MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY

SEASONAL
CLERKSHIP
GUIDE 2018
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 CONTENTS
WELCOME
COMPETITION & REGULATORY LAW
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 7 Arnold Bloch Leibler 54
FOREWORD BY THE DEAN 8 CONSTRUCTION AND MAJOR PROJECTS
INTRODUCTION 9 Clayton Utz 57
LAW INSTITUTE OF VICTORIA GUIDELINES 11 CORPORATE ADVISORY
GETTING STARTED 13 Gilbert + Tobin 58
LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
GETTING STARTED Corrs Chambers Westgarth 59
EMPLOYMENT & WORKPLACE RELATIONS
10 COMMANDMENTS OF CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS Lander & Rogers 60
King & Wood Mallesons 14 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
TOP TIPS FOR CLERKSHIP SUCCESS MinterEllison 63
Johnson Winter & Slattery 15 FUNDS, SUPER & WEALTH
HOW TO PREPARE A STAND-OUT CV Allens 65
Corrs Chambers Westgarth 16 INSOLVENCY & RE STRUCTURING
HOW TO WRITE A GREAT COVER LETTER Arnold Bloch Leibler 66
K & L Gates 17 INSURANCE LAW
PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS Thomson Geer 67
King & Wood Mallesons 18 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
HOW TO DEMONSTRATE COMMERCIAL AWARENESS DLA Piper 69
Thomson Geer 19 MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
TIPS FOR THE CLERKSHIP NETWORKING EVENT Baker McKenzie 71
Allens 20 PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE
STARTING YOUR CLERKSHIP RIGHT MinterEllison 72
Gilbert + Tobin 21 PUBLIC LAW
LIFE AT A Maddocks 73
LAW FIRM 29 SPORTS LAW
LIFE AT A LAW FIRM Lander & Rogers 74
TAXATION LAW
TEARING DOWN THE WALLS: CORRS’ OPEN PLAN OFFICE Hall & Wilcox 75
Corrs Chambers Westgarth 25 TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
THE FRONT END: TRANSACTIONAL WORK IN A LAW FIRM Ashurst 77
DLA Piper 28
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A COMMERCIAL LAWYER
Herbert Smith Freehills 29 FIRM PROFILES
THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Herbert Smith Freehills 32
ALLENS 81
PRO BONO & COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Arnold Bloch Leibler 33 ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER 83
LESSONS FROM A LAWYER: HOW I CAME TO BE WHERE I AM ASHURST 86
NOW BAKER MCKENZIE 88
Gilbert + Tobin 36 CLAYTON UTZ 91
CHOOSING WHICH PRACTICE AREA TO PURSUE
CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH 93
Ashurst 37
LIFE AS A GRADUATE AT BAKER MCKENZIE DLA PIPER 95
Baker McKenzie 40 GILBERT + TOBIN 97
INTERNATIONAL CLERKSHIPS WITH BAKER MCKENZIE HALL & WILCOX 99
Baker McKenzie 41 HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS 102
THE BACK END: LITIGIOUS WORK AT A LAW FIRM
JOHNSON WINTER & SLATTERY 104
Clayton Utz 43
SUPPORTING PRO BONO & FLEXIBLE WORK PRACTICES KING & WOOD MALLESONS 106
Russell Kennedy 45 K & L GATES 109
MY CLERKSHIP EXPERIENCE AT ALLENS LANDER & ROGERS 111
Allens 46 MADDOCKS 113
PRACTICE AREAS
MAURICE BLACKBURN 115
5
PRACTICE AREAS MINTERELLISON 117
RUSSELL KENNEDY 119
BANKING & FINANCE THOMSON GEER 121
King & Wood Mallesons 50 WHITE & CASE 123
DATA, PRIVACY AND CYBER TECHNOLOGY
MinterEllison 52
WELCOME
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ALISHA D’SOUZA AND SOPHIE-ISABELLA CHALET

Firstly, we would like to thank our sponsors whose ongoing
support has made this publication possible. We would like
to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules
to share your advice and insights. Your contributions to the
Seasonal Clerkship Guide are an invaluable resource for
students each year, and we greatly appreciate your time
and efforts.
To the rest of the Careers Team (Burnet Wang, Adriano
Carnevale, Sarah Gennai-Garino, Jack Stanovsek, Lekha
Prasad, Anjali Iyer and India Kelly): we cannot thank you
enough for your effort, time and friendship. The strength
of the Careers Portfolio is a testament to the commitment
that each and every one of you bring to your roles, and we
could not ask for a better team to work with every day.

To express our appreciation, we would like to acknowledge
the following firms for their continued support of the
Melbourne University Law Students’ Society:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Finally, we would like to extend our appreciation to the
MULSS Leadership Team for their support of the Careers
Portfolio throughout the year so far. In particular, we would
like to especially acknowledge our Vice President, Alana
Perna, for her ongoing guidance and unconditional support.

Allens, Arnold Bloch Leibler, Baker McKenzie, Clayton Utz,

Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Gilbert & Tobin, Herbert Smith
Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons and MinterEllison.
PREMIER SPONSORS
Ashurst, DLA Piper, Lander & Rogers, Maddocks and
Thomson Geer.
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Hall & Wilcox, Johnson Winter & Slattery, K & L Gates and
Russell Kennedy.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of
the editors or the Melbourne University Law Students’ Society. Our best
efforts have been made to ensure all information in this publication is
correct as of 1 May 2018. However, it is subject to modification.
The information provided is merely advisory and should not be relied
upon as professional advice. This publication is distributed free of charge
with the understanding that the authors, editors and any other persons
related to this publication are not responsible for the results of their
actions or omissions on the basis of any information provided herein.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dana Further, we encourage seasonal clerkship applicants to obtain
Perez, Olivia Pusey and Stephen Tsaketas for putting confirmation of all information within this Guide through the relevant
together this publication. The guide is the product of the firms.
Publications team’s creativity, thought and hours of hard
work. Dana, Olivia and Stephen have adhered to all of our
requests and tight deadlines, and we are thankful that we
have had such an enthusiastic and committed team to work
with.

Importantly, we would like to acknowledge our Private

Practice Careers Officers, Andrew Bouhalis and Amelia
Murphy. Our guides, panels, seasonal clerkship seminars,
mock interviews and Meet the Profession would not be
possible without the hard work and dedication that Andrew
and Amelia bring to the Careers Portfolio.

7
 FOREWORD BY THE DEAN

Welcome to the LSS Seasonal Clerkship Guide for 2018. This aims to assist those of you considering a seasonal clerkship
this year or in later years. My sincere thanks to the students who have generously given their time and energy into
assembling this resource for the benefit of the MLS student community.

As you peruse this guide, it is very important that you reflect on your career path and choices. You need to determine
how you wish to use the time available to you over the non-instruction periods to help you to make informed career
decisions.

Some of you will be sure that you seek to work as a lawyer working in a particular area of law. If so, it is strategic to
seek an opportunity to undertake work experience with a relevant firm or practitioner. For the larger commercial firms,
a vocational clerkship is often required to be considered for a traineeship (undertaken post-graduation). A clerkship
can also afford you an opportunity to come to understand a firm’s priorities and practice, while demonstrating and
developing your skills.

Others of you will not be sure whether you seek to practise as a lawyer. A clerkship may provide a great way to test
your interest, ultimately assisting you to make an informed decision about your career.

There will also be a community of students who do not wish to practise law. This publication may serve as a reminder
that you too should consider how you wish to use your non-instructions periods to gain life and work experience
relevant to your interests.

Some of you will have the experience of applying for clerkships, but not obtaining one. This is invariably disappointing.
That said, it means that you need to work on other strategies to assist you to realise your ambition. You might seek
work as a paralegal or experience in a range of organisations, some of which might be clients of law firms. Volunteering
might also be an option.

In all cases, the Careers team is there to offer constructive strategies to assist you to make your decisions and to work
constructively to build your experience. I strongly advise you to take advantage of this resource.

I look forward to hearing of your experiences.

I wish you all the best, whatever path you choose.

Pip Nicholson, Dean of Melbourne Law School.

