CAREERS HANDBOOK 2021 BLACKSTONE SOCIETY CAREERS HANDBOOK 2021 CAREERS SOCIETY BLACKSTONE
blackstone handbook v2.indd 4 20/4/21 1:12 pm ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
BLACKSTONE SOCIETY 2021 Careers Vice-President: Catie Hughes 2021 Marketing Vice-President: Samuel Dulyba 2021 Careers Sub-Committee: Joseph Chan, Michael Garbellini, David Seong 2021 Marketing Sub-Committee: Antony Botello, Luke de Castro, Anouscha Green, Kalini Stevens, Max Tran 2021 President: Rebecca Lu
MAJOR SPONSOR
PRINTING
CONTRIBUTORS Aaron McDonald, Aleksandra Miller, Allens, Amanda Thackray, Andrew Huxtable, Anthony Willenge, Ashlee Taylor, Caitlyn Cooke, Calvin Rokich, Fabienne Sharbanee, Felicia Chan, Gemma Wheeler-Carver, Georgia Kalynuik, Justice Charlotte Wallace, Michael Douglas, Patrick MacKenzie, Sakura Kajimura, Sam Buswwell, Sophie Coffin.
CORPORATE SPONSORS Allen & Overy, AGH Law, Allens, Ashurst, Bain & Co, Baker McKenzie, Clayton Utz, Clifford Chance, College of Law, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Curtin PLT, DLA Piper, Gilbert + Tobin, Herbert Smith Freehills, HHG Legal Group, HopgoodGanim Lawyers, HWL Ebsworth, Jackson McDonald, Johnson Winter & Slattery, Jones Day, King & Wood Mallesons, K&L Gates, Lavan, Lawyers on Demand, LegalSuper, Leo Cussen, MinterEllison, Norton Rose Fulbright, Pragma Lawyers, Piddington PLT, Sparke Helmore, Squire Patton Boggs, Steinepreis Paganin, Thomson Geer, Tottle Partners, Williams + Hughes.
3 4 Contents
Acknowledgements 4 Herbert Smith Freehills 96 The Office of the Director of Public Life as a Graduate in a National Firm 224 Foreword 7 HHG Legal Group 100 Prosecutions WA 179 Life as a Graduate at Clayton Utz 225 HopgoodGanim 105 State Solicitor’s Office 180 Media and Defamation Law 226 Editorial 8 HWL Ebsworth 108 WA Ombudsman 182 Kimberly Land Council and In House Jackson McDonald 112 at Chevron 228 Toolbox 10 Johnson Winter & Slattery 115 Life as an Employment Lawyer 229 Clerkships 11 Jones Day 119 Community Legal Centres 186 Tips for Law Students 231 Key Dates 13 King & Wood Mallesons 122 Aboriginal Family Law Services 187 Victorian Clerkship Applications 233 Applications 14 MinterEllison 127 Circle Green Community Legal 188 Application Tips 15 Norton Rose Fulbright 130 Citizens Advice Bureau 189 cvMail 16 Pragma Lawyers 134 Consumer Credit Legal Service 191 Crafting Your CV 17 Sparke Helmore Lawyers 137 Environmental Defenders Office (WA) 192 Sample Curriculum Vitae 19 Squire Patton Boggs 140 Fremantle Community Legal Centre 194 Writing a Cover Letter 21 Steinepreis Paganin 143 Gosnells Community Legal Centre 196 Sample Cover Letter 23 Thomson Geer 146 The Mental Health Law Centre 197 Interviews 25 Tottle Partners 149 Midland Information Debt and Legal Graduate Positions 28 Williams + Hughes 152 Advocacy Service 198 Admissions 29 Street Law Centre WA Inc 199 Practice Group Insights 31 Sussex Street Community Law Service Courts 156 Inc 201 WA Supreme Court 157 Welfare Rights & Advocacy Service 202 Practical Legal Training 38 WA Supreme Court of Appeals 159 Women’s Legal Service WA 203 The College of Law 39 Curtin Law School 42 Leo Cussen 44 Government 162 Articles from the Profession Piddington Society 46 Administrative Appeals 163 206 Tribunal 163 Life at a Global Law Firm 207 Australian Law Reform Commission 166 A Day in the Life of an HSF Graduate 208 Commercial Firm Directory 50 Australian Taxation Office 167 Q&A: Journey To Becoming a Barrister 210 Allen & Overy 51 Corruption and Crime Commission 169 Life as a Family Law 212 AGH Law 55 The Office of the Commonwealth Mediator and Barrister 212 Allens 59 Ombudsman 170 Making the Most of 214 Ashurst 64 Commonwealth Director of Public International Opportunities 214 Bain & Company 68 Prosecutions 171 Life as a District Court 216 Baker McKenzie 70 Department of Foreign Affairs and Judge 216 Clayton Utz 76 Trade 172 Commencing your career at the State Clifford Chance 79 Department of the Premier and Solicitor’s Office 218 Corrs Chambers Westgarth 84 Cabinet 174 Academia 219 DLA Piper 89 Legal Aid 176 Life as a Criminal Lawyer 221 Gilbert + Tobin 92 Insurance Commission of Western Innovation in the Law 222 Australia 178
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Catie Hughes Careers Vice President Foreword Editorial Rebecca Lu President The Honorable Peter Damien Quinlan SC Samuel Dulyba Chief Justice of Western Australia (2018 - Present) Marketing Vice President
I thank the Blackstone Society for kindly asking me to provide the foreword to the annual careers Welcome to the 2021 Blackstone Careers Handbook! handbook. The Juris Doctor equips us with the knowledge and skills for the wide variety of career I encourage you to use this career guide to consider the diverse options open to you when you opportunities open to us all after graduation. Although exciting, this can be an overwhelming graduate. Look for work that you will find interesting where you can also be of service to the process at times and so, we have created this Handbook to help you navigate these options. It community, which may or may not be in the legal profession. It is no longer the case that most collates insights and advice from a range of legal and non-legal professionals throughout the law school graduates enter the legal profession, as it was when I graduated. Virtually all areas of various sections. Whatever your goal is, there is something in here for you. Whether you have that human industry, enterprise or pursuit are now in some way affected or regulated by the law, so goal in mind or you are feeling particularly overwhelmed at the idea of life after law school, this your law degree provides an entry to a wide range of fields. However, the range of options which are handbook is for you! available can also make career planning a daunting process! If you are at the stage of applying for clerkships or graduate positions, then this Handbook is a great Throughout the process of career planning, remember that this is your career and there is only place to start your research. It will guide you through the application process, giving you an insight one unique you. No two career pathways will be, or should be, the same. Whilst there may be into what firms are looking for and an idea of the firm’s culture. However, it is not the be all and similarities, no two judges at the Supreme Court have had the same path to the bench. In fact, a end all. Make sure you take any opportunity to meet members of the profession, grow your network career at the bench was not forefront in my mind when I graduated from law school. I focused on and stay up to date with the current legal environment. Demonstrating passion and enthusiasm is finding work in an area that I enjoyed, doing it well, making the most of any further opportunities integral to finding success after law school. that came up and not looking too far ahead. If Commercial Law is not for you, we encourage you to read the following sections, ‘Articles of I suggest that you start looking through this handbook early, so as not to miss out on any the Profession’, ‘Community Legal Centres’ and ‘Government’. Here, we explore a wider variety of opportunities. You need to be aware of any dates by which clerkship or other applications must be opportunities available to you outside of the commercial space and hear about the experiences of made. Take the time to tailor your written applications specifically for the roles for which you are non-commercial law professionals. We hope you take comfort in exploring the various alternative applying. If you are short-listed for an interview, it is a good idea to ask your lecturers or students in pathways you may embark on outside of the commercial space. the years above you what questions you might expect, and even practice a mock interview. Whilst there is so much more to you than a letter, resume and a short interview, unfortunately that may be The publishing of this handbook would not have been possible without the hard work and all you get to show your talents and personality. dedication of many people. We would like to thank the Blackstone Careers Team and the Blackstone Marketing Team for their support. Further, we are so grateful to the professionals who Academic achievement is not the only determinant for employment. Character, work ethic and have taken time out of their busy schedules to contribute to the Handbook. Finally, we would like to breadth of experience are all important. Clerkships are not the only way to gain experience. To extend our heartfelt thanks to Herbert Smith Freehills, for their ongoing support of the Blackstone the greatest extent that you can, try to take advantage of all the opportunities on offer whilst you Society and UWA law students. are a student at UWA. Consider mooting and/or volunteering at a community legal centre. Your elective units provide a good way to explore areas of the law that appeal to you, so consider your We hope you enjoy the Handbook and that it is an enlightening and useful tool in your upcoming choices carefully. Go to any law fairs or other career events that you can. If possible, go to court and applications. We wish you luck for your future endeavours and hope your career is one that excites watch a trial or a list and experience what court is really like. You may be able to refer to all these and fulfils you. experiences in clerkship and job interviews in the future.
I wish you well for your future applications and careers.
7 8 Toolbox
The Careers Toolbox is designed to assist you through any application process. We have set out techniques for writing cover letters, writing CVs and attending interviews. We have also set out key information regarding clerkship and graduate information, including the recruitment dates for 2021.
We hope the Careers Toolbox is useful during the application process, as well as in the future. The Blackstone Careers team has organised a variety of Careers Webinars during semester one to supplement the information provided here. You can access past webinars on the Blackstone website. If you have any questions throughout the year please do not hesitate to ask a Blackstone committee member.
10 BUDDY SYSTEMS Clerkships A lot of firms have a buddy system in place, which means you will be paired with a younger employee, usually a graduate or junior lawyer. You will be partnered with them throughout your clerkship. Your buddy is there to help you with any questions you may have and to assist you when you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - your buddy was in your position not too long ago. Be sure to interact with your buddy and ask them to coffee if they don’t ask first! WHAT IS A CLERKSHIP? WHAT TO EXPECT SOCIAL GATHERINGS A clerkship is an employment experience in You will be given real work for real clients. You a law firm or government department over may be given tasks including sitting in on client Clerkships aren’t just about working! Many firms will organise social events which provide a good the summer or winter university breaks. They meetings and taking notes for your supervisor, break from all stresses of work and socialise with the wider community of the firm. You are likely tend to run for between 2 to 4 weeks and are attending court, drafting correspondence, to attend at least one Friday night drinks in the duration of your clerkship. If your clerkship is in generally paid. researching case law or legislation on complex December, you will likely attend the firm Christmas party and if you’re clerking in either January or issues and writing memorandums detailing your June, the firm will likely host a sit down dinner or celebration of sorts. Clerkships provide students with an opportunity findings. to gain an insight into what practical legal It is important to make the most of these events. They are great opportunities to meet people work is like and hopefully, find the working If you work for government departments, from other practice groups in the firm and help you to get to know the firm culture and determine environment that suits them best. Students professional service firms or in other whether you would be a good fit at the firm. are given the chance to see how one works internships, your work will vary. Expect the work and operates in a professional environment. you are given to be quite different from what you GENERAL TIPS Firms will often offer graduate positions to have learnt at university and embrace it! Don’t high performers. Exposure to a variety of firms forget that a clerkship is also an opportunity The night before helps you to decide the career path you wish to for you to figure out whether you would want to Make sure that you have set your alarm and held the train or bus timetables, you do not want to pursue. start your professional career with that firm or be late on the first day of your clerkship. Make sure you have an early night because you want to in that area of law. feel fresh and ready to go - first impressions count! Clerkships are regarded as important because many of the large international and national Dress code firms tend to only hire graduates that have WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU Most firms have corporate attire dress code. completed a clerkship with them. However, it is For Males, this means suits including a tie. Some firms don’t require their staff to wear ties but also critical to note that completing a clerkship Firms do not expect their clerks to know we recommend that you wear a tie on your first day. Be sure to bring a tie to work everyday, just does not guarantee a graduate position at the everything. Firms will run a number of training in case you need to go to court or a client meeting. firm. workshops related to research skills, getting to know the firm’s resources, letter writing and For Females, this means a mid-length dress or blouse with blazer and dress pants. Clerkships can give you an insight into the drafting memorandums. These exercises will areas of law that do and do not interest provide you with useful tips and skills, which For both Males and Females, bring a blazer with you everyday in case you are required to attend you. Some students may even realise that can be transferred into the remainder of your a client meeting or court. practicing law isn’t for them after completing university studies and future careers. a clerkship, which shouldn’t be alarming as It is normal to feel nervous on your first day a law degree provides students with so many It is important to be yourself! Firms want to see Don’t be! Remember that the firm was confident enough in your ability to choose you, so other opportunities. Regardless, completing a how you fit in their culture and whether they you should be as well! Your first day will usually consist of getting to know other clerks, clerkship will still give students invaluable real- should invest more time and effort into you. familiarising yourself with the technology used by the firm, office tours and being introduced to life experience and skills that will help them BUT remember that it is also important that you your practice group. regardless of which career path they pursue. determine whether the firm is somewhere you would like to work. ENJOY YOURSELF! It is open to all students to apply for Clerkships (depending on the firm) however, preference It is also expected that you will work hard OFFERS DAY is generally given to those students in their and put in effort to meet and get to know the staff. It is important that you are enthusiastic penultimate year of study. If you are a non- What happens on offers day? and keen to learn more about the firm, even penultimate year student, be sure to explain If you are lucky enough to get an offer (or even a few) you will receive a phone call from the firm. though the work can be tedious or difficult. why you did not apply in your penultimate year This phone call will usually come from HR or your interviewing Partner from anytime between 9am It is also important that you’re professional or why you are applying early. Spend some time to 11am. and do your research in order to determine and courteous (and that you handle yourself which firms would be best to apply for. properly at Friday night drinks…). Do I have to accept the offer straight away? No, you have until 1pm to decide. It is very common to thank a firm for their offer and ask if you can call them back with your decision. This gives you the best chance to consider all the options you have available.
11 12 Key Dates Applications
Vacation Clerkship Recruitment Dates 2021 1 2 3 Applications open Monday 28 June 2021 MOST RECENT Applications close Sunday 1 August 2021 COVER LETTER CV ACADEMIC Review and interview Monday 2 August to Friday 10 September TRANSCRIPT 2021 Offers made Friday 17 September 2021 (9 am) Offers held open until Friday 17 September 2021 (1 pm)
Each firm will require you to submit a scanned copy and certified copy of your transcript, either through cvMail or directly with the firm (depending on the firm’s application process). This means you only need to purchase one official copy from the university.
Graduate Recruitment 2021 ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS 1st Round Offers First round offers made Friday 23 July 2021 (9 am) A number of firms will require you to answer additional questions as part of their application process. These questions are designed to find out more about you and your achievements, what First round offers held open until Friday 23 July 2021 (5 pm) you can offer the firm, why you decided to pursue a career in law and questions about your level of industry awareness. First impressions are lasting, so make sure you spend enough time to sufficiently answer the question. As a law graduate it will be expected that you can write clearly and persuasively, and this is therefore a great way to showcase this.
Typical questions will involve asking you about specific situations, usually outside of university and your studies. For example, you may be asked ‘what do you feel is your greatest achievement, and what challenges did you face in achieving it?’ In other situations, your responses should have the Graduate Recruitment 2021 effect of convincing the firm or organisation that you are interested in pursuing a career in law and Standard Offers your willingness to work with that firm or organisation. Such questions may include ‘what is your Applications open Monday 26 July 2021 motivation for seeking a career in law?’ or ‘what has attracted you to this firm or organisation?’ Applications close Sunday 8 August 2021 Lastly, firms and organisations want to know that you are interested in the industry and that you Review and interview Monday 9 August to Friday 3 September will be able to assist their clients and provide innovative solutions. It is important that you conduct 2021 research in preparation for these questions! An example question may be: ‘identify a current commercial issue that has attracted your attention recently. Why do you consider it important? or Offers made Friday 10 September 2021 (9 am) Who are the key stakeholders and what are the implications for those concerned?’ Offers held open until Friday 10 September 2021 (5 pm) ONLINE TESTING
In addition to a written application, a number of firms conduct online testing. The purpose of these tests is to assess your personality, your ability to work in a team environment and to gauge how you deal with pressure. These tests can vary widely depending on the firm, and you generally cannot prepare for them. If you are therefore asked to complete a test, it is recommended that you give yourself ample time to do so, as online testing can be time-consuming. When completing online testing, ensure that you find a quiet place where you will not be distracted.
13 14 Application Tips cvMail
First impressions count! Your written application What is cvMail? 1. cvMail is an online platform run by Thomson Reuters which provides information about the legal is the first impression you give to a firm so give it industry. It is a portal for students to apply to firms for clerkships, graduate jobs and to schedule everything. interviews online.
A number of firms, across all the states, use cvMail as their method of receiving applications. Be 2. Ensure you have addressed your cover letter to the aware that firms often vary their application process, so ensure you are aware of any changes correct firm and person to whom you’re applying. before applying. The last thing you want to do is miss out due to silly Benefits: mistakes like addressing your cover letter to the • It is easy to use; wrong person/firm. • It stores application data so that you can save time when completing multiple applications. It means that you only have to complete the firm-specific parts of the application; • You only need to enter your personal and academic details once; 3. Make sure to address the selection criteria the firm • It helps you to keep track of closing dates for each firm and the list of firms you have applied for; outlines. These are usually stated on their website. • It enables you to book your interviews online; It allows you to browse detailed information about the firms and their application process; and • It sets out other helpful tips such as what to include in one’s application and provides sample 4. Avoid writing a generic cover letter and using it for cover letters and CVs. multiple applications. Each firm has different values, How to get started: and you want to ensure that you are tailoring each Visit cvmail.com.au to register as a ‘First Time User’. Create an account by inserting your name, cover letter to each firm. email address and a password. You can then login as a registered user using your email address and password.
Personal Profile: This will ask you to enter your personal information, such as full name, address, email, contact NETWORKING EVENTS details and any language abilities. Academic Profile: Many firms host a networking evening or a cocktail function as part of their application process. Create an education record for each relevant academic course. At first, this will require you to enter Firms will usually invite those candidates that have been successful in receiving an interview with details for each course, such as the course name, length, institution, the units completed and the the firm. relevant marks.
These events are designed to see how you interact with the firm’s employees in a social environment. They provide the firm with a good opportunity to get to know you in a more relaxed setting, away from the stresses of the interview room.
At these events, it is best to speak to as many people as possible as doing so will help you to gain an understanding of the culture at the firm. It is also important to meet other applicants as this demonstrates that you are sociable and these people may even become your future colleagues.
TIPS • Always wear corporate attire; • Be on your best behaviour. Don’t be ‘that person’ who drinks too much at functions; • Make sure you try to mingle and meet new people; and • Just be yourself! The firm has chosen you to be part of this stage of the recruitment process for a reason.
15 16 Crafting Your CV THINGS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR CV
What is it? A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume is a brief account of a candidate’s education, employment history, qualifications, extra-curricular activities, PERSONAL DETAILS hobbies and interests. A candidate’s CV is usually sent together with a You should include your full name, address, contact number and email address. cover letter and should be tailored to highlight skills and experiences relevant to the firm the candidate is applying to. Similar to a cover letter, it is the employer’s first contact they have with a candidate and therefore, presentation, format and structure are all essential. EDUCATION You should outline your education history in reverse chronological order and include the name of the course, the institution and length of study. For tertiary study, you should include your GPA and/or WAM. Feel free to include your secondary study, including your university entry mark.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY If you have extensive and relevant past experience, you may decide to include this Tips first. You should outline all your relevant work experience, in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent/present employment. Ensure to include your job title, start/finish employment dates, name of employer and responsibilities. Be • Use professional language sure to include the skills you developed and any achievements or accomplishments if • Highlight skills and qualifications relevant to the firm’s application you believe they are relevant. criteria • Attempt to keep your CV to two pages in length • Proofread your CV, ask your family and friends to read over it as well. EXTRACURRICULAR Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from the quality of your In this section, include your involvement at school and university, alongside any application community engagement. Examples include university societies, participating in • There is no single correct structure to use. Pick a format that you like and competitions, sporting team or volunteering experiences. You should highlight the ensure you are consistent throughout your CV skills you developed in these positions, such as teamwork or leadership. • Use headings to divide your CV into sections, such as education, work experience, achievements and interests • Avoid using large paragraphs for descriptions OTHERS • Use short sentences and bullet points You may decide to include other headings to suit your personal circumstances or which may be particularly relevant to the position or firm you are applying for. You can include other headings such as: Interests, Achievements, Leadership or Completed Courses such as first aid or computer proficiency.
REFEREES Referees may be included at the end of a CV as a point reference which prospective employers may contact. Referees are usually former or current employers, a teacher, or someone who is able to comment on your work and skills in a professional setting. Try to avoid including personal references, such as family members or close friends. You do not have to include referees and it is sufficient to say ‘referees available upon request’ under the heading. If you wish to include referees, two is appropriate. Ensure you include the person’s name, their position, the company name and contact num- ber. If you decide to include referees, be sure to ask their permission, inform them of the position you are applying for and the skills they are looking for.
17 18 Leadership
Sample Curriculum Vitae 2020 Blackstone Society 1st Year Careers Representative
KINDLY ANNOTATED BY Sam Buswwell 2019 UWA Student Guild Guild Councillor (Gilbert+Tobin) 2018 Ross High School Head Boy
Volunteering
2020 Cool Cats and Kittens Rescue Volunteer Louis Litt 2019 E-gnite Mentoring 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley 6009 | (+61) 778 815 234 | [email protected] Tutor
2018 Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club Education
2020 – Present The University of Western Australia (Expected Completion End of 2020) Juris Doctor Awards WAM: 70 2020 UWA Juris Doctor Foundations of Law and Lawyering Top Student 2017 – 2019 The University of Western Australia Bachelor of Commerce 2018 Junior MasterChef Participation Certificate WAM: 78.5 Majors: Business Law and Finance 2015 Suits High School Year 11 Politics & Law Top Student Commented [GT1]: Except for the Junior MasterChef Participation Certificate, these awards could be moved under 2010 – 2016 Ross High School their requisite education. E.g. the Foundations of Law award under would be moved to just under the Juris Doctor part of ATAR: 98.5 Commented [GT1]: Overall, this CV could utilise the space 'Education'. provided a lot more efficiently. Whilst we do not subscribe Skills to the 'one page rule', three pages is excessive, especially when there is so much wasted space. Condense the space Work Experience between information, use less bold text and decrease font • Communication ✓ MS Word size. • Teamwork ✓ MS PowerPoint Dec 2020 Suem & Wynn Vacation Clerk • Leadership ✓ MS Excel • Three-week full-time vacation clerkship with the Litigation team. ✓ Photoshop Either don't include a 'skills' segment • Involved attending client meetings, drafting documents, researching legal • Problem Solving Commented [GT2]: or, if you do, only put relevant skills in there, i.e. avoid matters and document review. photoshop. Certaintly don't put it above a relevant part of your CV such as 'Extracurricular'. Jan 2020 – Dec 2020 Pearson Hardman Paralegal • Casual paralegal role in the Corporate team. • The position involved document drafting, administrative duties, legal research and delivery of Court documents within short timeframes.
Jan 2018 – Dec 2019 Wallace Family Office Logistics Assistant • Casual role during studies however was required to be on call during busy periods. • Involved administrative duties, liaising with other departments and Extracurricular project problem solving. 2020 Blackstone Witness Exam Competition Aug 2017 – Jan 2018 Hungry Jackson Food Attendant 2018 – Present UWA Mudding Appreciation Club • Casual role during undergraduate studies, approximately 15 hours per week. Commented [GT2]: Whilst it is important not to discount 2017 – Present UWA Cat Appreciation Society your past experiences (all past experiences are relevant to • The position involved included opening and closing the restaurant, taking customer orders, cash management, food preparation and service. your potential employer) avoid using space in your CV to outline aspects of a role that have little relevancy to the job 2010 – Current Jazz Saxophone Commented [GT1]: Whilst the Blackstone Witness Exam you are applying for. In this example, food preparation and Competition seems the most relevant to the application, service are not as relevant compared to customer both the UWA Mudding and Cat club/societies both hold just interaction. as much merit. The involvement in clubs or societies at university, regardless of their substance, show engagement References and involvemnet on the part of the student which is something firms look for in a candidate. In contrast, whilst impressive, the jazz saxaphone probably doesn't need to be Mr Harvey Spector Ms Barole Caskin on your CV. Senior Associate Founder Pearson Hardman Cool Cats and Kittens Rescue 08 9111 3282 08 9111 2123
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Writing a Cover Letter THINGS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR COVER LETTER
The Cover Letter A cover letter is a job application letter which candidates use to explain to an employer why they are qualified for the position and why they should be selected for an interview. It INTRODUCTION is the means by which an employer will be able to gain their first impression, and provides The introduction should outline the name of your degree, how far into your studies candidates to make their applications stand out from the rest. you are, the position you are applying for and when you are expecting to graduate. The Essentials You should set out your personal details in the top right corner of your cover letter. This includes your name, address, email and contact number. Below this, on the left hand-side, ABOUT YOU you should include the name of the person you are addressing your cover letter to, their This paragraph should set out the skills and qualifications you have that are necessary position within the firm, the name of the firm and the firm’s address. The use of a heading for meeting the selection criteria. You should support this with evidence or examples (in bold) goes a long way in making the cover letter easy to read. Use this to state the of your past employment history, extra-curricular activities and volunteer positions. position you are applying for – e.g. Application for 2021 [Firm] Clerkship Program. Ensure you are emphasising your skills. These skills could include attention to detail, Start your cover letter with “Dear [name you are addressing the cover letter to]”. It is leadership, teamwork and ability to manage multiple tasks at one time. Then, provide best to avoid addressing them as “Sir/Madam” or writing “To Whom It May Concern”, as it examples of how you demonstrated those skills in a practical setting. shows that you have not researched the firm. If you are ever unsure, ask the Blackstone Careers team or call the firm to ask. In most instances, the application will advise you to address your cover letter to a specific person, usually the Office Manager, Head of Human Resources, Managing Partner or Principal of the firm. THE ORGANISATION The Benefits of a Good Cover Letter This paragraph should outline why you are interested in the specific firm. Use A great cover letter will show off your achievements and focus quite heavily on why you evidence to support this, such as sharing similar values with the firm or identifying want to work at a specific firm. It highlights how a candidate can contribute to the firm. appealing aspects about the organisation. Additionally, conduct research into the Further, it shows how a candidate has prepared for their application by researching the firm, their various practice groups, any people you have met, interesting work that firm, the nature of the position and ensuring that they address the selection criteria. It will the firm is currently working on, recent matters the firm has completed or recent achievements or awards the firm has received. also give the candidate the opportunity to demonstrate their communication skills and clarity of written expression.
EXTRACURRICULAR In this section, include your involvement at school and university, alongside any community engagement. Examples include university societies, participating in Tips competitions, sporting team or volunteering experiences. You should highlight the skills you developed in these positions, such as teamwork or leadership.
• Make sure you state what year of study you’re in and when you intend to graduate. • Keep your cover letter to one page. • Ensure your cover letter is addressed to the right person. CONCLUSION A conclusion should thank the person addressed for their time and consideration of • If you have a particular interest in an area of law you know the firm specialise in, make sure your application, and state that you look forward to hearing from them. Sign off with you mention this. “yours sincerely…” or “kind regards…”. • Plan and write your cover letters well in advance. • Highlight your strengths and how you can use these to benefit the firm. • Write in first-person. • Ensure you tailor your cover letter to each firm and are satisfying the selection criteria. • Do not just repeat your CV. Give practical examples building on your CV. • Proofread your cover letter, get family and friends to read over it as well. Spelling and grammatical can make your cover letter look weak. • Avoid using big words and colourful adjectives. You should write in plain English; be clear and concise.
21 22 Sample Cover Letter KINDLY ANNOTATED BY Sam Buswwell (Gilbert+Tobin)
Rachel Zane Commented [GT1]: Albeit this may be humerous for HR, 333 Bay Street make a new gmail account with a combination of your PERTH WA, 6000 first/family name exlusively for clerkship applications. This +61 712 345 678 | [email protected] new email will be useful in tracking the progress of your ATT: Charlotte applications without all of the junk mail you've unknowingly subsribed to; let it mark your transition into a fully fledged Human Resources Director adult, leaving at the way side the clutter of your younger Rand, Kaldor & Zane self. Level 70 Commented [GT2]: Find out who the Clerkship/Graduate 1 St Georges Terrace program coordinator is at each firm you apply for and PERTH WA 6000 address the letter to them (e.g. Charlotte [last name]) . Also, start with Dear, not To. RE: 2020 Clerkship Application Commented [GT3]: Oppurtunity here to highlight any standout academic results you have achieved, for instance if To whom it may concern, you attained a high distinction in a notoriously difficult subject or ranked within a unit.
I am writing to apply for thea vacation Cclerkship Programposition at Rand, Kaldor & Zane. I am Commented [GT4]: As a general point, there is a simple currently in my penultimate year studying of the Juris Doctor at The University of Western Australia, three step formula you should employ for any point you make throughout your covering letter: maintainingwith a distinction average, [*]. I have previously also completed at Bachelor of 1) what the firm does that interests you; Commerce at the University of Western Australia with a distinction average, degree majoring in 2) your past experiences that allign with that interest; and Business Law and Finance. at a distinction average. 3) how those experiences have given you the skills and attributes that will enable you to contribute to the firm in a I am applying to Rand, Kaldor & Zane as it holds a reputation as the leading firm in commercial law. meaningful way. My perception of your firm is one of excellence, professionalism and, as dedication toof employee Commented [GT5]: Avoid describing a firm in a way that development, evident through the firm winning the Best Employer Award for 2020. Furthermore, I gives the impression that your research of the firm is limited to reading the 'about us' or home page from the firm's believe this opportunity would allow me to gain hands-on legal experience with leading industry website. A paragraph like this should reflect your in-depth leading professionals and apply my learning into practice. knowledge of the firm.For example, you could highlight a specific team within the team that is highly regarded and I am also aware that your firmRand, Kaldor & Zane maintainshas a strong emphasis commitment then outline your interest in that area of the law. toin community support through pro -bono work. I believe working at a firm that values social Commented [GT6]: Referring to a firm's 'commitment to responsibility is crucial in becoming a well-balanced professional. As the firm’s beliefs strongly corporate governance/community support' is a general resonating with my own, I am excited to apply for this valuable opportunity. In particular, I am statement that almost all students will use, it does not interested in the [ ]. differentiate your application from another candidate. Use pro bono program your paragraph re pro bono as an oppurtunity to show the firm that you have actively looked into what the firm actually I believe my skills and experiences positions me asto be a strong candidate for this position. I have does in in their pro bono space. If you are exclusively relying developed strong legal skills throughout my volunteering experience with community legal centres. I on the firm's website to find a pro bono program you are have also developed leadership and teamwork skills throughout numerous committee positions at interested in, double check it is actually offered in the office you are applying for. Often national firms will advertise their university. programs as though all their offices participate despite the program only being offered in a particular office. Always striving to learn new skills and experiences, I am excited to apply for this position. Thank you Formatted: Font: Bold, Highlight for considering my application. I look forward in discussing this further at your convenience and can be contacted on + 61 712 345 678.Thank you in advance for your time in considering my application. Formatted: Font: Bold, Highlight Commented [GT7]: Two points on this sentence: Kind rRegards, 1) This sentence would be better suited two paragraphs above - slotting in after you have outlined what specific practise group within the firm you are interested in. Its use is derived from your ability to allign what you have learnt from your past experiences with the practise group you are Rachel Zane. interested in or the valuesof the firm. ... Commented [GT8]: Same as above. Commented [GT9]: Don't waste space in your cover letter. This paragraph adds nothing to your application and the whole paragraph could be adequately reflected in a much shorter sentence.
23 24 Interviews Be Yourself! Don’t walk into an interview pretending to be someone else. You want the firm to hire you for who you are, not the person that you are pretending to be. Who you are is something special. Read through your CV and cover letter thoroughly. Remind yourself of all the achievements and experiences that you have listed and be prepared to share anything you may have learned. Be INTERVIEW OFFERS honest. Be confident. Be YOU! Congratulations on receiving an interview! This means the firm believes that you may be a good fit to work at their firm. The interview is an opportunity for you to show off your skills, talents and Networks experience whilst demonstrating your knowledge of the job. Firms will look to ask you to elaborate Use the network of the people you know to ask them questions. This could be your peers, the on your CV and cover letter to assess your suitability to work at the firm. Blackstone Committee, or relevant HR departments. Talk to people who work or have worked at the firm that you are applying to. Ensure that you are speaking to a range of people to gain a holistic TYPES OF INTERVIEWS perspective of the organisation. The key is to try to build relationships early and maintain them Generally there are two types of interviews, individual and group interviews. throughout the year, so your contact doesn’t feel ‘used’ when you need to ask them for help before an interview. Also remember that people love helping one another and that they will feel honoured Individual Interviews that you are asking them for their advice and opinion, so never feel afraid to reach out! Individual interviews are usually conducted by the human resources team along with another member of the firm in a traditional interview style set up. Some firms will use a generic question Perth Law Careers Fair is a great way to meet representatives from the major law firms in Perth. list whereas other firms will speak purely to your CV and cover letter. They are trying to get to The Fair offers the opportunity for prospective candidates to ask questions about what they are know you better and understand how well you could fit within their firm. They are assessing your looking for in an applicant. Candidates should also ask representatives what it is like to work at personality and characteristics and how you would fit into their office culture. They are looking for their firm and how they would describe the firm’s culture. These will all form indicators for what people they would like to work with, standing shoulder to shoulder. It’s important that you remain the firm is looking for when they are hiring applicants. friendly and smile. Whereas many firms would usually run events and presentations on campus, the COVID-19 Group Interviews pandemic has meant that firms have needed to improvise, adapt and overcome various challenges. Group interviews are designed to assess your ability to work in a team setting. More often than Firms are doing their best to move their presentations and events online. These presentations will not, you will be required to discuss a problem scenario or case notes as a group. The problems tend give you a valuable insight into the firm’s recruitment process. These presentations may give you to be generic in nature and often focus on ethics and technical related questions. It is important another opportunity to speak to firm representatives to uncover more about the organisation. to communicate effectively with your team members and work together to achieve a common goal. Showcase both your ability to lead and your ability to work well as part of a team. If there is a member of your team who is being shy, ask them for their opinion on the matter and empower WHAT NOT TO DO IN AN INTERVIEW them to be included into the group. Be careful not to do this in a condescending way though! There • Arrive late; will be one or two ‘silent interviewers’ present in the room who will observe the dynamics of the • Poor presentation, improperly dressed and or lacking in cleanliness; team and assess the problem scenario. • Bad manners, lack of eye contact; • Addressing the interviewer by the wrong name; • Inability to listen/not answering the questions properly; and BEFORE THE INTERVIEW • Having little or no knowledge about the organisation. Preparation & Research • NOTE: If you have lied on your CV, this will be where you get caught out. It is therefore The interview stage is a great opportunity for you to set yourself apart from the rest. Be diligent important to be truthful on your CV so that you speak from experience rather than having to and prepare for your interview by conducting research in order to gain a better understanding of make up a story on the spot! the firm. Interviewers will want you to demonstrate your interest in the law, the firm and exhibit a desire to join them. You should conduct research into the firm’s culture, what they look for in prospective employees and, if you are told beforehand, the interviewers themselves. Be prepared HOW TO ANSWER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS to answer questions regarding some of the experiences that you have outlined in your CV and cover letter. One method which is widely used is the STAR method. This method is useful because it provides a framework which you can use to ensure you are adequately answering the question: Further, you should conduct research about the actual job and what it entails. You should have an in-depth understanding of the job-description and be ready to express why you are the best person Situation: Set the scene and give the necessary details of your example. for the role. Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation. Action: Explain exactly what steps you took to address it. The firm’s website is a good place to start when putting your applications together. You will find the Result: Share what outcomes your actions achieved, and reflect on what you could have possibly firm’s values, various practice areas, employee biographies, recent transactions and information done to improve. about clerkships and graduate programs. You may also discover whether the firm engages in pro bono or volunteering activities. The best way to prepare for interview questions is to practise. We have included some example questions below, which you can use to practise the STAR method to ace your interview! The Australian Financial Review and Lawyers Weekly are also great sources to help you understand the commercial climate. Many firms will look for candidates that are up-to-date on current affairs, especially those that include clients of the firm.
25 26 v
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Personal Questions Law Questions Graduate Positions • Tell me about yourself? • What has inspired you to take up a career in • Where do you see yourself in five years? the legal profession? • Describe a time you have demonstrated • What made you decide to practise in your “Graduate Positions are the link between your strides and your entry into leadership skills? particular area of law? professional life. Graduate programs give you the practical training and • What is your greatest weakness? • What is a current issue facing the legal hands on experience necessary to aid your entry into the profession. In the • Describe a time when you conflicted with profession? How do you see it affecting the legal profession, a firm’s graduate program typically includes a year-long another member of a team. future? practical legal training or articles.” • Describe a time when you were faced with a When do I start thinking about graduate FINDING HELP difficult problem. How did you approach it? Firm Questions positions? • What has been your most enjoyable unit? • What makes you want to work at this firm Your Network Obviously, the earlier you plan for your future • What has been your least enjoyable unit? • What skills can you contribute to this firm Make the most of the people you know! The • Tell me about a time you worked under and this position? the better prepared you will be for applying for legal community in Perth is very small and pressure? • How does our firm differentiate itself from graduate positions. As a rule of thumb, students people are always willing to help. Don’t be afraid • Why did you leave your previous job? our competitors? should keep an eye on the market from the to ask questions during this process, as help • What is your greatest achievement? • If there was one thing you would change penultimate year of their degree, in order to is always just around the corner. Your peers, • What is your biggest regret? about our firm, what would it be and why? make informed decisions about where they want Blackstone and HR departments are all here to • Describe a time when you had to meet a to apply during their final year. support you during the recruitment period. difficult deadline. How did you approach it? How do I apply? Perth Law Careers Fair In most instances, an initial application will Building your network is an important skill require a cover letter and CV. Depending on the when entering the workforce. The Perth Law firm, you may also have to undertake personality Careers Fair is a great place to start! Here, you Towards the end of an interview, the interviewers will most likely ask if you have any or competency testing, or answer any questions will have the chance to meet representatives questions for them. This is a great way to show your proactive nature and show them that about the firm, the position and your suitability from the major law firms in Perth. Take this you are prepared. Try some of the questions above to get the ball rolling. for the job. Even if you’ve clerked with the firm opportunity to find out more about their firms you are applying for, some firms may require you and to ask questions about what they look for in to interview again. Others may also host a social applicants, so you can tailor your applications event where all applicants can attend and get to effectively. You’ll make the best impression if know each other. you approach the firms with some knowledge Potential Questions for Candidates to Ask and questions ready to go. This Handbook is the • What is the most exciting/interesting part of • Does the firm engage in any community Where can I browse graduate jobs? perfect resource to gain foundational insight working for this firm? activities, if so what? In most instances, graduate jobs will be into some firms. The Fair is the perfect chance • Why did you choose to work here? • How would you describe the ‘culture’ at the advertised through a firm’s website. Like the to clear up any questions you have. • What attracted you to working in your firm? clerkship process, research is the key to finding practice group? • Does the organisation have policies in place the firm and position that suits you. cvMail is a On-Campus Events • What would an average day as a clerk be like? for ongoing/further studies? great starting point if you are looking to apply In addition to the Perth Law Careers Fair, • What tasks would a clerk be required to • Do you have any advice for someone for several positions quickly. Blackstone is running many events to undertake? interested in a career in law? prepare you for the applications ahead. Our • How often is feedback provided? • How is the health and wellbeing of • Does the firm offer any international employees encouraged in the firms? presentations give you valuable insight into the opportunities? • Why did you choose to work here? recruitment process at some of the firms. Some initiatives include the Blackstone Mentoring Network, Clerkship Tips and Tricks Session and the Mid Year Careers Fair. Tips OFFERS DAY What happens on offers day? What is an early offer? • Make sure your clothes are clean and professional; Similar to vacation clerkship offers, firms A number of firms offer graduate positions to • Ensure you have all the relevant documentation; will usually start notifying students of offers students after the completion of their vacation • Make sure you are on time - punctuality is crucial so try to arrive at least 10 minutes early; for graduate positions at 9am on the day. In clerkship. If you are lucky enough to receive one, • When you are introduced to your interviewers, shake hands and smile. It is important to contrast to vacation clerkship offers, your offer it gives you assurance for the year ahead! remember their names; • Maintain eye contact throughout the interview - this shows confidence; will be valid until 5pm to provide you with some • Being able to answer questions is only one part of the interview. Make sure you listen extra time to make up your mind. What is a market offer? carefully to the question being asked; Some firms also use the standard offer system • Try not to be nervous. It is important to be relaxed and professional; and What is a priority offer? where all interested applicants are required to • The most important thing is to be yourself. Priority offers are now made by many firms submit an application and proceed through an to applicants who have previously worked or interview process before offers are made. undertaken a vacation clerkship with that firm.
27 28 International New Zealand Admissions Europe Under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Most European countries require both an Act 1997 (Cth), as a registered practitioner in LLM and LLB. You must then obtain a licence Australia, you are also able to practise in New or diploma in one of the European countries Zealand. Once you are admitted in Australia, you At the completion of a law degree, in order to be admitted into practice a prospective practitioner which would allow you to practise in another. will then need to be registered by the relevant must complete a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course that complies with the training requirements Membership of individual bar associations are court in New Zealand. for admission. There are many courses available, including at the College of Law, Leo Cussen Centre sometimes required by States to use the title for Law, Curtin Practical Legal Training and Piddington PLT. of ‘lawyer’, however, you may still practise law United States without it. The requests for admission vary in the United These courses usually run for a year and require a prospective practitioner to complete additional States from state to state. Generally speaking, study, whilst obtaining a certain number of hours of practical experience. Upon completion of the Hong Kong either a JD or a Master of Law (LLM) is required PLT course, prospective practitioners are required to file a Motion Paper with the Supreme Court at In Hong Kong, you are required to be a valid legal before siting the bar examination in the relevant least two months prior to the proposed admission date. practitioner in your jurisdiction of admission state. The difficulty of the bar examination and to practise in the jurisdiction for at least varies from state to state. This requires you to find a legal practitioner to move your admission at the ceremony. For more three years. Hopeful candidates need to pass information, see the admissions section of the Supreme Court website. Within two days of filing the Barristers Qualification Examination (BQE). Canada the Motion Paper, you must then file a Notice of Application for Admission with the Legal Practice Gaining admission in Canada is quite difficult. Board of WA, together with a copy of the Motion Paper and other supporting documentation. Singapore You are required to have your qualifications You are required to be a qualified person (UWA evaluated by the National Committee on Following the receipt of the application, the Legal Practice Board will place the required graduate in the top 70% of your class), and Accreditation in order to get a ‘certificate of advertisements and the Supreme Court will write directly to you to confirm arrangements for the a permanent resident of Singapore. You are qualification’. The Committee may require you ceremony. The Board will file a compliance certificate with the Court, at least seven days prior to required to pass the Bar before undertaking to sit exams on Canadian Law. You may also the admission ceremony. a five month training course in Singaporean be required to complete additional courses at law and finally a six month training contract a Canadian Law School. In addition, there are with a law firm. If you have over three years of specific requirements for each province, and you Australia they will receive their Certificate of Admission. will have to undertake an articling program. You After admission you may apply for a Practising experience as a lawyer, you can take the Foreign Practitioner Exam to be admitted instead. may need to do less time in this program if you Western Australia Certificate issued by the Council of The Law are experienced as a lawyer in Australia. Society of New South Wales in order to practise In Western Australia, you are required to have Japan law in NSW. gained a qualification of either a Bachelor of An Australian law degree won’t be of much United Kingdom Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates help for practising Japanese law in Japan. You Admission in the United Kingdom requires an Victoria must then complete their PLT in the form of would be required to get dual qualifications. It is LLB or JD qualification. It requires you to take In Victoria, you are required to have gained a Supervised Legal Training and Practical Legal therefore more pragmatic to practise Australian part in a PLT course. Lawyers who have been qualification of either an LLB or JD. Graduates Training Course by approved providers. You then Law in Japan as a registered foreign lawyer with admitted to practise in Australia are allowed to must then complete a PLT in the form of make an application for admission. You will then the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA). practise in England and Wales as solicitors by take and sign the oath and sign the Roll. You will Supervised Legal Training or Practical Legal transferring through the Solicitors Regulations then apply for a Practicing Certificate to practise Training Course by an approved provider. You Authority (SRA) under the Qualified Lawyers law in Western Australia. will attend a ceremony in the Supreme Court of Transfer Scheme (QLTS). Victoria where you will take and sign the Oath Federal Jurisdiction and sign the Roll. Once admitted, a person may At a Federal Jurisdiction level, you are required apply to the Victorian Legal Services Board for a Secondments to have gained a qualification of either an LLB Practising Certificate. or JD. Practitioners are required to be entitled A ‘secondment’ is where a lawyer or graduate joins an in-house legal team or travels to work at to practise in the Supreme Court of their South Australia another location. Secondments can range from intrastate, interstate or even international. Some relevant State or Territory jurisdiction. You In South Australia, you are required to have firms may have a national or international presence and you may have the opportunity to work in must then apply for the entry in the Register of gained a qualification of either an LLB or JD. those offices for various lengths of time. Secondments are a great opportunity to experience what it Practitioners kept in the High Court of Australia. Graduates must complete PLT in the form of is like to work in another country and jurisdiction. Usually, the firm will have processes and policies Supervised Legal Training or Practical Legal in place to make the practicing requirements more streamlined. Secondments are also a great way New South Wales Training Course by an approved provider. The to travel, experience different cultures, and learn how your area of law is practised in different In New South Wales, you are required to have Board of Examiners must formally accredit places. gained a qualification of either an LLB or JD. these qualifications prior to admission. You Graduates must then complete a PLT in the form must then lodge an application for admission of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal to the Supreme Court of South Australia. Once Training Course by approved providers. You you have been admitted and sign the Roll of must then lodge an application for admission, Practitioners, you must apply for a Practising take and sign the oath and sign the Roll of Certificate with the Law Society of South Australian Lawyers on the admission day at Australia. the Supreme Court of New South Wales where
29 30 Practice Group Insights BANKING AND FINANCE|Allens
By Kayla Lehmann, Lawyer construction, government, shipping, healthcare, WHAT AREAS OF LAW DO CLERKS GET INVOLVED IN? property and resources sectors. While we are Allens has one of the largest Banking and primarily focused on the ‘finance’ elements of • Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Insolvency; Finance (B&F) teams in Perth, with two partners working with these clients, to fund a company • Commercial Law, Mergers & Acquisitions; and about 15 team members. Nationally, the or a project you need an understanding of the • Minerals & Resources and Environment Law; practice group has 20 partners and about 100 operational side of the business - so by working • Projects, Real Estate and Construction; and lawyers. in B&F you get a great insight into a range of • Public Law, Constitutional Challenges, Native Title, Litigation for State Projects. different companies and projects. The Perth team works on a diverse range of You may also hear the terms ‘front end’ and ‘back end’. This distinction refers to the type of work matters, including: Some exciting transactions we have assisted legal professionals do. Front end includes legal advice given in setting up business activities and • project financing (especially in relation with recently include: operations (including mergers and acquisitions, and contract law) whilst back end refers to the to construction and energy and resources • acting for the lenders to Northern Star work required when legal diputes arise, typically exclusive to litigation. projects); Resources on the debt financing to purchase • corporate financing; a 50% interest in the Kalgoorlie Super Pit; During your clerkship, the firm will likely hold presentations and seminars from across the firm’s • leveraged financing; • acting for Wesfarmers on the refinancing of practice groups. These provide great insight into the areas the firm works in and areas you may be • acquisition financing; and its $1.25billion syndicated facility by entering • debt capital markets. interested in. Even if you know what area of law you want to work in beforehand, always try to keep into bilateral revolving cash advance an open mind and try new things - you may find that an area which you first thought was very dull, facilities and bespoke credit facilities with We advise borrowers and lenders in domestic a number of relationship banks. We also is actually really interesting. and international cross-board transactions. It recently acted for Wesfarmers again on LITIGATION AND INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION is quite common for the matters we work on converting a separate debt facility into to span multiple jurisdictions. For example, a $400 million sustainability-link loan Allen & Overy we will often work both with onshore and agreement with Commonwealth Bank of offshore banks and borrowers (based out of Australia. This loan was one of the first of its Allen & Overy has one of the world’s leading Australian Courts for clients with a local many different countries) or take security over kind in Australia and was linked to internal environmental and social governance international arbitration practices. Our presence or who have major projects in assets based in other countries. This means we targets; and APAC arbitration team has consistently been Australia. often work closely with lawyers based in many • acting for a syndicate of banks on the initial recognised as a market leader, having advised • International litigation – a standout strength jurisdictions. US$1.2 billion syndicated project finance on many of the highest profile disputes in recent of the practice, which is structured so that facility in relation to the Karara Iron Ore years. our Australia-based litigators work on cases As a lot of the work we do interacts with other Project, the subsequent upsizing of the seamlessly with disputes colleagues in Hong areas, we will also work with other Allens teams. facility to US$1.8 billion and the complete We combine a robust approach to arbitration Kong, Singapore, and across Asia Pacific. For example, we regularly work alongside the refinancing of the syndicated financing. with extensive experience of commercial Our model is designed to pick up the most Corporate team on corporate or acquisition negotiations to manoeuvre our clients into a important international cases coming into financing (i.e. financing for acquiring another As a junior in B&F, you will work closely in small position to seek settlement on favourable terms. and out of Australia, and many of our lawyers company), and with the Projects teams on teams (typically a partner, one senior associate/ are dual qualified, typically Australia along project and construction financings. Companies associate and one junior, with additional team We bring: with the US and UK. may go through insolvency or administration members depending on the size and complexity • Premier 20+ lawyer Australian litigation • International arbitration – our Australian processes, and in these instances we assist the of the matter). Juniors will often have a first go team; team is seamlessly integrated with Allen & restructuring and insolvency teams by tying up at the majority of the documents (especially • Specialist experience in big-ticket domestic Overy’s market-leading arbitration practices the companies’ financing and assisting them security documents and conditions precedent and international commercial disputes; in Hong Kong and Singapore. As a result through any liquidity concerns. documents), which will then be settled by • Focused workload on three core areas: our team, and in particular our Perth office, someone more senior. The junior on the matter superior court litigation, arbitration and has one of the top arbitration practices in The flexibility of working from home throughout will generally be in charge of acting as a quasi contentious regulatory matters; Australia, with these cases often involving the pandemic has also resulted in increased ‘project manager’, keeping track of where • Active litigation practice spinning out of major contract disputes involving mining and collaboration on matters between Perth and our the matter is at and ensuring that things are M&A deals and failed joint ventures; energy companies. offices in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, with progressing. • Australia-based litigators supported by and • Energy/resources cases – in recent years we Perth lawyers increasingly assisting with diverse integrated with 50-lawyer regional litigation have seen a surge in energy and resources Eastern states-based matters (such as funds and The variety of transactions worked on in B&F team, working together on cross-border (especially mining) litigation and arbitration derivatives work). means you will generally work across a number disputes; and in the APAC region, with our team in Perth of matters at once, rather than one large matter • Australian practice supported by huge global and Sydney acting in very large disputes We have experience acing on both the borrower at a time. This means you get great exposure to platform spanning 30+ countries, and is arising out of massive projects, and fights and lender side of transactions. On the lender a variety of different types of matters and get rated as a top tier practice. between co-venturers and contractors. This side, we are on the panel for each of the major to work with a lot of different people, which is has now developed into our practice also Australian banks and also act for many of the a terrific way of gaining experience as a junior. How do we stand out? taking a leading role in the burgeoning field international and investment banks and many There is also a lot of scope for client interaction • Top tier domestic clients – we have a track of LNG price reviews throughout the APAC non-bank lenders. On the borrower side, we and matter responsibility at a junior level. record of acting in big ticket litigation in region. work with a range of clients including in the 31 32 RESTRUCTURING AND INSOLVENCY TEAM | King & Wood TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS Mallesons Corrs Chambers Westgarth • advising the administrators of a major By Patrick MacKenzie, Solicitor mining services company and the subsequent sale process; By Eloise Foskett, Associate, Technology, and are taking active steps to protect that data. At KWM the Restructuring and Insolvency • advising a European based football club as a Media and Telecommunications Our team works with clients across Australia, team sits across a variety of practice groups, creditor of a collapsed Australian company; advising on data privacy, governance, as well such as Dispute Resolution, Leveraged Finance • advising companies relation to the rights Before reading on, you should know one as assisting clients with legal questions arising and M&A, ensuring we have the necessary in relation to public examinations by a thing: I am by no stretch of the imagination a from data breaches. Because the nature of data expertise to deal with all aspects of commercial liquidator; technology guru. I’m a bog-standard, Instagram is such that it is generally located in the “cloud”, insolvency and distressed assets. Nationally, • acting for major unsecured creditors of a posting, Reddit scrolling, Facebook messaging, on servers across the world, the team often the R&I team is led by Tim Klineberg out of major resources company that entered into Generation Y. Before starting in the Technology, has the opportunity to work with international Sydney. Sam Dundas is the R&I Partner in Perth, liquidation and bringing claims against the Media and Telecommunications (TMT) group, partner firms in the US, Singapore, and a where we are also part of the Dispute Resolution directors; and my experience of all things tech was purely on number of countries in Europe. practice group. • many more matters related to insolvent the front end: I didn’t care how the app worked, companies. just dial me up a good internet connection and An important part of our practice is advising One of the most enjoyable aspects of R&I work ready... steady... SCROLL! on a variety of commercial transactions. We is that it straddles the usual “front end”/“back As a junior in these types of matters you assist clients with negotiation of contracts with end” differentiation between types of practice. can expect to be involved in detailed legal When I started at Corrs I had pegged myself as a software vendors and implementers, often as a We are involved in providing strategic advice to research, reviewing contracts, drafting legal litigator. I wanted to do large scale construction part of organisation-wide digital transformation. a number of stakeholders in relation to external advice, finance documents, terms sheets, sale disputes, and stay well away from any kind of A key part of this process is ensuring that administrations: agreements, correspondence with creditors, transaction-based practice groups. My first foray our clients’ contracts appropriately deal • distressed companies and their directors; regulators and ASX announcements, as well as into technology law was, in fact, a dispute which with customer data and valuable intellectual • insolvency practitioners in relation to their being involved in negotiations, court hearings centred around the incorporation of biometric property. We also work closely with our obligations under the Corporations Act and and creditors’ meetings. technology, in particular finger printing, on corporate team to advise clients on the assisting in the sale/recapitalisation process; payment cards. intellectual property and technology issues • creditors of companies who are close to Being involved in this type of work has allowed involved in mergers and acquisitions. entering or do enter external administration; me to work across different offices through the After my involvement in this dispute, two things and KWM network in Australia and abroad, as well became clear: (1) I no longer wanted to do large The most exciting thing about the practice • secured creditors and financiers of as for a variety of clients throughout Australia, scale construction disputes; and (2) I wanted to area is that it is constantly evolving. It involves companies of distressed companies. Europe and the United States. pursue a practice area focusing on technology. a lot of “novel thinking” arising out of issues The area was relevant and interesting, but in associated with technological advancement. There is also significant potential for curial The contentious court aspects of R&I work also light of the caveat given in the first paragraph of Yes, this means that I won’t stop googling any oversight and involvement in external mean that I have had a number of opportunities this article, it was going to involve a very steep time soon, but it also avoids any kind of plateau administrations and schemes of arrangement. to work closely with counsel from around learning curve. For the first year or so of working in learning and development. There is also a high risk of matters turning Australia and work in different jurisdictions (and in the team, Google was my best friend: What is litigious. This means that R&I lawyers must also appear on occasion). an API? What is the difference between SaaS and So, if after reading this you’re thinking that have a broad skill set to be able to deal with the PaaS? Who owns data? WHY AM I DOING THIS?! TMT might be a practice area for you, don’t be twists and turns of what are often very fast- I highly recommend R&I as a practice group While there is still a bit of googling going on, I intimidated by the learning curve: stop scrolling, moving matters. R&I is also a very technical area for people who are interested in a diverse, can safely say that it is much less regular. and start reading! of law requiring numerous requirements in the fast-paced and technical area of law with Corporations Act to be aware of at all times. international aspects. Corrs’ TMT team is a cross-disciplinary team supporting the converging technology, In my time at KWM, I have experienced a wide media and telecommunications industries. variety of work in the R&I space including: Much of the work in which I am involved • advising the administrators of a dual ASX/ focuses on data (particularly the relationship SGX listed lithium miner in relation to an between intellectual property and data), data AU$70m recapitalisation process involving governance, cyber resilience, privacy, and foreign buyers and history making court software development and implementation. applications; • advising the administrators of an ASX listed In 2018, following the Cambridge Analytica zinc/gold mine in Queensland, including scandal, personal data became a “hot topic”. securing additional finance from US based This was followed by a slew of high-profile data lenders; breaches, which attracted significant fines, • advising multiple trade creditors (including at companies like British Airways and Marriot global banks and major aerospace International. Since that time, companies are companies) in relation to the administration recognising the value of the data they hold, of an Australian airline; 33 34 WORKPLACE RELATIONS, EMPLOYMENT AND SAFETY CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECTS|Norton Rose Fulbright Clayton Utz
Norton Rose Fulbright is a leading construction both principals and contractors in relation to the practice in Australia with lawyers that act resolution of construction disputes (including By Sam Scaife, Lawyer As well as standard employment-related across all phases of development for a range in respect of structured negotiation, mediation, disputes, the WRES team has acted for a of project owners, institutional investors, adjudication, contested superior court litigation The Workplace Relations, Employment and number of government agencies and statutory project sponsors, developers, occupiers, and international arbitration). Some of the Safety (WRES) team at Clayton Utz works with authorities at local, state and federal contractors and sub-contractors, financiers, matters that lawyers in Penelope’s team can clients across every aspect of the employment level. These include Fair Work Building & consultants and suppliers on both contentious expect to work on include: relationship, and across the full spectrum of Construction, Fair Work Ombudsman, Western and non-contentious projects. With 13 partners employment law, including workplace relations, Power, Water Corporation, ATO and ASIC. nationally, the Construction and Engineering • rapid adjudications for large ASX listed industrial relations, work health and safety, Practice at Norton Rose Fulbright is one of the companies; executive remuneration, and discrimination and Occupational health and safety (OHS) is always largest in Australia. • multijurisdictional international diversity. a critical concern for clients, and the team’s construction arbitrations; and work in this area includes advice at board Construction • high-profile litigation matters for As well as providing what we call front-end level on risk and compliance, investigations The Construction team at Norton Rose Fulbright international and local clients. (non-contentious) advice - drafting employment into workplace fatalities, and defending OHS operates on a ‘shared-resource’ (as opposed contracts, reviewing workplace policies and prosecutions. We also help clients develop and to siloed) basis. As such, there is significant Projects procedures, and providing education and implement Fitness for Work policies (including scope for lawyers in the Construction team to The Norton Rose Fulbright Projects practice training on minimising workplace health drug and alcohol policies) in their workplaces. engage in matters outside of their local office. is broad with a multi-sector focus. The Perth and safety risks, for example - we also assist This also means that staff can be exposed to practice specialises in projects in the mining clients in managing and resolving workplace The WRES team is fast growing and has both front-end (ie. development, investment and resources and energy sectors. The energy disputes, in enterprise bargaining negotiations built a reputation as a go-to practice for any and construction phases, and accompanying work includes traditional oil and gas projects and in unfair dismissal cases. This aspect of employment law related advice. negotiations) and back-end (ie. litigation and as well as renewables (wind, solar and wave the practice means we regularly appear before disputes) phases of the construction practice. energy) and green hydrogen investments. The a range of courts and tribunals, from the Fair Anecdote 1 - Mathilda Stoneman - Lawyer team is led by Paul Lingard (head of the Norton Work Commission to the Industrial Relations “Working in the WRES team provides you with Some of the work that a lawyer in the broader Rose Fulbright’s energy practice) and Miriam Commission and the Federal Court. a great balance of both front-end and back-end national construction team can expect to work D’Souza (recognised in Best Lawyers (Australia) work which is a great way to gain considerable on includes advising principals and developers in Government Practice). Some of the work that experience across a range of industries.” on: a lawyer in the Perth office can expect to work on includes advising: CORPORATE | Herbert Smith Freehills • wind and solar farm development projects; • infrastructure projects and development; • large international mining corporations on By Mary-Rose Bright, Solicitor, Corporate power and technology. and procurement matters; • general procurement advice in the mining • large multinational corporations on strategic Corporate is one of the most exciting, varied, As a junior lawyer in the Corporate team, you industry. project development; and strategic and client-facing practice groups law can expect to work on all stages of a transaction • local government entities project firms offer and is a popular practice group for including structuring advice, legal due diligence, Norton Rose acts for some of the largest development and procurement matters. law graduates. If you have watched ‘Suits’ you drafting transaction documents, meeting with companies and Government bodies in Western will have a sense of what being a Corporate your client and the other side, negotiating Australia with their construction projects, Some recent matters that the team has worked lawyer involves...well sort of. The key elements transaction documents and completion of the including: WA State Government, Western on includes advising: are there - the work is challenging, complex, transaction. It is extremely rewarding to see a Power, Horizon Power, Synergy, BHP, South32 fast-paced, client-driven and extremely deal through from start to finish and no day at and Fortescue Future Industries. • on the development of the world’s largest rewarding. work is the same. renewable energy plant; and Disputes (back-end construction litigation) • an Australian oil company on the negotiation The clients we work for, and matters we work on, One of the most stimulating aspects of The Perth office has a market leading of a production sharing contract in relation are often featured in the Australian Financial Corporate work is that every transaction is construction disputes practice lead by partner to the Greater Sunrise Special Regime Review or in the news. The Perth Corporate different. Every client will have different Penelope Ford, who is named in the 2020 established under the Treaty between team at Herbert Smith Freehills is split into commercial drivers, which will impact the way inaugural Lawdragon Global Litigation 500 Australia and the Democratic Republic of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Energy and in which the matter progresses and every asset guide as one of the leading litigation lawyers in Timor-Leste establishing their Maritime Resources (E&R). We assist clients with a wide will present different challenges. Understanding the world. Penelope specialises in international Boundaries in the Timor Sea. range of transactions including acquisitions the features of each transaction is key, as it arbitration & disputes, especially construction and divestments, joint ventures, initial public allows us to provide the most effective advice disputes. offerings (IPOs), capital market transactions, and assistance to our clients so that they can takeovers and schemes of arrangement. We achieve their commercial objectives. As the Penelope’s team has significant experience in also provide advice to our clients on issues nature of the work is client-driven, there are complex matters before superior courts and which may arise during the course of these times where we work with tight deadlines. This tribunals across several jurisdictions, advising transactions. The industries we operate in are is all part of the fun – the team pulls together, varied and to name a few include mining, energy, the adrenaline kicks in and the work is exciting.
