CONTRIBUTORS

Madeleine JosephToni Mudditt

Taylah SpirovskiSabrina BeydounTheodore Totsis

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Carly Burns

SPECIAL THANKS

UOW Careers CentralMichelle Kenworth

Thank you to our sponsors

INTRODUCTIONWhat is a Clerkship?Overview of a Clerkship

FIRMS WHO OFFER CLERKSHIPS

THE APPLICATIONHow do I begin?Writing the perfect cover letterCV: TipsApplication questions & psychometric testing

INTERVIEWS & COCKTAIL EVENINGSInterview skillsCocktail evenings and networkingWhat to wear

Contents

Welcome to the Herbert Smith Freehills

This Guide will provide you with all the information needed to help you tackle the overwhelming Clerkship process. From your initial application,

to the interviews and cocktail parties, this Guide will be your one-stop shop for all things Clerkship. We would like to thank our generous

sponsors for making this Guide possible, alongside all the contributors who have dedicated their time to this Guide. We hope this Guide will

assist you in the Clerkship process and any other career endeavours you might pursue.

We advise students to actively check for individual firm updates and how their application process will change in response to

COVID-19.

Clerkship Guide

Summer Clerkships are an invaluable opportunity for law students looking to gain practical experience working in top or mid-tier commercial law firms. A clerkship can provide you with a good foundation for a career in private law, and allow you to get a feel for a firm’s culture and areas of expertise. Clerkships also provide a fantastic opportunity to expand your network and gain an advantage in applying for graduate jobs.

Whether you are a penultimate or final year student looking to undertake a Summer Clerkship in the 2020-21 summer break, or a student in your earlier years searching to find out more about career development opportunities, this Guide is a great resource to help get you started!

This Clerkship Guide, proudly sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills, contains information of what a clerkship is, how to write your curriculum vitae and cover letter, guidance on the clerkship application process and interview tips that can assist you in securing a coveted Clerkship position.

Due to the competitive nature of the Clerkship program, the application process can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience. We hope that the insight provided in this Guide can alleviate some of the stress and help you put your best foot forward. Remember, not securing a Clerkship is not the end of your career, and is just one way to begin your career in private law.

The University of Wollongong Law Students’ Society is immensely grateful for the continued support of our financial sponsors, particularly Herbert Smith Freehills. We are also thankful for the support of the UOW School of Law, UOW Careers Central and our students and alumni who have contributed to the development of this Guide.

Toni MuddittUOWLSS President

President’s AddressWELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY CLERKSHIP GUIDE 2020

A legal Clerkship is one of the two major employment programs that

the NSW Law Society coordinates for penultimate and final year law students. Traditionally a full-time summer program (although private firms may offer seasonal placement during winter), Clerkships aim to provide law students with a taste of what it is like working in a multidisciplinary professional services firm.

The Clerkship will generally involve a rotation through one to two practice groups within the firm, to provide students with an opportunity to experience what life will be like in a large, multi-faceted corporate environment. Clerks will have the opportunity to work closely with both senior and junior level employees, as well as meet with clients and provide hands-on assistance to their allocated team.

For students who are hoping to work in private practice, a Clerkship is a valuable stepping-stone towards this goal. While it is not a prerequisite, it is the preferred method of recruitment for private practice firms. It is common practice for successful Clerks to transition into the role of Graduates the following year.

Is a Clerkship right for me?If commercial law is an avenue that interests you, a Clerkship can be an important step in the right direction. Regardless of your career aspirations, a Clerkship will provide you with

invaluable training and experience that is highly regarded by non-commercial sectors of the legal profession.

While marks are important, firms are mainly looking for a well-rounded student. Participation in extracurricular activities such as assisting clubs and societies, volunteering in the wider community or even having prior legal experience can count a great deal in the selection process. If you can demonstrate your passion for the law in more ways than one, you’re already starting to look like a great candidate.

What can I expect to gain from a Clerkship?• Real experience and exposure

to the practical side of the legal profession;

• Connections and interactions with valuable contributors of the legal profession;

• Formal training by way of your specific practice area(s), client liaison, drafting, communication, billing etc.

• The ability to receive formal evaluation and feedback from senior lawyers; and

• Personal growth and career advancement.

For more information, don’t forget to check out our Clerkship Q&A on our Facebook Page!https://www.facebook.com/UOWLSS/videos/255743665424542

INTRODUCTIONWHAT IS A CLERKSHIP?

ABOUT USWith over 25 offices spanning Asia, Europe, Australasia, and the Middle east, we can show you exactly what a world class commercial law firm has to offer, giving you the chance to work as part of an international team, on high-profile matters, for some of the most significant organisations in the market.

Our focus is on the future: the future needs of existing and new clients, the future of the legal profession and investing in our future lawyers. That’s why we aim to attract the best talent from a broad range of backgrounds, ensuring we are optimising our position as a progressive, forward thinking professional services business. At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll be given the opportunity to develop the skills you need to help solve our clients’ most complex challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways.

WHAT WE LOOK FORGreat lawyers are both curious and creative. We encourage you to challenge assumptions and open yourself up to new ideas. It’s this growth mindset that creates opportunities for you and your clients. So, what exactly are we looking for?

There’s no single path to becoming an exceptional commercial lawyer. We look beyond your academic record and your technical aptitude. We’re focussed on finding people who have the curiosity to explore all the angles and the empathy to place themselves in their client’s shoes. Building great relationships takes a certain understanding and as our global village gets ever smaller, we look for graduates who think of themselves as citizens of the world.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAMWe select many of our graduates through our vacation clerkships. During this immersive experience, you’ll receive hands-on practical experience, actively contributing, as you work on some of the diverse challenges facing the team you’re collaborating with.

You will gain a deeper understanding of life at the firm and what your future could look like if you join us. Some key features include the opportunity to:

• Sit within a specific team, delivering real work for key clients

• Before you join, submit a preference for a team to tailor your experience

• Navigate the first step of your career with partner and graduate mentoring support

• Attend workshops and presentations covering all our practice areas

• Contribute to our pro bono practice

• Work with cutting edge technology through our innovation projects

• Networking opportunities to meet people across the firm

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

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

Our global practice groups • Alternative Legal Services (ALT)

• Competition, Regulation and Trade

• Corporate

• Dispute Resolution

• Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety

• Finance

• Projects and Infrastructure

• Real Estate

HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM

Contacts James Keane Graduate Recruitment Manager T +61 2 9322 4313 james.keane@hsf.com

KEY DATES/DEADLINES

SYDNEY

Approximate number of positions 30-35

Clerkship programs 1 Summer

Applications for all 2019/20 programs open 9 June 2020

Applications for all 2019/20 programs close 12 July 2020

Offers made 16 September 2020

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

2020© Herbert Smith Freehills NOF186936_A4_Advertorials v2/170220

Your applicationAll firms require students to submit an initial online application. This generally includes submitting a Cover Letter, CV and an up-to-date, certified Academic Transcript. Some firms may also require you to answer other more specific questions such as how you demonstrate a particular skill or your interaction with a particular legal concept. Applications can be quite extensive and detailed. Do not underestimate the time needed to complete your application, especially if you are considering applying to more than one firm.

Alongside an online application, some firms may require you to undergo Psychometric/Aptitude testing. Further information about these processes is outlined in Part II.