8
 INTRODUCTION
ALISHA D’SOUZA AND SOPHIE-ISABELLA CHALET
Welcome to the Melbourne University Law Students’
Society’s Seasonal Clerkship Guide for 2018.
We are excited to share with you this year’s guide, aimed at
assisting students in preparing for the clerkship application
process and in learning more about career opportunities
in private practice.
This Guide is divided into four parts. The first section
addresses the clerkship application process, and provides
tips on how to make your application stand out. The
second section provides insights into firm culture. The third
section canvases a number of practice areas and discusses
the types of work that private practitioners undertake.
Finally, we have provided a firm directory at the back of
the Guide, which provides details and further insights into
law firms offering seasonal clerkships.
Generally, seasonal clerkships are four week-long
placements, in which students have the opportunity to
experience life at a law firm, become involved with real
legal work and learn more about the various practice
groups at each firm. Many firms hire graduates exclusively
from their clerks under the Law Institute of Victoria’s
graduate priority offer system.
Clerkships can be an important first step to begin a career
in commercial practice. It is also important to keep in mind
that law graduates are attractive to a wide, varied range
of employers, including government departments, public
interest organisations and professional services firms.
Whatever your interests, we recommend that you research
all available avenues, take opportunities as they arise, and
encourage you to apply for clerkships if you feel that it is
right for you.
If you do decide to embark on the clerkship journey, this
Guide is a helpful start.
In addition to the great advice included in the sections to
follow, we would like to provide our own advice ahead of
the clerkship process:
1. Face Time
This Guide aims to give you some understanding about
various firms and the work in commercial practice, but
is no substitute to the value gained from taking up any
networking opportunity. The Careers Team have held
expert panels, clerkship seminars and networking evenings
where students have had the opportunity to hear from
9
representatives of the firms who have contributed to this
Guide, many of whom have been recent clerks themselves.
We strongly encourage you to attend these events, as well
as events held by the firms, if you have not yet had the
opportunity to do so.
2. Be Authentic
Firms want to see that you have a genuine interest in the
work that they do and, more broadly, in pursuing a career
in commercial law. Read the business news, meet with
firm representatives and speak to senior students about
their clerkship experiences. More importantly, be yourself.
Technical knowledge can be learned, and firms are often
seeking candidates who can add to the dynamic of their
team.
3. Resilience and Wellbeing
Learning to be resilient is part of the preparation for a
career in commercial law. Often in practice, deals fall
through, bids are lost, and sometimes clients change
representation.
It is important to keep in mind that obtaining a clerkship
is not the only way to pursue a career at a law firm. Firms
also go to market, offering final year students graduate
positions. Further, law graduates who have completed
their Practical Legal Training are also very attractive to
law firms.
The application process itself can also be stressful. Over
the next few months, it is important to look after yourself
and those around you. Be mindful of other students and
their feelings when discussing the clerkship process at
the law school. However, be sure to have someone you
can talk to. Having strong support will make the clerkship
experience a lot easier.
We wish you the very best for your clerkship applications.
Please feel free to approach us at any time with any further
questions or concerns you may have about the process.
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 LAW INSTITUTE OF VICTORIA
GUIDELINES 2018
The LIV Seasonal Clerkship and Traineeship Guidelines
ensure consistency and fairness throughout the legal
recruitment process. The Guidelines provide the agreed
framework for the dates and communication protocols for
the making of offers for seasonal clerkship and traineeship
positions by signatory law firms, and the acceptance of
offers by law students. The LIV values the commitment
that all signatories make towards ensuring compliance
with these guidelines as the leading industry structure
that supports the legal recruitment
process.
1. To be eligible to apply for seasonal clerkships a student
must be in their final or penultimate year of study, that
is, they intend to commence their final semester in
2019. Students who have already completed their law
degree are eligible to apply; however, applications will
be accepted at the discretion of each firm.1
2. Applications for seasonal clerkships will open no
earlier than 9am on Monday, 9 July 2018.
3. Applications for seasonal clerkships will close no
later than 11.59pm on Sunday, 12 August 2018.
4. Any offer made under these guidelines relates to
clerkships within a one year period from the date of
offer, but can be extended in circumstances agreed
between the student and the law firm for a further
one year period if a student requests a deferral of the
clerkship.
5. Any offer of clerkship must remain open for a
minimum period of four (4) business hours from the
time the offer was made or until 10am the following
business day for offers made after 1pm, subject to
paragraph 5(a):
(a) Students must not hold more than four seasonal
clerkship offers for a period of more than 2 business
hours.
For the purpose of this paragraph “business hours”
is defined as the period between 9am and 5pm and
“business day” means Monday to Friday.
6. Law firms will make offers concerning seasonal
clerkships from 10am, Australian Eastern Daylight
Savings Time on Thursday, 18 October 2018.
7. All offers made pursuant to paragraph 6 of these
Guidelines will be made by email. All email offers
must detail:
1
https://www.liv.asn.au/Membership/Young-
Lawyers/Seasonal-Clerkship-Traineeship-Guidelines
11
a. the terms of the offer; and
b. that the offer is made pursuant to these Guidelines
Signatory law firms are permitted to make follow-
up calls to offerees once the offer has been made
by email.
8. Law firms who have entered sponsorship arrangements
with disadvantaged students, such as those employed
under the Indigenous Cadetship Program, are exempt
from complying with the Guidelines in relation to
those students.
9. A law firm may withdraw from the guidelines by giving
(30) days written notice of its intention to the Law
Institute of Victoria (LIV), the law faculties and law
student societies at all Victorian law schools.
10. The LIV will maintain an up to date list of all signatory
law firms which will be publically available on the
LIV website.
11. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves
with the law firm’s clerkship application policy to
which they are applying.
12. Signatory law firms are not obligated to offer seasonal
clerkships each year but must follow the Seasonal
Clerkship Guidelines in the event that they do.
13. All signatories agree to comply with all legislative
requirements including those imposed by or otherwise
required under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights,
Victorian Anti-Bullying Legislation and Occupational
Health & Safety Act 2004 (Vic).
14. These Guidelines are in place to ensure fairness
throughout the graduate recruitment process.
However, each signatory is responsible for setting its
own application processes and this aspect is outside
the scope of these Guidelines and the Law Institute
of Victoria’s involvement. Students are encouraged to
familiarise themselves with the signatory’s clerkship
application policy to which they are applying and allow
sufficient time for lodgement of their application.
15. Where an unforeseen error occurs in the lodgement
of an application made pursuant to these Guidelines,
the student may make a case for consideration to the
relevant signatory, but it is at the discretion of the
signatory concerned as to whether the application is
accepted.
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Clerkship applications close:
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 10 COMMANDMENTS
OF CLERKSHIP APPLICATIONS
PAULA MUCHA
LAW GRADUATE
KING & WOOD MALLESONS
Your clerkship bible: what to do, and more importantly,
what not to do, throughout the clerkship process.
Drafting applications
1. Thou shalt proofread, proofread and proofread
There is nothing worse than submitting the perfect
application, only to notice that you made a typo in the
first sentence of your cover letter. Of course, we are all
human, and everyone makes mistakes. The key is to
develop strategies to ensure that these rogue mistakes
do not make your final draft. These can include printing
out a hardcopy to review, or recruiting a fresh set of eyes.
2. Thou shalt tailor each application
One of the biggest mistakes you can make if you are
applying for many commercial firms is to assume they are
the same, and to submit the same cover letter for each
firm. Whilst the work may be similar amongst similar sized
firms, each firm has its own distinct culture, structure
and specialty areas. Make sure you establish why that
particular firm has caught your eye.
3. Thou shalt research in a creative manner
Almost every clerkship candidate will read each firm’s
website, and many will regurgitate the information in
your cover letters. To stand out, try to be creative in the
way you research. Has any of their deals been in the news
recently? Have they acted on any of the cases you studied
in one of your electives? Your interest will come across as
more genuine if you can show you went that extra mile.
4. Thou shalt remember the importance of quality over
quantity
It can be tempting to apply for as many firms as you
possibly can. However, whilst it is important to cover the
field, it is more important to ensure that the quality of your
applications does not suffer. If you have a limited amount
of time, reflect on what firms you really want to work at,
and allocate your time accordingly.
5. Thou shalt keep it short and concise
There is no better way to grab HR’s attention than by
submitting a concise and well-structured resume and cover
letter. Not only does it make their lives easier, it shows
that you can express ideas and sell yourself in a brief and
succinct way: two very important skills for lawyers.
14
Interviews and networking functions
6. Thou shalt express an interest in commercial law
At the end of the day, whilst many students apply for
clerkships, commercial law is not for everyone. Therefore,
it’s important to highlight your interest, and explain to
your interviewer why you are interested in what they (and
their clients) do.
7. Thou shalt remain professional at all times
Each firm is likely to have a networking function, so that
you can meet different people from all levels and areas of
the firm. As you attend interviews and functions, remember
the importance of maintaining a professional brand. It is
always better to be overdressed than underdressed, and
to limit your alcoholic beverages.
8. Thou shalt take time to relax
The clerkship process can be incredibly stressful and
demanding, particularly if you are attending interviews
and networking events for numerous firms. A consequence
of juggling all these additional commitments is that you
can burn out quickly. Therefore, one of the most important
things you can do is to take time out for yourself. Keeping
yourself relaxed and happy is crucial to interview success,
and a valuable skill to build early in your career.
You’ve secured a clerkship: congratulations! Now
what?
9. Thou shalt accept coffee invitations
Even if you don’t drink coffee, take every opportunity you
can to meet and talk to people. Not only will you be able
to demonstrate how awesome and personable you are,
you can see if the firm (and its people) are right for you.
10. Thou shalt manage competing priorities
As a clerk, it can be incredibly difficult to say no, even if
you already have a million things on your plate. However,
one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a clerk is to
over-commit and under-deliver. If someone approaches
you with a task, reflect on whether you have the time
to do it justice (and proofread it at least fifty times). If
in doubt, let your team know what else you have on. If
it’s important, they’ll figure out between themselves who
needs you more.
 TOP TIPS FOR CLERKSHIP SUCCESS
BRIGID ARTHUR
LAW CLERK
JOHNSON WINTER & SLATTERY
Always Remember...
Communication
As a clerk, communication is key. As daunting as it may
seem, at the beginning of your clerkship your colleagues
will not know you or know the amount of work you
have on at the time. Therefore, openness and honesty is
important. When you are asked to help with something, let
the practioner know how you are placed. This may mean
telling them you are completing an urgent task that is due
by close of business but are happy to help the following
day.
What are you interested in? If there is a matter or issue
that particularly sparks your interest, make it known.
There may be no need for extra hands, but it is always
best to show your interest so that next time you will be
remembered.
Positive Attitude
Be open to learning. You’re not expected to know
everything or have all the answers. If you feel out of your
depth, be patient with yourself and don’t be afraid to ask
questions.
If you do have time on your hands, be proactive! Important
advice I received was: don’t expect work to fall on your
desk, get up from your chair and ask around for work.
Be respectful. I was advised during my clerkship to treat
colleagues as internal clients, which means putting
your best foot forward at all times whether it be in the
lunchroom or the meeting room.
Commercial curiosity
Whilst this is not a prerequisite or something you can
necessarily bring from your law studies, having a level
of ‘commercial curiosity’ during your clerkship will be
beneficial. If you can understand the commercial purpose
of the matter you are working on, you will learn a lot more
from the tasks you complete.
Advice I received was do some background reading about
the client and their business, so you can understand what
drives them commercially. This may help you to narrow the
parameters of initial research and set the tone for the
task at hand.
Reading the business news and current affairs can be a
great way to stay up to date.
15
The bigger picture
You will learn the most during your clerkship when you
understand the context of what you are doing. This will
often be clear from initial instructions, however if not,
don’t hesitate to ask more questions. You’ll get more out
of what you are doing, and expressing an interest is always
a good thing.
If there is a chance to go to court, attend a mediation or a
meeting, jump at it. This is a great way to see the action
at the forefront of the matter.
If you can understand the bigger picture, you may find that
a task that seems administrative and discreet is actually
an integral piece of the larger puzzle.
Day to day…
Carry a notepad and pen with you at all times! There is
nothing worse than being given complex instructions for
a task and then forgetting them the minute you get back
to your desk.
Attention to detail. Even though a more senior practioner
is going to look over your work before it goes to the client,
you should hand it up as though it is going straight to the
client. It often helped me to print off a hardcopy of my
work where possible and read over it to ensure clarity, flow
and that your commas are in the right place.
It may seem obvious, but be punctual. If you have a training
session or meeting don’t be running in five minutes late-
your clerkship is probably not the time to start snoozing
your alarm clock either.
Most importantly…
Learn a lot. See your clerkship as three weeks of exposure
to bright and experienced legal minds. Where possible,
ask other lawyers of different levels about the work they
do. This will enable you to gain an insight into the work
that the firm does outside of the tasks you do during your
clerkship. Remember that your clerkship is a chance for
you to work out whether you are a good fit for the firm that
you are working for. Be a sponge- find out as much as you
can and be honest with yourself throughout the process.
And of course…have fun! Have a positive attitude and see
your clerkship as more than just a chance to work with
your head down 5 days a week. You will find that the
people you work with have interests outside of the law,
so have a conversation, attend a charity event or after
work drinks.
Being a ‘yes’ person will go a long way.
 HOW TO PREPARE A STAND-OUT CV
LISA SCHULTZE
PEOPLE & PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT
CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH
A resume is a summary of your personal history and
qualities. It is your marketing tool in searching for a job,
and needs to be succinct and punchy to create an impact
on the reader. Be careful to pitch your resume realistically
and avoid over or under selling yourself. Tailor your
resume as much as possible to a particular role, rather
than attempting to write something too generic.
What should you include?
Here are some guidelines for what to include in a resume.
Please note that this is a guide only, and is not exhaustive
or prescriptive. You should make your resume personal
and meaningful to you and prospective employers, both
in content and style.
Personal Details
Include your name, address, phone numbers and email
address in this section. It is not necessary to include
details relating to your age, nationality, race, religion, sex,
or marital status.
Employment objective
This is an optional section which can be very powerful if
worded effectively. Your objective should be a strong, but
brief statement outlining the type of role and organisation
you are looking for, and why.
Education
For each course of study, indicate the date, institution and
name of course. Include details of secondary and tertiary
studies, listing the most recent first.
Do not list your results for each subject in this section, as
most firms will ask you to provide a copy of your academic
transcript as part of your application.
Extra-curricular activities
Include a brief outline of your involvement in extra-
curricular activities at school, university, and in the
broader community, particularly highlighting the use and
development of certain skills (e.g. leadership, presentation,
coordination, working as part of a team).
Do not include too many activities in this section – list
only the strongest and most relevant for the role.
Employment/ Work Experience
For each role, indicate date, organisation and the role
you fulfilled. Include a few bullet points outlining the
responsibilities and your significant achievements in each
role – be careful to keep these points relevant and punchy.
List the most recent role first and remember to include any
voluntary work you have done.
16
Personal Skills
This section is to articulate any skills which may not have
been highlighted in other sections of your resume. Write
a short list of your strongest personal skills (6-8 points).
These could include skills you have developed through
training.
Do not let this section be simply a repeat of elements
which appear elsewhere in your resume. If this is the case,
this section is not necessary and it is better not to include
it.
Interests
It is important to include 4-6 points on your interests
outside work and study, to give the employer an idea of
who you are and what you like doing.
Don’t provide an exhaustive list! Be careful to keep this
short and punchy, without lengthy descriptions.
Referees
Include a listing of 2-3 people who can be contacted for
a reference check on your character or work you have
performed. Ask these people if you can list them as
referees on your resume. List each persons name, position,
organisation, business address, phone number and email.
How should you present your resume?
As your resume is your marketing tool, present it in your
own style. Have a look at sample resumes and your friends’
resumes to get ideas of how to present yours. Here are a
few useful tips to remember:
• Follow a logical structure – the points above provide
a good guide.
• Use bullet points rather than writing in paragraphs
of text.
• Check your spelling, grammar and punctuation very
carefully and then ask someone else to check also.
• Format your resume so that the text is well spaced
and there is a good amount of ‘white space’. Visually
this is more appealing and easier to read than text
cramped onto a page.
• Pay careful attention to the formatting of headings,
dates etc and ensure that you are consistent with
your use of bullets, bolding, underlining, font and size
throughout the document.
 HOW TO WRITE A GREAT COVER LETTER
CARLA DI VINCENZO
HR BUSINESS PARTNER
K&L GATES
Your cover letter forms the introduction to your CV and
should highlight your key attributes to make the reader
intrigued to know more about you. When it comes to the
detail of your work experiences, extra-curricular activities,
interests and so on, your CV will do the talking.
Not sure how to condense all the things you have to say
onto one page? Here are some tips which should help
guide you in the right direction to put together a winning
cover letter.
Commerciality
Many firms ask candidates to demonstrate commerciality
in their application, but how do you do it? It’s not enough
to say you are interested in commercial law to demonstrate
your commerciality. You need to sell your attributes and
experiences that demonstrate an interest in the business
world, ideally linking with our firm’s practice. Are you
part of an industry or networking group? Do you follow
the changes and growth of a particular industry because
it interests you? Have you thought about the impact
legal services could have on this industry to enhance its
position?
Writing your cover letter and CV
Much like an artist’s portfolio, how you draft your cover
letter demonstrates your writing potential to a firm. Keep
in mind the three C’s:
Clear – You will need to convert your usual academic
writing style to a more conversational mode. Only convey
one idea per sentence. Remember your cover letter and
CV are amongst a high volume of applications being
reviewed, so grabbing the attention of your audience from
the outset is key.
Concise – Do not share information that is irrelevant or
repeats what will appear in your CV. Share your interests
in the legal and commercial fields as well as other
interests or hobbies that tell us a story about who you
are. You should critically review your content if your letter
spans more than three quarters of a page.
Considered – Show evidence of your direction and always
review your application for any lapses in attention to
detail.
It’s also important to remember to structure your
paragraphs in a logical way which makes sense to the
reader. Introduce yourself first and finish with why you
would be a great asset to the firm.
Work Experience
The application questions will form your CV and give you
the opportunity to detail your work experience, extra-
curricular activities and achievements. In saying this, it
can be useful to summarise key experiences in your cover
letter, particularly if they relate to skills you can utilise in
your clerkship.
Why us?
Tell the reader why you want to work for the firm. Convey
what you know about the firm and how what they do best
aligns with your direction and career goals. Showcase
your skills and experiences and explain how you would
be able to utilise them at the firm.
It is important to remember that every firm is unique and
there are many factors which make them all different. Do
your research. Make sure that your cover letter is individual
to each firm that you are applying for, and not a generic
copy and paste!
Most importantly, tell us about you!
Fims will receive hundreds of applications so it can be hard
to stand out from the crowd. Help the reader get to know
you a little more by “humanising” your cover letter and CV
and giving insight into the things you love to showcase
who you are!
17
 PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS
MATTHEW CALDOW
LAW GRADUATE
KING & WOOD MALLESONS
You have impressed the firm with your written application
and it is now time to prepare for the interview. This is
your chance to engage with firm representatives and
demonstrate why you are the candidate that they should
pursue.
However, interviews are a two way process. It is equally
an opportunity for you to learn more about the firm and to
determine if it is somewhere you can see yourself working.
It is therefore important to be yourself. In order to present
yourself in the best light, it is fundamental that you spend
time preparing.
By employing the following tips, hopefully you will
increase your chances of securing a clerkship!
1. Research the firm
One of the most important things that you need to convey
to interviewers is your genuine interest in working at their
firm. Interviewers are aware that many students will have
several clerkship interviews, and it is therefore important
to show them that this interview is particularly important
to you. You should consider why you are interested in the
firm. What is it about the firm that makes it different?
What makes the firm stand out to you? Answering these
questions, and being able to clearly demonstrate your
interest, requires some due diligence.
• Understand the firm’s business: what sort of clients
does it service? What practice areas are prominent?
Often these details can be gleaned from the firm’s
website and promotional material. It is also useful to
consult law firm rankings to understand how the firm
is positioned in the market.
• Stay abreast of current events: what matters or
initiatives has the firm been involved in recently? How
is the firm impacted by shifts in the legal industry?
Reading news sources such as the Australian Financial
Review and Lawyers Weekly on a regular basis will
ensure that you are up to date with contemporary
legal and commercial issues. You can also check
whether the firm has published an article in response
to recent cases or legislative changes.
2. Know your application
To have reached the interview stage, you would have
provided the firm with a range of information. This is likely
to include your CV, a cover letter and responses to specific
questions. Firms will use this information as a starting
point to learn more about you.
• Ensure that you can speak to your CV and explain your
previous roles.
• If you mentioned a particular deal or case in your
application, be ready to engage in a detailed
conversation about the matter.
18
• Interviewers also like to refer to anything unique or
unusual that you have stated in your application. This
provides you with an opportunity to elaborate further
and to leave a memorable impression.
3. Adapt to the situation
Interviews can vary significantly in how they are
conducted. Some interviews can be very structured, while
others are more conversational. It is helpful if you have
considered this in advance and are prepared for the style
of interview that you face.
• Reach out to people who you know have had an
interview at the firm. Typically firms have a consistent
interview process and this will give you an indication
of what to expect.
• Some firms will inform you of who is interviewing you
in advance. You should research the person and get
an understanding of the sort of work that they do.
This will help you identify points of conversation and
meaningful questions.
4. Practice, practice, practice
Interview skills can be developed. It is likely that the
more you are interviewed, the better you will perform.
It is therefore a variable in the clerkship process that you
can maximise to your benefit.
• An important starting point is considering possible
interview questions and planning your responses. For
instance, Google provides an abundance of example
behavioural questions. The process of generating
answers will ensure that you are well versed for the
actual interview.
• Consider your use of body language and form positive
habits. For example, avoid crossing your arms in
interviews as this can give the impression that you
are nervous.
5. The day of the interview
After all the preparation that you have put into the
interview, it is important that you are ready to perform
on game day. Adopt a strategy that leaves you feeling
composed and confident.
• Arrive at reception early! Eliminate any unnecessary
stress by taking control of your time.
• Ensure you bring copies of any documents that the
firm has requested (or might request – such as your
academic transcript).
• Prepare questions. It is common for interviews
to conclude by giving you an opportunity to ask
questions. Ensure that your questions are unique to
the firm and demonstrate your genuine curiosity.
• Be positive, you’ve got this.
 HOW TO DEMONSTRATE
COMMERCIAL AWARENESS
STEPHANIE OPESKIN
GRADUATE LAWYER
THOMSON GEER
What is commercial awareness?
You may hear the phrase often, but what does it really
mean to be ‘commercially aware’?
Commercial awareness is an understanding in, and an
appreciation for, business generally.
In the context of a law firm, commercial awareness means
firstly; understanding the market and industries that your
firm operates in, secondly; having an appreciation for your
client’s business and their goals and thirdly; analysing
the client’s issue by applying the law in a commercial
context to achieve the best outcome for the client and
their business.
So what if your second degree after Law is something
like Psychology, or you have never had experience
dealing with companies or their businesses? Don’t stress.
Much commercial awareness is gained from training and
experience within the legal sector.
For example, your client may have a litigious matter in
which their argument is potentially strong. However
they may be very concerned about avoiding a negative
reputation in the market and are conscious about saving
money. You could apply your problem solving skills to this
by suggesting that settling the matter may be the best
solution to protect their reputation and avoid significant
litigation costs.
How can I show I have commercial awareness?
You may now briefly understand what it means to be
commercially aware in a legal context, but how can you
demonstrate it?
Firstly, you are not expected to know everything when it
comes to being commercially aware. It is most important
that you show interest and enthusiasm and that you have
put thought into the commerciality of a matter.
Secondly, it is best to do your research. Research the firm
you are applying for or interviewing with. What types
of industries and markets does the firm give advice in?
What is the geographical spread of the industries and
marketplaces - is it purely national or does it stretch across
international borders?
Research the types of clients and specific clients the firm
has. Look at the websites of the firm and the clients, and
any blogs which speak about any of their recent cases or
transactions. What types of businesses do the clients run?
Do the clients have competitors? Has there been a recent
political matter that might affect their business?
Thirdly, try to remember any experiences you may have
had in the past that may be relevant to and demonstrate
your commercial understanding. Did you work in a role
where you had to meet certain personal or team sales
targets? This demonstrates you have an awareness of the
significance of meeting budgets within a business and
working as a team to keep a business profitable. Did you
work in a role where one of your tasks was interacting
with customers? This demonstrates you have turned your
mind to the importance of customer service and keeping
customers happy as an important pillar of a successful
business. Whilst you may not think such roles are relevant
when applying for legal positions and should be struck off
the resume, you might want to think again!
What can I take home from this?
1. Research the firm and the firm’s clients, including their
relevant industry, business, geographical spread and
recent transactions.
2. Think outside the legal box. When a legal question
arises, try to analyse the issue through commercial
goggles, not just in a legal capacity.
3. Always try to remember… How does this affect the
client, and what is best for them and their business?
4. Focus on commercial issues or areas that you are
passionate in.
5. Keep yourself up to date with current commercial
matters by reading the news, websites and blogs.
6. Have a good attitude! Show that you are engaged,
interested and willing to learn.
19
 TIPS FOR THE CLERKSHIP
NETWORKING EVENT
BRIDGETTE GORMAN
LAW GRADUATE
ALLENS
Find the event
During the clerkship process there will be many
opportunities to attend networking events. Some of these
events will be widely publicised such as the LIV Careers
Fair however others, especially firm-specific events, can
sometimes go under the radar. Take the time to follow
firms you are interested in on Facebook and LinkedIn, and
regularly check firm websites to be sure you do not miss an
opportunity for some face time with your favourite firms.
Prepare for the event
1. Research the event
The best way to make the most of a networking event is
to do your research. A quick internet search of the firm and
their recent work will give you a chance to ask relevant
and insightful questions at the event. For example, “I saw
online that Allens have a legal practice dedicated to start
ups (Allens Accelerate), could you tell me a bit more about
it?”
2. The fine details  every firm representative who attends the event does so
Networking events can include cocktail parties, informal
information nights and large-scale career fairs so it is
important to stay organised and pay attention to the event
details. Be sure to double check the event dress code and
if in doubt, business attire is always appropriate. Also take
note of the time and location of the event and remember
not all events will be held at the firm’s office so double
check the details and save yourself the hassle of running
around the city looking for the venue!
20
Make the most of the event
1. Arrive with a plan
Before you arrive at the networking event, think about
why you are attending and what you would like to get
out of the event. Do you want to learn about the firm’s
approach to pro bono? Do you want to ask about the social
culture at the firm? Do you want to learn about how they
structure their practice groups?
2. You are there to network – work the room!
Firms host networking events (for potential clerks)
to give students a chance to ask questions and get to
know the firm and their lawyers, so don’t miss out on this
valuable opportunity by speaking only to other students/
friends or gravitating to people you already know. Take
the opportunity to approach firm representatives and
introduce yourself. An easy way to build up confidence
when networking is to seek out graduates or junior
lawyers attending the event, as it was not too long
ago that they were in your shoes. Also remember that
because they want to play an active role in the recruitment
process, so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, join in
conversations and work the room.
Reflect on the event
After a networking event you will likely have been exposed
to a lot of information. Take the time on the journey
home to note down a few take-away points, perhaps an
interesting Partner you met or a new fact you learnt about
the firm. This information can later be incorporated into
your cover letter to help stand out from other candidates.
 STARTING YOUR CLERKSHIP RIGHT
WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU ARE IN
KAY HUANG
GRADUATE
GILBERT + TOBIN LAWYERS
After a long period of clerkship applications, interviews
and offers, you have finally arrived at day one of your first
clerkship. Here are my top three tips on starting your
clerkship right.
1. Get involved
Make sure you say yes to all opportunities that are
presented to you. When I started my first clerkship, I got
involved in different types of work, from proofreading and
compiling documents to doing research and writing letters
of advice for clients. By getting involved in a range of
different tasks with different lawyers, I gained insight into
the variety of work that accompanies commercial law. It
is also valuable to get involved in firm activities such as
Friday night drinks and other firm social activities. This is
a good way to get to know the people at the firm in a more
relaxed setting and get a better feel for the firm culture.
2. Ask questions
3. Get to know the firm
Get to know people outside of your allocated practice
group. As a clerk, I had no idea which group I was
interested in, or what kind of work each of the practice
groups did. By sending a quick email to some of the
lawyers in other practice groups and organising a coffee
catch up, this helped me understand the options that
are available and what each practice area entails. It was
especially beneficial talking to the graduates and hearing
what they enjoy most about the work they do, as well as
getting some tips from them as they had just gone through
the same process not that long ago. Most lawyers are
more than happy to take 15 minutes out of their day to sit
down and have a chat with you and answer any questions
you have about the firm. Remember, it is important that
you get to know the firm and decide whether it is a right
fit for you as it is not just the firm who is selecting you,
but you selecting the firm as well.

Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. It is always better

to ask lots of questions and fully understand the task
than to sit there wondering how to do something because
you are afraid of asking a silly question. In fact, lawyers
encourage you to ask questions and be inquisitive. Asking
questions is not only beneficial for you in that you can gain
a better understanding of the task you are given, but also
shows that you are someone who is genuinely interested
in the work. In addition to asking questions, it is a good
idea to ask for feedback on any tasks you have done. This
can be constructive and help you see what you can do to
improve for next time, and shows that you are someone
who is open to and interested in learning.

