Task – describe the tasks that needed to be

performed and the ideas you had to remedy the

scenario.

• Action – describe what you did and how you

dealt with challenges.

• Results – outline the results achieved.

6. Concluding strongly - end the interview with a

phrase that thanks the interviewer indicating a

genuine desire to work at the firm, prompting future

contact with them. For example, “Thank you for your

time, I’d love to work at your firm and I look forward to

hearing from you soon”.

After the second round interviews, it is likely that you will

be assigned a buddy (graduate lawyer at the firm) who

will give you a tour of the firm’s office and take you out for

coffee. This is an opportunity to ask any questions that

you may not have felt confident asking the interviewer

and/or pick the graduate’s brains about life at the firm.

Though this is not a formal part of the interview, it is

important to be on your best behaviour – the graduate is

likely to directly work with one of the interviewers.

INTERVIEW PROCESS


When firms interview you there are several general styles

of interview questions that can be asked of you (they are

likely to mix these different types).

1. Conversational/ straight forward questions – these

type of questions will usually be asked if you are being

interviewed by a lawyer at the firm - they will be trying to

ascertain if they would be able to work with you and you

would fit into the firm’s culture. Such questions may be

sourced from unusual parts of your resume. For example:

• Q: “Tell me about yourself.”

• Q: “Why do you want to work for us?”

• Q: “What is your greatest accomplishment?”

2. Behavioural questions and analysis – these

questions ask you to reflect upon past experience as a

means of ascertaining how you would react in the future.

For example:

• Q: “Tell me about a time when you displayed…

leadership; initiative; or, teamwork.”

• Q: “Tell me about a time that your initiative affected

change.”

3. Hypotheticals – these questions test your competency

in certain situations to ascertain how you would respond in

reality; these questions are usually the most difficult. The

best way to answer this type is to remain calm despite any

urgency the interviewer may place on the situation and

think in a clear and logical manner. For example:

• Q: “It is late in the day, everyone in the office has

gone home except you (because you are a dedicated

paralegal) and a client calls up the office needing

immediate advice regarding a matter the firm is

representing them. You are extremely confident

about the answer and the client needs the answer

immediately, what do you do?”

QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEWER

At some stage of the interview, the interviewer is likely

to ask you if you have any question - it is essential that

you have at least a couple of questions prepared for the

interviewer. General ones could include:

• “What do you do within your practice group?”

• “What will I do as a clerk at your firm?” (projecting into

the role is always positive)

• “What is the work/life balance like at Firm X?”

• “Why did you decide to work for this firm?”

GROUP INTERVIEWS

A group of 5 or 6 applicants can be indirectly interviewed

at once through the discussion of a problem scenario

under the observation of a ‘ghost interviewer’ who

witnesses the group dynamic and traits of the individuals.

These problems are usually open-ended and may cover

ethics or an aspect of the firm’s sphere of operation. The

purpose behind these interviews is to see how you would

interact in a team environment.

There are five main types of people in a group interviews:

1. The Talker – dominant member who tends to be in

control of the situation, usually overbearing and may

impose their ideas on other members.

2. The Quiet person – reluctant member who tends to

go with decisions of other group members.

3. The Complainer – over reflective and pessimistic

member who may divert discussion away from the

topic at hand.

4. The Terminator – a ruthless cyborg assassin sent

from the future for one purpose: destruction. You can

easily find this person as each question they ask will

relate to John Connor.

5. The Mediator – the unifying member who wants

to find a compromise between the various factions

i.e. drawing out the opinions of the quiet person to

contrast the talker. This is the optimum style to adopt!

QUESTION TYPES


GENERAL

• Tell me about yourself.

• How would you describe yourself?

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• What are your long term and short term goals and objectives?

How are you preparing yourself to achieve them?

• What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

• Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?

CAREER RELATED QUESTIONS

• Why do you want to be a corporate lawyer?

• Do you have a geographical preference? Where would you

like to work? Why?

• Will you relocate? Are you willing to travel?

• Why should we consider you for this position?

• In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to

our company?

• What others skills would you like to develop in the future?

• Is there anything else we should take into account to help us

make a decision?

ORGANISATIONAL COMMITMENT

• Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?

• What do you know about our company?

• What do you understand is the current climate of the legal industry?

• How do you keep informed professionally?

• Give me an example in your career where you felt like giving

up but managed to keep going.

EDUCATION

• Why did you choose to study law?

• What university subjects did you like best? Least? Why?

• Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?

• What courses have you taken that prepared you for this position?

• What part of your education do you see as being most

relevant to this position?

• Is your academic performance any indication of how you will

do this job?

• What do you like about your discipline of study?

• Why did you fail / perform poorly in this subject?

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Do you have any vacation employment or previous

experience in the legal context?

• Most jobs have their frustrations and problems. Describe

some that have been particularly dissatisfying to you

• What have been the most satisfying aspects of jobs that you

have held?

• What has been the value of your previous work experience?

• Where in your previous job have you demonstrated

commerciality?

HOBBIES

• What are your outside interests?

• Who is your favourite novelist?

• Do you like/dislike football?

WORK ETHIC

• How do you work under pressure?

• How do you balance work priorities and those of your

personal and family life?

• Give me an example of when you had to work to an

important deadline. What did you do to ensure that the

deadline was met?

COMMUNICATION

• Have you ever had to persuade people to your way of thinking?

• Describe a situation when you had to explain a difficult

concept to someone. Tell me about your approach. How do

you know they understood?

LEADERSHIP

• Have you been in any situations where you have been

required to perform as part of a team? What was the

situation, what part did you play in the team and what was

the outcome of the exercise?

• Can you describe a time when your team fell apart. What

was your role in the outcome?

• What kind of people do you find difficult to work with? Why?

• Tell me about a difficult situation when you pulled the

team together.

• Tell me about a time when you took a leadership role of a group.

• What is your style of influencing / leading people?

CLIENT FOCUS

• What is your definition of “excellent” client service?

• Tell me about a time when you went beyond the call of duty

to help a client.

• Describe a situation that illustrates how you developed a

positive relationship with a client.

PROBLEM SOLVING

• Here is a problem that we faced recently ...How would you

have dealt with that?

• Tell me about a time when, despite careful planning, things

got out of hand.

• How would you deal with a problem you had not

encountered before?

UNUSUAL SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

• How would you feel about working for a tobacco company?

• What was your favourite album of this year?

• How would you deal with a problem you had not

encountered before?

QUESTION BANKQuestionsreproducedwithkindpermissionof

theUNSWLawSociety.


First impressions matter. Ask any interviewer how long it

takes them to decide whether a candidate is proceeding

to the next round - the answer is invariably less than 5

minutes. Your visual appearance is the first indicator to

your interviewer of whether or not you will 'fit in'. This style

guide won't land you on the front cover of Vanity Fair - it

will probably make you look like the person interviewing

you - we make no apology for that - after all don't you

want to do the same job as the person interviewing you?

I'll start with a qualification. Yes, there is a chance that

you can disregard some of these rigid prescriptions and

still land a clerkship - indeed a minority of interviewers

may not care what you look like - but why take the

chance? The following prescriptions will guarantee that

your appearance will never be counted against you.

• Shoes: Black leather - well polished. Lace ups are more

conservative than slip ons, but both are acceptable.

• Belt: Black leather with a silver coloured minimalist buckle.

• Cuff links: Must match your belt buckle. You should

opt either for a plain silver colour or plain silver with a

coloured enamel that matches your tie.

• Watch: If you choose to wear a watch, it should

match your cuff links and belt.

• Compendium: A plain black leather compendium

containing copies of your CV, cover letter, academic

transcript and passport sized photos. Avoid attending

interviews with a bag. Placing your phone, wallet and

keys inside the compendium will ensure your suit

pockets do not look bulky.

• General Tips: Dry clean your suit, be clean-shaven

(no modest stubble) and wear a light cologne. You

don’t want to start smelling something funky halfway

through the interview and realise it is you!

When dressing for a clerkship interview, keep in mind

that your image is the first thing that will form your

interviewers’ impression of you. The key thing to

remember is to dress modestly.

Here are a few tips to achieve this:

• If you’re going to wear a skirt, make sure it falls just

above or below the knee.

• If you are more comfortable in pants, make sure they

are suit pants and are not too tight.

• In terms of shirts, collared or modest blouses are

appropriate, but avoid bold prints, which are distracting.

• If you’re going to wear a dress, it should also fall just

above or below the knee and not fit too tightly. Dark

colours are the safest option – think black, blue or grey.

• You should always have a matching blazer with you

and neutral stockings are best.

• All of your clothes should be freshly laundered.

• You should wear black court shoes with a small heel.

However, if you are not comfortable in them, wear

closed-toe black flats.

• Any jewellery worn should be understated. Small

studs are best for ears, necklaces should be dainty

and watches are fine.

• For hair, a low pony-tail or bun is common to draw

attention to your face, but don’t be afraid to wear your

hair out so long as it is neat. If you are going to be

distracted with it out it is best to put it up.

• Make-up should look natural and professional, keep

to neutral tones for eyes and lips.

• Perfume should be faintly applied.

• Your fingernails should always be cut short, clean

and neat. Avoid dark nail polishes and fake nails.

At the end of the day, it comes down to what you’re

comfortable wearing and what you feel is appropriate!

WOMEN’S STYLEMEN’S STYLE


Most law firms hold a cocktail night as part of their

Interview Process to observe prospective clerks in a

more social environment. This is often found the be a

large stumbling block for prospective clerks because

professional networking is a skill set that is rarely taught

or developed.

Commercial law practice (and any law practice for

that matter) is strongly driven by the ability to build

relationships with colleagues and clients and networking

is an ongoing process of relationship building. Cocktail

evenings are an excellent opportunity to learn more

about the firm and the lawyers that work there, the career

opportunities that may be available and to gain advice for

attaining long term goals.

NETWORKING AT COCKTAIL NIGHTS 101

1. RSVP etiquette - if you have two cocktail evenings

on the one night, it is always courteous to email the

HR representative for the second cocktail evening

you will attend and let them know that you will be late.

2. Politely entering a conversation

a. For one on one conversations - begin by

introducing yourself, make eye contact and firmly

shake hands.

b. In group conversations, the best way to break

the ice is to chime in or alternatively asking if you

may join the conversation.

c. If canapés and drinks are circulating, this can be

an excellent icebreaker.

3. Have prepared conversation starters - it is always

best to talk about something current whether it be

the news, sport or an occurrence at the firm (the best

source for this is the firm’s Facebook page).

4. Make a unique impression – leave the person you are

speaking to with something that makes you memorable:

a. Develop a personal brand – have something that

makes you stand out;

b. Hone your ‘elevator pitch’ - a 30 second to 2

minute spiel about who you are and what makes

you tick;

c. Use open body language and smile - be friendly

and approachable; and,

d. Be humorous and engaging within the bounds of

good taste and professionalism.

5. Working the room – only conduct a conversation as

long as the conversation remains fresh and do not

limit yourself to friends.

a. Never remain attached for a group for an

extended period of time unless the conversation

is strong, it is likely that conversation can

become stale and strained if you run out of things

to say.

6. Hold your drink in your left hand – no one likes to

shake a cold clammy hand.

7. Remember why you are there - most of these

events will have an excellent selection of food and

alcohol. Be mindful of your manners and don’t

over indulge.

8. Always politely exit a group or conversation –

wait for a dip in conversation and excuse yourself for

example:

a. One on one - ‘It was lovely meeting you Person

X, I think will grab another drink. I hope you enjoy

the rest of the evening!’

(If the person is by themselves it is always polite

to integrate someone else in the conversation

before you leave so you don’t alienate the

person).

b. Group: ‘Well it was fantastic meeting you all, I

must use the bathroom – I hope to see you all

soon!”

9. Exiting the Cocktail Evening – on your way out, it

is always a good idea to thank the HR representative

for the evening.

10. PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! – Networking

can always be improved, attend the Cocktail Evening

as part of Clerkship Week and other similar nights run

by campus groups such as the Economics Finance

and Commerce Society.

COCKTAIL EVENING AND NETWORKING


Firms will make their offers on the same day to ensure

that each applicant has a fair chance to decide which firm

they would like to work at.

If you are lucky enough to be made multiple offers, it will

be a difficult decision to make, the best way to make this

decision is to:

1. Seek the counsel of HR reps, buddies or partners at

the firms.

2. Consider if the firm’s strengths and practice areas

match your interests?

3. Are there structural benefits of working at a firm i.e.

graduate positions or paralegal work afterwards?

It is always courteous to thank the interviewing partner/

solicitor via email and call the HR representative at each

offering firm irrespective of whether or not you accept a

position at their firm.

TIP: If you reject an offer, it is likely that the HR

representative will ask you why you have chosen to reject

the offer - it is always wise to have a well thought out

answer, you don’t want to burn bridges anywhere!

OFFER ETIQUETTE


Part IV: The Experiences


Benjamin Roe - Clayton Utz

How do you think your application stood out? Any tips?

My advice would be to spend as much time on your

applications as possible. This process is more time

consuming than most candidates anticipate. Research

the firms you wish to apply for and genuinely understand

why you want to work for that firm. If you take the

initiative in researching and thinking deeply about why

a firm like Clayton Utz is the right place for you to start

your legal career, chances are that will resonate strongly

in your application.

Don’t just spend time on the CV and cover letter – spend

time on the different discreet aspects of the application such

as the questions. Login to CVMail several weeks (or at least

a few days) before you plan to submit your applications to

see what questions the firms are asking of you. Spend time

on your answers to these questions and make your answers

personal. These questions are a chance for you to show

your character and interests to the firm.