First round interviewsOnce applications are officially closed, firms will assess your initial submission and if successful, will then contact those applicants by phone or email to invite them to an interview (whether it be first round or one off). Generally, an interview panel will consist of a HR representative and one or more Partners.

Second round interviews and cocktail eveningsSome firms have a two-round interview process. If you make it to the second stage, you will then be invited to attend a second interview. Additionally, some firms may also hold a cocktail evening (or two) as an opportunity for you to interact with the people of the firm (HR, previous Clerks, Graduates Lawyers, Partners) and determine whether you are an appropriate cultural fit.

OffersIf you are successful in steps one to three, you may receive a formal Clerkship offer!

All firms are required to release offers on the same day to give all students an opportunity to make an informed and timely decision as to whom they will accept and reject.

THE CLERKSHIP PROCESS

Applications for summer Clerkships open: June 9, 2020

Applications for summer Clerkships close: July 5 & 12, 2020

Offers for summer Clerkships can be made: September 16, 2020

Offers for summer Clerkships must be accepted or denied by 5pm: September 18, 2020

KEY DATES

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

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

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

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

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

An early legal career at Allens includes highly tailored training through the Allens Academy. Developed in partnership with the Australian National University, our Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice will help you transition from law graduate to legal expert and trusted business adviser.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

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

and Sydney offices;� feature ongoing support, including a buddy system; and� include exposure to one or two practice groups.

GRADUATE PROGRAM

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

with Linklaters;� ongoing supervision, coaching and mentoring;� completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

(via Allens Academy); and� a 12‑month weekly legal seminar series

(Cornerstone Program).

Great change is here.Shape the future with Allens

Find out more at allens.com.au/yourcareerAllens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP.

18217D

Allen & OveryCorporate/M&A; Banking; International Capital Markets and Litigation. https://www.allenovery.com/en-gb/global

Allens <>LinklatersMergers and Acquisitions; Banking and Finance; Litigation and Real Estate.https://www.allens.com.au/

Allion PartnersCorporate; Energy and Resources; Property, Projects, Infrastructure and Workplace; Health and Safety.https://allionpartners.com/

AshurstCorporate/M&A and Taxationhttps://www.ashurst.com/

Baker & MckenzieBanking & Finance; Capital Markets; Commercial Real Estate; Dispute Resolution; Employment; Energy; Resources and Infrastructure; Environmental Markets, Financial Services & Structured Transactions; Insolvency; Intellectual Property; Media; M&A; Private Equity; Tax and Technology & Communicationshttps://www.bakermckenzie.com/en

Bird & BirdCorporate and Commercial Law; Competition Law; Dispute Resolution; Employment; Intellectual Property; Real Estate; Restructuring and Insolvency; Tax; Trade and Customs; and Privacy and Data Protectionhttps://www.twobirds.com/

Clayton UTZBanking & Financial; Commercial Litigation; Competition; Corporate/M&A; Environment and Planning; Forensic and

Technology Services; Insurance; IP and Technology; Major Projects; Public Sector / Government Services; Real Estate; Restructuring and Insolvency; Tax; Workplace Relations; Employment and Safety; and Pro Bonohttps://www.claytonutz.com/

Clifford ChanceCorporate; Banking and Finance; Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Anti-Trust and Competitionhttps://www.cliffordchance.com/people_and_places/places/asia_pacific/australia.html

Corrs Chambers Westgarth Arbitration; Banking & Finance; Class action; Commercial Litigation; Competition; Employment, Labour, Energy & Natural Resources, Environment and Planning, Financial Sponsors Group; IP; M&A/Corporate, Property & Real Estate; Technology, Media and Telecommunicationshttps://corrs.com.au/

DLA PiperClimate Change Adaptation & Legal Risk; Corporate; Corporate Responsibility;Employment; Finance; Human Rights; Intellectual Property and Technology;International Trade, Regulatory & Government Affairs; Litigation, Arbitration & Investigations; Projects; Energy & Infrastructure; Real Estate; Restructuring; & Tax.https://www.dlapiper.com/en/australia/

Gilbert & TobinBanking & Infrastructure; Competition and Regulation; Corporate Advisory; Disputes and Investigations; Intellectual Property; Mergers and Acquisitions; Native Title, Heritage and Communities;

FIRMS THAT OFFER CLERKSHIPSHere is a list of the firms offering Clerkships for the 2020/2021 Summer. It is important to consider which firm you align with best, so do your research to find out what makes them different to one another (given they mostly do the same kind of work)! For more information and the full list of practice areas please visit their websites.*

Patents; Private Equity; Pro Bono; Real Estate and Projectshttps://www.gtlaw.com.au/

Herbert Smith FreehillsCompetition; Regulation & Trade; Corporate; Dispute Resolution; Employment; Finance; Financial Services; IP; Intellectual Property; International Arbitration; M&A; Projects and Infrastructure; Real Estate; Insolvency; Taxhttps://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/

Jones DayM&A; Joint Ventures; Corporate Governance; Capital Markets; Intellectual Property; Labour & Employment; Dispute Resolutionhttps://www.jonesday.com/en

K & L GatesFinance; M&A; Competition; Energy & Resources; Intellectual Property and Real Estate http://www.klgates.com/

King & Wood MallesonsBanking & Finance; International Funds; Competition Trade & Regulatory; Corporate; Private Equity; M&A and Securities; Tax; Dispute Resolution & Litigation and Intellectual Propertyhttps://www.kwm.com/en/au

MaddocksCommercial; Commercial Disputes; Construction Employment; Safety & People; Property & Development; Public Lawhttps://www.maddocks.com.au/

Mills OakleyBanking & Finance; Constructions; Not-for-profit; Disputes & Insolvency; Corporate Advisory; Family Law; Financial Services; Franchising; Administrative Law; Intellectual Property; Insurance; Mortgage Recovery; Planning & Environment; Property; Strata; Technology; Media & Telecommunications; Estate; Employmenthttps://www.millsoakley.com.au/

Minter EllisonCompetition and Market Regulation; Corporate; Dispute Resolution Employment; Environment and Planning; Finance; Financial Services; Insurance; Intellectual Property; Projects; Infrastructure; Real Estate; Taxation.https://www.minterellison.com/

Johnson, Winter & SlatteryCompetition/Antitrust; Corporate; Corporate Governance; Debt Finance; Dispute Resolution; Employment; Energy & Resources; Funds Management; Intellectual Property & IT; Media; Private Equity; Projects & Construction; Regulatory; Restructuring & Insolvency; and Taxation.https://jws.com.au/en

Norton Rose FulbrightFinancial Institutions; Energy; infrastructure; Mining and Commodities; Transport; Technology and Innovation; Life Sciences and Healthcare.https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en

PWCCorporate Advisory; Regulatory; Projects and Finance; Employment and Workplace Relations; Taxation; Enterprise Developmenthttps://www.pwc.com.au/

Thomson GeerBanking & Finance; Capital Markets Competition & Regulation; Construction & Infrastructure; Corporate & Advisory; Employment Workplace Relations & Safety; Environment & Planning; Insurance; IP; Litigation & Dispute Resolution; M&A; Property; Restructuring & Insolvency; Superannuation & Wealth Management; Taxation; Taxation Advocacy; Technology.https://www.tglaw.com.au/

* Please note that the preceding information is a short summary taken from each firms’ website, it is not a statement on behalf of the firm. We recommend visiting the links provided to confirm that listed information.