35 36 Practical Legal Training
Practical Legal Training is the next step you will take after completing your law degree in order to be admitted as a lawyer. In this section, we feature profiles from the main practical legal training providers operating in Western Australia.
38 is an 8-week online program which can be undertaken The College of Law instead of work experience.
Students at The College of The College of Law collaw.edu.au Ground Floor, Durack Centre Law can access one-on-one consultations with a Careers 263 Adelaide Terrace (08) 9214 0200 Professional for assistance Perth WA 6000 [email protected] with career planning and job searches, applications, and How does your course differ How is the course structured? When does the course start? interviews. from other PLT courses? 1. Coursework: Complete five 17 May 2021: Perth CBD We are the leading provider compulsory subjects and campus, Full-time & Part-time Do you provide full-time and of PLT in Australia, and in two electives. PLT subjects 14 Jun 2021: Perth CBD part-time options? You can tune with your profession. don’t have formal written campus, Full-time & Part-time complete your Practical Legal The College of Law offers exams. Instead, there’s a 5 Jul 2021: Perth CBD campus, Training in one of three study the largest range of flexible mix of multiple choice, oral Part-time evening modes: full-time, part-time, Practical Legal Training assessments and other 12 Jul 2021: UWA, Full-time & or part-time evening. Choose programs, all purpose-driven evaluations, each designed Part-time the mode that suits your goals, to put your hard-earned degree to effectively mirror real 12 Jul 2021: ECU, Full-time & timeframe, and lifestyle. seamlessly into practice. work as a real lawyer. Part-time 19 Jul 2021: Murdoch, Full-time Where are students able to • Legal technology, 2. Work Experience: Designed & Part-time find more information? innovation and business to give you an insight into 23 Aug 2021: Perth CBD Visit collaw.edu.au/PLT or skills: improve your what it’s like to work in a campus, Full-time & Part-time contact us on (08) 9214 0200 understanding of current real legal environment, this 20 Sep 2021: Perth CBD or [email protected] and emerging technologies is your first opportunity to campus, Full-time & Part-time and equip yourself with the apply your skills to real-life 4 Oct 2021: Perth CBD campus, business skills you need. problems. Choose from two Full-time & Part-time • Local: Learn Western formats: 22 Nov 2021: UWA, Full-time & Australian-specific content • 25 days of approved work Part-time from local WA practitioners. experience + additional • Established: Established in 5-week online program How long does the course run Western Australia in 2006, • 75 days of approved work for? your Perth campus has experience Our full-time course is 15 trained 2,300 lawyers. • During the COVID-19 weeks. Our part-time course is • Start anytime: With pandemic, we are offering 30 weeks, and a good option for courses starting in 10 an online alternative to students who work full-time or months of the year, you work experience. The In have other commitments. don’t have to wait to start Practice Component is an your PLT. 8-week online program How do graduates enrol? • Flexible: 15-week full-time which can be undertaken You can apply via our online or 30-week part-time study instead of work experience application form that will options. take less than 15 minutes to • Locations: Study on 3. Continuing Professional complete. campus at the University of Education: Complete 10 Simply visit collaw.edu.au. Western Australia, Murdoch hours of CPE on the new University or at our Perth skills recruiters are looking What work experiences are CBD campus for in a modern lawyer. This students able to choose from? • Career support: One-on- will help you add value to You can choose from one appointments with an the workplace, prepare two formats for the work experienced career adviser. you for the future of legal experience component of your • Work experience: 25 days practice and give you a training: or 75 days work experience taste of the Continuing • Short format: 25 days of options – or online Professional Development approved work experience + alternative. that you will need to additional five-week online • Learn by doing: Work undertake each year as a program through practical, relevant lawyer to maintain your • Standard format: 75 days of files that simulate what it’s certificate. On completion approved work experience like to practise as a lawyer. of these modules you will receive a Certificate in Legal During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tech and Business Skills in we are offering an online addition to your Graduate alternative to work experience. Diploma in Legal Practice. The In Practice Component
39 40 Curtin Law School
Curtin Law School https://study.curtin.edu.au/offering/course-pg- 57 Murray Street and 137 St graduate-diploma-in-legal-practice--gd-lawlp/ Practical Georges Terrace [email protected] | Francesca Renkema - Perth 6000 Course Coordinator, Practical Legal Training Legal Training How does your course differ • Family Law Practice from other PLT courses? • Wills and Estates Practice What work experiences are • Our Graduate Diploma in One workplace experience unit students able to choose from? Legal Practice is the first with a choice from two options: The Curtin PLT offers students and only PLT course to be • Legal Workplace a choice from two options: UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA PROGRAM delivered by a Western Experience: 75 days work • Legal Workplace Experience Australian university experience with recognition unit: standard 75 days work • Online course material of up to 60 days prior legal experience with recognition supported through regular workplace experience of up to 60 days prior legal Study on campus at the University face to face seminars (subject to our Workplace workplace experience and workshops with Experience Rules) (subject to our Workplace of Western Australia experienced members of OR Experience Rules). This the legal profession • Clinical Legal Work may be obtained in a range • Aspects of coursework Experience: guarantee of legal environments Start 12 July or 22 November 2021 integrated with real client all your work experience and Curtin may be able experiences in the John requirements through to assist students with Curtin Law Clinic* a placement in the securing placements at a • Practice management and John Curtin Law Clinic. court, with a barrister or in 15 weeks full-time or 30 weeks time-recording software Complete 40 days of work a private law firm. Subject integrated with coursework experience under the to availability, Curtin PLT part-time study options • Develop your advocacy supervision of experienced students may also be skills through intensive legal practitioners. The able to complete work advocacy training and John Curtin Law Clinic is experience as a volunteer in 15 days or 75 days work experience practice opportunities with a pro bono teaching clinic the John Curtin Law Clinic. options - or online alternative experienced barristers within Curtin University. OR • Option to guarantee legal You can gain a variety of • Clinical Legal Workplace workplace experience hours legal experience including Experience: 40 days of Access to one-on-one through the John Curtin advising small businesses, work experience in the John Law Clinic individuals, start-ups and Curtin Law Clinic. Students appointments with a careers adviser • Convenient CBD location not-for-profits in relation can gain a variety of legal and state-of-the-art to dispute resolution, experience including facilities discrimination law and advising small businesses, Learn Western Australian-specific • No exams commercial law. individuals, start-ups and content from local qualified lawyers *Proposed for January 2022 not-for-profits in relation intake, subject to approval by When does the course start? to dispute resolution, the Legal Practice Board of WA Our next course is planned to discrimination law and Option to study at our Perth CBD start in January 2022. Exact commercial law. How is the course structured? start date to be confirmed. campus with 10 start dates a year Coursework units covering the Do you provide full-time and following areas: How long does the course run part-time options? Full-time • Lawyers’ Skills for? and part-time coursework • Work Management and The coursework component options are available as Tanay Ropeyarn Business Skills runs for: outlined above. • Full-time: 20 consecutive Lawyer • Property Law Practice • Civil Litigation Practice weeks Where are students able to Graduate of the Practical • Commercial and Corporate • Part-time: 33 consecutive find more information? Legal Training program Practice weeks (the August part-time Visit curtin.edu/plt Two electives (subject to option has an additional Alternatively, contact us for availability): period to accommodate the further information: • Administrative Law Practice Dece / Jan holiday period) Tel: 08 9266 3540 • Criminal Law Practice Email: [email protected]. • Employment and Industrial How do graduates enrol? au Relations Practice To apply, please visit curtin. Learn more at collaw.edu.au/PLT edu/plt.
42 Leo Cussen
Murdoch University www.leocussen.edu.au Leo Cussen Centre for Law Office 460.1.029 | 90 South St 1300 039 031 Murdoch, WA 6150
How does your course differ from other PLT What work experiences are students able to courses? choose from? Our course is centred around hands-on practical All Leo Cussen students are required to experience. The Leo Cussen PLT simulates a law complete 20 days of work experience as part of firm environment by getting students to run the PLT, and can do so in any legal environment. their own client cases from start to end, just Part of that can be completed with previous like a first year lawyer. Students are allocated credit. In 2021, students also have the option to small groups, with continuous feedback and of being exempt from doing a placement if they support from lawyer mentors. prefer to complete an online learning module instead (at no additional cost). All Leo Cussen Our blended course is a combination of online students also have access to tailored one-on- with a face-to-face component. You are one placement support from our Placement & equipped to face practice head-on, and will Careers Advisor. be job-ready with the confidence of having completed rigorous training in a simulated Do you provide full-time and part-time practice environment. options? The WA PLT is offered full-time, but provides How is the course structured? flexibility as it is mostly online. If you are unsure Our WA PLT is mostly self-paced online, plus 13 if the delivery mode is suitable for you, contact days of interactive face-to-face onsite training us – we are happy to help. to practise skills and network with local legal practitioners. Where are students able to find more For students who prefer an entirely online information? experience, we also offer a 100% online Read our guide to PLT: course. This course is based on the Victorian www.leocussen.edu.au/guide-wa jurisdiction, but graduates are still eligible for OR, book a time to chat with one of our Mentors: direct admission in WA. www.leocussen.edu.au/chat
When does the course start? WA Blended, full time Two intakes per year (February and July) The next two intakes are: 12 July – 26 November 2021 Early February – late June 2022 (exact dates TBA)
100% Online, full time (VIC) Four intakes per year (February, March, July and August) The next four intakes are: 19 July – 3 December 2021 2 August – 10 December 2021 February – June 2022 (exact dates TBA) March – July 2022 (exact dates TBA)
How long does the course run for? 21 weeks.
How do graduates enrol? Enrolment is easy; it takes 10 minutes to complete online: www.leocussen.edu.au/enrol
44 Get moving Piddington Society Level 2/8-10 www.leocussen.edu.au The Esplanade with PLT Perth WA 6000 0430 449 116 at Leo Cussen. [email protected] How does your course differ course. In 2018 our own in November. This Ceremony from other PLT courses? course was approved by allows the graduates in your Our commitment to access the Legal Practice Board of year to be admitted together in Run your own cases in simulated to justice runs through Western Australia, only the the same session. We think it everything we do. Piddington third ever. Piddington PLT is takes some time to transition practice and be coached by skilled PLT places new law graduates a high-quality, work-ready from being a university student and supportive lawyer mentors. in community legal centres course which is delivered on to being a lawyer and Officer and the Society directs funds a bedrock of justice, ethics of the Court. All PLT courses to CLCs. Access to justice is and collegiality. Graduates involve the equivalent of at Join our extensive legal network one of the most pressing issues are required to attend in least 525 hours of programmed and be part of our community. facing our profession, and each person classes. The first is the training. We think it is best to year Piddington’s programs week long January intensive. spread this out over a longer facilitate thousands of hours After this are the First-Friday time frame, to allow you to Be Ready with a Graduate of legal advice for those who Tutorials held on the First engage and reflect on the Diploma in Legal Practice at otherwise would not receive Friday of each month, 8 in total. material. it and thousands of dollars for Lastly is the second week long Leo Cussen. community legal centres on the July Criminal Law Intensive. How do graduates enrol? front-line of justice. Some lectures will be provided Filling in an application When we began in 2011, by judges, silks and senior form on our website. 2021 www.leocussen.edu.au/PLT we were focused on practitioners, and graduates applications will be available in improving relations between would have access to a support August, EOIs are open now. practitioners. We continue to network throughout the year. run social events and all of Each graduate is guaranteed What work experiences are our professional development a work experience placement students able to choose from? is teamed with collegial at a community legal centre We support graduates to meet activities, particularly over (CLC). The course was born the vocational work-experience cheese and wine. At our out of a recognition that new requirements in the course by events we regularly see junior law grads need pathways to connecting them to community practitioners talking with admission and CLCs need legal centres for volunteer some of the most senior. We finance and human support. placements. We also have make sure Piddington events Most people completing the graduates who have separately are a place where meaningful course complete hours in secured roles as judicial staff professional relationships CLCs. Piddington PLT is the or in private firms. Graduates Criminal are madAt the end of every only course that is designed to have also completed the course Virtual CPD event we host drinks for support access to justice. while working and living in attendees to engage with each The course has removed box- regional WA. Law other, especially encouraging ticking exercises and focuses graduates and junior on contemporary skills needed Do you provide full time and lawyers to meet with senior to be a good lawyer. Many part time options? Internships practitioners. The Piddington assessments are done “on the We have one intake per year Society is where professional job” and with reference to which runs from January- development, collegiality and access to justice. Piddington October with admission Leo Cussen has partnered with Human advancing justice converge PLT is not an extension of proposed in November. Forage to build two Virtual Internship and where junior and senior law school – it focuses on This involves coursework Programs designed to provide practitioners meet. developing core skills as well as and workplace experience Rights Law building the support networks components, with students with valuable insight into How is the course structured? necessary to sustain you approximately 16 scheduled what it’s like to solve real issues in The Piddington Society has throughout your career. face-to-face seminars been providing PLT focused throughout the year, including legal practice. on access to justice, ethics When does the course start? two week-long intensives with and collegiality since 2016. The Course begins mid- the remainders completed We initially delivered the January and concludes in monthly. Typically, graduates Free Self-paced Add to your CV Australian National University October in time for Admission meet in-person monthly.
45 46 THE PIDDINGTON SOCIETY
Piddington PLT
The Piddington Society has been delivering practical legal training (PLT) since 2016. Our initial success was delivering the Australian National University Couse. In 2018 our own course was approved by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia, only the third ever.
Piddington PLT is a high-quality, work-ready course which is delivered on a bedrock of justice, ethics and collegiality.
We developed this course in consultation with senior Who is the Piddington Society members of the profession about what a modern lawyer needed. We are proud that these people, The Piddington Society is an association of including judges, silks, firm partners and directors, lawyers. We like justice and we like collegiality, continue to support the course and teach in it. but we love to bring them together. The course was born out of a recognition that new Since 2010 we have hosted quality social and law grads need pathways to admission and continuing professional development (CPD) community legal centres (CLCs) need finance and activities for lawyers. We now offer a human support. comprehensive program of interesting CPD sessions throughout the year, regularly featuring Most people completing the course complete hours judges, senior counsel, leading in CLCs. Piddington PLT is the only course that is advocates and experts in their areas. designed to support access to justice.
At the end of every CPD event we host drinks for The course has removed box-ticking exercises and attendees to engage with each other, especially focuses on contemporary skills needed to be a good encouraging junior lawyers to meet with senior lawyer. practitioners. We also continue to run social events for the profession. Piddington PLT isn’t an extension of law school, it is about helping you build relevant skills to sustain you Current law students are welcome to attend any throughout your career. Many assessments are done of our events. Each year our access to justice “on the job” and with reference to access to justice. programs deliver thousands of dollars and thousands of hours of legal advice to the “Piddington PLT reminds you why you community legal sector. wanted to do law in the first place -
The Piddington Society is where professional real people, real problems, real impact.” development, collegiality and The Hon Christine Wheeler AO QC advancing justice converge and where junior and Inaugural Justice of Appeal senior practitioners meet. Former Chair, The Piddington Society
Connect with us piddingtonsociety.org @Piddington47Soc 48 Commercial Firm Directory
Gaining experience in a commercial law firm offers you an opportunity to develop legal skills and knowledge while working with various practice groups. The experience you receive at these firms go beyond what is taught in law school.
There is an abundance of commercial law firms in Perth so we recommend that you spend time learning about each firm’s culture to determine which firm is the right fit for you.
We have collated firm profiles for our major sponsors outlining key information to assist you in making the right choice. Beyond the information provided, firm websites are a useful tool to gain a greater insight. A number of firms will attend the Perth Law Careers Fair.
Attending the Fair will provide you with opportunities to expand your network and ask any questions you may have.
50 • from the Sydney and Perth provides A&O Perth with • ENI (Italian multinational offices that are dedicated to an opportunity to support a Allen & Overy oil and gas company) which community volunteering and local non-profit community- is locked in a battle with building our pro bono practice. based organisation that Sedco Forex, an arm of All staff have the option of serves the needs of children Transocean, over the failure regularly donating to our global aged 7-16 and their families. of a drilling rig campaign partner Hope and Homes for ERCKWA provides camps off the Australian coast, Children. A&O’s Perth office and other recreational and Level 12, Exchange Tower Shenae Djulbic | Shenae.Djulbic@ causing delays and resulting has also built relationships developmental activities No 2. The Esplanade Perth 6000 allenovery.com | (08) 6315 5900 in significant loss to ENI. with other local Western for children who would Australia • BNP Paribas and Natixis Australian organisations such not otherwise have such on the co-underwritten as The Salvation Army and opportunities, supporting kids www.allenovery.com/en-gb/global/ Banking & Finance, Corporate and Litigation. refinancing of the EMR Edmund Rice Camps for Kids. who are ‘at risk’ or experiencing careers/australia Golden Grove Mine (mining some form of disadvantage. copper, lead, silver, zinc and The Salvation Army gold) for EMR Golden Grove Our established partnership We are also a stakeholder Pty Ltd as borrower. with The Salvation Army on the Law Access advisory • Pilbara Minerals on the continues to thrive and we committee overseeing the needs to be done, but why and funds; anti-trust/ ABOUT THE FIRM establishment of a new, continue to participate in Western Australian Law Access it is important. We believe competition; litigation and low-cost senior secured a number of events and clearing house, a system that our people perform dispute resolution; banking What are your firm’s core debt facility for US$110 fundraising activities with The designed to help people obtain best when they are given and finance; infrastructure and values? million (approximately Beacon. The Beacon offers pro bono legal assistance the very best resources, projects; energy and resources; We strive to uphold our values A$154 million) provided by crisis accommodation, case in areas of law where there facilities, opportunities and communications, outsourcing in everything we do – they are leading international bank, management and a range is limited or no assistance encouragement to explore and technology; tax and real there to guide us in the way we BNP Paribas, and Australia’s of other support services available from Legal Aid or any their full potential. We believe estate. work, in the decisions we make specialist clean energy to people experiencing that teams perform best when other agency. and in the way we interact with investor, the Clean Energy homelessness. In 2020, we they focus on performance Notable awards people, to ensure we preserve Financing Corporation continued to support The rather than hierarchies, and • David Jenaway, 40under40 CLERKSHIP the unique culture of Allen & (CEFC). The finance facility Beacon Restorative Lifestyle where they are comfortable Winner 2021, Legal Services INFORMATION Overy. also includes a US$15 Program (RLP), presenting socialising together as well as • Ranked Tier 1 in Project million working capital sessions as part of the RLP. working together. Development: Mining, During which period do you Instinctively thoughtful facility with BNP Paribas. These sessions provide advice Australia IFLR1000 offer clerkships? We nurture relationships built • Mineral Resources Limited and guidance on how to How does your firm Australia 2016-2021 We will be running one on mutual trust, respect and (MRL) on the restructure prepare for formal situations, distinguish itself from other • Ranked Tier 1 in Project program during summer break inclusivity. of its manganese assets such as job interviews or law firms? Finance, IFLR1000 Australia in Nov/Dec 2021 (Sunday Hill and Ant Hill applications for housing, and A&O was the first global 2021 Collectively ambitious manganese projects). focus on personal image, elite law firm to commence • 2021 “Law firm of the How many clerkship positions We work together to turn Pursuant to the restructure, standing out and making a good operations in Australia. The Year”: Project Finance and are available for 2021? opportunity into advantage. MRL transferred these first impression. The Beacon firm is fully integrated with the Development Practice – 5-8 Insightfully inventive assets to ASX-listed aims to provide its clients global A&O network and now Best Lawyers 2021 Edition We stay ahead by combining Resource Development with a clear path back to self- has over 90 top-tier lawyers in • Excellence Award: Energy What tasks do clerks usually expert insight and imagination. Group (RDG) by way of an reliance and independence, a Sydney and Perth. and Resources Deal of undertake? asset sale in exchange for a key part of which is the RLP, the Year (for Kalium During the program you will Refreshingly open 75% shareholding in RDG. which gives clients of the At A&O, we advise on our Lakes Beyondie Sulphate gain practical experience in one We thrive when we are open • Pilbara Minerals on the Beacon skills they can draw on client’s most strategically of Potash Project) – The of our practice areas, where with each other, with our acquisition of Altura once they have re-entered the important business decisions. Australasian Law Awards you will work alongside A&O clients and to new ideas. Mining’s lithium operations. community. The feedback that With a track record of advising 2020 partners and lawyers on real on complex, Australian and Acquisition of the Altura we have received continues How would you describe your • Energy & Resources Firm deals, disputes and other client cross-border matters for Project creates the to be very positive and the firm’s culture? of the Year - ALB Southeast matters. Before you join us, market leading organisations, largest, independent hard- residents actively participate At A&O we believe in the Asia Law Awards 2020 (for we will ask you to indicate the we are able to offer the best of rock lithium mining and in discussions, ask questions fundamental importance of the 4th time in the last 5 areas that most interest you – both worlds: the expertise and processing operation in and openly share their personal collaboration and teamwork, years) this is a great opportunity to resources of a global elite law the world, with available experiences. get hands-on experience in an of giving lawyers, graduates offtake capacity. practice coupled with seasoned What significant work area of law that really appeals and summer clerks tasks Edmund Rice Camp for Kids practitioners with Australian has your firm undertaken to you. In addition to your legal that will challenge, stretch What kind of pro bono work Our new partnership for and international experience. recently? work you will attend training them and support them to does the firm engage in? 2021 and beyond is with advance their careers. We • An international gas sessions and presentations We focus on innovative and A&O is very active in the pro Edmund Rice Camps for have developed a culture of company in a series of aimed at broadening your expert legal solutions for bono space, both globally Kids WA Inc (ERCKWA), and learning, where lawyers at international arbitrations understanding of our business our clients across a broad and here in Australia. In we look forward to a long all levels are committed to arising from a large and helping you to develop range of areas: mergers and Australia, we have established standing relationship with the helping graduates and clerks construction dispute, the skills you need to be a acquisitions; private equity; a committee comprised of staff organisation. This partnership to understand not just what with over USD 3 billion in successful commercial lawyer. capital markets; regulatory dispute.
51 52 How can a clerk stand out or Does your firm offer any CASUAL make a good impression? international opportunities There’s no such thing as for graduates or junior EMPLOYMENT a typical A&O candidate. lawyers? INFORMATION We’re open-minded and Yes. interested in people who Does the firm offer any casual share that quality. Beyond INTERVIEWS or part-time employment? strong academic performance, Yes, casual paralegal roles. we want to see evidence of What does your firm like to How can students find these teamwork, motivation and see in a clerkship or graduate drive, communication skills, opportunities and apply? job interview? Applications for paralegal planning and organisation, Your interview is an critical thinking, commercial positions will only be accepted opportunity for us to get to through our website at https:// awareness and commitment - know you better, and vice both to a career in law and to a www.allenovery.com/en-gb/ versa. Naturally, if you’ve global/careers/australia. career with A&O. come this far you want to impress, so make sure you You can access the portal via Do you offer clerkships get the following basics right to non-penultimate year the Australian sub-site of our and remember to be yourself careers pages. Candidates will Face up to the challenge. students? throughout. Yes need to attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae and latest Put the competition behind you. How can students best academic transcript. GRADUATE JOB prepare for a clerkship or INFORMATION graduate job interview with Make it to the top together. your firm? What does your firm look for • Revisit your application in a graduate? before the interview. IT’S TIME. We’re open minded and Interview questions are interested in people who likely to include details of share that quality. Beyond your work and education strong academic performance, experience, interests and we want to see evidence of achievements and why you teamwork, motivation and have chosen this career. drive, communication skills, • University careers services planning and organisation, may offer mock interviews – critical thinking, commercial book one if you can. Getting awareness and commitment - feedback on this process both to a career in law and to can be really helpful before a career with A&O. A key focus the event. of our summer clerk program is • Expect to be asked about to select our future graduates, topical, commercial or where possible – so applying to business issues. our summer clerk program is • Be prepared to discuss your important. opinions. We want to find out what you think and why How can students apply for you think that way. a graduate position at your • Dress appropriately, smile, firm? maintain eye contact Applications for graduate and offer a confident positions will only be accepted handshake. through our website at www. • If you have been invited to allenovery.com – you can an interview, we already access the portal via the think you have potential, so Australian sub-site of our remember this. careers pages. Candidates will • An interview is a two-way need to attach a cover letter, process so this is also your curriculum vitae and latest opportunity to see whether academic transcript. the firm is right for you. Prepare questions to ask How many graduate positions at the end of the interview are available in 2021? covering genuine interests. 2-3 A career in Law | Australia 2021 Visit www.allenovery.com/en-gb/global/careers/australia
53 54
CS2002_CDD-58599.indd 1 20/04/2020 08:40 AGH Law Experience a The Blockchain Centre Sophie Waddell | [email protected] Level 2, 66 Kings Park Road | (08) 6245 0050 West Perth WA 6005 https://www.aghlaw.com.au/ Corporate new type of
ABOUT THE FIRM Accessibility: We believe that become part of a dynamic, legal services should not be forward thinking and sociable law firm. What are your firm’s core exclusive. That’s why we are team who enjoy doing things values? proud to provide alternative differently as a contemporary Excellence: It goes without pricing options. and agile law firm. Our team saying that we are committed are empowered by our firm to providing excellent legal Clarity: Our core purpose is to every day to achieve the goals services for our clients. Our provide clarity for complexity that they set for themselves in team are industry experts, and to do this, we are client- their career. innovative and commercially centric and solutions-oriented. focused in delivering tailored Here’s what some of our recent legal solutions to meet the How would you best describe clerks have to say about their needs of our clients. your firm’s culture? time at AGH Law: We are a contemporary and commercially minded At AGH Law we pride ourselves Innovation: We reward on providing, and always “At AGH Law I’ve had the team that enjoy doing things dierently. Our lawyers efficiencies, outcomes and working to provide, a genuinely opportunity to be involved in creative thought. We focus great culture – we don’t just a variety of challenging and are ambitious, innovative and experts in our field. on how we can use new talk about it. We are committed rewarding matters. The team technology and methods to providing a supportive and are incredibly inclusive, friendly to improve efficiencies, flexible work environment, and genuinely invested in your and our agility allows us to where our team enjoy coming development, providing valuable A career at AGH Law has the professionalism of a large continually evolve to exceed to work (wherever that feedback every step of the the expectations of our clients might be!) and can thrive way. It has been my favourite firm, with the personality of a boutique firm. You get to in an ever-changing legal professionally and personally. clerkship experience and I could landscape. not endorse it more.” (Gabrielle work on complex corporate and commercial matters, One of our core beliefs is Davey, 2020 Clerk). Culture: Every day we work that delivering exceptional with the flexibility that comes with a smaller team. together to cultivate a culture service to our clients starts “If you want to work with Our agility means we’re continually seeking out more of respect, contribution, with a happy and healthy approachable lawyers within innovation and enjoyment. team, and to do that, we foster a superior firm culture and, at ecient and innovative ways to run a law firm that look We know that delivering an environment where each the same time, be exposed to outstanding legal services person is empowered to bring a range of exciting corporate beyond the traditional model. starts with a happy and healthy their whole selves to work and transactional work, I would team. to achieve a balance between highly recommend that you apply working hard and enjoying for a clerkship at AGH Law.” Collaboration: We use themselves. (Timothy Doukakis, 2019 Clerk our network to our clients’ and now Lawyer at AGH Law). Want to learn more? Let’s get coee. advantage to ensure that they A career at AGH Law has the have the best team on their professionalism of a large law “AGH Law is innovative, diverse Connect with us. aghlaw.com.au. side. We believe that success firm, with the personality of and people-oriented. If you is best achieved through a boutique law firm. You get undertake a clerkship at AGH collaboration and meaningful to work on interesting and Law you will be working with relationships. complex client matters, with highly skilled lawyers who also the flexibility that comes with love what they do. I have gained a smaller team, and you will invaluable experience clerking
55 56 at AGH Law and assisting the developer Volution and UK- clerkship you will have been Do you offer clerkships the work that we undertake. team with a range of corporate based fitness and gaming exposed to a wide range of to non-penultimate year We like to see enthusiasm and and commercial law matters.” app developer Six to Start corporate and commercial students? ambition, but we also want to (Lilley Carney, 2019 Vacation (creator of the popular legal work and you will know Yes we do, and we certainly meet the real you! Clerk and 2020 Clerk). running app, “Zombies, the team both professionally have in the past. Our flexible Run!”). and personally. We think that clerkship program means How can students best How does your firm • ASX-listed Marquee this is the best way to gain a that we can take on non- prepare for an interview with distinguish itself from other Resources on its clear understanding of what penultimate year students who your firm? law firms? acquisitions of Argentinian your career could look like at we think have great potential. Do your research. Learn about We take pride in distinguishing and Australian mining AGH Law. If you’re interested Non-penultimate year students who we are, the work we do, ourselves from other law firms assets. in clerking at AGH Law, get in that clerk with us can also re- and why we’re different to and doing things differently. As • ASX-listed Cycliq on its touch with our team. apply to clerk with us and apply other law firms. a relatively recently formed law acquisition of AIRhub for a graduate role in their firm, we had the unique ability and its patented cycling How many clerkship positions penultimate year. CASUAL/PART-TIME to design our firm from the technology. are available in 2021? EMPLOYMENT ground up. • ASX-listed Swift Media Up to 6 clerkship positions. GRADUATE JOB on its capital raising via a INFORMATION Does your firm offer AGH Law has been designed share purchase plan and What tasks do clerks usually any casual or part-time from the ground up on placement, as well as its undertake? What does your firm look for employment? agility, flexibility and modern contracts with Atlas Iron, Clerks can expect to be in a graduate? Yes, from time to time. technology. We focus on Fortescue Metals, Inpex, involved in real, meaningful We look for intelligent, relationships, outcomes, and Roy Hill, Rio Tinto, Oracle client matters from the get enthusiastic and ambitious How can students find these providing outstanding legal and Telstra. go. Clerks can expect to be graduates that are forward opportunities and apply? services and we aren’t held • ASX-listed Consolidated involved in drafting documents thinking. Maintaining a great Get in touch with us. We love to back by outdated models Zinc on various capital and advice, conducting due culture is also very important hear from ambitious students or systems. We believe that raisings via rights issues, diligence investigations, legal to us, so we look for graduates who want to get a head start on this translates into greater placements and convertible research, accompanying our that have a willingness to get their legal career. efficiency, transparency notes. lawyers to client meetings and involved in the culture of our and ultimately lower costs participating in everyday life firm and uphold our values so and a much more enjoyable Through our AGH Startup Hub at AGH Law. On top of that, that it is always a great place to experience for our clients and we advise a large range of you will also be able to get to work. especially our team. interesting startup clients in a know everyone in the firm by range of industries. attending social events. How can students apply for Our culture is incredibly a graduate position at your supportive and friendly, and we What kind of pro bono work On top of this, you will be firm? have a flat structure, so you get does the firm engage in? exposed to the way that Reach out to our friendly team to work directly with all of our AGH Law provides ongoing AGH Law does things – our and start a conversation. Even team members, from partners pro bono legal support to two operations, our technology and though we run a more ‘flexible’ to lawyers. As a law graduate, groups that we sponsor; Ocean our culture. We encourage all clerkship process, we also you won’t find yourself working Heroes (a Perth based charity of our clerks to get as involved understand that many firms on small research tasks, you whose aim is to enhance the as possible so that they can work to specific offer dates, will be working directly with lives of those living with autism really experience what a career and we are happy to work to great clients on interesting through surfing) and the at AGH Law is like. those dates in terms of offering transactions from the get go. Claremont Football Club, and positions. we are always seeking out new How can a clerk stand out and What significant work ways in which we can provide make a good impression? How many graduate positions has your firm recently pro bono assistance to those in The AGH Law team is forward are available in 2021? undertaken? need. thinking, ambitious and Up to 4 positions. At AGH Law we work with a innovative, and our entire range of clients – from large CLERKSHIP team plays a role in shaping Does your firm offer any ASX listed companies to INFORMATION the ongoing strategy of the international opportunities burgeoning tech startups. firm. We reward efficiencies, for graduates or junior Our clients span industries During which periods do you outcomes and creative thought, lawyers? such as mining and resources, offer clerkships? and we encourage clerks to Not currently. technology, retail and fashion, We run a ‘flexible’ clerkship be bold and put forward their agriculture, property and more. program, in that we don’t ideas and speak up. INTERVIEWS like to restrict ourselves to We have recently acted on the We look for clerks that are only taking on clerks within What does your firm like to following transactions: enthusiastic, ambitious about a specified time frame. You see in a clerkship or graduate their career, ask questions, can work with us during your job interview? • Hong Kong based OliveX show a willingness to learn and university break over a two Someone who has a genuine on its Australian IPO and fit in with the firm’s culture by week period, or for a day a interest in our firm and the subsequent acquisitions being a team player and getting week over a longer period way that we work, as well as of UK-based software of time. By the end of your to know the team personally.