How did you go about tailoring your application (both the

Resume and cover letter) for the firm/s that you got offers?

I made sure that I kept my CV to two pages. I think it is

important for candidates to make it simple and ensure that

their major achievements are highlighted. Whilst the CV

is important, the cover letter is critical and in my opinion

the most important component of the clerkship application

process. In my cover letter, I outlined why I decided to

apply to the specific firm I was writing to. I would also

recommend that candidates do not simply use the ‘control

+ F’ function and replace the firm names in a vein attempt

to save time. This lack of effort definitely shows in the

final product. Instead, candidates should read through

publications like LawyersWeekly or the website of the firm

to see what some of the major litigious and transactional

matters the firm they are writing to has worked on.

Additionally, before the clerkship applications, I would

recommend that candidates attend events at the firms

such as the Clayton Utz Senior Mooting Grand Final event

to socialise with members of the firm and get to know staff

at the firm.

Q&A with Clerks

Meena Muthuraman - DLA Piper

How did you go about tailoring your application

(both the Resume and cover letter) for the firm/s

that you got offers?

I tailored my resume by emphasising my skills and

characteristics that aligned with the “culture” and

“values” of the firm and referring to these key values

in my resume. I applied for firms that had strong

practices in the areas of law in which I was interested.

When I tailored my cover letter, I made sure to

acknowledge their strength in these areas of law, and

any recent interesting cases/transactions that the firm

had been involved in when I outlined why I wanted to

work for the firm.

On a day-to-day basis, what was you experience

as a clerk – what did you actually do during the

typical day?

My experience as a clerk was different in each team

that I rotated through. For instance, I did a rotation

in Tax and most of my daily work involved doing

legal research and writing research memos that

would be used in advices to clients and drafting

some of these advices. I also typically spent some

time sitting in on meetings between the Tax team

and other teams (to learn more about how tax

On a day-to-day basis, what was your experience as a

clerk – what did you actually do during the typical day?

Every day was different. I was fortunate enough to be

intimately involved in major transactional and litigious

work in both of the rotations I completed. This ranged from

completing work directly for my partner on high profile

litigious matters to shadowing a partner to meetings with

clients. The type of work that clerks can typically expect

to work on include drafting memos, working on contracts

and even attending court. It is also common for clerks to

attend seminars and CLEs addressing emerging areas

of the law. For example, I attended two seminars on the


Q&A with Clerks

advice relates to other practice groups) and sitting

in on client meetings.

My second rotation was in the Litigation & Regulatory

team and my work here was a little more varied as

I worked on Insurance, pro bono and commercial

arbitration matters. Again, I did a lot of legal research

tasks. I also helped in discovery for a number of

matters and created/updated chronologies for cases

based on the documents available to us. I was lucky

enough to be able to draft; articles for publication,

advices to clients, affidavits and a submission to an

Arbitral Tribunal. I also prepared briefs to Counsel and

attended court dates whenever I had the chance.

What was the most challenging aspect of your

clerkship?

Casual Friday. How casual is casual Friday?!

If there is one thing that you could choose for us

to remember about you after this interview, what

would it be?

Remember that I am open to embracing new

experiences and look forward to developing my

practical legal skills in all teams, especially those I am

unfamiliar with.

Did you attend a cocktail evening? How did you

approach these events?

I attended a number of cocktail evenings through the

clerkship interview process. Personally, I found these

to be the most challenging interview event as it was

the event I was least able to prepare for.

Before attending, I did some research on the different

practice groups in each firm and in some cases, had

a few people in mind that I would like to speak with if

they attended. I also prepared some basic questions

to begin a conversation and specific questions for the

teams in which I was most interested. I found that the

more questions that I asked, the more I engaged the

person I was speaking with. I also wasn’t afraid to ask

what was involved in a practice group or team that I

wasn’t familiar with.

I also tried to strike a balance between capitalising

on the opportunity to network with the people present

and have a conversation that would leave a lasting

impression.

Lastly, I always kept a hand free to shake hands with

greet people.

PersonalPropertySecuritiesAct2009(Cth) and another

seminar on the Future of Financial Advice.

My overall advice would be to approach each day with

a proactive, willing and humble attitude. Be willing and

prepared to accept work from anyone in your team, not

just from your designated partner or ‘buddy’. Of course as

a Summer Clerk there are many events to attend, which

make the ordinary day extraordinary, whether it is attending

the inter-firm trivia event, the cruise or even attending after

work drinks with your new friends from the clerkship.

What was the most challenging aspect of your clerkship?

Firstly, I found that the most challenging aspect was

transitioning from the university lifestyle of begrudgingly

‘rocking up’ to a 10am lecture to working full-time. This

transition can take a few people by surprise. Secondly,

unlike university, when you are asked to complete a task,

particularly a research memo, the lawyer or the partner

does genuinely not know the answer. Lastly and most

importantly, remember that this is the first step of your

legal career. Make the most of it.


Olivia Nunn - Gilbert & Tobin

How did you go about tailoring your application (both

the resume and cover letter) for the firm/s that you

got offers?

By asking friends who worked in the legal industry, I was

able to get a ‘general feel’ for how each firm distinguished

itself from other firms. I then used the brochures I had

collected at the Macquarie clerkship fair and the firm

websites to fill in the gaps in my knowledge. I also looked

on the BRW 2014 Client Choice Awards and Chambers

and Partners awards to get an idea for which sectors

each firm excelled in. I used this information in my CV to

demonstrate why I was eager to work for the firm. I did not

tailor my resume for any of the applications.

What do you wish you knew when you were applying

to the firms that you know now?

I was overly anxious about the inadequacy of my

commercial acumen, though this turned out not to be

an issue. It is helpful to read the Financial Review,

particularly in the lead up to interviews, but the firms don’t

expect you to know all about the nuances of the legal

industry or financial sector. They also don’t expect you to

know a great deal about the realities of commercial law –

it is okay to acknowledge that your experience is limited

but that you are eager to learn.

What were some of the question that were asked in

the interview?

Gilbert + Tobin conducted the interview in a very relaxed

format, so I didn’t encounter anything too terrifying:

“Why Gilbert + Tobin?”

“Why commercial law?”

“Do you have an interest in a particular practice

group?”

“Tell us about x on your resume”

Some of the other firms asked curlier questions

such as:

“Tell us about a time you were given negative

feedback. How did you react?”

“If you were stranded on a desert island with 5 other

people, what role in the group would you assume”

“Which television drama do you think most closely

resembles a law firm

What was the most difficult question you were asked

in the interview? How did you respond to the question?

I was asked how my interest in social justice issues would

be compatible with my desire to practice in a commercial

law firm. I answered honestly and admitted that I had

personally grappled with this question, though I felt that

Gilbert + Tobin’s renown commitment to pro bono work

would provide me with opportunities to satisfy both of

these pursuits.

If you had one piece of advice to give to hopeful

clerks, what would it be?

The firms are not necessarily looking for High Distinction

average students or someone who has set up their

own charity in Uganda. You may think that you’re not

impressive enough to secure a position but don’t be

intimidated and don’t underestimate yourself. Try to relax,

smile and be yourself.

On a day-to-day basis, what was you experience as a


Each day on the job was significantly different depending

on who I was working for and the nature of the work. On my

first day I attended court to observe a proceeding involving

one of our largest clients, and that night I was fortunate

enough to attend a client dinner. Another day I travelled to

Ashfield with my ‘buddy’ lawyer to assist in the MOSAIC

pro bono sessions held there. I later took carriage of a

pro bono matter, under the guidance of that lawyer. Other

days would be less eventful, involving legal research and

writing. The social aspect of the clerkship also dominated

many of my days; the clerks were invited to the Christmas

lunches and dinners for their respective practice groups,

played weekly clerk sport, participated in a number of

rehearsals for the firm’s talent quest, enjoyed lawn bowls

and scavenger hunts, and helped the staff at Redfern

Community Centre prepare for their Christmas event.

How do you think your application stood out? Any tips?

My previous legal experience helped my application to

stand out, and this became a significant talking point

in my interviews. Including interesting non-law related

Q&A with Clerks


Nicola Amys - Minter Ellison

What were some of the questions that were asked

in the interview?

I was asked questions about why I wanted to work at

the firm I was interviewing with, and what corporate

law meant to me. I was also asked to provide specific

examples of where I had demonstrated skills such as

teamwork, time management, and organisation. Some

firms were also interested to find out something about

me that you wouldn’t know from reading my CV.

Later interviews were more relaxed and involved

questions about my experience on exchange, my

opinion on the criminal justice system, courses I wish

I had studied, my trip to Paris and whether I liked the

food on Emirates.

What was the most difficult question you were asked in

the interview? How did you respond to the question?

I was asked ‘when was a time that you had received

negative feedback, and how did you respond to that?’

I gave an example of a poor essay mark that I had

received. I explained that I made an appointment to

speak with my tutor to discuss feedback. I then applied

that feedback to the next essay, in which I received a

better mark.



Attendance at cocktail evenings is an effective way

to demonstrate your social skills. These skills are

important because corporate law is a client focused

industry that seeks to build long-term relationships. I

asked questions about the people that I was speaking

to (rather than questions that were only about the firm

or the legal profession) in order to demonstrate my

ability to build relationships. My lame puns tended to

lighten up some of the conversations and made me a

memorable candidate!



Think about what differentiates you from other people

and highlight that in your application and/or interviews.

It shouldn’t necessarily be related to the law as firms are

looking for people that will be more than just lawyers.

It could be your witty puns, your enthusiasm, your

sporting abilities or your musical talent. Tie this into how

it can benefit the firm, its clients or your colleagues.

things in your application is also a great way of generating

discussion topics and providing the firms with a taste of

your personality.

What was the most challenging aspect of your clerkship?

The clerkship was my first real encounter with full time

work, so at times I found it challenging to make that

adjustment. Throwing myself into work, social events, and

trying to fit it all within general life was incredibly fun but

could also be exhausting.



I had a good think about the questions I wanted to ask

before the events. The evenings are more useful for you

and less tedious for the lawyers if you have something

original and real to ask, rather than asking the same

questions that every student thinks they are supposed to

ask. I also did some research on the firm to see whether

there were any current events that would make good

conversation topics. At the cocktail evenings themselves,

I would avoid the mob of prospective clerks that tended to

form around partners, and take the opportunity to speak

with grads or lawyers. When a conversation was drawing

to its natural close, I would ask to be introduced to a

lawyer in the practice area I was interested in. I always

made sure to have no more than two drinks, and hold the

glass in my left hand to avoid clammy handshakes. These

nights were also a good opportunity to befriend other

prospective clerks – they were mostly very genuine and

interesting, not at all as intimidating as I had expected.

Q&A with Clerks


Q&A with Clerks

Valiant Warzecha - DLA Piper

On a day-to-day basis, what was you experience as a


I was fortunate enough to have rotated through DLA

Piper’s Real Estate and Intellectual Property and

Technology practice groups in the Sydney Office.

There was never a typical day. Each team ensured that

the clerks were exposed to the full spectrum of current

matters and clients. A few notable matters that I worked

on included: assisting with due diligence for a property

with complex encumbrances; attending a commercial

property settlement; researching indirect legal methods

to resolve a supply chain issue; updating a well-known

food chain’s franchise agreement; writing several pieces

for internal publications; drafting a letter of demand for

a misleading advertisement; and, assisting with the

drafting of standard internal documents for a major

financial institution.

A regular feature was weekly ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions

where each practice group leader briefed the clerks about

the firm’s major clients and matters in that area. Given

that the clerk program only allowed for two rotations, this

was particularly valuable for understanding each practice

group in preparation for our graduate rotations and in the

long term to find our niché.

There were also plenty of social activities to offset the full-

time hours including: weekly inter-firm sporting matches,

the highly competitive inter-firm trivia night, the clerk

cruise and regular social events hosted by each practice

group. I also particularly appreciated ‘Chocolate Biscuit

Fridays’, having lunch with the other clerks each day and

the ability to have kitchen conversations with everyone

from the hospitality staff to the Chief Operating Officer of

the DLA Piper International LLP.

How did you go about tailoring your application (both

the resume and cover letter) for the firm/s that you

got offers?

The following are a few general pieces of advice for

writing your applications:

1. Make a genuine effort to understand the firm’s

history, culture, recent matters and aspirations.

The majority of the old domestic firms have merged

with international firms, several are moving towards

open-plan office spaces and they are constantly honing

their business to focus on practice areas that they have

competitive advantage. These moves are intentional and

you need to demonstrate that you understand why they

are doing this and more importantly how you would fit

into their future. The best way you can do this is to comb

each firm’s websites, read about their history, subscribe

to industry news sources, talk to people who work there

and most importantly, listen to why they choose to work

for that firm.

2. Everything you include in your application

should matter.

The extracurricular or curricular activities/achievements

that you include should demonstrate how you fit within

the firm’s culture or reflect attributes that the firm wants

in its employees.

3. Project into your role at the firm.

In your research, you should be able to identify which

specific lawyers you would like to work with and/or which

practice area you would like to sit. If you excelled in, or

are interested in a particular area of law this is usually a

good starting point.

4. Demonstrate commercial awareness.

This is the hardest thing to convey in a cover letter or

resume. Commercial law firms are as much a business

as they are a law firm. It is assumed that all applicants

are intelligent law students but to stand out, you need

to show that you have the ability to think strategically in

a business context. You don’t have to be a commerce

student with expertise in the latest vogues in business

strategy but you do need to understand the firm’s market

and that of its clients.

A good starting point is to think about how your

experience working in retail or any role that involves a

business could be applicable.