THE APPLICATION PROCESSWHERE DO I BEGIN?

STAY TRUE.

Staying true to your direction is what defines Clayton Utz. We’ve built a culture that’s unlike any other law firm, but don’t just take our word for it. A good lawyer needs compelling evidence so meet our people and judge for yourself.

claytonutz.com/graduates

Academic brilliance certainly counts, but graduates who thrive here have something extra – a natural passion for connecting with people and a strong sense of self. That’s what staying true is all about. If you have these qualities, Clayton Utz is for you.

1. Research the firmBefore applying for firms, take the time to research the firm that align with your interests. When researching the firms look for:• The practice area• The values and firm culture• Structure of the organisation and

partners• Clients and recent transactions

This information is usually on the firm’s website and will be important not only for the online application, but for your interviews and networking evenings. To help get you started we have outlined the firms participating, as well as their main practice areas.

2. Identify the firms you wish to apply for and whyAfter your research, you may find firms that you like more than others. Identify why you may align with this firm and what draws them to you. Understanding this will help give you an edge throughout the process.

3.Prepare for the applicationResearch the application process of the firms that attract you to ensure that you are prepared for any extra steps, such as the psychometric testing or further questions. Create a shortlist of your experience and skills and demonstrate how they fit in with a certain criteria or culture of the firm. Allow plenty of time to prepare for your application.

HOW TO WRITE THE PERFECT COVER LETTER

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

Acover letter is your first chance to stand out from the other

applicants and is a crucial aspect to your application. A cover letter is typically no longer than a page and provides you with an opportunity to outline the most important aspects of your CV and skillset. Its purpose is to highlight what you have to offer to the firm and demonstrate how you fit within the firm you are applying for.

Tips for writing a cover letter- Do not rewrite your CV in your cover letter (there is a reason they ask you to submit both) draw from your experience and apply that to the firm’s criteria. - Keep it concise - your letter only needs to be one page.- Make sure you tailor your cover letter to each individual firm, to demonstrate why them, why you and why commercial law. - Plain, formal English is preferable. Make sure it’s concise, clear and confident. - DO NOT forget to proof-read your cover letter! Legal practice involves a significant attention to detail, let your cover letter be an example of yours.

Structure of your cover letterRemember to not use the exact same cover letter for every law firm. Although you can use a basic structure for each firm, remember to tailor it to what the law firm is looking for and what makes them different.

THE BEST STRUCTUREParagraph 1: IntroductionUse this paragraph to introduce yourself, why you are writing to the firm, and a brief outline of the content of your letter and CV.

Paragraph 2: About meOutline any experience or achievements you have that are relevant to the firm and how it demonstrates to the firm that you are an ideal candidate.

Paragraph 3: Why this firm?This is your chance to show what draws you to the firm. Use this paragraph to demonstrate what you know about the firm - this could include particular areas of practice or a matter that you recently read about. Most importantly, think about what motivated you to apply to this firm.

Paragraph 4: ConclusionDon’t forget to thank the firm for their consideration and stress your desire to work there.

COVER LETTER TEMPLATE[name]

[address] [suburb, state, postcode]

[phone number] [email address]

[title, recipient] [position] [firm] [address] [suburb, state, postcode] [date]

Dear ________,

Re: Application for the 2020/2021 Summer Clerkship Program

(Paragraph One: Introduce yourself, your degree, your average and your most notable achievements) My name is Bob Jones and I am writing to express my interest in obtaining a Summer Clerkship

at _____ . I am currently in my penultimate year of a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce at

the University of Wollongong and I hold a high-distinction average. My notable achievements

include obtaining the highest mark in Contract Law A, etc.

(Paragraph Two: Discuss your previous jobs and any things you have done that make you a good candidate. This is the paragraph that you sell who you are and why the firm will want you)

My experiences range from working in legal research, retail, hospitality and cricket coaching,

which have improved my organisation and communication skills. My experience as [position] of

[society/organisation] has developed my leadership and teamwork skills, this can be seen by my

increased student engagement and stronger relationships with the University.

(Paragraph Three: Discuss why you want to work at that law firm? Intertwine why you fit that firm)

I have a strong interest in undertaking a Clerkship at ____. The clients of _____ are some of the

top investment banks and businesses in the world. I know that at ______, I will be exposed to high

quality legal work. I am also interested in the amount of cross-border work that _____ undertakes.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application with you further. Thank you

for taking the time to consider my application.

Yours Faithfully,

Bob Jones

HOW TO WRITE THE PERFECT CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a summary of your skills, achievements, and

experience. This acts as your first impression to your potential employer. A well-developed CV will set you apart from the rest by outlining unique extracurricular activities you’ve been involved in and the achievements you have accomplished. A strong CV will also demonstrate your most relevant skills and experience.

CV TIPS- Keep it concise: ideally your CV should be 2-3 pages. Employers have to read up to 1000 CVs and may simply ignore the longer ones.- Keep it relevant: While you may fondly remember your netball captaincy and debating competitions in primary school, HR may not see the significance of these achievements or how it relates to you now. Most content older than 5 years should be left out.-Keep it professional: try to avoid colloquial language however make sure you’re using clear and simple words to demonstrate your communication skills. - Keep it consistent and attractive: utilise headings and make it well spaced. Avoid using fancy, hard to read fonts and different sizes. We recommend using Arial or Calibri in size 11 or 12.- Be honest: do not embellish or lie in your CV. Remember your CV may be discussed in your interview so don’t include anything that you could not discuss in detail in your interview.

ELEMENTS THAT ARE A MUST

1. Personal details: name, address, phone number, email address (LinkedIn profile if you have one).2. Career objective: limit it to 1-2 sentences, this should briefly outline your strongest skills and what you are aiming to gain experience in. 3. Education: outline your university, high school and any other relevant educational qualifications you have obtained. 4. Key skills: this is optional, but it is a good chance to demonstrate how you fit in within a specific criterion, particularly if you have limited legal experience.5. Professional experience: any experience in the legal industry, including the organisation, duration in the role and responsibilities.6. Work experience: any other work experience you may have, identifying the responsibilities that you had which may be applicable to the legal profession.7. Extra-curricular activities: outline your position titles, achievements and level of participation.8. Community involvement: include the organisation and position held.9. Interests and hobbies.10. References: include at least two references with their name, job title, company and contact phone number. Preferably, these should be academic or professional references.

ashurst.com/students

My Clerkship ExperienceQuynh, Seasonal ClerkStudied: Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws (Hons), University of Wollongong

Rotations: Competition and Pro Bono

1. WHY ASHURSTAshurst is a top tier law firm in Australia and is a widely known and well respected firm both domestically and internationally. The firm offers a wide range of practice areas, and has a clear vision for the future. All of this aside, the people I met during my interviews and at the cocktail evenings really attracted me to the firm. Everyone was passionate about their work, and clearly very intelligent, but more importantly, they were all very open and welcoming. It might seem cliche, but the firm culture that I saw throughout the process seemed to be most similar to what I was looking for.