57 58 Allens
QV1 – Level 37 Manreet Singh | student.careers@allens. 250 St Georges Terrace com.au Perth WA 6000
https://www.allens.com.au/ Banking & Finance, Projects & Developments, Corporate, Disputes & Investigations
ABOUT THE FIRM your career for the long term, ranked law firm. our illustrious list of alumni • Tier 1 firm in 15 practice What are your firm’s core and the fact that we’re one areas in Australia in the values? of Australia’s longest running Asia Pacific Legal 500 • Driven by excellence businesses – it’s our culture rankings. • Eyes on the horizon and the way we work together • Awarded Private Equity • In it together that really sets us apart. Legal Adviser of the Year • Courageous & creative by Mergermarket Australia • Fostering greatness Culture can be a tricky thing M&A Awards 2020. to put your finger on from the • An elite band one firm in 17 How would you describe your outside. We’ve had almost 200 practice areas in Australia firm’s culture? years to build ours, and it’s in the 2020 Chambers Asia Shaping the future is in our what we think makes Allens Pacific results. DNA – whether it’s helping such a great place to build a • A Bronze employer in our clients see around corners career, but don’t just take our the 2020 Australian word for it. We’ve drawn back LGBTQ Inclusion Awards and take advantage of new ▪ opportunities; fostering the curtain on our culture, so (Australian Workplace ▪ growth and opportunity so you can see whether it’s one Equality Index). our people can thrive, make you’d thrive in. Follow us on ▪ a difference and be their very Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter What significant work best; or contributing to the and visit our early careers has your firm recently ▪ development of sustainable, website for the inside scoop. undertaken? diverse, equitable and just In 2020, we worked alongside communities where everyone is What are some notable our clients on some of the recognised and included. awards your firm has recently largest, most complex and received? urgent transactions and Continuing to shape the future • #1 law graduate employer disputes in Australia, including: means committing to a truly by both the Australian • Victorian Government; purpose-led culture, built on Association of Graduate Department of Justice values that reflect who we are, Employers (AAGE) and & Community Safety in where we’ve come from and GradAustralia. relation to COVID-19 Hotel who we want to be. • Top Intern Programs 2020 Quarantine Inquiry. List (AAGE). • Santos on its acquisition of How does your firm • Law Firm of the Year (> ConocoPhillips’ interests distinguish itself from other 500 lawyers) in the 2020 in northern Australia and ▪ Australasian Law Awards. Timor-Leste for US$1.265 law firms? ▪ Comparing firms can • Employer of Choice for billion. Gender Equality for the past • $4.2bn WestConnex sometimes feel like an ▪ 15 years (The Workplace refinancing. impossible task. While we think ▪ there are a few things that Gender Equality). • $2bn equity raising of • Named a LinkedIn Top Sydney Airport. make us unique – like our two- ▪ year graduate program which Company in 2020. • First State Super’s offers two 12-month rotations • Listed in the 2020 AFR successful merger with and a commitment to invest in BOSS 100 Most Innovative VicSuper. Companies and highest • Destination Brisbane
59 60 Consortium on the $1.6 Australia’s 50% stake in the in pro bono and community give our clients. Intellectually individually. INTERVIEWS billion project financing Kalgoorlie Super Pit - Allens work has seen us lead the way rigorous, driven and eager to Building a culture of inclusion of the Queen’s Wharf has advised the bank group on constitutional recognition, learn. ensures our people can reach Development Project. to Northern Star Resources carbon neutrality, refugee What does your firm like to their full potential. For us, this see in a clerkship or graduate • Refinancing of Canberra Limited on the provision rights and marriage equality. Commerciality: law is more starts with strong leadership. Metro’s syndicated facility. of new and existing debt job interview? than an academic pursuit; Our inclusion and diversity Ultimately, we are looking for • Vodafone Hutchison facilities to fund the CLERKSHIP it’s about understanding the strategy is supported by an Australia to secure the $1,160 million acquisition students who are driven and INFORMATION client – their objectives and Inclusion and Diversity Council, are ambitious, not only about Federal Court’s approval of Newmont Goldcorp the challenges they face – as chaired by our Managing for its merger with TPG Australia’s 50% interest in the law, but have interests During which periods do you well as the wider commercial Partner. This council provides outside their university life Telecom Limited. Kalgoorlie Consolidated offer clerkships? environment in which we sponsorship, role-modelling • Westpac in AUSTRAC’s Gold Mines Pty Ltd and and career. Our people are Allens offers two clerkships operate. and drives initiatives across our our greatest asset, and it’s investigation and associated assets. throughout the summer firm. subsequent Federal Court • We launched our Cultural having diversity and different holiday period and one during Flexibility: a key priority for personalities that we believe proceedings. Awareness Network so the winter holidays. the firm is to ensure our people How can students apply for • CitiBank in defence of a everyone feels included and sets us apart. If you can feel they are trusted to work a graduate position at your demonstrate your ability to cartel class action. supported in the workplace. How many clerkship positions in a way that allows them firm? • Multiple long-standing • We contributed significantly balance priorities, and exhibit are available for 2021? to balance the needs of the We typically recruit our that you’re a dedicated budding clients on more than $20 to pro bono legal work, Approximately 32-36 firm alongside the pursuit of graduates through our billion in capital raisings including on human rights, commercial lawyer, we would their own career and life goals clerkship program; however, love to hear from you. during 2020. homelessness, and for What tasks do clerks usually irrespective of gender, age or from time to time we will • Wesfarmers – Allens has Aboriginal and Torres Strait undertake? life stage. recruit graduates from the supported Wesfarmers Islander individuals and And finally, as clichéd as it Our clerkships are designed open market. We adhere to sounds, be yourself. We value in a number of key organisations. to give students first-hand Commitment: positive people the open market recruitment matters including on its • We launched a legal tech authenticity. We want to work exposure to life as a lawyer at thrive in our environment. dates set out by the Graduate with clerks and graduates recommended proposal to accelerator to create Allens. Our clerks get involved We look for people who can Recruitment Guidelines. acquire ASX-listed lithium opportunities for start-ups who value this too; we believe in work as soon as they arrive, build sustainable careers with you’re able to build better miner Kidman Resources to work closely with Allens working alongside lawyers and us, and successfully juggle How many graduate positions and the Coles demerger. to solve challenges. relationships if you are true to partners and their peers. The work and a personal life while are available in 2021? yourself. • East Rockingham Waste to • Our people reported a day-to-day tasks our Clerks get maintaining their wellbeing. Approximately 12-15 Energy Facility - Allens has 200% increase in their are similar to those of a junior advised on the development advocacy of Allens as How can students best lawyer, including attending Do you offer clerkships Does your firm offer any prepare for an interview with and financing of the East great place to work - they court hearings and client to non-penultimate year international opportunities Rockingham Waste to were empowered, trusted, your firm? meetings. students? for graduates or junior • Understand what works Energy Facility in Western connected and cared for Final year students are also lawyers? Australia which has reached through our support, best for you to help calm How can a clerk stand out or welcome to make clerkship In 2012 Allens and Linklaters your nerves: It’s normal and financial close. including fortnightly make a good impression? applications. formed an integrated alliance. • Chichester Solar Gas firmwide coffee catch ups completely understandable We’re proud that there isn’t Although we remain as to have nerves during the Hybrid Project – Allens has hosted by Allens’ Managing an ‘Allens’ type’. We know that GRADUATE JOB independent firms, we work advised Northern Australia Partner, wellbeing and recruitment process. It’s diverse perspectives help solve INFORMATION closely together for the benefit managing your nerves Infrastructure Facility on mental health programs, complex problems, strengthen of our clients around the world. the provision of a loan equipment supplies for that is key; find out what teams and enrich client What does your firm look for Through the Linklaters works best for you, whether of up to $90 million to remote work and additional relationships. The more you alliance, our lawyers now have: Alinta Energy Pty Ltd, to support for carers. in a graduate? it’s meditation, avoiding enjoy working with a diverse As mentioned above, we’re • Opportunities to work on caffeine, doing some fund the Chichester Solar range of people, the greater multi-jurisdictional matters Gas Hybrid Project (the What kind of pro bono work proud that there isn’t an exercise or using breathing your success will be. ‘Allens type’. We know that with a broader range of techniques. Project). NAIF’s loan will does the firm engage in? clients; help fund the construction We see it as our responsibility diverse perspectives help solve • Do your research: The While we celebrate our complex problems, strengthen • Opportunities to work on better prepared you are, of electrical infrastructure to use our skills and differences, it’s important to global deals with market at Fortescue Metals Group resources to help others in teams and enrich client the more relaxed and understand what unites us. relationships. The more you leading lawyers; comfortable you will be Ltd’s Chichester Hub iron the community. Our people These are attributes that our • Access to global ore mines, including a contribute their time and enjoy working with a diverse when the interview begins. people have in common that range of people, the greater employment opportunities; Ensure you’ve developed 60 megawatt solar panel expertise to work with help us to succeed as a team • International assignment plant and a 60 kilometre inspirational organisations your success will be. an understanding of the and individually: While we celebrate our opportunities (short and firm, the work they do, their transmission line. Once and people on community long term); and completed, the Project will initiatives and pro bono differences, it’s important values and why you want to Initiative: a curious mind is to understand what unites • Access to leading training secure a clerkship at that enable daytime operations matters, with a particular focus vital. The more adaptable and development. at the mines to be among on alleviating disadvantage, us. Initiative, excellence, firm. you’re able to be and the more commerciality, flexibility Graduates have the opportunity • Make sure to come to the the first globally to deploy advancing reconciliation, energy you bring with you, the to spend their second year in renewable energy to meet improving access to justice and and commitment are all interview prepared with more you’ll get out of a career attributes that our people either London, Hong Kong or some questions: Not only up to 100% of its daytime promoting sustainability. at Allens. Singapore. power requirement. have in common. These help does this give you the us to succeed as a team and chance to gain some new • Newmont Goldcorp Our proud history of leadership Excellence: it’s a guarantee we
61 62 insights, but it shows the interviewers that you’re engaged in the process and Ashurst have given some thought to your interview. • Realise that what makes you different can be your signature strength: As we said, we want to recruit Level 10, Brookfield Tower II Hannah Asphar unique individuals who 123 St Georges Terrace [email protected] bring something different, Perth WA 6000 bringing diversity of thought. Consider what https://www.ashurst.com/careers Corporate, Banking and Finance Dispute is your unique selling Resolution, Employment and Environment point and what makes you 25 Global Offices different, and embrace it. CASUAL/PART-TIME ABOUT THE FIRM package to provide our clients Band 1 recognition in three EMPLOYMENT with legal excellence with practice areas, including efficient delivery. Banking & Finance: Acquisition Does your firm offer What are your firm’s core values? Finance, Banking & Finance: any casual or part-time As a global law firm, we’ve Corporate Finance, Banking & employment? Our vision is to be the most progressive global law firm. For built a reputation for providing Finance: Property Finance (up We take expression of interest exceptional standards of from Band 2). for paralegal roles, and us, “progressive” is a mindset, an approach to how we do service and established welcome pre-penultimate ourselves as a leading adviser Ashurst was rated third most students to apply for our Dive things. We instinctively take a fresh perspective on situations, to local and global corporates, popular virtual experience In program. More information financial institutions, and program by Forage students can be found on our website. exploring whether there are better ways of delivering governments, on all areas of achieving a score of 4.80 out of law including finance, M&A, 5. This ranking is compared to How can students find these practical, commercial solutions to the challenges our clients disputes, and competition. 82 virtual experience programs opportunities and apply? across all industries including https://graduates.allens.com. face in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. We will Notable awards law. au/student.careers@allens. • Recognised at the 2020 com.au achieve this vision through our values: Australasian Law Awards What significant work • We’re passionate about for Property Infrastructure has your firm undertaken quality and Projects Deal of the recently? • We deliver through Year • Ashurst has advised collaboration • Most Innovative Firm Western Sydney Airport • We think differently of the Year British Legal (WSA) on its contract with Technology Awards 2020 Vanderlande in relation to How would you describe your • Top 100 Most Popular the design, construction, firm’s culture? Clerkship Employer operation, and maintenance • Professional Finalist 2021, Winner 2020 of the baggage handling • Friendly system for the new Western • Diverse 2021 Awards Sydney International • Recognised as finalists in (Nancy-Bird Walton) How does your firm two categories in this year’s Airport. distinguish itself from other Client Choice Awards. • Advised Sydney Metro on law firms? • Shortlisted for Best Law their A$217 million contract Ashurst Advance is our & Related Services Firm with BESIX Watpac to build NewLaw division which (>$200m revenue) and the Barangaroo metro meets our clients demand partner, Martin Coleman station. The station forms for innovative and cost has been shortlisted in the part of the Sydney Metro effective legal service delivery. Best Lawyer category. City & Southwest project, We combine alternative Australia’s largest public resourcing, process and project We are proud to have achieved transport project, which is management professionals, the elite Band 1 status in 10 due to open in 2024. and industry leading practice areas, following the • Currently advising technology with Ashurst’s legal release of the Chambers and Western Areas Limited on subject matter experts in an Partners Global 2021 rankings. its A$100 million equity integrated quality assurance raising comprising a fully In Australia, the firm achieved underwritten placement
63 64 to raise A$85 million and We help you work towards are available for 2021? • Excellent academic your firm? a non-underwritten share becoming an outstanding and 15-20 record and a passion to Research – purchase plan to raise up to community minded lawyer. One develop a career in an elite • Ashurst website, LinkedIn, A$15 million. Proceeds from who supports their community What tasks do clerks usually international law firm Legal 500, Chambers & the equity raising will be and is respected by their undertake? • Outstanding Partners, Lawyers Weekly, used to: community. The work undertaken by clerks communication skills industry articles, and • provide funding for nickel Our global pro bono practice is varied and depends on the • Analytical ability, business press mine development capital has a number of priority areas team you are in. Tasks include motivation, determination, Plan expenditure at Western including: Citizenship & Global case law research, drafting and drive • Travel – get there 10 Areas’ Odysseus project; Displacement; Climate Crises legal expertise updates, note- • Commercial awareness minutes early • allow progression of & Resilience; Death Row & taking during meetings and • Teamwork and • The clothes you are going to studies with respect to the the Criminal Justice System; contract review. There will interpersonal skills wear inclusion of AM6 in the Financial Inclusion & Social also be opportunities to be • Don’t book your interviews Odysseus mine plan and Finance; First Nations Peoples; involved in attending court, How can students apply for too close together New Morning in the mine Gender Rights; LGBTI+ Rights; drafting advice to clients, a graduate position at your Prepare plan for Western Areas’ Modern Slavery; and Rural, client secondments and firm? • Your best examples for Forrestania mine; and Regional & Remote Australians. accompanying lawyers to a pro- After completing a season behavioural questions • advance Western Areas’ One such project is our Law bono clinic. clerkship, you will be • Why Ashurst, genuinely? targeted drilling campaign Reform Project. Our Law considered for the Ashurst • What areas of law are you on its portfolio of Reform Project aims to provide How can a clerk stand out or Graduate Programme. interested in? exploration assets. background support for make a good impression? • Prepare questions to ask • Ashurst has advised Mitsui community legal centres and Refer to the attached “Tips for How many graduate positions • Practise with friends and & Co., Ltd. (“Mitsui”) not for profit organisations clerkship success” are available in 2021? family on its investment in in addressing their advocacy 6-10 Storegga Geotechnologies needs. In Australia, much of What are some things CASUAL/PART TIME (“Storegga”), the lead this Project, and our broader students should avoid Does your firm offer any EMPLOYMENT developer of a major Carbon pro bono work, is focused on doing in their clerkship international opportunities Capture and Storage (“CCS”) First Nations Peoples. This applications? for graduates or junior Does your firm offer project to reduce the UK’s work is deeply embedded Poor attention to detail, typos, lawyers? any casual or part-time carbon footprint in support within the firm and is guided grammatical errors Yes in your final rotation, employment? of the country’s 2050 net- by Trent Wallace, Lawyer Generic cover letters that do pending travel restrictions, we Yes zero emissions target. and Corporate Responsibility not articulate why you are offer a global rotation in one Coordinator, Reconciliation: interested in Ashurst of our Asian or Middle East How can students find these What kind of pro bono work As the only Aboriginal person CVs that are really long - more offices. opportunities and apply? does the firm engage in? in this position in a global than 2-3 pages Apply online careers.ashurst. Our stand alone pro bono law firm, I’m proud to be CVs that have very little white INTERVIEWS com practice is an integral part of supporting Ashurst on its space, all the margins have the firm and we are passionate Reconciliation journey, which been reduced What does your firm like to about supporting initiatives is influenced not only by Photos in cvs not relevant for see in a clerkship or graduate we believe will make a our pro bono and corporate the role job interview? difference. We work closely responsibility work, but by the Not selling themselves • Confidence with community based legal firm as a whole. Our current • Being genuine and charitable organisations and new clients are incredibly Do you offer clerkships • Listening carefully to the to understand the needs of our interested in the work we do to non-penultimate year questions asked and taking clients and to identify clients in this space. It is important students? your time before responding who are most likely to benefit that our efforts are led by First NB: These can be First or Final - shows thoughtfulness and from our services. Nations voices. year students you’re more likely to give a We will consider penultimate considered response We seek to make a positive Worldwide, Ashurst is on track or final year students for our • Having well researched social impact through to lead this field. This follows clerkship questions to ask the partnering with leading our recognition of the role interviewers that shows community organisations lawyers have to play in society. GRADUATE JOB motivation and a candidate to help them deliver key INFORMATION who is well prepared. community projects and CLERKSHIP services; and by facilitating INFORMATION What does your firm look for I always appreciate as do the volunteering opportunities for in a graduate? partners when a candidates our people to directly assist During which period do you There’s absolutely no Ashurst connects on LinkedIn or sends community organisations. offer clerkships? “type”. We want to actively a thank you email after the November – December involve a broad range of interview Here’s how at Ashurst you January – February minds with a broad range of strengthen your community June – July backgrounds, all united by a How can students best How many clerkship positions common set of strengths. prepare for an interview with
65 66 Make the difference Bain & Company Management Consultant
at Ashurst Level 40, Exchange Tower [email protected] | (02) 2 The Esplanade 9024 8600 (email is preferred) Perth WA 6000 As a global law firm with a rich history spanning almost 200 years, we’ve established ourselves as a leading Australia adviser to corporates, financial institutions and governments, on all areas of the law including finance, 58 offices across 37 countries. 3 Consulting services across many industries, M&A, disputes and competition. We’re renowned for helping our clients navigate through a complex and offices in Australia: Perth, Sydney, and including: Agribusiness; Consumer Products; Melbourne. constantly evolving global landscape. With 26 offices across the world’s leading financial and resource Energy & Natural Resources; Healthcare; Media; centres, we offer the reach and insight of a global network combined with deep local market knowledge. https://www.bain.com/careers/ Private Equity and Telecommunications recruiting/bfls/aus-ac/ Our people are our greatest asset. We bring together lawyers of the highest calibre with the expertise, industry experience and regional know-how to provide the incisive advice our clients need. As a global team we have a reputation for successfully managing large and complex multi-jurisdictional transactions, ABOUT THE FIRM Do you offer Graduate disputes and projects. Associate positions for How would you describe your students? firm’s culture? Yes – we run a graduate We’re a global consultancy recruitment campaign in Ashurst around the globe that helps the world’s most February/March each year, for ambitious change makers start dates the year following. define the future. We work alongside our clients as one What can an applicant do to team with a shared ambition to stand out? achieve extraordinary results, We look for applications that outperform the competition demonstrate client readiness, and redefine industries. We resilience, ability to work in Glasgow a team, and strong academic Brussels complement our tailored, Frankfurt integrated expertise with a track record, amongst other London qualities. It is difficult to Paris Munich New York vibrant ecosystem of digital Milan innovators to deliver better, paint a picture of the perfect Madrid Luxembourg Beijing Tokyo faster and more enduring applicant, as each candidate Abu Dhabi Shanghai Los Angeles New Delhi outcomes. is so different! We encourage Hong Kong students to get involved in Jeddah Mumbai Riyadh Dubai Notable awards their community further than We’re the #1 organisation on their academic requirements, Singapore be involved in Society Jakarta Glassdoor’s Best Places to Port Moresby Work list, the only consultancy initiatives and activities, and in the top 10. For more where possible, branch out and work towards advancing their Brisbane information, click here: https:// Perth Sydney professional development and Melbourne www.bain.com/about/awards- recognition/ experiences. Canberra Do you offer any internship opportunities for students? Do you offer any internship opportunities for students? Regrettably, we do not offer internship opportunities within 11 16 28 3,435 1,652 432 our Australian offices. We time zones countries offices people lawyers partners do offer opportunities in our other offices globally – more information can be found here: https://www.bain.com/careers/ roles/aci/
Connect with us on Begin now at careers.ashurst.com 67 68 Choose Baker McKenzie extraordinary. Melbourne Address: Natalie Mascarenhas | natalie. Level 19, CBW [email protected] | 181 William Street (03) 9617 4200 Melbourne VIC 3000 76 offices in 46 countries Banking & Finances; Corporate; Commercial Real Estate; Construction; Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Insolvency; Employment and Industrial Relations; Energy, Resources, Infrastructure & Corporate; Environmental Markets; IPTech. ABOUT THE FIRM world-class development and mirrors our commitment to mobility programs for our exploring multiple perspectives What are your firm’s core people. to develop the best possible values? solutions for our clients and to Quality and excellence Baker McKenzie is committed fostering a culture of respect together with integrity, to providing a diverse and and inclusion that celebrates honesty, teamwork and inclusive culture for all diversity. responsiveness are some of its employees, with equal Our award-winning diversity Baker McKenzie’s key values - opportunity for all to progress strategy, initiatives and and are central in us delivering and have a meaningful career programs are focused in six key outstanding service to our with our Firm. Our mission areas, in which all our people clients. is to foster an environment can participate: where individuals of every The values that make us a ethnicity, culture, gender, BakerWomen – gender unique and great place to work sexual orientation, gender diversity, including the are deeply embedded in all of identity and expression, implementation of our gender your interactions with us, in religion, age, disability, carer diversity strategy to support Australia and across the globe. status, and working style the progression of women as a • We are passionately global may succeed professionally strategic priority for the Firm. and leverage our global and fully contribute to the expertise for our Australian goals of the Firm. As part BakerDNA – ethnic, indigenous We champion the bold to achieve the extraordinary, and we want you to join us. and global clients at every of our inclusive culture, we and cultural diversity. opportunity, recognising our encourage applications from strength is in our diversity. all genders, abilities and BakerBalance – supporting As an Associate Consultant, you’ll make an impact from day one, continually building new skills • We have a strong and diverse cultural backgrounds including carers and parents, and and solving challenging problems. The training and support you’ll receive will be second to none, culture of friendship, inclusion Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait workplace flexibility. and you'll embark on a global career path that will help you maximise your potential in any industry. and collaboration. Islander people. We provide • We are commercial information and support BakerWellbeing – mental relating to the recruitment health and wellbeing. We’re looking for talented individuals who like to work within a culturally diverse, intellectually pragmatists who make complex issues simple for our clients process for transgender and stimulating, fast-paced and highly collaborative environment. If that describes you, reach out and gender diverse candidates. BakerPride – lesbian, gay, connect with us. and we focus on our clients’ business needs. bisexual, transgender and • We strive to stay ahead of As the first truly global law intersex diversity. We look forward to meeting you. the curve and encourage firm, we understand that entrepreneurship. organisations work best BakerIndigenousEngagement • We actively encourage and when people with different – commitment to engagement support contribution to the backgrounds and multiple with our Indigenous community, through our pro points of view are brought community - achieving better bono and community service together. Diversity and social, economic and cultural programs. inclusion are in our DNA. outcomes for Aboriginal and • We want everyone at Baker Since our beginning, the Torres Strait Islander people, diversity of our people has and to making a real difference bit.ly/beyourbest2022 McKenzie to reach their potential, so we invest in allowed us to work fluently in the lives of our nation’s First global, regional and local across borders, cultures, and Peoples. practices. Our own diversity
70 Our bAgile program encourages firms with greatest global its initial public offering opportunity to participate in a conducting three clerkship a range of flexible work Our lawyers also attend reach and expertise) - 9th (IPO) and ASX listing. variety of community service programs (each a four-week opportunities for all. We invite regional/global training and consecutive year. • Assisted Regional Express initiatives. Our community clerkship) from end November you to let us know of any events/conferences relating Ranked number 1 firm in the Holdings Ltd in signing an service programs include the to December 2021, throughout reasonable adjustments you to their practices to help world by number of M&A cross- agreement with PAG Asia LEAPS literacy and mentoring the month of February 2022, require to equitably participate develop networks and legal border deals over the past Capital (PAG), a leading Asia program in Sydney, FareShare and from end June to July 2022 in the recruitment process or in skills. Further, they attend decade - Thomson Reuters. Pacific-focused investment corporate volunteering (dates TBC). performing the requirements of regional transition programs Chambers Global released firm, regarding an sessions in Brisbane, and Eat a role at Baker McKenzie. at each career stage which its 2021 guide, ranking Baker investment by PAG of up to Up volunteering sessions in How many clerkship positions provide development in the McKenzie in 310 practice areas AUD 150 million to be used Melbourne. Baker McKenzie are available for 2021? How would you describe your key skills our lawyers need and in 385 lawyer categories. exclusively to support the also supports three charity Approximately 24 in firm’s culture? – like people leadership, Workplace Gender Equality launch of Rex’s domestic partners: Tuberous Sclerosis Melbourne. Many of our seasonal clerks, business development and Agency (WGEA) Employer of major city jet operations Australia, Refugee Advice graduates and lawyers say project management – and Choice for Gender Equality - scheduled to commence in and Casework Service, and What tasks do clerks usually that the reason they join us which enable them to foster 2021 - 11th consecutive year. 2021. LeaderLife. Staff members undertake? is because of our people and relationships with international One of Stonewall’s Top • Assisted client, Afterpay, have the opportunity to donate At Baker McKenzie, our aim culture. In Melbourne, the size peers at the same career stage. Global Employers for 2020. in a successful AUD 1.05 to charities of their choice via is to give our seasonal clerks of our office enables everyone Previously, programs have been The Firm was one of only 17 billion capital raising, the Firm’s workplace giving the opportunity to experience to get to know each other - held in Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi companies worldwide to have propelling the fintech firm platform. A highlight is also the life as a junior lawyer with our plus you have the benefit of Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala been recognised for its work into the ASX top 20. Firm’s annual ‘bake-off’! Firm. a strong global connection Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, in LGBT+ inclusion. Baker ot our other offices, offering Taipei and Tokyo. We also McKenzie was also awarded the (c) Reconciliation Action Plan Right from the start, our clerks something unique and special provide our lawyers with Global Trans Inclusion Award What kind of pro bono work In November 2020, Baker get involved in real work and to our people. Our people are opportunities to attend USA 2020. does the firm engage in? McKenzie completed its first are given real responsibility, genuinely friendly and diverse summer school courses and Identified as one of the best Pro Bono and Community Reconciliation Action Plan, and just like our graduates and and enjoy coming to work every scholarships for full-time legal law firms for women by Service initiatives are we are planning to launch our junior lawyers. You will be day. Our social and sports study overseas. Working Mother magazine, an integral part of Baker Innovate RAP in mid-2021. We exposed to our Australian and committee contribute to the Law360 and Euromoney. McKenzie’s mission. Our Pro are committing to a range of international clients through Firm’s social glue - offering In addition, the Firm offers Silver Employer recognition Bono, Community Service and initiatives including providing client meetings and telephone regular Firm drinks, events opportunities for lawyers at at the LGBTI Inclusion Awards Corporate Social Responsibility employment opportunities calls, client events and and sporting activities. We varying stages of their career - The Australian Workplace programs aim to inspire staff to First Nations people; shadowing, and you will often also offer a range of social and to work directly for clients Equality Index (AWEI). to make a difference and increasing our procurement have the opportunity to deal financial benefits (including or with our other offices in Australian Law Awards - winner collaborate with clients who of products and services from with clients directly. massages, discounted movie the Asia Pacific region and of the Wellness Initiative of the share the same commitment to First Nations businesses; tickets, study assistance, globally. In the last few years, Year 2020. social justice. and supporting First Nations More specifically, the type corporate discounts, etc.). we have placed lawyers in peoples through pro bono of work that clerks get London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, What significant work (a) Pro bono legal services legal work and volunteering involved in includes drafting How does your firm Paris, Stockholm, Chicago, has your firm recently Baker McKenzie is a signatory opportunities; and ensuring correspondence, preparing distinguish itself from other Washington DC, New York, undertaken? to the National Pro Bono that the Firm acknowledges court documents, undertaking law firms? San Francisco, Toronto, Rio Locally and globally, Baker Aspirational Target of at least the historic challenges faced by legal research, drafting advice Baker McKenzie’s key de Janeiro, Hanoi, Ho Chi McKenzie works on significant 35 hours of pro bono legal the Aboriginal and Torres Strait or agreements, document difference is that, unlike other Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala and high-profile matters, for work per lawyer per year. Last Islander community whilst review tasks, attending firms, we were ‘born global’. Lumpur, Manila, Taipei, leading local and global clients. financial year, we significantly also sharing in celebrations of court/mediations, attending Our practices and culture are Singapore, Shanghai, Bangkok, We have the experience, exceeded this target with our culture. client meetings, attending well established and integrated Tokyo, Jakarta, Myanmar, knowledge and expertise, both lawyers undertaking an average meetings with counsel, globally, which is why many Johannesburg, and of course, at a local and global level, to of 50.5 hours of pro bono work! CLERKSHIP attending meetings with clients and lawyers choose to we have had lawyers across our meet complex demands from Some of our work includes INFORMATION experts/witnesses, attending work with us. network come to work with our our clients. assisting victims of domestic settlements, and preparing Australian offices too. • Advised Korea Zinc Co., violence seek compensation; During which periods do you client alerts. Our clerks Our global development Ltd. on its agreement with representing asylum seekers in offer clerkships? also have the opportunity roadmap, the Development What are some notable ACCIONA to jointly develop court who are seeking judicial As Baker McKenzie currently to participate in community Framework, clearly explains awards your firm has recently and operate the 923MW review of decisions relating to does not have an office in service initiatives and pro bono what success looks like at received? MacIntyre Wind Farm in their refugee status; helping Perth, our Melbourne (and files. each career stage at Baker World’s Best Law Firm Brand southeast Queensland. the elderly, seriously ill clients Sydney!) office welcomes McKenzie. Our lawyers benefit - Acritas’ Global Elite Law • Acted for HMS on its and young people exiting the applications from Perth law How can a clerk stand out or from an Australian professional Firm Brand Index - 2021 - 11th acquisition of Lorica child protection system with students. We have had a make a good impression? development curriculum consecutive year. Health, one of the largest their legal affairs; and much number of UWA law students The clerks who have based on the Development Number one legal brand in the payment accuracy solutions more. Our pro bono work interview with us for clerkship ultimately succeeded during Framework – from black letter Asia Pacific region - Acritas’ providers in Australia. extends globally, including the positions in the past. We have a clerkship and in securing law to practice-specific skills Asia Pacific Brand Index 2020 - • Acted for Youfoodz Holdings Asia Pacific region. also had UWA alumni join us as a graduate position have, of and knowledge development at 4th consecutive year. Limited (Youfoodz), one of lawyers, later in their careers. course, performed strongly - the local, regional and global Top global law firm for 2019 Australia’s fastest growing (b) Community Service and CSR displaying excellent legal and levels. - Law360 (ranking of top 20 consumer food brands, on We offer all our people the In Melbourne, we will be technical skills. But they have
71 72 also displayed commercial GRADUATE JOB Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, acumen and awareness, INFORMATION Taipei and Tokyo. in an articulate, concise CASUAL / PART strong communication and considered manner; and interpersonal skills, The Firm offers an intelligence and an ability to TIME EMPLOYMENT What does your firm look for enthusiasm and a great international clerkship think on their feet; commercial in a graduate? attitude, the ability to use program too. Seasonal clerks awareness and business Does your firm offer Baker McKenzie looks for their initiative, a client-service who accept a graduate role acumen; an innovative any casual or part-time people who genuinely want focus, resilience, curiosity, with the Firm are eligible to approach; enthusiasm and employment? to work with us and who and a genuine interest (and apply for an international engagement; a growth Yes understand our unique excitement!) in working with clerkship, which is an mindset; a global focus offering and position in us. They have also made an opportunity to work in one and interest; a professional How can students find these the market. We look for effort to be a part of Firm life of our overseas offices for appearance; an ability to opportunities and apply? well-rounded, motivated - attending social events and a 4-week period. The Firm highlight their experiences, We will advertise the same. individuals who share our professional development covers costs like flights, interests, achievements, and global perspective; who are sessions. accommodation, visas, etc. strengths in their responses; intellectually curious and and an ability to build a rapport have sound academics; who What are some things In the last few years, we have with their interviewers - display business acumen and students should avoid placed international clerks/ making them want to work with are practical in their approach; doing in their clerkship lawyers in London, Amsterdam, the candidate. applications? who enjoy a challenge and Frankfurt, Paris, Stockholm, seek new opportunities; who Our top things to avoid include: Chicago, Washington DC, New How can students best take responsibility and use • Submitting a generic York, San Francisco, Toronto, prepare for an interview with their initiative; who act with template letter to all firms Rio de Janeiro, Hanoi, Ho your firm? integrity and honesty in all - make sure you tailor your Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Proper Preparation Prevents of their dealings, decisions application to the firm. Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Taipei, Poor Performance! A critical and actions; who express • Using the wrong firm’s Singapore, Shanghai, Bangkok, element of setting yourself up themselves confidently while name - it happens every Tokyo, Jakarta, Myanmar, for a successful interview is staying open to new ideas; year! Ensure you check and Johannesburg and of course, knowing as much as possible who strive to provide excellent re-check your application. we have had lawyers across our about the challenge you’re service to their clients; who • Regurgitating your CV in network come to work with our going to face. Find anyone you seek a friendly, diverse, and your cover letter. Australian offices too. know who’s had an interview at inclusive culture; and who take • Solely talking about the firm, talk to HR and legal seriously our role in making yourself - there should be representatives from the firm a difference to our local and INTERVIEWS a balance between talking when they attend virtual or global communities. about yourself and why you What does your firm like to in-person events or careers want to work with the firm/ fairs, read guides like this for How can students apply for see in a clerkship or graduate what value you can add to an indication about the type of a graduate position at your job interview? the firm. questions you might be asked, firm? As set out above, in our • Making it too lengthy - and conduct Google searches We generally recruit our interviews, we want to get stick to one page for your on “interview questions” and graduates from our previous to know all about you – your cover letter and generally “behavioural interviews” seasonal clerks. experiences, your interests, 2 pages for your CV (but your achievements, your to give you lists of practice ensure to check each firm’s questions that you can use How many graduate positions strengths and your abilities. requirements). as preparation. Then prepare are available in 2021? We also want to know why • Stretching the truth - make a few points, as answers to 8 - 10 you want to work with Baker sure you are honest and McKenzie. To that end, our each question, highlighting specific. your strengths, capabilities, Does your firm offer any interviews are a mix of ‘getting • Using lengthy paragraphs or employment/work experience international opportunities to know you’ questions and rambling sentences. (legal and non-legal), academic for graduates or junior ‘behavioural’ questions, so that achievements, extra-curricular lawyers? we can get to know you and you Do you offer clerkships activities and other general As set out above, our lawyers can make the best impression. to non-penultimate year experiences. students? attend regional/global training and events/conferences More generally speaking Our preference is to take Finally, it’s also important relating to their practices to though, our successful students in their penultimate to research the firm you are help develop networks and candidates have displayed: year. However, we will consider interviewing with. Part of legal skills. Further, they a genuine interest in final year students on a case- convincing your interviewers attend regional transition our Firm - and they have by-case basis. that you’d make a valuable programs at each career stage researched our Firm beyond addition to their firm, is which provide development in their Careers Guide or our showing them that you have the key skills our lawyers need. promotional material; strong a sound understanding of the Previously, programs have been communication skills - and firm and know why you want to held in Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi the ability to answer the work there. Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala actual question put to them
73 74 Clayton Utz
QV1 - Level 27 Brooke Wheeler | bwheeler@claytonutz. 250 St Georges Terrace, com Perth WA 6000 Banking & Financial Services; Project Finance; Commercial Litigation; Corporate, M&A & 6 Offices: Sydney, Canberra, Capital Markets; Environment & Planning; Major Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Projects & Construction; Public Sector; Real Darwin Estate; Restructuring and Insolvency; Workplace Relations Employment & Safety ABOUT THE FIRM For the seventh year running, does the firm engage in? we were also recognised as a Our Pro Bono practice is a What are your firm’s core Workplace Gender Equality dedicated practice area within values? Agency Employer of Choice for the firm, and undertaking pro Trust, Respect and Co- Gender Equality 2020-21. bono work is a fundamental operation. part of what it means to be a We were also proud to be lawyer at Clayton Utz. Your journey How would you describe your awarded Most Innovative Law We act for low-income and firm’s culture? Firm of the Year - Australia vulnerable people who cannot to a world-class Down-to-earth, collaborative, at the 2021 IFLR Asia-Pacific obtain Legal Aid, and the inclusive, energetic and Awards held in March 2021. not-for-profits that support entrepreneurial. We think the them. In FY20, we provided career begins here culture at Clayton Utz is pretty What significant work 47.071 hours of pro bono legal special and reflects the type has your firm recently assistance to 655 individuals of people we attract - smart, undertaken? and 299 not-for-profits, and commercially savvy, true to One of the most high-profile opened 681 new client files. themselves, and with a strong transactions on which Clayton We also worked with 41 social conscience. Utz has advised in the last Community Legal Centres, 12 months is the successful Legal Aid Commissions and How does your firm restructure and sale of Aboriginal Legal Services. distinguish itself from other Virgin Australia Limited to In terms of outcomes achieved, law firms? Bain Capital. A Clayton we prevented 85 people from Our culture, and our Utz team acted for Virgin’s becoming homeless, provided approach to client service. administrators, Deloitte, on 1,356 hours of advice on elder We’re particularly proud of what has been described as abuse matters, recovered our globally recognised Pro one of the most complex and $648,098 in compensation Bono practice, that we were challenging administrations in for survivors of domestic the first law firm to create Australia’s history. violence and sexual assault, the role of National Mental and recovered $960,119 for Health Manager, and of the A matter with a close WA clients in respect of claims for connection on which Clayton wage theft, unfair dismissal, Baker McKenzie is Australia’s first global law firm. way in which our people have Ready to explore Utz was proud to advise is discrimination and sexual We’ve been developing global lawyers in Australia embraced our diversity and inclusion initiatives. Tattarang’s purchase of R.M. harassment. for more than 50 years – each started out as a law our world? Williams, from private equity student, just like you. firm L Catterton, in October CLERKSHIP Natalie Mascarenhas +61 3 9617 4349 What are some notable awards your firm has recently last year. Tattarang is one INFORMATION Become a world-class lawyer. [email protected] received? of Australia’s largest private Join the firm that was born global. Clayton Utz features in investment groups, owned by During which periods do you GradAustralia’s Top 100 Andrew and Nicola Forrest, offer clerkships? Graduate Employers in 2021 and this deal represented the Summer and Winter - and we keep improving our return to Australian ownership www.bakermckenzie.com/australia#careers ranking, which reflects the of one of Australia’s most iconic How many clerkship positions time and effort we’ve put in brands. are available for 2021? over many years to delivering a Approximately 35 What kind of pro bono work Find us at Find us on first-class graduate program. @BakersAUS Facebook
76 What tasks do clerks usually How can students apply for Alert for paralegal vacancies. undertake? a graduate position at your Staying true to your direction is what Research, writing and drafting firm? memos/letters, attending court Apply for a clerkship, as we hire defines Clayton Utz. We’ve built a culture and client meetings, pro bono, most of our graduates through that’s unlike any other law firm, but don’t and assisting with preparation our clerkship programs. of matters for hearings. Occasionally, additional just take our word for it. A good lawyer opportunities may arise and needs compelling evidence so meet our How can a clerk stand out or these will be listed on our make a good impression? website. people and judge for yourself. Clayton Utz employs people with a wide range of How many graduate positions claytonutz.com/graduates backgrounds, skills, interests are available in 2021? and competencies. We look Approximately nine to eleven. STAY for people who can contribute Academic brilliance certainly counts, but graduates who new ideas, who take a creative INTERVIEWS thrive here have something extra – a natural passion for approach to solving problems, connecting with people and a strong sense of self. That’s what staying true is all about. If you have these qualities, are personable, practical, and What does your firm like to Clayton Utz is for you. commercially-savvy, as well as TRUE. see in a clerkship or graduate flexible. job interview? Someone who is well- What are some things rounded. We value all types students should avoid of work experience, volunteer doing in their clerkship experience, extra-curricular applications? activities, club participation, Spelling mistakes! Attention sporting or other involvement to detail is critical so make as well as unique experiences sure you allow enough time to such as study abroad, travel review your application in full or immersion programs. prior to submitting it. Strong candidates are able to demonstrate that they Do you offer clerkships have personality, confidence, to non-penultimate year problem-solving skills, students? flexibility, resilience and an NB: These can be First or Final eagerness to learn. year students Yes. Although the clerkship How can students best is aimed at students in prepare for an interview with their penultimate year of your firm? study, if you are in your final Spend some time on our year, please outline in your website reading about our application why you weren’t practice areas and the work we able to undertake a clerkship do, research the people who in your penultimate year will be interviewing you, and by answering the relevant prepare a couple of questions question. to ask at the interview. Be prepared to discuss the specific GRADUATE JOB practice areas in which you’re INFORMATION interested, and why.
What does your firm look for CASUAL/ PART TIME in a graduate? PERFORMANCE We’re looking for people who are personable, practical, and Does your firm offer commercially-savvy, as well as any casual or part-time flexible. Our lawyers undertake employment? complex and innovative legal Yes. work, so it’s important that our clerks and graduates are How can students find these motivated individuals who opportunities and apply? are willing and ready to tackle On our website, they can create challenges. a profile and register a Job
77 78 Clifford Chance
Level 7, 190 St Georges Terrace Mel Urqhart | Grads.Australia@ Perth WA 6000 CliffordChance.com | (08) 9262 5555
32 offices in 21 countries Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Banking & Finance, Corporate WHERE
ABOUT THE FIRM and who will ultimately be learning and are more than BRIGHT able to give our clients a happy to share their expertise What are your firm’s core competitive advantage. If and knowledge. MINDS values? that sounds like you, and if We have identified and your aim is to work at the What are some notable embedded across our firm cutting edge of commercial awards your firm has recently MEET the core elements that make law, with outstanding legal received? up our unique culture – the and business training, and 2020 – Asia-Pacific Law Firm ‘Clifford Chance DNA’. These equally impressive ‘on the job’ of the Year – Chambers and values, designed to unite, experience, take a closer look Partners differentiate and help drive at Clifford Chance. 2019 – International Law Firm priorities and strategic action, of the Year – IFLR Awards make up the eight Clifford If global law firms are 2019 – International Firm of the Chance Principles: competing to provide the same Year – The Asia Legal Awards • Exceeding clients’ kind of professional services, 2018 – Debt and Equity linked expectations you might think we would all Team of the Year – IFLR Awards • Local excellence, global end up the same. The fact is, 2019 – Banking & Finance Team standards firms vary in spirit, culture and of Year – Australasian Law SEEKING LAWYERS FOR • An ambition for success atmosphere. We’re one of the Awards A CHANGING WORLD • Investing in talent world’s largest law firms, but 2020 – ADR Practice of the • An adaptable and it often doesn’t feel like that. Year – ADC ADR Awards Clients expect more from their lawyers than ever before. They approachable team We have a professional, can- 2021 – Global firm, 2nd place look to us as business partners on their journey to achieve do culture. Partners are hands – Champions of Pride Lawyer’s • Thinking ahead their objectives. • Strength through diversity on with the work and newly Weekly • Community qualified lawyers are expected 2020 – AWEI – global status to demonstrate leadership – Australian LGBTQ Inclusion It’s not just about precedents and compliance, but finding new ways to build You can learn more in the relationships and deliver the results that matter. ‘About Us’ section of www. behaviour from a very early Awards cliffordchance.com stage. Every single person is critical to the success of the What significant work Think global How would you describe your team. has your firm recently firm’s culture? undertaken? We are a premier global law How does your firm firm committed to setting the distinguish itself from other Corporate Collaborate standard for excellence in legal law firms? • Partners Group, on the M&A skills and client service around What makes Clifford Chance aspects and development the world. Joining us means lawyers different? Firstly, our and financing aspects on sharing that commitment, a collaborative and adaptable the Murra Warra wind Embrace new challenges drive to innovate and grasp new culture. We work together farm project, one of the opportunities as we help our across borders, languages and largest wind projects clients to address a wide range legal systems, sharing insights in Australia. Australian of business, financial and legal and expertise to achieve our Green Deal of the Year, PFI #1 Local excellence global standards issues. clients’ commercial goals. Awards 2020, Asia-Pacific Secondly, we’re pioneers, Renewables Deal of the working on many ‘first of a Year, Infrastructure Investor It takes immense drive and motivation to stay ahead in a world that’s changing as fast We’re looking for the as ours. If you’re excited and inspired by that, Clifford Chance could be the right firm brightest and most talented kind’ deals. Finally, it’s the Awards 2020. for you. nature of our people. Highly • Formosa I – the first individuals irrespective of To learn more, scan the QR code below background – ambitious professional and self-assured, commercial scale offshore people who offer new ideas with an entrepreneurial streak, wind farm project in Taiwan. and fresh perspectives, they embrace our culture of Renewable Deal of the Year
79 80 and Offshore Wind Deal of • Advising HSBC and the Indonesia relating to the Feeling that you can have What are some things for intellectual curiosity, the Year (IJ Global Awards other Active Bookrunners expropriation of their a positive impact on some students should avoid common sense, strong 2019). in the syndication of interest in a coal mining of the more pressing issues doing in their clerkship interpersonal skills, an interest • WestConnex – the largest Glencore’s $9,975,000,000 project in Kalimantan, facing society is also hugely applications? in business and the capacity to road infrastructure project refinancing of its Short- Indonesia. motivating, and that’s an Submitting a generic or assimilate detailed information in New South Wales. term Syndicated Revolving • Certain former and current important aspect of ensuring “copy and paste” template quickly. These are the qualities Transport Deal of the Year Credit Facilities. Australian partners of that everyone here feels that application. This can lead that will determine your future (IJ Global Awards 2019). Herbert Smith Freehills in Clifford Chance is a really great to inadvertent errors (like with us – not your background. R&I relation to their defence place to work. putting the wrong firm name!) Competition/Antitrust • ADV Partners as co-owner of multiple proceedings in and delivers a less authentic How can students apply for • Epic Games in private of Global Sports Commerce, the Supreme Court of New CLERKSHIP submission. Reviewers want to a graduate position at your antitrust proceedings in relation to solvency South Wales arising out of INFORMATION know you have taken the time firm? in the Federal Court of and restructuring strategy the collapse of the Arrium to consider the firm and how Graduate offers are primarily Australia against Apple before the Australian Group, a major mining and During which periods do you working there would align to made from within the clerkship Inc. and its local Australian businesses (Techfront materials group employing offer clerkships? your experience, skillset and pool. Where we may decide entity Apple Pty Ltd. This Australia Group) entered nearly 10,000 employees. Winter – June/July 2022 goals. to offer additional Graduate was in relation to Apple’s into Administration due positions, these will be operation of its app to pre-existing leverage D&I How many clerkship positions Do you offer clerkships advertised and may be applied store and app payment and operation issues that • Acting, on a pro bono are available for 2021? to non-penultimate year for on our careers website: processing alleging misuse were exacerbated by the basis, for an Applicant for 4 – 6 students? https://careers.cliffordchance. of market power and other COVID-19 pandemic and the a protection visa under the To be eligible for the clerkship com/apac/locations/australia. breaches of the competition shutdown of many sporting complementary protection What tasks do clerks usually program, students must be html provisions of Part IV of the events. regime. undertake? able to commence a graduate Competition & Consumer • Acting on over 30 • Hosting our annual Throughout the clerkship or program as of March or How many graduate positions Act 2010 (CCA), as well as mandates to assist our Arcus (Clifford Chance’s graduate program you will September 2023. Final year are available in 2021? unconscionable conduct. major international LGBTQ+ network) Pride Art be closely supported both students are welcome to apply. 2 – 4 • Bunnings, in relation to clients in relation to the Exhibition, in partnership informally and through formal its merger with Adelaide administration of Virgin with Glamazon, Amazon’s mentoring with advice and GRADUATE JOB Does your firm offer any Tools, which was subject Australia Airlines Group, LGBT+ network. guidance from your supervisor INFORMATION international opportunities to a Statement of Issues including negotiating in each of your seats. We will for graduates or junior by the ACCC, as well as with Virgin Australia, its What kind of pro bono work make sure that your energy and What does your firm look for lawyers? on various acquisitions Administrators and their does the firm engage in? time are focused on activities in a graduate? Our extensive international in the hardware, home advisors and ultimately, As a leader in our field we that will best develop your Our selection process is network and the global nature improvement and outdoor in the successful are rightly held to high legal and business skills. designed to identify people of our business mean that it is leisure sector. implementation of the standards in all we do. We are who have the right intellect, both possible and beneficial • Oracle Corporation on restructure by way of deed committed to inspiring the You could be drafting motivation and personal for you to take one of your the ACCC digital platform of company arrangement. trust of our stakeholders by and proofing documents, qualities to succeed as an seats in one of our overseas inquiry in relation to adtech • Acting for Deloitte in making Responsible Business conducting due diligence on international lawyer with offices. Secondments are an and other elements of the defending claims arising a central part of our strategy. a client’s acquisition target, Clifford Chance. To be opportunity for you to acquire ACCC Digital Platforms from the collapse of the We have over 6,000 people meeting clients, preparing successful you will need to new skills and experience, Inquiry. Dick Smith Group in 2012 working for the firm, hugely documents for a court hearing demonstrate your potential develop your language skills with debts in excess of A$1 talented and with a fantastic or creating a data room ahead to become a first-class and give you a valuable B&F billion and in relation to range of valuable skills and of a major transaction. Most of lawyer and your willingness international perspective in • Advising Citibank and multiple New South Wales experience. Together, we can your time will be spent working to take advantage of the a new business and cultural NAB in relation to Supreme Court proceedings. really make an impact. There’s in teams where you will make many opportunities that you environment. IOOF (the 174-year-old also an important point here an important contribution to encounter. You will need to superannuation and L&DR about individual development. their success – you may even exhibit ambition, drive and INTERVIEWS financial advice provider): • Kingsgate Consolidated Our people who are involved run some smaller transactions commitment, the ability to they became the successful Ltd in a high-value claim in this type of activity – for clients. articulate ideas clearly, and the What does your firm like to bidder to purchase the under Australia-Thailand whether it’s pro bono advice, How can a clerk stand out or desire to build relationships see in a clerkship or graduate MLC Wealth business (its Free Trade Agreement for mentoring local students, or make a good impression? and deliver outstanding job interview? 134-year-old competitor) unlawful expropriation of working alongside clients on Clients expect more from service. We’re also looking Clifford Chance is one of the from current owner the Chatree Gold Mine an environmental initiative – their lawyers than ever before. for business awareness, a world’s top law firms because National Australia Bank. • Tantalum International all have a much broader, more They look to us as business keen commercial insight and we think differently. Tell us • A large syndicate of banks Ltd in an ongoing dispute considered view of business partners on their journey to a strong ability to lead and to what it is that makes you and institutions providing with the Arab Republic of life, and develop a wider range achieve their objectives. It’s manage. different – not what you think A$6 billion of financing Egypt at ICSID. This is the of really valuable life skills and not just about precedents and we want to hear. Tell us what to the successful MIRA- first ever claim under the business skills. For our lawyers, compliance, but finding new When completing your makes you tick because we’re led consortium on the Australian-Egypt Bilateral it’s a great way for them to ways to build relationships application consider how you not interested in recruiting a part-privatisation of Investment Treaty. understand the context beyond and deliver the results that can best demonstrate these ‘type’. Competition is fierce and the Endeavour Energy • Churchill Mining Plc and the immediate confines of the matter. Focus on these core qualities and try to provide the process will be challenging, electricity distribution Planet Mining Pty Ltd in an transaction or case. business skills and consider examples from your academic but the people we want to hire business in New South ongoing ICSID arbitration examples from your academic, life, work experience or other will relish the challenges it Wales, Australia. against the Republic of professional and personal lives. activities. We’re also looking brings.