21
WANT REAL
INSIGHT?
WWW.CORRS.COM.AU/TIPS

University won’t last forever. Soon, you’ll be embarking on a legal career

full of new and wonderful experiences as well as the occasional curve ball.
You need to be prepared. So, visit our dedicated graduate website to see our top
10 tips designed to help you get the most out of your early years as a lawyer.
To learn more, visit corrs.com.au/tips
Connect with us...
Thomson Geer
@ThomsonGeer
www.tglaw.com.au
ARRIVE...
A LARGE AUSTRALIAN
CORPORATE LAW FIRM
WHY CHOOSE US?
We know you’re not just a student on work
experience. We want to give you a realistic
introduction to the legal profession.
How does this happen? From day one, you’ll be
an active member of the team, working directly
with experienced practitioners. We also want
you to enjoy your time with us – there are lots
of social events you can join – and what better
way for you to get to know your colleagues?
DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS TO
SET YOU UP FOR A BRIGHT
FUTURE
We will dedicate time to your development
as an up and coming lawyer in our team: an
investment in you is an investment in our future,
and the future of our valued clients.
You will find that our partners and staff
are approachable and happy to share their
knowledge and experience with you. We
encourage our clerks, graduates and trainees
to get as much exposure to different practice
areas and ways of working as they can – this
is a reflection of how we work as a wider
organisation; a fully integrated, cohesive,
national team.
ADVICE | TRANSACTIONS | DISPUTES
Domestic & Cross Border
www.tglaw.com.au
Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Adelaide
OUR CLERKSHIP & GRADUATE
PROGRAM
We are looking for law students who have
excelled academically, are client focused,
commercially minded, and work well in a team
environment. We are especially keen to talk
to students who have an additional technical
degree!
Our structured four week program helps clerks
learn through a combination of hands-on
experience, training, coaching and observation.
Students who complete a clerkship are eligible
to be considered for a position in our next
graduate program, commencing in 2020. This
program runs for 12 months and includes
rotation among different practice areas to help
determine the area of law which best suits you.
APPLICATIONS
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. If you also have a desire to work
interstate one day, let us know! We welcome the
opportunity to assist our team members with
personal career development.
Applications open 9 July 2018 via cvMail or our
website.
 LIFE
AT A
LAW FIRM
 TEARING DOWN THE WALLS:
CORRS’ OPEN PLAN OFFICE
MICHAEL LO
LAWYER
CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH
Noise, distractions, a lack of privacy and a drop in
productivity.
These are just some of the negatives you will hear voiced
in any workplace when the topic of open plan offices
arises. But if they’re so terrible and such a drain on
productivity, why are an increasing number of companies,
not just law firms, making the switch?
Life in a big law firm is as exciting, challenging and
terrifying as it is rewarding. In my three years with Corrs,
I have worked in both the traditional office space and
an open plan environment, so have had the chance to
embrace the opportunities that both have to offer.
The open planning environment isn’t as oppressive as
many would say. In fact, by deconstructing how a law firm
is traditionally laid out, it aligns with Corrs’ key values,
which include, agile, connected, pioneering, and being
team players.
Agile
Don’t be fooled by people who tell you that an open plan
environment compromises confidentiality and productivity.
For me personally, the open plan environment represents
a step away from isolated offices towards an interactive
space designed to facilitate relationship building and
knowledge sharing.
The flexibility offered by open plan space to accommodate
evolving personnel needs fosters a collaborative
workplace. By blending tried and true work methods
with modern technologies (such as the move onto laptops,
wireless headsets and the popular sit-to-stand desks),
open plan has made the habit of jumping into one of many
meeting or quiet rooms seamless.
Connected
Aside from the fabulous suits and the high-flying lifestyle
of Harvey Specter, having access to mentoring from senior
lawyers and partners is often one of the key desires of
graduate lawyers.
By tearing down the walls and removing other physical
barriers from the traditional office layout, Corrs has made
it easier for juniors (and other lawyers) to interact with
other members of the team on a regular basis.
Having the ability to intermingle regularly has opened
up a world of opportunity for me. It has meant that I’ve
been able to work with senior lawyers, move seamlessly
between teams and work groups and develop a real sense
of camaraderie with my cohorts.
And not only that, but the flow of information, experience
and teamwork at the firm is enhanced. I find myself being
able to turn to my colleagues for advice or assistance
without having to knock on doors or schedule a formal
meeting. The interactions in an open-plan office space
generally are more frequent, informal and less intimidating
than in closed environments where everyone has a
separate office space.
Pioneering
How often do you hear the phrase, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t
fix it’? Fortunately, this is not one of Corrs’s values.
Don’t be fooled by people who tell you there is nothing
or little to be gained from an open plan office setting.
Being a successful lawyer requires a willingness to
embrace development and improvement, and just because
something does not require ‘fixing’, it doesn’t mean it can’t
be improved.
I’ve found that the best lawyers will often ask themselves
what they can do to improve their skills, and then
actively seek out ways to do so. Through my rotations
in Construction, Workplace Relations and Property at
Corrs, I have witnessed increased business innovation,
advancement in commercial and strategic initiatives
and new client opportunities as a result of increased
collaboration due to the open plan environment.
Team Players
I have been lucky at Corrs to have been surrounded by
senior colleagues who have been willing to mentor me
and constantly provide me with constructive feedback.
The open plan environment has allowed me first-hand
opportunities to see how more experienced practitioners
work.
The nurturing relationships, mentoring, increased
collaboration, and sense of camaraderie has ensured that
I have never been afraid to ask questions or speak up when
I need further direction or guidance.
In reality, there are tasks that are challenging and, at
times, unachievable, particularly at the junior level. But
the best part of being part of a business that is genuinely
passionate about developing the exposure and knowledge
of its juniors is that everyone is a team player. When
times are tough and hard work is required, you will find
yourself surrounded by team that is driven to help each
other achieve more.
All in all, while everyone works differently and the
advantages offered by an open plan environment will differ
25
from person to person, I think it works exceptionally well.

Looking back on the countless opportunities for feedback

and the conversations I’ve had with my colleagues, I am
happy to say that my goal of having access to mentoring
from senior lawyers and partners has been more than
fulfilled by working in Corrs’ open plan office environment.

26
 ENJOY YOUR
INDEPENDENT
SPIRIT
WWW.CORRS.COM.AU/GRADUATES

Corrs is a place that celebrates individuals. We’re looking for spirited,

determined graduates who think big and like doing things a little differently.
In exchange for your energy and commitment we’ll provide extraordinary
learning and work opportunities here and on an international stage.
If you want more, visit corrs.com.au/graduates
 THE FRONT END:
TRANSACTIONAL WORK IN A LAW FIRM
STEPHANIE TRAN
GRADUATE - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND TECHNOLOGY
DLA PIPER
During law school it felt as though there was already a
division between students who were considering moving
into private practice: you were either front end or back
end. I would nod and smile because a) I had no idea what
that meant, and b) I was probably too busy complaining
about work and/or study or something inconsequential to
really give it any thought.
In hindsight, I’m glad I had never cornered myself as
a ‘front end’ or ‘back end’ lawyer. This allowed me to
approach my clerkships and graduate rotations with an
open mind. I did assume that I would prefer the fast-
paced litigation teams because I love working closely with
people and talking, so in my mind I thought that being a
litigator was more my calling than a corporate lawyer.
During my graduate rotations at DLA Piper, I have done
both front end and back end work, and surprisingly felt
thats I enjoyed working the transactional side of a deal
more so than the litigious side. During my time in the
intellectual property and technology team, I had worked
more on the ‘technology’ side of the team, where the work
was centred on procurement and contract advice with a
technological flavour.
I have participated in negotiations on large-scale IT
services contracts, assisted in drafting social media
policies, privacy statements, standard online terms and
conditions, letter agreements and so forth. The work
was incredibly diverse as clients will never present you
with the same problem twice. The work was challenging
because in more cases than not, a client will approach us
with a contract and ask how we can amend it so that it
does x, y and z. Or in other cases, “here is the contract,
this is what happened, how do we get the other side to
stop doing that and to start doing this?” Preparing the
advice would normally require lateral thinking and for me,
bouncing ideas off other colleagues and working together
to come to a solution.
The actual contractual drafting, which I thought I would
dread, I loved. Other lawyers in the team have expressed
similar views, as contractual drafting has many similarities
to creative writing. As gratuitous as that may sound, often
your client will say they want one thing, but actually want
something else. There is a lot of lateral and creative
thinking involved in how you would draft and/or amend
28
a contract that would minimise the pain for all parties
involved.
Transactional work is not all drone-work (as is the common
misconception). Participating in large-scale negotiations
has its own challenges and rewards, and in the technology
team, we are often clarifying instructions to understand
what it is thats the client actually needs. Each problem
is something new and I personally thrive off the new
challenges clients would throw our way. The “art” of
negotiation also has became apparent. I have realised
that effective negotiation is not simply about arming
oneself with the best legal arguments and persuading
the other side. Rather, it is much more nuanced and
intricate, involving collaboration, good communication
and creativity.
I must preface that transactional work differs from
team-to-team at DLA Piper and of course, will differ
at different firms. Further, as a junior, prepare and
expect to get the more repetitive work. It is all part
of building the groundwork. To that end, I have found
that transactional experience develops, and regularly
calls upon certain skills. Attention to detail is essential,
especially in the practice of reviewing/drafting documents
and conducting due diligence. Moreover, transactional
law requires practitioners to be able to quickly grasp the
material interests of the parties and effectively apply that
understanding during negotiations. It is also helpful to
stay well-informed in the key activities and developments
in the commercial sector, particularly in those industries
that are relevant to your clients.
In a nutshell, working in a transactional practice group
at DLA Piper has offered the opportunity to participate
in interesting and high-profile transactions involving
companies in Australia and around the world. I have
enjoyed learning about the strategic considerations
that factor into structuring a complex deal, attending
negotiations involving a diverse cross-section of parties,
and developing skills in drafting transactional documents.
For me, the key takeaway has been that learning as a
transactional lawyer extends beyond purely the law: it
provides an in-depth understanding of how companies
operate, adapt and can thrive in an ever-changing market.
 A DAY IN THE LIFE
OF A COMMERCIAL LAWYER
ROB PROSSE
SOLICITOR
HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) is an area of corporate
law that is relatively well known, but it is usually difficult
to get a good understanding about the work that M&A
lawyers do while studying at University. I have been a
member of the M&A team at Herbert Smith Freehills for 2
years and I enjoy the work because of its commercial focus
and importance to our clients. M&A is an exciting area
of practice because you are working on transactions that
are genuinely transformative for a business or person’s
life and enormous trust is placed in our ability to deliver
a great outcome. This means our clients are typically
highly engaged in the transactions we work on and it
is rewarding to be involved in a process that is of such
significance to them.
M&A work is handled by the corporate team in a
commercial law firm, but many major firms have a
specialist M&A team such as the Takeovers and Schemes
team that I’m part of at Herbert Smith Freehills. As the
name suggests, our team specialises in public M&A
transactions, however the team also undertakes a large
volume of private M&A work. The nature of the work in
public versus private transactions is very different and I
enjoy the variety that comes with working across both
areas. At Herbert Smith Freehills we have two other
corporate groups that undertake a substantial amount of
M&A work, namely our Equity Capital Markets team and
our Private Equity team.
A clerkship spent in any of these groups would provide
great exposure to the world of M&A and other aspects of
corporate practice.
One of the things I enjoy most about M&A is that it
provides an opportunity to work across a number of
different industries. In the last 6 months I have worked
on deals with clients in healthcare, software as a service,
manufacturing, infrastructure, consumer goods and
financial services. Understanding our client’s business
and the sector in which they operate is crucial to our role.
This is because the areas of key risk and importance will
vary between companies and sectors and will dictate
our approach to due diligence and drafting transaction
agreements. Adapting our approach to suit our client’s
needs and objectives is one of the challenges that makes
our work varied and interesting.
Another reason that makes working in M&A so interesting
is that we are at the centre of a deal and have visibility
over all aspects of the target’s business. During the due
diligence phase of a transaction, we will seek specialist
input from other groups within the firm such as property,
employment, banking and finance, intellectual property,
regulatory and privacy. Each of these teams will deliver
a report on their area of expertise, but ultimately it is the
responsibility of the M&A team to ensure the transaction
documents reflect the findings of the specialist teams so
that our client’s interests are protected. Even at a junior
level, at Herbert Smith Freehills we are encouraged to
build our networks across the firm to ensure we can call
on the right experts for any given deal.
Anyone who is commercially minded and interested
in private law would be well suited to a clerkship in a
corporate group such as M&A. The work is challenging,
varied and important to our clients, which results in a
feeling of great satisfaction when a deal is ultimately
done.
29
 SEE OUR WORLD
THROUGH OUR EYES
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GRADUATE CAREERS IN LAW

Join our outstanding graduate program with a law degree and potential to
27OFFICES
succeed, and experience real responsibility, a flexible career path and an GLOBALLY
innovative, collaborative environment to help you thrive.

Join us as a Herbert Smith Freehills graduate with your degree behind TOP 100
GRADUATE EMPLOYERS
you, but a world of opportunity in front of you. 2018

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MOST INNOVATIVE
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 BE A PART
OF EVERYTHING
Join us as a Herbert Smith Freehills Vacation Clerk and you’ll do more than just experience life at a
leading law firm, you’ll be a part of everything we have to offer.
Everything about us
With 27 offices around the world, we can show
you exactly what a world class law firm has to
offer, giving you the chance to work as part of
an international team, on high-profile matters,
for some of the most significant organisations
in the market.
Our focus is on the future: the future needs of
existing and new clients, the future of the legal
profession and investing in our future lawyers.
That’s why we aim to attract the best talent
from a broad range of backgrounds, ensuring
we are optimising our position as
a progressive, forward thinking professional
services business. At Herbert Smith Freehills,
you’ll be given the opportunity to develop the
skills you need to help solve our clients’ most
complex challenges in thoughtful and
innovative ways.
What we look for
We recruit people with the desire and ability to
be exceptional, commercial lawyers. This
means that we look for more than just a great
academic record and strong technical aptitude.
We seek people who are curious, empathetic
and understand the importance of building
relationships with clients and colleagues. We
also look for an international mind-set and a
desire to work within our global network, not
just one office.
Complex cross-border deals. A market-leading
Disputes division. Worldwide reach. If you’re
ready to be a part of it all, we’re looking forward
to hearing from you.
HERBERTSMITHFREEHILLS.COM
Clerkship program Key dates and deadlines
There’s nothing more important than finding a MELBOURNE
role and an organisation that’s right for you and
there’s no better way to really get to know our Approximate
60–65
profession than gaining practical, hands-on number of positions
experience. Our vacation clerkships will
immerse you in our business, networks and the Clerkship programs 1 summer/1 winter
international world of law. We encourage
Applications for all
students to participate in our vacation clerkship 9 July 2018
2018/19 programs open
program and we fill the majority of our
graduate positions through this program.
Applications for all
12 August 2018
As a vacation clerk, you will be given extensive 2018/19 programs close
training on all aspects of the firm, drafting and
research skills. Current lawyers and partners Offers made 18 October 2018
will speak to you about what they do and the
nature of work in each part of the firm. You’ll Please note: An application should only be submitted
to the office where you intend to start your career as a
attend workshops and presentations that will
graduate. Multiple applications will not be considered.
give you an insight into the depth and breadth
of our practice areas and international reach.
Our global practice groups
You’ll be invited to a range of events giving you
the opportunity to network with partners,
• Alternative Legal Services (ALT)
associates and graduates, as well as with your • Competition, Regulation
fellow vacation clerks. and Trade
• Corporate
Joining us • Dispute Resolution
We offer a range of summer and winter
• Employment, Industrial Relations
clerkships across our Australian offices. If you
and Safety
have queries about graduate or vacation clerk
positions, please visit our website: • Finance
careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads/
• Projects and Infrastructure
vacation-clerkships or contact one of our
graduate recruitment team. • Real Estate
Contacts
Hong Le
Graduate Recruitment Consultant
T +61 3 9288 1937
graduates.melbourne@hsf.com
© Herbert Smith Freehills 2018 NOF176854_v7_advertorial_A4_Melbourne
/140218
 THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
ARIA WONG
SOLICITOR
HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
My name is Aria Wong and I am a Solicitor from our
Melbourne office. As part of the graduate rotation program,
I completed three 6-month seats in our Corporate, Finance
and Competition, Regulatory and Trade practice groups in
Melbourne. I was fortunate to be selected to undertake
an international secondment to our London office, where
I have been based since September 2017.
My Secondment Experience
One of the benefits of working at a global law firm is that
our graduates have the opportunity to apply for a 6-month
international secondment to one of our overseas offices,
with past locations including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore
and London! Undertaking an international secondment
provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into the legal
and cultural differences of working in a foreign jurisdiction,
to network and learn from our leading lawyers across the
globe, and to develop a greater understanding of cross-
border transactions, all of which are hugely beneficial to
your long term career.
I have found my London secondment to be an invaluable
experience. As in Australia, our London office has a premier
reputation in the market for providing cutting edge legal
advice. This means that from the moment I arrived in
London, I had the opportunity to sink my teeth into a
broad variety of complex transactions, giving me exposure
to corporate law in a different jurisdiction. I have had the
opportunity to work on an initial public offering, an M&A
transaction involving a private equity powerhouse, and
a large corporate restructure which required input from
lawyers across our European and Australian offices (and
I am only halfway through my secondment!). In addition,
due to the significance of London as an international hub
for commercial activity, all of the deals I have worked on
have had complex cross border elements, which means
that we are often working collaboratively with our lawyers
from across the globe.
Work aside, I am pleased to report that our London office
has just as active a social calendar as our Melbourne office.
Our Social Committee organises regular firm drinks and
countless other social activities, each of which has allowed
me to get to know my colleagues on a more personal level.
In this short period of time, I have attended an Italian
wine tasting, a Halloween scare tour in the tombs of
London Bridge (which truly deserves its award for being
the ‘Scariest Attraction’ in the UK), a women’s self-defence
course and an invaluable speed networking event with
HSF alumni who now hold senior in-house roles in large
multinationals.
32
The most interesting thing I have learned…
I am constantly astounded by how supportive the firm is
of me actively pursuing my career goals and professional
development. Even at the junior level, lawyers are
encouraged and given the tools necessary to take hold
of their career. For example, during my third rotation I
was given numerous opportunities to step up, engage
directly with clients and improve my drafting skills. This
culminated in one of our clients requesting, and my team
supporting me, to undertake a secondment in-house with
the client (a large, ASX100-listed company). This gave me
the opportunity to gain a more intimate understanding
of both the legal and business imperatives of our client,
experience first-hand the life of an in-house lawyer at
a leading company, and form closer connections with
my clients. Even now, I still keep in touch with many of
the people I met on secondment. It was an incredible
experience, and I feel very fortunate that the firm
supported me in taking on this opportunity at such an
early stage in my career.
My advice to someone looking to apply for a clerkship at
Herbert Smith Freehills?
I really encourage you to use law firm information sessions
and networking events as an opportunity to speak to and
get to know representatives from each firm as this is a
good way to pick their brains about what they do on a
day to day basis, why they chose their firm and to get an
understanding of what the culture is like at the office.
Finally, while the application process can be a stressful
experience, make sure you take care of yourself and
keep up the things in your life that aren’t strictly law-
related but provide balance . There really is no ‘cookie
cutter’ Herbert Smith Freehills lawyer. Having a diversity
of backgrounds and opinions not only makes our office a
cohesive, multicultural workplace, but also ensures that
we provide the best and most measured advice to our
clients. So have a think about what makes you, you. We
are interested in getting to know about your passions and
what keeps you engaged in life!
 PRO BONO & COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
CAITLIN EDWARDS
LAWYER
ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER
Choosing where to apply for a clerkship and begin your
career as a law graduate is challenging, to say the least.
It is sensible to seek advice from career advisers, professors
and peers. Employer presentations are useful; online
forums less so. Insights can also be gained from consulting
great publications like this one. But in my experience well
intentioned advice is often conflicting and due diligence
has its limitations.
I made my judgment call by identifying what mattered to
me most as a graduate - great mentors, a focus on training
and retaining junior lawyers and a culture that aligned
with my values. I have been lucky to find these things at
Arnold Bloch Leibler.
ABL law graduates are trained in-house by partners and
senior associates rather than undertaking a PLT course.
I have benefited from this approach as it immediately
plugged me into the firm’s network, resources and culture.
Instead of hypotheticals, our training drew on recent
matters and partners’ experiences.
As a Native Title and Public Interest Law graduate, I
have two excellent mentors in Peter Seidel and Bridgid
Cowling. From day one Peter and Bridgid have encouraged
and supported me to develop my judgment, initiative and
voice. I do this by speaking in client meetings, preparing
first drafts of legal advices and agreements and presenting
my views on matters of strategy, policy and law reform.
I’ve also been supported to pursue Masters level study in
my area of expertise.
ABL doesn’t offer rotations. I understand that this can be
daunting to a law student with no clear sense of what
sort of lawyer they want to be “when they grow up”. But
a lack of variety has certainly not been my experience.
I have worked with a number of teams at ABL and had
exposure to many areas of law including native title,
cultural heritage, defamation, intellectual property,
consumer law, administrative law, disability discrimination,
trusts, civil aviation and taxation. I regularly rely on the
support of grads in other teams when the variety becomes
overwhelming!
My core practice area is working with charities and not-for-
profits, including a number of Aboriginal and traditional
owner organisations. In many ways, this work is similar to
the work of any other commercial lawyer. After all, not-
for-profits are usually incorporated entities generating
the same broad needs for legal advice about corporate
governance, workplace matters, contracting and disputes.
But there are also unique challenges, including funding
insecurity, changing political ideas about what is in the
public benefit, and complex relationships with the law
and legal institutions as targets of disempowerment and
advocates for change.
Fortunately, ABL draws no distinction between its fee
paying and pro bono work. Embedded in ABL’s approach
to public interest law is a deep commitment to legal
professionalism and an honest acknowledgment that the
firm’s contribution to the public good is matched by the
corresponding growth of its lawyers and reputation.
Two years in, my role at ABL remains challenging and
rewarding. Particular highlights have included working
alongside Love Your Sister as the Company Secretary,
co-presenting a legal ethics seminar based on the latest
Trump antics, preparing a Literature Review on a significant
piece of land rights legislation, a trip to Cairns to negotiate
a long running dispute on Torres Strait Islander land and
leading a clerk day out to the National Gallery of Victoria
for a private viewing of original Namatjira artworks
following ABL’s role in the historic return of copyright to
the Namatjira family.
Trusting my gut has worked out well for me so far. I hope
you have the opportunity and confidence to do the same.
33
Gilbert + Tobin