2. YOUR WORK AS A CLERKDuring my two rotations, I was given a variety of work to complete, including drafting advice to clients, researching novel areas of the law, attending client meetings and delivering documents. The work I completed in my Pro Bono rotation was quite unique, as I was given a lot more hands on responsibility. I was in regular communication with the clients and given the responsibility to coordinate tasks among other clerks and even lawyers and senior associates. One thing that was evident in both rotations was the willingness of all of the lawyers to assist me.

3. SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE CLERKSHIPThe clerkship was an extremely social experience, with many events organised by both the firm and the clerks. I attended inter-firm sport, Christmas parties, group drinks, the clerk cruise and numerous additional clerk-organised gatherings. I made so many incredible friends during my clerkship, who I am still in constant contact with. The clerkship was a very enjoyable experience for me, and really allowed me to create meaningful relationships with not only the other clerks, but also the lawyers at the firm.

4. CAREER DEVELOPMENT AT ASHURSTWe had a great variety of training programs organised by the firm, which not only allowed us to enhance our technical legal skills, but also other important skills like networking; this really showed me how invested Ashurst

was in our holistic professional development. Each clerk was also given a buddy, supervising lawyer and supervising partner who we could rely on for assistance and to form our own personal network.

5. ASHURST IN THE COMMUNITYDuring my rotation in the Pro Bono team, I assisted on numerous projects for many different community organisations. I also coordinated a lot of pro bono work for clerks in other practice areas; involvement in pro bono work was highly encouraged by everyone at the firm. During my rotation, I was really able to see the incredible work and effort that the Pro Bono team at Ashurst contributes to the wider community, especially in relation to their coordination and involvement in the multi-firm Bushfire Response.

6. APPLICATION TIPSDon’t doubt yourself! Even if you don’t think you have the highest marks or the most extracurricular activities, you should still apply. Ashurst isn’t looking for a set type of person, so try to think of anything that can set you apart from others.

Before applying, try to gain a good understanding of the firm and give yourself a good head start by preparing early. Even before applications are open, you can write your CV and think of possible examples you can use for interview questions.

The most important tip (that you will probably get sick of hearing) is to be yourself! Law firms aren’t looking for carbon copies of ideal law students. They are looking for people who are motivated and enthusiastic, and will give their best to the clerkship.

7. WHO SHOULD APPLYEveryone should apply! The clerkship was such an incredible experience and really opened my eyes to everything that a top-tier commercial firm has to offer.

As a global law firm with a rich history spanning almost 200 years, we’ve established ourselves as a leading adviser to corporates, financial institutions and governments, on all areas of the law including finance, M&A, disputes and competition. We’re renowned for helping our clients navigate through a complex and constantly evolving global landscape. With 28 offices across the world’s leading financial and resource centres, we offer the reach and insight of a global network combined with deep local market knowledge.

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, disputes and projects.

Ashurst around the globe

Make the difference at Ashurst

Begin now at ashurst.com/students

Connect with us on

10time zones

28offices

16countries

412partners

3,660people

1,583lawyers

New York

Glasgow

LondonParis

Jakarta

Madrid

BrusselsFrankfurt

MunichMilan

Jeddah Hong Kong

Shanghai

BeijingTokyo

New Delhi

Mumbai

Abu Dhabi

Dubai

PerthMelbourne

Canberra

SydneyBrisbane

Port Moresby

Singapore

Luxembourg

Riyadh

*

Los Angeles

* Brisbane has two office locations

graduates.minterellison.com

Our clerks and graduates become well-rounded, technically excellent lawyers who help to solve some of our clients’ most complex challenges. But we’ll empower you to be so much more.

Never underestimate the power in you to make an impact

We’re driven by a strong sense of purpose: to create lasting impacts with our clients, our people and our communities.

As one of Asia Pacific’s leading law firms, our clients look to us to help them address their most complex legal challenges. But we know, in a world of relentless disruption, we also need to think beyond the law.

We’re driving digital transformation and embedding a culture of curiosity and innovation. We’re investing in adjacent consulting capabilities that enable us to provide seamlessly integrated solutions to our clients. And our people are committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities they live and work in.

We support you to succeed

Our award-winning clerk and graduate programs will expose you to a wide variety of business areas, skills, teams and challenges, helping you to understand where your strengths and interests lie. You’ll accelerate your legal and business acumen by working alongside high-performing partners, lawyers and professionals in a diverse, collaborative and innovative environment.

You’ll have the opportunity to gain international exposure through our broad network of offices and industry partnerships.

Your success is our success

We celebrate and invest in our people. We’re committed to helping our people achieve their best and progress in their careers.

Our development programs and initiatives are second to none. We’ll work with you to provide you with challenging and career-building experiences, and we’re always working to open more doors for you.

“The biggest impact I want to

have as a lawyer is working with

our clients to deliver a solution

that not only meets their goals

now, but also creates long-term,

meaningful impacts for the future.”

Emily Hill

Lawyer

For information and to apply visit graduates.minterellison.com

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

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

Most firms, on top of asking for your CV, cover letter and

academic transcript, will have extra steps in the Application process as a way of shortlisting candidates.

The two most common are firm specific questions, and aptitude testing. It is important to stress once more that the Application process is not one you can do at the last minute – applications are timely and require a considerable amount of effort. As a result, it’s important you take your time in the process and to allow yourself to effectively complete this process.

FIRM SPECIFIC QUESTIONSMost firms will either use their own websites or other portals such as cvMail to ask you extra questions. Here are a few tips when preparing for these:1. Research: Finish your research about the firm and the position before starting the application.2. Prepare: Prepare responses to questions that may be asked on the

online portal. Most websites will allow you to save your responses and return to finish an application at a later time, which allows you to prepare a considered response.3. Discuss: Ensure you discuss the following in your answers:a) Your university activities and achievements;b) Any further interests, activities or achievements;c) Your career objectives;d) Provide experience from all relevant aspects of your life, both legal and non-legal.4. Avoid: Avoid referring to the same example more than once.5. Backup: Don’t work directly on the webpage. The website may time out, so it is wise to work in a word document that you can save. You may also have to refer to these answers later in an interview, so it’s handy to keep a copy!

While these tests can come in many forms, generally they are a

popular method for firms to objectively determine the capabilities and traits of prospective employees. They are standardised to allow the firm to compare results among applicants. The most common forms are:

1. Aptitude tests: which involve critical thinking and problem solving;

2. Personality tests: To gauge the appropriateness of a candidate’s personality for the role;

3. Skills tests: which measure job-related competencies.

Do I have to complete the test?YES! If you do not complete the test within the specified period, your whole application will be incomplete. This means they will not consider you as an applicant!

APTITUDE TESTING

Activateyour career.Practical Legal Training

Learn more at collaw.edu.au/PLT

Cormac FoleySolicitor, Danny King LegalGraduate of the University of Wollongong

• Only 5 days face-to-face attendance• More than 20 start dates in NSW in 2020• 15 weeks full-time or 30 weeks part-time study options• Emphasis on task-based, practical learning• 15 days and 75 days work experience options• The preferred provide to 9 of the top 10 law firms

How can i prepare for these tests?There are a number of practice tests available online. The main providers of aptitude testing are:• SHL• Kenexa• Cubiks• Saville

Any of the tests you are required to do should have practice questions for you to complete prior to the actual testing, which you can repeat. We would recommend practicing beforehand to get a feel for the test and completing the test in a quiet space to allow you to concentrate. Try not to stress too much about these tests – they are just one aspect of the application process!