81 82 How can students best prepare for an interview with your firm? As well as providing us with Corrs Chambers Westgarth basic information about your background and education, this is your opportunity to tell Level 6, Brookfield Place Jennifer Jacobs | jennifer.jacobs@corrs. us what it is that makes you 123 St Georges Terrace com.au exceptional – we receive a very Perth WA 6000 large number of applications from people who’d like to join 5 offices - Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Arbitration, Banking & Finance, Commercial us, so you should think about Brisbane & Port Moresby how you’re going to set yourself Litigation, Corporate M&A, Employment & apart. We want to know what Labour, Energy & Natural Resources (ENR), you can bring to the work we Projects, Property & Real Estate, Restructuring, do at Clifford Chance. This is Insolvency and Special Situations (RISS), a crucial part of the overall Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) process, and we’ll be looking for excellent communication – ABOUT THE FIRM Our success is based on the Employer of Choice. make sure your answers do you success of our people. We justice. What are your firm’s culture? encourage individuals to play Our commitment to Corrs Chambers Westgarth is to their strengths and we providing our people with the CASUAL/PART TIME Australia’s leading independent bring our diverse and talented opportunity to build successful EMPLOYMENT Australian law firm. We’re lawyers together to create top- careers has made us a much known for delivering legal performing teams. sought-after employer. For Does your firm offer excellence, exceptional client almost 15 years, we’ve been any casual or part-time service and outstanding The combination of these recognised as an Employer of employment? results. factors creates a firm that Choice by the WGEA Employer The firm may occasionally have celebrates its independence, of Choice for Gender Equality casual or part-time paralegal Through our long-term is open to new ideas, has citation (replacing the EOWA positions available. Where this relationships with leading the courage to think and act Employer of Choice for Women is the case, roles are generally law firms across the world, differently from the rest of the award in 2014). offered to past or future clerks we advise on the most market, and thrives on new / Graduates. significant global matters and challenges and opportunities. For more details on our recent connect with the best lawyers awards and recognition, please internationally to provide our What are some notable visit our website. clients with the right team for awards your firm has recently every engagement. received? What significant work Corrs is consistently recognised has your firm recently At Corrs, you’ll enjoy the as a leader in its field. We’re undertaken? benefits of working alongside proud of our many awards We let our work speak for itself. a high-performing team with for world class service, client We’re proud to work with some a shared commitment to results and for being an of the biggest organisations our culture of excellence, employer of choice. in the world on their most collaboration, commitment and important matters. respect. From global guides, to Chambers Asia Pacific and Our clients include more than How do you distinguish the Best Lawyers, Corrs lawyers half of the top fifty ASX-listed firm from others? are called out for legal companies, some of the largest Corrs lawyers are known for excellence, commerciality and privately owned companies their strategic approach with commitment to clients across in Australia and a number of clients. We don’t just focus on our practice areas. global Fortune 500 companies. legal advice, we provide our clients with strategic guidance Corrs is ranked #1 – Australian We work with well-known to help them mitigate risks and independent law firm – organisations like AGL, achieve their business goals. Australia & NZ deals by value Amazon, Australia Post, BP, (2020 Bloomberg Global M&A Blackstone, CBA, Coca-Cola Our lawyers work together Market Review Legal Rankings); European Partners, Coles, across practice groups to ranked #1 in the Financial eBay, Google, McDonalds, deliver exceptional results and Times Innovative Lawyers Medibank, Mirvac, NAB, PayPal, support you in building your Awards Asia-Pacific for the TPG Telecom (Vodafone) and future, wherever you want to Innovative Practice of Law; and Wesfarmers. take it. a 2020 Australasian Lawyer
83 84 We also work with of those who have made an You’ll be exposed to a broad • Applications riddled with non-law related), as well have sent our lawyers on governments, Federal and outstanding contribution to the range of interesting matters. spelling mistakes, or as experience in leadership secondment to some of the State, as well as on major benefit of the WA community. You’ll also have the chance addressed to the wrong positions, volunteering or world’s leading firms in the transactions that make the to complete a broad range firm – yes, this happens community service, and other USA, UK, Japan, Singapore, news. In Perth, we provide legal of tasks, such as conducting multiple times every year! extracurricular activities. China, Spain, France, India, representation and support research, reviewing and Take the time to thoroughly Germany, Brazil, Indonesia and In the Perth office, we services through our work with presenting documents, proofread your application In addition, we are looking Hong Kong. work with well-known the Aboriginal Legal Service of attending client meetings, or have someone else read for genuine, hard-working organisations like Wesfarmers, WA; Circle Green Community court hearings, mediations it for you. candidates who have great INTERVIEWS Fortescue Metals Group, Legal, an independent, not-for- and settlements, as well • Applications full of weird communication skills and Hancock Prospecting, the profit community legal centre as shadowing partners and fonts, unusual bullet approach their work with What does your firm like to Water Corporation, Cedar specialising in employment lawyers in client meetings points or graphics. Your enthusiasm. We also look see in a clerkship or graduate Woods, Seafarms and the law, amongst other things; and and business development application should be for candidates who are keen job interview? WA Government on a broad the Street Law Centre, a free activities. clean and easy to read – to learn, open to receiving Interviews can be a stressful variety of matters. Examples outreach legal service for the don’t distract the reader feedback and continually or daunting process, so being of our recent significant work homeless and those at risk of How can a clerk stand out or unnecessarily from your key improving themselves. nervous is understandable include advising Coca-Cola homelessness in WA. For each make a good impression? messages and experience, and perfectly ok – most European Partners on its of these CLC’s, Corrs provides We look for people who can or make it hard for them to How can students apply for candidates are! With this proposed acquisition of Coca- one-day-a-week graduate make a positive contribution review. a graduate position at your in mind, we take a relaxed Cola Amatil Limited, valued secondees. The Perth office to the firm and help us in • Applications that simply firm? approach to interviews – think at A$11.1 billion, and advising also supports Law Access by delivering legal excellence and repeat information Previous clerks will be eligible conversation, rather than ING on its implementation of providing legal advice and outstanding client service. verbatim in the cover letter to receive a priority offer for interrogation. the new ‘customer data right administrative secondees and questions. Please don’t 2022 Graduate positions. regime’ which implements sourced from our legal During your time as a clerk cut and paste from your Corrs contacts eligible clerks Ideally, we are looking for open banking in Australia. assistants. with Corrs, it is important to be cover letter to the answer about the priority recruitment candidates who can build genuine, approach each task the online application process in June, with offers rapport with their interviewers What kind of pro bono work CLERKSHIP with enthusiasm, complete questions – the firm is made in late July. and are comfortable does the firm engage in? INFORMATION tasks to the best of your ability, asking these questions for articulating their experience, From local schools to global be open to receiving feedback a reason and wants to read If necessary, Corrs will open as well as demonstrating why organisations, we have a long During which periods do you and strive for continuous something different! applications to the general they are studying law and and proud history of helping offer clerkships? improvement. In addition market after the priority offer pursuing a commercial law those in need. We perform Summer and Winter. to this, if you have a great Do you offer clerkships process. career. We want to know why around 20,000 hours of pro attitude, communicate well to non-penultimate year you applied to Corrs and what bono and volunteer work each How many clerkship positions and have excellent attention to students? How many graduate positions you know about us as a firm. year, helping those who need it are available for 2021/22? detail, this will help you stand Yes – we do accept applications are available in 2022? We also want to get to know most. In 2021/22, Corrs Perth will out from your peers. from non-penultimate year Corrs anticipates recruiting you as a person, so come ready offer three, three-week students. 8-10 graduates for our 2022 to talk about your hobbies, Corrs specifically provides clerkship programs which will What are some things Graduate Development interests or passions outside of pro bono legal services for be held in either summer or students should avoid GRADUATE JOB Program in the Perth office. the law too. disadvantaged individuals winter. Each program will have doing in their clerkship INFORMATION who might not otherwise have approximately 8-10 clerks. applications? Does your firm offer any The interview should also access to legal representation. There are a variety of obvious, What does your firm look for international opportunities be a two-way discussion, so As a graduate, you’ll have the Overall, we anticipate and perhaps not so obvious, in a graduate? for graduates or junior asking questions is definitely opportunity to contribute to recruiting 30 clerks for our things students should aim The reason we continue to lawyers? encouraged and welcomed. pro bono matters. Perth programs in 2021/22. to avoid when preparing attract exceptional graduates We invest in international and submitting clerkship and lawyers is simple: experiences that help our How can students best We are the principal legal What tasks do clerks usually applications. This includes: we provide you with the lawyers grow their skills, prepare for a clerkship or partner for the United Nations undertake? opportunity to work with great cultural understanding and graduate job interview with Refugee Agency in Australia. The Corrs seasonal clerkship • Applications that are people; to work on career- relationships worldwide. your firm? Other organisations we work program enables you to work excessively long. We defining matters from the start Don’t underestimate the with and support as part of alongside some of Australia’s recommend one page of your career; and to work Our International Study importance of good preparation our pro bono and community leading lawyers on high-profile for cover letters, and a and/or study internationally. Scholarship supports the for your interview, as a lack program include Hagar work for major Australian and maximum of 2-3 pages continuing professional of planning will be evident to Australia, Justice Connect, The international clients. for resumes. Don’t use As with our clerks, we celebrate development of exceptional those interviewing you. A few Salvation Army, The Big Issue, screen shots of academic diversity in our graduates and legal staff. The Scholarship key tips on preparing for an Very Special Kids, Oxfam and Our three week clerkships give transcripts either! are looking for candidates provides financial support interview at Corrs are: more. you the opportunity to connect • Applications not tailored who can bring a variety of for the completion of further with partners and lawyers to the firm. Make the effort ideas and experiences to the study at Oxford, Cambridge or • Plan your trip: Make sure Corrs was also named the across the firm, learn what a to research the firm and firm. In particular, we look a US equivalent (full-time on you know where the firm is inaugural winner of the Legal ‘day-in-the-life’ at Corrs is like, tailor your application by for well-rounded individuals campus). located and how you plan Firm Award in the 2020 WA and experience the type of referencing partners or who can demonstrate on getting there. Will you Attorney General’s Community work we do and the clients we deals that interest you and exceptional academic Over the last seven years, take public transport, drive Service Law Awards. These partner with. demonstrate why you would performance, evidence of we’ve sent 46 secondees to in or get a lift? awards recognise the work like to work at the firm. work experience (law or 14 countries worldwide. We • Be well presented: Organise
85 86 what you are going to wear in advance and don’t leave it to the last minute. Is the outfit professional, comfortable and ready to go? • Arrive early: This ties in with planning your trip. Make sure you arrive 10 minutes early to your interview as this demonstrates you are organised, prepared and We have sent our lawyers on punctual. • Research the firm: Check secondment to some of the out the firm website, as well as media or newspapers to Be exceptional. pick up any current issues world’s leading firms... or news items relating to Corrs, our clients or the Location Firm Location Firm Your journey from legal industry in general. • Re-read your application: outstanding graduate This will jog your memory Amsterdam De Brauw Madrid Uría to exceptional lawyer on what you submitted and Blackstone Menéndez begins at Corrs. allow you to easily answer Westbroek any cover letter or resume specific questions you may Chile Carey Milan BonelliErede be asked. • Relax: We want to get to know you as a person, so Dusseldorf Gleiss Lutz Mumbai AZB & try to relax and go with the Partners flow of the conversation, rather than being too stiff Frankfurt Hengeler New York Cravath or rehearsed. Mueller Swaine & CASUAL/ PART Moore and TIME EMPLOYMENT Skadden Hong Kong Simpson Paris Bredin Prat Does the firm offer any casual Thacher & or part-time employment? Bartlett We recruit casual paralegals to support our busy practice Jakarta Soemadipr- Singapore Allen & groups throughout the adja & Taher Gldehill year. Please note that these opportunities are typically London Slaughter & Tokyo Nishimura & offered to candidates in our May, Asahi seasonal clerkship pool but, Macfarlanes, from time-to-time, we recruit from the open market. Freshfields Bruckhaus How can students find these Deringer and opportunities and apply? CMS Expressions of interest for casual paralegal opportunities can be submitted via email to From your first day at Corrs you will have the opportunity to the local People & Performance accelerate your career in a high-performing and supportive Consultant for their review environment. Our lawyers work together across practice and consideration. Interested applicants will need to provide groups to deliver exceptional results and support you in a copy of their resume and building your future, wherever you want to take it. latest academic transcript, together with an indication of their availability. graduates.corrs.com.au
87 88 What tasks do clerks usually GRADUATE JOB During the Graduate undertake? INFORMATION Programme, we also offer Our clerkship programme What does your firm look for graduates the opportunity DLA Piper starts with an induction. This in a graduate? to apply for an international induction provides an advanced Our people come from a diverse secondment. This usually introduction to the legal sector range of backgrounds. That’s lasts for six months and gives Level 21 240 St Georges Terrace Virginia Rigby | and the firms practice groups. what sets us apart. Opening up graduates the opportunity Perth WA 6000 [email protected] It also builds your professional a range of different and unique to work in one of DLA Piper’s skills and workplace capability. overseas offices. As well as | (08) 6467 6000 perspectives, allows us to Throughout the induction there service our clients better. experiencing life in a different will be opportunities to hear country, graduates develop 90 offices globally Corporate, Employment, Finance, Projects & from and network with senior You will need a strong legal knowledge in another https://www.dlapiper.com/en/ Restructuring, Litigation & Regulatory, Real members of the firm. jurisdiction and grow their australia/ academic record, and a real Estate passion for developing a career professional networks across Once you are inducted you’ll as a lawyer. But it goes further the firm. have the opportunity to than that… complete work placements INTERVIEWS in our different practice Among other things, we’ll be groups. You’ll be given real How does your firm What kind of pro bono work looking for candidates who What does your firm like to ABOUT THE FIRM responsibilities. Whether distinguish itself from other does the firm engage in? are naturally inquisitive, have see in a clerkship or graduate you’re attending a court law firms? In 2020, our global network plenty of drive, and can show a job interview? What are your firm’s core hearing, contributing to a client We help the world’s top devoted over 200,000 hours to genuine commitment to their Be your authentic self values? meeting or assisting a large companies with their business- pro bono initiatives. This alone chosen career path. and show your passion for In everything we do connected corporate transaction, you’ll developing a career as a lawyer. with our People, our Clients critical issues. Many of the makes us one of the world’s have plenty of opportunities to By bringing your authentic and our Communities, we live deals we work on are complex largest providers of pro bono reach your potential. self to work every day, you’ll How can students best by four values: Be Supportive, and challenging – transcending legal services. not just practice areas, but have an instinct ability to prepare for an interview with Be Bold, Be Collaborative and How can a clerk stand out or borders, languages and legal We run legal clinics in most build relationships with peers, your firm? Be Exceptional. make a good impression? systems. countries where we are based. colleagues and clients alike. If you are invited to an We are seeking applicants For you, it’s an opportunity to assessment day, you will take How would you describe your that are considering a career As a firm, we never stand help vulnerable people in your How can students apply for part in a series of exercises, firm’s culture? in Law and becoming a future still. We think nimbly and community. Working with law a graduate position at your including a partner interview, We’re a global business that’s graduate solicitor. We do not seize opportunities. We’re centres and frontline agencies, firm? analysis presentation and a redefining the expectations of expect applicants to have had ambitious and are never afraid you could find yourself Priority offers will be made to group exercise. There is no a law firm. We operate across prior experience in Law. When to innovate. So if you possess providing advice on topics candidates who participate in preparation required before more than 40 countries, but applying, we’d encourage you these qualities too, there could such as asylum and our clerkship programme. you attend the assessment day. we’re still locally connected. to think broadly about your That’s because trusting, be a bright future for you at immigration, unlawful experiences and achievements How many graduate positions collaborative relationships with DLA Piper. detention, or even business from your recent-past and are available in 2021? CASUAL/ PART our clients and each other are advice. ensure these are clearly We typically offer around at the heart of our success. What are some notable TIME EMPLOYMENT articulated on your CV. 20 positions across our four We’re creating exceptional awards your firm has recently There’s also the opportunity received? to help further afield too. Australian offices - Brisbane, Does your firm offer experiences, outcomes and What are some things New Perimeter, our non-profit Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. any casual or part-time growth for our clients and students should avoid What significant work affiliate, enables our lawyers employment? people. doing in their clerkship has your firm recently to provide pro bono legal Does your firm offer any The firm sometimes offers applications? undertaken? assistance in under-served international opportunities Paralegal opportunities We make this happen with a Complete our online DLA Piper in Australia is a regions around the world. for graduates or junior culture where you bring your application form and upload full service business law firm lawyers? How can students find these passion and individuality to a copy of your CV. This should providing clients with an On our International Graduate opportunities and apply? work every day. No two careers showcase your achievements Programme graduates are careers.dlapiper.com – or two people – are the same extensive breadth and depth CLERKSHIP and experiences. You will provided a once in a lifetime at DLA Piper. We want you to of service across four capital INFORMATION then be asked to complete opportunity to complete reach your full potential as cities nationally. a response to a commercial our International Induction part of a diverse, global team During which periods do you awareness question. We don’t in London with their global that thrives on collaboration, As trusted legal advisors to offer clerkships? require you to submit a cover counterparts! Experiencing a seizing opportunities and approximately a third of the Summer letter. These are not reviewed. full week of inspiring key note commercial edge. Here, ASX 100 companies or their subsidiaries and all levels of speakers, networking events personal growth goes hand How many clerkship positions Do you offer clerkships government, we take great and team building activities, in hand with professional are available for 2021? to non-penultimate year pride in our reputation as a graduates will be leveraging development to shape your Approximately 35 across our students? firm that is friendly, accessible our international network right individual career journey. Australian offices. Yes. We accept applications and easy to do business with. from day one. from final year students.
89 90 Gilbert + Tobin
Brookfield Tower 2 - Level 16 Aileen Ferguson | AFerguson@gtlaw. 123 St Georges Terrace com.au | (08) 9413 8400 Perth WA 6000
SHARE OUR VISION 3 offices Energy + Resources, Disputes + Investigations, Corporate Advisory SHAPE YOUR FUTURE https://www.gtlaw.com.au/ ABOUT THE FIRM How does your firm Corporate Law and for Private distinguish itself from other Equity Law in the 2020 edition What are your firm’s core law firms? of Best Lawyers. values? Our culture is unique, and Gilbert + Tobin’s vision is to at its heart it is a paradox. It 75 partners are recognised by build a truly outstanding is energetic and proactive, Best Lawyers, representing law firm, renowned for our incredibly driven and ambitious over 88% of the partnership commitment to client service, – but also understated, funny, acknowledged as leading and distinctive in our superior and generous. in their areas of expertise. team of talented, creative, Among these, eight partners and enthusiastic lawyers. We This is what underlies the are named as Best Lawyers will foster a vibrant and open positive, productive, and ‘Lawyer of the Year’, including culture, providing personal and personal relationships we three M&A/Corporate Advisory professional growth for all our build with each other, and partners. people. We will live out our with our clients. Interactions responsibility to support our that embrace what it means 2021 Chambers & Partners community and contribute to to be an individual. Constantly 41 partners are recognised our society. looking for ways to bring out by Chambers in 22 areas of the best in ourselves as well as law. We are ranked Band 1 How would you describe your others. in Corporate/M&A, Equity firm’s culture? Capital Markets, Private Equity, Our culture is unique with Our clerks and graduates Competition & Antitrust, a focus on innovation and are often attracted to the Acquisition Finance, Charities, change. We are not constrained firm by the egalitarian, open TMT and Fintech. by tradition, so we are always structure. Our people have open to new ideas and different the opportunity to go as far as We are the only independent perspectives on how to deliver they want, the pace is fast and Australian law firm to rank the best outcomes to our constant, but you will get to Band 1 in Corporate/M&A, ECM, clients. We work within a flat work on matters that interest PE & Competition. structure, which means our and stimulate you early in your 2020 Beaton Client Choice clerks and graduates have career. G+T challenges people Awards direct access to lawyers and irrespective of their role – and partners who are experts in that pushes you to do, and be, Gilbert + Tobin was named their fields, as well as matters better. winner of the 2020 Beaton that will improve their skill sets Client Choice Awards for the and career prospects. What are some notable Best Provider to Mining, Oil Our goal is simple. We want to create the future leaders awards your firm has recently and Gas. of the firm. That means giving you the skills you need to We offer an informal and received? become a successful lawyer, but also the experiences relaxed environment, 2021 Best Lawyers Australia What significant work approachable partners and Gilbert + Tobin was named ‘Law has your firm recently to discover where your true interests lie. lawyers, diverse teams, and Firm of the Year’ for Corporate undertaken? friendly people who care Law in the 2021 edition of Best Our public website highlights about the firm and the high- Lawyers. This follows on from the significant work our firm Find out more at performance contribution they Gilbert + Tobin being named undertakes and is updated on a ‘Law Firm of the Year’ for regular basis. DLAPIPERGRADUATES.COM make, irrespective of their role.
91 92 What kind of pro bono work How many clerkship positions What are some things does the firm engage in? are available for 2021? students should avoid With a dedicated team of four Approximately 14. doing in their clerkship lawyers and two partners, applications? Gilbert + Tobin is a pro bono What tasks do clerks usually Clerkship applications should pioneer in Australia’s legal undertake? be completed accurately and sector. The firm believes that During your time with G+T include all ancillary documents lawyers have a responsibility to you’ll get a taste of what to support the application. ensure that the legal system is it’s like to work in corporate We recommend you double fair, equitable, and accessible law. Spending time in one check your application prior to to all. practice group, you will start submission. to understand the mechanics Gilbert + Tobin is a proud of legal practice through Do you offer clerkships advocate of social justice and researching legislation and to non-penultimate year ARE YOU focuses on providing advice case law, preparing and students? and support to marginalised drafting memos, completing Preferences are given to and disadvantaged clients, research, observing students in their penultimate and the organisations that negotiations, meeting clients, year. work with them. The practice attending court, or perhaps READY TO covers many diverse areas of working as part of a deal team. GRADUATE JOB law including discrimination, INFORMATION administrative law, defamation, Throughout the program, you and public international law. will partake in our customised What does your firm look for BE BOLD? Pro bono work at Gilbert + in-house training program as in a graduate? Tobin is particularly focused well as having the opportunity We look for graduates who are on issues affecting Aboriginal to contribute to Pro Bono and comfortable working in teams, There’s never been a better time to and Torres Strait Islander our Knowledge Management but who are also self-motivated be part of Gilbert + Tobin. people, refugees, people with practice. and are able to identify disabilities, and the protection opportunities and work with From day one, our flat structure of human rights. You will work directly with our firm leaders to act on those partners and lawyers who will opportunities. allows you to take ownership of G+T’s large pro bono practice assist with your professional challenging work and cutting-edge is supplemented by our development and challenge G+T is a supportive corporate social responsibility you intellectually. environment with enough projects. Work directly with partners practice, which is focused on How can a clerk stand out or structure in place for graduates and team leaders – nobody is too three priorities – reconciliation make a good impression? to learn and thrive, but also with Indigenous Australians, gives you the space to develop important to take time to explain sustainability, and community While strong university results your career how you want to. things clearly, or give a helping hand. programs. and academic achievements We will also support people count, we are also looking who may want to do things Our commitment to the for people who align with differently. Our open and welcoming culture community now includes our firm’s culture and values. underpins our continued success in our support for numerous We are not a prescriptive How can students apply for Australian corporate law. Through not-for-profit organisations, firm when it comes to our a graduate position at your education in high schools, and people; we invite individuality firm? our pro bono practice, we are actively the university sector. Most and diversity. We also hold The primary pathway for making a difference, every single day. importantly, our support for ambition, imagination, creative graduates is currently via our Indigenous Australians across thinking, and entrepreneurial seasonal clerkship programs. If you’re comfortable being all of their very legitimate spirit in high regard. Our people aspirations, has been a are collaborative, passionate, How many graduate positions challenged, as well as challenging us on hallmark for what we stand for. and dedicated, but most of all are available in 2022? the way we think and operate – you’ll they enjoy what they do and Subject to business CLERKSHIP never forget to have fun. We requirements, we anticipate fit right in. We’re not worried about INFORMATION seek clerks and graduates that having 3-5 graduate positions you being you. We’re counting on it. will complement our practice available in 2022. During which periods do you groups and do not feel the offer clerkships? need to take themselves too We run two clerkship seriously. programs each year, the first is in Summer (November/ December) and the second is in Winter (June/July). gtlaw.com.au/careers
93 94 Does your firm offer any CASUAL/ PART international opportunities for graduates or junior TIME EMPLOYMENT lawyers? G+T offers secondment Does your firm offer Herbert Smith Freehills opportunities both within any casual or part-time Australia and overseas to employment? experienced lawyers. These Casual roles, such as secondments provide an Paralegals, are generally offered to students who have opportunity for both personal QV1 - Level 36 Josephine Tse | [email protected] | completed a clerkship with us. and professional development. 250 St Georges Terrace (08) 9211 7777 Our lawyers tell us that their Perth WA 6000 secondment experience has been an invaluable part of their career development. G+T has 27 Offices across 19 jurisdictions Alternative Legal Services (ALT), Corporate (M&A a “best friends” network with https://www.herbertsmithfreehills. and Energy and Resources), Dispute Resolution, top tier firms internationally. com/ Digital and Law, Employment, Industrial We will support you in seeking Relations and Safety, Finance, Pro Bono, Projects opportunities to work overseas, and Infrastructure, Taxation, Technology which will expand your commercial skills in a global setting. an international network, Globally, we focus on five key ABOUT THE FIRM INTERVIEWS exposing you to overseas areas: What are your firm’s core opportunities. Despite the • Access to justice, values? global nature of the firm, • International development, What does your firm like to you will feel supported and • Social impact investment, see in a clerkship or graduate To Connect, Collaborate, Lead, and Excel. connected to your local teams. • Not-for-profit advisory job interview? work, and It is important for students What significant work • Human rights (particularly to demonstrate enthusiasm, How would you describe your firm’s culture? has your firm undertaken anti-trafficking and anti- curiosity, and to have an recently? slavery). understanding and interest in We aim to instil a culture of engagement, ambition, • TPG on its A$15b merger of the firm’s practice areas and equals with Vodafone – and This year we contributed its strengths. Keeping up to and high performance at Herbert Smith Freehills, by in successfully defending 75,000 hours of pro bono date with current issues facing an ACCC appeal against the advice globally, an 11% increase the legal industry, and more putting people and the client experience at the heart of our merger. The transaction on the previous year. broadly, staying informed is one of the largest of the happenings and business. We want to attract and retain top talent from telecommunications deals Our practice groups provide developments occurring in the in Australian history many of our long-standing business world. all backgrounds and enable them to perform to their full • CBA, BHP, and AMP in clients with a range of separate class actions, advice including partnership How can students best potential. That means fostering a diverse and inclusive each with the potential agreements, structuring, prepare for an interview with to become the largest property, employment issues, your firm? workplace where difference is celebrated, development shareholder action in and governance. These include: Review your CV and cover Australia CanTeen, CareerTrackers letter before your interview. advanced, and wellness prioritised. We believe it is • Santos and its WA Gas Indigenous Internship Program, Your CV and cover letter have Restructure Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, created a positive impression, also vital to provide regular opportunities for people • West African Resources on Foodbank Victoria, McIntyre so you now have an opportunity its Sanbrado Gold Project Centre, Médecins Sans to reinforce this opinion. The to share their experiences, feedback, and ideas. • Commissioners in the Royal Frontières, Mission Australia, interview should be seen as a Commission into Victoria’s National Breast Cancer two-way process: the firm may How does your firm Mental Health System Foundation, Ronald McDonald ask you to expand on elements • Advising Bain Capital on House, Save the Children of your cover letter and CV, distinguish itself from other law firms? its acquisition of Virgin Australia, Starlight Children’s and you will be expected to ask Australia Foundation, St Vincent de Paul questions of the interviewer(s), We think it’s a combination of being a truly global firm and Queensland, The Big Issue, which allows them to find out What kind of pro bono work Yalari, and Youngcare. more about you. having a leading domestic practice. This means that does the firm engage in? Our lawyers are encouraged To find out more about our pro Research the firm, its practice when you join, you’ll be working on the most complex to participate in the firm’s pro bono practice: https://www. areas, and in particular, those bono practice. This might be herbertsmithfreehills.com/pro- who are sitting on the interview and interesting matters and also benefit from having internationally or closer to bono-and-citizenship/pro-bono panel. home – it really is up to you.
95 96 Notable awards internship program: https:// GRADUATE JOB Our graduates have previously CASUAL • David Jenaway, 40under40 careers.herbertsmithfreehills. INFORMATION been seconded to our London, EMPLOYMENT GradAustralia – Top 100 com/au/grads/virtual- Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, and INFORMATION Graduate Employers – 2015- internship. What does your firm look for Hong Kong offices. 2020 in a graduate? Does the firm offer any casual • Stonewall – Top global How can a clerk stand out or There’s no single path to Much of our work has a cross- employers for LGBTI+ 2020 make a good impression? border element and we aim to or part-time employment? becoming a commercial lawyer. Yes. From time to time we offer • Financial Times Most A successful clerkship is one We consider your academics, offer a seamless, integrated Innovative International where you can balance: service. Our international casual paralegal positions to work experiences, extra- law students. Law Firm in Asia Pacific • Building great relationships curriculars, and personal offices share a number of 2019 & 2020 across the firm and achievements. We’re focused clients and work together to • Financial Times Award for networking with the advise on multi-jurisdictional How can students find these on finding people who have opportunities and apply? Innovation in Diversity & practices and members of the curiosity to explore all matters and regulatory issues. Inclusion 2019 the team you’re genuinely We recognise that international These opportunities are the angles and the empathy advertised on our website and • Social Mobility Foundation eager to learn more about to place themselves in their secondments provide – 15th in Social Mobility • Be enthusiastic – say “yes” considerable benefits to our through student law societies clients’ shoes. We value that such as Blackstone. Employer Index 2018 to new opportunities and everyone brings themselves clients, to the firm, and to our • Minds Count Foundation volunteer to get involved in and their own unique different graduates. In 2019, we sent 14 – Best Mental Wellbeing areas you are interested in perspectives, but we work Australian graduates to our Initiative in a Legal • Delivering great quality together and with our clients international offices. Workplace 2019 work for your team that to tackle really complex legal • Winner 2021, Legal Services assists in their ongoing problems. INTERVIEWS pieces of work CLERKSHIP • Showing attention to Herbert Smith Freehills What does your firm like to INFORMATION detail, accountability, and is proud to use the Rare see in a clerkship or graduate awareness of what our Contextual Recruitment job interview? During which period do you clients’ needs might be. System (CRS). The CRS We are not looking for the offer clerkships? allows us to understand each finished product and we Summer 1, Summer 2, Winter What are some things applicant’s achievements in the know that gaining legal work students should avoid context that they have been experience can be difficult. How many clerkship positions doing in their clerkship gained. We understand that not What we are looking for is your are available for 2021? applications? every candidate’s achievements potential. Demonstrate the 30-35 Some common mistakes we see look the same on paper – and transferable skills you have are: we want to recruit the best gained through the experience What tasks do clerks usually • Discounting their non-legal people, from every background. that you have – legal or non- undertake? work experience – we want legal. Truthfully, there is no ‘average to hear about all of your How can students apply for day’ at HSF. Every day is achievements a graduate position at your When talking about your different. As a clerk you will be • Addressing the cover letter firm? experience, explain how the immersed in whatever matter to the wrong firm We select many of our skills you have gained are the group has on at the time. • Spelling and consistency graduates through our vacation relevant to a career in law – You might be researching errors clerkship program. and to Herbert Smith Freehills a new piece of legislation, • Not conducting research specifically. Consider the drafting advice for a client, into the firm they are How many graduate positions way we work and the skills or preparing for an upcoming applying for are available in 2022? and abilities we look for to trial. The tasks you do will • Not being clear on your 10-15 deliver a consistently excellent vary depending on the group ‘why’ experience for our clients. you are in and the matters Does your firm offer any that are live at the time. We Do you offer clerkships international opportunities How can students best also encourage our clerks and to non-penultimate year for graduates or junior prepare for a clerkship or graduates to seek out work students? lawyers? graduate job interview with that interests them. Whether it NB: These can be First or Final Yes. As part of our graduate your firm? be assisting adjacent teams in year students program, you will have the Know where your strengths are the group, innovation projects Our clerkship program is opportunity to apply for an and guide the conversation to with our Digital Law Group or open to non-penultimate year international secondment touch on your experiences that Legal Operations Group, or students, however we prioritise within your first two years in demonstrate them. We don’t getting involved with Pro Bono applications from penultimate the job. This is a six-month expect you to have a great deal matters. year students. Our clerks and secondment with all the of experience or knowledge of graduates often find it is better support from the firm you specific sectors, but it is worth If you would like to find out to time their clerkship and might need to succeed (e.g. doing some basic research into more about what a career in the commencement of the transport, accommodation, what practice areas our firm law at Herbert Smith Freehills graduate program on either language lessons). offers. Put thought into the looks like, you can explore side of their final year of study. questions you’d like to ask us. our globally accessible virtual
97 98 HHG Legal Group
Cloisters Building - Level 8 [email protected] | (08) 9322 1966 863 Hay Street Perth WA 6000
4 Offices - Perth, Albany, Mandurah Corporate and Commercial Law; Family & De and Joondalup Facto Law, Wills, Estates & Succession Planning, https://www.hhg.com.au Property Law, Employment Law, Building & Construction Law, Criminal & Traffic Law and DIspute Resolution & Litigation
ABOUT THE FIRM achievement. We are each other and be a valued and committed to coaching vital team member. What are your firm’s core where everyone can values? enhance his or her ability to How does your firm The six key values that define contribute. distinguish itself from other HHG Legal Group, guide our • Fun. We enjoy what we do. law firms? behaviour and growth strategy What really sets us apart from are: How would you describe your other firms is the HHG Service • Teamwork. We are firm’s culture? Guarantee. We understand that committed to establishing At HHG Legal Group we are good service is subjective from and maintaining aware that our reputation will client to client and guarantee collaborative, supportive always depend on the people that we will strive to deliver teams with our colleagues behind us. That is why we are the best service, no matter how and with our clients. We committed to attracting staff complex a matter is. We do this also encourage personal that not only demonstrates by checking in regularly and responsibility and great legal knowledge, but who ensuring that our clients are accountability. have the skills to communicate receiving the level of service • Client focus. We value our effectively and build close they want, in-line with their client relationships. We relationships with all types of desired outcome and budget. listen to our clients and clients. respond to their needs We can do this by ensuring: 360° In addition, we look for those • Expertise - The best with energy, enthusiasm and efficiency. We focus on who display our standards of solicitor will be selected solutions that create value integrity and a commitment and will possess the right for our clients. And we will to helping those in need. Our legal expertise coupled with always go the extra mile for philanthropic arm, HHG Giving real industry or matter type THINKING Back, assists many vulnerable experience. As a full-service our clients. • Respect. We are committed groups by way of charitable firm, you have the benefit to building and maintaining giving and fundraising, of having access to multiple an environment in which sponsorships of community specialist solicitors across What's your angle? we respect each other, in initiatives and via our pro all areas of law covering terms of talents, personal bono commitment to Law every eventuality and giving qualities and differences. Access and various community you peace of mind. We're looking for those who see things differently. We appreciate diversity in organisations. • Knowledge - The solicitor thinking and share what we will garner full knowledge The kind of people who bring new ideas and know. At a fundamental level, and understanding of your • Integrity. We inspire trust everyone at HHG Legal Group matter, insofar as possible, create innovative opportunities for our clients. as legal advisors. We enjoys what we do (and have during your consultation. deliver on our promises fun doing it), but we’re not • Responsiveness - is of and maintain the highest afraid to work hard either. the utmost importance. Share your unique perspective by applying to possible ethical standards. We place great importance Depending on the urgency careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads • Continuous improvement. on working collaboratively of action required, we will We believe in continuous across our five offices (Perth, guarantee to get back to learning. We embrace Albany, Mandurah, Bunbury clients by the following change and reward & Joondalup) which drives the business day, at the very opportunities to learn from latest, however in most www.herbertsmithfreehills.com goal-oriented effort and
99 100 cases it will be within a few received several accolades and contractor in a multi- Law Access, HHG Legal Group • World view or travel via placement at our Albany, hours, if not before. recognitions including: million dollar claim against assists other community-based • Altruistic/ Good community Bunbury, or Mandurah offices. • Regular Communication • 2020 Australasian Law an Australian contractor legal services with pro bono experience - Our clients choose their Award for Excellence – under a failed infrastructure work, these include, but are not INTERVIEWS level of service. If they State/Regional Firm of the project. limited to, the Peel Community Do you offer clerkships wish we can leave no stone Year Legal Service, Employment to non-penultimate year What does your firm like to unturned and reach out • 2020 Doyle’s Guide: Wills, Estate & Succession Law Service, Women’s Legal students? see in a clerkship or graduate daily however there are Recommended Wills and Planning Service, Alzheimer’s WA Yes we offer clerkships to final job interview? cost implications, so we will Estate Litigation Firm • Complex business and and Fresh Start Recovery year students. • That research has been manage expectations from • Recognition in 2021 Best farming succession matters Programme. done! We won’t identify the outset. Equally they Lawyers in Australia list for involving multiple entities where because we want can opt for a light-touch work in Family Law – Simon and multimillion-dollar In 2020 HHG Giving Back GRADUATE JOB candidates to show approach and everything Creek, Executive Chairman transfers and transactions. extended its pro bono service INFORMATION initiative. in between and regular and Special Counsel • Complex estate and provides invaluable legal • Demonstrate any relevant communication ensure our • Recognition in 2021 Best administration dealing clinics for Grandparents What does your firm look for experience and knowledge clients are being serviced at Lawyers in Australia list with many types of assets, Rearing Grandchildren (WA) in a graduate? of the practice area you are the level they want. for work in Real Property different trusts and Inc, facilitated by former We look for individuals who: keen on. • Transparency of pricing - Law – Anne Hurley, Special companies, self-managed Attorney General, Hon Cheryl • Convey their passion for the • Be prepared to be asked we will set the standards Counsel super fund issues, assets Edwardes AM, also HHG Giving law. why you are looking at a and expectations from the in Australia and overseas Back’s newly appointed Chair. • Look for solutions not just particular practice area. outset and are committed What significant work as well as beneficiaries’ problems. • Establish your passion to giving full transparency has your firm recently resident in and out of CLERKSHIP • Commercial thinking – good for the law, and rationale when it comes to the scope undertaken? Australia. INFORMATION social media profile and for why you are today of work involved and any Corporate & Commercial Law exposure. seeking a career in the legal unexpected variations. • Successfully represented Family & De Facto Law During which periods do you • Show initiative. profession. We care - Ultimately, we financial planners pursuing • Successfully represented offer clerkships? want to deliver the best damages for a seller’s a family law client in Typically, HHG takes on clerks How many graduate positions How can students best service and outcome misleading conduct and obtaining an order so anytime from October through are available in 2021? prepare for an interview with possible at what can be a breach of obligations in a that she retained the to January however we also We do not have a fixed number your firm? very disconcerting time for business sale. family home and half the recruit graduates throughout of Law Graduates places We look for people who are: clients. We value our client • Assisted many in-house and husband’s superannuation the year, as required. What each year, it will depend on • Personable – we have a relationships and want to private lawyers on novel portfolio. sets us apart is we can offer the growth of the practice collegiate and team culture build on them, for the long and complex applications • Provided difficult and unrivalled exposure to matters areas and the capacity of the across all practice areas. term. of Personal Property complex advice to a across all disciplines and client supervising lawyers. This year • Demonstrate good initiative Securities Act provisions. 10-year-old child in types, whether commercial, we proudly took on 4 graduates for getting relevant What are some notable • Acted for an Indigenous protection matters where government or private client, who were placed in our Perth, experience, even if not in awards your firm has recently Corporation’s subsidiary in both parents have complex however we do not adhere to Joondalup, Albany and Bunbury the legal space. received? partnership matters with social needs. the strict annual recruitment offices. • Have good life references. Over the last five years alone, Federal statutory body • Obtained a recovery order dates recommended by the Law • Are amenable to working HHG Legal Group has been relating to a solar power for the return of a child Schools, due to the dynamic Does your firm offer any across WA, Great Southern recognised numerous times facility. where the Father had ‘taken nature of our firm. international opportunities and Peel regions. for its legal excellence and off’ with him, placing the for graduates or junior • Possess emotional commitment to client service. Property & Planning child in danger. How many clerkship positions lawyers? intelligence. Both the firm, as well as many • Advising local governments are available for 2021? HHG Legal Group provides • Shows commercial nous of our capable and highly in managing public liability What kind of pro bono work Four, one per practice group. legal services across our five (across all practices). regarded practitioners, have risks in relation to approval does the firm engage in? • Family & De Facto Law offices in the Perth CBD, been bestowed or been finalists and management of unique Over the last twenty years • Wills, Estates & Succession Mandurah, Albany, Bunbury CASUAL/ PART for a number of legal and community and sporting there have been significant Planning and Joondalup. Although we TIME EMPLOYMENT philanthropic awards such a: events on public land. and unprecedented cuts to • Corporate & Commercial cannot offer graduates any • Doyle’s Guides • Acted for client in a family Legal Aid funding, placing (including Employment international opportunities, Does your firm offer • Lawyers Weekly Law dispute over land with a vulnerable individuals further Law) and Property Law what we can offer is a lifestyle any casual or part-time Awards value circa $12 million. at risk. To lessen this gap, • Dispute Resolution and choice. employment? • International Advisory • Acted for a local HHG Giving Back provides free Litigation At HHG Legal Group, we are Experts Awards government in the grant of legal assistance clinics and We can offer the corporate always on the lookout for • The Law Society of Western a 50-year lease over a site not-for-profit sponsorships, “Terrace” culture at our state- enthusiastic law students and Australia – Lawyer of the with contamination. ensuring that help is accessible of-the-art inner CBD office graduates who want to gain Year Award to those in need. In addition What tasks do clerks usually or for those living in Perth’s real life experience within • The Department of the to this, HHG Legal Group is a undertake? northern corridor, an office the firm. Several our Law Attorney General (WA) – Building & Construction Law very active contributor to Law Legal research; and Drafting close to home with minimal Graduates commenced their Community Service Award • Acting for contractors Access, which assists hundreds legal articles and media briefs commute time, in Joondalup. HHG life as casual interns, • Best Lawyers in Australia owed money and defending of Western Australians per year We can also offer a regional gaining a real feel for our defect claims in various who cannot personally fund, How can a clerk stand out or and semi-regional lifestyle processes and culture prior to In just the last year, the arbitration matters. or access government funded make a good impression? in either the Great Southern, being offered a formal graduate HHG Legal Group team has • Representing a global legal services. In addition to • Solid academic record South-West or Peel regions, position.
101 102 1800 609 945
How can students find internship, graduate casual/ part-time opportunities and apply? ® At HHG, our graduate and TRUSTED SINCE 1919 internship recruitment process: 1. Application – applicants can apply through our career microsite at https:// Join a highly awarded, full service law firm | [email protected] hhg-legal.breezy.hr/ - we suggest they visit our website to find out about that has been proudly assisting WA families, our values and practice areas at https://www.hhg. businesses, local governments and individuals com.au. 2. 1st Interview (Longlist of candidates) – a video for more than 100 years. interview initially across Microsoft Teams or Zoom to discuss reasons they are Our reputation will only ever be as good as the people behind us. That is why looking to get into law and establish any preferences HHG Legal Group are looking for well-rounded candidates who are both for direction and practice passionate about the law and personable. We also look for individuals who have area. 3. 2nd Interview (Shortlist of demonstrated initiative in their life experiences, are commercially minded and candidates, typically 12) – face to face interviews with show a strong commitment to supporting the community. prospective shortlist of candidates over a couple of A graduate or intern position with HHG Legal Group can provide you with exposure days 4. Team building and game to both private client and commercial legal work, across all our service areas. play – we look at all twelve candidates’ verbal reasoning, problem solving, team play, communication, BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT PRIVATE CLIENTS leadership and emotional intelligence to go towards » Corporate & Commercial Law » Family & De Facto Law the final hiring decision. This is an extremely » Property & Leasing » Wills, Estates & Succession Planning effective way to ensure » Building & Construction » Estate Administration & Probate graduates possess all the characteristics we look for » Employment Law » Director & Executive Services in an HHG team members and provide a way for them » Competition & Consumer Law » Taxation & Superannuation to stand out from their » Mergers, Sales & Acquisitions » Private Wealth Services fellow candidates. » Local Government Law » Criminal & Traffic Law
» Dispute Resolution » Dispute Resolution
hhg.com.au PERTH | MANDURAH | JOONDALUP | BUNBURY | ALBANY 103 104 To apply and find out more more out find and apply To / To apply and find out more more out find and apply To / hopgoodganim.com.au/careers hopgoodganim.com.au/careers
HopgoodGanim Discover extraordinary opportunities
Allendale Square - Level 27 Maddie Johnston | careers@ 77 St Georges Terrace hopgoodganim.com.au | 08 9211 8111 We are HopgoodGanim. A leading legal and advisory firm that helps achieve Perth WA 6000 exceptional outcomes.
Two Offices, Perth and Brisbane Commercial Property, Corporate and M&A, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Planning and A place where people love to come to work. We offer our people the opportunity to Environment, Resources and Energy experience challenging work for high quality clients while enjoying the benefits of a unique culture where we are uncompromising in the protection of our values.
ABOUT THE FIRM How does your firm Insolvency & Restructuring distinguish itself from other Firm, WA (2018-2019) What are your firm’s core law firms? Chambers Asia- Pacific / values? More than 40 years ago, Chambers Global: Be exceptional HopgoodGanim was founded • Capital Markets: Equity Uncompromising on quality by two great friends with a (Recognised) – 2017-2021 and striving for excellence. focus on commercial litigation (Global) and family law. Today, • Native Title: Proponents In it together HopgoodGanim is a leading (Band 2) – 2017-2021 (Asia Deeply collaborative, both independent legal and advisory Pacific) internally and externally. national firm. We continue to • Energy and Natural house one of Australia’s largest Resources in Australia Keep it real and most well-regarded family (Band 5) – 2021 (Global) Authentic to the core. Genuine, and relationship law practices. open, and absolutely honest. You may have asked yourself What significant work what makes HopgoodGanim has your firm recently Spirited and caring different to any other firm? undertaken? Witty, irreverent, but with deep We believe it is the close • Advised Metals X Limited respect and care relationships we have with our on their recent sale of their clients and each other. We do copper portfolio for $60 Top of our game our very best work when we million (February 2021) and Forward, thinking, curious, know our clients personally earlier on their $32 million evolving, and we challenge the and we know their businesses farm-out and joint venture status quo. How would you inside and out. Inside our with IGO Limited for IGO describe your firm’s culture? firm, people genuinely like to earn a 70% interest in each other, refer to each their Paterson Exploration HopgoodGanim enjoys a other as friends and work project (August 2020) reputation as a place where collaboratively to achieve the • Advised PYX Resources people love to come to work. best outcomes possible for our on their listing on the We describe our culture as clients. NSX (January) 2021 and ‘The HG Way’ and central to their acquisition of Tisma this is a theme of ‘Business What are some notable Development (HK) Limited Mateship’. Business Mateship awards your firm has recently (February 2021) was a phrase we coined many received? • Advised Douugh Limited on years ago to capture the Doyles Guide: their $6m IPO and listing on culture of friendship created • HopgoodGanim – Leading the ASX (October 2020) by our founding partners and Corporate Law Firm, WA • Advised Red 5 Limited to describe how the people of (2018-2020) on their $125m share HopgoodGanim, our clients, • HopgoodGanim – Leading placement (April 2020) and other stakeholders come Energy & Resources Firm, together and interact. That WA (2017-2020) • HopgoodGanim – Leading To apply and find out more, visit is, we believe in treating each hopgoodganim.com.au/careers other, and our clients, as we Property & Real Estate would treat our friends. Firm, WA (2019 -2020) • HopgoodGanim – Leading Search HopgoodGanim Lawyers on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook 105 106 What kind of pro bono work Commercial acumen. INTERVIEWS does the firm engage in? While good results at university We have an active pro bono are highly regarded, the ability What does your firm like to program and are signatory to understand commercial see in a clerkship or graduate to the Australian Pro Bono problems is equally as job interview? HWL Ebsworth Centre’s aspirational pro bono important in the people who Those with unorthodox target. join our team. Commerciality experiences and backgrounds. Level 20, 240 St Georges Terrace Kiren Singh | [email protected] is something that we train for, We want to hear about how you CLERKSHIP but we also look for graduate managed to juggle full-time Perth WA 6000 INFORMATION lawyers who are passionate University commitments with a about learning about an full-time/part-time job. industry or market sector. How many clerkship positions 9 offices - Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Agribusiness, Banking & Finance, Corporate, are available for 2021? How can students best Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Construction & Infrastructure, Dispute Deliver a real service. Norwest and Sydney. 10-12 prepare for an interview with Resolution, Insurance, Projects, Workplace Hand in hand with our https://hwlebsworth.com.au/ your firm? Relations What tasks do clerks usually relationship culture is the Ensure they undertake their undertake? importance of delivering an research on the role and firm, Real legal work including exceptional client experience speak to, and seek advice from research tasks, client meetings, consistently. Every single others in the legal profession, court and mediation member of the HopgoodGanim and prepare tailored questions ABOUT THE FIRM profile and from an external Our culture is one that allows attendance, drafting of legal team has a role to play in for the interviewer. perspective, the firm has a our employees to reach their what our clients experience advice and correspondence, What are your firm’s core relationship based model – we full potential and our policies when they work with us and contributions to articles, and values? see value in getting to know the and processes are designed to our graduate lawyers are no CASUAL/ PART alerts. We have 6 core values that client and being seen as their enable this. We foster a culture exception to this. TIME EMPLOYMENT underpin everything we do day- trusted advisor and someone where everyone is treated with How can a clerk stand out or to-day. They are: they want to work with. respect and we encourage Change is coming. Does your firm offer make a good impression? all of our employees to build The future of the legal any casual or part-time Seek feedback, take on the Honesty: We foster an open, Maintaining high professional strong internal relationships. profession is exciting. Our employment? extra opportunities across the transparent and robust standards: It is of the utmost Alignment to our values is of graduate lawyers will shape the Yes firm, work hard, have a environment where we importance for our employees high importance to us and this future of this firm, the services to behave ethically in all allows us to uphold a culture genuine passion for law, and How can students find these encourage feedback across all we deliver, how we deliver situations and ensure that all that is inclusive, diverse and enjoyment for working at HG. opportunities and apply? levels of the firm. We provide them, and how we work, so work is of a high standard. It welcoming. These opportunities are transparency with all of our we’re looking for people who is vital to be open-minded and What are some things typically reserved and offered programs and policies to are excited by the changes. treat others with respect. How does your firm students should avoid to students who have clerked ensure they are accessible to distinguish itself from other doing in their clerkship with us previously. everyone from day one. applications? How can students apply for High performance culture: We law firms? a graduate position at your Spelling and grammatical Effectiveness in life: We don’t want people to have long and We’re not your typical law firm? errors, incorrect or non-factual subscribe to the idea of “face successful careers here so in firm! HWL Ebsworth’s point of Apply online via our website: information, and addressing time” and rather encourage our order to enable that we have difference is the inherent trust https://www.hopgoodganim. their application to the wrong employees to be productive set up programs and support to we develop with clients - which com.au/page/careers/ representative or firm. and efficient in the time that help you to achieve your career is built upon our understanding graduates-and-clerks How they are at work so they can be goals. We strive to create an of their unique business needs many graduate positions are Do you offer clerkships effective and present in their environment where you are and a relationship driven available in 2021? 2-3 to non-penultimate year personal lives as well. challenged and provided with approach. This, coupled with students? the training to be the best highly competitive pricing Does your firm offer any Yes Courage: We empower people version of yourself and to makes us one of Australia’s pre- international opportunities to act with courage by feeling progress to where you want to eminent commercial firms. for graduates or junior empowered to accept and be. GRADUATE JOB lawyers? provide feedback and stepping From an internal perspective, INFORMATION Yes, both secondments and outside their comfort zones How would you describe your we pride ourselves on our merit exchange programs are offered and take on a challenge. firm’s culture? based and transparent career What does your firm look for at HG. As a leading Australian development framework. We in a graduate? law firm, we recognise our promote and reward talent Relationships are crucial. Relationships: We believe that it is just as important responsibilities to our clients, based solely on merit, which We’re looking for graduate staff, suppliers and the wider allows all team members to lawyers who will thrive in our to develop relationships externally as well as internally, communities in which we live reach their potential. Our relationship culture. Your and operate. HWL Ebsworth structure and focus on cross training will see you in front of within your own team & the wider office. Our partnership also recognises the importance collaboration also allows our clients most days of the week. of an organisation’s culture lawyers, particularly at the Being able to connect and form model encourages cross referral of work so it is and its powerful influence junior level, to work across a a positive and professional on performance and service number of different Partners relationship with colleagues important to develop internal networks and build your own delivery. within their practice group and clients is important. and across other teams. This
107 108 allows people to receive the Our firm has ongoing pro bono We provide our Clerks with How many graduate positions most well rounded training and relationships with a number as many opportunities to are available in 2022? development from the start. of prominent charitable experience ‘firm life’ and Up to 12 positions. institutions and special welcome them to attend social What significant work interest groups including: functions and events to get Does your firm offer any has your firm recently • The Australian Red Cross to know our employees on a international opportunities undertaken? Group; personal level. for graduates or junior Please see below examples of • The Australian Wildlife How can a clerk stand out or lawyers? recent significant work the firm Conservancy make a good impression? HWL Ebsworth is an Australian has undertaken: • Disaster Relief Australia; We look for clerks that are based firm. • HWL Ebsworth’s Sydney • The Cancer Council; open minded, ask questions corporate team advised • Guide Dogs NSW/ACT; and fit in with the firm’s culture Australian neobank 86 • The Lort Smith Animal by being a team player and INTERVIEWS 400 Holdings Ltd (86 400) Hospital; getting to know the staff within on its recent entry into a • Family Planning NSW; the office personally. Clerks What does your firm like to scheme implementation • The Breast Cancer Network who take initiative do very well see in a clerkship or graduate agreement with National Australia; and at our firm. job interview? Australia Bank (NAB), • The Women’s Planning Someone who has a genuine under which NAB will Network. Do you offer clerkships interest in our firm and the acquire the remaining to non-penultimate year type of work we undertake. Tell shares in 86 400 for Additionally, a number of our students? us why you would like to be a approximately $220 partners and senior lawyers are Yes, this is something we can part of our firm and why you million. also on the board/committees consider for candidates with have chosen HWL Ebsworth • HWL Ebsworth advises of not-for profit/charitable strong potential. to be the place you start your Chifeng Jilong Gold on entities, providing those career. We also would like to USD105 million acquisition practitioners with valuable GRADUATE JOB get to know you as a person - of Bibiani Gold Mine from insight into the needs and INFORMATION we’ve seen your CV and read Resolute requirements of such entities. your cover letter, let us get to know you! • HWL Ebsworth’s property What does your firm look for team recently advised CLERKSHIP in a graduate? Centuria on its $98 million How can students best INFORMATION We look for someone who prepare for an interview with industrial property is intelligent, commercially acquisition. The transaction your firm? During which periods do you minded and ambitious. Be prepared, do your research was part of a 3 property offer clerkships? Our ultimate goal is to acquisition of cold storage and understand why it is you We offer a Summer and hire graduates and watch want to work with us. Giving us facilities in Melbourne and Winter clerkship program. Our them grow and develop into Brisbane. an insight into your personality Summer clerkship runs through Partners of the firm. As such, is something we hold in high over November/December maintaining our culture is very regard, so be as open as What kind of pro bono work and is for a period of 4 weeks. important to us, so we look for does the firm engage in? possible to allow us to get to Winter clerks join us in June/ graduates whose values align know you better. HWL Ebsworth’s Corporate July each year for 3 weeks. with ours. Social Responsibility Program CASUAL/ PART (CSRP) reflects our firm’s How many clerkship positions How can students apply for recognition of our ethical are available? a graduate position at your TIME EMPLOYMENT responsibilities to the broader Up to 16 clerkship positions firm? Does your firm offer community and embodies our available for Summer 2021 and We aim to recruit for our Law any casual or part-time commitment to promoting Winter 2022. Graduate program through the employment? social good beyond the Clerkship Program. However, Yes, from time to time. In firm’s immediate commercial What tasks do clerks usually from time to time we have the past, we have offered our interests. Our CSRP reflects undertake? expanded our Law Graduate previous Clerks the opportunity three core principles - pro Clerks at HWL Ebsworth will program and recruited to rejoin the firm in a casual bono legal work, corporate receive a comprehensive candidates who have not capacity. sponsorship, and workplace introduction to the firm from clerked with us. To stay on culture. their first day through a top of these opportunities, How can students find these tailored induction program. we encourage candidates to opportunities and apply? Over the past 12 months, our Our Clerks will be given the keep an eye on our website for Keep an eye on our website firm has contributed more than opportunity to have real further information. for key dates and further 16,000 hours, a 58% increase hands-on experiences such We also encourage recent Law information about the from the previous year, in free as attending court and client graduates to get in touch with application process. legal services to not-for-profit meetings, legal research and our Human Resources team organisations and Community working on current matters for a more in depth discussion Legal Centres throughout under the direct supervision of about potential opportunities. Australia. other lawyers and Partners.