BE MORE
BE PART OF THE MOMENTUM
A Gilbert + Tobin clerkship is both positive and challenging.
You’ll work directly with partners and lawyers who will assist with
your professional development and challenge you intellectually.
While your main focus will be corporate work, everyone at
G+T has the opportunity to assist on pro bono matters and
participate in firm-wide activities. As you progress through the
clerkship you will develop invaluable skills and knowledge and
gain first-hand experience of our various practice groups.

Our Melbourne programs run for four weeks in either winter or

summer, providing a placement across Banking + Infrastructure,
Competition + Regulation, Corporate Advisory, Technology
+ Digital and Litigation. Each clerk is assigned a supervising
partner, mentor and buddy to assist with on-the-job training.
Participating in our customised in-house training will build your
confidence and help you understand the mechanics of legal
practice. You’ll have the chance to jump right in and immerse
yourself in a leading corporate law practice. And we’ll encourage
you to contribute ideas and your own fresh perspective.

Preference is given to students in their penultimate year

of study. We’re not a prescriptive firm when it comes to our
people; we invite individuality and diversity. We also hold
ambition, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in high regard.
Our people are collaborative, passionate and dedicated – but
most of all they enjoy what they do and never forget to have
fun. We seek clerks and graduates who will complement our
practice groups and don’t feel the need to take
themselves too seriously.

Applications for 2018-19 seasonal clerkships in our Melbourne office are open from Monday 9 July to Sunday 12 August 2018.

For more information about applying for a clerkship or for program dates please visit gtlaw.com.au, or contact Sarah Crinnigan on

03 8656 3396 or at scrinnigan@gtlaw.com.au

Find out more at

GTLAW.COM.AU
 LESSONS FROM A LAWYER
HOW I CAME TO BE WHERE I AM NOW
CIARA COLEMAN
LAWYER
GILBERT + TOBIN
Speak to any lawyer and you will quickly find that no
two journeys are exactly the same. For some, law was
an early love that worked out (with a lot of hard work
and dedication). For others, it started later in life after
an interest was spurred by an unexpected life or career
experience. For me, law was something I had been
interested in for a while, but I wanted to take some time
to build my experience and explore a range of different
interests before I committed to law as a career.
I set about making this happen by studying Biomedicine
at the University of Melbourne. I loved learning about
science, but I was still fascinated by the law, so I traded
in my lab coat for a suit jacket and commenced the Juris
Doctor at Melbourne Law School. During my law degree
I travelled to Geneva and met incredible people as part
of the subject Institutions in International Law, took part
in mooting competitions, worked with the University of
Melbourne’s Law Students’ Society, volunteered on the
Victorian Women Lawyers Communications Committee…
and read, a lot. These were all important in helping me
better understand what I wanted out of my career, build my
experience for job applications and obtain an internship at
the Coroner’s Court of Victoria and clerkships at Clayton
Utz, Ashurst and Gilbert + Tobin (“G+T”). I had incredibly
positive experiences at each of these organisations, and
ended up accepting a position at G+T – first as a paralegal,
then as a graduate, and now as a lawyer in the Corporate
Advisory team.
One of the things I love most about my job is that I am
always learning. The law is intertwined with so many
different aspects of life, and technology is constantly
evolving, so the law (and the lawyers) need to keep up.
But it’s not just legal lessons I’m learning – there have
been a lot of other lessons along the way. Below are
some of these:
1. Take care of yourself (and others)
While my job provides me with incredible opportunities
to get involved in interesting and challenging matters,
law can sometimes create a stressful, high pressure
environment. There are times when the deadlines,
complexity and high expectations can really test
your resilience – especially when combined with
other stresses life throws your way. It’s important to
ensure you take time to relax and do the things you
love, whether that’s travelling, exercising, spending
time with family or reading (things other than cases
and textbooks). It’s also essential to have a good
support network, at home and at work (both of which
I’m fortunate to have). Equally, it’s important to check
in with your friends, family and colleagues and be
there to listen and offer support – you don’t always
36
know what’s going on in someone’s life, and a simple
conversation can make someone’s day.
2. Respect and enthusiasm are key
Whatever the circumstances, no matter how
adversarial or who you are dealing with, it is always
important to act with professionalism and respect.
Of course there will be times when you need to
stand your ground or strongly advocate an argument,
but this can always be done in a respectful manner.
Equally, enthusiasm is something that people will
always notice and appreciate. Take an interest, go
that step further than required and follow up – you
will most likely enjoy what you are doing more, learn
faster and be given further opportunities.
3. No team is reaching its full potential without diversity
The more diversity there is in a team, the better placed
the team is as a whole to respond to the wide-ranging
issues it will inevitably face. I’m fortunate to work
in an environment that values diversity and seeks
to recruit people from various backgrounds, with
different skills, experience and ideas to bring to the
table. This helps foster innovation and creativity in
our problem-solving approach, and an inclusive and
supportive environment.
4. You never know where an experience will lead you
As mentioned above, there is no one correct pathway
to law, and no one set of skills that makes for the
perfect lawyer. Put yourself out there, take a chance
and pursue new opportunities. You may surprise
yourself and find something you love – but even if you
don’t, you can develop skills from any experience that
will prove invaluable in many situations. And while it
might not seem obvious at the time, the connections
you make and the lessons you learn (professionally
and personally) could lead you one step closer to that
dream job.
5. There is always another opportunity around the
corner
Do your research and think about your goals and
aspirations, but don’t worry if things aren’t working
out straight away. Not every lawyer is destined for (or
interested in) commercial law, and while a clerkship
is a fantastic way of figuring out if that pathway is for
you, it’s not the only option. As long as you persevere,
there is always another opportunity around the corner.
Which ultimately will lead you to the best place for
you.
 CHOOSING WHICH PRACTICE AREA TO PURSUE
JAMES SAINTY
LAWYER
ASHURST
As I moved through my law degree I did not think much
about which practice area I would like to pursue. I carried
around the notion that I wanted to be a commercial
lawyer. Looking back, I framed most of my knowledge
of the profession and of the law through the views of the
judiciary. I understood things in litigious terms and that
was about it.
That experience is not uncommon. Neither are the views
expressed in this article. From what I know to date, it is
rare for a person’s journey studying law and entering the
legal profession to track an entirely linear route.
I clerked in litigation/disputes teams at two firms and then
at Ashurst I completed a graduate rotation through RSSG
(insolvency), disputes and finally, taxation. I did not study
tax at university and did not initially preference it. HR
suggested it to me for my third rotation.
All of my rotations were great because I worked on a
variety of interesting matters with talented people. I
learned a lot about the practice of law and had a good
time. It was therefore difficult to decide where to settle.
After some deliberation, I chose tax.
I am trying to communicate two points:
1. You would be well advised to take an interest in which
practice area(s) you pursue.
2. It is not an issue worth fretting about too much as
most people should naturally gravitate towards the
practice areas which suit them best.
I am not suggesting that people should march into
interviews, clerkships or even conversations without
any idea whatsoever of the area in which they would
like to practice. I think it is important to take an interest
in different practice areas while studying law and to
understand broadly what the differences are between
wider categories of commercial practice (for example, the
37
differences and overlap between transactional, advisory
and litigious work).
However, the practice area which suits any one individual
may vary as that person’s career progresses (and will vary
between firms). I think a number of factors will determine
whether a person enjoys a practice area. These are
things you can probably already reel off. Your level of
academic interest in the area. The pace of the work (short
and fast-moving matters have a different feel to slower,
more protracted matters). The people you work with.
Opportunities to work abroad or interstate, or opportunities
to work where you reside and are comfortable (I think the
latter, in a globalised world, can be just as valuable as
the former). The size of your team. Technological change,
market forces, etc.
A decision to pursue a certain practice area might happen
quickly or might happen slowly, but will ideally be based
on all of these factors, as well as other considerations
more personal to each individual. Things can change
quickly in any working environment, including law firms.
Ask yourself whether a certain practice area, which appeals
to you by reason of just one factor, would lose its appeal
should that favourable factor change or cease to exist. If it
would, try to think more deeply about why certain practice
areas appeal to you and to understand what each of them
actually involves.
Be honest with yourself about what you enjoy in the law
and in the practice areas you think you like. Don’t enjoy the
simulacrum of a practice area; enjoy it for what it actually
is. Talk to people (many could and will talk underwater
about their practice area, once you get them started) and
gain experience in the area where you can.
And most of all, trust that by being open to all, showing
interest in some, and knowing yourself well, you will wind
up in a fitting place.
Your journey begins
with a world-class
Summer Clerkship

Real client work. Invaluable coaching. A tailored

development program. A genuine insight into working
Ready to explore
with our Firm – while building great friendships. our world?
Plus, we offer the unique opportunity to build
your global knowlege and network – through an Natalie Mascarenhas +61 3 9617 4349
International Clerkship. natalie.mascarenhas@bakermckenzie.com

Become a world-class lawyer.

Join the firm that was born global.

www.bakermckenzie.com/australia#careers

Find us at Find us on
@BakersAUS Facebook
 MOVE YOUR MIND
Graduates in Law

Aim beyond pure legal knowledge. Beyond commercial advice.

Be known for something more: a clarity of thought and an instinct
for problem solving that can influence governments and leading
businesses the world over. Join us and we’ll help you enrich and
expand your worldview, grow your skills and influence new ways
of thinking. In other words, we’ll help you move minds.

Begin now at ashurst.com/careers

Connect with us on
 LIFE AS A GRADUATE AT BAKER MCKENZIE
SIDNEY JONES
JUNIOR ASSOCIATE
BAKER MCKENZIE
Kick starting my career
I joined Baker McKenzie as a Graduate in March 2017, after
completing a Seasonal Clerkship in December 2015 and
working as a Research Clerk with the Firm during 2016.
I have always had a keen interest in the global, commercial
world and a desire to work on cross-border transactions
which made Baker McKenzie, with its unparalleled
international presence, highly attractive to me. During
my time as a Summer Clerk and Research Clerk, I
was immediately exposed to Baker McKenzie’s global
integration and its friendly culture (which no firm can top!),
and from my experiences I knew that Baker McKenzie was
the law firm for me.
This was cemented during my International Clerkship
with the Toronto office in the Corporate & Securities
team, which I was ecstatic to be awarded, given my career
interests. During the Clerkship, I worked on a number
of global transactions and experienced first hand the
effectiveness of Baker McKenzie’s global nature. I also
forged some great friendships with the lawyers in the
team who were happy to take me under their wings. Funnily
enough, I am currently working on a cross-border deal
which is being coordinated in the Toronto office - it’s great
to be corresponding with the lawyers that I met during my
International Clerkship!
Building the foundations
Graduates at Baker McKenzie undertake three rotations of
four months each.
My first rotation was in Banking & Finance. During
this rotation, I was fortunate to have exposure to both
transactional and advisory work. The thing that stood out
to me was that I worked directly with Partners and did
“real” legal work. Immediately, I was given a large degree
of responsibility and was expected to correspond directly
with clients. On the transactional side, I was asked to
prepare the first draft of various financing agreements,
such as facility agreements and general security deeds.
On the advisory side, I prepared advices on anti-money
laundering regulation, the regulated credit legislation,
the personal property securities register, reporting to the
Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority, credit reporting
regulations and the foreign investment legislation.
My second rotation was in Dispute Resolution. Again, I
regularly worked directly with my supervising Partner or
a Senior Associate. Even though I have since settled in a
transactional practice group, my experience in the Dispute
Resolution team was invaluable to my development.
As a snapshot, I was involved in preparing a court
book, preparing a mediation position paper, drafting
memorandums of advice for counsel, preparing
pre-litigation advice and undertaking document review.
40
My third rotation was in Corporate Markets and I have
recently settled in the team. I have worked predominantly
on Corporate Reorganisations which by its nature is truly
global work - I liaise with our offices across the globe on a
daily basis! I am also undertaking private M&A work which
is an area I can see myself specialising in, in the future.
However, I am keen to get as much experience on as many
matters as possible, and fortunately I am finding that there
is no shortage of work in the team!
After talking to friends from law school who have started
their careers at other firms, I have found that my experience
is not the norm and that the opportunity to have worked
on ‘real’ legal work, directly with Partners and Senior
Associates, is something quite unique to Bakers.
It’s not just about the work
The Firm also has a strong focus on learning and
development. During my Graduate year, this involved
undertaking College of Law, the Firm’s General Professional
Development Program and the Firm’s Cornerstone Program
(the latter being a program specifically designed for junior
lawyers). All of these supported me to develop strong
legal and technical skills. A highlight was attending the
Corporate and Litigation intensives. This involved two
separate trips to the Sydney office to attend two-day
seminars in relation to these areas of law. This was not only
a great learning opportunity, it was also a great opportunity
to get to know the Sydney Graduates!
As part of the Graduate year, the Graduates have to make a
video (i.e. the ‘Grad Revue’) to be played at the Firm’s end
of year party. This is a great team building exercise for the
Graduates and although it requires hours of dedication, we
found that the final product was worth the effort!
The Melbourne office is also very active socially. There
are regular Friday night drinks and various social events.
The annual lawn bowls night is a highlight of the social
calendar too - a fun night comprised of competitive sport,
a BBQ and drinks. The perfect combination! These types of
events allow our staff to interact in a relaxed setting and
contribute to creating the Firm’s culture.
I have also been an active member of the Firm’s netball
and futsal teams. Although we have not been successful in
either sport, getting involved is another great opportunity
to socialise with my colleagues outside the office.
To wrap up…
One year into my employment with Baker McKenzie, I could
not be happier with where I have started my career. I am
excited for the future and the opportunities which await
me at our incredible firm!
INTERNATIONAL CLERKSHIPS WITH BAKER MCKENZIE
DANIEL CONTI - GRADUATE AT LAW
Baker McKenzie resonated with me, on a number of
levels, as an ideal Firm to begin my legal career because
of its high calibre international and cross-border work;
its friendly and collegiate culture; and its outstanding
opportunities to work and undertake training overseas.
I undertook a Summer Clerkship in 2017 with the
Melbourne office’s Corporate team and was fortunate to
receive a Graduate position with the Firm later that year.
Subsequently, I was excited to be selected to undertake a
four-week International Clerkship with the Firm’s London
office, prior to commencing as a Graduate in Melbourne.
Having expressed a strong desire to gain some exposure
to international Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and
Capital Markets, the prospect of spending two weeks
in the London office’s M&A group and two weeks in its
Structured Capital Markets (SCM) group was a fantastic
opportunity. While the M&A and SCM practice groups
in London are incredibly busy, they are very supportive
and friendly. Having made the long trip over to London, it
was comforting that I could make a smooth and seamless
transition into the office and immediately become involved
in a plethora of matters.
In addition to assisting both teams with research and
advisory work, I had the opportunity to work on two
incredibly interesting matters. Whilst working in the
M&A team, I was fortunate to be involved in advising
one of the Firm’s longstanding clients on its multi-billion
dollar acquisition of the personal care and homecare
brands of a Latin American consumer goods company.
The deal involved 10 Latin American jurisdictions, an
incredible amount of coordination and the consideration
of many other areas of law (such as tax, competition and
intellectual property). This significant deal allowed me to
fully appreciate Baker McKenzie’s capability and capacity
to facilitate such a strategic yet complex transaction.
Whilst working with the SCM team, I was fortunate to
be a part of concluding a USD$500m note issuance by an
Eastern European bank on the Irish Stock Exchange. I also
had the opportunity to attend a number of client meetings,
professional development sessions on emerging areas of
law and possible reform, and an energy derivatives trading
conference - where I represented the Firm!
Of course, I was also able to fit in some travel in my
downtime! For anyone who has been to London, you would
know it is laden with history and culture. To that end, I
visited many museums (including the world-renowned
Natural History Museum), numerous landmarks (such as
Westminster Abbey and Wembley Stadium) and, of course,
a number of fantastic pubs - to soak up the British’s love
for sport!
I am very grateful, especially at such an early stage in
my career, for the opportunity to have undertaken an
41
International Clerkship with our London office - and to
have built my knowledge, experience and global network.
I look forward to continuing to build my career with the
Firm in the years to come!
ALEX HEWITT - GRADUATE AT LAW
After completing a Summer Clerkship with Baker
McKenzie during February 2017, in the Firm’s Technology,
Communications and Commercial group, I was fortunate
to receive a Graduate position with the Firm. I was then
thrilled to be awarded an International Clerkship, which I
completed in February 2018.
Having enjoyed Intellectual Property (IP) at uni, I expressed
my keen interest in experiencing Baker McKenzie’s strong
global IP practice, which was also one of the key reasons
I was attracted to the Firm. As there was a considerable
amount of interesting work being undertaken in Hanoi, I
was sent to work with the IP team in that office.
My experience as an International Clerk with Baker
McKenzie was overwhelmingly positive. From the outset,
I found it easy to transition into my role in the Hanoi office,
particularly as the Firm’s systems and styles are largely
common throughout its different jurisdictions. Having
worked with other global law firms, I know that this is
quite unique to Bakers and speaks volumes to its global
integration.
Baker McKenzie’s IP practice in Hanoi is busy and
constantly expanding. My team worked with clients from
a multitude of different countries such as Japan, Korea,
the USA and countless others. Each client was eager to
invest in Vietnam’s developing economy and the Hanoi
IP team was kept busy assisting these clients grow their
businesses in Vietnam. During my time in the team, I was
able to assist with several franchising matters for large
companies who were expanding into the territory. Similar
to my Clerkship in Melbourne, I worked on tasks such as
letters of advice to clients and attended client meetings.
The most exciting tasks I worked on were Trademark and
Copyright Reports, which I helped draft for our clients -
these reports outlined the likelihood of a breach of the
client’s IP rights (based on police reports and undercover
investigations!).
Of course, in my leisure time, I was also able to explore all
that Hanoi had to offer. I tried local dishes including ‘Balut’
(or ‘half-developed duck egg’ – not for the faint hearted),
many different varieties of fried insects, and of course
indulged in the more well-known Vietnamese dishes such
as Banh Mi.
The greatest highlight though was the Tet party which
I was fortunate enough to attend, given the timing of
the Lunar New Year. Everyone in the Firm dressed in the
traditional costume of a country where Baker McKenzie has
an office. Given the Firm has 78 offices across 47 countries,
this led to some very diverse and creative costumes, the
best of which were showcased in a fashion parade!