Welcome to a new dimension of Law

KEY STATISTICS • #1 ranked law firm in Australia and China*

• Top 15 global elite brand**

• 28 international offices;

• One of the largest international legal networks in the Asia region with 500+ partners and more than 2000 lawyers;

• Our clients range from a mix of global financial and corporate powerhouses through to new industry-makers and all levels of government

• With an unmatched ability to practise Chinese, Hong Kong, Australian, English, US and a significant range of European laws under one integrated legal brand, we are connecting Asia to the world, and the world to Asia.

*Source: Chambers and Partners 2020 **Source: 2020 Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index

GLOBAL REACH The King & Wood Mallesons network extends across the following regions:

• Asia Pacific (Australia, Mainland China including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore)

As an elite international law firm headquartered in Asia, we are

reshaping the legal market by challenging our people and our clients

to think differently about what a law firm can be today, tomorrow and

beyond. We thrive on exceeding the expectations of our clients, and

as such the world’s leading organisations turn to us to unlock their

biggest opportunities and deliver clever solutions to their most vexing

challenges. Where others see limitations, we see possibility.

With ambitious thinking and innovation in our DNA, we partner with

our clients to bring to life pioneering solutions which will help them to

adapt, reinvent and grow. We believe innovation comes from giving

our people room to grow, and as such actively encourage input and

ideas from all levels of the firm.

Our people are encouraged to shape their own career path,

supported at every step of the way, with world-class training,

coaching and hands-on experience. There is no ‘one size fits all’

career model, and we offer multiple opportunities for our lawyers to

gain experience and thrive.

Your role

Clerks are allocated a practice group and may also have the opportunity to work across other teams of interest throughout their clerkship.

You’ll be allocated a supervisor in each of your practice groups and you’ll work closely with the partners, senior associates and solicitors in that team. It’s a hands-on role, so you won’t just be watching from the sidelines.

GRADUATE PROGRAM

We offer a unique future-focused training experience and invest heavily in development to support you to fulfil your potential. You will benefit from a bespoke comprehensive learning and development program tailored specifically for our graduates.

As a graduate you will take part in graduate technology bootcamps. These bootcamps will provide you with exposure to the many different types of emerging legal technologies, which are available at our firm. These skills will help prepare you for the future and ensure that we continue to evolve to meet our clients’ changing needs.

We also offer a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course with the College of Law to our Australian Law graduates, ensuring that you meet the requirements for admission to legal practice.

VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

Wherever you are in the world you can now experience what it is really like to be a lawyer at KWM with our Australian-first legal virtual work experience program (VEP). Originally launched in 2017, the platform features two programs – ‘Intro to Law’ and ‘Advanced Law’ – which each include five learning modules curated by KWM based on real life firm matters and activities. Through this program you can build real skills and the confidence to excel in a commercial law career before you even step into one of our offices.

careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia

at kwm.com/careers

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

During your clerkship, you’ll learn:

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

• The core practice teams at King & Wood Mallesons – who they are, what they do, how they’re structured, the clients they work for, and of course, your role within them.

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

• Our people – you’ll find that people from every part of the business will help you by sharing their knowledge and ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.

The program also promotes and supports the mobility of our staff across our offices by giving you the opportunity to apply to go on exchange in one of our interstate or overseas offices. Through this, you can access a greater choice and variety of destinations and on-the-job experience.

OUR PROGRAMS

SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM Applications open: 9 June 2020Applications close: 12 July 2020How to apply: Via our online application system

KELLIE MILDRED• Europe

• Middle East

• North America

People & Development Advisor, Sydney+61 2 9296 3592kellie.mildred@au.kwm.com

careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia

THE WORK:

MARGARET CAISUMMER CLERKKING & WOOD MALLESONS

Clerkship Profile

WHY I CHOSE KING & WOOD MALLESONS:

PRO BONO AND COMMUNITY:

THE CULTURE: THE SOCIAL LIFE:

SUMMER CLERK INTAKE: 2019/20

AREAS OF ROTATION: Banking & Finance and Dispute Resolution

UNIVERSITY: University of Technology Sydney

THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS:

DEGREE: Bachelor of Communication and Bachelor of Laws

KWM stands out from the very beginning. There were no generic hoops to jump through during the application and interview process. While I was writing standard cover letters and answering behavioural questions at other firms, my KWM interviewers heard confessions of team-based sporting failures that I catalysed. The whole process is designed to foreground the experiences and qualities that shape who you are. The firm’s commitment to investing in people, not CVs, comes through – and I am surrounded by a cohort of incredible friends and colleagues because of it.

The work at KWM is anything but one-dimensional. Throughout my clerkship,I conducted research into novel questions of law, assisted with drafting advices, and participated in client meetings. This was complemented with regular briefings and team check-ins to help me understand how my tasks fit with the goals and strategies of each matter. The experience of doing two rotations provided a wonderful taste of the different work available in each practice group, as well as the quirks of each team.

THE SUPPORT:

MY CLERKSHIP VS. MY EXPECTATIONS:

The support available to summer clerks is a certainty that grounds KWM’s entire culture. In each of my rotations, I had direct guidance from a buddy (graduate lawyer), a development coach (senior associate) and a supervising partner. The beauty of this is that it provided formal avenues to seek feedback and advice, manage workflow and integrate within a team. The firm’s support teams also put together an enjoyable line-up of formal and informal wellbeing, research, innovation and community impact sessions to maximise the clerkship experience.

Over my clerkship, I learnt that pro bono and community projects are not peripheral commitments at KWM. As a starting point, the clerk cohort participated in a ‘Change Challenge’ pitch of creative and legal solutions to assist a not-for-profit organisation with their data and privacy compliance. The cohort also spent a day volunteering at the Red Cross. Beyond this,individual and shared opportunities arose for a range of pro bono matters. A highlight of my clerkship was working with RACS and a small group of clerks and solicitors toput together a ministerial application for a Somalian refugee.

WHO WOULD I RECOMMEND A KWM CLERKSHIP TO: I recommend a KWM clerkship to anyone withambitions to practice in commercial law. While you may not know which areas you’re interested in, the strength and breadth of KWM’s expertise across all practice areas makes it the best place to start. This is a firm where you will thrive, because everyone around will be supporting you.

What surprised me the most was how generous everyone was with their time. In both rotations, my teams accommodated my interests and questions, and provided plenty of opportunities for me to seek feedback. Theclerkship exceeded my expectations because it gave me new interests in practice areas I didn’t know anything about.

What first interested me about KWM was its market-leading reputation. I found the firm’s strategic vision in Australia and presence in the Asian market unparalleled. The next part was a bit of a gut decision. I chose to believe that my conversations with interviewers and KWM employees were genuine, that the positive anecdotes from friends were representative and not anomalies, and that the inviting culture I had experienced over theapplication process was the mark of an exceptional firm. I have never been more thankful for a healthy gut!