Q&A with Clerks

5. Make sure your application is well rounded and

memorable.

Firms want individuals who demonstrate that they have a

decent academic record, relevant employment experience

and diverse involvement with extracurricular activities.

Being chosen from 600 applications involves having

something distinct that catches the recruiter’s attention

and/or that they would want to discuss in an interview.

This isn’t a prerequisite but it does increase the probability

of progressing to interview.



Cultural fit is everything. You should spend more time

researching and understanding the firms that you are

applying for than writing your application. If you are

not genuinely interested in that firm, it will show in

your application.

Best of luck for your applications.

Nick Larkin - Herbert Smith Freehills

Do you have any advice to make an application

stand out?

State your value proposition. You might be an avid

sportsperson, heavily involved in the medieval society,

help run a small business, or the manager of a fast food

restaurant. Whatever it is this individual talent is one of

the best things you can put in your CV or cover letter.

It helps differentiate you from the pack. However you

should be able to demonstrate how the interest or passion

has enhanced your skills that are relevant to the legal

profession.

What were some of the questions you were asked

in the interview process?

The types of questions I was asked in my interviews can

be loosely grouped as; CV checking, behavioural based

questions and questions to determine fit.

i. CV checking questions were asked by partners

to gain some more information about my past

experiences be it about exchange, at university or

work.

ii. Behavioural questions required me to recall an

experience in which I demonstrated a particular

trait. A common question of this type was, ‘describe

a time you have shown resilience’.

iii. Fit questions focussed on finding out whether I

would enjoy working at the particular firm.

What did you actually do as a clerk?

In my clerkship I rotated through the commercial

litigation and private equity teams. Litigation involved

some administrative work along with more exciting

tasks, like preparing a brief for senior counsel. In

private equity I undertook ASIC searches and drafted

shareholder deeds. I also got to sit in on several client

calls and meetings.

In addition to work I attended a host of training and

development activities to familiarise myself with the

firm’s systems and practice groups.

On top of all that there are a myriad of social events that

are put on. There is weekly inter-firm sport, an inter-firm

trivia night and cruise as well as Christmas parties to

name but a few.

What was the most challenging part of your

clerkship?

Learning to manage expectations. Although firms try to

avoid burdening clerks it is possible that at some point

you could become overwhelmed with work as many

senior lawyers have forgotten what they did not know

when they were a clerk and can underestimate the time

will take you complete a task.

It was something I brought on myself in the first weeks

of the clerkship as I, being eager to please, took on

more work than I could realistically complete in a

reasonable timeframe. I quickly learnt the value in

managing the expectations of those who are giving you

(continuesnextpage)


(Q&AwithNickLarkincontinues)

work as it decreases your stress levels and also gives

you more time to deliver a polished product.

Did you tailor your application to each firm you

applied to?

I think others would probably be better suited to

answering this question as I did not tailor my cover

letters significantly for each firm.

The only point I would add is make sure you spell the

name of the firm and the HR representative’s name

correctly. It is surprising how easy it is to forget to

make these simple changes to your cover letter when

you are applying to multiple firms.

In hindsight what did you wish you knew heading

into the application process?

If I could I would tell my former self not to worry so

much about my lack of legal experience. Although

looked upon desirably a lack of legal training will not

inhibit you from gaining a clerkship. Enthusiasm,

curiosity and dedication go a long way.

Any last advice?

Be yourself. Apologies for pointing out the obvious

but you have to be genuine. The firms are good at

weeding out those pretending to be something they

are not.

More importantly the clerkship process is as much

about determining which firms you would like to work

for as it is the firms deciding whether you are the best

fit for them. If you are not yourself then you limit your

ability to find a place that matches your personality.

Finally remember to keep things in perspective.

Getting a clerkship does not, in any way, define who

you are. The application process is stressful enough

without thinking that this is your only option to begin a

career in law.

Good luck!

Q&A with Clerks


Part V: The Firms


CORPORATE LAW

Corporate law firms often have a practice group dedicated

to pure “Corporate Law”. This can confuse students, as

the firms are corporate law firms, so what are all the other

departments doing? This group deals with corporate litigation

and transactions that are purely commercial in nature. The

group is often divided into smaller sub-sections, such as

Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Company law and

Governance, and Superannuation Funds Management.

In this area you may encounter work such as dealing with

contractual arrangements between companies, advising

clients about the administration and governance of their

company or providing advice about the legality of mergers

and acquisitions. Whilst the work may be complex and

challenging, you will likely be dealing with some very

big-named transactions with large companies, a busy

workflow and large variations in the type of work that you

will be dealing with.

EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS LAW

This practice area covers a number of areas of

law, including (but not limited to) unfair dismissal,

discrimination and equal opportunity, occupational

health and safety, trade practices and contract. In

this group you may be involved in work such as

employment litigation (as corporations are often sued by

employees for discrimination, unfair dismissal, and other

grievances), client meetings, legal research on client’s

issues, drafting letters of advice or corresponding with

the Industrial Relations Commission and other courts

and tribunals.

INSOLVENCY LAW

Insolvency law is an area of law legislated primarily by the

Corporations Act. This area deals with the deterioration

of companies, as well as the relationship between the

company, its shareholders, and creditors when the

company can no longer pay its debts. Insolvency law

covers both litigious and transactional matters, ranging

in size from extremely large corporate restructures to

relatively small debt recovery matters.

Work in this area of law may include drafting court

documents and other transactional documents, court

appearances and advocacy, company searches, drafting

advice for clients on the verge of insolvency or those that

have already become insolvent, negotiating with creditors

to resolve a company’s debts, negotiations with appointed

manager of company’s assets once it is insolvent, and a

wide variety of other tasks.

LITIGATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The Litigation and Dispute Resolution team in a firm can

expect to deal with litigious matters referred from other

departments of the firm that do not wish to deal with the

litigation themselves, as well as matters that are brought

straight to the team. This practice group deals largely

in managing litigious matters, but also provides advice

and assistance with conflict mitigation and preventative

strategies to avoid situations before they occur.

Work may include drafting or considering pleadings,

particulars, evidence and subpoenas, attending settlement

discussions or alternative dispute resolution discussions,

preparing for trial and court attendances, drafting advice to

clients, attending to discussions with clients and opposing

legal representatives, assisting with evidence and discovery,

meeting with witnesses and taking legal statements, or

general research to assist in preparation for trial.

PROPERTY LAW

Property law covers a range of practice groups, often

including Construction and Infrastructure, Environment,

and Property. Within a Construction team, you may face

work such as negotiating, drafting, and advising clients on

contracts for large-scale infrastructure work and building

construction or providing advice in relation to the financing

of infrastructure developments.

The Property group is a very extensive and important area

of legal practice. Property lawyers deal with a range of

legislation and have skills that are high in demand.

They deal with everything from large-scale matters

to minor transactional negotiations. Typical property

work includes things such as advising on commercial,

COMMON PRACTICE AREAS

This list of practice areas is not exhaustive, it is advisable to research each firm’s practice groups and areas of specialization.


industrial and retail property matters, reviewing property

contracts, advising on the due diligence process during

the sale and purchase of real estate and businesses,

completing complicated tenuring and titling arrangements

or undertaking negotiations for variations of leases. This

area often has a high level of contact with clients as

each property deal is unique and requires a thorough

understanding of the wishes of clients.

TAXATION LAW

Firstly, it is important to note that the tax lawyers are

rarely involved in detailed analysis of financial accounts.

It is not strictly necessary to have a background in

accounting or finance to become a tax lawyer, but some

firms do encourage you to undertake further accounting

based study if you settle in the group. However the focus

is on the legal analysis of tax based issues and the

practical application of the law.

In tax, perhaps more than in other areas of practice,

a need exists to constantly maintain and update your

knowledge of the law. Tax work requires constant

reference to both statute and case law, and tax is the

subject of a continuous stream of legislation and much

litigation. Tax lawyers must also maintain their knowledge

of other areas of commercial litigation such as property,

contract, trust and company law as tax issues are usually

linked to other commercial issues.

BANKING AND FINANCE

The Banking and Finance group deals mainly with the debt

component of corporate transactions. Teams are generally

broken down into more specialised sub-teams, such as

finance (focusing on financing developments or exploiting

assets), debt capital markets, consumer financial services

(drafting contracts and arrangements for financial service

providers and large corporations), securitisation, or property

finance (assisting in managing the finance of commercial,

residential and retail properties).

Work in this group may include preparing and coordinating

conditions precedent, drafting and reviewing various

types of securities, drafting various other documents,

including board minutes, powers of attorney, short

form loan agreements, legal opinions, deeds of release

and documentation in relation to financial assistance.

Preparing for and coordinating signings and completions,

researching and preparing advice on various legal issues,

and corresponding with clients and team members.

COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

This is a specialised group within the firm that essentially

deals with breaches of the CompetitionandConsumer

Act2010(Cth). This Act is divided into two main parts –

sections dealing with regulating the level of competition

between businesses and companies, and sections

regulating levels of consumer protection.

Competition work will likely involve advising companies prior

to proposed mergers whether the ACCC will accept such a

change in their industry, advising clients how to restructure

mergers to ensure a healthy level of competition remains

within the market, advising with respect to the development

of facility infrastructure and access agreements, and liaising

with the ACCC on behalf of clients.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Energy and Natural Resources is a relatively new,

fast-paced and ever growing group within the industrial

sector. More and more top tier firms are expanding their

energy and resources area of practice, both on a national

and international scale. It is recognised as an extremely

important area of law, which is underpinned by both

economic and environmental concerns, and captures

a wide range of transactions from oil and gas mining to

renewable energy and power supply.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

This group revolves around intellectual property (IP)

services, including the registration, commercialisation

and enforcement of intellectual property rights. The

team develops legal strategies to protect the commercial

potential of brands, as well as engaging in litigious work if

there is a breach of IP rights.

Work in this group may involve drafting advice on the

identification, protection and management of patents and trade

marks, drafting agreements relating to licensing, franchising,

and transferring rights, advising on copyright, confidential

information and unfair competition issues, enforcing all IP

rights using dispute resolution or litigious methods, advising on

marketing agreements and many other aspects of IP law.



Careers at Allen & Overy

Visit us at www.allenovery.com/careers

Allen & Overy means Allen & Overy LLP and/or its affiliated undertakings

Get connected to the rest of the world Be part of something exciting

Get connected to the rest of the worldBe part of something exciting.

Allen & Overy Australia offers comprehensive legal services in the Australian and international market. Much of the work performed by lawyers in Australia involves cross-border deals including inbound investment by international clients and outbound investment by Australian clients; international disputes and regulatory reviews; project financing for projects both in Australia and around the world; and international bond programs.

Allen & Overy Australia offers the best of both worlds: the expertise and resources of a global elite law practice coupled with a leading group of senior domestic practitioners. We provide our clients with instant access to the firm’s regional and global resources, enabling the Australian team to deliver innovative, timely and cost effective legal solutions.

Our Australian operations in Sydney and Perth are fully integrated into Allen & Overy’s global network. The offices offer has three core Practice Groups offering a full suite of corporate, finance (debt and equity) and litigation services. Within these, the practice areas are diverse, including International and Debt Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Projects, Structured Products,

Funds, Competition, Asset Finance, Tax, Energy & Resources, Litigation and International Arbitration. Clients increasingly need global service providers and we are currently one of the only firms in Australia able to provide a fully integrated domestic, regional and global offering.

As a Summer Clerk, you will be exposed to premium quality domestic and international work and will also participate in various exercises that simulate real transactions from beginning to end, providing a valuable insight into the role of an Allen & Overy lawyer.

For further information about our offering please visit our website:

allenovery.com/careers/australia/en-gb/students-and-graduates

Applications for our Summer Clerkship program in 2015/16 open on 17 June 2015. The website also contains details of our Clerkship program in Perth.

For further information please contact us at [email protected]

Allen & Overy was the first global elite law firm to commence operations in Australia. Our practice comprises hand-selected, top-tier partners, each leaders in their field with an average of 20 years’ experience.

allenovery.comAllen & Overy means Allen & Overy LLP and/or its affiliated undertakings. © Allen & Overy 2015


Possibility in everything

When you join Allens, you’ll learn from partners and lawyers who can help you take your career all the way. Learn more and meet our people at www.allens.com.au/graduates.

18926

www.allens.com.auAllens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP.

Allens is a leading international law firm with partners, lawyers and corporate services employees across Asia and Australia. We work with many of the world’s leading organising including 55 of the world’s top 100 companies and more than 75 of Australia’s top 100 companies. Our integrated alliance with Linklaters mean we are able to share resources and offer our clients a seamless service through a global network of 40 offices across 29 counties.

Future proof your careerIn a rapidly changing world, those who are agile, resilient and innovative will thrive.

Starting your career at Allens will give you every opportunity to build a sustainable and fulfilling career, wherever you end up. You’ll develop the skills and capabilities you need to meet the increasing expectations of clients and the market in a supportive and collegiate environment, with global opportunities from your graduate program and beyond.

> At Allens, you’ll always know where you stand.

Performance-based assessment and progression gives you control over the pace at which you develop and progress.

Clear expectations at each career stage ensure you understand what we expect and what you need to focus on to progress.

Year-round coaching, feedback and development support allows you to drive your own growth.

And clear career milestones give our lawyers greater client and people management responsibilities earlier in their careers.

> In return, we’re asking you to really take control of your career and development.

You’ll need to tell us where you want to go, and proactively pursue the development experiences, relationships and skills you’ll need to get there.

You’ll need to be willing to experiment, take risks and try new things to achieve your goals.