I learnt so much during my time in the Firm’s Hanoi office,

and made some incredible friendships, which I know I
will keep in the coming years. Câm o’n (thank you) Baker
McKenzie - I am incredibly appreciative to have had this
experience!

42
 THE BACK END: LITIGIOUS
WORK AT A LAW FIRM
CHRISTINE DEMIRIS
LAWYER
CLAYTON UTZ
If your chosen career path was inspired by dramatic
court room scenes typical of Law & Order, Suits and The
Good Wife you may want to stop reading (but go with my
compliments on your excellent taste in television). As a
solicitor in the litigation group at Clayton Utz, there are
some parallels between courtroom dramas and my day-
to-day experience - I work with people who are leaders
in their field, we grapple with highly complex and novel
legal concepts and our clients are predominantly major
corporations.
Beyond that however, the challenge of working through
a legal dispute, identifying the issues and formulating a
solution that is legally sound and commercially desirable
is something that cannot be distilled down to an hour-long
episode.
Litigation encompasses all areas of law. This variety is
something I have been fortunate to experience first-hand.
Whether it is reviewing documents for discovery in a multi-
million dollar property development dispute, researching
the applicability of principles of procedural fairness in a
purely contractual setting, or debating whether or not a
document is protected by legal professional privilege, there
is no such thing as a “typical” case. There are, however,
some skills that I have found to be typical of litigators.
Clear and concise expression, lateral thinking and strong
interpersonal skills are examples. So too is the ability to
understand a client’s - and opponent’s - objectives and
limitations.
People often compare legal strategy to a game of chess, and
the analogy is apt. Just as chess players must be strategic
thinkers, careful planners and effective decision-makers,
so too must litigators be able to anticipate and overcome
an opponent’s next move. A touch of competitiveness
doesn’t go astray and knowledge of the rules is critical. The
thing that will set you apart, however, from your equally
intelligent, technically excellent and well-adjusted peers,
is your love of the game and your commitment to the team
(I know, this is where my chess analogy falters - objection
overruled).
My advice? Be keen - ask to go along to court, or to take
notes at a meeting; be curious - ask questions, think about
the next step (and the one beyond that) and back yourself.
Have a (well-informed) view and take ownership of your
work - even, and especially, when you make mistakes.
Most importantly, enjoy yourself - the clerkship process is
long and often stressful. But it is also an experience that
will stay with you well beyond the cover-letters, interviews
and cocktail functions. It is an opportunity to meet new
people, to extend your skills and to gain invaluable insight
into what it is like to work as a junior lawyer.
Whether you are attracted to transactional law and
“getting a deal done” or you are more drawn to the buzz of
a courtroom, be open to new experiences and to learning
as much as you can. There are plenty of aspects of law that
are not glamorous enough for TV. In litigation this may
be hours spent researching a point of law only to discover
it is, indeed, a novel one; reviewing countless documents
to determine relevance and try to piece the narrative
together and drafting (and re-drafting) submissions until
you become so immersed and invested that the next thing
you know it’s your third cup of coffee and that last Tim Tam
was arguably excess to requirements.
No matter what area you end up practising in, the skills you
will learn if you spend time in a litigation group will stand
you in good stead. Litigation is dynamic, as are the people
who practise in it. I am fortunate to work with people who
bring enthusiasm and expertise to everything they do.
43
Be the difference
At Russell Kennedy Lawyers we are a size where each person counts.
Where every employee is valued and their contribution has an impact.
We establish clear career goals and plans for all employees and provide extensive learning
and development opportunities.

Visit rk.com.au/careers for application details including key dates.

 SUPPORTING PRO BONO & FLEXIBLE WORK PRACTICES
RUSSELL KENNEDY
Russell Kennedy recognises that employees are highly
engaged when they are doing work that they love and
have work-life balance. We also acknowledge that life
gets busy and can be hard to manage. To support our
employees, the firm has adopted an ‘all roles are flexible
approach’ where possible.
Our people work in challenging areas of the law and their
work makes an impact in the broader community through
the firm’s commitment to Pro Bono. There are a number
of opportunities to get involved in Pro Bono work as a
Seasonal Clerk. This includes assisting in the set-up of
new charities, providing corporate governance advice to
not-for-profit organisations, assisting refugees and asylum
seekers in Australia and offshore, or helping with referrals
from Justice Connect. Russell Kennedy has a dedicated Pro
Bono practice group which drives a culture that supports
junior staff members to get involved in this type of work.
Supporting Pro Bono Work at Russell Kennedy
kate vanrenen
Kate Vanrenen is a Lawyer in the Dispute Resolution
practice group and the recipient of the 2017 Russell
Kennedy Pro Bono Award. Kate started out at the firm as
a Seasonal Clerk and completed her Graduate year in 2016.
Recently, Kate had the opportunity to assist three
vulnerable Iranian refugees being held in detention on
Nauru.
Her role was to institute appeal proceedings in the High
Court of Australia after their applications for refugee
status and their appeals to the Supreme Court of Nauru
were refused. She began preparing the first High Court
appeal when she was still a Law Graduate. Her role was
to liaise with the Pro Bono Barristers, Nauru’s Solicitors,
the High Court and the clients to ensure that both appeals
ran smoothly.
Travelling to Canberra and having the opportunity to
instruct the barristers in the High Court was an experience
that Kate will never forget. Kate describes this opportunity
as a priceless learning experience which complements her
work as a lawyer in Russell Kennedy’s Dispute Resolution
team.
45
Kate finds Pro Bono work both personally and
professionally rewarding. She has achieved positive
outcomes for refugee and asylum seeker clients and
witnessed the tremendous impact those outcomes have
had on her clients’ lives. From these experiences Kate
has learned what it means to persist in the face of great
adversity and feels fortunate to have been able to make
a difference in the lives of vulnerable people. Kate is
grateful that the firm supports this important work and
appreciates the impact it has on the community, and the
development opportunities that it presents to its staff.
Supporting Flexible Work at Russell Kennedy
rohan harris
Rohan Harris is a Principal, Practice Group Leader and
Board Member at Russell Kennedy.
As a leader at the firm Rohan demonstrates how flexibility
can work, at all levels of the firm, to ensure our people are
able to balance commitments outside of work with work.
Russell Kennedy’s flexible approach helps to attract and
retain talented individuals. He is supportive of the firm’s
initiatives in this area and promotes using innovation and
technology to work flexibly, whether it be from home or on
the go. The firm understands that supporting our people
will facilitate a happier and more engaged workforce.
Rohan has had a successful career at Russell Kennedy
starting out as an Articled Clerk and now heads up the
Corporate and Commercial practice group and is a member
of the Board. Obviously this is a busy role but Rohan
acknowledges the importance of getting the balance
right between work and personal life. Rohan has a flexible
work arrangement, he works from home one day a week
however varies his schedule based on client needs. This
allows him to do his job well, be a father and a husband
as well as maintain other passions outside of work such
as playing the saxophone in a local band. It’s important
for him to have a challenging and fulfilling career while
not missing out on other things that add to his life in a
different way.
 MY CLERKSHIP EXPERIENCE AT ALLENS
EBONY BACK
FUTURE GRADUATE
ALLENS
What were the highlights of your clerkship at Allens?
Everyone I worked with was friendly, helpful and had a
good sense of humour. This made the clerkship really
enjoyable and a lot less daunting than I thought it was
going to be. In particular, my buddy, Kate, was a huge help,
and was always happy to lend a hand or answer one of my
many questions.
What sets Allens apart?
Start-ups and new technologies are areas I am involved
in, and Allens stood out to me because of the work it has
done in this space. I really admire the Allens Accelerate
service and the work that the Allens a+ group has done.
Additionally, Allens’ recent work advising Power Ledger
on one of Australia’s first initial coin offerings proves that
it is a leading firm in this sector. I hope to be involved in
this space when I come on board as a graduate.
Additionally, I was always inspired by and admired the
people I knew who worked for Allens nationally. This
included people I met overseas and through the Women
in Law Mentoring Scheme. Meeting people who are
interesting, genuine, and happy to share their knowledge
and experiences always made me think a lot of the firm.
During your time as a clerk, what sort of work did you get
exposure to?
During my clerkship in the Litigation team, I worked on
a number of research tasks relating to fiduciary duties,
interpreting contract clauses and civil procedure.
46
Additionally, I spent time drafting a settlement deed and
a case note on the Hammersley Iron v Forge decision of
the Western Australian Supreme Court, which discussed
the limitations of set-off rights in a liquidation context. I
was also fortunate enough to be able to attend a hearing
in the Court of Appeal, which was a highlight, because I
hadn’t had much exposure to court proceedings before.
What did you find challenging about your clerkship and
how did you overcome this?
The clerkship process was challenging at times,
particularly when I was given tasks relating to areas of
law I hadn’t studied during my degree and didn’t have the
faintest clue about. Fortunately, I learned early on to ask
the library staff, the legal research staff or Kate for help
when I got stuck. Consequently, I learned a lot about how
to conduct legal research more effectively and efficiently.
Were you given the opportunity to get involved in any of
our communities – eg Women at Allens, Allin, pro bono?
During the clerkship, my fellow clerks and I were involved
in AIME Hoodie Day, as part of NAIDOC Week, to support
Indigenous kids in finishing school at the same rate as
other Australian children. The firm put on a great event to
help raise money and awareness. I was also really pleased
that I was exposed to the work that the Women at Allens
Committee does. I attended a presentation that was really
insightful, and got to meet lots of different Allens people
who are passionate about this area.
Great change is here.

Are you ready?

This is a time of unprecedented change.
At Allens, we’re ready. With a legacy that
spans 200 years, we’ve pioneered significant
change. It’s a part of who we are.
Our people go further to support our clients,
using commercial insight and creativity to
enrich long-standing relationships and build
new ones. And we go further for each other
and our community too. We’re the kind of
people you want to work with – generous
with our time and ready to help. No matter
what the future holds, we’re in it together.
With us, you’ll be a step ahead. Great change
is here. Are you ready?

Find out more at

allens.com.au/yourcareer

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

PRACTICE
AREAS
We are redefining what a law firm can be. Working for some of the world’s
most innovative organisations, our people go beyond the law. They are
inventors, designers and pioneers – translating smart ideas into ground-
breaking solutions.
KWM is a launchpad for endless opportunities. We want to help you think
differently about yourself and the possibilities of where a career in the law
might take you.

WE OFFER:
• Culture of innovation, collaboration and high performance
• Multiple career pathways where you can shape your future
• World-class training and coaching to unleash your full potential
• High impact work for the world’s leading organisations
• Relationships that last a lifetime

Download the KWM Become app today!

Available from the App Store or Google play now.

Interested in building skills in commercial law and getting insight into life at a leading international law firm?
KWM have partnered with InsideSherpa to launch an innovative online Virtual Experience Platform.
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 BANKING & FINANCE
JAMES CORRIGAN AND EMMA REED
SOLICITORS
KING & WOOD MALLESONS
Clerkship season is jargon central. The words “I’m working
in banking and finance …” are not entirely self-explanatory
(and can even be alarming!). As juniors, we remember that
deciphering what a banking and finance lawyer actually
does is often easier said than done – so we are here to
lend a hand.
Translating the lingo – so what is ‘Banking’ and ‘Finance’?
Banking and Finance law covers every aspect of the
operations of banks and other financial institutions.
Banking and finance lawyers help clients (which can
include lenders, borrowers and other entities) to navigate
the complex legal frameworks that govern transactions
both domestically and internationally.
This often involves drafting and negotiating contracts that
set out the terms of various financial arrangements, as
well as providing legal advice to organisations engaged in
large transactions, such as complex infrastructure deals,
IPOs, M&A deals and liquidations.
At KWM, the banking and finance group is roughly
divided into the following broad areas:
• Corporate finance: Corporate finance is the basic
building block for most of the more complex finance
structures. It involves a financier lending money to
a company under a loan agreement. This can be
supported by a guarantee or some form of security
like a security interest over all assets of the company;
• Project finance: Project finance involves a financier
lending money to finance the development or
acquisition of a specific project (such as a toll road,
hospital or pipeline). Project finance is different from
other types of finance in that the financiers only have
access to the project’s assets and the loan is to be repaid
principally out of the revenues produced by the project;
• Leveraged finance: The use of borrowed funds to
acquire companies (often involves advising private
equity firms);
• Property finance: The use of borrowed funds to
acquire, and often to develop, property;
• Asset finance: Financing arrangements (for example
commercial hire purchases, finance and operating
leases, novated leases etc.) designed to fund
investment in various assets (e.g. vehicles, industrial
equipment, medical equipment etc);
• Regulatory: Assisting banks to comply with banking
specific legislation and regulation (e.g. the National
Credit Code, anti-money laundering and counter-
terrorism financing laws, the Corporations Act, etc.);
50
• Debt Capital Markets: Assisting clients seeking to
raise debt financing through the use of instruments
such as bonds in the domestic and international
financial markets;
• Derivatives: Assisting clients seeking to enter into
derivative transactions to manage risk exposure
(including swaps, forwards and options). Derivatives
are a type of contract, the value of which depends
on the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or
index (e.g. interest rates and exchange rates);
• Structured finance: Structuring financing arrangements
to achieve particular tax, regulatory or accounting
outcomes (examples include securitisations, hybrid
security issues and structured loans); and
• Restructuring and insolvency: Advising both borrowers
and lenders in relation to the position of businesses
that are in financial difficulties and unable to repay
their debts as well as assisting with the restructuring
of a company and/or its debt arrangements to address
such issues.
Given the complexity and bespoke nature of most of the
work we do, no two banking and finance matters are the
same. However, to give you a better idea of the type of
work you might find yourself involved in, we have set out
an example of a matter that combines a few of the sub-
areas described earlier in this article.
Social impact investment
The KWM banking and finance group has helped State
Governments drive innovative ways to achieve desirable
social outcomes – through the use of social impact bonds.
A social impact bond is a contract with the government
pursuant to which the investor invests money in a
project targeted at achieving a particular social outcome
(for example, a program designed to address chronic
homelessness). The project itself is managed by a third
party (generally an NGO). If the project achieves its goal
and results in financial savings, then investors are entitled
to a portion of those savings, payable by the relevant
government entity.
From a banking and finance law perspective, this involves
drafting bespoke legal documentation which necessitates
the combination of creativity with technical legal skills.
These matters also often combine expertise in debt capital
markets (which is necessary to raise the debt capital
through the issuance of the bonds at first instance) and
project finance (as the matter is in essence a project with a
set outcome that to some extent mirrors more traditional
project financing transactions).
Help! I don’t know anything about banking or finance –
how do I fit in as a junior?

No need to worry! Work given to juniors in the banking and

finance group allows you to gain valuable insights into the
practice area without throwing you too far into the deep
end too early in the game. As a junior you will often be
in charge of:

• first drafts of transaction documentation;

• conducting ASIC and PPSR searches;
• running the deal completion agenda and facilitating
the execution of deal documentation;
• researching proposed regulatory changes to the
banking sector;
• working with clients to help manage compliance with
regulatory requirements; and
• attending meetings with clients or negotiations with
the other side.

For transactional work, you will often be the person that

is the closest to the transaction documents and the status
of each of the deal documents as a deal unfolds, which
can be really exciting!