From day one, it is clear that there are certain hallmarks that make KWM the firm it is. Mentoring and personal development are focuses which underpin every level of the firm. From coffee catch-ups with my buddiesto debriefs with partners after client meetings, the opportunities for growth and support at KWM are an immutable part of the firm’s ethos. The collegiate environment also means that challenges and successes are always experienced as a team. At its very core, the vibrance of KWM’s culture also stems from the firm’s diversity. The unique backgrounds, experiences and interests of each person are celebrated and come together to colour the collective aspirations of the firm. I am proud to be partof a culture where your character is just as important as the work you produce.

The social calendar for a summer clerk is packed. At weekly clerk sports, team morale is measured by attempts rather than points; and at karaoke, you quickly identify who should be criminalised for singing in public.Additional cohort and team parties, drinks and coffees are peppered throughout, while the firm’s ping pong table became the stagefor a clerk-wide championship. The regularity and variety in these events createda real sense of cohesion and meant that everyone’s interests were catered for.

HOW TO DO AN INTERVIEW ONLINE

As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, employers

have been forced to abandon traditional hiring techniques and opt for a virtual approach instead. This means that many are now choosing to conduct interviews remotely using video conferencing tools.

There are essentially two forms of video interviews; the live versions and the taped or on-demand format. The latter require you to record your answers in your own time and send them back to the employer to review at their leisure.

Here are some tips to help prepare you for online interviews. For more information check out UOW Career Hub!

1. Find the right locationWhen conducting your interview make sure that you look for a space where you won’t be disturbed. Make sure it’s quiet, bright and uncluttered with a neutral background. You want to make sure that your face is fully visible and ensure that you position your camera at a good height. You can do this by placing the camera, so it is looking down at you from a slight angle. For lighting, position two lights in front of you on either side of the screen-lights may be clamped to the screen to assist.

2. Test your equipmentWhen conducting your interview make sure you test your equipment beforehand to avoid the possibility of technical difficulties during the interview. Charge your laptop or computer beforehand and have a good power supply in case you need to move away from a power source. Also, ensure

your internet is operating efficiently and avoid anything to affect video quality such as downloading files.

3. PracticeA video interview will be a new experience for many, so make sure that you practice with a friend or family member. We would recommend you do a mock interview. Pay attention to body language, voice and background noise and get some feedback as to how you appear and present yourself. Make sure you familiarise yourself with video tools that you may use such as Zoom, Google Hangout or Skype. By familiarising yourself , you can reduce the risk of technical difficulties and can improve your confidence when entering the interview.

4. Last-minute safety checksThose final minutes before the interview are crucial. If you’re interviewing live it’s a good idea to log in early to give yourself enough time to get ready and deal with any issues. However, make sure you don’t accidentally start transmitting before you’re ready – put the microphone on mute and pop a post-it note on the camera just in case. Then give the camera lens a wipe to remove any smudges.

To have a successful video interview, make sure you approach it as you would the traditional, face-to-face version, while not underestimating the differences. Some will be more confident using technology than others, but like any interview, if you take the time to prepare early and ensure you avoid any technical difficulties in technology, it will truly make all the difference.

INTERVIEWS

After perfecting your cover letter and CV, and acing any further

application requirements, your next big hurdle is the interview process. The Clerkship process will involve at least two interviews. The first will usually be a more formal interview, while the second may be focused on your personality and your fit for the firm. However, each firm is different, and you may find you have two formal interviews or two casual interviews. Either way, it is best to be prepared and familiar with the interview process.

The University of Wollongong Careers Centre provides an online module to help you prepare for an interview, which you can access here (https://www.uow.edu.au/careers/applying-for-jobs/UOW204996.html). However, we’ll provide you with some basics to put your mind at ease!

BEFORE THE INTERVIEWKnow yourself• What skills do you have?• What are your interests?• Be sure to think about your

interests outside of the law. Most firms are looking for applicants with diverse interests outside of the law.

• How do you describe your ideal job?

• What type of work environment to you strive in?

• What are your goals?

Remember: Read through your cover letter and application so you remember what you said – firms will most likely be basing their questions on your application!

Know the firmRemember the research you did during the application process;• If you’re being interviewed by

a member of a firm, such as a partner, consider checking out their LinkedIn and firm bio, and look for any recent matters they have been involved in;

• Think about why you applied to this particular firm.

Remember: be up to date with the relevant news surrounding this particular firm.

Make sure you do the following• Bring an extra copy of your cover

letter, CV and academic transcript.• Most firms will ask you to

bring a copy of your official academic transcript which you can order here: (https://uow.onestopsecure.com/OneStopWeb/studentcentral/tran?UDS_ACTION=DEFAULT&UDS_ACTION_DATA=17035535-E583-4796-8083-34F205B56F47)

• Check your online profiles. This may require you to ask one of your friends to take down those hilarious but embarrassing photos of you on the d-floor at the Grand in second year, but trust us, it needs to be done!

• Go to the bathroom: while this may seem small, you’ll regret it if you don’t!

DURING THE INTERVIEW

SOME GENERAL TIPS• Try and remain calm! It is only

natural to feel nervous and stressed before an interview. Your interviewer will be aware of this and won’t be out to get you! Remember to breathe and relax!

• Introduce yourself.• Thank the interviewer at the

beginning and at the end of the interview for their time.

• Be enthusiastic and positive.• Don’t be scared to laugh or make

a joke, you’re a law student not a robot.

• Try to avoid using slang, colloquial expressions or inappropriate language. - Maintain professionalism.

• Be yourself and be honest!

What types of questions will I be asked? While interviewers and firms will vary, the following are the most common during the Clerkship interview processStart-up questions- Also known as rapport-building questions, they are designed to get a better understanding

of you. Some examples include;• ‘Why have you applied for this

role?’• ‘Tell me a bit about yourself.’

Resume related questions- As stated earlier, firms will use your application as a starting point for questions, so it’s important you’re well across your CV. An example of this is;• ‘You stated in your CV you have

experienced in A. How will that help you in this role?’

Academic relevance- Don’t be surprised if your interviewer questions you about your Double-degree (if applicable)! This is a way for firms to learn about your interests outside of law. Some examples include;• ‘Why did you decide to study law/

other degree?’• ‘What has been your favourite/

least favourite subject at University and why?’

Skill and team-based-Such questions will allow you to demonstrate your skills, including your team-

building skills, to the firm. Examples;• ‘What do you believe is your

strongest skill?’• ‘Describe a situation where you

overcame a problem in a group?’• ‘Can you provide me with an

example when you solved conflict in a team?’

Career oriented- These are designed to demonstrate your commitment to your career path, and your interest in the firm. Examples:• ‘Where do you see yourself in 5

years?’ • ‘What career goals have you set

yourself?’

Company oriented- These questions will test your knowledge and interest in the firm. Examples: • ‘Why do you want to work for this

firm?’• ‘What firm values do you believe

you embody?’

How should I answer questions?• Keep your answers brief and try not

to waffle!

• Use real life examples in your responses.

• Promote yourself in an honest and confident manner.

• Remember to smile and be warm!• When in doubt, use the PRE-

STAR model to answer questions.

What is the PRE-STAR model? A method to help get your point across adequetly. It looks like this:

POINT: What is the point of the question? Get to the point.REASON: How can you justify your answer and link it to the role?EVIDENCE: Provide a relevant example using STAR:

SITUATION: describe the background of a specific experienceTASK: identify the activities that needed to be completedACTION: identify the activities you did and how you did it – incorporate the difficulties and problems you faced and how you overcame themRESULT: what was the outcome?