And you’ll need to think more broadly about what great looks like, seeking to grow your commercial and leadership skills alongside your technical capability, whatever your role.



When you join Allens, you’ll learn from partners and lawyers who can help you take your career all the way. Learn more and meet our people at www.allens.com.au/graduates.

18926

www.allens.com.auAllens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP.

Allens is a leading international law firm with partners, lawyers and corporate services employees across Asia and Australia. We work with many of the world’s leading organising including 55 of the world’s top 100 companies and more than 75 of Australia’s top 100 companies. Our integrated alliance with Linklaters mean we are able to share resources and offer our clients a seamless service through a global network of 40 offices across 29 counties.

Future proof your careerIn a rapidly changing world, those who are agile, resilient and innovative will thrive.

Starting your career at Allens will give you every opportunity to build a sustainable and fulfilling career, wherever you end up. You’ll develop the skills and capabilities you need to meet the increasing expectations of clients and the market in a supportive and collegiate environment, with global opportunities from your graduate program and beyond.

> At Allens, you’ll always know where you stand.

Performance-based assessment and progression gives you control over the pace at which you develop and progress.

Clear expectations at each career stage ensure you understand what we expect and what you need to focus on to progress.

Year-round coaching, feedback and development support allows you to drive your own growth.

And clear career milestones give our lawyers greater client and people management responsibilities earlier in their careers.

> In return, we’re asking you to really take control of your career and development.

You’ll need to tell us where you want to go, and proactively pursue the development experiences, relationships and skills you’ll need to get there.

You’ll need to be willing to experiment, take risks and try new things to achieve your goals.

And you’ll need to think more broadly about what great looks like, seeking to grow your commercial and leadership skills alongside your technical capability, whatever your role.


Allens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP. 16693


ABOUT ALLENS

Allens is a leading international law firm, with partners, lawyers and corporate services employees across Asia and Australia. We work with many of the world’s leading organisations, including 55 of the world’s top 100 companies and more than 75 of Australia’s top 100 companies.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

It begins with our people

It’s our people who make us great. It is our priority to ensure they are constantly challenged, recognised, rewarded and empowered throughout their careers.

Our unique way of working

We adopt a flexible approach to the way we work, which builds strong and diverse teams, and is one of the reasons our lawyers tell us a career at Allens is so rewarding. You won’t be limited to working with a particular partner or group. Instead, you will have the opportunity to drive your career by working with a range of lawyers and partners across the firm.

We make the complex simple

Allens is known for the quality of its legal minds. That’s why we attract some of the most complex legal work, and why our firm and our lawyers are recognised as the best in the profession.

Our strategic alliance

Our integrated alliance with Linklaters means we are able to share resources and offer our clients a seamless service through a global network of 40 offices across 29 countries. When you join our firm, you are joining a global network, with opportunities across Australia, Asia, Europe and the US.

Life-long learning

The learning never stops at Allens. It’s woven into our culture, and makes our people better leaders as well as better legal practitioners. Along with formal technical training and development, we offer a mentor program, a buddy program, and support to pursue further education outside the firm.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

We recruit most of our graduates through our clerkship program, which gives first-hand exposure to life as a lawyer at Allens. Get involved in work as soon as you set foot in the firm. Work alongside lawyers and partners. Learn from their experience and enjoy their support.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Initiative

A curious mind is vital, as is plenty of initiative. The more adaptable you’re prepared to be and the more energy you bring, the more you’ll get out of your career at Allens. You’ll be able to steer a path that turns possibilities into realities.

Excellence

Excellence is essential; it’s a guarantee we give our clients. Intellectually rigorous, driven and eager to learn, you’ll set the highest standards for yourself and strive to be the best you can be.

Commerciality

Successful lawyers understand that law is more than an academic pursuit. It’s about understanding the client – their objectives and the challenges they face – as well as the wider commercial environment in which we operate.

Resilience

Positive people thrive in our environment. We look for people who can build sustainable careers with us; people who successfully juggle a busy life and varying commitments while maintaining their wellbeing. Like us, you’ll believe that leading a full, active life outside the law can make you a better person to work with.

Well-rounded

Our clients often tell us we have ‘great people’. And it’s true. We look for diversity – people who bring a fresh perspective and energy to everything they do, with the ability to create strong relationships with each other and with clients.

HOW TO APPLY

www.allens.com.au/careers

CONTACT

Lisa Millar, Graduate Resourcing Consultant

EMAIL

[email protected]


Allens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP. 16693


ABOUT ALLENS

Allens is a leading international law firm, with partners, lawyers and corporate services employees across Asia and Australia. We work with many of the world’s leading organisations, including 55 of the world’s top 100 companies and more than 75 of Australia’s top 100 companies.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

It begins with our people

It’s our people who make us great. It is our priority to ensure they are constantly challenged, recognised, rewarded and empowered throughout their careers.

Our unique way of working

We adopt a flexible approach to the way we work, which builds strong and diverse teams, and is one of the reasons our lawyers tell us a career at Allens is so rewarding. You won’t be limited to working with a particular partner or group. Instead, you will have the opportunity to drive your career by working with a range of lawyers and partners across the firm.

We make the complex simple

Allens is known for the quality of its legal minds. That’s why we attract some of the most complex legal work, and why our firm and our lawyers are recognised as the best in the profession.

Our strategic alliance

Our integrated alliance with Linklaters means we are able to share resources and offer our clients a seamless service through a global network of 40 offices across 29 countries. When you join our firm, you are joining a global network, with opportunities across Australia, Asia, Europe and the US.

Life-long learning

The learning never stops at Allens. It’s woven into our culture, and makes our people better leaders as well as better legal practitioners. Along with formal technical training and development, we offer a mentor program, a buddy program, and support to pursue further education outside the firm.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

We recruit most of our graduates through our clerkship program, which gives first-hand exposure to life as a lawyer at Allens. Get involved in work as soon as you set foot in the firm. Work alongside lawyers and partners. Learn from their experience and enjoy their support.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Initiative

A curious mind is vital, as is plenty of initiative. The more adaptable you’re prepared to be and the more energy you bring, the more you’ll get out of your career at Allens. You’ll be able to steer a path that turns possibilities into realities.

Excellence

Excellence is essential; it’s a guarantee we give our clients. Intellectually rigorous, driven and eager to learn, you’ll set the highest standards for yourself and strive to be the best you can be.

Commerciality

Successful lawyers understand that law is more than an academic pursuit. It’s about understanding the client – their objectives and the challenges they face – as well as the wider commercial environment in which we operate.

Resilience

Positive people thrive in our environment. We look for people who can build sustainable careers with us; people who successfully juggle a busy life and varying commitments while maintaining their wellbeing. Like us, you’ll believe that leading a full, active life outside the law can make you a better person to work with.

Well-rounded

Our clients often tell us we have ‘great people’. And it’s true. We look for diversity – people who bring a fresh perspective and energy to everything they do, with the ability to create strong relationships with each other and with clients.

HOW TO APPLY

www.allens.com.au/careers

CONTACT

Lisa Millar, Graduate Resourcing Consultant

EMAIL

[email protected] Belgium China France Germany Hong Kong SAR Indonesia (associated office) Italy Japan Papua New Guinea Saudi Arabia Singapore Spain Sweden United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States of America

Connect with us on

make your presence felt

www.ashurst.com/graduates

You’ve worked hard. You have ambitions. You want to make your presence feltAshurst is a premier global law firm, with premium clients, premium work and outstanding people.Working at Ashurst will allow you to encounter a wide range of challenges, to get close to different types of business and to experience different cultures. A truly international firm where you can make your presence felt.

Find out more

Margot Kindley Senior HR Manager T 61 2 9258 6000 [email protected]

Level 36, Grosvenor Place 225 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 AustraliaT 61 2 9258 6000 F 61 2 9258 6999


Your journey begins with a world-class summer clerkshipReal client work. Invaluable coaching. A tailored development program. A genuine insight into working with our Firm – while building great friendships. Plus, we offer the unique opportunity to build your global knowledge and network – through an International Clerkship.

Become a world-class lawyer. Join the firm that was born global.

Ready to explore our world?Natalie Brunton +61 2 8922 5747

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


Your journey begins with a world-class summer clerkshipReal client work. Invaluable coaching. A tailored development program. A genuine insight into working with our Firm – while building great friendships. Plus, we offer the unique opportunity to build your global knowledge and network – through an International Clerkship.

Become a world-class lawyer. Join the firm that was born global.

Ready to explore our world?Natalie Brunton +61 2 8922 5747

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

CAN’T WAIT TO CU!

Want the inside scoop on landing a role at Clayton Utz?Find it on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/ClaytonUtzCareers

[ 48 ] Clerkship Guide 2015 Macquarie University Law SocietySS\110814332.1

Areputationforstandingout,Andforbeingoutstanding.For over 180 years, our confident approach to complex transactions and litigation has seen us grow into one of Australia’s leading law firms. Now, with 186 partners and over 1,200 employees across six offices, we continue to build our reputation for innovative and incisive advice. With a genuine commitment to client service, we are trusted advisers to a range of government departments and agencies, as well as leading Australian and international corporations. Ifyouhaveanunshakeablesenseofwhat’spossible,ClaytonUtzistheperfectplacetobuildyourcareer.It’snotjustaboutwearingasuitNo matter how good your law degree, there’s always a gap between theory and practice, and finishing university can be daunting. How do you make the jump to working in a commercial law firm? That’swherewecomeinIf you’re a law student in your penultimate year, ourClerkshipProgramwill expose you to the fast pace of a full-service commercial law firm and show you the law in action. You’ll be working under the guidance of some of the sharpest legal minds in Australia, on challenging, complex and high-profile transactions and matters. You’ll be mentored by partners and lawyers who are leaders in their fields, in a firm where individuality is embraced and innovation actively encouraged. Once you’ve completed your studies, ourGraduateProgramgives you the perfect foundation for your legal career. You’ll hit the ground running by working on complex and sophisticated legal issues, and our rotation program means you’ll discover different areas and find the right fit. And with our tailored mentoring, you’ll get the support you need to become the best you can be. Withourprogramsyou’llget…►mentoring from some of the best lawyers in the country ►a buddy who’ll give you the inside information ►meaningful performance feedback so you know you’re on the right track ►continuing legal education programs and professional development support, so you can become the lawyer you want to be ►involved in our Pro Bono Practice, which is fundamental to who we are as a firm ►the chance to participate in our Community Connect and Pro Bono programs and really give back ►social and sporting activities, because we know it’s not all work and no play. TheClerkshipProgram23November2015–5February2016 Aimed at penultimate year law students, this 11-week week program gives you a week orientation and two rotations in different practice areas. You will also be able to take part in additional training, networking sessions, and social/sporting activities. Applicationsopen17June2015Applicationsclose19July2015Firstroundinterviewsconductedweekcommencing17August2015Finalroundinterviewsconductedweekcommencing7September2015Offersmade25September2015.

Clerkship Guide 2015 [ 49 ] Macquarie University Law SocietySS\110814332.1

NicholeSoo

Why did you choose Clayton Utz?

I came away from each stage of the clerkship process more certain that I wanted to work at Clayton Utz. The buddy I was matched with was helpful and sincere in sharing her experiences and the other Clayton Utz people I met at the cocktail evening (and afterwards, during the entire clerkship) were friendly and welcoming. One graduate was even kind enough to meet me for a coffee to answer the 101 questions I had! I felt that during the interviews there was a genuine desire to get to know me as a person, beyond what appeared on my academic transcript.

What is the best thing about working at Clayton Utz?

The best thing about working at Clayton Utz is the variety of interesting and engaging work you do and the diverse and supportive colleagues you work with along the way.

What pro bono matters did you work on during your clerkship?

I was fortunate enough to work on a few pro bono matters during my clerkship. One matter was a workplace sexual harassment case in which we worked together with the Australian Human Rights Commission on behalf of the victim, a woman from rural Victoria.

Another matter involved attempting to locate and effect service upon a woman who had employed an international student but cheated him out of wages by assuming a fake name and later vanishing. Interestingly, through our enquiries we found that the woman had scammed a number of other people (including the landlord of the place she had been residing at).

What was your most memorable experience with Clayton Utz?

The summer clerks together with Community Connect (Clayton Utz’ community involvement program) arranged a number of fundraising activities for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance including a lunch where two inspiring young boys living with Cerebral palsy came to speak. To raise money to support the boys (and others) to climb Mount Kosciuszko for the “Krazy Kosci Klimb” we requested Clayton Utz staff to wear some “Krazy” gear to the lunch and make a donation.

The Partner in Charge, Geoff Hoffman attended the lunch in the craziest (yet coolest) madhatter-esque costume. Seeing someone like Geoff Hoffman embrace our fundraising efforts really reinforced how genuinely committed Clayton Utz is to the work it does for the community.

Tips to students applying for Clerkships this year.

Apply! There are a lot of false rumours circulating around law schools in Australia, particularly around clerkship time - that applications without a HD aren’t even looked at, that if you aren’t a champion mooter you don’t have a chance at securing a clerkship etc. Don’t let these rumours stop you from applying if you are genuinely interested in working at Clayton Utz. Put effort into your application and have faith in your abilities. There is such a diverse and dynamic range of people at Clayton Utz and you could be one of them, but first you have to apply!


Fast-track your career with Australia’s most progressive law firm.To find out more visit us at me.gtlaw.com.au

Download the Gilbert + Tobin Careers App from the App Store or the Google PlayTM Store

Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.

Think ahead


Gilbert + Tobin’s clerkship program gives you direct access to market-leading transactions and matters. You’ll work with partners and lawyers in an informal setting, allowing you to challenge yourself and develop your legal skills.