109 110 THE TRADITIONAL LAW FIRM MODEL IS TIRED Jackson McDonald THIS IS ITS WAKE UP CALL Level 17 Melissa Young | [email protected] | 225 St Georges Terrace (08) 9426 6611 WE’RE NOT YOUR TYPICAL LAW FIRM Perth WA 6000 As Australia’s largest and fastest growing legal partnership, we are proud to offer our staff unrivalled career development opportunities and provide them with a chance to work with Australia’s most highly regarded commercial organisations, as well as Commonwealth Government and State Government Perth office only Dispute Resolution and Litigation; Projects, Departments and Agencies. https://www.jacmac.com.au Infrastructure and Construction; Insurance Our differentiators include the following factors: & Risk; Property; Planning & Environment; Corporate Commercial; Workplace, Safety & Risk • A lower ratio of solicitors to partners than any other major Australian law firm ensures that our team members interact with clients much earlier in their legal careers. Our solicitors also benefit from having greater access to partners, which accelerates their professional development. ; Energy & Regulation • Our transparent career development framework ensures that all team members are aware of the firm’s expectations at each level, and what is required to advance to the next career stage. How does your firm The Pilbara reforms will • We pride ourselves on promoting and rewarding talent based solely on merit, which allows all team members to reach their potential. ABOUT THE FIRM distinguish itself from other have a significant impact • We are committed to providing an environment that supports and encourages all team members to progress. Our focus is on removing any barriers What are your firm’s culture? law firms? on the WA economy over that may restrict any of our team members from developing their careers with us. Our clients are as diverse as we are, and our lawyers’ varied Jackson McDonald is one of coming years, enabling the backgrounds and skill sets support us in providing our clients with innovative and tailored legal solutions. • Honesty & Ethics: Acting with personal and Western Australia’s largest development of more, and professional integrity. independent full-service law more efficient, mining and JOIN OUR NATIONAL TEAM OUR CLERKSHIP AND GRADUATE • Contribution to the firm. For nearly a century, resources projects. community: Contributing we have played an integral • Jackson McDonald was the PROGRAMS to the legal profession, role in shaping the State by legal adviser to Foundation HWL Ebsworth has over 1,400 staff with more than 259 Partners across our HWL Ebsworth offers a unique Graduate program whereby we recruit for charities and community. providing our clients with clear, Housing, Western 9 offices, operating in the following areas of law: our Law Graduate program through the Clerkship program. • Mutual Respect & concise legal advice that is Australia’s largest not-for- tailored to their commercial profit community housing Within the Clerkship program you will gain a genuine insight into our Teamwork: Showing trust • Banking and Finance and operational needs. Being providers (CHP’s), on its • Commercial Practice Groups and culture. The program is tailored to present you and consideration for our with hands-on experiences and training to develop your legal skills and proudly Western Australian is successful implementation • Construction and Infrastructure colleagues, and achieving knowledge whilst providing feedback, support and the chance to network at the heart of how we operate. of a $35 million-dollar loan • Health results through effective with a range of practitioners throughout the firm. You will be exposed to teamwork. from the National Housing • Insolvency and Securities Enforcement a broad range of work within your designated Practice Groups and the • Client Focus: Building What defines every JacMac Finance and Investment • Insurance program has been designed to enable us to get to know you on both a professional is the courage to Corporation (NHFIC). This is personal and professional level. strong relationships • Litigation with our clients and be bold. To identify the most the largest NHFIC loan to a • Planning, Environment and Government Following the successful completion of our Clerkship program, Clerks may understanding their salient issues and proceed with WA based CHP. • Property be offered a Law Graduate position for the Law Graduate program. The industries to achieve the confidence. To be honest and • Jackson McDonald has • Transport Law Graduate program provides you with the opportunity to gain solid in- best outcomes for them. speak up for what we believe acted as lead legal adviser depth experience while rotating through different Practice Groups to assist • Workplace Relations and Safety in. To take a stance and see it to Jupiter Mines Limited you in determining your direction post admission. The firm will also look • Complete Professionalism: Maintaining and applying through. To leave things better on its successful ASX to support our Law Graduates with their PLT and admission to practice than we found them. listing and A$240 million requirements. the highest standards of skill and knowledge. “sell-down” Initial Public What are some notable Offering. The listing of INTERESTED? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW How would you describe your awards your firm has recently Jupiter represents one of Applications open: received? the largest resources IPOs Monday, 28 June 2021 firm’s culture? We are excited to recruit for our Clerkship and Law Graduate programs in our Perth office and At Jackson McDonald, you’ll Jackson McDonald is regularly on ASX for several years. applications are open to final and penultimate year students. find a supportive culture where recognised in leading legal Applications close: directories such as Chambers What kind of pro bono work To apply, you will be required to complete the online application form via our website Sunday, 1 August 2021 we work together to further our goals. Collaboration is & Partners, Legal 500, Best does the firm engage in? and provide a copy of your academic transcript along with any additional supporting Lawyers Australia and Doyle’s We advise various local documentation that you would like us to consider. After submitting an online application, encouraged at every level - Assessment & Information Centre &/or Individual partners, lawyers and support Guide. and international charities. shortlisted applicants will progress through a two stage recruitment process including Panel Interviews: From Monday, 23 August 2021 We provide charities with attendance at an Information & Assessment Centre and an individual panel interview. staff all work together to achieve common objectives. What significant work professional pro bono advice To apply, visit our Graduate Centre on our website - www.hwlebsworth.com.au Offers to be released: Our staff live by our brand has your firm recently and representation in all areas Friday, 17 September 2021 promise of experience, undertaken? of legal need. In addition to confidence and clarity. Our • Jackson McDonald had legal advice, our lawyers have people champion the highest close involvement assisting presented training programs the Government in the for non-profit boards and QUESTIONS Kiren Singh Samantha Truong levels of professionalism and Human Resources Advisor Human Resources Assistant give back to the community Pilbara reforms, working management in areas such as with the resource sector risk management, insurance Please contact a member of our Human Resources team if you P +61 8 6559 6517 P +61 8 6559 6576 wherever they can. require further information. E [email protected] E [email protected] and other stakeholders. and governance.
Adelaide | Brisbane | Canberra | Darwin | Hobart | Melbourne | Norwest | Perth | Sydney 112 hwlebsworth.com.au GRADUATE JOB but also an opportunity for the candidate to interview INFORMATION us and determine if they can see themselves at Jackson What does your firm look for McDonald. For this reason, in a graduate? we like to meet candidates We look for enthusiastic self- who have thought about what starters, who can demonstrate working at Jackson McDonald the core competencies required might be like, are confident for success – strong verbal in asking questions, and can and written communication articulate their expectations of skills; the ability to work an employer. autonomously and in a team environment; and a developing How can students be best ability to identify key facts and prepared for an interview the relevant law. with your firm? Our website is a great place to How can students apply for start! Find out about our firm’s a graduate position at your values, brand promise, areas of firm? expertise and our team. At the outset of each year, we recruit a cohort of graduates to join the firm. All vacancies CASUAL/ PART at the firm, including the TIME EMPLOYMENT Your career. graduate program, are advertised on SEEK, LinkedIn Does your firm offer casual or and our website. Simply apply part-time employment? Your choice. by submitting the requested We are looking for graduates information outlined in the to join us on a full-time basis, advertisement. A member of however, are open to part-time ACCELERATE YOUR A BIT ABOUT YOU our People Operations team arrangements. CAREER If you are enthusiastic, driven to succeed and want to will contact any shortlisted Our flexible team structure means you continually develop your skills, you’ll fit right in. We’re applicants. How can students find these opportunities and apply? will not be held back. Our lawyers take looking for graduates who have not only excelled How many graduate positions All vacancies at the firm are on the work that reflects their ability, not academically, but have great communications skills, thrive are available in 2021? advertised on SEEK, LinkedIn their job title. You’ll also benefit from your in a collaborative environment and want to deliver legal We are anticipating that we will and our website. Instructions own structured and bespoke professional advice that will propel clients forward. offer at least three graduate to apply are detailed within all advertisements. development program. There are no positions in 2021. barriers to your success with us. HOW DO I APPLY? Does your firm offer any international opportunities Just submit your CV, covering letter and current official for graduates or junior GO YOUR OWN WAY academic transcript via cvMail. You can address this to lawyers? Our business model is different to other Renee Patu, our Professional Development Advisor. We are a WA based firm, and as firms. We want our lawyers to focus on such there are no international opportunities. the quality of their legal work and client experience. That means you won’t be LET’S CHAT INTERVIEWS under pressure to meet billing targets. You Renee Patu, Professional Development Advisor on email will compete with your adversaries, not [email protected] or phone 02 8247 9653. What does your firm like your peers. to see in a graduate job To learn more about our programs, visit our website: Interview? www.jws.com.au/careers We want to meet candidates who are well prepared, clear in IT’S A VIBE THING their communication and show What truly sets us apart is our people. We a genuine enthusiasm about pride ourselves on being down to earth, the opportunity to join Jackson approachable, but always high performing. McDonald. We want to hear about your academic, personal Our ethos is: “we’re in it together” and it’s and professional achievements. what we live by. We appreciate that an interview isn’t just a chance for us to interview a candidate,
113 114 agreement to acquire Senex Legal Centre, Youth Law Mentoring Partner and Johnson Winter & Slattery Energy’s Cooper Basin Australia, Law Access and PIAC. Buddy Graduate/Associate portfolio of assets for $87.5 We participate in a regular who will kick-start your million clinic advising self-represented learning experience. • AMP in high profile general persons involved in litigation • Involvement in complex and protections proceedings in the Supreme and County challenging matters and see Level 4 Romaine Ponniah | romaine.ponniah@ before the Federal Court Courts in Victoria, and accept how they evolve. 167 St Georges Terrace jws.com.au | (02) 8247 9653 brought by a former legal briefs from Legal Aid • You may learn something employee and in-house NSW. unexpected and unusual Perth WA 6000 legal counsel, Larissa Baker through detailed research Cook, whose employment We also work closely with in those matters and writing 5 Offices Transactional & Advisory and Dispute Resolution with AMP was terminated Justice Connect and Law Access articles. https://jws.com.au/en for serious misconduct. The to obtain referrals to assist • Honing in your skills by claim involves allegations of numerous other charitable reviewing, proof-reading whistleblower complaints organisations with matters and drafting contracts and regarding the fee for no such as constitution reviews, memorandums. services issues arising mergers, lease disputes, • Supporting on the from the Royal Banking obtaining Deductible Gift ground by attending and Commission Recipient status, employment understanding the courts. firms. We now have more than We have yet again been named ABOUT THE FIRM • Aurora Travel in relation advice, privacy advice, • First-hand exposure to 70 partners, and offices in a finalist for ‘Best Law & to threatened class action defamation and contract the inner workings of a Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Related Services Firm ($50 What are your firm’s core and series of related claims disputes. matter by attending and Sydney and Perth. We also -$200m revenue)’ and ‘Best values? relating to the “Greg sitting in on client calls and work with leading law firms Client Experience (CX) Firm: Looking after people is our top Mortima” cruise ship which We are signed up to the meetings. around the world. Law & Related Services’ in priority: our lawyers, business was affected by COVID-19 National Pro Bono Target Beaton’s 2021 Client Choice services professionals and our cases and became stranded with the Australian Pro What are some things How does your firm Awards. These awards are clients. Our ethos is: “we’re in it off the coast of Uruguay Bono Centre as a part of our students should avoid distinguish itself from other based solely on what our together” – it’s the cornerstone • Plaintiffs in a class action ongoing commitment to the doing in their clerkship law firms? clients say about us. Because of our business and it guides against Swann Insurance community. applications? When people come first, of this, being recognised in our approach to everything we and IAG, securing a Be prepared and submit numbers take the backseat. these awards is all the more do. settlement of $138 million your application before the important to us because it CLERKSHIP (the second highest deadline. Our clerkship Johnson Winter & Slattery was directly reflects the quality INFORMATION How would you describe your settlement in 2020). program is very competitive. started by three lawyers who of work and service that we firm’s culture? Make sure you also give your wanted to do things differently deliver to our clients. During which periods do you When you ask our lawyers What kind of pro bono work application one last “fresh-eye” – focusing on delivering the offer clerkships? “why JWS?” the most common does the firm engage in? review before submitting to best legal work and client What significant work We offer three intakes over response is: “because of the We never lose sight of the avoid any last minute errors. service, not internal targets has your firm recently summer and winter: people.” We pride ourselves responsibility of the legal and red tape. We have no undertaken? • Monday, 22 November 2021 on being down to earth, profession in the broader Do you offer clerkships targets for billable hours and Just a few examples of our to Friday, 17 December 2021 approachable, but always community. to non-penultimate year less internal hierarchies, so you recent work highlights include • Monday, 17 January 2022 to high performing. We put our students? will be free to focus on getting acting for: Friday, 11 February 2022 lawyers at the forefront of the Our focus is on helping low Placements are offered to the best outcomes for your • ASIC in relation to • Monday, 27 June 2022 to corporate world and offer all income, disadvantaged or penultimate and final year law clients. investigations and litigation Friday, 22 July 2022 the benefits that come with marginalised members of the students. arising out of the Banking working for a leading law firm, Australian community and the Our team structure means Royal Commission How many clerkship positions but aim to be, quite simply, a organisations which support you won’t be tied down early • Virgin Group on its are available for 2021? GRADUATE JOB great place to work. You will them. We work with many in your career. You will have participation in the sale We usually take between INFORMATION work closely with our partners established and emerging the opportunity to work with process for Virgin Australia 6-8 clerks in Perth over the and senior lawyers, and their charitable organisations taking partners nationally, across a Holdings, including its summer and winter intakes. What does your firm look for doors will always be open to over their legal issues so they broad range of practice areas ultimate co-investment in a graduate? you. We value ‘humanity’ and are free to focus on helping and sectors, giving you the with Bain Capital What tasks do clerks usually If you are enthusiastic, driven ‘collaboration’ over everything the people and causes they best opportunity to diversify • the representative undertake? to succeed and want to else. We care about the support. Just a few of our pro your skills and shape your complainant in the first ever The day in the life of a clerk continually develop your skills, wellbeing of our people and bono clients include Desert own career path. It also means Australian Privacy group is learning in the flow of your you’ll fit right in. We’re looking invest time in understanding PeaMedia, KYUP!, The Social you will not be held back. Our action (270,000 Facebook work – you add value to our for graduates who have not their objectives to support Outfit, Be Centre, Council for lawyers take on the work that users are represented) matters from day one: only excelled academically, their development, throughout Homeless Persons, Noah’s reflects their ability, not their against Facebook over its • There’s no limit to your but have great communication their careers. Ark, St Vincent de Paul Society job title. There are no barriers data breaches involving exposure. You have the skills, thrive in a collaborative Sydney, Legal Aid NSW and to your success with us. Cambridge Analytica freedom to work closely environment and want to We believe it’s this focus on Mary’s House. with any partner and lawyer deliver legal advice to create people that has seen our firm • Lineage Logistics on its What are some notable A$1.3bn acquisition of across all of our practice the best outcomes for our grow rapidly to become one of We have ongoing secondment awards your firm has recently Emergent Cold areas. clients. Australia’s leading independent arrangements with Marrickville received? • Beach Energy on its • Be supported by a
115 116 How can students apply for you the opportunity to gain a graduate position at your practical experience during firm? your final year of university. The best way to get into our graduate program is to join us How can students find these as a clerk. opportunities and apply? Once you have signed up to Apply to our clerkship program our graduate program, just let by submitting your CV, covering us know if you are interested letter and current official in a part-time or casual role. academic transcript via cvMail, We’ll also reach out to you if addressed to Renee Patu, our we feel there is a particular Professional Development opportunity that we think Advisor. would support your career goals. Working at Jones Day… INTERVIEWS One Firm Worldwide®
What does your firm like to see Jones Day is a global law firm with more than 2,500 lawyers in in a clerkship or graduate job 42 offices across five continents. The Firm is distinguished by: interview? a singular tradition of client service; the mutual commitment to, Candidates who are well and the seamless collaboration of, a true partnership; formida- prepared, have great ble legal talent across multiple disciplines and jurisdictions; and communication skills and show shared professional values that focus on client needs. a little bit of their personality. Interviews are a two-way The Firm’s 125 years of sustained growth—in experience, repu- street, so it’s important that tation and successful client interaction—have been built by its you ask questions too, so you dedication to a ‘One Firm Worldwide’ philosophy, which fosters can choose the right firm for the creation of interoffice and cross-practice teams, assem- you. bled to ensure that clients receive the best possible guidance and representation, without regard to barriers conventionally How can students best imposed by geography, borders, time zones or language. prepare for an interview with your firm? Australia Graduate and Clerkship Program We are looking for candidates that have not only excelled Jones Day’s presence in Australia has grown significantly. The We run clerkship programs at Jones Day across our offices in academically, but who will fit Firm has added new offices in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane Australia that offer selected positions to talented students who with our people and culture. over the last five years in addition to our office in Sydney, are in their penultimate year of university. We give our clerks Make sure you tell us why you reflecting our commitment to expanding our service to the real work for real clients, to provide them an opportunity to learn want to work for us and why Australian market. what the practice of law at a large firm is all about. Providing challenging assignments also allows us to assess clerks’ poten- you are a great fit. We want Our lawyers work in a dynamic and stimulating multidisciplinary tial to deliver first-rate legal services and to flourish in Jones to know about your previous environment by collaborating with colleagues from different Day’s culture. We aim for clerks to become future graduates of work experience, university practices and different offices worldwide. studies, other achievements the Firm. and any other experiences you We continue to attract many of the legal industry’s most highly want to share with us – so come regarded and sought-after lawyers while maintaining our focus Applications prepared. on promoting internal talent through the ranks. We run a Summer Clerkship program in Sydney and appli- Of course, we’ll also have a few The New Lawyers Group cations and recruitment dates follow the NSW Law Society behavioral questions. It might Guidelines. help to do a little research on Jones Day recognizes that many law students leave law common interview questions school not knowing which practice they want to enter. We Opening date: 8 June 2021 and have a think about your also believe that a more well-rounded lawyer is a better Closing date: 11.59 pm on 4 July 2021 responses before we meet. lawyer and that a wide range of experience is valuable to a new lawyer. Accordingly, many years ago Jones Day created the Applications must be made online. CASUAL/ PART New Lawyers Group, which allows new associates to gain expo- TIME EMPLOYMENT sure to different practice areas and lawyering styles at the Firm Please visit us at www.jonesdaycareers.com/australia and before making a commitment to a specific- practice. follow the links to the relevant page.
Does your firm offer We provide extensive training through the New Lawyers pro- For further information regarding our recruitment programs, any casual or part-time gram. Each year, we endeavor to bring together new associ- the application process or the interview process, please employment? ates from across the Firm at the “New Lawyers Academy” in visit our website at www.jonesday.com. We offer part-time roles to our Washington for three days of hands-on training and meetings incoming graduates, giving with Firm leaders. In addition to helping them understand Jones Day’s culture, organization and operation, the Academy gives 117 our new lawyers118 the opportunity to meet their peers in the Firm’s other offices. paralegals while they are importantly, try and relax and completing their law degrees. enjoy the interview. We consider applications from paralegals at all stages of their How can students best Jones Day legal studies. Working as a prepare for an interview with paralegal gives students the your firm? Central Park - Level 51 [email protected] flexibility to work a few days Jones Day seeks employees 152 - 158 St Georges Terrace a week while simultaneously who see and seize completing their university opportunities. We look for well- Perth WA 6000 degrees. We believe that the rounded, motivated individuals longer timeframe and a more with the potential to develop 43 offices globally, 4 offices in Global Disputes, Labour & Employment, Energy permanent role lets students into exceptional lawyers and Australia - Sydney, Brisbane, Perth better experience the Firm, leaders in the profession, and and Melbourne learn more about us, and who will embrace the Firm’s https://www.jonesday.com/en/careers become more deeply involved principles and values. So do in the work we do. We recruit your research on Jones Day paralegals on a rolling basis so and be ready to talk about how to apply, send your cover letter, you’d be a good fit for the team. CV and academic transcript Our unique structure and employment and employee ABOUT THE FIRM to PerthRecruiting@jonesday. philosophy of “One Firm benefits, intellectual property, CASUAL/ PART com. TIME EMPLOYMENT What are your firm’s core Worldwide” fosters interoffice litigation, restructuring and cross-practice teams, and insolvency, energy and values? How many graduate positions assembled to ensure that resources, and competition law. Does your firm offer Jones Day’s key differentiator are available in 2021? clients receive the best any casual or part-time is that we are One Firm 2-3 employment? Worldwide. This means shared possible guidance and What kind of pro bono work representation, without regard does the firm engage in? Yes, we recruit on a rolling values, shared methodologies Does your firm offer any to barriers conventionally Through our “One Firm basis in Perth and advertise and a shared commitment international opportunities imposed by geography, borders, Worldwide” ethos, Jones Day’s opportunities through the to superior client service. for graduates or junior time zones or language. Our Australia offices participate leading universities. To apply, Teamwork, respect for and lawyers? global presence means we work in the Firm’s global pro send your cover letter, CV, from colleagues, and shared As members of our New on some of the largest and bono initiatives which often and academic transcript to credit are essential and form Lawyers Group, graduates most complex matters across a involve high profile issues of PerthRecruiting@jonesday. the Firm’s core values. Every receive practical and relevant wide variety of practice areas. international importance. We com. facet of the Firm is structured training from our Partners Firmly part of this integrated also participate in domestic to promote an environment and Associates. Each year, we network, our Perth office is initiatives to contribute to the that’s client-focused and team endeavour to bring together recognised for its leading local community. oriented. new associates from across disputes presence, and its the Firm at the “New Lawyers expanding front-end practice How would you describe your GRADUATE JOB Academy” in Washington for in the construction, energy and firm’s culture? INFORMATION three days of hands-on training infrastructure sectors. As a Jones Day graduate, and meetings with Firm you will have the chance to What does your firm look for leaders. work closely with the Perth What significant work in a graduate? Partners and Associates, has your firm recently We are looking for exceptional INTERVIEWS who are widely recognised as undertaken? and independent individuals some of the leading lawyers Our clients include Australian with strong analytical and and multi-national companies What does your firm like to in the country. The size and communication skills. see in a clerkship or graduate structure of the Perth office across a range of industry Apart from strong academic sectors including financial job interview? means you will quickly become achievements, it is important We’re looking for the real a key member of the team services, energy and resources, to demonstrate an ability to pharmaceuticals and you. We want to see that you while being exposed to a wide deal effectively with people in a have a passion for the law and variety of complex work, both biotechnology, technology professional environment. You and telecommunications, understand why you want to domestic and cross-border. You should be flexible and creative start your career with Jones will also be deeply involved health care, agriculture, in your approach to work, and retail and consumer goods, Day. So come prepared and with our other Australian and be able to work cooperatively ensure you have read your international offices. Jones manufacturing, and chemicals. and responsibly in a team Our lawyers in Australia application and are able to Day is a global law firm with setting. answer any questions on it. more than 2,500 lawyers in 42 represent these clients in a variety of practice areas However, to the best of your offices across five continents. How can students apply for ability try not to memorise including mergers and a graduate position at your acquisitions, private equity, “pre-rehearsed answers,” How does your firm firm? but listen to the interviewer distinguish itself from other capital markets and securities Graduates at Jones Day’s Perth law, company and commercial to ensure you’re answering law firms? office typically commence the question asked. Most advice and transactions, employment at Jones Day as
119 120 King & Wood Mallesons
Level 30, 250 St Georges Tce Brooke Wrobel | Brooke.Wrobel@ Perth WA 6000 au.kwm.com | (08) 9269 7000
28 international offices Banking & Finance, Dispute Resolution, Projects www.kwm.com & Real Estate and Mergers & Acquisitions
ABOUT THE FIRM How would you describe your “It is a given that you will work firm’s culture? on high-calibre and interesting What are your firm’s core King & Wood Mallesons is a matters at KWM. One of the values? firm with a community feel, main reasons I chose KWM was • Client centric - Putting our with room for everyone to make the culture. The people at KWM clients (inside and outside their mark. Our people are are hard-working, but down- DISCOVER the difference and we believe to-earth and generous with the firm) at the centre of everything we say and do. the power of together delivers their time. You will learn a lot Looking for a law fi rm that really is different? • Dynamic & entrepreneurial the best results for our people, through hands-on experiences - We are passionate about our clients, and the firm. We and will be asked to take challenging the market are committed to supporting responsibility for your work Where you can be empowered to DISCOVER quality to create a shared future, a culture that encourages and from the start.” – Emily Bell, work and clients, DEVELOP through opportunities to together. Bold in our embeds diversity and inclusion, Solicitor aspirations and confident in both within the firm and across our execution. the broader legal sector. How does your firm learn more while growing your career, and THRIVE in distinguish itself from other • One team, one firm - Our law firms? a diverse and inclusive culture? belief in the power of We are results-orientated As an elite international law together delivers the best and have a track record firm headquartered in Asia, results for our people, our of high achievement and we are reshaping the legal Then join our global community of talented visionaries. clients, and the firm. We performance in life, not just in market by challenging our operate as one family, one our professional and academic people and our clients to think firm working collaboratively careers. We also have a To learn more about how you can discover, develop, differently about what a law and supporting each other strong focus on recognising firm can be today, tomorrow across all cultures. and acknowledging our staff’s and thrive in a dynamic global law fi rm, visit and beyond. We thrive on • Excellence & innovation contributions, and at our exceeding the expectations klgates.com/careers. - We combine quality and core we are client-centric – of our clients, and as such the creativity, with the ability to partnering with each client world’s leading organisations get the right results through to help them to achieve their turn to us to unlock their innovative solutions. business goals. biggest opportunities and • Stewardship - We will deliver clever solutions to their THE K&L GATES EXPERIENCE. build a stronger firm for Many graduates state one of most vexing challenges. Where the future generations the main reasons they joined K&L Gates LLP. Global legal counsel across fi ve continents. others see limitations, we see by nurturing clients and the firm was the people. Here’s possibility. Learn more at klgates.com. our colleagues to excel at what our people have to say: everything they do. With a growth mindset and • International perspective “KWM staff are extremely innovation in our DNA, we - Connecting learning supportive and welcoming to partner with our clients and understanding to all clerks and graduates. The to bring to life pioneering open doors and unlock teams are made up of diverse solutions which will help them opportunities in our local and sociable people, who come adapt, reinvent and evolve. We and international markets. from a variety of different backgrounds. This diverse believe innovation comes from network fosters a true sense of giving our people room to grow, community within the firm.” – and as such actively encourage Laura Jackson, Solicitor input and ideas from all levels of the firm.
121 122 Our people are encouraged one day per week as a Law you have everything you GRADUATE JOB • Teamwork – we operate INTERVIEWS to shape their own career Graduate, and involvement need to succeed. INFORMATION as one family, one firm path, supported at every step with the National Children’s working together and What does your firm like to of the way with world-class and Youth Law Centre. How can a clerk stand out or What does your firm look for supporting each other see in a clerkship or graduate training, coaching, and hands- make a good impression? in a graduate? across cultures. We job interview? on experience. There is no ‘one CLERKSHIP • Get involved! – join in with • Results orientation – a track want people who build Ultimately, we are looking size fits all’ career model, and INFORMATION various social and team record of achievement and relationships and rapport for Though interviews can be we offer multiple opportunities based activities. performance in life, not just with others through nerve-wracking, try to relax as for our lawyers to gain During which period do you • Ask questions – we have an in your academic career. emotional intelligence and much as you can. Little things experience and thrive. offer clerkships? open and honest culture, Individuals who, through a collaborative working like turning up early and having Summer (3 weeks: November it’s fine to ask questions and commitment and resilience, style. a read over your cover letter Notable awards – December) and Winter (3 we actively encourage you have demonstrated their and CV can really help! • #1 ranked law firm in weeks: June – July) to do so. ability to identify and How can students apply for Australia and China - • Share your thoughts stretch goals. a graduate position at your Remember that the interview is Chambers and Partners How many clerkship positions and ideas – the ‘power • Intellectual curiosity - to us, firm? just an opportunity for the firm 2020; are available for 2021? of together’ is all about intelligence is not measured King & Wood Mallesons’ Perth to learn more about you and • Top 15 global elite brand - Dependant on business needs. sharing your thoughts and by your GPA. We want centre follows the first round for you to learn more about the 2020 Acritas Global Elite ideas to improve what we deep thinkers who seek out offers process. Former vacation firm. It also helps to do some Law Firm Brand Index; What tasks do clerks usually do, think differently and information and diverse clerks and law clerks will be research beforehand, as it will • 28 international offices; undertake? create value for clients and views to reach a practical eligible to apply for a Graduate help you frame why you want to • One of the largest Our clerkships give you a each other. and efficient solution to position via our careers be at KWM, which in turn will international legal networks clear picture of what it’s like • Build connections – have business problems. website: www.kwm.com/ help you formulate questions in the Asia region with 500+ to be a lawyer at King & Wood genuine and authentic • Client centricity – we careers. about the things we do that you partners and more than Mallesons (KWM). You’ll get conversations, be yourself! work in our clients’ worlds find most interesting. 2000 lawyers; to know our people, the way • Team player – help solve and partner with them How many graduate positions • Clients ranging from global we like to work, our culture, problems through team- to achieve their business are available in 2021? Also, don’t be afraid to let your financial and corporate practice areas, clients and work, collaboration and goals. We need people who Dependant on business needs. personality show – there is no powerhouses through more. engagement. can stand in the shoes of single “type” at KWM. to new industry-makers, • Legal Knowledge – aim to the client and experience it Does your firm offer any as well as all levels of During a clerkship at KWM, demonstrate a logical and from their perspective. international opportunities How can students best government you’ll learn: systematic approach to • Learning agility – the for graduates or junior prepare for a clerkship or • An unmatched ability to • The operational “nuts and understanding concepts international legal lawyers? graduate job interview with practise Chinese, Hong bolts” – our technology, and legal issues. landscape is changing We offer a domestic and your firm? Kong, Australian, English, real-world financial • Research – ensure you know every day. We need people international secondment • Research the firm and US and a significant range systems, research and the firm and show your who demonstrate personal program where we regularly interviewers (if known) of European laws under support resources, firm interest. flexibility and an openness transfer partners, lawyers and • Know your CV/application one integrated legal brand. policies, procedures and the to dealing with change. other staff between our offices. • Think about your We are connecting Asia to structure and approach of Do you offer clerkships • Broad perspective – we are A transfer can be for a short experiences the world, and the world to the firm itself. to non-penultimate year growing the international period of 3 to 6 months or for a • Prepare questions. Asia. • The day-to-day skills to students? law firm of the future. longer period of up to 3 years. get you started – taking No. However, we do have a We seek out people with Transfers between offices What kind of pro bono work instructions, meeting with program in the Perth centre diverse perspectives assist with the sharing of does the firm engage in? clients, drafting memos/ “KWM Insight” aimed at pre- who, through challenger knowledge and experience King & Wood Mallesons documents, managing your penultimate year law students. thinking, help to create around the firm, with benefits is proud of the ongoing practice and professional Details on the program can be new insights and innovative to our people and also to the contribution that we make relationships. found at: https://careers.kwm. opportunities across our firm’s clients, helping develop to the community. ‘KWM • Our core practice teams – com/en/graduate global network. the future leaders of the firm. Community Impact’ is a multi- who they are, what they do, s-australia/insight-program • Commitment to a legal faceted, national integrated how they’re structured, the career – we recognise that it strategy that uses the skills clients they work for, and is rare for people to have 20 of our lawyers and non- your role within them. year careers with the same lawyers. We give back to the • Our culture – you’ll employer. We are looking communities in which we live be exposed to (and for people that will have a and work through financial encouraged) to get actively commitment in the medium contributions, pro bono involved in the many term to KWM. In return we support, and volunteering activities and events that will steer you to become which everyone in the firm is define KWM. your best self by identifying encouraged to get involved • Our people – you’ll find your key strengths and with. Some examples of pro that people from every part developing you into the best bono work our Graduates of the business will help possible lawyer. have been involved in include you along, sharing their attending the Street Law Clinic knowledge, and ensuring
123 124 Life holds Supporting the endless legal community for over 30 years opportunities The industry super fund for the legal community. for those who With personal service for every member, we can help you to: dare to grow. Maximise your super Consolidate accounts Adjust insurance or investments
Plan for your future Book a seminar and more.
Will you dare to grow with us? MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY: Sue-Ellen Soulie Client Service Manager WA | 0429 577 328 | [email protected]
legalsuper.com.au [email protected] 1800 060 312 careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia This information is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any decision. You should also obtain and read the legalsuper Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decision in relation to legalsuper. The PDS can be obtained at legalsuper.com.au. Issued by Legal Super Pty Ltd, Level 37, 140 William Street, Melbourne, 3000 ABN 37 004 455 789 AFSL 246315 as the Trustee for legalsuper ABN 60 346 078 879.
125 126 curricular activities, were also awarded a Silver one piece of the puzzle and sporting AWEI Employer for the LGBTI+ we recognise the strength • ongoing technical legal community. that diversity can bring to a MinterEllison skills sessions to ensure team. Work experience, extra- you develop your technical Is there support for the LGBTI curricular activities, sporting excellence community at your firm? participation, music and travel • a strengths based program Our LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts are all important criteria to focusing on developing are led by our PRiME (Pride, us. We want you to bring your Allendale Square Arcade Sandra D’Souza | Sandra.DSouza@ behaviours, such as Respect and Inclusion at whole self to work - individual 77 St Georges Terrace minterellison.com.au business acumen and MinterEllison) Committee and strengths and diversity are Perth WA 6000 communication styles our Diversity and Inclusion what build our teams up to be When you start your career team. In May 2020, we the successes they are. 24 Offices Corporate, Energy, Resources, Finance, Taxation, with us, you receive tailored were proud to be named an learning in both technical What kind of responsibilities/ https://www.minterellison.com/ Corproate Litigation, Construction, Industrial AWEI Silver Employer and and commercial skills such as recognised. In 2020 we were tasks can a Clerk expect at Relations, Real Estate client interaction, business the first law firm to have a float your firm? development and interpersonal in the Sydney Mardi Gras, and Our clerkship program offers dynamics. Our program we continued our participation meaningful work experience, ABOUT THE FIRM We know that, in a world of been the long-term legal provides everything you’ll need with marchers in this year’s structured by a comprehensive relentless disruption, we need advisers to the Great to build a successful, long-term Mardi Gras! We have: orientation program and How does your firm value to think beyond the law. We’re Barrier Reef Marine Park legal career. • Partnered with Pride learning on the job to build Corporate Responsibility? driving digital transformation Authority (GBRMPA) on the in Diversity to deliver both technical skills and Here at MinterEllison, our and embedding a culture of environmentally critical Are there any international face-to-face LGBTQ+ commercial knowhow. impact in the community sits curiosity and innovation. We’re Douglas Shoal Remediation secondment opportunities at Awareness & Engaging at the heart of who we are. We investing in adjacent consulting Project. your firm? Allies development sessions During our program you will: work alongside community capabilities that enable us to Opportunities do arise in our (available to all of our work closely with partners and organisations and partner provide seamlessly integrated How does the firm encourage international offices. Our Hong people) lawyers on active matters to with our clients to provide solutions to our clients. And a work-life balance? Kong office is always a popular • Launched our new meet deadlines transformative outcomes for our people are committed to We support a range of flexible choice, but most recently one Transitioning in the produce quality and individuals, our community making a meaningful difference working arrangements of our junior lawyers spent Workplace Policy, which meaningful work partners and social enterprises. in the communities they live including part-time, job- 6 months working in our supports our gender diverse participate in tangible learning and work in. sharing, variable start and Mongolia office. and transgender colleagues & development activities and To maximise the difference finish times and working from who are affirming their attend social and networking we can make now and into the What are some interesting home. We also offer unpaid What is your firm doing gender identity. The policy events future, we take a holistic cases that your firm has leave opportunities for special about gender equality in the provides 5 additional days approach to pro bono legal worked on? requirements not covered workplace? of paid leave, as well as After becoming a Clerk, what support and community Our work with clients delivers by our usual leave policies. At MinterEllison, diversity and other vital support and are the prospects of obtaining investment by bringing real impact. In a fast-paced, Typically this may cover study, inclusion is about creating a resources a graduate role? together strategic fast-changing business overseas work experience and high-performance culture that • Celebrated LGBTQ+ dates The prospects of obtaining a initiatives from across the environment, our focus judges associateships. values individual contribution, of significance with national graduate role at MinterEllison Firm. Lawyers from all across on building authentic and teamwork, innovation and events across the firm after completing a successful the Firm provide pro bono enduring relationships across What training and productivity regardless of including IDAHOBIT Day, clerkship with us are very high. legal support to organisations industries and sectors enables development opportunities background, race, ethnicity, Mardi Gras and Wear it The majority of our Graduates and individuals in their area us to help our clients embrace does your firm offer? disability, gender, faith, Purple Day come through our clerkship of expertise. We complement opportunities and navigate The graduate program gives sexual orientation or family • Provided pro bono legal programs. this skilled pro bono work challenges in the market. you the opportunity to rotate structures. Inclusion is at advice to our long-standing by engaging with pro bono through multiple practice the core of our values and we client Sydney Gay & Lesbian clients and other community Some recent work for the firm groups. You will gain practical firmly believe our people will Mardi Gras organisations and individuals includes: experience in different areas be more successful and happier • Raised funds for LGBTQ+ through our community • Advising Klarna, one of of the law which are of interest in their careers if they are able charities including The investment program, our Europe’s largest banks, on to you. We boast one of the to bring their whole selves to Pinnacle Foundation and sponsorship and donations, and its ‘buy now, pay later’ joint largest service offerings, work. We are committed to Minus18 social procurement. venture with CBA, which providing you with the leveraging the advantage of a increased its equity stake to opportunity to rotate through diverse and inclusive workforce CLERKSHIP What is unique about your US$300m. various transactional, advisory through our Pride Respect INFORMATION firm’s culture? • We are a strategic adviser and litigious practice groups. & Inclusion at MinterEllison to SingTel Optus on its joint Our structured development At MinterEllison, we’re driven (PRiME) network, and our What specific qualities venture with Vodafone program includes: by a strong sense of purpose. Innovate Reconciliation Action does your firm look for in a for the rollout of the 5G • the MinterEllison Practical We create lasting impacts with Plan. In 2020 MinterEllison potential Clerk? network. Legal Training program our clients, our people and our was proud to be a WGEA At MinterEllison we are not • MinterEllison’s in partnership with the communities. Employer of Choice for Women looking for people to fit a Commonwealth College of Law for the 12th year in a row. We mould. Academics are just Government team have ongoing technical legal skills
127 128 Norton Rose Fulbright
MinterEllison has Level 30 Ryan Leckie| ryan.leckie@ 108 St Georges Terrace nortonrosefulbright.com | (08) 6212 given me great Perth WA 6000 3222 exposure to different 5 offices in Australia, 58 offices Litigation, Employment & Labour, Construction, teams and access worldwide Banking & Finance, Financial Restructuring & https://www.nortonrosefulbright. Insolvency, Real Estate and Corporate to a diverse range com/en-au of experiences – ABOUT THE FIRM at home. • Best Lawyers Australia: Law Firm of the Year, Insolvency from transactional, What are your firm’s core How does your firm and Reorganization Law values? distinguish itself from other • Top Five Global Law to advisory, to litigious Quality, Unity and Integrity. law firms? Firm for Cross-Border Knowing how our clients’ Restructuring and work. That has allowed How would you describe your business works and Insolvency Law: Global me to find out what firm’s culture? understanding what drives Restructuring Review (GRR) We pride ourselves on our their industries is fundamental 30 type of law I want culture and we work hard to to us. Our lawyers share • The Lawyer Awards: maintain it. We are widely industry knowledge and sector Most Innovative Use of to do and where recognised as an inclusive, expertise across borders, Technology Award, NT friendly, collaborative and enabling us to support our Analyser I want to settle.” supportive workplace with a clients anywhere in the world. genuine sense of community. What significant work We are confident that you will We have a strong commitment has your firm recently William Vu recognise these qualities from to diversity and inclusion. undertaken? Lawyer your very first encounter with We aim to be an employer of Our Perth office acts us. choice worldwide by valuing for prominent local and difference, promoting a culture international energy, resources, We recognise that our people of respect for each individual, infrastructure and financial have responsibilities outside and encouraging workforce markets clients on some of of work, and that providing diversity in all aspects and at Australia’s largest financings, MinterEllison is a leading law firm. all levels. corporate M&A transactions, But we think beyond the law. flexible work arrangements can assist in achieving an project developments and appropriate balance between We offer education assistance disputes. We also have Why? Because we have big ambitions a fulfilling career and personal support to all staff, and design extensive experience in real to grow our firm in a world of relentless commitments. and deliver development estate, employment and in disruption. Because now is the time programs to address our restructuring and insolvency. to reimagine the future so that we can We have a formal flexible employee’s specific needs. Our Examples of our recent work create lasting impacts with our clients, work arrangements policy award winning International include: our people and our communities. that encourages our people Academies are delivered to • Tiger Resources exits to design formal flexible work Associates, Senior Associates DRC Katanga Copperbelt Never underestimate the power in you arrangements, such as part and Special Counsel at the project: Supported by our to make an impact. time and remote working relevant stages of their career. Hong Kong, Paris and South arrangements. In addition, we African teams, we acted for have agile working for those What are some notable ASX-listed Tiger Resources Your future. Your choice. wanting to create ad-hoc and awards your firm has recently Ltd on the disposal of its irregular flexible work practice received? main undertaking in a Choose to make an impact. into their day-to-day work • Top 10 - Acritas Global Elite copper/cobalt project in schedule. Most of our people Law Firms Brand Index the Katanga Copperbelt in now choose to work remotely • Anti-Corruption Regulation the Democratic Republic of on a regular basis in a hybrid Law Firm of the Year – Congo (DRC). model of being in the office and Singapore: 2020 Corporate • Perth Airport in AUD$950m Intl Magazine Global Award syndicated bank debt graduates.minterellison.com 129 130 • Perth Airport in AUD$950m What tasks do clerks usually criteria - Norton Rose Fulbright you overcame it, rather syndicated bank debt undertake? seeks well-rounded candidates than giving generalisations. refinancing: We advised Our summer clerkship who have strength beyond • Make the most of Perth Airport, the program offers a real taste of academia, including work opportunities to meet operator of Australia’s life as a Graduate, including: experience and extracurricular Norton Rose Fulbright staff fourth busiest airport by attending clients meetings and interests. We also look during the recruitment passenger numbers, on teleconferences, visits to court, to candidates with strong process. the successful closing of research, preparation of court commercial awareness, a global • Remember, interviews are its AUD$950m syndicated documents, drafting deeds/ outlook, open mindedness a two way process so make bank debt refinancing. This contracts, discovery and much and long term motivation for a sure you ask questions to involved negotiations with more! career in the law. ensure we are the right fit a syndicate of both new for you. and existing lenders from There will also be additional How can students apply for the domestic, Asian and activities for you to take a graduate position at your How can students best European markets. advantage of including: firm? prepare for an interview with • AUD$700m Kwinana • Key skills training with our Through the Norton your firm? project is Australia’s first Learning and Development Rose Fulbright job In addition to the points above, commercial scale waste-to- team board: https://www. arrive early, do your best to energy facility: We acted • Q&A sessions with our nortonrosefulbrightgraduates. calm your nerves and know for investment firm Dutch leaders Presentations about com/au. your resume inside out! Infrastructure Fund on the practice areas and deals acquisition of a majority • Networking and social How many graduate positions CASUAL/PART TIME interest in the Kwinana events are available in 2021? EMPLOYMENT waste-to-energy plant in Whilst it is hard to predict our Western Australia. This How can a clerk stand out or exact business requirements, Does your firm offer is the first commercial make a good impression? Norton Rose Fulbright will any casual or part-time scale and project financed • Be authentic and bring your be hiring approximately 3 – 6 employment? thermal waste-to-energy whole self to work graduates to commence our We require casual paralegals facility to be built in • Be curious and get to know Perth Graduate Program in from time to time as the needs Australia. your practice groups and February 2021. arise. the firm What kind of pro bono work • Be proactive and willing to Does your firm offer any How can students find these does the firm engage in? take on all tasks international opportunities opportunities and apply? We focus our CSR efforts • Be involved in team and for graduates or junior Any casual/part time in support of human rights, firm events and activities lawyers? employment opportunities Indigenous rights, rights of the Our Graduate Program provides can be found on the LGBTI community, rights of What are some things you with the opportunity to Norton Rose Fulbright women and children, rights of students should avoid do a six month secondment in job board: https://www. homeless people and rights of doing in their clerkship one of our international offices nortonrosefulbrightgraduates. those in the community who applications? within your first two years with com/au. are otherwise less fortunate. • Be careful not to make the firm. So far, our Graduates We do this through pro bono small grammatical errors on have done secondments in the legal support, charitable giving your application United Kingdom, Singapore, and fundraising, volunteering, • Make sure to address your Hong Kong, Dubai, South our environmental cover letter and application America and the United States sustainability initiatives to the local HR contact of America. and through the actions and • Copy and paste your initiatives identified in our application from other INTERVIEWS Reconciliation Action Plan firms – you need to tailor (RAP). Our Graduates can also each application for the What does your firm like to participate in a 6 month pro firm you’re applying for! see in a clerkship or graduate bono rotation. job interview? Do you offer clerkships • Prepare for your interview CLERKSHIP to non-penultimate year by researching our firm, INFORMATION students? your interviewer and be No ready to explain your During which periods do you interest in Norton Rose offer clerkships? GRADUATE JOB Fulbright. One, 10 week summer clerkship INFORMATION • Be yourself and be honest in your responses. How many clerkship positions What does your firm look for • Be prepared to provide are available for 2021? in a graduate? specific examples of Approximately 3– 6. Strong academic results are situations where issues/ important, but not the only obstacles arose and how
131 132 Nina is a Pragma Lawyers Level 1 Rebecca Hansen | [email protected] 254 Rokeby Road or [email protected] | (08) 6188 3340 Subiaco WA 6008 change www.pragma.law Employment, Building and Construction, Property and Strata, Insolvency and Reconstruction and Mining.
ABOUT THE FIRM legal innovation, being one of What kind of pro bono work navigator the first firms to implement does the firm engage in? What are your firm’s core cost effective models such as Consistent with our values, values? outcome based pricing and Pragma undertakes a wide 1. Ethical; fixed-fee early mediation. range of pro-bono work 2. Pragmatic and solutions including litigious matters focused; What are some notable such as debts owed to migrant 3. Open and transparent; awards your firm has recently employees, defending violence 4. Team players and forward received? restraining orders for the thinking; Pragma has been recognised as elderly and defending claims 5. Leaders in the community; one of the fastest growing law brought by banks against 6. Supportive and mindful of firms in Australia (Australasian individuals. Our clerks and When you’re playing futsal, each other; and Lawyer Magazine, Oct 2016); Graduates also assist in the you attune to a pace that’s fast. 7. Healthy. we were nominated as a finalist day-to-day operations of the in the Australian Law Awards; Subiaco Justice Centre, a not- How would you describe your are listed in the Australasian for-profit organisation that Fast and critical thinking as part of a team Lawyer Innovative Firms Pragma is heavily involved in. comes naturally to Nina. Currently on our firm’s culture? graduate program, she’s putting her speed of Pragma Lawyers is not a for 2016 and 2019. We were thought to good use on secondment, walking “traditional” law firm. We pride also selected as one of the CLERKSHIP – or running – in the shoes of our client. ourselves on being nimble and Australasian Lawyer Employers INFORMATION We’re providing the next generation of lawyers outside-the-box thinkers. of Choice for both 2019 and like Nina with the knowledge, skills and Our firm’s values form the 2020. At Pragma, we aim to ‘do understanding to help our clients achieve their foundation of its success and things differently’ for both goals on the global stage – always staying one our culture. We emphasise the What significant work our clients, as well as for the step ahead of the competition. importance of living our Values, has your firm recently people we recruit to be part We don’t simply adapt to change. We thrive on it. which we have developed undertaken? of our team. Pragma do not together as a team after an Advising on the sale of formally participate in the Law around the world significant mining tenements clerkship application process nortonrosefulbright.com extensive self-analysis process: we are ethical, pragmatic and to an international purchaser however our recruitment solutions focused, leaders (encompassing both insolvency model sees us hire casual in the community, open and and commercial advice), paralegals all year round to transparent, supportive and advising on the sale of The be part of our growing team. mindful of each other, team Subiaco Hotel, commencing, When we do recruit paralegals, players and forward thinking, and resolving a mothership we are looking for team players and healthy (physically and insolvency claim against 24 who have a willingness to go mentally). defendants in the Supreme the extra mile and want to be Court of Western Australia, part of a team that deliver the How does your firm representing a Councilor in best possible results for our distinguish itself from other the City of Perth Inquiry and clients. At Pragma Lawyers we law firms? representing an individual also look to employ students Pragma helps its clients avoid in the Crown Perth Royal from first year through to final and resolve disputes so they Commission. year which provides a diverse can focus on what’s important. range of students into our Pragma is leading the way in paralegal pool. When you are part of the Pragma team you
134 are exposed to a wide variety of back to us but know our tasks within the standard day- practice areas and why you to-day running of a law firm. want to join what we do. Seek This ensures clerks are well out information from fellow prepared for life beyond studies students, there are plenty of and gives an opportunity to great clerks that work with those clerks who wish to be us currently that can give you part of the team as either a insights. Graduate or a Lawyer, to be nurtured into these future pathways by the staff that they will later be closely working with.
How can students apply for a graduate/casual position at your firm? To learn more about Pragma Lawyers or to be in the know about future paralegal or graduate vacancies, please follow “Pragma Careers’ on Instagram, visit our website https://pragma.law/join/ or email through you cover letter and CV to careers@pragma. law. CLERKSHIP INFORMATION
How many graduate positions are available in 2021? 1 to 2. Does your firm offer any A culture like no other. international opportunities for graduates or junior lawyers? No, we do not. Although at Pragma Lawyers was founded in 2014 to offer a more pragmatic approach to Pragma you will get plenty of opportunities to be involved law that better aligns with our client’s interests. in matters with our local, national, and international clients. During our first six years, we have established ourselves as one of the dispute resolution firms of choice in Western Australia. INTERVIEWS What does your firm like to In our view, too many lawyers are going through the motions rather than see in a clerkship or graduate job interview? identifying their client’s goals and making a beeline for that outcome as quickly Know why you want to be in as possible. At Pragma, we put in the extra 1%, we think outside the square and the interview. There are many firms around that are unique in we celebrate the wins. their own ways, find out what those differences are and seek interviews at firms that align Join our young, dynamic team reach out [email protected] with your values and goals.