SOME GENERAL TIPSWhat if a question throws me off ?It’s only natural that some interviewers may throw a curveball in the middle of an interview. If this happens:• Take a deep breath!• Don’t be afraid to ask again in a

different way• Don’t be scared of silence – an

interviewer would prefer you to deliver a well-thought out answer than blurt something out straight away!

What questions should I ask? While there are no ‘stupid questions’ there are definitely questions you should avoid. Here are some starting points:• You may ask about the Clerkship

process itself. • Consider what you would like to

know more about with this process.• Identify gaps in the research you

have done – what is something you haven’t come across in your research, but you’d like to know more about?

• If you are being interviewed by a partner – what is a part of their career you’d like to know more about? For example, they may have recently worked on an interesting case, or had an unusual career that you’re interested in learning more about.

• If all else fails – ask what they are looking for in a clerk. This allows you to reaffirm once more while you are the ideal candidate for the role!

Remember: Don’t ask what the

remuneration is – while a Clerkship is paid employment, firms may not be impressed if you only show an interest in the monetary aspect of the opportunity.

One final tip: Don’t risk being late! Arrive around 15 minutes early to allow you to be calm and collected before the interview, and to provide a good first impression!

After the interview: Send a follow up thank you message to the firm. This can be a quick thank you message to the key contact at the firm within a day of your interview.

DURING THE INTERVIEW CONTADVICE | TRANSACTIONS | DISPUTESDomestic & Cross Border

www.tglaw.com.au

Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide

Connect with us...

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Thomson Geer

@ThomsonGeer

tglaw.com.au

ARRIVE...at a large Australian corporate law fi rm

ARRIVE... AT THOMSON GEER

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

Applications open on 9 June 2020, via cvMail or our website.

We have more than 560 people, including 116 Partners operating out of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. We are one of the 10 largest law fi rms operating in Australia, and the 5th largest independent Australian law fi rm.

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

WHY CHOOSE US?We know you’re not just a student on work experience. We want to give you a realistic, stretching introduction to the legal profession.

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

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK FOR US

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

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

Our wellbeing@work program supports employees to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Our employees love to get involved in mixed sporting teams and they enjoy healthy breakfasts and snacks.

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

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?We are looking for hard-working and motivated law students who have excelled academically, are customer focused, commercially minded, work well in a team environment and are enthusiastic about commencing their career with a dynamic law fi rm.

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

OUR CLERKSHIP PROGRAMOur structured eight week program helps clerks to learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching and observation. During your clerkship with us, you will:

• undertake meaningful work for real clients, including opportunities to attend client meetings, observe court proceedings, conduct legal research, draft correspondence and court documents and develop technical skills in areas such as drafting, due diligence and disclosure

• have the assistance and support of a supervising partner as well as a junior lawyer who remembers what it was like to be a new clerk and can act as a buddy and mentor

• participate in a formal performance review process with your supervising partner and mentor to refl ect on your development and capture feedback from your colleagues.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIESStudents who complete a clerkship with us will be eligible to be considered for a position in our next graduate program, commencing in 2022. This program runs for 12 months and includes rotation among di� erent practice areas to help determine the area of law which best suits you. Comprehensive external and internal training is provided to allow you to meet all required competencies to gain admission to practice.

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

We employ a diverse mix of talented and ambitious people who are attracted to the firm because of its entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach and capacity for change. These are the reasons we enjoy a reputation as the most successful corporate law firm to emerge in Australia in many years.

We advise many of Australia’s and the world’s leading organisations and focus on the most dynamic sectors. Our clients and projects span Australia, Asia and emerging African markets.

Located in the heart of the CBD, the partners and lawyers in our Sydney office include some of Australia’s leading practitioners in:

+ Banking + Infrastructure

+ Competition + Regulation

+ Corporate Advisory

+ Energy + Resources

+ Intellectual Property

+ Disputes + Investigations

+ Pro Bono

+ Real Estate + Projects

+ Technology + Digital

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

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

WE DELIVER ON OUR PROMISE TO PROVIDE REAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. WE PROVIDE THE CHANCE TO BE DEEPLY INVOLVED IN INTERESTING, CHALLENGING WORK MUCH EARLIER IN YOUR CAREER, ACCELERATING YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCE.

DANNY GILBERT, MANAGING PARTNER

All firms throughout the clerkship recruitment process pitch a glossy image of life at their firm to potential candidates. What I loved most about G+T was it not only acknowledged all the pros it had to offer, including working for big-name clients on the most challenging and interesting legal work with the brightest legal minds in the country. It was also candid about the not-so-glossy aspects of the industry. At our first clerk cocktail night, Danny Gilbert openly discussed current issues affecting graduates in the profession. His willingness to be so transparent and keep us aware of how the firm was addressing these was a key factor in my decision to clerk at G+T over other firms. It gave me the sense that the firm truly did champion, and believe in, the importance of its people.

This was confirmed to me during my clerkship experience. I felt immediately welcome at the office, thanks to the friendliness and approachability of the lawyers I worked with and the HR and Knowledge staff who ran training and review sessions. In both my Corporate Advisory and Intellectual Property rotations, lawyers and partners took it upon themselves to initiate coffee catch ups and involved me in as much work as possible.

With an open plan office, there is a real sense of collegiality among teams from the top-down, as partners and senior lawyers are sitting amongst juniors. I learnt so much about professionalism and the client-facing aspect of legal work simply by absorbing how the experienced lawyers sitting around me were conducting day-to-day business. I also did a substantial amount of work directly for partners, which was extremely valuable, and I received frequent feedback in response to each task that I submitted - a huge learning opportunity!

The work I completed during both my IP and Corporate rotations was stimulating and varied. I worked on a range of matters that gave me an invaluable insight into what each team actually does, both day-to-day and in a ‘bigger picture’ sense. In Corporate, I worked for one of the biggest private equity firms in the country, assisting them with assessing the legal risks of new business acquisitions. This demanded an eye for detail and aptitude for interpreting contracts. In IP, I was involved on several patent litigation matters which gave me a wonderful taste of life as a litigant. Regular opportunities to attend court and see Australia’s best IP barristers in action, advocating on issues that are at the very forefront of IP law was a highlight. I was also tasked with some interesting research tasks, including looking into a famous YouTube influencer and innovation in the coffee machine industry.

As well as work from our practice teams, we completed pro bono and innovation projects over the course of ten weeks. Both provided wonderful opportunities to contribute towards two core tenants of G+T’s culture, namely its sense of responsibility towards addressing social inequities and its market-leading aptitude for innovation. My pro-bono group submitted a report on an impactful litigation strategy that G+T could adopt to tackle reforming the NDIS, which was extremely rewarding. My innovation team created a chat bot for corporate lawyers to determine what reporting requirements applied to a client company. The design process was collaborative, creative and a lot of fun.

Lastly, the social aspect of my clerkship experience was my favourite of all. I didn’t anticipate that I would form so many genuine friendships in ten weeks. With G+T facilitating weekly clerk sports games, clerk pasta making, social drinks, numerous Christmas party events and more, it was inevitable that our cohort would end up a tight-knit group.