At Gilbert + Tobin’s office in Park Street Sydney our clerks complete a 10-week placement that consists of two five-week rotations across the firm’s practice areas. As well as becoming immersed in their areas of interest, our clerks have the opportunity to contribute to the Pro Bono group and Knowledge Management practice.

During the rotation each clerk is assigned a supervising partner, mentor and buddy to assist with on-the-job training. We also have a tailored learning and development program to ensure our clerks are building on their legal knowledge and business acumen.

The G+T clerkship experience is open to students in their penultimate year of study. We’re looking for ambitious, bright, friendly and enthusiastic individuals who will thrive in an environment of integrity and respect, innovation and legal excellence.

Applications for 2015–16 clerkships in our Sydney office are open from Wednesday 17 June.

For more information about applying for a clerkship or for program dates please visit me.gtlaw.com.au, or contact Kristie Barton on 02 9263 4575 or at [email protected].

You can also download the G+T Careers App from the App Store or the Google PlayTM Store.

G+T offered the right environment for me to start my legal career: an ambitious, values-driven firm with a flat structure and the highest aspirations for both its people and their work. I was most impressed and surprised by the real responsibility which junior lawyers have at G+T. It’s been refreshing to see the quality of work and leadership over a matter which junior lawyers exercise. It’s made me excited for the next stage of my career.” Jack Coles, 2014 Sydney Summer Clerk

MelbournePerthSydney

“Think ahead.Success begins with the ability to think beyond tomorrow.

Google Pay is a trademark of Google Inc.

[ 52 ] Clerkship Guide 2015 Macquarie University Law SocietyCopyright © 2015 DLA Piper. All rights reserved | MAR15 | 2902786

IT’S IN OUR DNA

At its heart, DLA Piper is an entrepreneurial and dynamic firm. We have a supportive and performance based culture founded on the diversity of our people, the communities we operate in and the clients we work with.

WINNING

#1 law firm in the world: DLA Piper has been recognised as the world’s largest law firm by revenue in 2013 & 2014 by “The Am Law 100”.

#1 M&A volume: DLA Piper has retained its number one ranking globally for overall deal volume in 2014 by mergermarket for the fifth consecutive year.

#4 Global brand: DLA Piper ranked fourth on the Acritas Global Elite Brand Index.

In Australia, we are recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

YOUR OPPORTUNITIES

We provide cutting-edge learning and development programs, and an opportunity to work alongside some of the best legal minds around.

As a seasonal clerk, you can expect to have a varied experience both in and outside the office. You will gain first-hand experience in the practice of law by doing real legal work.

Joining us as a seasonal clerk is your path to a Graduate position. At DLA Piper we recruit to retain and once you qualify, we will continue to offer you exceptional career opportunities, in an environment that is challenging, rewarding and, we believe, truly different from our competitors.

We are also committed to supporting our people’s desire to experience working life in other parts of the world. For our Graduates we offer the opportunity to apply for a six month rotation to one of our offices in Asia. We believe our secondment program fosters a global mind-set and is critical to our success.

WHAT IT TAKES

Being an excellent lawyer requires more than just comprehensive technical knowledge. Every aspect of our approach is tailored carefully to our clients, their business needs and industry.

Successful applicants are not only bright, as demonstrated through strong academics, but they also bring unique life experiences and insights to the table. Our lawyers are excellent communicators, collaborative team players and commercially minded, because our clients are the core of our business.

For more information about our clerkship opportunities, please visit www.dlapipergraduates.com.au

TODAY’S TALENTTOMORROW’S LEADERS

DLA Piper is a global law firm with 4,200 lawyers located in more than 30 countries throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.

We are a law firm with momentum. Over the past decade, DLA Piper has undergone rapid expansion, responding to global markets and helping our clients deliver on their business strategies. In doing so, we are uniquely placed to provide our people with the global career opportunities they are looking for.

In Australia we are trusted legal advisors to approximately a third of the ASX 100 companies and all levels of government. We have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra.


INNOVATION PROJECT

CLIENT SECONDMENT PROGRAM

ELITE MENTORING PROGRAM

SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE

We’ve redefined our clerkship program to give your future the head start you’re looking for.

GADENS NEXT GENERATION CLERKSHIP

FUTURE PROOF YOUR CAREER WITH REAL EXPERIENCE

ELITE MENTORING PROGRAM

GADENS LEGAL LABORATORYCLIENT SECONDMENT PROGRAM

SummerClerkOnePageAdvertisementv2.indd 1 12/03/2015 4:39:41 PM

Copyright © 2015 DLA Piper. All rights reserved | MAR15 | 2902786

IT’S IN OUR DNA

At its heart, DLA Piper is an entrepreneurial and dynamic firm. We have a supportive and performance based culture founded on the diversity of our people, the communities we operate in and the clients we work with.

WINNING

#1 law firm in the world: DLA Piper has been recognised as the world’s largest law firm by revenue in 2013 & 2014 by “The Am Law 100”.

#1 M&A volume: DLA Piper has retained its number one ranking globally for overall deal volume in 2014 by mergermarket for the fifth consecutive year.

#4 Global brand: DLA Piper ranked fourth on the Acritas Global Elite Brand Index.

In Australia, we are recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

YOUR OPPORTUNITIES

We provide cutting-edge learning and development programs, and an opportunity to work alongside some of the best legal minds around.

As a seasonal clerk, you can expect to have a varied experience both in and outside the office. You will gain first-hand experience in the practice of law by doing real legal work.

Joining us as a seasonal clerk is your path to a Graduate position. At DLA Piper we recruit to retain and once you qualify, we will continue to offer you exceptional career opportunities, in an environment that is challenging, rewarding and, we believe, truly different from our competitors.

We are also committed to supporting our people’s desire to experience working life in other parts of the world. For our Graduates we offer the opportunity to apply for a six month rotation to one of our offices in Asia. We believe our secondment program fosters a global mind-set and is critical to our success.

WHAT IT TAKES

Being an excellent lawyer requires more than just comprehensive technical knowledge. Every aspect of our approach is tailored carefully to our clients, their business needs and industry.

Successful applicants are not only bright, as demonstrated through strong academics, but they also bring unique life experiences and insights to the table. Our lawyers are excellent communicators, collaborative team players and commercially minded, because our clients are the core of our business.

For more information about our clerkship opportunities, please visit www.dlapipergraduates.com.au

TODAY’S TALENTTOMORROW’S LEADERS

DLA Piper is a global law firm with 4,200 lawyers located in more than 30 countries throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.

We are a law firm with momentum. Over the past decade, DLA Piper has undergone rapid expansion, responding to global markets and helping our clients deliver on their business strategies. In doing so, we are uniquely placed to provide our people with the global career opportunities they are looking for.

In Australia we are trusted legal advisors to approximately a third of the ASX 100 companies and all levels of government. We have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra.


a.c.t now

Who are we?

Henry Davis York is an independent Australian law firm with talented lawyers and other professionals. Our clients are primarily from the financial services and government sectors. We are also proud to work alongside an impressive list of clients from other sectors to achieve their objectives. We do this in a way that clients and staff alike enjoy the HDY experience and choose us as their preferred legal services provider.

Our clients include the big four Australian banks, global investment banks, insolvency & accounting firms, fund managers, property developers, manufacturing companies, regulatory bodies and government agencies.

We offer our clients a wide range of legal services from the following practice areas:

■ Banking & Finance

■ Construction & Infrastructure

■ Corporate/ M&A

■ Dispute Resolution

■ Environment & Planning

■ Government

■ Insolvency & Restructuring

■ Investments

■ Property

■ Technology & Intellectual Property

■ Workplace Relations & Safety

What are we looking for in a summer clerk?

The quality of our people is the key to our success. Recruiting the right people at every level is therefore a critical part of our strategy. Our summer clerks become part of the HDY team and contribute to our growth and culture from day one. So, they must be:

■ Self-driven, highly motivated and eager to develop and take on responsibility.

■ Energised by being part of a team and focused on “we” rather than “I”.

■ Respectful of others and respected by others.

A successful candidate will have an excellent academic record, some relevant work experience, demonstrated leadership skills and a keen interest in commercial law.

Why should you apply for our program?

We understand what you are looking for in a summer clerk program. We listen to what our summer clerks tell us about their experience with us and how we can build on it each year. This means we know what’s most important to you and our program delivers this for you:

■ Exposure to high quality, meaningful work.

■ The opportunity to contribute and take on responsibility as part of a team.

■ A supportive, collaborative environment where your contribution matters and which fosters your development.

■ The chance to work with motivated and talented lawyers and have fun too.

aspire. what are your hopes and ambitions for the future? contribute. how will you make a difference to HDY, our profession and our community? thrive. what do you need to reach your full potential?

summerclerks

What’s it like to be a summer clerk at HDY?

OUR PROGRAM WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

Comprehensive orientation program during which you will attend training sessions and meet the people you will be working with.

You will be ready to hit the ground running from day one and be given the opportunity to contribute and make a difference.

Rotations through 3 practice groups of your choice.

You will enjoy hands-on experience in the areas of law most relevant to helping you with whatever you aspire to achieve.

Supervision, advice, training & feedback from partners, senior associates and a mentor.

You will be well supported and developed throughout your time with HDY to help you thrive.

visit our website to apply and start your career with HDY

17 June – 19 July 2015

www.hdy.com.au/summerclerks

HDY_SC_Firm Profile.indd 1 26/03/2015 3:53:57 PM


Hi I’m Michael Fitzpatrick and I just completed a clerkship with Henry Davis York in the summer of 2014/15.

I had only positive experiences with HDY right from the beginning. The clerkship application process is undoubtedly stressful for all students, but HDY made the process as painless as possible. HDY was the first firm to respond to my application, the interviewing process was clearly set out, interviewers were professional yet friendly, and importantly, they were always in contact with me when they said they would be.

At the firms cocktail evening I had the chance to interact with a range of lawyers, senior associates, partners and people and development staff in a much more relaxed setting. It was the people I met, and the passion that they clearly had for the firm, that gave me the strongest feeling that HDY was the firm where I most wanted to clerk.

The first week of my clerkship was dedicated to training, where we learnt all about the firm – its people, its clients and its values – as well as about the programs and processes that we would be using once we hit the practice groups. HDY is unique in providing such a thorough induction for clerks, and I found the training hugely beneficial in

enhancing the contribution I was able to make throughout my rotations.

As a clerk at HDY I had the opportunity to rotate through 3 practice groups. Having an extra rotation is a hugely beneficial component of the HDY clerkship program as there is no better way to learn about the type of work each group does than by actually doing it. In each group I had the chance to work with lawyers, senior associates and partners, all of whom were willing to assist with my development in these early stages of my legal career. I had the opportunity to work on a huge range of tasks for an equally broad spectrum of clients – from top-tier corporations to pro bono organisations. I was provided with an amazing level of access to clients through my clerkship, exemplified when I was seconded to one of our clients – a big 4 bank.

The HDY clerkship was a truly enjoyable experience, which provided me with an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to matters involving top-tier clients within an extremely supportive, professional and importantly, a fun environment.

Michael FitzpatrickSummer Clerk - HDY 2015

…there is no better way to learn about the type

of work each group does than by actually doing it.

aspire. contribute. thrive.

Lena Ristevski Graduate Recruitment Officer

61 2 9947 6532 [email protected]


We understand that becoming an exceptional lawyer takes more than technical ability, because at its heart, the business of law is based on human relationships. For us this means a culture built on creating exceptional working relationships with clients and colleagues. From the start of your career you will get to know our clients, understand their perspectives, and develop your ability to deliver insightful and commercially astute advice. Wherever you go in the firm, we’re confident you’ll be working with people who share the values we have worked together to define: a commitment to excellence, a collaborative approach, a desire to lead, and a focus on creating strong connections with colleagues and clients. Visit our website to meet some of our people and see what we mean herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers/ our-careers-film

YOUR DEVELOPMENTOur success depends on the knowledge skills and unique perspectives of all our people. That’s why we have always placed such a high value on diversity. It’s also why we will invest heavily in your development. Through formal training, pro bono opportunities and the chance to work with inspiring people who are leaders in their fields, we will help you grow personally and professionally.

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE SECONDMENT PROGRAMMEOur international network means that we can offer opportunities and experiences that are unrivalled in scope.

In 2014 we launched our international secondment programme for Australian graduates. To hear about Ben and Mia’s experiences on international secondment go to our website: herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers/meet-our-people

WHAT WE LOOK FORWe are interested in who you are and the strengths you can bring. We recruit employees from a wide range of backgrounds who possess the qualities we look for in our lawyers: intellectual curiosity, confidence, clarity of thought, the ambition to grow personally and professionally, and the ability to develop exceptional working relationships with clients and colleagues. We have prepared some more detailed information on our website: herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers/australia/graduates/applications

JOINING USWe offer a range of summer and winter clerkships in each of our Australian offices. If you have queries about graduate or vacation clerk positions, please visit our website: herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers/australia/graduates or contact one of our graduate recruitment team.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME AN EXCEPTIONAL LAWYER?

HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM © Herbert Smith Freehills 2015 NOF146213_advertorial_v3_sydney 010415

24GLOBAL REACH24 offices, including associated offices across Asia-Pacific, EMEA and North America

OUR GLOBAL PRACTICE GROUPS• COMPETITION,

REGULATION AND TRADE

• CORPORATE

• DISPUTE RESOLUTION

• EMPLOYMENT, PENSIONS AND INCENTIVES

• FINANCE

• PROJECTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

• REAL ESTATE

CONTACT

Carly MilesGraduate Recruitment ConsultantDirect +61 2 9322 [email protected]

KEY DATES AND DEADLINES

BRISBANE MELBOURNE PERTH SYDNEYAPPROXIMATE NUMBER OF POSITIONS

20-27 60–70 40-50 30-35

CLERKSHIP PROGRAMMES

2 SUMMER 2 SUMMER 1 WINTER

2 SUMMER 1-2 WINTER

1 SUMMER

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2015/16 PROGRAMMES OPEN

2 MARCH 2015 13 JULY 2015 20 JULY 2015 17 JUNE 2015

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 23 MARCH 2015 16 AUGUST 2015 7 AUGUST 2015 19 JULY 2015

OFFERS MADE 11 MAY 2015 13 OCTOBER 2015 23 SEPTEMBER 2015 25 SEPTEMBER 2015

Please note: Applications will only be considered for one office of Herbert Smith Freehills, this includes globally. Please only make an application to the office where you intend to start your career as a graduate.

Clerkship Guide 2015 [ 57 ] Macquarie University Law SocietyHERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM © Herbert Smith Freehills 2014 NOF146213_Profile_AM 070415

MY CLERKSHIP ATHERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS

“I thought that I would be spending hours photocopying and delivering documents, but I discovered that I was considered a valuable member of the team.”ARNICA MULLINSPARALEGAL

Arnica came to Herbert Smith Freehills as a vacation clerk in 2014-15. She is currently a paralegal in our Finance, Real Estate and Projects group and will soon be joining us as a graduate.

WHY HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLSIt can be a difficult process trying to determine where you should start your legal career. I knew that I wanted to work at a firm that would provide me with the opportunity to work on exciting and complex matters, while also having fun.

I made the right choice to clerk at Herbert Smith Freehills. I worked on interesting and high profile matters with brilliant lawyers in a supportive and fun environment, which is why I would recommend Herbert Smith Freehills to other Macquarie University students.

MY SUMMER AT HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLSDuring my clerkship I rotated through the Competition, Regulation and Trade team in the Disputes practice group and the Energy & Resources team in Corporate.

My experience as a clerk at a large firm exceeded my expectations. I thought that I would be spending hours photocopying and delivering documents, but I discovered that I was considered a valuable member of the team. Over the course of the summer I assisted with preparing an advice to a client in relation to trade sanctions, considering the competition issues in relation to a client’s potential merger and preparing a due diligence report for a potential wind farm acquisition.

Everyone I worked with took the time and effort to explain tasks to me and no question was too silly, in fact questions were always encouraged. The training and information sessions provided by the firm and each practice group gave me a better understanding of the many different areas within the firm.

In addition to working in the practice groups, the clerks were given the opportunity to attend court with the Shopfront Youth Legal Centre (a joint project of Mission Australia, The Salvation Army and Herbert Smith Freehills). This opportunity provided valuable insight into the pro bono work that many

lawyers at the firm undertake.

NOT ALL WORKThere were Christmas parties, the inter-firm clerk cruise, the inter-firm trivia night, weekly inter-firm sport and the annual clerk v EPI touch football match. I found out that lawyers may work hard, but they party harder and love a good themed party.

Not only does the clerkship provide you with an opportunity to develop your legal skills, it also gives you the opportunity to dress in outrageous costumes, dance all night and let off some steam on the sports field.

TIPS FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESSGive yourself plenty of time to complete your application. Your cover letter and CV are selling you. If you write it on your CV, it is more than likely an interviewer will ask you about it so know your CV.

Talk to as many people as possible who have worked or currently work at the firm. Most firms will seem the same on paper, but once you start speaking to the people who have experienced the firm you will develop a deeper insight into the firm’s culture and values and whether the firm aligns with your own values. Don’t just talk to the partners and senior lawyers, also talk to junior lawyers and graduates.

Know the firm. Research the firm via its website and media. It is important to understand the areas of law the firm practices and what areas of law interest you. You are more than likely going to be asked about what attracts you to working at that firm.

Relax and be yourself! In my experience, the interviewers wanted to get to know me as much as I wanted to get to know them and the firm. This was especially the case at Herbert Smith Freehills where the interviews were a one-on-one chat with a genuinely friendly and down-to-earth partner.

ARNICA MULLINSPARALEGAL, FINANCE, REAL ESTATE & PROJECTS

We understand that becoming an exceptional lawyer takes more than technical ability, because at its heart, the business of law is based on human relationships. For us this means a culture built on creating exceptional working relationships with clients and colleagues. From the start of your career you will get to know our clients, understand their perspectives, and develop your ability to deliver insightful and commercially astute advice. Wherever you go in the firm, we’re confident you’ll be working with people who share the values we have worked together to define: a commitment to excellence, a collaborative approach, a desire to lead, and a focus on creating strong connections with colleagues and clients. Visit our website to meet some of our people and see what we mean herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers/ our-careers-film

YOUR DEVELOPMENTOur success depends on the knowledge skills and unique perspectives of all our people. That’s why we have always placed such a high value on diversity. It’s also why we will invest heavily in your development. Through formal training, pro bono opportunities and the chance to work with inspiring people who are leaders in their fields, we will help you grow personally and professionally.

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE SECONDMENT PROGRAMMEOur international network means that we can offer opportunities and experiences that are unrivalled in scope.

In 2014 we launched our international secondment programme for Australian graduates. To hear about Ben and Mia’s experiences on international secondment go to our website: herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers/meet-our-people

WHAT WE LOOK FORWe are interested in who you are and the strengths you can bring. We recruit employees from a wide range of backgrounds who possess the qualities we look for in our lawyers: intellectual curiosity, confidence, clarity of thought, the ambition to grow personally and professionally, and the ability to develop exceptional working relationships with clients and colleagues. We have prepared some more detailed information on our website: herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers/australia/graduates/applications

JOINING USWe offer a range of summer and winter clerkships in each of our Australian offices. If you have queries about graduate or vacation clerk positions, please visit our website: herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers/australia/graduates or contact one of our graduate recruitment team.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME AN EXCEPTIONAL LAWYER?

HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM © Herbert Smith Freehills 2015 NOF146213_advertorial_v3_sydney 010415

24GLOBAL REACH24 offices, including associated offices across Asia-Pacific, EMEA and North America

OUR GLOBAL PRACTICE GROUPS• COMPETITION,

REGULATION AND TRADE

• CORPORATE

• DISPUTE RESOLUTION

• EMPLOYMENT, PENSIONS AND INCENTIVES

• FINANCE

• PROJECTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

• REAL ESTATE

CONTACT

Carly MilesGraduate Recruitment ConsultantDirect +61 2 9322 [email protected]

KEY DATES AND DEADLINES

BRISBANE MELBOURNE PERTH SYDNEYAPPROXIMATE NUMBER OF POSITIONS

20-27 60–70 40-50 30-35

CLERKSHIP PROGRAMMES

2 SUMMER 2 SUMMER 1 WINTER

2 SUMMER 1-2 WINTER

1 SUMMER

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2015/16 PROGRAMMES OPEN

2 MARCH 2015 13 JULY 2015 20 JULY 2015 17 JUNE 2015

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 23 MARCH 2015 16 AUGUST 2015 7 AUGUST 2015 19 JULY 2015

OFFERS MADE 11 MAY 2015 13 OCTOBER 2015 23 SEPTEMBER 2015 25 SEPTEMBER 2015

Please note: Applications will only be considered for one office of Herbert Smith Freehills, this includes globally. Please only make an application to the office where you intend to start your career as a graduate.


Our clients need exceptional people to help them thrive in a world defined by change and complexity. They need people who are intellectually curious; who are able to advise with clarity and originality; people who believe that the business of law is based on human relationships.

Bring those qualities, your energy and your ambition and we’ll offer you the international opportunities, challenges and responsibilities only a leading global firm can provide. We offer an environment built on support and collaboration, where high performance is recognised and rewarded, and where you’ll be inspired and mentored by leaders in their fields.

We see a fascinating and exciting future for the business of global law. Do you?

HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM/CAREERS

#1 GRADUATE EMPLOYER FOR LAW IN AUSTRALIA

24OFFICES ACROSS ASIA, AUSTRALIA, EUROPE, THE MIDDLE EAST, THE UK AND THE US

#1 LAW FIRM IN AUSTRALIA FOR LGBTI INCLUSION – PRIDE IN DIVERSITY

BE AN EXCEPTIONAL LAWYER


SYDNEY PERTH MELBOURNE BRISBANE ADELAIDE

jws.com.au

CAREER, YOUR CHOICE

Johnson Winter & Slattery is a national law firm where young lawyers play a meaningful role in strategic and complex transactions and disputes, and build relationships with executives from Australia’s most successful companies through close client contact.

We have an established reputation for providing practical commercial solutions and outstanding client service.

Law students choose our firm because we provide an excellent learning environment, and an exceptional place to begin and develop your career.

Our clerkship program is a realistic snapshot of your future as a lawyer at Johnson Winter & Slattery.

THRIVE WITH NO BOUNDARIESOur lawyers thrive in an environment that fosters collaboration with few internal administrative boundaries and is free from financial targets. Enjoy working across practice areas. Collaborate with diverse teams of specialists across the country.

QUICK ACCESS TO QUALITY WORKOur hands on and proactive approach creates an environment in which ambitious lawyers become directly involved in significant opportunities from an early stage. Work side by side with partners and play a meaningful role in strategic and complex transactions and disputes.

SHAPE YOUR CAREERStrong technical and client service skills are developed through structured mentoring and professional development education programs. Be mentored by Australia’s best lawyers. Get regular feedback on performance.

Please visit our website for more information: http://www.jws.com.au/en/graduate-lawyer-careers


MAKE YOUR MOVE ON A GLOBAL STAGEWith so many law firms to choose from, join the one that really is different from the others. K&L Gates have doubled in size in the last decade. You don’t do that by waiting for someone to show you the way.

We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done. We are a global community of entrepreneurs and self-starters. We are nimble and ambitious with a high level of integrity, resolve, and strength of character. We are at the forefront of the issues affecting our clients and are committed to creating tailored products that bring cross-disciplinary capabilities to our clients in order to meet emerging needs.

We genuinely enjoy working with each other and for our clients. We are all in it together.

Join us – Summer Clerkship Program

Applications for our 2015 Summer Clerkship Program in Sydney open Wednesday 17 June 2015 and close Sunday 19 July 2015.

At K&L Gates you can make a difference, lead the way and let your innovation shine. Want to know more? Visit klgates.com or follow us on Facebook.

K&L Gates, Level 31, 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia


MAKE YOUR MOVE ON A GLOBAL STAGEWith so many law firms to choose from, join the one that really is different from the others. K&L Gates have doubled in size in the last decade. You don’t do that by waiting for someone to show you the way.

We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done. We are a global community of entrepreneurs and self-starters. We are nimble and ambitious with a high level of integrity, resolve, and strength of character. We are at the forefront of the issues affecting our clients and are committed to creating tailored products that bring cross-disciplinary capabilities to our clients in order to meet emerging needs.

We genuinely enjoy working with each other and for our clients. We are all in it together.

Join us – Summer Clerkship Program

Applications for our 2015 Summer Clerkship Program in Sydney open Wednesday 17 June 2015 and close Sunday 19 July 2015.

At K&L Gates you can make a difference, lead the way and let your innovation shine. Want to know more? Visit klgates.com or follow us on Facebook.

K&L Gates, Level 31, 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Future Focussed

Press play on a forward thinking career choice • High performance culture • Competitive team spirit• Drive and passion to be #1

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Melanie McLean– Clerkship Profile

Clerkship Profile The Power of Together

Asia Pacific | Europe | North America | Middle Eastwww.kwm.com

Visit our Facebook page facebook.com/KingWoodMallesons

0515-00365

I chose King & Wood Mallesons because it was the firm for me that ticked all of the boxes, and yet my clerkship experience at KWM exceeded my expectations in every way imaginable. KWM has an excellent, long-standing reputation and can be appropriately described as an ambitious, forward-thinking firm with a clear focus on the Asian region. I also liked KWM because of its increasing global network providing the potential to work abroad, as well as work on cross-jurisdictional matters here in Sydney. Perhaps most importantly, I thoroughly enjoyed the recruitment process with KWM. Despite it being one of the region’s leading law firms, I found KWM to be very humble in the way they promoted the firm which appealed to me. I was also left with a genuine belief that the Partners and lawyers that I met along the way were the sort of people that I would like to learn from and work with. At a firm like KWM, you are exposed to the most interesting, ground-breaking and high profile legal work for many of the world’s leading companies, even at a junior level. All the while being supported by established training programs and a friendly team of driven individuals.

My first rotation was in the Dispute Resolution (Intellectual Property) practice group and my second in the Banking & Finance group. My work was very diverse, so much so that I could not describe a ‘typical’ day as a summer clerk at KWM. My work included attending court hearings or briefings with counsel, sitting in on international conference calls with clients, conducting extensive research on interesting areas of the law, bearing the responsibility of getting a client to sign important contracts, writing online blog posts about high-profile court cases, assisting on pro bono matters and even drafting legal advice to clients. I was particularly nervous about rotating through Banking & Finance as I had no background in this area. I was however pleasantly surprised by how much time my team dedicated to explaining things and making me feel as though I was still making a valuable contribution to the team.