How can students best prepare for an interview with your firm? Know your stuff. We do not want you to repeat our website Find out more at: www.pragma.law
135 136 (our graduates have often CASUAL/PART TIME excelled at mooting, debating, team sports or EMPLOYMENT Sparke Helmore Lawyers student politics in addition to their studies) Does your firm offer • Team players any casual or part-time • Clear and concise writers employment? • Confident and articulate Yes, depending on business Eastpoint Plaza - Level 11 Erin Tomicic | [email protected]. communicators needs. Perth WA 6000 au | (02) 6263 6355 • Experienced in any of the following: summer How can students find these clerkships, casual paralegal opportunities and apply? positions, voluntary All employment opportunities 9 Offices Commercial Insurance, Corporate & Commercial, are advertised through the https://www.sparke.com.au/ Workplace and Firm Advisroy and Services legal aid experience and tipstaffing ‘Join Us’ section on our Careers Page. How can students apply for a graduate position at your your first day, you will have ABOUT THE FIRM • Listed, Chambers Asia- firm? the opportunity to get Pacific 2020 We recruit graduates in all involved in legal work that What are your firm’s core • Finalist, Diversity Law Firm nine of Sparke Helmore’s contributes to the firm and values? of the Year, Lawyers Weekly offices depending on business its clients. Client-first—putting our Women in Law Awards 2019 requirements. Where graduate • Training and clients at the heart of • Winner, Marketing positions become available development—a everything we do & Communications they will be advertised through combination of formal and Professional of the Year, the ‘Join Us’ section on our on-the-job training that Honest—always being Lawyers Weekly Women in Careers Page. authentic, ethical and behaving covers technical and soft Law Awards 2019 skills. with integrity and respect • Finalist, Partner of the Year How many graduate positions • Mentoring and - Big Law, Lawyers Weekly are available in 2021? networking—we have Respect and inspire people— Women in Law Awards 2019 This depends on business a proud reputation for enabling people to be their best • Listed, Best Lawyers in needs. mentoring and facilitating Australia 2020 relationship building Agile—open to change, • Finalist, Intellectual Does your firm offer any across the firm in a way adapting to challenges and Property Partner of the international opportunities that fosters personal uncertainty Year, Lawyers Weekly for graduates or junior and career development, Partner of the Year Awards lawyers? networking and the sharing One-firm—working 2019 To be eligible to apply for this of knowledge, experience collaboratively towards • Finalist, Insurance Partner role you must be an Australian and learning. achieving our goals of the Year, Lawyers Weekly Citizen or an Australian • Opportunities to give back Partner of the Year Awards Permanent Resident. Walk the talk—leading by through our Pro Bono and 2019 example and showing the way Community Programs. • Finalist, Workplace Health INTERVIEWS and Safety Relations How would you describe your What are some notable Partner of the Year, Lawyers awards your firm has recently Weekly Partner of the Year What does your firm like to firm’s culture? see in a clerkship or graduate Friendly and down to earth. received? Awards 2019 • Winner, Medical, Lawyers • Finalist, Law Firm Leader job interview? Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards of the Year (>200 lawyers), Candidates to come prepared How does your firm and most of all to be distinguish itself from other 2020 Australasian Law Awards • Finalist, Dispute Resolution, 2019 themselves! law firms? • Market-leading expertise— Pro Bono and Medical, • Finalist, Law Firm of the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under Year, Australasian Law How can students best we are a full service prepare for an interview with national law firm who work 30 Awards 2020 Awards 2019 • Listed, Best Lawyers in your firm? with a loyal and exceptional ‘Google’ Sparke Helmore, know client base. You will be Australia 2021 GRADUATE JOB • Winner, Queensland Law what we are all about and come involved in matters that will INFORMATION in with questions for us. engage you, challenge you Society Awards 2020 and give you unparalleled • Finalist, Insurance, Legal What does your firm look for opportunity to grow and Support Professional and in a graduate? deepen your expertise. Pro Bono, Lawyers Weekly • “All-rounders” who engaged • Real legal work—from Australian Law Awards in extra-curricular pursuits 2020 as well as their studies
137 138 Squire Patton Boggs
Level 21, 300 Murray Street Hannah Robins | hannah.robins@ Perth WA 6000 squirepb.com
45 Offices in 20 countries globally Corporate, Property, Litigation, International Sparke your career with us… https://www.squirepattonboggs. Dispute Resolution, Labour and Employment, com/en Energy and Natural Resources, Real Estate, Deciding on the firm that’s right for you is a big decision. Is the culture right Construction Law for me? Will I receive quality work? Will there be people genuinely interested in my growth who can point me in the right direction? Does the firm embrace ABOUT THE FIRM that we all make daily. working directly with partners and clients, providing you with technology and take innovation seriously? What are your firm’s core We recognise the value that the chance to contribute in a values? each individual person is able meaningful way from the very Why choose Sparke Helmore? What do we look for in our lawyers? Our values play an integral to make to the firm. We work beginning. role in our everyday operations hard to build a diverse and Sparke Helmore offers its lawyers a Our people are key to our success. We are assisting to shape our daily inclusive culture that makes What are some notable challenging and rewarding environment. always on the look-out for lawyers with actions and decisions. coming to work each day a awards your firm has recently potential to progress, who fit with our • Collaboration - We work pleasure. While we enjoy the received? Working at Sparke Helmore provides culture and align with our values, and together globally to build challenging nature of our Around our global network all employees with a unique range of work we also understand our lawyers and teams have who demonstrate, among other things, trusted relationships with opportunities to expand their knowledge, the importance of coming been consistently recognised intelligence, interpersonal skills, commitment, each other and our clients. with access to: • Professionalism - We together to spend time in a in legal directories such as energy and commerciality. act ethically and uphold more informal social setting. Chambers and Partners and • Market-leading expertise—we are a With this in mind we provide the Legal 500. For several Sparke Helmore lawyers are: the highest standards of full service national law firm. This means professionalism. opportunities for staff, ranging years running we have been you will have the opportunity to gain • all-rounders, who are engaged in • Excellence - Thinking from social functions to recognised as one of the top 30 differently, we continuously volunteering days and sporting global international arbitration experience in each of our Insurance, extra-curricular pursuits as well as activities. We also have practices by the Global Government, Workplace and Corporate their studies innovate and inspire others. • Diversity - We value generous wellbeing programs Arbitration Review. In addition, & Commercial practice groups. • team players diversity; we recognise and to keep our people happy and we are also recognised by Law • Real legal work—from your first day, you embrace each person and healthy in both mind and body. 360 as one of the top 20 law • clear and concise writers, and firms with the greatest global will have the opportunity to get involved their contribution. • confident and articulate communicators. How does your firm reach and expertise. in legal work that contributes • Responsibility -We are accountable to ourselves, distinguish itself from other to the firm and its clients. our teams and to ensuring law firms? What significant work • Training and development—a combination the firm’s success; we Our founding clients included has your firm recently of formal and on-the-job training that support the wellbeing the entrepreneurs of the undertaken? day, such as the legendary JD Like most business law covers technical and soft skills. of each other and our communities. Rockefeller. They invented, firms we do a broad range of • Mentoring and networking—we have created, discovered and built. commercial law work for a a proud reputation for mentoring and How would you describe your That spirit is reflected in our diverse group of clients. Some facilitating relationship building across firm’s culture? culture, which emphasises highlights over the past year agility, creativity and include: the firm in a way that fosters personal Our culture emphasises pragmatism. • Working with oil & gas and career development, networking and rewards collaboration, accountability and While our global network companies as they and the sharing of knowledge, experience responsibility; we work to provides an extensive pool of transition into clean, and learning. support our clients, our people resources, connections and renewable energy providers • Opportunities to give back—through our and the wider community. Our international expertise, our and miners of the materials Australian offices are boutique used to create batteries Pro Bono and Community Programs. core values are intrinsically linked to our culture; these in size and nature providing to power our cars and our values are not just words you with access to hands on, homes on a page but provide the client facing legal work from • Advising the team building foundation of the decisions day one. Our people, including the new Perth Airport Rail paralegals and graduates, are Link www.sparke.com.au/join-us/graduate-program/ adelaide | brisbane | canberra | darwin | melbourne | newcastle | perth | sydney | upper hunter 139 140 • Buying and selling iconic entrepreneurial qualities and INTERVIEWS WA brands and guiding new a hunger for a challenge at tech start-ups to access our firm will put themselves What does your firm like to funding to develop their ahead of the pack and make see in a clerkship or graduate innovations. yourselves stand out in our job interview? application processes. We look Your unique personality shining What kind of pro bono work for people who will contribute through. We want to learn does the firm engage in? positively to our collaborative about you and for you to tell us Our pro bono work is focused culture, and continuing growth about yourself, not what you on: and success. think we want to hear. • Disadvantaged youth • Homelessness How can students apply for How can students best • Alleviation of poverty a graduate position at your prepare for an interview with • Access to justice firm? your firm? Our firm does not participate Be yourself. We want to recruit Over the past three years we in the standard graduate like-minded people who will have provided almost $1.8 recruitment dates. A lot of our thrive in our firm. We want million worth of fee support graduates are recruited from to get to know you and what and more than 4,000 hours our current casual Paralegals drives your passion for the law. support on pro bono matters. that work across our offices but Some of the causes we have should an opportunity arise, supported include: we will advertise through our CASUAL/PART TIME • Law Access website and seek. Your Law EMPLOYMENT • Cancer Council Society representatives will • YouthCare also be notified in this case. Does your firm offer • Bloom any casual or part-time • Many Rivers How many graduate positions employment? Yes, we do. Instead of Be One of Us • Busselton Women’s Refuge are available in 2021? • Community Housing We have recently recruited 5 participating in clerkship Coalition of WA graduates across our Australian processes we recruit casual • Classroom of Hope offices for 2021. paralegals to join our offices depending on the needs of our We are a signatory to the Does your firm offer any teams throughout the year. Be commercial. Whether they are household brand names that have changed the way we National Pro Bono Target and international opportunities are committed to undertaking for graduates or junior How can students find these work, live, shop or play, or start-ups just about to shake things up all over again, our clients are at least 35 hours of Pro Bono lawyers? opportunities and apply? legal work per lawyer per year. These opportunities do arise We will advertise through our clever, creative and commercial. So are we. You will learn how to adapt what you’ve learned about in our offices. We have had website and Seek. Your Law the law to real-time scenarios. GRADUATE JOB paralegals and graduates Society representatives will INFORMATION travel to places such as Fiji and also be notified when we are Singapore in the past, with one recruiting. Be connected. From day one, you will be part of our global office – working alongside lawyers What does your firm look for graduate travelling overseas in a graduate? in their first month of starting across the country and all around the world. We are seeking collaborative with us! people who will thrive in our Our culture emphasises and rewards collaboration, accountability and culture. Key characteristics Having said this, you do Be committed. that we look for are proactivity, not need to travel to gain responsibility. We support our clients, our teams and our community. initiative, resilience, curiosity, international exposure at enthusiasm and passion to Squire Patton Boggs. We contribute to the success of our consistently offer opportunities Be empowered. From the very start we give you the tools, know-how and options you need to firm. to work with our international colleagues and clients. We set your own challenges and define your career path. If you are looking to stand out have a large international when applying for a graduate network that you will have or paralegal opportunity access to from the comfort of a If you want to be part of the fastest growing global law firm in Australia, be smart and talk to us with our firm, in your cover boutique style firm. The size of about career opportunities at Squire Patton Boggs. letter, choose three qualities our Australian offices lets our that you think you possess juniors to be at the forefront that will make you a match of large scale, exciting client Be one of us. for our culture (hint: look to work from day one, which our graduate brochure for really allows you the right inspiration). Those individuals environment to accelerate your that demonstrate this career. together with innovation, squirepattonboggs.com Squire Patton Boggs SPB_Careers Squire Patton Boggs Careers 141 142 situations. Organisation skills and good communication are also important. Being a team Steinepreis Paganin player is a must.
How can students best prepare for an interview with your firm? Level 4, 16 Milligan Street Elaine Whelan | ewhelan@steinpag. By understanding the work that Perth WA 6000 com.au | (08) 9321 4000 we do and being themselves. CASUAL/PART TIME 2 Offices Corporate, Commercial EMPLOYMENT https://www.steinpag.com.au/ Does your firm offer any casual or part-time employment? ABOUT THE FIRM CLERKSHIP GRADUATE JOB Yes. INFORMATION INFORMATION How can students find these What are your firm’s core opportunities and apply? values? During which periods do you What does your firm offer a By contacting us through our Growth, Reliability, Excellence, offer clerkships? graduate? careers inbox at www.steinpag. Accountability and Teamwork Summer and Winter. We offer a comprehensive com.au (GREAT) internal training program How many clerkship positions which compliments the How would you describe your are available for 2021? involvement in learning on firm’s culture? 16. the job. You get a wide range Supportive and based around of exposure to all the matters our value of Teamwork, we are What tasks do clerks usually we work on and a high level one team and work together undertake? of support from partners and collaboratively and cohesively. Research, Drafting, Key senior associates. document preparation, How does your firm Compiling client advice. How can students apply for distinguish itself from other a graduate position at your law firms? How can a clerk stand out firm? We are a market leader in the or make a good impression? By sending a Cover Letter, CV Corporate space with a large Demonstrate a keen interest and Academic Transcript to team of highly specialised in learning and being involved, our careers inbox. You can find Corporate lawyers. We have attention to detail and an the details on our Careers page a flat structure allowing for ability to work as part of a on our Website www.steinpag. lawyers at all levels to work team. com.au directly with partners and on large corporate transactions. What are some things How many graduate positions students should avoid are available in 2021? What significant work doing in their clerkship We usually take on 2-3 has your firm recently applications? graduates each year. undertaken? Spreading themselves too thin. We are best known for Focus on the opportunities you Does your firm offer any our involvement in a large would most like and give each international opportunities number of IPOs (Initial Public application your all. Making for graduates or junior Offerings). sure you get the name of the lawyers? No. hiring manager correct is also a What kind of pro bono work good start. INTERVIEWS does the firm engage in? Corporate advice to charities Do you offer clerkships What does your firm like to such as 12 Buckets and to non-penultimate year see in a clerkship or graduate UWA, along with mentoring students? job interview? opportunities with local Yes, we can take on First or A genuine interest in the schools. Final year students. work that we do with an ability to learn quickly and to be adaptable to different
143 144 Thomson Geer
Exchange Tower - Level 27 Kirsty Dunn | [email protected] | (08) 2 The Esplanade 9404 9100 Perth WA 6000
5 Offices Property, Construction and infrastructure, https://www.tglaw.com.au/ Environment and Planning, Corporate and Commercial, Health, Aged Care and Retirement Villages, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, ABOUT THE FIRM while maintaining small teams Kardinya Park Shopping Grad Applications that enable junior lawyers to Centre, estimated to cost Open 14 June 2021 What are your firm’s core get exposed to all aspects of around $100 million. The Law Graduate & Clerkship Close 8 August 2021 values? the matters they work on. redevelopment involves Thomson Geer strives to deliver nearly 9000sqm of extra Opportunities 2021 Clerk Applications best practice legal skills to our Our small teams also mean retail space, including clients, doing so efficiently, that junior lawyers have an extra supermarket, a Open 28 June 2021 excellent opportunities to work swimming pool, cinema, Close 1 August 2021 reliably and with an authentic and transparent approach. directly with, and learn from, medical centre, multiple Australian We are focused on enhancing our Partners and other senior cafes, restaurants and a the competitive position practitioners and get to take multi-level car park. Corporate Market of our clients in whatever a hands on role in the matters • Advising Resolute Mining Leaders circumstances they find they work on. Limited on the sale of its ONGOING LEARNING OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE What our Graduates say… themselves in. Bibiani Gold Mine to Chijin BACK “The “graduate experience” at SP is quite unique. Rather than What are some notable International Limited, a rotating through two or three different small teams, the structure This philosophy extends to of SP enables graduates to work with all lawyers and partners at the way we interact with awards your firm has recently wholly owned subsidiary the firm from day one. Every partner and senior works received? of Chifeng Jilong Gold differently, so being able to learn from each working style so each other. Honestly and early on (in your graduate year) is something that I found to very transparently supporting each Our firm and many of our Mining Co. Ltd for total cash valuable. Juniors are also given close exposure to a wide range practitioners are acknowledged consideration of $105m. Broad scope of Huge range of of clients, and by virtue of this exposure, are able to see where other to be the best lawyers their work fits in to the bigger picture - another benefit which I and people we can be. as leading lawyers in Chambers • Advising WA Local think is unique to the size and structure of SP. Most importantly, and Partners, The Legal 500 Government work benefits the SP team culture is fantastic. Starting a new job anywhere is Superannuation (WA Super) WORKING DIRECTLY WITH nerve wracking, but all members at SP are extremely How would you describe your Asia Pacific, Best Lawyers in approachable, willing to help out and answer all questions from Australia and Doyle’s Guide. on its merger with First PARTNERS the start which made a huge difference to my transition to full firm’s culture? time working life. The firm also emphasises work life balance We create an environment that State Super, now known as and is genuinely invested in ensuring that the juniors, in Aware Super. particular, maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle whilst is flexible, friendly, personable, Thomson Geer is listed as 8th working. for Australasia for deal volume • Advising base and precious Innovative R.Barclay, Lawyer collegiate and professionally stimulating. for calendar year 2020 by metals developer and Approach "I had a fantastic experience as a Grad at Steinpag. Over the We work hard to enhance this specialist M&A research firm, explorer, Cassini Resources year I was involved in a broad range of corporate transactions Mergermarket. Limited (Cassini) in relation Constructive and this practical experience was supplemented by regular culture through transparent, graduate training sessions which helped me to grow my authentic communication, and to a scheme of arrangement COACHING knowledge and skills. The way Steinpag is structured allows you in which it was acquired by CAREER DEVELOPMENT Outcomes to work with the whole team of over 35 lawyers and as a Grad by ensuring we are respectful What significant work you are given responsibility for key aspects of transactions. As has your firm recently OZ Minerals Limited (OZ Steinpag is exclusively a corporate and commercial law firm I and accountable to each was able to spend my full graduate year learning the area of law other every day to provide undertaken? Minerals). This significant I wanted to practice in. From the time I first clerked the team at Some recent notable acquisition by OZ Minerals Steinpag have always been approachable, knowledgeable, an environment where our diligent and keen to have a laugh which made it a fantastic place staff can grow personally and matters, including a selection was valued at an enterprise Friendly and social 40+ Corporate to be a Graduate. I would recommend considering Steinpag to value of A$76 million for any law student who may have an interest in working in professionally. undertaken by our Perth office, working Corporate and Commercial Law." include: Cassini shareholders. Lawyers and D.Hird, Lawyer environment How does your firm • Advising leading Australian Graduates distinguish itself from other online local services What kind of pro bono work SUPPORTIVE TEAM law firms? marketplace, Airtasker does the firm engage in? To apply please forward your: Thomson Geer provides an on its successful A$83.7m We provide pro bono services to many clients aligned with the - updated CV; excellent opportunity for junior initial public offering and - one-page cover letter; and lawyers, being large enough to debut on the ASX. firm’s priorities and positioning, - recent academic transcript attract excellent quality work • Advising on the proposed and also work with a number of structured pro bono referral to: redevelopment of the Elaine Whelan Growth Reliability Excellence Accountability Teamwork Human Resources Manager Email: [email protected] 146 programs such as Justice What are some things While we have strong links to Connect and Homeless Persons students should avoid international firms, we do not Legal Service. doing in their clerkship have an international office applications? and therefore do not offer Thomson Geer is a signatory Devaluing their experiences. international opportunities. to the National Pro Bono We have heard candidates say Resource Centre’s aspirational they have left non-legal work INTERVIEWS target of 35 hours of pro bono experience off their resume legal work per practitioner, per because they thought it was What does your firm like to year. In fact, our lawyers can not relevant. But that part see in a clerkship or graduate spend up to 50 hours per year time job in retail or hospitality job interview? on approved pro bono matters or somewhere else taught you Our first round interviews and receive financial credit for valuable skills. are performed by video and this time. applicants are provided with Unfortunately we also see questions and given time to CLERKSHIP many spelling errors in prepare their responses. INFORMATION applications. Attention to detail is very important and We like to see well thought out During which periods do you spelling errors can make an responses that are relevant to Reach your offer clerkships? otherwise great application the question and demonstrate We offer two, four-week stand out for all the wrong an understanding of the work clerkships over the summer reasons. we do. period. One in November/ potential December and one in January/ Do you offer clerkships We also enjoy getting to know February. to non-penultimate year a little bit about our applicants students? outside of what we might see How many clerkship positions We accept applications from on their CV! are available for 2021? penultimate and final year Four to six positions are students. How can students best available. prepare for an interview with GRADUATE JOB your firm? What tasks do clerks usually INFORMATION Setting aside time to review undertake? the questions and carefully Clerks undertake a range What does your firm look for considering the answers they Join a major Australian law firm. of tasks depending on the in a graduate? wish to give. Researching the Starting your legal career at Thomson Geer will not only offer you real, hands-on practice area they work with. We look for hard-working and firm and understanding our Common tasks include: motivated law students who approach and the work we do. experience across a wide variety of commercial disciplines and industry sectors, it will • attending client meetings; have excelled academically, also instil in you an ethical code to serve you throughout your working life. • observing court are customer focused, CASUAL/PART-TIME proceedings; commercially minded, work EMPLOYMENT • conducting legal research; well in a team environment WE’RE READY FOR YOU ARE YOU READY FOR US? • drafting correspondence and are enthusiastic about Does your firm offer and court documents; commencing their career with any casual or part-time • due diligence and a dynamic law firm. employment? With over 560 people, including 126 partners We’re looking for hard-working and motivated disclosure. Yes, we offer casual or part across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth law students who have excelled academically, How can students apply for time employment when and Adelaide, we’re one of Australia’s are customer focused, commercially minded, How can a clerk stand out a graduate position at your needed. th or make a good impression? firm? 10 largest law firms and its 5 largest work well in a team environment and are ready to Clerks at Thomson Geer are First priority offers are made How can students apply for a independent one. commence their career with a major law firm. provided with meaningful work to those who completed a position at your firm? for real client’s right from the clerkship with us. If further Our vacancies are advertised start of their clerkship. The graduate roles are available, on the careers section of our We offer a flexible, friendly and professionally We are especially keen to talk to students who best way for clerks to stand out they can be applied for through website. stimulating environment that puts both our have, or are working towards a second degree in is to: cvMail or our website. trusting client relationships and our staff’s technical fields, such as commerce, engineering • show a real interest in the work and our clients; How many graduate positions wellbeing and development at the forefront. and science. • commit to producing high are available in 2021? quality work; and Three to four positions are • demonstrate excellent available. communication skills. tglaw.com.au Does your firm offer any international opportunities Thomson Geer for graduates or junior Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth | Adelaide lawyers? @ThomsonGeer tglaw.com.au
147 148 from the first interaction with How can students best us. prepare for an interview with your firm? Tottle Partners Do you offer clerkships We recommend students to non-penultimate year research and gain an students? understanding of the firm, Level 40 Practice Manager | [email protected] | No. our lawyers and the areas of 108 St Georges Terrace (08) 9217 6715 practice in which we specialise. Perth WA 6000 How can students best Administrative and health law; building, construction prepare for an interview with CASUAL/PART TIME and engineering law; Corporate advice, employment and your firm? EMPLOYMENT 1 Office workplace relations law; General commercial law, insolvency By understanding the work that http://www.tottle.com/ law, insurance law; intellectual property and technology we do and being themselves. Does your firm offer law; litigation and alternative dispute resolution; Media any casual or part-time and defamation law; Mining and resources law; Property, GRADUATE employment? conveyancing and leasing. INFORMATION We offer casual or part- time positions from time to daily grind. 1990s What does your firm look for time. Those opportunities ABOUT THE FIRM in a graduate? are advertised on Seek and How does your firm What kind of pro bono work We look for our graduates to be university resources. What are your firm’s core enthusiastic, proactive and to values? distinguish itself from other does the firm engage in? law firms? We act pro bono for a range of embrace Tottle Partners’ core Tottle Partners values values and culture. expertise, service and value. Our lawyers do not have to not-for-profit and community wait years to do challenging organisations. What can future graduates do Expertise: and interesting work; they work directly with our clients CLERKSHIP to stand out? Our clients benefit from Future graduates can the extensive capability, and senior lawyers from day INFORMATION one. We operate an ‘open door’ demonstrate that they have experience and consistency of a broad range of experiences, our talented lawyers, who are policy and do not work in a rigid During which periods do you hierarchy or team structure, offer clerkships? initiative, intelligence and a specialists in the areas in which genuine interest in practising they practise. which provides our lawyers Our clerkship program is with the opportunity to work open to students in their as a lawyer. Service: with many of their colleagues penultimate year of study, in the firm and gain experience running for a period of 2 weeks How can students apply for We pride ourselves on a graduate position at your providing a personalised, in a range of practice areas. throughout the summer and With many of our partners winter university holidays. firm? direct service. We are well Our application process can be resourced and committed to having left large national firms to join Tottle Partners, we know How many clerkship positions found on our website - www. understanding our clients and tottle.com/careers. their interests and forging the importance of flexible work are available for 2021? strong relationships with them practices and enabling our staff 8. to achieve a positive work/life How many graduate positions over years of working with are available in 2021? them. balance. What tasks do clerks usually undertake? 1 What significant work has Our program provides clerks Value: Does your firm offer any We are results driven. We your firm undertaken? with the opportunity to gain • Providing advice and experience in multiple areas international opportunities have a strong pragmatic and for graduates or junior ‘value for money’ approach. We representation to the of commercial practice and builder of the largest solar have direct access to partners. lawyers? understand our clients’ need No. for certainty regarding costs. farm in Australia They are not limited to working • Successfully representing within only one practice group. How would you describe your The Agency in high profile Applicants can read more INTERVIEWS firm’s culture? litigation by a former about one of our recent clerk’s The Tottle Partners culture director and major experiences at www.tottle. What does your firm like to is founded on all of our staff shareholder com/careers see in a clerkship or graduate supporting and respecting • Representing the WA Bell job interview? each other and knowing that Companies Administrator How can a clerk stand out or We like to see someone who they are valued for their Authority established by make a good impression? is well prepared, interested in contribution. We are proud the state government in an Students who apply the firm’s values and culture of our down to earth culture, effort to resolve the long and correctly follow the and enthusiastic about an where we work hard but know running disputes arising instructions on how to apply, opportunity to join the firm as there is more to life than the from the collapse the Bell will be looked at favourably. a clerk or graduate. Group of companies in the This shows attention to detail
149 150 Williams + Hughes
25 Richardson Street Dominique Engelter | careers@whlaw. West Perth WA 6005 com.au | (08) 9481 2040 tottle partners 2 Offices Commercial Litigation (Insolvency, Trusts and https://www.whlaw.com.au/ Estates, Intellectual Property, Negligence) and Commercial Transactions (Geenral Commercial Transactions, Property, Corporate Law)
ABOUT THE FIRM and Bush Heritage Australia. How many graduate positions However, individual lawyers are available in 2021? What are your firm’s core are free to choose the pro bono Two values? interests they would like to Our three sets of values, which develop and the firm does not Does your firm offer any Tottle Partners is an independent, boutique We have the legal skills, experience and technical impose or control pro bono international opportunities commercial law firm providing legal services in resources required to conduct complex litigation. reflect how we practise law and the outcomes we seek in the requirements. for graduates or junior Perth, Western Australia and to our clients lawyers? Australia wide and in the Asia Pacific region. We conduct cases in Western Australia and also in development of our lawyers, are: ‘Pragmatic + Precise’, CLERKSHIP Our firm is part of Meritas, a the other major Australian jurisdictions. We are Tier 1 Chambers and Partners Since we were established in 1995 we have forged also represented by correspondent firms in other ‘Experience + Expertise’, and INFORMATION ‘Critical Thinking + Client global alliance of independent, a reputation in Western Australia and in other jurisdictions. market leading firms. There is Australian jurisdictions as a leader in the areas in Focus’. During which period do you offer clerkships? the possibility of secondment which we practise. The firm is focused on understanding our clients How would you describe your Summer and winter, for periods to member firms nationally or and their interests and servicing them efficiently overseas. and cost effectively, using an innovative and firm’s culture? of 1 to 2 weeks depending on we specialise in clerk availability. pragmatic approach. Our clients include major At Williams + Hughes we have a genuine ‘open door’, merit national and multinational corporations, insurers, CASUAL Administrative & health law based, and collaborative How many clerkship positions government agencies, public authorities, statutory EMPLOYMENT Building, construction & environment. Our lawyers are are available for 2021? INFORMATION bodies, educational institutions, private companies given the tools and opportunity For summer 2021/2022, 15 engineering law and high net worth individuals. This client base is a to develop their strengths and to 20 clerkship positions will Does the firm offer any casual Corporate advice testament to the skill and experience of the firm's build their careers. be available. In winter 2022, or part-time employment? talented lawyers around 6 clerkship positions Employment & workplace Ongoing casual clerking work What significant work will be available. is usually offered to a small relations law We currently have 7 partners (all of whom are has your firm undertaken selection of vacation clerks, General commercial law litigation specialists) and an additional 17 legal recently? What tasks do clerks usually and other opportunities may be staff. Our partners come from leading Australian The firm acts on significant undertake? advertised from time to time. Insolvency law national and boutique law firms and have transactions nationally and Predominantly research Insurance law translated that experience into a structure ideally internationally for listed and on commercial litigation, suited to providing a personalised service to our private companies, family intellectual property, and Intellectual property & technology clients. They have been repeatedly recognised as group enterprises, and high- transactional matters. law market leaders in the profession – by peers and net-worth individuals. As Vacation clerks will be involved in a broad variety of matters Litigation & alternative dispute clients alike. a general rule, we do not advertise our client base or across different practice areas. resolution Tottle Partners is accredited under the Law Society the transactions our clients Media and defamation law of Western Australia’s Quality Practice Standard do, and our clients prefer that GRADUATE JOB discretion. Mining and resources law and is an approved Quality Assurance Provider of INFORMATION Continuing Professional Development in Western Property, conveyancing & leasing Australia. What kind of pro bono work How can students apply for does the firm engage in? a graduate position at your AThe firm has supported and firm? continues to support a variety The recruitment process is set of charitable groups, such out on the firm’s website. as the Dogs Refuge Home (WA) Inc, Cancer Council WA,
web www.tottle.com 152 INTERESTING + CHALLENGING
Our litigation and dispute resolution team is one of the larger dedicated commercial litigation teams in Western Australia. Our lawyers deal with a wide range of disputes across various sectors, for local national and international clients. We look for gifted graduates that are not only smart but can develop into competent advocates.
Our commercial law team has dedicated industry experience working on large and varied commercial transactions across Australia. Our ASX listed and high net worth clients require discretion but offer complex and interesting transactional work in return. We look for technically astute and commercially savvy graduates who aspire to progress quickly in their careers and become trusted advisors with industry expertise.
SUPPORT + MENTORING Working at Williams + Hughes gives you an outstanding opportunity to forge your own career in law. Direct access to multiple Principals and senior lawyers ensures you are exposed to a variety of work, have the opportunity to see and learn from a selection of different styles, and be mentored by a group of people with expertise in different areas. We encourage our lawyers to take on responsibility and to work closely with clients.
LOCAL OPPORTUNITY + GLOBAL REACH Williams + Hughes retains its identity as an independent Western Australian firm whilst being a member of Meritas, the world’s largest global alliance of independent business law firms. Meritas is recognised as a Tier 1 elite global legal alliance and is rated in the top 10 law firm networks in the world (Chambers and Partners 2021). Our membership with Meritas opens doors to interstate and international secondment opportunities for our lawyers.
WHLAW.COM.AU Courts
Associateships are the best way for students and recent graduates to get a real taste of the courtroom experience. As an associate you will be working closely with one or more judges, usually for a period of one or two years. In this section we have compiled profiles from associates working in various courts to help you understand the work they do and how to apply.
156 give you a good idea of what area the Judge has worked in and their interests outside the law. WA Supreme Court It is important to include information in your application that shows who you are as a person – the Associates work closely together with the MEG GREEN Judge in a small team so everyone working well together is an important part of the role. Research Associate/Orderly to Justice Hill, mid 2019-2020 Associate to Justice Allanson 2020
How did you apply to be a Judge’s Associate? Applications for the courts open early in the I didn’t know a lot about being an Associate year; the WA Supreme Court does one hire prior to applying – my housemate at the time period for all Judges but other courts on the east was in her final year of university and I thought coast open up positions for Judges individually it might be good practice for me to apply for at different times of the year, so it is a good idea jobs and clerkships later in the year. I thought to keep checking different court websites. the role sounded interesting and a good way to expose myself to a variety of areas in law, which To apply for the WA Supreme Court, you need was helpful as I didn’t have a clear idea of what I to submit a cover letter, resume and transcript. wanted to practice in. The advertisement that is put out by the court each year will list the Judges in the Court of I applied for a range of Judges in General Appeal and General Division who are hiring, Division and was interviewed by one of them. and for how long – many chambers will hire They then referred me onto a new Judge who Associates for 2 years. Often the students was being appointed in June 2019, Justice Hill. applying for associateships are in their final year I was really lucky to have the experience of of university or may have already graduated. working with a new Judge and starting mid-year. However, there are some part-time positions that may suit students in their penultimate year, What does your work involve? or you can apply prior to finishing. I have done In court, our work involves the practical court my final two years of university at the court procedures of swearing in witnesses, running and found it to be helpful putting the units I am the benchbook to track the hearing, being in doing to practical use in my work. charge of exhibits and documents throughout What does the application process involve? the hearing, and providing materials to the Successful applicants will have an interview Judge when needed. with the Judge and sometimes the Associate who is staying on for the following year may Outside of court depends on the practice sit in on the interview and also ask questions. of the chambers, but most often involves Otherwise, after the interview with the Judge, corresponding with parties in preparation you’ll often have the opportunity to meet with for hearings, drafting court orders, proofing and chat to the current Associates about the judgments and doing research for the Judge role and ask any questions you may have. on certain topics. Most chambers have two Associates who either split the work evenly, The turnaround time between interviews and or they may have one role with a greater offers being made is usually quite quick and administrative focus and one with a greater happens within the fortnight, so it is a lot less research focus. stressful than clerkships.
Some chambers also prepare a first draft or Do you have any tips for potential candidates? skeleton of the judgment on a matter, which is Have a think about what you are looking to an interesting way to understand the law and gain from the experience – Court of Appeal and very different compared to writing essays or General Division operate very differently and submissions. In the Court of Appeal, Associates your work will differ according to which part of often draft longer memos for their Judges in the Court you work in. However, I do think that relation to an appeal rather than creating these applying for as many Judges as possible is a skeleton judgments. good idea; I have worked for two very different Judges and have loved both experiences. Have How and when can interested students apply a read of the welcome speeches that Judges for a position? have when they are appointed, as these often
157 158 who you call ‘chief justice’ (unless a judge tells you to call them by their name). WA Supreme Court • If you get to the interview stage, just be yourself. of Appeals TAYU WILKER Associate to President Buss
What does your work involve? like to have a chat with the judge about our I am the current associate to President Buss in lives, but we also take the opportunity to pick the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal division. his brain about the legal profession and legal In the Court of Appeal we usually deal with issues, which is pretty great. Most associates complex legal issues, after the evidence has develop quite a close relationship with their been presented and findings of fact have been judge. made. How and when can interested students apply As an associate your role varies a lot depending for a position? on your judge, but typically it includes legal Applications to be a judge’s associate typically research, proofreading, administrative tasks, open earlier than graduate positions (usually and sitting in on hearings. So, for example, over applications are due early March) so look out for the lifespan of a matter your tasks will include these. However, a small number of positions do the following. Getting paperwork ready for open over the course of the year. The application your judge prior to a hearing. This may involve process is generally pretty standard and requires finding some cases, putting a memo together, or an academic transcript, cover letter and literally just printing and filing the work. Then, resume, followed by an interview for shortlisted you’ll sit in and watch the hearing you helped candidates. prepare for, which usually involves the appellant and respondent making legal submissions via Do you have any tips for potential candidates? their counsel. Your judge will provide you with • Make sure you know what area of law the a draft judgment and you’ll proof read it and judge works in (criminal, civil or both). make suggestions. Eventually you’ll publish the • Don’t just detail your law related judgment, which may involve joint or separate achievements. Let the judges know what reasons. There will be a fair bit of administrative you are doing outside of law and/or what work along the way e.g. contacting parties, you have previously done outside of law, finding files, amending warrants etc. including retail/hospitality work. This helps to show that you are a well-rounded person. This role is particularly great for those of you • Make sure you get friends to proofread for who, like me, love oral advocacy and/or complex your cover letter! Preferably multiple. legal questions. It’s only been 3 months and • Note why you want to work at the courts/for I’ve already seen some of the top legal counsel a particular judge. presenting arguments, and I’ve read many • Apply to as many judges as possible, because judgments where new points of law have been once you get to the interview stage, the raised. Though, be warned, like any introductory selection is based on who the judge ‘vibes’ role, you’ll also do a lot of unglamorous work, with. I did this by having one paragraph that like photocopying (which, call me crazy, but I I changed based on the judge who I was don’t actually mind). Also, the judges who deal applying for, but I kept the rest of my cover with criminal matters can deal with some really letter the same. confronting content. But all in all, I absolutely • The application process is quite competitive. love my job and I will be very sad to leave next Many judges will narrow applications by year. reference to grades to some extent. If you have less time to dedicate to study than the You also get quite close with your co-associate average student and this has impacted your and judge in the Court of Appeal. The Buss grades, you may want to mention this in your Chambers (and many others) like to go on cover letter. outings. For example, in the below picture we • You call all the judges including the were out to breakfast with President Buss. We President ‘judge’ except for the Chief Justice,
159 160 Government
In this section, we have compiled a directory of various Government departments that students should consider applying to if they are interested in working in the public sector.
One of the benefits of working for the Government is the unique nature of the work that each of the various departments offer. Some professionals choose to work for Government departments rather than commercial firms because of the structured working hours. This helps promote a healthy work/ life balance.
162 Administrative Appeals Australian Competition Tribunal Consumer Commission &
Level 13, 111 St Georges Terrace [email protected] | 1800 Perth WA 6000 228 333 Australian Energy Regulator
Child support; Commonwealth workers’ Level 5 [email protected] & www.aat.gov.au compensation; Family assistance; Paid parental 1 William Street [email protected] | (02) 6243 leave; Social security and Student assistance; Perth WA 6000 1013 Migration and refugee visas and visa-related decisions; Taxation; Veterans’ entitlements. ACCC/AER offices Competition Policy; Consumer Protection; https://www.accc.gov.au/ & Industry Regulation. https://www.aer.gov.au/
What is the main focus of the How does the organisation How do you apply to work at What is the main focus of the What kind of work do What is an interesting piece organisation? seek its employees? the organisation? organisation? employees at the organisation of work that the organisation The Administrative Appeals Members of the Tribunal The tribunal uses a web-based The Australian Competition do? has recently engaged in? Tribunal (AAT) conducts are statutory office holders e-recruitment system for and Consumer Commission Duties will vary from rotation Takata airbags, the NBN, independent merits review of appointed by the Governor- lodgement of job applications. (ACCC) is an independent to rotation, as the work electricity pricing, financial administrative decision made General. From time to time the When applying online via Commonwealth statutory completed in each of our services, digital platforms, the under Commonwealth laws. AAT seeks to have appointed the e-recruitment system authority whose role is to branches is very different. dairy They review decisions made persons with professions skills for the first time you will enforce the Competition and However, as an ACCC/AER industry, criminal cartels, by Australian Government or knowledge in areas in areas need to register and provide Consumer Act 2010 and a graduate you will be expected consumer data and more. ministers, departments and like aviation, actuary, social a valid email dress. This will range of additional legislation, to: agencies and, in limited work, specialist or general then generate an automatic promoting competition, How does the organisation circumstances, decisions made medicine, compensation law email that will be sent to your fair trading and regulating • Perform a broad range of seek its employees? by state government and non- and so on. nominated email address national infrastructure for the tasks across different work Graduate Opportunities government bodies. They also and contains a password that benefit of all Australians. The areas, such as: analysing (https://www.accc.gov.au/ review decisions made under The AAT also employs staff allows you to resume or review ACCC also regulates national information, assisting with about-us/employment-careers/ Norfolk Island laws under the public Service Act your job application infrastructure industries where investigations, responding graduate-opportunities) 1999. Staff are Commonwealth competition is low. The ACCC to correspondence, • Externally advertised The AAT reviews decisions “on public servants and are When submitting an online includes the Australian Energy undertaking research, opportunities are published the merits”. This means that employed as either on-going application, you will be Regulator (AER), which is contributing to meetings in APS jobs. they take a fresh look at the or non-ongoing to perform required to provide a written responsible for the economic and staff papers/ • Register for our general relevant facts, law and policy a range of duties including statement of claims against regulation of the Australian recommendations, and employment register for and arrive at our own decision. management of the AAT’s selection criteria. Your energy sector. presenting to committees; temporary roles. We must make the legally Registries, conducting statement against each • Build professional correct decision or, where conferences, legal research, criterion should be clear, Our priorities are reflected in relationships and work What qualities does the there can be more than one provision of client services and concise, relevant and generally four key goals: cohesively with others; and organisation look for in future correct decision, the preferable support services to Members. no longer than half a page 1. Maintain and promote • Participate in all formal graduates/ employees? decision. (approximately 400 words). competition and remedy training as required, Successful candidates for the The AAT has the power to: The AAT has offices in all It is recommended that you market failure. including orientation, ACCC/AER 2022 Graduate • affirm a decision states of Australia and check the job advertisements 2. Protect the interests and investigation skills, Program will: • vary a decision in the Australian Capital via the link on this page safety of consumers and regulation skills, • Be interpersonal. • set aside a decision and Territory. The AAT is an equal for any specific application support fair trading in presentation skills, writing • Analyse, critically evaluate substitute a new decision, opportunity employer which instructions. You will also need markets. skills and other professional and problem solve. or upholds the APS employment to attach a current resume. 3. Promote the economically development training. • Be conscientious. • remit a decision to the principles and actively Please check the individual job efficient operation and • Acquire and apply new skills decision-maker for encourages a diverse and advertisement for any specific investment in monopoly and understandings quickly. reconsideration. inclusive workplace job requirements. infrastructure. • Deal with uncertainty, 4. Increase our engagement be resilient and respond Prepared by The Blackstone with the broad range of appropriately to new Society groups affected by what we priorities and an do. ever-changing work environment.
163 164 • Convey an understanding of and contribute to the ACCC/AER’s purpose Australian Law Reform and functions to the ACCC/AER’s purpose and functions. Commission Does the organisation offer PO Box 12953, George Street Post (07) 3248 1224 | [email protected] any opportunities to students who are still studying, and Shop Queensland 4003 how can individuals apply? We offer flexible working conditions, including the ability www.alrc.gov.au to work part-time (minimum 30 hours per week), so that you can continue studying, manage other commitments or just enjoy a little extra work-life balance. What is the main focus of the nternships provide an On 2 March 2020 the Attorney- Does the organisation organisation? opportunity for students to General amended the ALRC’s offer any opportunities for The Australian Law Reform increase their awareness of reporting deadline to be 12 graduates, and how can Commission (ALRC) is a law reform issues while also months from the date the individuals apply? federal agency operating allowing the ALRC to benefit Religious Discrimination Bill is Check the ‘current vacancies’ under the Australian Law from students’ research and passed by Parliament. section of our website. Reform Commission Act writing skills. Interns are 1996 (Cth), and the Public supervised by a staff member, What advice would you give Governance, Performance and undertake research work students seeking to apply to and Accountability Act 2013 determined by the needs of the the organisation? (PGPA Act). The ALRC conducts ALRC. The ALRC will only consider inquiries – also known as applications that address the references into area of law at What qualities does the selection criteria: the request of the Attorney- organisation look for in future • Strong legal research skills; General of Australia. Based on graduates/ employees? • Ability to analyse and its research and consultations Excellent legal research and communicate complex throughout an inquiry, the writing skills, experience information; ALRC makes recommendations in policy development, the • Excellent written to government so that ability to synthesis complex communication skills, government can make information, and the capacity including the ability to informed decisions about law to contribute to work and write clear and concise reform. within a team. documents, including research briefs and memos; What are your student and What is an interesting piece • Ability to work graduate opportunities? How of work that the organisation independently with can individuals apply? has recently engaged in? professional guidance; and The ALRC provides On April 2019, the Attorney- • Work experience, or interest opportunities for current law General issues Terms of in, law reform and/or social students in their penultimate Reference requesting the policy development. or final year to work alongside ALRC to conduct an inquiry Commission members and into the Framework of Prepared by The Blackstone legal staff as legal interns. Religious Exemptions in Anti- Society Interns work on a voluntary discrimination Legislation. basis and may work with the The Terms of Reference were ALRC for a day a week for one altered by the Attorney- semester, or for three weeks General on 29 August 2019. over the summer break.
165 166 Australian Taxation Office
45 Francis Street ATOUniversityPartnershipProgram Northbridge WA 6003 @ato.gov.au
www.ato.gov.au Taxation law
What is the main focus of the How does the organisation services quicker and easier organisation? seek its employees? to use for all Australians. The Australian Taxation Office All of our roles are advertised is so much more than just tax. on our website: www.ato.gov. Does the organisation offer Collecting revenue to build au/careers as well as the APS any opportunities to students the Australian community jobs website. who are still studying, and and finance infrastructure, how can individuals apply? community development, What qualities does the Yes we do. We have a University education and health is just organisation look for in future Partnership Engagement one of our functions. We do so graduates/ employees? Program (UPEP) that is an much more. We look for the following interesting and exciting way to As well as managing Australia’s core skills in all of our future find out what it would be like to taxation system, we regulate graduates and employees: work for us as a graduate. Our and shape superannuation • Change fit. This means the UPEP provides interesting and for all Australians. In 2020, ability to adapt to change, stretching work for university we built and implemented support change initiatives students. It’s more than just JobKeeper, which has provided and help others on their work experience, it’s a proper income to over 6 million change journey. job where you will be hired on Australians and kept over • Client service. This means a casual basis for a period of 700,000 businesses afloat we deliver products and up to 12 months. You’ll work since March. services that put user needs with industry professionals, We have offices in capital first. sometimes in high profile cities and regional sites across • Collaboration. This project work. We’ll give you Australia. means we focus on training and development. building relationships, Best of all, we’ll do this while What kind of work do collaborating and valuing we work around your hours employees at the organisation the contributions of others. at university and your study do? • Communication. This obligations. Duties will vary from rotation means we communicate The work we do is varied and clearly, actively listen and If you are maintaining a high interesting. Our staff deliver a respond with respect. GPA at university, studying in a client experience that defies • Data literacy. We analyse discipline which would qualify expectations. They design and use data to inform you for the Graduate Program solutions that turn problems decisions. (where we hope you will end upside down and solve them • Digital first. We use digital up), we would love to have a quickly and efficiently. Our technology to maximise the chat with you so do get in touch teams build cutting‑edge user experience. with us. systems and solutions that • Innovation. We regularly engage and make it easier to do implement new ideas to the right thing than it is to do improve our work. the wrong. They shape the way • Planning and delivery. We legislation is interpreted and manage work with integrity applied as well as influencing to deliver quality outcomes. new policy. Our work is as • Problem solving. We define varied, diverse and interesting problems and develop as the people we employ. solutions that make our
167 168 Corruption and Crime The Office of the Commission Commonwealth
Level 5 (08) 9215 4888 45 Francis Street Ombudsman Northbridge WA 6003 489/469 Wellington Street Recruitment.twenty@ombudsman. www.ccc.wa.gov.au To expose and disrupt serious misconduct Perth WA 6000 gov.au and corruption, giving the WA community confidence taht public oficers act in the public interest www.ombudsman.gov.au Administrative decision making and practices in public authorities
What is the main focus of the in and view the examination Does the organisation offer organisation? live through our streaming any opportunities to students The Corruption and Crime program. You can also who are still studying, and Commission aims to expose download the Commission’s how can individuals apply? What is the main focus of the What qualities does the and disrupt serious misconduct past reports - https://www.ccc. The Commission is constantly organisation? organisation look for in future and corruption, giving the wa.gov.au/reports. on the look-out for hard- The Office of the graduates/ employees? Western Australian community working individuals who value Commonwealth Ombudsman The Office of the confidence that public officers How would you describe the transparency and integrity. safeguards the community in Commonwealth Ombudsman act in the public interest. work you engage in? To work in our Legal Services its dealings with the Australian provides a list of duties and The Commission also targets Our work is exciting, Directorate, applicants must Government. We also have traits outlining their ideal persons who have accumulated interesting, challenging and have been admitted to the oversight of some private candidate for each of their wealth through unlawful diverse. You can read about Supreme Court of Western sector organisations. vacancies. means. our latest investigations on Australia. The Commission our website - www.ccc.wa.gov. offers other roles that attract If an Australian Government What are your student and What kind of work do au and stay up-to-date by law graduates that do not agency has treated you graduate opportunities? How employees at the organisation following us on Twitter and require you to be admitted. We unfairly or unreasonably, we can individuals apply? do? LinkedIn. encourage all law graduates to can help you find a solution. No. Positions open from time to The Commission offers many apply for any opportunity that Our service is free, and we are time and can be found on the rewarding experiences, How does the organisation interests them. independent. We make sure the including the opportunity to seek its employees? Cth Ombudsman website actions of agencies are fair and appear as Counsel Assisting If you would like to work with What advice would you give responsible by: the Commission in private us, register an account with students seeking to apply to • Handling complaints; and public compulsory www.jobs.wa.gov.au and set up the organisation? • Conducting investigations; examinations, to represent your profile to stay up-to-date • Performing audits and the Commission in court, with current vacancies at the Be aware of the current inspections; and to be intimately involved Commission. vacancies page for information with skilled investigators • Encouraging good regarding jobs. administration on highly sensitive, topical What qualities does the investigations, to work with the organisation look for in future Prepared by The Blackstone What kind of work do full range of the Commission’s graduates/ employees? Society employees at the organisation coercive and investigative Commission employees have do? powers, and to draft reports for a wide range of qualifications, It is dependent on the type Parliament. experience and skills. We value of job. For a list of current the ability to relate with others, vacancies, visit www. You can see the Commission’s accountability, leadership ombudsman.gov.au/what-we- work first hand. If the and teamwork. Our staff work do/careers/current-vacancies. Commission has any upcoming with sensitive information and public examinations, they are expected to maintain the will be announced on our strictest confidentiality. website and through various media outlets. You can tune
169 170 Commonwealth Director of Department of Foreign Af- Public Prosecutions fairs and Trade
Level 1 [email protected] | (02) Exchange Tower Sherwoord Court [email protected] | (02) 6261 226 Adelaide Terrace 6206 5666 (off St Georges Terrace) - Level 25 9811 Perth WA 6000 Perth WA 6000
https://www.cdpp.gov.au Criminal Law and Commercial Law https://www.dfat.gov.au International Law, Trade and Development Policy Advice
What is the main focus of the by specialist agencies and a safer Australia. Relevant What is the main focus of the 31 foreign languages in which and Disaster Bay Chillies in organisation? provides international work experience is highly organisation? DFAT staff are proficient. Eden (NSW) on an international The Office of the assistance in the areas of regarded. Working alongside The department works to make stage. Commonwealth Director of Mutual Assistance and experienced prosecutors, you’ll Australia stronger, safer and What kind of work do Public Prosecutions (CDPP) is Extradition. have the opportunity to work more prosperous, to provide employees at the organisation Through DFAT’s Australia- an independent prosecution • Organised Crime and on a variety of interesting timely and responsive consular do? India Council grants program, service established by Counter Terrorism – and challenging matters and and passport services, and to Working at the Department Australian and Indian Parliament to prosecute prosecutes counter develop your legal skills with ensure a secure Australian of Foreign Affairs and Trade researchers shared knowledge alleged offences against terrorism and large scale our Continuing Legal Education Government presence (DFAT) is more than just a job. and expertise in 3D printing Commonwealth law. organised crime offences. Program. overseas. It is a career that can provide and bioprinting to drive the It is a Commonwealth statutory • Illegal Imports and Exports Ideally, candidates will have you with the opportunity to do development of a 3D printing agency with 10 offices around – prosecutes offences a strong academic record, The department provides the kind of work that adds up solution that will generate new Australia. The CDPP operates associated with protecting enjoy collaborating as a foreign, trade and development to something meaningful. ears for patients using their as an independent agency Australia’s borders, member of a team and be policy advice to the own stem cells. within the Attorney‑General’s including drug offences willing to embrace new ways of Government. We work with Whether we are promoting portfolio. such as importation and working in a digitally enabled other government agencies international trade and DFAT’s Australia-India Council trafficking. workplace. Candidates must be to ensure that Australia’s investment, helping in crises establishes innovative, What kind of work do • Human Exploitation admitted as a legal practitioner pursuit of its global, regional overseas, assisting Australian dynamic and sustainable links employees at the organisation and Border Protection in an Australian state or and bilateral interests is travellers, reducing poverty between Australia and India, do? – prosecutes child territory. coordinated effectively. and supporting growth, we opening up opportunities for In 2019–20, 56 partner exploitation, human DFAT is the lead agency all share a common goal of collaboration in areas that agencies referred a total trafficking and slavery What are your student and managing Australia’s advancing the interests of are beneficial to both of our of 2441 cases to the CDPP, offences, people smuggling, graduate opportunities? international presence. Australia and Australians countries. including 45 Commonwealth migration offences and How can individuals apply? We manage a network of internationally. investigative agencies and 11 more. For information regarding 121 overseas posts in five How does the organisation state and territory agencies. The CDPP website (www.cdpp. any current vacancies or continents and have 6,078 staff What is an interesting piece seek its employees? The practice is made up of gov.au) has a range of case recruitment opportunities, located in Canberra, state and of work that the organisation We advertise vacancies at six practice groups and an reports outlining some of the please visit CDPP’s website. territory offices and overseas has recently engaged in? different times, according to Enabling Services group. The interesting work being done in posts. As part of Bushfire Recovery, operational requirements to practice groups are: these areas. DFAT sent products from a fill particular roles. All our • Commercial, Financial and Our officers are highly range of Australian small vacancies are advertised on Corruption – prosecutes What qualities does the skilled at their work which businesses impacted by the careers pages of the DFAT corruption and serious organisation look for in future includes; developing and last summer’s bushfires to website (https://dfat.gov.au/ financial crimes. graduates? implementing foreign, trade Australian Embassies and careers/Pages/careers.aspx). • Revenue and Benefits Fraud The CDPP looks for candidates and development policy, High Commissions around – prosecutes general tax, with a strong interest in negotiating international the world. Using our global If you are interested in keeping social security, Medicare progressing a career as agreements, delivering an diplomatic network, we were track of future vacancies, and identity fraud. a prosecutor who also effective aid program, and able to showcase the talents you can visit our website and • International Assistance value integrity, honesty, providing high quality consular of Australian small businesses register to receive notifications and Specialist Agencies - and impartiality, and the assistance. This business is like Highfield Farm and of vacancies as they are prosecutes matters referred opportunity to contribute to often conducted in one of the Woodland in Mt Adrah (NSW) advertised, by using the job
171 172 alert function. Does the organisation offer any opportunities for What qualities does the graduates, and how can Department of the Premier organisation look for in future individuals apply? graduates/ employees? Each year DFAT runs a graduate The department continues to program. Applications for and Cabinet build and renew the workforce the 2022 Policy Graduate by bringing in a mix of people Program will open 9 March Dumas House, 2 Havelock Street [email protected] | with a wide range of skills, 2021. A corporate management experience and knowledge. graduate program will not be West Perth WA 6005 (08) 6553 5848 | (08) 6552 6153 For each intake we are looking held in 2022. for: We welcome candidates from a • future leaders diverse range of backgrounds. www.wa.gov.au Administration of the Executive, Government • strong academic achievers Each year we select a mix Servicer and Government Policy Management. • critical and curious thinkers of fresh graduates and • team players who build graduates with several years of relationships with professional experience under stakeholders and peers their belt. DFAT places no • excellent communicators limits on the age of candidates. • practical problem solvers, These are ongoing entry level who are flexible, adaptable, positions, with graduates resilient and resourceful commencing at an APS3.2 with • candidates who display a salary of $68,467 (plus 15.4% What is the main focus of the implement both our strategic support whole-of-government professionalism and high superannuation). Graduates organisation? priorities and additional tasks planning, coordination ethical standards. are expected to commence The Department’s purpose assigned by government on an and communication. An in February 2022. DFAT also is to lead the public sector ad-hoc basis. Information Coordination We look at each candidate’s offers a generous relocation in providing whole-of- Centre, operating from Dumas application, including their package to successful Government advice and A large part of the House, reported directly qualifications and professional candidates. support to the Premier and Department’s role concerns to the State Emergency experience. We take into Cabinet in their service of the central coordination across Coordinator. Communications account transferable skills Western Australian community. the whole of the Western kept the public up to date from a range of employment It also plays a central role Australian public sector and with developments, and also options, not just those which in Executive Government state-wide communication kept them informed as the have direct subject matter functions. campaigns, such as those WA Roadmap for COVID-19 relevance to DFAT’s work. A required during the COVID-19 was rolled out. COVID Safety candidate who has worked Our strategic priorities include: pandemic and subsequent Plan tools and guidelines were in hotel management or • Working with the Australian recovery implementation. developed in collaboration with other areas of hospitality, for Government other public sector agencies example, may bring skills in • Influencing economic and The balance of staff engage to help businesses and problem solving, adapting to social development in administrative work in communities adopt COVID-safe change and managing people • Delivering key areas such as finance, human practices. – all skills strongly relevant to infrastructure and major resources, recordkeeping working in DFAT. projects and information technology The inter-governmental • Supporting Aboriginal to provide practical support relations team worked closely Does the organisation offer economic and social to Departmental staff, the with their counterparts in any opportunities to students development Premier, Ministers and all each state, territory, and the who are still studying, and • Driving digital Members of Parliament Australian Government to how can individuals apply? transformation together with all the staff share information and develop Unfortunately, DFAT is unable in their Ministerial and advice for the Premier’s to offer internships or work What kind of work do Parliamentary Electorate attendance at National Cabinet experience in Canberra. Some employees at the organisation Offices. meetings. The rapidly changing of our embassies and high do? priorities of 2020 created a commissions overseas and A large proportion of the Whatis an interesting piece of unique environment that saw other portfolio agencies do Department’s employees are work tht the organisation has the Department fast-track offer internships. engaged in research supporting recently engaged in remote working methods, development of policy advice In March 2020, when a State online meetings, and fostered to government. The advice of Emergency was declared new levels of collaboration includes preparation of briefing in response to the COVID-19 across the public sector. The notes, Cabinet submissions pandemic, the Department Department continues to and formal responses to established the Pandemic deliver a central coordination various enquiries, both state Coordination Unit. This drew role to oversee and report on and national. Many employees on resources from across the implementation of the WA undertake project work to agency and the public sector to Recovery Plan.