Truly global

Finance is a truly international industry - finance

documents look remarkably similar all over the world,
and many countries closely follow each other’s systems
of financial regulation.

At KWM you will be exposed to overseas parties, whether it

be that the client is an overseas company looking to invest
in Australia, or an Australian client who is looking to start
operations overseas. You will work with foreign counsel
in the United States, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom,
sometimes all on the same transaction! Although this can
sometimes lead to some interesting timeslots for
all-parties conference calls, it is all part of the excitement
which comes with being a banking and finance lawyer.

The global nature of the industry also lends itself to some

exciting secondment opportunities at the many offices
that make up KWM’s global network.

51
 COMMERCIAL AND REGULATORY PRACTICE
TECHNOLOGY, IP AND PRIVACY
PAUL KALLENBACH
PARTNER
MINTERELLISON
I’ve always been a technology enthusiast. But when I
started my university education, I had no idea that my
lifelong passion for all things technology would lead me
into an interesting and rewarding career in law.
After a year of studying actuarial science, I realised that
the world of statistics and applied mathematics was not
for me. I changed to law, and within a few weeks knew
I’d made the right choice – language, semantics and legal
reasoning held far more interest for me than life insurance
tables and standard deviations.
Over the course of my law degree, my interest in
technology influenced my studies. After hearing from the
student grapevine that MinterEllison had a very positive
culture, I applied for and accepted a clerkship in the
technology group (this at a time when the ‘technology’ at
law firms did not yet include email!).
Accepting a job offer from MinterEllison at the end of
my degree was an easy choice. But when an opportunity
arose three years later to join some others in starting a
software company from scratch, I left the firm to gain
some practical experience on the other side of the table.
While Exari, the document automation and contract
management solutions company I co-founded, is still
going (and growing), I realised that my interest and
passion lay in the practice of law, and returned to the firm.
As a partner in MinterEllison’s technology, IP and privacy
group, my client base is diverse, and the work I do is ever-
changing. Much of my work is a specialised form of contract
law, but this is intertwined with intellectual property,
telecommunications and internet law, commercialisation,
and privacy and data protection.
I’m also a director of MinterEllison’s award-winning
technology innovation companies, Safetrac and Boardtrac,
52
which offer a range of technology products to our clients
(such as a portal for the distribution of board documents,
and the delivery of online compliance training) - so I get to
continue leveraging my passion for providing innovative,
technology-enabled solutions to our clients.
The great thing about this area is that the challenge is
never the same — sometimes a client is creating an app
or launching a website, and other times it is procuring or
supplying several or hundreds of million dollars’ worth of
business-critical core IT infrastructure or services. We also
regularly deal with data breaches, which and have recently
released the results of our third annual Perspectives on
cyber risk survey. It’s important in my area to keep up
with the latest developments in technology, be it drones,
payment systems or the advent of the blockchain (each of
which we have recently advised on).
While a keen interest in technology and a firm grasp of
contract law principles are key, skills such as contract
drafting, negotiation and formulation of practical,
commercially-focussed solutions that meet your client’s
needs are learnt through hands-on experience. As your
experience and knowledge grows, so will the complexity
of the issues you get to consider.
Of course, MinterEllison has more to offer than its great
work. The firm truly values and invests in its culture,
providing plenty of opportunities to get involved in social,
sporting, charitable and cultural events. In my time here
I’ve mentored high school students, undertaken pro bono
work for a range of not-for-profit organisations, presented
to boards, CEOs and general counsel on a wide range of
technology-related issues, and had the opportunity to
interact with and advise people from all walks of business
life.
 COMPETITION AND REGULATORY LAW
MATTHEW LEES (PARTNER) AND GABRIEL SAKKAL (LAWYER)
ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER

Why does competition law matter?
Log on to a news site and read about:
• the latest big corporate merger and whether it will be
approved by the ACCC;
• the policy debate about the proposed “effects test” to
stop misuse of market power by big businesses;
• the ACCC suing Coles and Woolworths for
unconscionable conduct against suppliers.
Competition lawyers undertake a wide variety of work,
such as:
• advising on the legality of proposed transactions;
• representing companies the subject of an ACCC
investigation or prosecution;
• seeking ACCC authorisation for a proposed merger or
transaction;
• educating clients about competition law as part of
their internal corporate compliance program.

Competition law raises thorny political and economic If you like to look at issues from an economic and political
issues in which there is often conflict between the perspective, and don’t mind taking on the regulator when
interests of big business, small business and consumers. the going gets tough, competition law may be for you.
Plus, the ACCC has investigative powers to raid premises,
secretly tap telephone calls and force people to be
examined and answer questions under oath.

As a competition lawyer, you must have finely-honed legal

skills but you also need to understand what is really going
on economically and politically.

Competition law covers:

• cartel conduct such as competitors colluding to fix

prices and share markets;
• dominant firms misusing their market power;
• mergers and acquisitions that are anticompetitive;
• misleading and deceptive conduct such as a business
making an inaccurate comparison with a competitor’s
product as part of an advertising campaign;
• regulation of major infrastructure like ports
and railways, as well as certain industries like
telecommunications and energy.

54
 As a junior lawyer, your enthusiasm is in overdrive. Everything is
interesting. You have a million questions for everyone. You want
to be the best. And for me, I wanted to be the best lawyer and
leader I could be.
Right now I’m a corporate and tax lawyer, buying and selling
companies, structuring investments and having the occasional
battle with the ATO.

STAY
So, a little while after I started at Clayton Utz, I joined the social
committee. A powerful assembly fuelled by lunchtime pizza-
wielding lawyers making important decisions like choosing the
Christmas party theme. They knew I liked pizza, but had no idea
I was gay. You see, I wasn’t out at work yet and this became a
genuine source of anxiety for a good two years.

TRUE.
But In May 2015 this all changed...
To listen to Luke’s full story, go to:

claytonutz.com/graduates

Academic brilliance certainly counts, but graduates who

thrive here have something extra – a natural passion for
connecting with people and a strong sense of self. That’s
what staying true is all about. If you have these qualities,
Clayton Utz is for you.
CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
If you’re a law student in your penultimate
year, our Clerkship Programs will expose you
to the fast pace of a full-service commercial
law firm and show you the law in action.
You’ll be working under the guidance of some
of the sharpest legal minds in Australia,
on challenging, complex and high-profile
transactions and matters. You’ll be mentored
by partners and lawyers who are leaders in
their fields, in a firm where individuality is
embraced and innovation actively encouraged.

GRADUATE PROGRAM
It’s not just about wearing a suit.
There’s always a gap between theory and
practice, and post-university prospects can
be daunting. How do you make the leap to
working in the industry?

That’s where we come in.

Once you’ve completed your studies, our
national Graduate Program gives you the
perfect foundation for your legal career. Our
2.5 week orientation program is designed to
ensure that you’ll hit the ground running. It
consists of PLT+, local training and a national
orientation week in Sydney.

Our rotations will help you discover different

areas and find the right fit. From day one you’ll
be working on complex and sophisticated legal
issues, and with our innovative learning and
development approach, you’ll get the support
to become the best you can be.

You’ll get…
• Three rotations of six months in our national practice groups • continuing legal education programs and professional
• mentoring from some of the best lawyers in the country development support

• a buddy who’ll give you the inside information
• meaningful performance feedback so you know you’re on
the right track
• the chance to participate in our Community Connect and
Pro Bono programs and really give back
• social and sporting activities, because we know it’s not
all work and no play.

We hire most of our Graduates from our

Clerkship Programs. Occasionally, additional
opportunities may arise. These opportunities
will be listed on our website.
 CONSTRUCTION
KATE GRUTZNER
LAWYER
CLAYTON UTZ
Why Major Projects & Construction?
Clayton Utz’s Major Projects and Construction practice is
one of the leading construction practices in Australia. The
team has a fantastic range of clients – Federal and State
Government departments, major multinational companies,
and large contractors – and works on high-profile building
and infrastructure projects around the state and the
country. The firm is particularly well placed to provide a
unique insight into what it’s like to do work with various
Government departments, and this is something anyone
looking to engage with that kind of work should consider.
The firm offers both transactional (“front-end”) and
dispute (“back-end”) services, and although most lawyers
specialise in one of these areas, both teams work very
closely together and provide their insight to achieve the
best possible outcomes in both drafting agreements and
resolving disputes. As a junior, you will get to experience
both advisory and litigious work which will make you a
more well-rounded practitioner, and will better inform
your understanding in the area that you decide to pursue.
Clayton Utz advises a range of clients in the development
and implementation of the documentation and
arrangements that allow major projects and infrastructure
to be built and run. The firm is particularly well known
for its work on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) which
bring together the public and private sectors to build
major infrastructure – many of the roads, railways, ports,
prisons, courts and hospitals around the state and the
country were built under this model, and Clayton Utz is
at the forefront of this area.
The skills you learn are invaluable – helping bring together
a range of parties to achieve not just a commercial
outcome but also an outcome that is for the public good,
drafting incredibly complex agreements and seeing the
results of your work in a really tangible way. Construction
disputes often involve areas of law beyond construction
law, such as contract, tort, insolvency and corporations
law, so the work is diverse, challenging and exhilarating.
In addition to gaining court experience, construction
disputes often pass through negotiation, mediation and
arbitration before ending up in court. This gives you a
broad range of experience and skills in a market where
litigation is often a last resort.
57
Why Clayton Utz?
Working in the construction team at Clayton Utz provides
not only the opportunity to work with supremely talented
lawyers and barristers on a daily basis, but the work is
exciting, interesting and often involves large teams of
people. There is nothing more satisfying than working on
a dispute or contract with a large team and seeing all your
hard work and collaboration resulting in a deal reaching
close or a dispute being settled. Working in Clayton Utz’s
construction team, you will often drive along roads you’ve
provided advice on and walk past buildings that you wrote
the contracts for. Seeing and using the tangible outcomes
of the work you do around the city and the country is
really satisfying. Because of our reputation, you will get
exposure to some of the most high-profile and cutting-
edge work a lawyer can do.
If you want to really get to know these fantastic clients
inside and out, many lawyers in the team have the chance
to undertake secondments, gaining a unique insight into
the client’s perspective, and a much deeper understanding
on how best to service clients. I spent six months at the
Office of the Coordinator-General, the government office
that overseas four of the State’s flagship infrastructure
projects - the Level Crossing Removal Project, the Metro
Tunnel Project, the Western Distributor Project and the
North East Link Project. This opportunity gave me a
behind-the-scenes look at many of the opportunities and
challenges that our clients face, and a real sense of the
value of the services that we provide as lawyers - which
on the projects we work on are never just legal.
The Clayton Utz construction team has something for
everybody – both transactional and dispute-resolution
opportunities, getting to work with some of the best
lawyers and clients in the business, including many
Government clients, secondment opportunities, and the
chance to see the impact that you and your team have
made out in the real world.
 CORPORATE ADVISORY
GILBERT + TOBIN
“Mergers and acquisitions are a big part of what we do,
alongside private equity and capital markets work. It’s
an exciting area and the atmosphere is busy, but very
enthusiastic and friendly.”
- John Williamson-Noble, Partner
According to Partner Costas Condoleon, Corporate Advisory
is a great place to work on a variety of transactions. “Our
team truly leads the market, working on significant and
transformational transactions for a wide range of clients.
It’s so interesting and varied; no two days are ever the
same.”
Partner Neil Pathak adds, “Our mix of clients is compelling.
We act for large listed global businesses on their ‘bet the
farm’ deals and private equity firms on sophisticated
acquisitions and divestments, right through to rapidly
growing corporates raising capital and doing deals.”
What you’ll experience
You’ll be exposed to a large and diverse client base that
includes: listed companies, private equity firms, investment
banks, institutional investors, government agencies, and
large privately owned companies.
To successfully facilitate major transactions, you will be
part of a team that includes specialists from areas such as
Competition + Regulation, Banking + Infrastructure, and
Real Estate + Projects, giving you valuable insights into
other parts of the firm.
Cross-border networks
Because Gilbert + Tobin (“G+T”) is an independent firm,
we attract referrals from major firms all over the world.
Our international network includes top US law firms, UK
Magic Circle firms and many other leading firms in key
jurisdictions.
Mergers + Acquisitions
Our M&A partners and lawyers have a reputation for
closing difficult and highly strategic transactions. They
navigate regulatory and competition law, and financing
and commercial restrictions to find a way for clients to
achieve their objectives.
58
Private Equity
As Australia’s leading private equity practice, the team is
known for its ability to effectively manage and close large,
complex deals and to help clients get the best outcome in
competitive sales processes.
Equity Capital Markets
A number of our partners are recognised as market
leaders for their ability to combine technical skills with
commercial insight, often advising on complex financial
products and new structures. The team regularly acts for
listed companies and global investment banks on equity
capital markets transactions.
Funds Management
G+T’s funds management team provides advice to private
equity, venture capital, and real estate and infrastructure
funds managers, as well as large corporations, banks,
underwriters and institutional investors. As a market
leader in funds establishment in the mid-cap private
equity and venture capital space, we’ve acted on almost
all of these types of funds in recent years – as well as the
majority of regulated M&A transactions for large listed
funds.
Tax
Working collaboratively with lawyers across all practice
groups, our tax specialists provide advice on all types
of commercial transactions and develop tax-effective
structures to minimise the risk of later disputes.
“I think Corporate Advisory is the most varied of practice
groups. The class of work we do means you meet and work for
a range of super successful, entrepreneurial, game-changing
and all-round formidable clients. Some deals I’ve worked on
include a milestone trans-Tasman renewable energy demerger,
and a $110 million capital raising for what will be one of the
world’s largest graphite producers.”
- Luca Del Ciotto, Lawyer
 LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
NICK PAPADIMOS
LAWYER
CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH
The reality of a commercial litigator is that you are
involved in a range of matters that will see you drawing
on not only your studies at law school, but also your life
experience.
Litigation is, of course, just one form of dispute resolution
and generally a client’s aim is to resolve a dispute before
they get to Court. This may be through arbitration (if
appropriate) or another alternative dispute resolution
process.
However, if the dispute remains unresolved, then the
matter may require intervention from the Court.
This is where we ‘really’ come in…
Life as a commercial litigator
• It’s dynamic. One of the most exciting parts about
practising in this area is the unpredictable and varied
nature of the work. Each case is different and can
throw up unexpected challenges. Therefore, part of a
litigator’s skill set is being able to adapt and respond
to those challenges at any stage.
• It’s strategic. If you like problem solving, thinking
laterally, and identifying legal solutions which also
make commercial sense, then you probably already
possess some the traits of a budding future litigator.
• It’s collaborative. As a litigator, you tend to work
quite closely within a team as well as with a number
of different stakeholders, be it clients, barristers, or
witnesses. If you are a seasonal clerk or graduate at
Corrs, you are especially encouraged to ask questions
and share your thoughts. In fact, some of my most
valuable learning experiences have been bouncing
around ideas with other senior lawyers in the team.
• It’s influential. Litigation can play a role in developing
or testing existing law and precedent. Sometimes,
you are at the forefront of a process which can
ultimately have a direct impact on the business
community, or part of a matter which makes the news.
But it’s not all wigs and gowns…
• Litigation is adversarial. While not everyone needs to
love getting up and speaking in Court, it’s important to
understand that it can be a competitive environment
and, at times, highly emotive.
• Litigation is deadline driven. Litigation revolves
around Court timetables and deadlines set by third
parties (some of which are less flexible than others).
Strong organisational and case management skills are
therefore essential in working across multiple matters.
What is Corrs’ litigation practice like?
In the litigation practice at Corrs, we work across many
different areas of law for clients in the private, public and
59
not-for-profit sectors.
The cases we work on include large scale consumer
regulatory actions, financial services litigation, insolvency
and restructuring, media law, class actions, and
international commercial arbitration.
As a graduate in the team, you will have the opportunity
to work on interesting and complex matters for a number
of different partners. This was a major drawcard for me in
my eventual decision to join the team.
A quick snapshot of some of the day-to-day tasks you
might be expected to do include:
• attending meetings with barristers, clients and
witnesses;
• undertaking research tasks and preparing advices to
clients on specific issues;
• drafting correspondence and court documents; and
• filing documents and attending hearings in court.
My 3 top tips
At this stage of your career, it’s important to keep an open
mind, and to consider all areas of law.
That being said, if you think you might be interested in a
career in commercial litigation, I would recommend the
following:
1. Always brush up on the basics. As litigators, our
expertise is in civil procedure. It’s the one unifying
thread across the many different areas of law in which
we practice. Whilst as a seasonal clerk or graduate
you are certainly not expected to be an expert in the
subject, it can be helpful to brush up on the basics
beforehand, particularly if it’s been a while since you
last studied it. This will provide you with a point of
reference for the stage a proceeding is at, the types
of documents we usually see, as well as give you an
indication of what might be coming up next around
the corner.
2. Ask lots of questions. When working on a matter, try
to gain an understanding of the dispute early on, even
if only at a high level. The best way to do this is to ask
lots of questions. Litigation can be complex, and as a
junior lawyer it’s easy to fall into the trap of assisting
others on discrete tasks without ever gaining a full
appreciation of how your work fits in with the ‘bigger
picture’.
3. Reach out to those in the know. If you want to learn
more about commercial litigation, or life as a lawyer
at Corrs, make sure you reach out. We’re always happy
to chat about our experiences in what can be a highly
rewarding area of practice.
 EMPLOYMENT & WORKPLACE RELATIONS
GEORGINA TAYLOR
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
LANDER & ROGERS
Workplace Relations Law in Australia is wide-reaching,
politically charged and always changing. Its significant
social impact makes it, for me, a deeply interesting area
of law.
What is Workplace Relations Law?
The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Fair Work Act) is the key
piece of workplace relations legislation in Australia,
but it is joined by many other acts to form a lattice of
intersecting protections, rights and responsibilities for
employers and employees across Australia.
The Fair Work Act itself covers a lot of ground: its subject
matter ranges from protections from unfair dismissal or
discrimination to rules about the rights of union officials to
enter employers’ sites, and from guidance about transfers
of business to rules about strikes and industrial action.
Add to that anti-discrimination legislation (like the Equal
Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) or the Racial Discrimination
Act 1975 (Cth)), long service leave legislation, occupational
health and safety legislation, paid parental leave
legislation, payroll tax legislation and more, and you can
understand why it feels like there’s always something new
to learn in Workplace Relations.
This is heightened by the relative accessibility and
efficiency of its litigation processes - the common law
develops rapidly, so there’s always new case law guiding
my advice to clients.
Experience at Lander & Rogers
Since joining the Workplace Relations & Safety team at
Lander & Rogers, I have:
• worked with major companies, public sector
organisations, tertiary education institutions, small
businesses and not-for-profits as their trusted legal
advisor;
60
• worked on a High Court of Australia appeal in a
dispute between our client and the CFMEU on complex
questions of law arising under the Fair Work Act;
• instructed in a three week trial in the Federal Court
defending vexatious claims of sexual harassment
against two individuals and their employer (and in
the appeal of that sexual harassment matter to the
Full Federal Court);
• appeared in mediations, conciliations and conferences
in the Fair Work Commission, Federal Court and
the Human Rights list of the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal;
• been seconded to a major tertiary education client;
• visited clients’ workplaces to conduct workplace
investigations, interviewing employees and witnesses;
• helped train employees and employers about
appropriate workplace behaviour;
• prepared and reviewed contracts of employment
and policies and procedures to make sure our clients
have a strong and fair framework in which to run their
organisations; and
• spent two weeks in a remote Aboriginal community
providing workplace relations advice and assistance
to the Warmun Art Centre.
Workplace Relations at Lander & Rogers
At Lander & Rogers, our Workplace Relations & Safety
lawyers are known not only for our technical excellence,
but also for our practical and insightful approach. The
things I love about working with my colleagues - a down-
to-earth, collaborative team - also make clients want to
work with us. It makes it easy to enjoy coming to work
each day.
 Expand
When you join Lander & Rogers, you’ll have the
opportunity to grow into a great lawyer. But that’s
just the start. Working alongside some of Australia's
leading experts and one of Australia's most highly
regarded pro bono practices, you’ll acquire the real
world skills demanded of the very best lawyers.
Here you’ll become a lawyer and more.
Discover your and at landers.com.au/graduates