Ultimately, my clerkship was the ideal launchpad into an exciting legal career and I couldn’t be happier with my choice to start that journey at G+T.

I CAME INTO DAY ONE OF MY CLERKSHIP AT GILBERT + TOBIN WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS. TEN WEEKS LATER, I CAN SAFELY SAY MY EXPECTATIONS WERE WELL-EXCEEDED.

TAYLOR JONES, 2019 SUMMER CLERK

gtlaw.com.au/bebold

INTERVIEW AND COCKTAILWHERE DO I BEGIN?

INTERVIEW SKILLS AT COCKTAIL EVENTS

1. RSVP etiquetteEnsure you RSVP to the cocktail night prior to the deadline. If you have to attend two in one night, ensure you inform the relevant contact you may be late/have to leave half-way through.

2. Eating and drinkingEnsure you watch how much you drink and eat! The firm may tempt you with luxurious food and drink options, be mindful to not over-indulge. Particularly with alcohol, ensure you pace yourself and take advantage of the soft-drink and juice on offer.

3. ConversationHave a few conversation starters up your sleeve. Something current such as news, sport or an occurrence at the firm. Ensure you read your audience too!

4. Know when to leaveWhile its natural to cling onto a friend, or someone you may know, your job at a networking event is to leave a lasting impression on a number of different people. Ensure you leave (politely) before a conversation becomes stale and avoid talking with the same people for the entire evening.

What do I wear?It is generally expected that you wear business attire to your interview. Your attire should be practical and comfortable to ensure it provides no distraction to you. To ensure you feel prepared, consider bringing a compendium containing your CV, cover letter, and academic transcript. Aim to ensure a professional and conservative appearance, this includes: - Freshly pressed attire. - Tidy hairstyles. - Short, clean fingernails. Any polish should be unchipped and in a conservative colour- Covering tattoos and removing jewellery (simple and understated pieces are acceptable but should be kept to a minimum).- Being light-handed in the application of cologne or perfume.

Women: - Skirt/Dress: Conservative, professional style in a dark colour which falls just above or below the knee. - Pants: Suit pants are an appropriate alternative. They should also be in a dark and neutral colour. Ensure that they are well-fitting.- Shirt: A collared or modest, simple blouse is appropriate. There should be no bold or distracting colours or patterns. - Blazer: Matched to your outfit.- Shoes: Closed toe. Preferably black court shoes with a small heel, although flats are an appropriate alternative. Any stockings should be neutral and plain.- Hair: May be worn down if it is neat, however a tidy low ponytail or bun is usually safest for hair that is long enough.- Makeup: Should be kept minimal, in a natural-looking style

Men:- Suit: Well fitting, professional and neatly pressed in a dark, neutral colour. - Shirt: White in colour is the safest option. - Shoes: Well-polished, preferably in a black leather with a wing tip. - Belt: Black leather with simple silver buckle. - Cufflinks: Opt for either simple, plain silver or a coloured enamel that matches your tie.- Tie: Should match your suit, opt for silk material in conservative, neutral colours with a repeating stripe or pattern. - Watch: If you wear a wristwatch it should match your cufflinks and belt.- Facial hair: Clean-shaven is preferable, however any facial hair should be neatly groomed.

Real client work. Invaluable coaching. A tailored development program. A genuine insight into working with our Firm – while building great friendships. Plus, we offer the unique opportunity to build your global knowlege and network – through an International Clerkship.

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

Ready to explore our world?

Angelique Holden +61 2 8922 5596 angelique.holden@bakermckenzie.com

Your journey begins with a world-class Summer Clerkship

www.bakermckenzie.com/australia#careers

Find us at @BakersAUS

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1. Baker McKenzie | Firm profile 2020

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

About us: At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. Like no other law firm we were born global. Thinking and working globally is embedded in our culture. We have followed clients into new markets, each time establishing offices driven by local lawyers and talent. Our growth has been organic, giving us a strong, common culture that runs through our firm. We understand the challenges of the global economy. Our commit-ment to excellence underpins our path to success.

The Firm has continued to expand and currently employs over 4,000 lawyers in 78 offices in 46 countries worldwide. Baker McKenzie offers our people access to market-leading, cross-border, local, and industry-focused matters for leading multinational and domestic clients. We understand our clients’ businesses, industries, and strategic objectives. Armed with this knowledge, we work with our clients to overcome the challenges of competing in the global econ-omy. We have an inclusive culture of learning, coaching, and opportunity in which you will work in small teams on matters that often cross borders. We value people who think ahead and get noticed. We are The New Lawyers for the New World. Let us show you that world, first hand.

Our culture: Baker McKenzie’s difference is in our unique values: our passion for being global, our culture of friend-ship, our commercial pragmatism, our support for entrepreneurship, our commitment to development, our focus on contributing to the community, and our genuine focus on maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment for all of our people.

Baker McKenzie is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive culture for all its employees, with equal opportuni-ty for all to progress and have a meaningful career with our Firm. Our mission is to foster an environment where indi-viduals of every ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, disability, carer status, and working style may succeed professionally and fully contribute to the goals of the Firm. As part of our inclusive culture, we encourage applications from all genders, abilities and cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

As the first truly global law firm, we understand that organizations work best when people with different backgrounds and multiple points of view are brought together. Diversity and inclusion are in our DNA. Since our beginning, the diversity of our people has allowed us to work fluently across borders, cultures, and practices. Our own diversity mirrors our commitment to exploring multiple perspectives to develop the best possible solutions for our clients and to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion that celebrates diversity.

Our award winning diversity strategy, initiatives and programs are focused in six main areas, in which all of our peo-ple can participate:

• BakerWomen- gender equality and supporting the progression of women;• BakerDNA- ethnic, indigenous, and cultural diversity; • BakerLGBTI & Allies – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex diversity;• BakerIndigenousEngagement – commitment to engagement with our Indigenous community achieving better

social, economic and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to make a real differ-ence in the lives of our nation’s First Peoples;

• BakerBalance – supporting carers and parents, mental health and wellbeing, and workplace flexibility; and• BakerWellbeing - mental health and wellbeing.

Summer Clerkship program

We understand that the transition from university to legal practice can be challenging. We provide our Summer Clerks with a comprehensive induction program to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Our training program is designed to help you get the most out of your Summer Clerkship and set you up for success. Summer Clerks in our Sydney office also complete a one week client secondment.

As a Summer Clerk we want you to see what life is like as a graduate and junior lawyer at Baker McKenzie. Right from the start, our clerks get involved in real work. You will be exposed to local and cross-border work for mar-ket-leading Australian and international clients through client meetings, shadowing, research, and other everyday tasks within your assigned practice group. Should you accept a Graduate position with us, you will also be eligible to apply for our unique International Clerkship program and the opportunity to work for four weeks in one of our over-seas offices.

Fast and critical thinking as part of a team comes naturally to Nina. Currently on our graduate program, she’s putting her speed of thought to good use on secondment, walking – or running – in the shoes of our client.

We’re providing the next generation of lawyers like Nina with the knowledge, skills and understanding to help our clients achieve their goals on the global stage – always staying one step ahead of the competition.

We don’t simply adapt to change. We thrive on it.

Law around the worldnortonrosefulbright.com

When you’re playing futsal, you attune to a pace that’s fast.

Nina is a change navigator