173 174 As future leaders in the public program includes: Other interesting areas of work sector, passion, commitment • a comprehensive induction include: and a thirst for knowledge are to the Department and to Legal Aid • Leading a whole-of- essential. Government; government approach • a series of rotations to Aboriginal policy and Graduates don’t need a specific throughout the native title outcomes. The academic background as Department; Department has progressed long as they can demonstrate • the opportunity to 32 St Georges Terrace [email protected] | the implementation of academic achievements, participate in the significant native title have an interest in issues Public Sector Graduate Perth WA 6000 (08) 9261 6222 settlements, including the that affect the community of Development Program; and Yamatji Nation Indigenous Western Australia, and want • exciting training and Land Use Agreement and to think, talk and write about development opportunities. https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/ Criminal, Family, Civil the South West Settlement how the Government might about-us/careers Land Use Agreement. solve some of its biggest policy The application process has Working directly with challenges. They will need four steps: traditional owners, these to be great communicators Step 1: submit a covering agreements aim to build who think clearly and are not letter or written application a sustainable economic scared of putting up original and an up to date CV or résumé foundation with a focus on ideas. They will also require an Step 2: do a one-way video Aboriginal empowerment understanding of the rules and interview and recognition. processes around what we do in Step 3: complete a written • The Department’s Office the public sector and be willing exercise and take part in What is the main focus of the Does the organisation offer backgrounds, people with of Digital Government has to ask why. a 30-minute panel style organisation? any opportunities to students disabilities and people implemented improved interview Legal Aid WA is an independent who are still studying, and with mental illnesses or cyber security capability To be eligible for the Step 4: Referee checks and statutory body set up by the how can individuals apply? impairments. across the public sector, and Department’s graduate notification to applicants. Legal Aid Commission Act Legal Aid WA offers a • An ability to show empathy is delivering a digital data program, applicants must be: 1976. Our purpose is to provide limited number of unpaid and sensitivity. hub pilot to drive improved • An Australian Citizen, The Department strives to quality legal assistance to internships for final year • A commitment to the type data analytics and insights Permanent Resident, or be have a workforce that is those in need and promote law students through our of work we do. This includes capability across the WA entitled to live and work representative of the diverse community access to justice. Voluntary Intern Placement studying units at university government. indefinitely in Australia community we serve and (VIP) Program. Recruitment that reflect your interest • The Department leads • University graduates who encourages people from all What kind of work do for the program occurs in legal aid work, such as delivery of government have a degree of three backgrounds to apply. employees at the organisation annually in accordance with family law, criminal justice priorities, implementing years or more and who have do? the university recommended or dispute resolution. the Collie economic graduated since 2019. Please email ODHR@dpc. Our lawyers provide a range of recruitment dates and is via • Excellent written and oral development plan and wa.gov.au to request further services in the areas of family, the WA Government Jobs Board communication skills - plain tourism programs, and We are looking for intelligent, information or register your criminal and civil law including website. English!! providing strategic passionate individuals interest in the 2022 Graduate duty lawyer services, legal advice on environmental whose values align with the Program. advice and minor assistance, Legal Aid WA also offers Legal Aid WA is committed policy, jobs and economic Department’s values and want court representation, some placements to students to increasing the diversity diversification, deregulation to contribute their skills and alternative dispute resolution, through the various university of our workforce to better and priority commercial experience for the betterment community legal education and internship programs. These meet the differing needs of matters. of all Western Australians. community outreach. opportunities are by agreement our clients and to improve between the university and equal opportunity for our How does the organisation What are your organisation’s Working for Legal Aid WA Legal Aid WA. employees. We encourage seek its employees? key values? means making a real difference applications from Aboriginal Jobs are advertised on the jobs. The Department’s values are: to the lives of disadvantaged What qualities does the and Torres Strait Islander wa.gov.au website. • People people in our community. organisation look for in future peoples, people from culturally • Leadership graduates/ employees? and linguistically diverse What qualities does the • Clarity How does the organisation • A strong and genuine desire backgrounds, young people, organisation look for in futrue • Openness seek its employees? to serve the community, women and people with graduates? All recruitment for positions especially those who are disabilities. The Department employs What are your student and at Legal Aid WA is via the socially and economically people with a wide range of graduate opportunties? How WA Government Jobs Board disadvantaged, and a Does the organisation experience, and is particularly can individuals apply? website. Our selection demonstrated commitment offer any opportunities for interested in recent university The Department’s graduate processes are designed to to social justice. graduates, and how can graduates who enjoy working in program is advertised once reflect and uphold the Public • Experience with our client individuals apply? a team environment, can adapt a year on the jobs.wa.gov.au Sector Standards. group which includes Legal Aid WA has limited quickly to change, and have website. children, Aboriginal and opportunities for law graduates excellent communication skills, Torres Strait Islander to undertake their practical initiative and determination. The 18-month graduate people, people from work experience hours with non-English speaking us, as part of their enrolment
175 176 in an approved practical legal training course. These opportunities are advertised Insurance Commission of annually or bi-annually. Law graduates who have Western Australia completed their practical legal training requirements and are 221 St Georges Terrace, (08) 9264 3333 | [email protected]. eligible for admission or have recently been admitted to Perth WA 6000 au practice can apply for Legal Aid WA’s Regional Graduate Lawyer Program. Successful applicants www.icwa.wa.gov.au Motor Injury insurance and Government receive comprehensive training insurance. in our Perth office before being relocated to work in one of our regional offices across WA. Positions are for a fixed term of two years, commencing on 1 July.
Other opportunities for admitted lawyers to join Legal What is the main focus of the What are your student and Aid WA in entry level positions organisation? graduate opportunities? arise from time-to-time. The Insurance Commission of The insurance Commission Western Australia is a statutory offers opportunities in Recruitment for all of the corporation and Government a dynamic, flexible and above opportunities is via the Trading Enterprise owned innovative work environment WA Government Jobs Board by the Western Australian for talented people. We value website. Government. We are the innovative thinking from State’s insurer providing injury people who are team players insurance to motorists and committed to delivering self-insurance to Government. excelling to our customs and We provide motor injury stakeholders. insurance to 1.9 million drivers and 2.9 million owners of registered vehicles in Western Australia. We also provide self-insurance arrangements for Government covering 111 agencies for workers’ compensation, property, liability and more.
What does the organisation’s graduate program involve? The Insurance Commission actively seeks graduates and young professionals to join our organisation. We offer training and professional development to build your career and help you achieve your goals. Working with us will provide you with public sector experience and a skill set that is transferable to the global financial services and insurance industries.
177 178 The Office of the Director of State Solicitor’s Office Public Prosecutions WA
Level 1 International House, 26 St (08) 9425 3999 | dpp@dpp. David Malcolm Justice Centre Jenette Schoch | ssohr@sso. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000 wa.gov.au 28 Barrack Street wa.gov.au | (08) 9264 1888 Perth WA 6000
www.dpp.wa.gov.au Criminal Law www.justice.wa.gov.au All aspects of Government Law
What is the main focus of the offered to law students who are in serious criminal matters What is the main focus of the preparing advice and client What is an interesting piece organisation? typically in their last, or second requires compassion, humility organisation? correspondence, as well as of work that the organisation The Office of the Director last year of study. During the and dedication – and it is far The State Solicitor’s Office having the opportunity to has recently engaged in? of Public Prosecutions for two-week clerkship period, more challenging than Netflix provides legal advice and observe other more senior The State Solicitor’s Office Western Australia (ODPP) is students will be provided with might have you believe. The representation across a very practitioners in court. undertakes a very interesting the independent prosecuting an opportunity to learn about pace and volume of work wide range of areas of law and diverse range of work. authority for the State of the nature of the work that the is relentless. Trials are all to the Western Australian As a restricted practitioner Some recent examples of the Western Australia, responsible ODPP performs. consuming and emotionally State Government and you will generally have your work that the Office has been for the prosecution of all exhausting. File management Ministers as well as to own prosecutions to conduct involved in include: serious offences committed Does the organisation hire responsibilities will necessitate individual client departments, in the Magistrates Court, your • representing the against State criminal law. graduates directly? the review of graphic and statutory authorities and own advice files to manage Commissioner of Police The ODPP acts independently No. distressing material. While instrumentalities of the State. and you will assist on large and the State of Western of the Government in court appearances and The Office receives several litigation matters as part of a Australia in the High Court decision making on criminal Personal Profile fascinating files will always thousand requests for advice team. There is substantial in- challenge to the State’s prosecutions. The Director I applied for a position at be perks of the job, it is the and representation each year. house training for junior staff border control measures is, however, responsible to the ODPP because I believed people that you encounter The office is comprised of the (including mock court sessions put in place to limit the the Attorney General for the that it would provide me with that make the job worthwhile. following sections: before you head to court on spread of COVID-19; operation of the Office. The unparalleled opportunities From talented colleagues, • Advice, policy and public your own) and continuing • advising the State ODPP does not investigate to practice the two aspects committed police officers, law; professional development Emergency Coordinator and crime - that is the role of law that had drawn me and incredibly brave victims • Litigation (including civil opportunities throughout your government on the legal of investigating agencies to study a law degree in the of crime, you will be inspired matters and public and career. Upon the completion of issues arising in relation such as the WA Police and first place – criminal law and to pursue excellence, and general law matters); your restricted practice years, to the COVID-19 pandemic the Corruption and Crime advocacy. Within the first few rewarded for it in ways you may • Counsel; you will transition into one including the use of the Commission. weeks of commencing at the never have expected. • Native Title and State of our sections. Those with a emergency powers in the ODPP, you will be appearing Lands; and passion for a particular area of Emergency Management Does the organisation accept in court. Within the first • Commercial. law can develop expertise in Act 2005 (WA); vacation clerks? years of commencing at the that area but the opportunity • advising on the Iron Ore Yes. ODPP, you will be conducting What kind of work do remains to maintain a wide Processing (Mineralogy your very own jury trials. The employees at the organisation variety of work over the course Pty Ltd) Agreement What is the structure of your nature of the work is invariably do? of your career. Amendment Act 2020 clerkship program? interesting, and can involve Working at the State Solicitor’s (WA) and the subsequent The ODPP actively reading text messages between Office as a graduate involves Employees have access to High Court proceedings in contributes to the training drug dealers and being involved rotating through each of the a range of interesting and relation to that Act; and development of future in high-profile trials. sections and engaging in the challenging secondment and • representing the State and lawyers by running a vacation full range of work that each placement opportunities at a number of government clerkship program. The ODPP With this said, I would not of those sections undertake. different stages of their career, agencies on a range of Royal offers a number of vacation recommend the ODPP for This will include actually including the Coroner’s Court, Commissions including clerkships during the mid- those who have expectations appearing in court on a the Corruption and Crime the Royal Commission year (winter) and end of year of ruthlessly cross-examining range of interlocutory and Commission and WA Police. into Violence, Abuse, (summer) university semester witnesses in front of an adoring other matters, contractual Neglect and Exploitation breaks. Vacation clerkships are jury. Representing the State drafting and assisting in of People with Disability
179 180 and the Royal Commission employees are privileged to be clerkships for students in into Aged Care and a part of. their penultimate or final the implementation of year of study. Our structured WA Ombudsman recommendations arising Does the organisation programme ensures that from the Royal Commission offer any opportunities for all our vacation clerks are into Institutional Responses graduates, and how can able to experience as broad to Child Sexual Abuse; individuals apply? a range of the work of the • assisting in the preliminary The State Solicitor’s Office Office as possible, whilst being Albert Facey House - Level 2 [email protected] | (08) stages of the planning Law Graduate Programme supported and mentored by and development of the is designed to provide an both junior and senior lawyers 469 Wellington Street 9220 7555 new Women and Babies excellent foundation for in the Office. Perth WA 6000 Hospital; a career in law with the • advising on a range of State Solicitor’s Office. Law In addition, the State Solicitor’s www.ombudsman.wa.gov.au All aspects of Public Law legal issues pertaining to Graduates will gain practical Office employs professional the 2021 State General experience in the full range of legal research assistants on a Election; and practice areas within the State full-time basis for two years to • representing the State of Solicitor’s Office, by rotating undertake an interesting and Western Australia in the WA through each of the Office’s diverse range of legal tasks Stolen Wages Class Action sections in their graduate year. including drafting research proceedings in the Federal The State Solicitor’s Office memoranda on discrete legal Court. will accept applications for issues, assisting with litigation employment as a Law Graduate related tasks including the How does the organisation from: preparation of submissions What is the main focus of the What kind of work do universities when the program seek its employees? • Law graduates who and attending meetings with organisation? employees at the organisation is advertised. Each year, our Vacation have not completed the clients and other stakeholders. The office of the Ombudsman do? Contact the person in the Clerkships and Graduate coursework component of These positions are a unique provides access to justice, The office of the Ombudsman job advertisement to obtain positions are advertised an approved practical legal opportunity for very capable advances human rights for has four principal functions, an understanding of the on the Western Australian training course. law students to work closely vulnerable and disadvantaged which are: advertised role and information Government jobs board (jobs. • Law graduates who have with very senior members of populations and promotes the • Providing access to about the job, and provide a wa.gov.au). The office also completed the coursework the Office, including the State rule of law. The Ombudsman is justice to Western comprehensive curriculum informs universities when the component of an approved Solicitor, State Counsel and the an independent and impartial Australians regarding vitae that details your programs are advertised. practical legal training Solicitor-General. officer of the Parliament who the administration of qualifications and your duties course (such as that reports to the Parliament government; and achievements in your What qualities does the provided by the College rather than the government • Making recommendations current and previous work. organisation look for in future of Law) but have not been of the day. The office of about ways to prevent The CV needs to show that you graduates/ employees? admitted to practice law. the Ombudsman utilizes or reduce child deaths have the skills, knowledge and While the State Solicitor’s • Law graduates who all aspects of public law in and family and domestic capacity to do the work of the Office looks for graduates have completed the undertaking their work. violence fatalities through advertised position. with excellent results in their requirements of an the undertaking of reviews; law degrees, we also want to approved practical legal What qualities does the • Undertaking major What is an interesting piece employ people who have a training course (such as that organisation look for in future investigations with the of work that the organisation commitment to public service, provided by the College of graduates/ employees? powers of a standing Royal has recently engaged in? and understand that working in Law) and have already been Most positions at the office Commission; and Western Australia is a vast government can be different to admitted to practice law of the Ombudsman require • Undertaking a range of state and it is vital that access working for private clients in a but have not commenced excellent conceptual and inspection and monitoring to justice institutions ensure private practice. practice as a lawyer. analytical skills, a high level of functions of particular that they are accessible to written communication skills, powers given to agencies of Western Australians living Graduates should be able Each year, our Graduate strong interpersonal skills the State. and working in regional and to work well with others, positions are advertised and an understanding of the remote Western Australia. and at the same time work on the Western Australian principles of independence, Does the organisation offer Even more critically, justice independently when required. Government jobs board (jobs. reasonableness and procedural any opportunities to students must be accessible to We need graduates who are wa.gov.au) and the office also fairness. People from diverse who are still studying and Aboriginal Western Australian not afraid of public speaking, informs universities when the backgrounds are encouraged to how can individuals apply? communities. For this reason, and who are prepared to take programs are advertised. apply for vacancies at the office The office of the Ombudsman the Ombudsman regularly on the challenge of advocacy of the Ombudsman. provides law students an raises awareness of, access work at an early stage in their Does the organisation offer opportunity to apply for the to, and use of, its services career. We want to employ any opportunities to students How does the organisation office’s Clerkship program for regional and Aboriginal those who are committed not who are still studying, and seek its employees? during the university vacation. Western Australians. Regional only to legal excellence but how can individuals apply? The Office advertises positions Each year, the clerkship is visits are coordinated with the also to contributing to the The State Solicitor’s Office in the Western Australian advertised on the Western Western Australian Energy positive and supportive culture offers a number of paid Government Jobs Board (jobs. Australian Government and Water Ombudsman, the that all State Solicitor’s Office summer and winter vacation wa.gov.au). Jobs Board (jobs.wa.gov.au) Commonwealth Ombudsman, and the office also informs the Health and Disability
181 182 Services Complaints Office and the Equal Opportunity Commission, and include: • Complaint clinics, which provide an opportunity for members of the local community to raise their concerns face-to-face with the staff of the Office; • Meetings with Aboriginal communities to discuss government service delivery and where the agencies may be able to assist; • Liaison with community, advocacy and consumer organisations; and • Liaison with public authorities, including meetings with senior officers and workshops for public officers on Good Decision Making and Effective Complaint Handling.
183 184 Community Legal Centres
We have compiled profiles of the major Community Legal Centres in Perth. Volunteer positions are a great way for students to get involved and give back to the community whilst developing the skills you will need for a career in law. Volunteer positions at Community Legal Centres (CLCs) can provide you with an opportunity to aid people who are socially and economically disadvantaged, whilst giving you exposure to various areas of law.
The tasks that volunteers at CLCs undertake are wide ranging including identifying legal problems, writing memorandums of advice, conducting legal research and other administrative duties. Some positions may give you the opportunity to communicate directly with clients. Aboriginal Family Law Circle Green Community Services Legal
890 Albany Highway Nicky Davison | [email protected] | Ground Floor, 445 Hay Street Rowan Kelly (Legal Practice East Victoria Park WA 6101 (08) 9355 1502 Perth 6000 Manager) | administration@ circlegreen.org.au | (08) 6148 3636 www.afls.org.au Family Law www.circlegreen.org.au Residential Tenancy, Employment, Migration and Family Law
WHAT IS THE What kind of tasks are Roughly how many positions WHAT IS THE Circle Green Community APPLICATION FOCUS OF student volunteers expected are available for students in FOCUS OF Legal employees, external PROCESS YOUR CLC? to undertake? 2021? YOUR CLC? stakeholders, and clients. We offer services that range Around 2. Providing initial point-of- How can students apply? from free legal services to contact for new and existing The Aboriginal Family Law Residential tenancy law, Responding to advertised community education and early What attributes do you look clients. opportunities. Service assists Aboriginal and intervention and prevention for in an applicant? employment law, migration Assisting Circle Green Torres Strait Islander people and family and domestic Email administration@ programs. The most important attributes Community Legal staff with circlegreen.org.au. live free from family violence in applicants are; Honesty, violence (related to newly all the elements of legal file and sexual assault. They aim arrived refugees, migrants and What are the skills/benefits Dedication, Compassion, management. What does your recruitment/ to provide holistic family of taking a position at your Passion and Commitment to asylum seekers from Culturally and sexual violence legal and Linguistically Diverse interview process consist of? CLC? assisting victims of family What are the skills/benefits The recruitment process and prevention services for A position at the Aboriginal violence backgrounds). of taking a position at your Aboriginal and Torres Strait consists of a written Family Law Service is CLC? application, an interview and Islander peoples in Western incredibly rewarding. One of Prepared by The Blackstone VOLUNTEERING Law clerks will be given the Australia. OPPORTUNITY sometimes undertaking a the most beneficial elements Society opportunity to directly add practical task. of a position is getting an value to clients and holistically VOLUNTEERING understanding of the impact Which areas of law will clerks to our service; they will learn OPPORTUNITY be exposed to? What attributes do you look of family violence within the what it is like to work in a large for in an applicant? Indigenous community. Clerks will either focus on multi-disciplinary community Which areas of law will clerks one aspect of our service (see Cultural alignment. legal centre; and they will learn A desire and care to contribute be exposed to? Do you offer any opportunity above) or may be exposed to skills that will benefit them in Areas which students should multiple aspects of our service. to the sector and our clients. for graduates looking to do future career opportunities. Academic credentials. be expected to be exposed to their Practical Legal Training? are family law, child protection, Yes. What kind of tasks are Do you provide opportunity criminal injury, and domestic student volunteers expected What advice do you have for for courtroom/advocacy students looking to apply? violence. APPLICATION to undertake? work? • Family Visiting places where Circle Consider carefully the reason PROCESS Law clerks may be given the you are looking to apply • Child protection Green Community Legal opportunity to participate • Family violence restraining provides legal services, and your interest in the How can students apply? in law reform (advocacy). various services Circle Green order including outreach clinics, However, more generally Call or email our Human courts and prisons. Community Legal may offer • Aboriginal people in remote Resources Manager. they will not be provided the regional areas Attending and watching individual clients. When opportunity to undertake you apply and respond to an proceedings. courtroom work (except Blackstone suggests you Assisting with the creation advertised role, make sure you include your resume, for limited opportunities to answer the selection criteria or maintenance of factsheets witness courtroom work). academic transcript and cover and information that Circle and your application is tailored letter detailing why you are to Circle Green Community Green Community Legal uses Do you offer any opportunity interested in volunteering internally or externally. Legal. at the AFLS when you make for graduates looking to do Undertaking research. their Practical Legal Training? contact to apply. Attending meetings with Yes.
187 188 Roughly how many positions are available for students in Citizens Advice Bureau 2021? It varies; please enquire or send your expression of interest to [email protected]
What attributes do you look Level 1, 25 Barrack Street Elena Mauen | manager@cabwa. for in an applicant? Perth WA 6000 com.au | (08) 9325 4217 • Excellent communication skills • Great attention to detail www.cabwa.com.au • Computer literate • A team player • A positive and professional attitude • Organised and able to prioritise tasks
WHAT IS THE What kind of tasks are individual situation and provide student volunteers expected the appropriate service, FOCUS OF to undertake? which includes information YOUR CLC? A typical day in the life of a and referrals, booking legal CAB Information & Referral appointments or suggesting Citizens Advice Bureau does volunteer includes time on the options such as mediation. not means test or impose telephone, answering queries Volunteers/Law Students other eligibility criteria on our from our clients and booking gain hands-on experience potential clients. Accordingly, appointments for our legal which allows them to we have an extremely diverse team. They’ll also spend time associate concepts learnt range of clients, including talking to clients face to face at university with real vulnerable people. Our on our reception desk, handling life scenarios. Volunteer primary service is to provide cash and providing information Paralegals work closely with information and referrals on and referrals. the Principal Solicitor to a wide range of issues and not draft legal documents such tell people “we don’t know”. We Duties include answering as Wills, Enduring Powers aim to empower our clients to queries from clients on a wide of Attorney & Guardianship, make their own independent range of issues (not always Probate Applications, Letters decision. We also have a low- legal), provide information of Administration and some cost legal and mediation and referrals, book legal Family Court documents. Full service. appointments, carry out training and ongoing mentoring conflict checks, record and support are provided. VOLUNTEERING statistics and handle payments. OPPORTUNITY In addition to this, volunteers Do you offer any opportunity are also required to perform for graduates looking to do Which areas of law will clerks some admin tasks. Exposure their Practical Legal Training? be exposed to? to clients is given face to face No. We assist clients who are (Reception/Mediation) or on experiencing relationship the phone (Infoline/Paralegal). APPLICATION breakdowns, domestic violence PROCESS issues, financial hardship, What are the skills/benefits grief, trauma and who may of taking a position at your How can students apply? also have literacy issues or CLC? Via our website: http://www. English as a second or third Our Information & Referral cabwa.com.au/become-a- language. Last financial year, volunteers are in direct volunteer we assisted approximately contact with clients and able Direct email: manager@cabwa. 65,000 clients, most of them to conduct interviews to find com.au received information and out more information on the Additionally, through referrals directly provided by matter(s) clients need help advertised positions on Seek our volunteers. with. Our volunteers are and Volunteering WA. trained to assess the client’s
189 190 Consumer Credit Legal Environmental Defenders Service Office (WA)
Level 1, 231 Adelaide Terrace P Allison Sampson, Office Manager Unit 18 CityWest Lotteries House (08) 9420 7271 | edowa@edowa. erth WA 6000 [email protected] 2 Delhi Street, West Perth, 6005 org.au
www.cclswa.org.au Consumer Law www.edowa.org.au Environmental Law
WHAT IS THE reform submissions Roughly how many positions WHAT IS THE What kind of tasks are Do you offer any opportunity are available for students in student volunteers expected for graduates looking to do FOCUS OF Do you provide opportunity 2021? FOCUS OF to undertake? their Practical Legal Training? YOUR CLC? for advocacy work? We offer a high number of YOUR CLC? Students studying law and Yes, law students with an We don’t do court work. opportunities. related disciplines frequently interest in environment or Credit and Debt and Consumer Instead, we run relevant EDOWA’s commitment to volunteer their time to help planning law can apply to Law. Consumer Credit Legal cases through the Australian What advice do you have for the WA community and meet the demand for the EDO’s complete their Practical Legal Service is a non-for-profit Financial Complaints Authority, students looking to apply environment is at the core services. Volunteers without Training at EDO. Completing charitable organisation which a specialised ombudsman This is a great opportunity to of our organisation. We aim legal training also have a role your PLT at EDOWA will provides legal advice and scheme. directly interact with clients to empower the community in providing invaluable support undertake a wide variety or representation to consumers What are the skills/benefits and learn how to draft advice. to protect and preserve by assisting with administrative legal research tasks, assist in WA in areas of credit, of taking a position at your You will learn how to talk to the environment through tasks, fundraising and general in the preparation of legal banking and finance. CCLSWA CLC? clients, what questions to ask understanding, applying and research. documents and answer our also takes an active role in You will get direct client clients, and improve your client improving environmental laws. Volunteers will be expected to telephone advice line under community legal education, contact by providing front line interview skills. You will have make a commitment to work the supervision of a Senior law reform and policy issues legal services. You will receive the opportunity to partake in VOLUNTEERING at least one day per week for at Solicitor. affecting consumers. close supervision and ongoing different kinds of volunteer OPPORTUNITY least three months. training during your time at roles. Volunteering at CCLSWA Legal volunteers are exposed APPLICATION VOLUNTEERING CCLSWA. is a great way to build the Which areas of law will clerks to a broad range of work, PROCESS OPPORTUNITY skills necessary for the legal be exposed to? including: Do you offer any opportunity workplace. During your time Legal research on matters • Legal research on matters How can students apply? Which areas of law will clerks for graduates looking to do at CCLSWA, you will learn concerning biodiversity, concerning biodiversity, If you would like to volunteer be exposed to? their Practical Legal Training? where to look for the answers climate change, pollution, climate change, pollution, please get in touch and outline We assist with issues that come Yes. and how to best research. planning and mining and water planning and mining and the skills and experience you under the National Credit Code Knowing where to look is just law. water law; have to offer, at (08) 9420 7271 and the Australian Consumer APPLICATION as important as knowing the • Assisting in preparations of or [email protected]. Law. PROCESS answer. What are the skills/benefits court documents, drafting of taking a position at your letters and legal advice; Blackstone suggests that you What kind of tasks are How can students apply? CLC? • Assisting solicitors in case consider including a resume, student volunteers expected On our website www.cclswa. The work you will do will work and litigation in Court; cover letter and academic to undertake? org.au. look great on your resume. • Engaging in public interest transcript in your application. Volunteer paralegals operate Volunteers will learn to find legal environmental work Your academic transcript the telephone advice line. They What does your recruitment/ their way around the Supreme for a broad scope of clients; should include administrative take instructions, draft advice interview process consist of? Court library and undertake • Drafting submissions and law and a completion of at and deliver advice, under A zoom interview with a case legal research with a real participating in law reform least one of the following three the close supervision of the study research task. practical focus and application. work; and subject, with a ‘credit’ grade or supervising solicitor. Volunteer You will also work in a fantastic • Assisting solicitors in the higher: paralegals also assist solicitors offie and meet some great preparation of educational Environmental law with case file work, in the people, including volunteers materials for the Energy/natural resources law delivery of community legal from around the world. community. Maritime law/law of oceans education, and in drafting law
191 192 EDOWA would also like to see a short sample of written work or research relevant to Fremantle Community environmental law (3 pages or more). Legal Centre What advice do you have for students looking to apply Level 1, Suite 31 Fremantle Malls (08) 9432 9790 | fclc@fremantle. EDO volunteers must have administration and other 35 William Street, Fremantle WA wa.gov.au specialist office skills, such 6160 as; marketing, fundraising, research and reporting, video www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/fclc Family Law, Tenancy Law and Criminal Law production and editing, communications and project management. Skills in Excel are highly desirable.
Prepared by The Blackstone Society
WHAT IS THE What kind of tasks are What are the skills/benefits student volunteers expected of taking a position at your FOCUS OF to undertake? CLC? YOUR CLC? FCLC provides legal Volunteers gain hands-on information, advice and experience in an empathetic The Fremantle Community assistance to the community and supportive learning Legal Centre is a non-profit and limited representation environment. They are exposed organisation which provides regarding restraining orders to vulnerable clients. legal services to low income at the Fremantle Magistrates members of the community. Court. This is provided to Students will learn how to We offer a range of services to the most disadvantaged, draft chronological timelines, disadvantaged, disempowered vulnerable and CALD clients. arrange and prepare files. and vulnerable clients. Volunteers will also have Disadvantaged people are Student volunteers will have an the opportunity to shadow more likely to experience large opportunity to be involved in lawyers as they perform client numbers of often substantial the following services that the interviews and exposure to the legal problems. FCLC offers a FCLC offers, including: court system. comprehensive set of services • Document drafting to effectively meet the needs • Research Do you provide opportunity of its target group, including • Limited court for courtroom/advocacy single parents, unemployed representation work? people, people subject to • Mediation Yes, students will get the family violence and abuse, • Information and referrals opportunity to shadow lawyers people living in disadvantaged • Non-legal support into a courtroom and witness housing and/or homeless and • Community legal education advocacy. indigenous people. Do you offer any opportunity APPLICATION VOLUNTEERING for graduates looking to do PROCESS OPPORTUNITY their Practical Legal Training? Yes, we have placements How can students apply? Which areas of law will clerks through the ANU College of The Fremantle Community be exposed to? Law programme in conjunction Legal Centre has two intakes Family Law, including with the Piddington Justice for student applications; parenting plans, financial/ Project. We have also offered January and in the mid property and divorce advice, other placements to students semester break in June-July. and Restraining Orders/Family who show dedication to our Students will be required to Violence Restraining Orders clients and the law. provide a resume and cover Criminal Injuries Compensation letter. Tenancy Issues Minor Civil and Criminal matters.
193 194 What does your recruitment/ interview process consist of? Students share their expression Gosnells Community Legal of interest accompanied by a resume and cover letter. Depending on the volume of Centre applications, select students will be invited into the centre Suite 1, 2232 Albany Hwy (08) 9398 1455 for a discussion with the lawyers as an opportunity for Gosnells WA 6110 students to assess whether the CLC would be the right fit for them. This will be followed https://gosclc.com.au/ Family Law, Criminal Injury Compensation, and by an introduction day where Residential Tenancy Law volunteers are selected.
Roughly how many positions are available for students in 2021? Between 8 and 12 depending on the number of active internships being supervised. This number is also dependent WHAT IS THE What kind of tasks are How can students apply? on the number of student FOCUS OF student volunteers expected Students interested in applying volunteers that choose to YOUR CLC? to undertake? should submit an expression continue with the CLC. Initially, students will be of interest form through our required to undertake website (https://gosclc.com.au/ The Gosnells Legal Centre is a What attributes do you look administrative tasks and volunteer/). non-for-profit, non-government absorb the culture of the Opportunities are generally for in an applicant? community-based organisation Applicants should have great Centre. Eventually, they will be limited to intakes at the that promotes basic human assigned to individual lawyers beginning of the year and at the people skills, strong research rights, including housing, skills, ability to adjust to and be delegated legal tasks. end of the year with the next income, equality, freedom and intake taking place in July. different areas of practice and dignity. This is done by a variety a strong commitment to justice Do you provide opportunity of support services to resolve for courtroom/advocacy What does your recruitment/ and equality for all people legal, economic and social before the law. Furthermore, work? interview process consist of? issues. We provide legal service There are opportunities to From the expression of students should have a to underprivileged people in willingness to learn and time assist lawyers who attend interest, candidates will be the South West corridor of court. Gosnells Community contacted and asked for a management skills.Experience Perth. is not a requirement for the Legal Centre has a duty law comprehensive CV. Candidates role. VOLUNTEERING service based at the Armadale will then be interviewed by one OPPORTUNITY Magistrates Courts and appears or two in house lawyers. What advice do you have for at the Family Court. Volunteers students looking to apply who are assisting in those areas What attributes do you look Which areas of law will clerks will have the opportunity to for in an applicant? Just encourage people to do it. be exposed to? Putting yourself out there! shadow lawyers to court. We are looking for law students Students will be exposed to that are interested in social Family Law, Criminal Injury Do you offer any opportunity justice. The Centre is looking Compensation, and Residential for graduates looking to do for penultimate and final year Tenancy Law. their Practical Legal Training? students. Yes, currently there are 3 What are the skills/benefits graduates undertaking their What advice do you have for of taking a position at your Practical Legal Training. students looking to apply? CLC? The recruitment process is Volunteering will provide APPLICATION fairly competitive. Students general experience for students PROCESS interested in being successful hoping to find employment in candidates are encouraged the legal feed. Students would Roughly how many positions to conduct research and be exposed to a wide variety of are available for students in demonstrate interest in the legal areas and services. This 2021? area. will assist students to decide The Gosnells Community which areas of law they wish to Legal Centre is looking for 12 tackle in the future. volunteers in 2021.
195 196 The Mental Health Law Midland Information Debt Centre and Legal Advocacy Service
255 Hay Street, Subiaco East, WA Mhari Grant | [email protected] | (08) 12 Old Great Northern Hwy, Mandy | [email protected] 9328 8012 Midland WA 6056
https://mhlcwa.org.au/ Legal issues surrounding Mental Health http://www.midlas.org.au/ Tenancy, Family Law, Criminal Injuries Compensation and Disability Discrimination Law
WHAT IS THE What are the skills/benefits What does your recruitment/ WHAT IS THE What kind of tasks are [email protected] of taking a position at your interview process consist of? student volunteers expected with a CV and cover letter. FOCUS OF CLC? We run a few intake sessions FOCUS OF to undertake? YOUR CLC? It is a fantastic opportunity each year. Potential volunteers YOUR CLC? Our volunteers: What advice do you have for to gain experience dealing need to submit a completed • Sit in on appointments and students looking to apply? Mental health. with clients directly. application form, their current MIDLAS is a not-for-profit client interviews This is not a traditional job Managing difficult clients will resume, transcript of results community legal centre based • Assist with drafting application; tell us your story VOLUNTEERING significantly increase your and a cover letter. in Midland that provides Family Court documents in your cover letter. Convince OPPORTUNITY people management skills. If successful, they will attend financial counselling, tenancy and submissions to the us why this type of work You also have the opportunity the interview and then if advocacy, disability advocacy, a Australian Human Rights interests you. We are looking Which areas of law will clerks to working on open files and successful they will attend limited legal service including Commission and or Equal for passionate people that be exposed to? learning new aspects of the the induction day and begin family law and related criminal Opportunity Commission are motivated to tackle the Criminal Law, Administrative law. volunteering from there on. compensation, and disability • Assist with drafting many injustices that affect our Law and Mental Health Law. discrimination, and emergency Parenting Plans and Minute clients. Do you offer any opportunity relief to people throughout of Consent Orders What kind of tasks are for graduates looking to do the North East Metro region • Assist with compiling and Roughly how many positions student volunteers expected their Practical Legal Training? What advice do you have for of Perth. Supporting people in drafting Criminal Injury are available for students in to undertake? Yes. students looking to apply? our community for over three Compensation claims 2021? Our volunteers run our Please ensure you are aware of decades, Midlas has a long- This depends on the number of Telephone Advice Line, take APPLICATION our practice areas before you standing strong commitment What are the skills/benefits volunteers who will be staying, all new intake calls and handle PROCESS apply. to improving lives and building of taking a position at your and the workload of our administrative tasks. They resilience. CLC? solicitors. provide sufficient referrals How can students apply? MIDLAS offers a holistic where our centre cannot assist Email to Mhari.grant@ruah. VOLUNTEERING community service, comprising What attributes do you look and liaise with mental health org.au. OPPORTUNITY Financial Counselling, Tenancy, for in an applicant? teams to best assist our clients. Disability Advocacy (NDIS) and We appreciate students with Volunteers shadow our lawyers Roughly how many positions Which areas of law will clerks assisting working street people initiative and diverse life when they go to court, draft are available for students in be exposed to? and people with mental health experiences. We look for legal advice letters and contact 2021? Family law, Disability issues. students who are resilient clients to gather information 20-30. discrimination & equal and can deal with challenging for our lawyers. opportunity law, Criminal Volunteers are given and sometimes confronting What attributes do you look injuries compensation, substantial tasks and can situations. Do you provide opportunity for in an applicant? Guardianship and expect to work closely with for courtroom/advocacy Applicants need to possess administration. their supervising lawyer. What does your recruitment/ work? accurate data entry skills and interview process consist of? Our volunteers can shadow our pay close attention to detail. Do you offer any opportunity APPLICATION Following the emailed lawyers when attending the Professional communication for graduates looking to do expression of interest, Magistrates Court but do not PROCESS skills and emotional resilience their Practical Legal Training? candidates will be called to represent our clients. are essential. Yes - can be credited towards How can students apply? an interview with one to two your PLT. Send an email to the Principal solicitors. Solicitor, Margo Zorbas via
197 198 What does your recruitment/ legal work that our CLC does. interview process consist of? Street Law Centre WA Inc Our interview process is different from other interview processes as it involves a case study. It is important for students to outline why they want to work at the Street Law PO Box 6236 (08) 9221 7661 | Adminassist@ Centre. Students should not East Perth WA 6892 streetlawcentre.org.au resort to wanting to be involved with social justice. Ensure that you read the website to www.streetlawcentre.org.au get a good understanding of what our CLC does. It is becoming a more and more competitive landscape for student volunteers and for that students must strive to differentiate themselves. Students need to show a real interest in the needs of individuals and be able to come WHAT IS THE What kind of tasks are Students can expect to sharpen up with flexible solutions to FOCUS OF student volunteers expected their research and drafting apply to the clients’ situation YOUR CLC? to undertake? skills whilst being exposed to and other alternative options Our work includes: letter working in a legal centre that for the clients. writing, negotiation and minor services diverse clients The Street Law Centre is court work services. Roughly how many positions committed to supporting It is important for students to the homeless and those at are available for students in You will have to undertake a be aware of the overarching 2021? risk of homelessness across variety of tasks, for example: strategy of the matter. WA. We provide free legal Around 6 positions are • Research in specific areas of Prioritise legal issues and available. information, advice, assistance the law communicate them with the and casework services. We aim • Direct client services clients What attributes do you look to drive change to eliminate • Working on tasks homelessness by providing for in an applicant? independently prior to Do you offer any opportunity The centre generally looks access to justice for people being briefed for graduates looking to do experiencing homelessness. for final or penultimate • Drafting emails their Practical Legal Training? students. Previous experience VOLUNTEERING • Drafting submissions to the Yes, through the College of Law in law is highly regarded. OPPORTUNITY policy or The Piddington Society. The following attributes are • Submission to Government desirable in applicants; sharp agencies APPLICATION legal skills, high attention to Which areas of law will clerks • Assisting with file notes be exposed to? PROCESS detail, ability to read, analyse when interviewing with and understand legislation, Fines and infringement, client How can students apply? Criminal Law, Criminal Injuries flexible thinking, strong • Talking to clients to obtain We recruit for our students communication skills, trauma Compensation, ID documents, instruction or to clarify and graduate law volunteering Debts, Discrimination, informed interview techniques instructions. positions two to three times a and cultural awareness. Guardianship and year. The best way to keep up Administration applications, What are the skills/benefits to date with recruitment is to Police complaints, Freedom What advice do you have for of taking a position at your follow the centre on Facebook students looking to apply? of Information applications, CLC? or Linkedin. Alternatively, Violence Restraining Orders It is important to know what People working at our CLC you can contact the office for organisation you are applying (initial advice), Minor Crimes, have the opportunity to information on recruitment. Driving issues. for. Get to know the agency. It work in diverse areas of law, is very evident when students provide access to justice for We focus on final year students have hopped onto the website Do you provide opportunity the disadvantaged, to have and potentially penultimate for courtroom/advocacy and done their research. on the ground experience and students. Questions can be Annual reports are posted on work? exposure to legal issues. directed to adminassist@ Students will assist the the website and are a good streetlawcentre.org.au place to start. Reports also preparation process for Students will learn how to advocacy work and have the feature case studies that allow prioritise tasks, to improve for students to understand the opportunity to attend courts. their time management skills.
199 200 Sussex Street Community Welfare Rights & Advocacy Law Service Inc Service
29 Sussex Street (08) 6253 9500 98 Edward Street Catherine Eagle | welfare@wraswa. East Victoria Park WA 6101 Perth WA 6000 org.au
www.sscls.asn.au Family Law, Civil Law and Tenancy Law https://www.wraswa.org.au Social Security Law and Tenancy Law
WHAT IS THE What kind of tasks are APPLICATION WHAT IS THE APPLICATION FOCUS OF student volunteers expected PROCESS FOCUS OF PROCESS YOUR CLC? to undertake? YOUR CLC? The Sussex Street Community How can students apply? How can students apply? Law Service offers a range of Please check the website Send an email to welfare@ The SSCLS is a non profit non services and assists clients in a Social Security Law and government community based for available positions and Tenancy Law. wraswa.org.au attaching a holistic way. One of the primary application instructions. current CV and information organisation that provides services the centre runs is access to accountable, on VOLUNTEERING about availability and 2 the Night Legal Service. The What attributes do you look referees judgemental and effective legal Night Legal Service is run on OPPORTUNITY services to low income people for in an applicant? Monday and Thursday nights Applicants who will uphold What does your recruitment/ in the community. to provide advice to house What kind of tasks are Sussex Street Community student volunteers expected interview process consist of? unable to afford legal advice values are ideal candidates. After we receive an application VOLUNTEERING or assistance through Legal to undertake? OPPORTUNITY These attributes include: Volunteers research and one of our lawyers will contact Aid. Without ongoing pro- High quality client service the applicant if we have a bono assistance provided by draft advice to clients. They Which areas of law will clerks Working within a community also help with preparing position available and discuss the solicitors on our roster the development framework the position and assess be exposed to? service would not operate. presentations for community Clerks will be exposed to a Access and equity legal education in addition to suitability. diverse range of legal areas, Acceptance of community general administrative tasks. including: Family law, Civil law, diversity Roughly how many positions Minor criminal, Welfare rights, Use of funds with integrity and What are the skills/benefits are available for students in Tenant advocacy, Disability accountability of taking a position at your 2021? discrimination. Responsiveness to changing CLC? 1-2. community needs Improving legal drafting What are the skills/benefits Collaboration and consultation skills, developing skills in What attributes do you look of taking a position at your with stakeholders dealing with clients, preparing for in an applicant? CLC? Involved of the community in community legal materials Strong oral and written Positions at the CLC provide service materials, legal knowledge in communication skills. A opportunities to deliver legal areas of practice. willingness and ability to and social services, community deal with people in stressful education and law reform to Do you provide opportunity circumstances. Reliability. promote social justice. for courtroom/advocacy Willingness to listen to work? feedback. Not for volunteers.
Do you offer any opportunity for graduates looking to do their Practical Legal Training? Occasionally but we are a small agency.
201 202 Women’s Legal Service WA
Level 1 (08) 9272 8800 | [email protected]. 445 Hay Street au Perth WA 6000
www.wlswa.org.au Family Law
WHAT IS THE our volunteers may undertake help our clients. includes: FOCUS OF • Legal research YOUR CLC? • Assisting on client files Do you offer any opportunity (including attending client for graduates looking to do We are a not for profit meetings and assisting their Practical Legal Training? community legal centre in preparation of court Yes. that provides legal advice documents and work on and assistance to women files) APPLICATION experiencing financial • Attending court with PROCESS disadvantage in WA in the a lawyer in a non-legal areas of family law, care and support capacity and How can students apply? protection, family violence and assisting in follow up tasks criminal injury compensation. Email [email protected] • Assisting with research with your resume and brief and drafting of law reform letter explaining why you VOLUNTEERING submissions would like to volunteer and OPPORTUNITY • Drafting and formatting what you hope to get from legal information materials the experience. The Principal What kind of tasks are for our website or use in Lawyer will meet you to discuss student volunteers expected community legal education potential opportunities to see to undertake? sessions what might work for everyone We provide legal advice, • Providing administrative concerned. assistance with some legal support to our volunteer tasks (e.g. drafting court solicitors during the Family Roughly how many positions documents) and in some cases Law (Property) Legal Clinic are available for students in representation in court (Family • Assisting with non- 2021? Court of WA, Children’s Court legal administrative and 4. and sometimes Magistrate’s operation tasks Court). What attributes do you look What are the skills/benefits for in an applicant? Additionally, we undertake of taking a position at your A genuine belief in and policy development and law CLC? commitment to gender equality reform activities to ensure We are very active in policy and advancing women’s that the needs and rights and law reform activities rights, genuine desire to help of marginalised women are and are connected to and others who have experienced adequately acknowledged, contribute to national disadvantage. represented and met. networks and activities. We have more discretion than Prepared by The Blackstone The work volunteers do other CLCs which means we Society depends on specific projects can be more creative in finding that occur. The type of work opportunities for volunteers to
203 204 Articles from the Profession
This section of the handbook is a compilation of articles relating to the many areas of law. These articles have been written by a range of legal and non-legal professionals. The purpose of these articles is to highlight the various careers you may choose to enter after or during your law degree. For those with aspirations in certain areas of law, we hope these articles impart some valuable information which can aid you as your career progresses.