Landers_A4_Press Ads_250216.indd 1 29/02/2016 12:48 pm

 ga m e
The hanged.
has crt of it.
Be pa sgam echang
er
#minter

Graduates who join

MinterEllison have the
opportunity to change
the game when it comes
to their future and career.

graduates.minterellison.com
MinterEllison
minterellisongraduates
minterellison
 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
SARAH BARKER
SPECIAL COUNSEL
MINTERELLISON
Climate Action is Good Business
You may have noticed a change in the emphasis of your
morning coffee read.
The press has begun to devote serious column space to
the issue of ‘climate change’ — including in the business
pages. The banks are talking about climate change in
their annual reports, as are companies with household
brand-names, from Nike and Unilever to BHP. Even market
watchdogs, such as the Australian Prudential Regulation
Authority (APRA), recently warned that, left unmanaged,
climate change poses risks to our economic stability.
So why this business-sector interest on what was,
historically, an issue only for ‘environmentalists’?
In short, leading businesses recognise that climate change
presents significant economic and financial risks (and
opportunities) which can no longer be ignored. These risks
and opportunities arise not only from the physical effects
of climate change such as increase in extreme weather,
increase in global temperatures, rising sea levels due to
water expansion and ice melt, and a change of rainfall
patterns, but also government policies, technological
developments and changes in general attitudes.
From a policy perspective, the Paris Agreement signed
on 12 December 2015 is a very strong signal to the
market. The importance of that Agreement should not
be underestimated. It represents a commitment by the
Governments of 196 countries to a goal of limiting the
‘increase in the global average temperature to well below
2 °C above pre-industrial levels’ and to pursue ‘efforts
to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-
industrial levels’.
63
And, perhaps most significantly, a commitment by those
governments to shift the global economy to net zero
emissions by 2050. In order to meet the Paris goals,
each country, including Australia, needs to significantly
reduce its emissions and the global economy, which has
been heavily reliant on fossil fuel combustion since the
industrial revolution, needs to transform, at scale and with
speed.
At the same time, technology’s moving fast — from
battery storage to electric cars. For example, electric
vehicle pioneer, Tesla, now has a share market value near
that of General Motors — and higher than Ford. Market
stakeholders — from customers to investors, insurers and
lenders, are now asking tough questions of business about
how their strategy stacks up in the transition to a low-
emissions economy.
Just last December, the ‘Climate Action 100+’ coalition
of investors, collectively representing more than US$26
trillion in assets, announced a campaign to engage with
the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas polluters
to improve their position on climate change, reduce their
emissions and strengthen their reporting of climate-
related financial risks and opportunities.
So, what do these developments mean for business?
Irresistible strategic pressure. Increasingly, an
understanding of the risks associated with climate change,
and a proactive approach to their management, is key to
continued financial success.
In the words of APRA board member Geoff Summerhayes,
‘it’s the weight of money’.
And that’s a language any business will understand.
Reproduced with permission from the Courier Mail
Great change is here.

Are you ready?

At Allens, we’re focused on advancing our
industry through 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?
With us, you’ll be more than a lawyer. Our people are
technical experts, but they’re also trusted business
advisers who think bigger, more broadly and more
strategically. Together, we solve complex legal challenges,
and collaborate across practice areas and disciplines to
guide our clients.
We work across borders too, thanks to our alliance with
Linklaters. This strategic partnership opens up worlds of
opportunity for our business and our people, including
rotations in Linklaters London, Hong Kong and Singapore
for our graduate lawyers.
In a rapidly changing world, we seek opportunities to
innovate, embracing creative thinking, new approaches
and emerging technology. And we don’t just use them to
benefit ourselves and our clients. We believe strongly in
driving positive change to do right by our community too.
Our teams are open, inclusive and encouraging, giving you
the chance to learn and grow, but your development will
be down to you. You’ll have the flexibility to drive your
career, and we’ll recognise your achievements and hard
work as you progress through the firm. Are you ready
to begin?

Clerkship program
Will you make great change happen?
A clerkship with Allens is the first step in a rewarding legal
career. The program will give you invaluable insight into
our work and culture. With support from a buddy and Clerkship
development supervisor, you’ll work on real matters for
real clients and be involved in projects. > Programs run from three to ten weeks
> Available at our Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney offices
Graduate program > Ongoing support and buddy system
Comprising two 12-month placements in different > Exposure to one or two practice groups
practices, our graduate program offers exposure to
stimulating legal challenges. In each rotation, you’ll gain Graduate program
a depth of experience that comes from seeing matters
through. However, at Allens we don’t work in silos so you > Two 12-month rotations in your areas of interest
won’t be limited to working with one partner or by your > Secondment options in London or Asia via our alliance with
practice areas. Working with different teams and leading Linklaters
organisations, you’ll grow a solid skills base and develop > Ongoing supervision, coaching and mentoring
the agility needed to thrive in our ever-changing world. > Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (via Allens Academy)
Early careers at Allens provide highly tailored training > A 12-month legal seminar series (Cornerstone Program)
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. Find out more at allens.com.au/yourcareer
Allens is an independent partnership operating in alliance with Linklaters LLP. 16774D
 FUNDS,SUPER AND WEALTH
PHILLIP MARQUET
ASSOCIATE
ALLENS
The best question I’ve ever been asked about my job is ‘Why
do people need lawyers to manage their superannuation?’
Perhaps this is a sensible question to ask, but I like to think
my job is much more diverse and exciting!
The Funds, Super and Wealth (FSW) team at Allens acts
for some of Australia’s largest superannuation funds on a
wide range of regulatory and investment-related matters.
We also act for a range of other institutional investors, such
as sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and private equity
funds from around the world. In addition, we regularly
provide advice to a range of financial service providers,
including financial planners, fund managers, and insurers.
Our clients manage hundreds of billions of dollars on
behalf of their members, and invest that capital in some
of the most innovative, challenging and exciting projects
in Australia and around the world. Institutional investors
are fast becoming a dominant source of global capital
investment, and are increasingly seeking more active
supervisory and strategic roles in the investments they
make. As a result, the funds sector is a dynamic, fascinating
and growing area of legal specialisation, and our FSW team
is a great place to develop your legal career.
Our clients operate in a highly regulated and specialised
environment, and they need specialist legal advisers
who understand the unique issues they face – whether
in their role as stewards of other people’s money, as
managers of complex fund structures, or as providers of
highly regulated financial products and services. Due to
our multi-disciplinary approach, we’re able to build deep
relationships with clients in this sector by offering access
to expert advisers from across the firm. Our alliance with
Linklaters means that we have unrivalled experience
helping funds clients invest around the world.
65
This approach means that our junior lawyers quickly
develop specialist skills that are in high demand. Typically,
our junior lawyers are involved in the life of a project
from beginning to end, and have an opportunity to build
networks with lawyers across various practice areas and
jurisdictions.
I started at Allens as a graduate in 2015, and I’m highly
motivated by the opportunity to build relationships with
sophisticated clients by working on fantastic projects
together.
In the past year alone, my experience has included:
• advising AustralianSuper, First State Super, Hostplus
and the Future Fund Board of Guardians on a number
of investments across a range of asset classes and
jurisdictions, including in infrastructure, real estate
and private equity;
• working with our property, banking and tax experts
to advise a key client in relation to its investment in a
multi-billion- dollar property redevelopment;
• advising institutional investors on a wide range
of regulatory matters, including Australia’s
superannuation regulatory scheme and anti-money
laundering laws; and
• in conjunction with our Linklaters colleagues in the UK,
providing advice to a Dutch pension fund in relation
to the ongoing management of its investment in
Australian student accommodation projects.
Due to the significant and growing role that the funds
sector plays in the Australian economy and around the
world, you can be sure that with the skills and knowledge
you will gain in this area, you’ll stand out from the crowd.
 INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING
KIMBERLEY MACKAY AND DANIEL MOTE
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER
Arnold Bloch Leibler’s Insolvency & Restructuring
practice has been leading the way as the go-to team for
complex insolvency and restructures. Pre-GFC, we have
been involved in Australia’s leading and transformative
insolvency and restructuring matters for many decades,
including the administration of Ansett Airlines and the
restructurings of Pasminco and Newmont Yandal, just to
name a few.
ABL has not only been involved in the most important
corporate restructures in recent times (including Slater
& Gordon, Centro, Elders, Channel 9 and Alinta), but also
some of the largest and most complicated insolvency,
administration and liquidation matters (Arrium,
Timbercorp, Willmott and Gunns).
The group itself is one of the firm’s multidisciplinary
teams, made up of litigation, corporate and banking &
finance practitioners.
Two distinguishing features of ABL’s insolvency &
restructuring team are its expertise and its size.
The entire leadership team is recognised in industry
awards as leaders in their fields.
The size of the team sitting under these experts is small.
The effect of this is to the ultimate benefit of clerks and
graduates: you will be working closely with some of the
best in the industry.
You will regularly find yourselves sitting in conferences
with clients, attending creditor meetings, involved in
formulating strategy or instructing counsel in Court.
As a clerk, graduate and junior lawyer, you will experience
first-hand what influences decisions to trade on, refinance,
restructure or declare insolvency. And once that decision
is made, you will be intimately involved in implementing
that plan. This level of responsibility may be daunting but
the learning curve is steep and rewarding.
66
“As a banking and finance lawyer, my involvement in an
insolvency and restructuring matter starts at the very
beginning. Understanding the structure, the parties and the
underlying documents and issues at hand are critical in the
early days of a restructuring matter. In my early experience
as a junior lawyer, key decisions and junction points arose
constantly and the partners of ABL looked to my knowledge
and understanding of these matters when formulating and
executing the strategies that were developed for our clients.
Being involved in critical meetings and negotiations as one of
the only junior lawyers in the room was extremely rewarding
and provided me with early exposure to some of the more
complicated and expansive restructurers in Australia. Getting
an insight into how some of Australia’s legal, corporate and
other thought leaders think and approach these matters was
an invaluable experience.”
- Daniel Mote, Senior Associate
“As part of ABL’s litigation insolvency team, I have acted for
liquidators and administrators of some of Australia’s biggest
insolvencies. Most notably, I have been involved in the
liquidation of the Timbercorp, Willmott and Gunns group of
companies. The affairs of these companies were complex, and
trying to untangle them has meant multiple applications to
Court for directions, including one application which found
its way all the way up to the High Court, defending class
actions, and negotiating and mediating disputes with various
stakeholders.”
- Kimberley MacKay, Senior Associate
 INSURANCE LAW
ALLY MCALPINE
LAWYER
THOMSON GEER
I was fortunate to start my career at Thomson Geer as a
seasonal clerk in 2014, before progressing to a graduate
lawyer role in 2016, and finally landing a permanent role
as a lawyer within the firm’s Workplace Insurance and
General Insurance Services group.
Insurance Law
Put simply, we advise insurers on their policies and claims
made by those they insure. This can result in a whole range
of claims from workplace injuries, transport accidents,
asbestos-related disease, property damage and loss and
government insurance to name a few. Generally, firms
specialise in representing the plaintiff or the defendant.
Our firm specialises in representing defendants.
Workplace Insurance
Our practice focuses on WorkCover claims; that is claims
made by injured workers. Seven law firms are included
on the Victorian WorkCover Authority’s “Panel”, including
Thomson Geer. In fact, Thomson Geer is the only firm
to have been part of the Authority’s Panel since 1986.
The Panel is instructed to act on behalf of the Authority
with respect to all WorkCover claims made in Victoria by
injured workers. We also represent self-insurers which are
generally larger corporations who have been approved by
the Authority to manage their own workers’ compensation
claims and liabilities.
How junior lawyers can benefit from working in Insurance
Law
Every day in insurance law is different. On any given day,
I could be preparing for a mediation, attending court,
interviewing witnesses, visiting the scene of an accident,
or drafting complex advice. The Authority is the biggest
litigator in the State of Victoria and as a result, the claims
that come in are varied in nature and require analysis
across many aspects of Civil Procedure, Evidence, and
Torts law.
67
Our practice is either busy or very busy! The benefit
of working within a statutory scheme is that you are
generally given notice of deadlines well in advance. This
means it is easier to plan your work schedule – not to
mention your social life!
Junior practitioners in our group attend and appear in the
Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on a weekly basis. We are
also tasked with preparing submissions for mediations and
negotiations. Whilst this can be daunting, it gives junior
lawyers the opportunity to develop strong advocacy skills
and confidence in speaking in front of a busy court room
or a room of senior lawyers and counsel.
All things considered, the best part of working in this group
is the autonomy I’m given as a junior practitioner. From day
one, I was given my own file load to work collaboratively
with my supervising partner on, to formulate a strategy
for each file.
Whilst you are given autonomy in this role, you are also
provided with supervision and mentoring by some of
the most experienced and pre-eminent lawyers in the
jurisdiction. Our group has a strong mentoring culture and
despite busy file loads, every practitioner always has time
to answer queries from junior team members.
Who would suit Insurance Law?
If your strengths lie in legal analysis, time management,
and interpersonal skills, this could be the career for
you. If you enjoy learning people’s stories, utilising
some detective and investigative skills, and working
collaboratively with a team, insurance law can offer you
rewarding work.
If you want to learn more about insurance law, you can
always head down to court and listen in on some hearings
and trials. Or of course, you can contact our HR department
who could put you in touch with a lawyer in our group to
speak more on the work they do. Lawyers love coffee and
speaking about work they are passionate about – so don’t
be shy to ask!
SHARE OUR VISION
SHAPE YOUR FUTURE

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa
and the Middle East.
We are a law firm with momentum. Over the past decade, DLA Piper has undergone
rapid expansion, responding to global markets and helping our clients deliver on their
business strategies. In doing so, we are uniquely placed to provide our people with the
global career opportunities they are looking for.
In Australia we are trusted legal advisors to approximately a third of the ASX I 00
companies and all levels of government. We have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
and Perth.