Aside from the “on-the-job” support that my respective teams provided me, KWM has established support systems comprised of a Buddy (usually a junior lawyer), a Development Coach

(usually a more senior lawyer), and a supervising Partner. I was very much aware that both of my supervising Partners were extremely highly regarded in their respective fields, yet I was met with two very down-to-earth and approachable people who always had the time of day to chat to me, even as the most junior member of their team. My Development Coaches provided me with invaluable tips and insights into life as a commercial lawyer and I was able to speak candidly with them about my career going forward, all of which took place over many hot chocolates and coffees. My Buddies were very personable and would always answer my barrage of what I perceived to be silly questions with a smile. In addition to informal feedback, I appreciated the formal feedback sessions the firm provided as an integral part of my professional development. Overall, it became clear very quickly at KWM that despite the size of the firm, my own individual interests were always taken care of.

Away from my desk, my summer holidays were made up of an inter-firm sports competition, trivia night and weekly drinks, an amazing firm-wide Christmas party, weekly dinners with my fellow KWM clerks and many pleasant lunches and morning teas within my teams. A definite highlight of my clerkship was the numerous community and pro bono activities that I became involved in. This included spreading Christmas cheer at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, cooking hot lunches for the homeless and disadvantaged at the Salvation Army’s Street Level Mission, doing some work for UNICEF on the rights of children and participating in the summer clerk MalleMUN- which was a laughter-filled attempt at mimicking the UN Security Council’s resolution process.

Although the thought of spending your summer holidays working may seem a bit unappealing, my summer spent as a Clerk at KWM was definitely one of my best. It has left me with a clearer career direction and a great group of new friends and colleagues. I could not recommend doing a clerkship at KWM highly enough.

Year

2013/2014 Summer Clerk

Areas of rotation

Dispute Resolution & Banking & Finance


Melanie McLean– Clerkship Profile

Clerkship Profile The Power of Together

Asia Pacific | Europe | North America | Middle Eastwww.kwm.com


0515-00365

I chose King & Wood Mallesons because it was the firm for me that ticked all of the boxes, and yet my clerkship experience at KWM exceeded my expectations in every way imaginable. KWM has an excellent, long-standing reputation and can be appropriately described as an ambitious, forward-thinking firm with a clear focus on the Asian region. I also liked KWM because of its increasing global network providing the potential to work abroad, as well as work on cross-jurisdictional matters here in Sydney. Perhaps most importantly, I thoroughly enjoyed the recruitment process with KWM. Despite it being one of the region’s leading law firms, I found KWM to be very humble in the way they promoted the firm which appealed to me. I was also left with a genuine belief that the Partners and lawyers that I met along the way were the sort of people that I would like to learn from and work with. At a firm like KWM, you are exposed to the most interesting, ground-breaking and high profile legal work for many of the world’s leading companies, even at a junior level. All the while being supported by established training programs and a friendly team of driven individuals.

My first rotation was in the Dispute Resolution (Intellectual Property) practice group and my second in the Banking & Finance group. My work was very diverse, so much so that I could not describe a ‘typical’ day as a summer clerk at KWM. My work included attending court hearings or briefings with counsel, sitting in on international conference calls with clients, conducting extensive research on interesting areas of the law, bearing the responsibility of getting a client to sign important contracts, writing online blog posts about high-profile court cases, assisting on pro bono matters and even drafting legal advice to clients. I was particularly nervous about rotating through Banking & Finance as I had no background in this area. I was however pleasantly surprised by how much time my team dedicated to explaining things and making me feel as though I was still making a valuable contribution to the team.

Aside from the “on-the-job” support that my respective teams provided me, KWM has established support systems comprised of a Buddy (usually a junior lawyer), a Development Coach

(usually a more senior lawyer), and a supervising Partner. I was very much aware that both of my supervising Partners were extremely highly regarded in their respective fields, yet I was met with two very down-to-earth and approachable people who always had the time of day to chat to me, even as the most junior member of their team. My Development Coaches provided me with invaluable tips and insights into life as a commercial lawyer and I was able to speak candidly with them about my career going forward, all of which took place over many hot chocolates and coffees. My Buddies were very personable and would always answer my barrage of what I perceived to be silly questions with a smile. In addition to informal feedback, I appreciated the formal feedback sessions the firm provided as an integral part of my professional development. Overall, it became clear very quickly at KWM that despite the size of the firm, my own individual interests were always taken care of.

Away from my desk, my summer holidays were made up of an inter-firm sports competition, trivia night and weekly drinks, an amazing firm-wide Christmas party, weekly dinners with my fellow KWM clerks and many pleasant lunches and morning teas within my teams. A definite highlight of my clerkship was the numerous community and pro bono activities that I became involved in. This included spreading Christmas cheer at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, cooking hot lunches for the homeless and disadvantaged at the Salvation Army’s Street Level Mission, doing some work for UNICEF on the rights of children and participating in the summer clerk MalleMUN- which was a laughter-filled attempt at mimicking the UN Security Council’s resolution process.

Although the thought of spending your summer holidays working may seem a bit unappealing, my summer spent as a Clerk at KWM was definitely one of my best. It has left me with a clearer career direction and a great group of new friends and colleagues. I could not recommend doing a clerkship at KWM highly enough.

Year

2013/2014 Summer Clerk

Areas of rotation

Dispute Resolution & Banking & Finance

King & Wood Mallesons is helping clients across the globe to make smart choices to shape their future success. As a global law firm, over 2,700 lawyers in more than 30 international offices are cutting through the challenges facing business and providing commercial solutions that are transforming the way legal services are delivered. Our ability to connect emerging opportunities with market leading capability is pushing the frontiers of what can be achieved - connecting Asia to the world, and the world to Asia.

Key statistics: n 540+ partners and 2100+ lawyersn 31 offices across Asia Pacific (Australia, Mainland China

including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore); Europe; the Middle East; and North America

n #1 global brand in Asia, #14 global legal brand* n US $1.037 billion global revenue*Source: 2014 Acritas Sharp Global Elite Brand Index

Our clients are a mix of global financial and corporate powerhouses to the new industry-makers and all levels of government (some for over 200 years).

Our seasonal clerkship program Applications open: Wednesday, 17 June 2015Applications close: Sunday, 19 July 2015How to apply: Via our online application system at kwm.com/careers

We offer clerkships so that you get a clear picture of what it’s like to be a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons. You will get to know our people, the way we like to work, our culture, practice areas, clients and more. For many, the clerkship is the first stage of continuous development at King & Wood Mallesons.

We’ve designed a program to help you make the most of your time with us. During your clerkship, you will learn:n The day-to-day skills to get you started – taking instructions,

meeting with clients, drafting memos and documents, managing your practice and professional relationships.

n 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.

n Our culture – working within your team, you will be exposed to (and encouraged) to get actively involved in the many activities and events that help create our unique culture.

n Our people – you will find that people from every part of the business will help you along, sharing their knowledge, and ensuring you have everything you need to fit in, and do well.

What do we look for? KWM distinguishes itself from other top tier law firms in the way that it grows market leaders.We recruit high achieving, client centric, learning agile people with an international perspective. We understand that technical excellence is only one success factor. We value a range of skills in our team members and recognise that a diversity of strengths leads to best results.

n We are looking for people who have an intellectual curiosity and are intrinsically motivated. Excellent marks are not necessarily a predictor of career success.

n Are you empathetic? Can you stand in the shoes of our client and experience the problem from their perspective?

n Is it more important to you to admire the problem or are you most interested in providing a practical, efficient and commercially sound solution?

n Are you traditional and risk averse or are you excited by a changing and fluid work environment?

n When you think about your career are you only focused on Australia, or do you appreciate that Australia’s closest neighbours are the new power houses of the global economy – and you would like to be part of that?

n We believe in teamwork and the ‘Power of Together’. We are not a collection of siloed practices, but work closely across the network to help our clients achieve their goals. Through a high performance culture our results are realised through collaboration, innovation and engagement.

Contact:Ella Burgess

Graduate Resourcing Consultant T 9296 3416 [email protected]

A little about what we offer

King & Wood Mallesons

Asia Pacific | Europe | North America | Middle East | www.kwm.com


The Power of Together


Contact information Address: Level 19, Angel Place, 123 Pitt Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Web: www.landers.com.au HR Contact: Laura Grant, Graduate Resourcing Consultant Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 3 92699333 About Lander & Rogers Lander & Rogers is a leading independent Australian law firm operating nationally from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. We have seven main areas of practice;

Commercial Disputes Corporate Family & Relationship Law Insurance Law & Litigation Property, Projects & Infrastructure Workplace Relations & Safety WorkCover

And are a principal advisor to many publicly listed and private Australian companies, Australian subsidiaries of global companies, as well as all levels of government. We provide practical legal advice, along with exceptional client service, and we are renowned in Australia for our down-to-earth and friendly culture. We have a distinctively happy workplace, achieved through selectively recruiting people who think and act collaboratively and will strengthen our culture. The firm comprises 65 partners and more than 400 lawyers, support and business services staff. We have grown organically, resulting in a highly cohesive firm sharing a strong work and services ethic, and high staff and partner retention rates. Pro Bono & Community Support Lander & Rogers is committed to developing a culture and business which supports the undertaking of pro bono work and other similar initiatives in the community. We have a market leading pro bono program in place which focuses on matters of access to justice, social inclusion and community service work, and is driven by a dedicated pro bono partner. We treat pro bono work as equally important to the firm as paid work. What it's all about Our innovative summer clerkship program is built on learning and fun and we’ll do everything we can to show you the way by giving you a chance to have a go for yourself.

On joining us you’ll be teamed with two lawyers for each of your two rotations (one experienced, and another a little closer in level to you) who will immerse you in the day to day running of their practices. What that means on a practical level will vary depending on the practice group you join (we’ll ask you to indicate your preferences), and could involve

Researching points of law and summarising your findings

Drafting correspondence, court documents and sections of commercial agreements

Reviewing and analysing legislation and case law,

Observing our lawyers in action at meetings, conferences, mediations and court

Attending practice group discussions It's not all work We value our people and understand the importance of our staff maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle and we encourage our summer clerks to get involved in life at Landers as much as possible during their time with us. Our health and wellbeing committee, LandersMax!, encourages our people to get involved in various activities, including BootCamp, Pilates, tennis, triathlon and indoor sports competitions, language classes, in-house massage, social events and much more. What we look for We're in the business of dealing with people, whether that is each other, our clients, barristers or you. So, we aim to recruit people who are friendly, down to earth, and who can engage with a whole range of people in the workplace. You’ll also need intelligence to tackle the most interesting of legal scenarios, energy to absorb new concepts and a willingness to work productively with lots of different people. We don’t expect that you’ll be a gun at all of these things straight away, but when we meet you at interview we’ll be curious to learn more about your potential to handle these things in the future, based on the skills and experience you’ve already built through studying law (combined with other disciplines like arts, commerce and science) and any legal and non-legal part-time work, volunteer work and university activities you’ve tackled. Curious to learn more? http://www.landers.com.au/careers/law-students


A leading law firm across education, government, healthcare, infrastructure, professional services and technology, Maddocks is a great place to paint the career path you’ve always wanted. Are you inspired by diversity and skill development? Our team knows the value of a vibrant, dynamic clerkship and graduate program. We love to see our clerks and grads roll up their sleeves and finesse their skills - it’s your time to create a masterpiece. Hands-on experience, training on a range of matters and exposure to various teams breeds the confidence and creativity you’ll need to take the next step. We’re committed to our clients (and our people) - in fact, our firm’s reputation is built on them. Our people enjoy a culture based on values that form the fabric of Maddocks: integrity, stewardship, collaboration, innovation and diversity.

To meet our legal artists and learn how to join them, head to: www.maddocks.com.au/careers

Your career your canVas

/company/maddocks


A leading law firm across education, government, healthcare, infrastructure, professional services and technology, Maddocks is a great place to paint the career path you’ve always wanted. Are you inspired by diversity and skill development? Our team knows the value of a vibrant, dynamic clerkship and graduate program. We love to see our clerks and grads roll up their sleeves and finesse their skills - it’s your time to create a masterpiece. Hands-on experience, training on a range of matters and exposure to various teams breeds the confidence and creativity you’ll need to take the next step. We’re committed to our clients (and our people) - in fact, our firm’s reputation is built on them. Our people enjoy a culture based on values that form the fabric of Maddocks: integrity, stewardship, collaboration, innovation and diversity.

To meet our legal artists and learn how to join them, head to: www.maddocks.com.au/careers

Your career your canVas

/company/maddocks

To see how you could define your own path within our global legal practice, visit:

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com/australia

Progress with purpose

Exciting and challenging work, great people, and a truly supportive culture. ‘Since starting my legal career as a graduate in February 2013, Norton Rose Fulbright has given me many opportunities to gain meaningful practical experience in the areas of law that interest me.

In my two years at the practice, I have been involved in a diverse range of work including a particular project where I worked directly with another Norton Rose Fulbright office overseas. It is amazing to be part of an organisation with offices all around the world.

Norton Rose Fulbright has the right balance – amazing and passionate work colleagues, exciting and challenging work, and a genuinely supportive culture. I know that the practice will always support me 100 per cent in achieving my personal goals and career aspirations.’

Joshua Chan, lawyer, real estate, joined February 2013


Minter Ellison’s clerkship programWhat attributes will I need to succeed?We look for individuals who are passionate about forging a career in commercial law.

Our lawyers display plenty of initiative and a passion for doing their best. For us,

it’s not about what university you went to or your background, but rather your superior

technical achievement and commitment to being part of our collaborative team.

What learning and development training will I receive?

We’ll equip you to achieve your best through a comprehensive orientation program,

including sessions designed to develop technical abilities, research skills and

an understanding of ethical and professional responsibility requirements.