206 Life at a Global Law A Day in the Life of an HSF Firm Graduate Sakura Kajimura Georgia Kalyniuk Graduate, Herbert Smith Freehills (Vacation Clerk 2019/20) Solicitor, Herbert Smith Freehills (Vacation Clerk 2019/20)
together with these incredibly smart, dedicated Georgia graduated from Murdoch in 2019. When a pitch presentation for a prospective client. and compassionate people on complex legal she’s at home, you might find her exploring a new Often, our clients will go to a competitive tender “The opportunity to work matters is what motivates and excites me. city, curled up with a good book, pinot in hand at process to select their legal adviser for a new together with these Being a Graduate at HSF comes with many a new natural wine bar, or around the corner of a project, and responding to those tenders is an incredibly smart, perks, but I would say that my Graduate group bush trail. important part of how the Projects team gains has definitely been the best part. There are 13 of new opportunities. dedicated and us in the 2020 Perth Graduate group and we are 7.00 AM I make a coffee and some toast or compassionate people all unique – coming from different universities, porridge. While I wait, I stand in the kitchen and While preparing the first draft of a pitch, I make age groups and professional backgrounds (such look at my garden. sure to focus on the unique value adds that our on complex legal matters as former engineers and nurses). We all have team and HSF Perth can offer to the client. is what motivates and something different to add to the table and 8.00 AM After eating my breakfast, I rush out complement each other in group discussions. the door. On the bus, I check and respond to any 11.30 AM I move on to looking at a departures excites me.” Together, we got to share the same challenges, urgent emails so I’m prepared for the day ahead. table sent through by our client for a Mining celebrate each other’s milestones and be Services Contract. The departures table shows Graduate program admitted as solicitors. I feel very fortunate to 8.45 AM As part of our graduate program, the response of the other party to the last draft The Graduate program at Herbert Smith have this amazing support network that I know I we complete three six-month rotations in of the Contract that HSF provided. Freehills (HSF) consists of three six-month can always rely on. different teams. I previously rotated through rotations, allowing you to try out different the Disputes team and the Corporate, Mergers There are a few points which require discussion practice groups before choosing where you Client Secondment and Acquisitions team and I am now in my third with the client and we have a call scheduled want to settle. I completed my first rotation During my Graduate year, I had the opportunity rotation in the Projects team. at 1 PM. Yesterday, I read through the contract in Corporate where I got to draft agreements, to go on a short-term client secondment to a and arranged for the original departures table assist with writing legal advice, conduct market Japanese power generation company to assist Having started my career remotely during the to be reformatted so that my team and the research and attend client meetings. I then did with a new deal on an LNG project. As part of lockdown of 2020, I’ve developed the habit of client can work off a version that is helpful and my second rotation in Disputes where I drafted my role, I translated the key agreements from getting up late and getting in late. But Projects straightforward. court documents, conducted case research English into Japanese and assisted in preparing and I are a timing match made in heaven, and assisted with the discovery process. The reports for their head office in Tokyo. because I still get to my desk just before my 12.30 PM Some of the other grads send me a key difference that I noticed between the two partner or senior associate! message on Teams saying they’ll head down for groups is that Disputes matters tend to run for The language skill that I had from spending my lunch. I grab my lunch out of the fridge and head a longer period involving various stages leading childhood in Japan became useful not only for 9.30 AM It’s only a few days into my projects down to catch some sunshine. up to a trial, whereas Corporate deals often have the translation purposes, but also to understand rotation, so I’m still getting across the a shorter lifespan with different work streams the subtle cultural nuances. It allowed me to team’s work. The Projects team undertake 1.00 PM It’s time to discuss the departures table moving simultaneously. I am now off to my better understand the client’s needs and tailor transactional work, which is mainly focused with our client. A senior solicitor leads the call third rotation in Banking and Finance. Whilst my work accordingly. on drafting the underlying contracts for major and I take some notes as we work through the everything at HSF falls under the umbrella of energy, infrastructure and mining projects. other side’s comments on our drafting position “commercial law”, you may be surprised at how As an Australian-practicing lawyer, I would and discuss where to go from there. dynamic and diverse the work can be in each never have imagined that my language and This might include the terms by which a mine in practice group. Rotations are a great way to cultural background could directly add value to Western Australia or West Africa can operate; The client compliments the reformatting of learn different skill sets, meet new people and a client until this experience. I guess this goes the terms by which power is purchased by a the table, commenting that it’s made things build a foundation to become a well-rounded to show the many exciting ways in which people household supplier from a solar or wind farm; clear and easily understandable. At the end of lawyer. with diverse backgrounds and skill sets can or the scope of engineering services for the the meeting, I confirm with the senior solicitor make a meaningful impact at an international construction of a new hospital. what my involvement will be in the drafting of What surprised me the most as a Graduate is law firm like HSF. amendments going forward. the amount of trust the team gives you in taking Other work our team undertakes includes responsibility in a matter. As daunting as it negotiating and reviewing these contracts, 2.00 PM I have a coffee scheduled with my sounds, I never felt overwhelmed as I always and providing advice to clients on ongoing or buddy and my coach - a solicitor and senior had the ongoing guidance and mentorship proposed projects. associate in my team. As a rotating solicitor, I of my supervisors who encouraged me to have mentoring catch-ups at the beginning of think independently. The opportunity to work 10.30 AM I’ve spent the morning preparing each rotation to talk through mutual
207 208 expectations and goals for my time in the team. Each team takes a different approach to the Q&A: Journey To Becoming a mentoring check-ins, and my new coach has come prepared with a list of talking points. We chat a bit about each other and I learn more about how the team likes to work and Barrister communicate. Anthony Willinge Commercial Barrister 3.00 PM I see an email has come in from a pro- bono client I was working for in my previous rotation through Corporate. This client is a What was life like at the Crown Solicitor’s In fact, the thing I look back on most fondly national charity that I have been working for Office? was helping two or three other Partners be alongside one of the Corporate partners and our It’s wonderful to have good mentors in life, appointed. national pro-bono team to assist with reviewing including in the law - and the CSO was full of funding agreements. good mentors. I had the good fortune to be Being at Blakes also involved briefing many of the PA to the Crown Counsel, Graeme Scott the best barristers, including Wayne Martin QC, The client has sent us comments that the QC. This was just before the office of the Carmel McLure QC and Rene Le Miere QC, and prospective donor has made on our revisions DPP was created, so we worked together on having the opportunity to work with them. to their agreement. I review the comments and everything from murder trials to Federal Court make some judgment calls about what we can administrative law matters, to civil and criminal Why did you join the Bar? agree to and what we need to hold our position appeals. Two reasons: to have a crack at it; and to check on. out the life-style. One of the best things about the CSO was To ensure both our client and the partner that you were able to appear in so many trials, I’d always loved advocacy and there came a supervising me on the task understand my inquests and other proceedings. There’s no time, much as I loved being at Ashurst, when approach, I include notes explaining the decision better way to learn about advocacy than to do it. I thought I’d like to have a go at full time making on each comment before sending advocacy. my draft to the partner for discussion and Being a junior is a great way to start, then doing scheduling a time to discuss with the client. small trials, with supervision, and working your There was also something that a QC in London way up. You discover whether you like advocacy, had said to me once that stuck out. I was sitting 5.00 PM I have one more task I want to work and start what is a never ending opportunity to next to him at a dinner, he was a top QC and of on today, researching recent decisions and get better at it. course worked really hard - but also said that he commentary on the drafting of contract terms. I had 8-10 weeks off in a year! am looking into this for a senior associate in my How was life as an Associate? team who is developing a presentation on the Fantastic! This is another job I’d highly I’m crazily in love with my wife, and kids, and subject for our fellow transactional lawyers. recommend. To have the opportunity, when love being able to spend time together. The idea you’re just starting out, to work with people at that I could work hard, but also sometimes just 6.30 PM I decide to do some work for our the top of their profession is a privilege and an take a day off after a big case finished; or take Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I am a amazing learning experience. some extra time off during school holidays was member of this Committee and the firm’s really appealing. Social Committee. As a project for both, I have I was especially lucky as I’d already worked with developed an event planning checklist for the Justice Scott for a year and we knew each other What is life like at the Bar? Perth office. and got on really well. So we’d sit down before Challenging and rewarding! You certainly know each trial or appeal and discuss the case and you’re alive. There are days when you feel like This checklist aims to ensure that when how the advocates might go about it. Then we’d you don’t know what you’re doing; and days we’re planning staff events, we take diverse discuss the case and the advocacy afterwards. It when you feel like you’ve done a great job! cultural, religious and accessibility needs into was like a constant master class. consideration to make sure no one is left out or One of the things I really like is the variety. You unable to attend. Why did you join Blake Dawson? work with different firms, and different people I went overseas to study a Masters of Law and on different cases for different clients. The D&I Committee Chairs sent my checklist it got me thinking it would be good to check out through to the national D&I team for review, life in private practice. Why do I find it so enjoyable? I love learning who then asked me to review their global events about something new, and trying to understand checklist and make suggested amendments What was life like at Blake Dawson (now how it all works. I also really like the challenge based on Perth’s approach. After sending that Ashurst)? of preparing and presenting - thinking and off, I pack up my laptop, and head home. I loved it. Top quality people and top quality communicating. work. I also loved being a Partner and helping more junior lawyers improve and advance. To me being an advocate is also really creative
209 210 work. Of course, our ethical duties come first. We are privileged to be able to address Courts on behalf of others - and the integrity Life as a Family Law of the system is the most important thing. But there are so many ways to craft a legal or oral submission and so many choices. Where to begin? What order to go in? What is the best Mediator and Barrister way I can put this? And it’s essential to think Amanda Thackray about others: What is likely to appeal to this Mediator – Barrister – Coach particular decision maker and why - and how can I make it easier for them? What does an average day look like for you? grow. The potential range of work is also breathtaking! As a barrister and mediator, my days are quite Of course, you should only accept work you varied. Some days I am appearing in the Family I have therefore developed a mediation model can capably do - but as the years go on and you Court or Children’s Court, or providing opinions which involves the participants spending more improve, you might find you can appear in a and advice to solicitors, other days I might time working on understanding one another broader range of matters - and it’s amazing how be meeting with clients to coach them for and the true reasons behind their conflict, and something you learn in one matter can help you mediation or run joint sessions of mediation, learning conscious communication techniques, in another. or in the office catching up on admin or so they are better equipped to handle the researching new skills that might be useful in inevitable future changes in their children’s It can be stressful work - but then there’s my mediation practice. lives. afterwards - when the sky seems more blue, the air seems even cleaner, and you feel like you can Family law is an area that touches on so many What advice do you have for people breathe out, soak it all in and go and have an other areas of law - to name a few, tax, trusts, considering a career in family law? ice-cream! wills, corporations, bankruptcy and criminal law. Family law is an area where there is a lot of So whilst it is a fairly specialised area, in which “grey”, so you would need to be comfortable Any tips for law students? I do not recommend dabbling, you will actually with a level of uncertainty and nuance. Thousands! But let’s go with three… come into contact with many other fields making the work diverse and interesting. After It also helps to develop a capacity to see 1. if you love the law, give it your all. But if you over a decade in practice, I am yet to be bored by past legal problems to the real issues often don’t love it, consider very carefully what you a family law matter! underlying a dispute. Our clients come to us are doing with your life! Life is short. not just to “get legal advice”, but because they 2. Good mentors are invaluable - if you have What was your path to becoming a family law believe (consciously or otherwise) that there the opportunity to work with people who are barrister/mediator? is something we can do that will improve their good at what they do, and care about you, I completed an articled clerkship at a leading life. And very often, going to court or writing you are really blessed. Family Law firm in Perth before taking a position multiple letters to the other party is not going to 3. Most importantly, please be kind - to yourself at Legal Aid where I provided legal advice on improve their life circumstances, as these things and others. family law, care & protection and restraining cannot resolve (and often exacerbate) the real order matters. I was also honoured to serve for issues often underlying a family law dispute. Good luck and go well! a period as the Legal Associate to Chief Justice Diana Bryant of the Family Court of Australia. A question I am asked frequently is how After I had been practising in family law for do I manage working with people in such a around 5 years, I took the plunge and became heightened emotional state. It is absolutely an independent barrister initially joining John essential to develop some skills in self-care. Toohey Chambers. I am now part of a very small chambers named after my late Father, “Stephen Even though it is great to be empathetic with Thackray Chambers”. clients, it helps to remember that these are your client’s problems, not yours; they have or can I am working more frequently as a mediator access plenty of emotional support and you are these days. In over a decade of practice I have far more useful to your clients as a lawyer if you come to believe that in the vast majority of remain detached enough to provide unbiased cases, matters are best resolved outside of legal advice. court. Especially where there are children involved. The focus between former partners Practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, in most cases should be on developing ongoing Non-violent Communication (for self-empathy) healthy communication and solid co-parenting, and mindfulness practices such as meditation rather than trying to bind the other person to a set of inflexible orders that may or may not even suit the children, or parents themselves, as they
211 212 or yoga are also highly beneficial. You should absolutely not be afraid to seek therapeutic support or counselling if you find the work is Making the Most of getting to you. It is perfectly normal to feel at least somewhat affected by challenging cases – in fact, I would be more worried if you didn’t care at all! International Opportunities Allens Linklaters
Our alliance with Linklaters connects our but we operate through joint ventures. clients with an international network of legal • The two firms have an integrated alliance. leaders that spans 40 offices in 28 countries. This means our clients receive a seamless Our global teams act as one, sharing knowledge, service no matter where they want it. This best practice approaches and talent to help includes one engagement letter and lead solve our clients’ most complex problems. partner, a single unified team drawn from While we’re market leaders in our own the best resources from each firm, advice jurisdictions, we’re even stronger together. and assistance in a consistent style and manner and, ultimately, one invoice. A unique combination of in-depth local • ‘Integrated’ is hence a distinct and important knowledge and global scale gives our clients a difference from ‘merged’. There are firms single entry point to the best strategic advice that are merged but that are not necessarily in multiple geographies and practice areas. integrated. Whilst we operate as if merged, Through complementary practices and close we believe we can provide integrated collaboration, we’re structured to combine client service without the sacrifice of seamless service with consistent quality advice independence and our local brands that for our clients. would come with a merger.
Our global network also allows our people to Andrew Huxtable, a Perth-based Lawyer, had accelerate their careers, offering international the opportunity to go on secondment to the secondments and opportunities to work with Linklaters office in London in March 2020. the world’s best lawyers on the most complex Despite working from his bedroom for the multi-jurisdictional matters in the market. majority of the year, he had an incredible time living and working in London. Andrew had For our people, the alliance means: been on holiday to London before, so he knew • Opportunities to work on global deals with how it is normally a fast-paced and diverse city. market leading lawyers. Nonetheless he found it fascinating seeing this • Opportunities to work on multi-jurisdictional atmosphere being translated into a corporate matters with a broader range of clients. context. • Access to Linklaters job opportunities globally. ‘In particular, I really enjoyed working on big cross- • International assignment opportunities border, cross practice transactions with people (short & long term). from all across the world. It was energising to expand my professional network and learn from Having international counterparts allows us to some of the most experienced commercial lawyers experience new things, develop new thinking in London. It was exciting to work directly with and constantly evolve. clients, run smaller transactions from start to finish and provide input at board meetings and To date, we’ve had approximately 150 client calls. I believe these experiences provided secondments between Allens and Linklaters. me with learning opportunities that have In addition, each year four of our second year expedited my development as a junior lawyer.’ graduates are seconded to Linklaters London, one to Linklaters Hong Kong and one to Andrew found it interesting to see how the Singapore. Allens and Linklaters alliance works from the other side, and quickly realised from his What exactly is the relationship between Allens interactions with colleagues and clients that and Linklaters? Allens, and Australian lawyers in general, have • Both firms remain independent partnerships, a fantastic reputation overseas. It was clear that
213 214 If you would like to learn more about our Linklaters enjoy working alongside Allens, and alliance with Linklaters and making the most the two firms share key values in how they go out of international opportunities, please visit about their business. our website for further details. Life as a District Court
‘I encourage all university students to consider working overseas at some point in their career. Judge Commercial law can take you to every corner of the world and deciding to start my career at Allens has allowed me to do that at such an early stage of my Judge Charlotte Wallace career.’
On the 23rd of December 2019 I was sworn job – not a career any more for me. I needed to in as a Judge of the District Court of Western acknowledge that I was ready for a new direction Australia. This position followed the culmination in my legal career. This realisation is what took “I encourage all university students to consider of many years of hard work and dedication. me to the next step. working overseas at some point in their career. My pathway to judicial life was anything but I took a leap of faith and changed course. A traditional. As a family we immigrated to Member position was advertised for the State Commercial law can take you to every corner of the Australia from the UK. Not long after arriving, Administrative Tribunal of WA and I applied. My world and deciding to start my career at Allens has we moved to the North West where I completed application was successful and I was appointed my high school years at Karratha Senior High in 2011, then becoming a Senior Member in 2016. allowed me to do that at such an early stage of my School. Our arrival was quite a culture shock, This was a significant turning point in my career career.” as I recall having strong memories of frozen and I am grateful for the 8 and a half years that sausage rolls on bush barbeques (still cold and I spent with the Tribunal. It laid the foundations soggy on the inside and burnt black to a cinder of who I would become as a decision maker. It on the outside), buying a small dinner service for also allowed me the opportunity, through my a neighbour as an act of generosity (when told to profession, of contributing to the community in ‘bring a plate’) - absent the contribution of food a more meaningful way. they were clearly anticipating, and my parents and grandmother joining me at my first ‘blue This role taught me many powerful lessons. light disco’ (mistakenly thinking it was a family The justice system not only has to be seen to be affair). In retrospect these were the early years available to all. It has to ensure that all parties which grounded me and allowed me to see life have a voice. A voice, strong enough to be heard. through a different lens. All parties have the right to respect and dignity. With this, I am to deliver all judgments with After high school, uncertain of where my both head and heart. interests lay, I completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology. It was when I was My journey ultimately directed me to my current accepted into fourth year Psychology, my appointment. During 2019 I was mentored and interests more defined, that I decided to swap encouraged by others in the legal profession to Law. Psychology has served as a useful who believed that I had the necessary fortitude, background on many occasions in my career. strengths and qualities which would enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the After Law school I decided to pursue my Masters bench. The belief of others has certainly been in Law (Intellectual Property) which I thought instrumental to where I now find myself. would assist me in securing an ‘exciting’ national and international career in law. It was, in fact, The role as a Judge of the District Court is key to my employment in a national commercial relentless, demanding and at times physically, law firm in Sydney. I stayed 8 years in Sydney, emotionally and mentally draining. It is most a wonderful opportunity, which I thoroughly definitely all consuming. To do this role you enjoyed. need to be dedicated, passionate and very hard working. My colleagues are incredibly Family brought me back to Perth, being a supportive. It is in every sense a collegiate and first time mother. Early aspirations of an wonderful Court to be a part of. international legal career faded. I continued for a number of years working in large commercial The majority of our work is criminal trials and litigation. However, priorities change and over many are of course arduous in nature. Then time I realised that, what I was doing, was no there are the civil and appeal matters, which longer personally fulfilling. It had become a consists of approximately 20% of the
215 216 of the judge’s workload. A large proportion of time is also allotted to the sentencing offenders “Despite all of the – I sentenced 100 offenders in my first 12 challenges and demands Commencing your career at months as a judge. Deciding a person’s liberty of the role, I feel certainly weighs heavily on judges. incredibly honoured the State Solicitor’s Office As a mother of 3 teenage children, there will to hold the position. always be challenges, balancing workload and Aleksandra Miller family. When I am working on a ‘charge to the It is indeed a privilege UWA graduate and Solicitor at the SSO jury’ until midnight and working weekends on to be an integral part reserved judgments, mother’s guilt certainly evades my thoughts. Balancing situations of the ever evolving I graduated from UWA in 2016 and completed The SSO also has vibrant commercial, native as they arise, needs to be navigated, as it is and progressive justice the State Solicitor’s Office’s (SSO) graduate title, lands law, and policy and advice teams, incredibly important that women are properly program in 2019. I am now in my second year and there is a lot of interesting work to be done represented on the bench. And in this, we are system.” of restricted practice at the SSO and could not which does not involve getting on your feet in heading in the right direction. have asked for a better way to start off my legal the courtroom. career! Much of this work involves high profile or Commencing my career at the SSO, I have had significant government projects and initiatives, opportunities to appear in court, manage my whether it be the construction of a new public own files, and work in a variety of areas without hospital or significant law reform. the need to “settle” in a particular practice area – opportunities which can be hard to come by at Not only have the professional opportunities at many other law firms. the SSO been second to none, I could not have asked for a better group of colleagues. As part of the structured graduate program, SSO law graduates appear before Registrars in The SSO is full of people who are not only the Magistrates Court and the District Court. As exceptional in the work they do but are truly soon as the graduate program is complete, you great people, making the SSO a truly enjoyable can expect to appear in the Magistrates Court, place to work. District Court, and Supreme Court, conducting simple trials and appeals, as well as appearing at hearings and mediations in the State Administrative Tribunal.
While this may seem daunting, SSO graduates are supported by a comprehensive internal training program which includes numerous mock courts, and the Office is full of friendly and supportive people who graduates and juniors can turn to for advice and support.
The variety of work at the SSO is also one of the major highlights. The SSO advises numerous State government agencies on almost any legal issue that you could imagine.
In a regular week as a restricted practitioner I may be heading out to Joondalup Magistrates Court to appear as a prosecutor, drafting pleadings for a large civil litigation matter, preparing for the hearing of a guardianship application in the State Administrative Tribunal, and advising a government agency on the statutory interpretation of legislation.
However, working at the SSO is not only for those graduates with a flair for public speaking, or who are keen to regularly appear in court.
217 218 The sort of person who would be a good legal academic: they love the law; they read a lot Academia (actual cases, not just the textbook); they can achieve a lot without a boss cracking the whip or Michael Douglas patting their head (because your life Senior Lecturer, UWA Law School becomes very self-directed with minimal external validation); they enjoy public speaking; they care more about making a difference than making How did you begin your legal career? Most of my time would be spent on research. I dolleridoos. I did articles (so old) in various litigation teams write articles, notes, book chapters, books, and of what is now Lavan. My favourite rotation was then commentary for normal people who are What role do universities play in the legal in media law; I dabbled in some work for Seven not lawyers. Every academic is different but profession? West. The gig at Lavan was the product of luck I enjoy this stuff. Part of the fun is writing on Well, they provide the product which forms and a very different employment market. whatever I find interesting. the academic pre-requisites to entering the profession. We are de facto gatekeepers. We Back in the day I did a double degree at UWA. ‘Service’ is a malleable category. It might begin the training but a lot of it—or most of it— I was academically and practically useless. I include serving on committees or attending happens in practice. never went to class or even met a lawyer several events that you would otherwise bail on. It years into uni. Anyway, in third year I decided encompasses serving the uni community and We also deliver the profession a hospital to knuckle down; I went to a networking event serving the public more broadly. Examples: handpass in the amount of grads we pump out. A put on by some kind people who had paid for examining honours theses; reviewing articles for lot of people disagree with me on this. Anyway, my scholarship to UWA. Martin Bennett gave random law journals as part of peer review; or for my view, check out the Alternative Law a speech. Afterwards, I asked him for a job. He explaining the law to the public on TV for free. Journal on ‘Australia’s Law Graduate Glut’. said yes, and I had a tentative offer for a grad job not long after. The rest is history. What are the highs and lows of your work? Is there anything you believe that students Highs for me: kicking goals with research. should know as they take steps towards their Why did you choose to enter academia? Getting quoted by courts as an authority for careers in law? I didn’t love the grad job and so applied for something is super fun. The job is the means to the end. The ‘end’ is other random non-lawyer jobs for which I was eudaimonia. It is your best life. Your best life may qualified. One was an internship at the UN and Every now and then, teaching in class will give not follow that coveted clerkship or that coveted the other was a baby lecturer job at Curtin. I you a little high. Eg when you see a student ‘get grad job. You could be a career academic with a snagged both with the ambition of having a it’ when they previously didn’t. Or when a kind sweet gig at Oxford and still depressed as hell. break from lawyering, then going back later. former student goes on to do really well, and But the money-to-work ratio of higher ed was you think ‘well done, legend’. Figure out whatever happiness means to you too good; I stuck around. I finished an LLM, then go after it hard. Don’t feel restricted by then an MBA; then I spent some time at the Another high: controlling the schedule. I work others’ versions of ‘success’. For example: University of Sydney. When I returned to WA in hard at night then sleep in. It is awesome and I commercial lawyers have a habit of justifying 2018, I combined the academic gig with a casual have been on some uni-funded junkets to some their career path as the only legitimate career side hustle as a consultant at Bennett + Co. So awesome places: Rio, Europe (a lot), North path; transparently defending their fragile sense academia was a real emergent strategy. I have America, China, etc. of identity. Don’t fall into that trap. no idea what I’m doing. Lows: marking. Dealing with endless emails. Alternative answer: (*Admiral Ackbar voice*) IT’S What does your role typically involve? Dealing with pass agg students and not being A TRAP! We typically carve-up an academic position into able to retort with actual aggression. The fear teaching, research and service, with a 40%- of being dobbed on for saying something with 40%-20% split. In practice, the balance between which a student of another political persuasion those categories and the make-up of your day would disagree. varies dramatically. What advice do you have for students who Teaching involves the classroom stuff you see, wish to pursue a career into academia? heaps of marking, and then a great deal of It is really hard to get a gig as an academic right unseen prep work. For certain content I could now. A lot of PhDs can’t land jobs. You will need spend days reading. In other cases, I basically one if you want to get into the industry, so make wing it. These days lots of ‘teaching’ is really suresure you really want it before you waste admin: uploading stuff, conforming to policies, another 3+ years of your life. messing with spreadsheets. My teaching load means that I am smashed for half of the year, then have no teaching for the other half.
219 220 Life as a Criminal Lawyer Innovation in the Ashlee Taylor Lawyer, Kate King Legal Law Patrick Mackenzie Solicitor, King & Wood Mallesons I have been practising criminal law for “top tier” firms. approximately 6 years, including my graduate year, when I worked as a law graduate for There is no denying that as a lawyer, you do stimulated and engaged at work, and we are also Mr Percy QC and Mr Watters of Albert Wolff work long hours, predominantly when you are “KWM has able to deliver greater value for our clients. Chambers, whilst completing my Practical Legal a junior lawyer and don’t have the experience comprehensively While some law students and graduates worry Training. or understanding of the law that a more about AI taking over the role of junior lawyers senior lawyer may have. In reality, that is just reimagined what and that we should all fear the rise of AI, I The biggest thing I can say is that you learn something that evolves over time and with graduate training looks think the opposite is true. It is something to something new every day, no matter how practice. However, during the course of the last be embraced. AI does not replace the role of experienced you are. It is an ever evolving area 6 years I endeavoured to try different areas of like.” junior lawyers, it assists junior lawyers and of law. Whether that be case law, the legal law, to ensure that criminal law is what I wanted At KWM, we view innovation through the lens of makes them more efficient, which frees them principles involved or simply advocacy styles to do. That’s what was important in my view, to up to spend more time on more intricate legal and ways to address a jury or the judiciary. ensure I enjoyed and had a passion for the work “change that makes a positive impact”. I often view there being two aspects to innovation – the problems. This is one reason why the upskilling I did. of graduate and junior lawyers, particularly in I completed my Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor micro and the macro. The micro changes are the little things here and there that add up to make relation to legal technology, is so important at of Arts (Politics and International Relations) Come today, I love the work I do. I appear in KWM. degrees in 2015. After graduating, I commenced court almost every day whether that be in the your life easier and help you get out of the office my Practical Legal Training with the College Magistrates Court or in high profile trials. in time to get to the beach after work. Then there are the macro changes that involve the With this in mind, KWM has of Law in early 2016 and was subsequently comprehensively reimagined what graduate admitted in about October that same year. introduction of new technology and processes which directly affect the way we do our work, training looks like. Alongside the usual “My advice to law graduate induction training, there is now a Throughout University I would take any and lead to improved client outcomes. Both students today would be, aspects are equally important. Some recent focus on upskilling graduates with specific legal opportunity I could to gain practical legal technology training relevant to their practice experience. Theoretical experience at University put yourself out there, examples of legal technologies that have brought about positive changes at KWM include: groups. This training is designed to ensure is all well and good, but it doesn’t usually experience as many KWM graduates develop deeper understandings equate to the skills you need to practice, but of legal technology. This training is repeated rather a skeleton framework of it. During my fields of law as you can, • automated processes to generate high- volume, pro-forma documents; in each practice group that graduates rotate studies I clerked two days a week for a criminal and just make sure you through, so that by the end of the graduate law Barrister and from my second year, took • an online platform to allow clients and lawyers to track the progress of conditions program, KWM graduates have developed a clerkships with boutique family law firms. In enjoy what you do.” broad understanding of the technologies and my final year, I worked part time for a boutique precedent for a deal so that they do not need to continually ask for updates; can think laterally about how certain legal commercial litigation firm as well as two technologies can be applied in a different way barristers in a criminal law chambers. • a program to coordinate verification of disclosure documents so the different in a different practice group. The new approach parties can work across one document rather to graduate training was informed by feedback I found the experience to be invaluable in the from an innovation ‘sprint’ to tackle the design boutique firms as it is, effectively, a “sink or than several versions; • artificial intelligence (AI) to review a suite of challenge of: How might we design a legal swim” scenario. Every day was different. I found technology training experience to enable myself as a final year law student, working in contracts to identify common provisions; and • AI to assist in document review processes, graduates to thrive in their teams and build two different fields of law, drafting submissions productivity enabled practice skills. and appellant’s cases for the Court of Appeal reducing the number of documents reviewed in person by approximately 80%. one day and another, preparing documents that I was involved in the sprint from the dispute experienced Barristers are relying on for the resolution perspective, which involved highest Courts of WA. As a result of implementing the above, I have found it is easier to maintain work/life balance travelling to a number of KWM offices to conduct a series of interviews with colleagues Early on, I knew I wanted to be an advocate. It is and focus on more interesting work streams instead of spending time on version control across my practice group to map the key nearly impossible to work in the area of criminal technologies applied now in each practice team law without wanting to be an advocate or have a and document management, and have spent less time on document reviews that used to and understand the motivations and blockers presence in court. I wasn’t one of the high flying, to adoption. The sprint culminated in a design top achieving students in University, I worked take months (a huge result!). At KWM this ultimately means that lawyers are happier, more workshop utilising a number of innovation tools the entire time. I did not do any clerkships at and techniques to design our practice specific
221 222 bootcamps. Alongside this training to develop technical Life as a Graduate in a ability among KWM graduates, is a cultural shift that ensures KWM graduates and junior lawyers feel comfortable to suggest new ways of utilising technology and promoting changes National Firm that make positive impacts. Coupled with the Felicia Chan removal of billable hour targets for graduates, Lawyer, Corrs Chambers Westgarth KWM graduates are encouraged to pursue their curiosity and develop their confidence to explore different ways of utilising technology to My journey at Corrs started in 2018 with a This is due to our great leadership and having deliver changes that have a positive impact, for summer clerkship, and I officially joined the firm a national structure – the fact that Corrs is themselves, the firm and our clients. in 2020 as a law graduate. Like many of you, an independent firm meant that we could be I went through the lengthy clerkship process flexible, agile, and respond quickly to changing hoping to come out of university employed. market circumstances in Australia. After 20+ applications and five clerkships at various boutique, national, and international One of my first encounters with Corrs was when firms, I ultimately decided on Corrs for the high I volunteered as a law student one day a week at profile clients, great training and, of course, the the Street Law Centre as part of the McCusker people (as cliché as that sounds). The people Citizenship Internship. I met a Corrs graduate at Corrs are so easy-going yet immensely secondee at the Street Law Centre and was motivated and passionate and I felt I could truly impressed at the firm’s genuine commitment be myself. to pro bono work and the community. As part of the Graduate Development Program, law As a law graduate at Corrs, your career starts graduates get the opportunity to be seconded with Graduate Academy, a three-day training one day a week to a community legal centre. program that is attended by all national Corrs currently partners with the Street Law graduates. This is followed by local office Centre, Circle Green Community Legal (in the orientation, PLT workshops, and regular employment law team), and the Aboriginal Legal training sessions for each of your practice group Service of WA. I am currently on secondment to rotations during the Graduate Development Circle Green Community Legal every Monday, Program. Fortunately for me, my graduate providing free employment advice to vulnerable, cohort was able to attend Graduate Academy non-unionised employees in WA. I’ve thoroughly just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we enjoyed the experience to date and have had all had to work remotely. Graduate Academy a high level of client contact, giving advice on was a great experience as I met graduates from various issues such as unfair dismissal, equal all the other Corrs offices and have since worked opportunity, workplace sexual harassment, and alongside them on various interstate matters underpayment of entitlements. during my rotations in Projects, Property and Real Estate, and Corporate/M&A. It was nice In addition to this, I have worked on pro bono being able to put a face to a name thanks to our matters during my Graduate Development time at Graduate Academy. Program. These have been invaluable learning opportunities as you are essentially running the Corrs is Australia’s leading independent national matter with a senior associate overseeing your law firm. Despite being a national firm, we still work. That’s another bonus of working at Corrs have an international presence via strategic – whether you are doing pro bono or client work, alliances throughout the Asia-Pacific region you are given plenty of opportunities to take on and worldwide. Through these relationships, additional responsibility and be hands on. Our Corrs provides many international secondment teams are the perfect size, so you are exposed to opportunities, as well as an international working alongside partners and senior lawyers study scholarship at Oxford or Cambridge – from day one and there is plenty of work for although these opportunities have, of course, everyone. So if this sounds like a place you’d like been impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions. to work, I encourage you to apply for a clerkship The importance of our strategic alliances has opportunity with Corrs! become clearer than ever in the past year. Despite the unfortunate circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and the multiple lockdowns, Corrs has continued to thrive.
223 224 Life as a Graduate at Media and Defamation Law Fabienne Sharbanee Clayton Utz Principal Associate, Bennett + Co Caitlyn Cooke Lawyer, Clayton Utz I have been in practice just over 20 years. I was so that suits me. How did I get here? a charity quiz night, morning teas and other admitted in 1999 and had my first dance with I graduated from UWA with a Bachelor social events, which got us involved in firm life. defamation law a few years later in 2002. The dependability and process of civil procedure of Science, majoring in Physiology and also makes sense to me and defamation is Pharmacology. I really had no idea what else to Pro Bono work It was an appeal to the Full Court of the usually pretty heavy on interlocutory skirmishes do next, so decided to try out law. The next thing As well as its large and diverse commercial Supreme Court from an interlocutory decision and procedural hurdles, so that part of the sport I knew, I had graduated with a Juris Doctor in practice, Clayton Utz is a leader in pro bono. that had resulted in our client’s claim being of it can be fun and often challenging. December 2019. Every graduate is given a pro bono matter to run struck out (without leave to replead – so the when they start their first rotation, which they claim was done and dusted, unless we got up on What does practising in media and defamation I did a clerkship with Clayton Utz in June/July run by themselves. I was assigned a criminal the appeal). law really mean? 2019. I was initially attracted to the firm’s strong injuries compensation claim and I was able to I’m a litigator. I do ‘court stuff’. I write a lot of pro bono practice, its top-tier reputation, and its get my client the jurisdictional maximum payout It was a pretty ‘sexy’ introduction to defamation letters and I prepare a lot of Court documents. commitment to developing its people. ($75,000!), which was a great feeling. – a high profile client (with associated media I prepare quite a lot of Concerns Notices (s14 of attention), counsel who I later learned were the Defamation Act 2005). After completing my clerkship, I was offered a Clayton Utz also has relationships with Law some of the best in town (1 now the 2nd most graduate role, which I happily accepted. I began Access and Women’s Legal Service WA. I had senior defamation judge sitting in the Supreme I stare at news stories and Facebook posts, to as a graduate in the 2020 cohort. the opportunity to go on secondment to both Court), an appeal to the Full Court with a bench decide if they damage reputation and if so, why. of these organisations, which was invaluable as of 3 (including the then Chief Justice). I sometimes ask the same questions after Life as a Graduate I was able to gain experience in other areas of Not bad stuff 3 years out. listening to radio or TV broadcasts repeatedly, At Clayton Utz, graduate lawyers complete law, such as family law. and once, after reading a book. three, six-month rotations in different But the law was interesting too and the story – teams. I rotated through Corporate M&A Social responsibility is important to me, and I as with all defamation matters – was necessarily I meet with clients. I go to Court, usually and Equity Capital Markets, Major Projects am grateful that Clayton Utz allows its lawyers personal in nature. The outcome affected people around once or twice a month, either to instruct and Construction, and am presently in the to give back to the community through its pro and that was immediately apparent to me. Counsel at a contested interlocutory hearing Restructuring and Insolvency practice. As a bono practice and community partnerships. or appear at a directions hearing or mediation graduate, you are a key member of the teams For me, that is where part of the attraction has conference. through which you rotate. You will attend Court, Some parting advice always been – the stories are human stories, and help to draft commercial contracts, undertake I have definitely learnt a lot during my first year the clients are people to whom you can relate I was junior counsel in 2 trials last year – 1 of legal research and assist with writing legal as a graduate. I would offer this advice to you as (at some level) and not corporates. them was a defamation trial. A handful of times, advice. future law graduates: I have been asked to ‘legal’ a document before 1. It is ok to make mistakes. You are not I have almost always done plaintiff defamation its published (known as ‘prepublication’ advice, Highlights of my rotations include working on expected to know everything when you are work, which is why that perspective still works and much more common to those advising the two initial public offerings in the Corporate starting out in your career. As long as you put for me I guess. Defamation gives me the media). M&A and Equity Capital Markets team, as your best foot forward and try to learn from opportunity to do what so many of us chase as well as working on a high-profile construction the experience, you will be fine. altruistic law students - to ‘do the right thing’ Since that first case in 2002, I have been dispute during my time in the Major Projects 2. Remember to relax. Your first year as and ‘stand up for the little guy’. Defamation fortunate to work on cases for all sorts of and Construction team, which attracted media a graduate could mean late nights and sparks my ‘you can’t do that!!!’ instinct. people –sports people, government officials coverage. weekend work. Make sure to take the time and various types of professionals accused to foster your interests and relationships But, as I say, I usually come at things from of fraud, incompetence bullying and more, The great part of being a graduate at Clayton outside of work. the perspective of a claimant. If you’re big on people wrongly accused of crimes, companies Utz is really feeling like you are part of a team. 3. Keep an open mind. I recommend clerking freedom of expression, free speech and freedom unjustifiably bad mouthed on Facebook (okay, Each team I have rotated through has been at different firms and volunteering at a of the press, then you might be more suited to a it’s not always for the little guy), and one of invested in my development and in helping me community legal centre. Choose the path similar role on the other side of the fence acting my most memorable, a little old lady who was to improve as a lawyer. I have developed some that is right for you. If you are offered a for the media, and other defamation defendants. devastated to have been accused of infidelity great professional relationships. Starting my graduate position, wherever that may be, The other aspects of defamation that appeal to in front of a crowd of people at her local career as part of a graduate group is something remember you will be in the office five days me are the words and the procedure. sermarket. I have also appreciated. My graduate cohort a week, 48 weeks a year. It is important for really relied on each other in our first year, as we you to determine whether you are the right Defamation is all about words – what they mean, I say ‘fortunate’ because there are not a lot of navigated starting our careers during lockdown. fit for the firm and, equally, for the firm to who they identify, how pervasive their reach opportunities to work in media and defamation Once office life got back to normal, we organised determine whether you are the right fit for may be. I’m a ‘grammar nazi’ and a ‘word-nerd’, law, particularly in WA. Bennett + Co have a them.
225 226 dedicated Media and Defamation group. There are 2 small practices in Perth that focus on defamation (and generally work for defendants), Kimberly Land Council and and a smattering of expertise at a handful of other firms (mostly, the large firms). In House at Chevron Even the bar has (compared with other practice areas) relatively few practitioners with significant Sophie Coffin defamation experience. Whilst it wasn’t always 2021 Juris Doctor Graduate the case, most of the media corporations now seek representation from firms in the over East. Tell us a bit about yourself to understand the company and its projects Most defamation practitioners I know, including I am a final year law student. I completed inside out. They work with everyone within the myself, maintain good skills as general civil and a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society and organisation too including all types of engineers, commercial litigators because the reality is, for Indigenous Studies in my undergrad. managers and people working in supply chain most people, there is just much more of that work management. around. Most people that practice in defamation Why did you choose to study law? (perhaps excluding those that act for the media I saw it as the career that would enable me to What activities and tasks did you undertake corporations) tend to do so in combination with help the most people in the most substantive during your time there? other practice areas. way. The challenge of it also appealed to me. I attended a lot of meetings with everyone in the team and completed a lot of discrete research I spend around 80% of my time working on Where have you completed placements? tasks to do with points of law. defamation matters, and only about 20% on I have completed placements in 2 top tier firms, general commercial and civil litigation – but my 1 mid-tier firm, government departments, a How would you compare your experience practice is probably the exception rather than the trust firm, Chevron, Legal Aid and Kimberley working at Chevron and the Kimberly Land rule. Land Council. Council? The people at both were equally passionate If your passion is in media and defamation law, What was your experience at the Kimberly and driven about achieving outcomes for their ask yourself ‘why’ to work out on which side of Land Council (KLC)? organisation. The people at both were also some the fence you’ll be more comfortable. It was unique and extremely rewarding. The of the most hard-working people I’ve met. legal team at KLC undertake a wide variety of Then, seek out a firm that has demonstrated highly complex matters that have a significant What would your biggest tip be for other experience that you can learn from (perhaps by impact on the parties involved. The team work Students wanting to explore career options checking the unreported decisions rather than on I think this is the most rewarding aspect. outside of Commercial Law? lists of practice areas on websites). The other great aspect is the lifestyle. Since Actively look for opportunities. There are plenty it is based in Broome, it’s a 10-minute drive out there. For example, I worked at KLC through Jobs practising exclusively in this area are rare, so everywhere which means you can go to the the Aurora Internships Organisation, which be prepared to build your skills more broadly as a beach for your whole lunch break. Interestingly, is an excellent organisation that have heaps civil and commercial litigator – but never let the many of the lawyers there had come from top- of options for law students and endeavor to fire go out on your passion for ‘defo’! tier firms in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. match you with an organisation that meets your interests. In addition, don’t be afraid to just send What activities and tasks did you undertake your resume with an email stating your interest during your time there? at somewhere like Legal Aid – this is how I got a I reviewed every piece of evidence put before placement there. the judge in one particular case (which was a 25-year litigation), I researched particular points Where do you see yourself working after of law and legal issues, attended meetings finishing law school? with anthropologists and met with Traditional I’m still unsure, but somewhere that I can get Owners (usually KLC do everything they can to a strong foundation for working in the pursuit take an intern on country for meetings, however of justice, especially for the First Nations COVID and flooding prevented that in my time). community.
What was your experience at Chevron’s in- house legal team? This was also a very interesting experience. Mostly, it was interesting to see what an in- house counsel does and how this differs from a firm. The team there work extremely hard, and work on technically complex work. They have
227 228 is an essential part of being able to draft commercial documents that effectively achieve Life as an Employment a client’s desired outcomes and minimise risk to them. Having seen my fair share of poorly drafted contracts causing issues for both parties in a dispute resolution context makes it easier Lawyer to identify and avoid issues when drafting my Gemma Wheeler-Carver own documents. It also means that I can prepare Associate, HHG Legal clients for any risks that might arise as a result of the contracts we’re preparing and assist them to put in place a plan to minimise these. I have been at HHG Legal Group in its Time out!! Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution As the big 3-0 loomed, I decided to take a short team since 2018. My main area of practice is break from my legal career to live in Canada. employment law however I advise and represent After two fantastic years working closely with clients across a range of commercial disputes, a recruitment company (first as a casual events as well as assisting on criminal and restraining employee and later assisting with all aspects order matters. of their business), I returned to Australia with the goal of finding a position that would allow The early years me to expand my experience in law while I completed a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of still maintaining the close client interaction Commerce in 2009 and undertook an internship and challenging work I was used to. My prior during my final year with a not-for-profit litigation and contracts experience, as well organisation, assisting with native title claims as my time spent in Canada and exposure to a in the Federal Court of Australia, negotiation, range of different workplaces through the work drafting and implementation of exploration, I did there, gave me invaluable insight into the mining and land management agreements, and legal requirements of businesses. governance of prescribed bodies corporate. Although not an area of law I had a particular A week in the life of a HHG Employment and interest in at university, the challenging legal DR Lawyer issues, extensive client engagement, and the My typical week at HHG Legal Group includes chance to travel to parts of Western Australia meeting with new clients, usually employers or others only dreamed of, led me to accept an employees, and working out the best strategy to offer of ongoing employment (including articles) assist with their issues. Although this is often a with the organisation. I spent six years assisting dispute that they are currently facing, we work with native title claims throughout the Central with them to identify risk factors into the future Desert region of Australia, holding claim and set up processes, precedents and training meetings and AGMs in locations as disparate as to ensure that (to the extent possible) the boardrooms in Perth and “the tree across the dispute doesn’t arise again. Part of this includes road from the community shop” (yes, this was getting to know the businesses that I’m working the location on a meeting notice sent out!). with, their staff and their plans for the future, so that we can ensure that any employment This role allowed me to gain substantial agreements, consultant contracts, policies and experience in client management, document procedures, and performance management drafting, litigation, as well as having the and termination precedents that we set up for privilege of hearing the stories of many them will practically and efficiently work for different people from different areas of Western their business. It also assists me to identify Australia. Whilst a relatively new area of law, whether they require other legal assistance, be working in native title involved a broad range of it new leases, advice on sale of business, client other areas of law including contracts, property, contracts or waivers, estate planning, family mining, environmental and heritage protection. law advice or a dispute with a neighbour about It was also a fantastic opportunity to hone my a fence. The benefit of working in a full-service skills in communicating with clients and a range firm means that I’m constantly exposed to a of stakeholders, including government (Local range of areas of law and can identify when and State), corporations and other not-for- further advice might be required and direct my profits, and to learn how to effectively tailor clients to the lawyer who can best assist. my advice and correspondence to its intended audience. Having a broad understanding and working knowledge of the types of disputes that arise
229 230 Enrol in LAWS5358 Innovations in Legal Practice Management. Taught by myself and Tips for Law Students Lauren Ziegelaar. Aaron McDonald Managing Director, Pragma Lawyers
(but I am bias!). “The best is yet to come” – Frank Sinatra. But enough about me.
I completed my Law Degree at UWA in 2007 and My tips for law students in their penultimate or became admitted as a lawyer in 2008. final years looking to enter the profession are as follows: During my final years at Uni completing my undergraduate degree and sipping coffees on Get your foot in the door at a law firm as soon the Oak Lawn, I simultaneously held down jobs as you can (and before you finish your degree at three different firms whilst completing my wanting a position as a Graduate). law degree full-time. I ultimately was offered If you can get an “in” at a law firm filing one day articles of clerkship at a small commercial law a week or doing legal research and get to know firm where I worked for 18 months. It was some the decision makers at the firm (and impress of the toughest but most rewarding 18 months them) you are much more likely to secure a job, of my career. It was rewarding in the sense that there. I learn a lot. It was tough in the sense that I worked long hours. If you don’t know who to approach, call the Law Society of Western Australia and ask for a copy After that period, I was offered an opportunity of their directory and start emailing, writing, and at a large international law firm where I worked calling. Get onto LinkedIn and create a profile in its Perth and Melbourne offices, ultimately and have a look around. It’s not what you know, becoming a Senior Associate in the firm’s it’s who you know. Litigation and Dispute Resolution Division. As an employer now, our firm has hired That firm (DLA Piper) was very kind to me, and I Graduates the last 3 years who were law clerks learnt a lot under the Partners that supervised at our firm working casually during Uni. me. I also built a passion for advocacy and enjoyed appearing in the various Courtrooms in Don’t worry about the big firm thing. Big firms the various jurisdictions. are good at all their merchandise at career fairs I admit, and I am not suggesting for one moment Notwithstanding that, I looked at the Perth legal they can’t be good places to work, but don’t hang market and considered that many lawyers could your hat on needing to work at one. offer a better service to their clients. In light of that perceived market gap, in 2014, I established When I was at Uni there seemed to be this a law firm named Pragma (www.pragma.law) anxiety about working at one which disappears which is based in Subiaco. once you enter the profession (let me assure you). If you secure a job at a law firm be grateful Since that time, the firm has grown from one for getting your foot in the door – a lot of people person (me) to 36 staff. We specialise in helping don’t. our clients avoid disputes so they can focus on more important things. I have particularly Find yourself a good mentor. If you can find enjoyed the lessons I have learnt since somebody who can give you good life and career commencing Pragma. advice, hold onto them and check in with them regularly on how you are tracking. If you don’t It can be really rewarding and when things have somebody who can do this for you, reach don’t go your way, the buck stops with you. I out to the Piddington Society (get on their was 29 when I started the firm and am now 36. mailing list by going to their website) or slide The team is young and nimble, and we have a into Piddington’s DM’s on Facebook and ask for a fantastic culture. It is unlike most other firms suggested mentor.
231 232 found the HR representatives to be incredibly a graduate. Remember, firms hire clerks as the transparent about their processes as well as first step in their graduate recruitment process! Victorian Clerkship having a wealth of knowledge about each firm. However, the benefit of applying in Melbourne If you’re not able to get in touch through a Perth (as opposed to Sydney) is that you can undertake contact I suggest sending a polite email to the up to three clerkships, and, therefore, could relevant HR representative and scheduling a do clerkships in both Perth and Melbourne. I Applications time for your phone conversation. The East suggest that you think carefully about which Calvin Rokich Coast LSS’ all publish guides like this one, firms you want to apply to in which state, and 2020 Juris Doctor Graduate and they are a great place to look for contact about how you present your decision in your details! When you’re looking for them, just note interstate interviews. This article was written in 2020 and published in completely in line with Perth. This meant that that they are often called ‘clerkship guides’ or the 2020 Careers Handbook. It has been slightly I was left waiting for a week wondering about ‘clerkship handbooks’ so broaden your search Finally, remember that if you do choose to apply amended for publication in 2021. my future while my friends all celebrated their terms. in multiple cities you won’t have the benefit of offers. On the bright side, I had a little longer to offers coming out on the same day. That means Applying for clerkships is perhaps the most finish my applications. Make sure you check the As for interviews, I strongly suggest you that you may be left in a position where you stressful part of anyone’s law degree. For many dates carefully – they can be found in the LIV consider travelling to Melbourne. Through my accept too many or not enough offers to fill it’s the first step in their journey to becoming guidelines. phone conversations, I found that different all of your places. My advice would be to have a lawyer after they graduate. The process firms seemed to have different attitudes a list of your order of preference and a strong can feel all the more daunting if, like me, you In relation to offers day, the guidelines require around physical interviews, with some strongly idea of which city you would rather accept a are interested in working interstate after firms to make offers no earlier than 10am. While preferring it and other seeming to be indifferent. graduate offer in. That way you can allocate you graduate. However, fear not, I am here to many firms in Perth make early offers, neither One firm was even generous enough to pay your risk accordingly. You should be thinking assuage your fears and share my experience in myself, nor any of my colleagues in Melbourne for my flights. However, having attended each about this before you apply anyway, because you applying in Melbourne. received early offers. This shows that firms take interview in person, I can report that all of the don’t want to be left in a position where you are these guidelines seriously. It is also reassuring firms at which I interviewed were grateful for compromising where you live for the firm you The Melbourne Process given we are three hours behind Melbourne in the effort. I was in Melbourne for a 10-day period want to work for, or vice versa. I made an effort to learn all I could about the October! during which I interviewed at five firms (and clerkship process in Melbourne. To my delight, attended the corresponding cocktail evenings). Leaving the N(W)est the system in Melbourne (unlike Sydney) is Applying from Perth This was a very intense period, but it was I made the decision to apply in Melbourne ostensibly the same as the one used here in While you can take some comfort in the process manageable. I found firms were accommodating largely because moving there has been a goal Perth. That means that the information in being largely the same, there are some obvious and willing to offer me the earliest interview of mine since undergrad. As a law graduate, I the Careers Toolbox is transferrable to your practical differences when you are applying slots in their available periods to shorten the also wanted to be exposed to the kind of work applications over East. If, on the other hand, to clerk from the other side of the country. length of my travel time. they get on the East Coast that we don’t get you are interested in Sydney, the process The best piece of advice I can offer in this here in Perth. However, that isn’t to say that is considerably different, and I recommend regard is to not neglect your Perth network. I More importantly, I felt I was able to get much if you have aspirations of migrating East, that checking out Stephen’s article in the 2018 strongly recommend you take advantage of all more out of the process in person. In particular, you have to take the leap at this early stage in Handbook to read about his experience applying the Careers events Blackstone has to offer, to attending the cocktail evenings was a great way your career. There is also merit in starting your there. That handbook can be found here: https:// develop both your application skills and your to both meet other students in Melbourne and career in Perth and moving once you have a few issuu.com/blackstoneuwa/docs/final_careers_ network here in Perth. In particular, I strongly learn about the firms. These events actually years’ experience under your belt. If you’re not handbook recommend still attending the Perth Law changed my mind about which offers I wanted sure which course of action you want to take, Careers Fair as I think it is unlikely you will have to accept on offers day. However, I want to stress applying to some firms over East will give you The key difference between Melbourne and the opportunity to attend the equivalent event that all the major firms indicated these events the chance to interact with lawyers at cocktail Perth are the Law Institute of Victoria’s (LIV) in Melbourne (nor do I think it is necessary to do were not essential (although they all suggest evenings and in your interviews who may be guidelines. These guidelines are signed by so). it is beneficial), and I believe that they are not able to offer some advice. I found that offices in almost all of the firms, and are taken seriously a core component of their decision-making Melbourne were incredibly diverse when it came by each signatory. I strongly recommend you I decided I wanted to call each firm I would process. to people’s home state (and country). Having familiarise yourself with these guidelines, apply to before sending my application. I found now completed a clerkship in Melbourne, I can as they have rules for students around how the easiest way to do this was to first get in A piece of advice I was given before applying even report that over 10% of my group was from many clerkships you can undertake and how contact with the HR representative of the Perth was not to apply to two offices of the same interstate. long you can hold your offers on offers day. office (whom you should know from events firm. This is advice I would like to pass forward. They can be found here: https://www.liv.asn. like the Careers Fair), explain my ambitions to In particular, if you are seriously considering One thing that you will learn (and probably get au/Membership/Young-Lawyers/Seasonal- move and ask if they could connect me with applying interstate, you should think carefully sick of hearing) is that there is no one career Clerkship-Traineeship-Guidelines. their Melbourne counterpart. I found that these about your reasons why. I was (predictably) path in law, and everyone’s journey will be requests were always greeted with enthusiasm, asked at every interview why I wanted to move slightly different! On that, perhaps trite, note, Another key difference is that Melbourne and the ensuing phone conversations were to Melbourne; and I suspect the answer of ‘I’m the ghost of Careers VP past inside me also feels clerkships are slightly longer than their Perth incredibly valuable for my applications. First, just applying everywhere and seeing where I get’ compelled to remind you all that clerkships are counterparts ranging from three to four weeks the calming power of a phone conversation is might not have cut the recruitment mustard. not the be all and end all of your legal careers, (rather than the two to three we have here). not to be underestimated. I found my nerves Although, of course, that is just conjecture. I and there is a plethora of other ways to start On the topic of timing, the relevant dates for settled after getting to know the person who was able to answer honestly that I was only your journey. clerkships in Melbourne are also unlikely to be would be screening my application. Second, I applying in Melbourne with a view to move as
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