Our lawyers are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience – they are

leaders in their field, meaning you get to work alongside some of the best legal

minds in the business.By joining Minter Ellison’s clerkship program, you’ll put yourself on the path

to a highly successful career in commercial law.Is the duration and exposure provided by the clerkship enough

to decide whether commercial law is for me?Our vacation clerkships range from a 2 to 12 week period depending on the office

you are in – giving you a taste of what it’s like to work at Minter Ellison. On

the job training will build your legal skills and commercial acumen. So there

is no better way to decide whether commercial law is right for you!

Find out what a day in the life of a Minter Ellison clerk is

really like http://clerkships.minterellison.com/ What do our clerks say about the Minter Ellison clerkship?

‘From the outset and even before the clerkship commenced, Minter Ellison stood out for me, mainly

because of its dedication to the clerks and the entire clerkship experience’ – Elouise Flowers

‘Throughout the clerkship I have been genuinely surprised by how approachable the senior

lawyers are and how seriously they take their duty to educate. Everyone remembers what

it was like to be a clerk, and they do their absolute best to make it a positive experience’

– Blake Anderson‘The flat structure of the firm means that I have worked with a range of lawyers in different

positions and have a better sense of what it is that corporate lawyers actually do’ – Nicola Amys


For more information on vacation clerkships or the Minter Ellison graduate program please go to www.minterellison.com/careers

Real people achieving excellence

Our lawyers come from a diverse range of backgrounds and universities but they all share the key attributes we look for in our clerks and graduates: a passion for excellence, loads of initiative and superior technical achievement. They’re also full of energy, enjoy collaborating, think innovatively and are committed to their career in commercial law.

About Minter ellison

We’re an Australian-based international law firm offering a full range of legal services to an impressive list of clients across Australia, in Asia and globally. Recognised for our clear thinking, our strong technical skills and ability to deliver practical solutions have led to our involvement in the Asia Pacific’s most innovative and high-profile transactions.

FActs & Figures

200+ partners and more than 680 legal staff (a total workforce of more than 1600 people)

Established in 1827 in Sydney, Australia

International offices: London (opened 1974), Hong Kong (2000), Shanghai (2001), Beijing (2010), Ulaanbaatar (2012)

2013/2014 revenue: A$418 million

our business units And divisions

Corporate & Regulatory • Dispute Resolution • Financial Institutions Group Human Resources & Industrial Relations • Insurance & Corporate Risk Mergers & Acquisitions • Projects, Infrastructure & Construction Real Estate, Environment & Planning • Tax

SYD14 0239


OUR CLERKSHIP PROGRAMAt Thomson Geer we are looking for law students who have excelled academically, are client focused, commercially minded, and work well in a team environment.

We offer a structured eight week program where clerks learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching and observation. We will do our best to match you to your preferred area of practice – it’s really important to us that the clerkship experience helps you to make the right choice for your career.

Students who complete a clerkship with the firm will be eligible to be considered for a position in the firm’s next graduate program, commencing in 2017.

As one of Australia’s largest independent firms, we currently have 80+ Partners and more than 500+ lawyers and staff operating out of our offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide.

Our industry coverage is diverse, and includes clients in banking & finance, construction, energy & resources, healthcare, telecommunications, property development, wealth management, gaming & leisure, and media, broadcasting & entertainment.

“During my clerkship I truly valued the opportunity to work directly with people from all levels of the firm, from partners to senior associates and my fellow clerks. My teams went above and beyond to accommodate me, and I was constantly invited to attend team meetings, client meetings and interesting court matters. The firm definitely has an open door policy and I always felt comfortable approaching someone whenever I had a question or just wanted to check whether my work was heading in the right direction.” Fiona Ho - 2012/13 Summer Clerk, 2014 Graduate

APPLICATIONS

Applications open 17 June 2015 via cvMail or the Thomson Geer website.

THOMSON GEER IS ONE OF THE TOP 10 INDEPENDENT LAW FIRMS IN AUSTRALIA

www.tglaw.com.au

Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide

ADVICE | TRANSACTIONS | DISPUTESDomestic & Cross Border

ALLEN & OVERY

Level 25, 85 Castlereagh Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Email: [email protected]

Contact: The Australian Recruitment Team

SUMMER CLERKSHIP PROGRAM ONLY: Submit applications

online via: www.allenovery.com/careers/australia/en-

gb/students-and-graduated/Pages/default.aspx

(Applications should include a covering letter, detailed CV

and current academic transcript)

ALLENS > < LINKLATERS

Deutsche Bank Place 126 Phillip Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9230 5075


Contact: Lisa Millar (Graduate Resourcing

Consultant – Sydney)

SUMMER CLERKSHIP PROGRAM ONLY: Submit

applications online via: www.allens.com.au/careers

ASHURST

Level 36, Grosvenor Place, 225 George Street

SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9258 6699 Fax: 02 9258 6999


Contact: Suzan Wilkinson (HR Administrator)


applications online via: www.cvmail.com.au

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SOLICITOR

Locked Bag 7246 Canberra Mail Centre ACT 2610

Phone: 02 6253 7061


Contact: Karen Tatz (Lawyer Development Advisor)

GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM AND WINTER

2016 CLERKSHIP PROGRAM: Submit applications

online via www.cvmail.com.au or AGS website at www.

ags.gov.au/employment/graduate-employment.html

BAKER & McKENZIE

Level 27, AMP Centre 50 Bridge Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 8922 5747


Contact: Natalie Brunton (Talent Management Consultant)



FirmGraduate

Employment*

Summer

Clerkship

Allen & Overy No Yes

Allens > < Linklaters No Yes

Ashurst No Yes

Australian Government

SolicitorYes Yes

Baker & McKenzie No Yes

Bird & Bird No Yes

Brown Wright Stein Yes No

Clayton Utz No Yes

Clifford Chance No Yes

Corrs Chambers

WestgarthNo Yes

DLA Piper Australia No Yes

Gadens No Yes

Gilbert + Tobin No Yes

Hall and Wilcox Yes No

Henry Davis York No Yes

Herbert Smith Freehills No Yes

Holding Redlich No Yes

Hunt & Hunt Yes No

HWL Ebsworth Yes Yes

Johnson Winter & Slattery No Yes

Jones Day Yes Yes

K&L Gates No Yes

King & Wood Mallesons No Yes

Lander & Rogers No Yes

Maddocks No Yes

Mills Oakley Yes Yes

Minter Ellison No Yes

Norton Rose Fullbright No Yes

Sparke Helmore Yes No

Thomson Geer No Yes

INDEX: PARTICIPATING

LAW FIRMS

*Graduateemploymentfromthegraduaterecruitmentprocess


BIRD & BIRD

Level 11, 68 Pitt Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9226 9888 Fax: 02 9226 9899


Contact: Jan Thomas (Office Manager)


applications online via www.cvmail.com.au or by email to

[email protected] (Applications should include a

detailed covering letter, CV and current academic transcript)

BROWN WRIGHT STEIN

Level 6, 179 Elizabeth Street SYDNEY NSW

Phone: 02 9394 1068 Fax: 02 9394 1011

Email: [email protected] Contact: Hazel Singh

GRADUATE PROGRAM ONLY: Submit applications

online via: http://www.bwslawyers.com.au/careers.aspx

CLAYTON UTZ

GPO Box 9806 SYDNEY NSW 2001

Phone: 02 9353 6111 Fax: 02 8220 6700


Contact: Amy Lennox (National Graduate Recruiter)


applications online via: http://www.claytonutz.com/careers/

CLIFFORD CHANCE

Level 16, 1 O’Connell Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 8922 8010 Fax: 02 8922 8088


Contact: Debbie McKell (Human Resources Manager)


applications online via: http://www.cliffordchance.com

CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH

8 Chifley 8-12 Chifley Square SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9210 6687 Fax: 02 9210 6611


Contact: Sian-Marie Preece (Human Resources Advisor)


applications online via: www.corrs.com.au/careers/

graduates/apply-now/nsw/

DLA PIPER AUSTRALIA

Level 22, No.1 Martin Place SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9286 8520 Fax: 02 9286 8007

Contact: Samantha Clark (HR Advisor)

[email protected]

Cassie Jackson (HR Coordinator)

[email protected]


applications online via: www.cvmail.com.au or the firm’s

website www.dlapipergraduates.com.au.

GADENS

Level 16, 77 Castlereagh Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Contact: Sherry Saliyb, Recruitment Advisor


Phone: 02 9035 7192 Fax: 02 9931 4888


applications online via: www.gadens.com/sydney/

joinus/summerclerks/Pages/Default.aspx

GILBERT + TOBIN

2 Park Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9263 4575 Fax: 02 9263 4111


Contact: Kristie Barton (People Team)



HALL AND WILCOX

DX 320 MELBOURNE Phone: 03 9603 3555


Contact: Trudi Galbraith (HR Advisor)


applications online via: www.cvmail.com.au or www.

hallandwilcox.com.au (Applications should include a

brief covering letter, CV and current academic transcript)

HENRY DAVIS YORK

44 Martin Place SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9947 6532


Contact: Lena Ristevski (Graduate Recruitment Officer)






HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS

Level 27, ANZ Tower 161 Castlereagh Street

SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9322 4410 Fax: 02 9322 4000


Contact: Carly Miles (Graduate Recruitment Consultant)





HOLDING REDLICH

Level 65, MLC Centre 19 Martin Place SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 8083 0388 Fax: 02 8083 0399

Email: [email protected] /

[email protected]

Contact: Kylie Young (Human Resources Manager)

Roberta Tuckwell (Human Resources/Learning &

Development Advisor)


applications via email: sydneyclerkships@holdingredlich.

com.au (Applications should include a covering letter,

detailed CV and current academic transcript)

HUNT & HUNT

Level 13, Gateway 1 Macquarie Place SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9391 3031 Fax: 02 9391 3099


Contact: Ciara McLoughlin (Human Resources)

GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM ONLY:

Submit applications, in hard copy or by email to human_

[email protected] (Applications should

include a brief covering letter, detailed CV and current

academic transcript)

HWL EBSWORTH


Phone: 02 9334 8555 Fax: 1300 369 656


Contact: Renee Lawton (Human Resources Coordinator)

Emma Quinlivan (Human Resources Assistant)

GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT AND SUMMER

CLERKSHIP PROGRAMS: Submit applications, your

CV, and academic transcripts online via http://www.

hwlebsworth.com.au/join-us/graduate-centre.html.

JOHNSON WINTER & SLATTERY

Level 25, 20 Bond Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Contacts: Wilma Lewis, Professional Development Advisor

Phone: 02 8247 9630 Email: [email protected]

Romaine Ponniah, Professional Development Co-ordinator

Phone: 08 8239 7127 Email: [email protected]

SUMMER CLERKSHIP PROGRAM ONLY:

All applications must be submitted via cvMail, either at:

www.cvmail.com.au or through our website at

www.jws.com.au. (All applications should include a

covering letter, detailed CV and current academic transcript)

JONES DAY

Aurora Place Level 41, 88 Phillip Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 8272 0704 Fax: 02 8272 0599


Contact: Kristy Ingall (Human Resources Manager)

SUMMER CLERKSHIP AND GRADUATE

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM: Submit applications

via email to: [email protected].

(Applications should include a detailed covering letter,

detailed CV and your academic transcript)

K&L GATES


Phone: 02 9513 2415


Contact: Katharine Farnington (Human Resources Specialist)


applications online via www.cvmail.com.au

KING & WOOD MALLESONS (SYDNEY OFFICE)

Level 61, Governor Phillip Tower 1 Farrer Place

SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9296 3573 Fax: 02 9296 3999


Contact: Mitch Barreca (Graduate Resourcing Consultant)


applications online via: www.kwm.com/careers

(Complete an online application and include a detailed CV



KING & WOOD MALLESONS (CANBERRA OFFICE)

Level 5, 7 London Circuit CANBERRA ACT 2601

Phone: 02 6217 6638 Fax: 02 6217 6999


Contact: Mary Costa (People & Development Coordinator)


applications online via: www.kwm.com/careers

(Complete an online application and include a detailed CV


LANDER & ROGERS

Level 19, Angel Place, 123 Pitt Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 03 9269 9333 Fax: 03 9269 9001


Contact: Laura Grant (Graduate Resourcing Consultant)

SUMMER CLERKSHIP PROGRAM ONLY: Submit applications

online via: www.cvmail.com.au (Applications should include

a covering letter, detailed CV and academic transcript)

MADDOCKS

Angel Place 123 Pitt Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9291 6215 Fax: 02 9221 0872


Contact: Kate Chisholm (People & Culture Advisor)



MILLS OAKLEY

DX 558 MELBOURNE

Phone: 03 9670 9111 Fax: 03 9605 0933


Contact: Stephanie Fancoli (HR Advisor)

GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT AND SUMMER

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM: Submit applications online via:

www.cvmail.com.au

MINTER ELLISON

88 Phillip Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9921 4803


Contact: Eric Norris (Human Resources Advisor)


applications online via: www.minterellison.com/careers

(Applications should include a covering letter, detailed CV,

current academic transcript and our online application).

NORTON ROSE FULLBRIGHT


Phone: 02 9330 8000 Fax: 02 9330 8111


Contact: Bronwen Williams (HR Advisor)



SPARKE HELMORE

Level 15, 321 Kent Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9260 2439 Fax: 02 9373 1486


Contact: Nicole Garrett (Recruitment Consultant)

GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM ONLY: Submit


THOMSON GEER


Phone: 02 8248 5802 Fax: 02 8248 5899


Contact: Stephanie Moffitt (People & Development

Business Partner)




With thanks

to...

Silver Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Clifford Chance

Johnson Winter & Slattery

Thomson Geer

Lawskool Pty Ltd

Lander & Rogers

College of Law

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors


clerkship guide 2015

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