IT’S IN OUR DNA
At its heart, DLA Piper is an entrepreneurial and
dynamic firm. We have a supportive and performance
based culture founded on the diversity of our people, the
communities we operate in and the clients we work with.
WINNING
1 Global M&A volume: DLA Piper has retained its
number one ranking globally for overall deal volume by
mergermarket for the seventh consecutive year.
#3 Global brand: DLA Piper ranked third on the Acritas
Global Elite Brand Index 2016.
+1,000: The world’s leading legal directories have named
more than 1,000 of our lawyers and practices among the
best in their fields.
In Australia, we are recognised as an Employer of
Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender
Equality Agency.
We are also members of the Tristan Jepson Memorial
Foundation, supporting workplace psychological health
and safety.
YOUR OPPORTUNITIES
We provide cutting-edge learning and development
programs, and an opportunity to work alongside some of
the best legal minds around.
As a clerk, you can expect to have a varied experience
both in and outside the office. You will gain
first-hand experience in the practice of law by doing
real legal work.
Joining us as a clerk is your path to a Graduate position.
At DLA Piper we recruit to retain and once you qualify, we
will continue to offer you exceptional career opportunities,
in an environment that is challenging, rewarding and,
we believe, truly different from our competitors.
We are also committed to supporting our people’s desire
to experience working life in other parts of the world.
For our Graduates we offer the opportunity to apply
for a six month rotation to one of our offices in Asia.
We believe our secondment program fosters a global
mind-set and is critical to our success.
WHAT IT TAKES
Being an excellent lawyer requires more than just
comprehensive technical knowledge. Every aspect of
our approach is tailored carefully to our clients, their
business needs and industry. Successful applicants are not
only bright, as demonstrated through strong academics,
but they also bring unique life experiences and insights
to the table. Our lawyers are excellent communicators,
collaborative team players and commercially minded,
because our clients are the core of our business.
For more information about our clerkship
opportunities, please visit
www.dlapipergraduates.com
MAY17 | 3212464
 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
JESSE BUCHAN
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
DLA PIPER
What’s your name and job title? What did you study? When
did you graduate?
Jessie Buchan, Senior Associate
Bachelor of Communications – University of Newcastle
(2004 - 2006)
Bachelor of Laws (Hons) – University of Sydney (2007 -
2009)
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Avoca Beach, NSW. Avoca is a coastal town
around 1 - 1.5 hours north of Sydney. Surfing was a huge
part of my life and upbringing and I surfed competitively
throughout my senior school years. I contemplated
pursuing competitive surfing as a career (my brother is
a professional surfer), however I decided against it and
ended up going to university instead – very different
career paths! I went to school at Barker College (Hornsby)
and graduated in 2002. After graduating, I took one year
off to travel in Europe and ended up working in London in
hospitality for a few months. Travel has been an integral
part of my life and I learnt from a very young age how
important it is for your mind and soul.
How did you get to your current job position? For how long
have you had it?
I have been at DLA Piper for just over five years now. Prior
to that, I was at Blake Dawson (now Ashurst) which is
where I did my summer clerkship, graduate rotations and
eventually settled as a lawyer.
Melinda Upton (IPT Partner and Co-Country Managing
Partner, DLA Piper) interviewed me for my summer
clerkship at Blake Dawson and I worked with her as a
graduate and lawyer. I was incredibly lucky to be offered
the opportunity to continue to work with her when she
came to DLA Piper and I continue to work with her and a
fantastic group of people and lawyers.
How did you choose your specialisation (compared to
others)? / Were you weighing up any other alternatives
before choosing this specialisation?
When I was studying law at university, I became
instinctively attracted to IP. My strengths at school were
always more focused on the creative and artistic subjects,
and I felt as if IP complemented those strengths fairly well.
IP touches upon so many different areas of law and life,
and I felt that this area presented the best opportunity for
me to pursue my creative interests in the legal profession.
I enjoyed the other rotations I had as a summer clerk and
graduate, however I was always drawn to IP.
69
What was your interview process like? What kind of
questions were you asked?
My interview process as a summer clerk was some time ago
so I must admit I can’t recall the specifics! I do remember
it was thorough, and I was of course quite nervous,
which is a good thing! From what I can remember, the
questions really focused on my personal and educational
background, interest in law and non-academic credentials.
I interviewed with a number of firms, and the questions
and pace varied. However, overall, I found the experience
incredibly rewarding and beneficial.
Suppose a student was considering your career. What
would you advise them to study? Are there any soft skills
it would beneficial for them to develop? Should they
pursue any sort of work experience?
If you are interested in IP, then it would be helpful to take
IP as a subject however this is not crucial. To be honest, I
always tell juniors that the most important skills they need
to excel in this job are good soft and interpersonal skills.
It’s a given that people studying law are ‘academically’
intelligent, however I often see that many juniors lack
the interpersonal skills to succeed in this job. By that I
mean they need to be driven, ambitious, personable, able
to communicate well and take initiative. I am much more
inclined to spend time investing in a junior who possesses
those skills and demonstrates they can work well in a
team, as opposed to someone who finds it difficult to work
well with others and engage with people and clients.
YOUR WORK
What does your employer do?
I work at DLA Piper in Australia. DLA Piper is a global
law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries
throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa
and Asia Pacific, positioning us to help clients with their
legal needs around the world.
What are your areas of responsibility?
I am a Senior Associate in the Intellectual Property and
Technology team. My practice is focused on all aspects of
intellectual property branding, with a particular emphasis
on brand protection, exploitation and enforcement, both in
Australia and globally. My brand protection, exploitation
and enforcement experience also extends to advising
local, regional and global companies on branding and
rebranding strategies and maximising their intellectual
property portfolios. I also have extensive experience in
representing clients in multi-jurisdictional patent disputes
in the life sciences and mobile communications sectors,
and have acted in a number of patent infringement and
revocation cases involving various inventions.
Can you describe a typical work day?
One of the best aspects about working in IP is that there is
no typical work day! Throughout the course of every day
I am advising a multitude of clients on various different
matters ranging from providing trade mark availability and
infringement advice, advising on domain name disputes,
conducting a compliance review for advertising and
marketing copy, preparing court pleadings for infringement
actions in the Federal Court and providing strategic advice
on global brand protection strategies. I work with our
international colleagues in Asia, the US and Europe every
day, and frequently attend calls in the early morning or
evening – in Australia we always draw the short end of
the straw when it comes to time zones!
What sort of person succeeds in your career?
Someone who is resilient, dedicated, ambitious and driven
to succeed. Self-confidence is also key, plus the ability to
project and portray confidence so you can engender trust
with clients.
What are the career prospects with your job? Where could
you or others in your position go from here?
The beauty about law is that it can take you anywhere – it
opens up so many career opportunities, whether those be
in law or otherwise. The most obvious immediate pathway
is into private practice, and the key benefit this provides
is the opportunity to develop your skills and network.
The other obvious alternative is in-house with a company
or organisation. This will provide greater access to the
business, and real scope to progress into management and
leadership roles beyond the day-to-day of being a lawyer.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Most definitely. Provided you meet all of the formal
educational qualification requirements, there should be
nothing stopping you!
PROS AND CONS
What do you love the most about your job? Which kind of
task do you enjoy the most?
I love the fact that my job has enabled me to work with
clients and brands that I care about and have a close
affinity with. In IP we are lucky enough to work with a
diverse number of clients across various sectors, from Life
Sciences to Fashion & Retail, Hospitality & Leisure. We
work for brands that we know, and consume, and we get
70
the opportunity to work with them as they embark on
new growth strategies and directions, whether that be in
different locations or fields.
The tasks I enjoy the most are where I get the opportunity
to work together with a team member to deliver a great
outcome for the client, or where I see we make a genuine
and meaningful difference to help solve a client’s issue
or problem.
What’s the biggest limitation of your job? Do you bear a
lot of responsibility? Do you have to work on weekends?
Are the stress levels high?
One of the biggest limitations at the moment, as has
always been the case for all lawyers, is the billable
hour. Incentivising value based on this metric has its
challenges, for professionals and clients alike. Clients are
placing increased pressure on their law firms to engage
in more meaningful ways, act as the ‘trusted advisor’ and
provide value beyond impeccable legal advice. Law firms
themselves are also facing increased pressure to adapt
in the face of increased investments by companies on in-
house legal teams, a shift away from billable hours to
alternate fee structures and the rise of non-traditional and
disruptive competitors. It also remains to be seen how
artificial intelligence will shape the way law firms deliver
legal advice. As you become more senior in your role, it
becomes increasingly more important to invest in business
and career development – juggling this along with other
pressures, and family life, definitely has its challenges!
Yes I do bear a lot of responsibility and sometimes this
entails working on weekends. However, this is only when
absolutely necessary and there is never any pressure to
do this in the absence of a real and pressing need. This
job can definitely be stressful at times, however this is not
unlike many others therefore it is not unique in this regard.
Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle amongst the
daily pressures is therefore essential!
Which three pieces of advice would you give to a current
university student?
Always trust your instinct.
Be true to yourself and who you are as a person. Be the
same person in and outside of the workplace, and don’t
compromise your values or integrity for anything or
anyone.
Respect everyone and don’t forget that respect goes both
ways. No matter how senior you are, respect must always
be earnt and is never a given.
 MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
ELIZA MCDONALD
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
BAKER MCKENZIE
After completing my three rotations in Corporate, Dispute
Resolution and Banking & Finance as a Graduate, I chose
to pursue my career in our Corporate team, specifically
undertaking Mergers & Acquisitions work (or ‘M&A’ as
it is more commonly known). I chose to pursue this area
of law as I found it rewarding to be a part of cutting
edge transactions which shaped our clients’ businesses
- particularly well known local and global clients which
were frequently in the media. I also really liked the variety
of work and industries which I dealt with.
Over the last five or so years, as an M&A lawyer at Baker
McKenzie, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a number of
high-profile, complex, multi-jurisdictional deals. My work
has primarily focussed on private M&A work, in particular
global carve outs, which has provided exposure to large
sophisticated clients who are innovative and challenging
in their deal making. Our Corporate team also undertakes
public M&A, Capital Markets and Global Reorganisations
work and Graduates and Seasonal Clerks who rotate
through the group are generally able to experience all of
these areas and actively get involved in transactions (not
just limited to due diligence!).
What I love about the work is that it’s always interesting.
I’ve worked with a diverse array of companies across the
globe, from Venezuela to Taiwan, and each new company
has its own risks and drivers to understand in order to
advise them. It is crucial that M&A lawyers understand
these risks and drivers, together with their clients’
industries, to best undertake work such as due diligence
and drafting of agreements which are key components
of a transaction.
I’ve also had the opportunity to work for some of my
clients over a number of years and have developed
more specialised knowledge in the sectors in which
they operate, which is integral to building strong client
relationships. It has also been fascinating to learn about a
range of industries such as the industrial and fast-moving
consumer goods sectors.
M&A also provides exposure to a full gamut of legal
issues. We frequently work with other specialists within
the Firm, whether it be our tax colleagues giving advice
which impacts on the transaction structure, employment
colleagues facilitating the transfer of employees in a
business acquisition, or obtaining competition approval
to complete a deal.
This level of collaboration is not just limited to Australia.
Baker McKenzie specialises in cross-border transactions
and we routinely work with our overseas colleagues to
manage legal issues in multiple jurisdictions.
71
Baker McKenzie prides itself on its global network (with
78 offices in 47 countries) and the global mobility of its
lawyers. As a third-year lawyer, I had the great opportunity
to experience this first-hand when I was seconded to our
London office for two years as part of the Firm’s Associate
Training Program.
This program provided me with the opportunity to live
and work in London and extend my legal and business
experience in new jurisdictions. While I had regularly
been involved in cross-border and global transactions
while working in the Melbourne office, I experienced
the global nature of the Firm to an even greater extent
during my time in the London office. It was quite common
for our London office to run a transaction where no
material element of the transaction related to any of the
jurisdictions in the UK. This is because many European
deals are governed by English law and/or a large number
of head offices of our clients are based in London.
Accordingly, I extended my experience to many other
jurisdictions beyond the UK - for example, during my time
in London I worked on a large number of South American
transactions and dealt with clients and our offices across
that region on almost a daily basis!
During my time with the Corporate team in London, I
was also involved in several deals which enabled me to
gain experience working on large global carve outs while
developing personal and professional relationships with
my colleagues in cities such as Guadalajara, Santiago, New
York, Amsterdam, Casablanca, Taipei, Manila, Hong Kong
and Caracas, just to name a few. I still stay in touch with
many of these colleagues today and it has been great to
have a point of contact if I am working on a deal involving
these offices.
The opportunity to develop personal connections with
my overseas colleagues has been further enhanced
through the Firm’s regional training programs, which
bring together Associates from across the Asia Pacific
region to further enhance our professional development
and business development skills through knowledge
sharing and co-operation. In addition, whilst based in
our London office, I also attended regional M&A training
held in Barcelona, which provided me with a wonderful
opportunity to understand the comparative law positions
of the various jurisdictions throughout the European,
Middle East & Africa region and also the current trends
in M&A.
If you are commercially focussed and enjoy working on
challenging, varied work across a range of industries, I
recommend a career in M&A. And, for a dynamic legal
career that will literally take you places, join our team at
Baker McKenzie Australia!
 PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE
PETER MITCHELL,
PARTNER, REAL ESTATE
MINTERELLISON
One of the great things about practicing in this area is that
you are often dealing with the urban fabric of the city -
with places and buildings you know. You can be working
for Development Victoria on the Melbourne Docklands
development and go for a walk through the Docklands;
when shopping at Chadstone you can point to the shops
you have leased when acting for the owner of the centre
and when you read about the redevelopment of Moonee
Valley Racing Club, you can say that you were involved.
The work can often have a political angle to it, requiring
you to anticipate what the Government’s response might
be to a proposed development. It can also involve working
for the Government to develop and implement some of
its policies – for example some of the affordable housing
and innovative urban infill developments that the State
government sponsor.
Another exciting aspect of the work is that you are
often involved at the very early stages of proposed
developments. This means the legal advisors are
involved in determining strategies to minimise delays and
objections and liaising with the government right from the
conception of the development. If the objections cannot
be resolved, inevitably the matter ends up before VCAT
with the opportunity to be involved in a contested hearing.
So you have the opportunity of following the matter right
through from start to finish.
You will be dealing with a range of people – architects,
planning consultants, engineers and environmental
experts, to name a few. Your advice therefore needs to be
clear, concise and, of course, accurate.
The practice also has highly regarded stream-leasing and
conveyancing teams which provide excellent training
for junior lawyers. Junior lawyers have the opportunity,
under the supervision of a senior lawyer, to run their own
files with all the responsibility and satisfaction that this
provides.
72
One of the challenges you face when advising on
environmental and planning matters is that the law is so
dynamic and heavily influenced by political developments
at all levels of the government. The advice needs to
consider statutes, case law and ever changing government
policy. It is also very varied, you end up dealing with
everything from the habitat of the stripped legless lizard
through to remediating contaminated land.
While the Real Estate Group does a lot of “stand alone”
work, often it is working in conjunction with other
practice groups within the firm. This provides an excellent
opportunity to interact with the other practice groups
and see what they do. The real estate, development, sale,
purchase and planning and environmental components
of any deal are invariably significant and so your role is
usually front and centre.
The Real Estate Group in Melbourne is one of the largest,
if not the largest, real estate practice group in Victoria.
The size of the group means that the group always has
3 or 4 graduates, who are provided with a wide range
of work. Our clerks are aligned with partners or senior
associates, this is a great way to learn and be involved in
active matters the group are working on. During clerkships,
there is also the opportunity to attend client meetings,
undertake site visits and work across development,
planning & environment as well as leasing areas.
Interested? Get involved:
• Study relevant subjects such as property law,
negotiation, environmental law, planning law and
contract law
• Follow industry bodies such as the Property Council
of Australia, the Environment Institute of Australia
and the Victorian Environment and Planning Law
Association
 PUBLIC LAW
SIMON D’ANGELO
LAWYER
MADDOCKS
Maddocks has one of the largest and most experienced
Administrative Law teams in Australia. Since its foundation
over 130 years ago, we have demonstrated a consistent
focus on servicing the three tiers of Australian government,
across the firm. The Administrative Law division sits
within our Public Law team, made up of a dynamic and
skilled group of practitioners with 16 partners and over
36 lawyers across our Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra
offices.
Broadly speaking, administrative law defines the
boundaries of powers and responsibilities held by
administrative agencies of Australian governments. We
work closely with ministers, public servants, parliamentary
committees, government departments, agencies, statutory
authorities and government-owned corporations. We
regularly advise governments on a diverse range of
administrative and public law issues. These include:
• enforcement and the exercise of powers and functions;
• prosecutions;
• regulation and compliance;
• government liability and risk management;
• policy and strategy;
• legislative reform, draf ting and statutor y
interpretation;
• freedom of information;
• public sector employment and industrial relations;
and
• privacy and dispute resolution.
Maddocks has a well-established reputation for providing
wide-ranging and timely advice in this area. In addition to
our Melbourne office we established our Sydney practice
in 2002 with a continued government focus. Further,
2012 saw the inception of our Canberra practice, with
the express purpose of servicing the rising needs of our
Commonwealth clients.
73
At a technical level, Maddocks invests in continually
developing the core areas of legal expertise most
relevant to government departments, statutory authorities
and other publicly-owned organisations. Many of our
Maddocks partners and staff have worked previously in
public sector organisations. This contributes to Maddocks’
appreciation of the complexities associated with
Australian governments executing their responsibilities
and obligations and the importance of providing effective
legal services.
Being a part of the Maddocks Public Law team allows
junior lawyers, graduates and seasonal clerks the
opportunity to assist meaningfully in a diverse range of
matters. By virtue of working with government clients, you
will often be working on a number of high-profile matters,
each raising unique legal, commercial and practical issues.
As a seasonal clerk you will be involved in all aspects of
the Public Law team. Some of these tasks include:
• drafting correspondence including letters of advice;
• conducting legal research and drafting memorandums
on novel points of law;
• assisting in the drafting of submissions to government
and law reform bodies;
• drafting affidavits and other court documents;
• attending tribunals such as VCAT and assisting with
the required preparation; and
• writing eAlerts and other articles about administrative
law.
Whilst you may have completed an administrative law
subject at university, it is certainly not a prerequisite to
undertake a seasonal clerkship or graduate rotation in the
Public Law team at Maddocks. You will learn significantly
from your experience within the firm and are provided
with dependable support from your colleagues.
 SPORTS LAW
SIMON MERRITT
LAWYER
LANDER & ROGERS
More than just a game, sport is big business, with millions
(and sometimes billions) of dollars turned over by large
sports in Australia and beyond. Accordingly, now more
than ever, sports organisations require legal assistance to
succeed in this increasingly complex area.
Lander & Rogers’ Sports Business Group is a market
leading sports, tourism and leisure legal practice that is
focussed entirely on the broader sports sector. We provide
legal advice and representation to a broad range of
sporting organisations, including national and state sports
organisations, professional clubs, venues, Government
tourism and events authorities and many more.
Since joining the Sports Business Group four years ago,
some of my personal career highlights have included:
• instructing in an Olympic selection appeal in the
Court of Arbitration for Sport for the Rio 2016 Olympic
Games;
• assisting in the ASADA supplements investigation and
subsequent prosecution of the Cronulla Sharks rugby
league club;
• assisting with the creation and establishment of Nitro
Athletics;
• advising a national sports organisation in relation to
its unification under a single entity and subsequent
deregistration of the various State/Territory bodies;
• advising on and drafting major sponsorship
agreements; and
• negotiating with the NBA regarding the establishment
of a Global Centre of Excellence at the Australian
Institute of Sport.
As a lawyer in the Sports Business Group you have the
opportunity to work with experts in this field of law, many
of whom have assisted in the development of the industry
and the practice of law in this area.
74
The work we do is broad, incorporates front and back-end
work and includes:
• providing advice on appropriate governance,
management and constitutional structures;
• drafting commercial contracts and agreements,
including in relation to sponsorship, venue hire and
procurement;
• mergers and acquisitions within the industry, including
gaming venues;
• risk management and insurance;
• policy development in areas such as integrity
(including anti-doping, corruption and match-fixing),
member protection, privacy or selection of athletes;
• dispute resolution, tribunals and litigation including
Court of Arbitration for Sport matters;
• advice on the development, protection and
exploitation of sports rights, intellectual property,
and broadcast and new media rights;
• advice on personal injury and negligence in sport;
• competition and consumer law issues; and
• advice on competition and league structures.
The approach in our team is collaborative and collegiate,
and as a lawyer you are involved in a high level of client
interaction, with opportunities to travel and undertake a
multitude of business development activities.
Much like sport itself, the pursuit of sports law is fast-
paced and requires dedication and hard work in order to
acquire the specialist legal knowledge and understanding
of the sports, leisure and tourism industries and the issues
affecting them.
That being said, the rewards can be immense, and it is
always nice to be able to look at a newspaper article or
watch a sporting event knowing that you played some
small part in its development and administration.
 TAXATION LAW
TODD BROMWICH
LAWYER
HALL & WILCOX
Why taxation law?
My colleague’s university lecturer once described taxation
law as “a haven for social awkward legal abstractionists”.
While there can be an element of truth underlying some
stereotypes, this one misses the mark (mostly).
Taxation law comprises a huge number of quite diverse
areas of law, each very different in how it operates and
seeks to achieve its policy goal. It also operates in tandem
with a range of other areas of law including property,
corporate law, trusts and contracts. Taxation law in
practice isn’t just legislative and judicial interpretation. A
tax lawyer’s work will typically comprise both the front-
end work of tax structuring and advisory, and the back-end
work of taxation disputes. It’s because of this diversity
in subject matter and role that taxation law can appeal
to people with wholly different interests, abilities and
approaches to legal practice.
Taxation law is constantly changing and evolving at the
fringes, while the core principles remain fairly steady. This
gives young lawyers the opportunity to quickly develop
expertise in developing areas while maintaining a broad
knowledge of multiple taxation regimes. It also requires
us to develop and apply a depth of technical expertise and
commercial acumen to our matters in order to reach the
best outcome for our clients.
Our work
We provide a wide range of tax structuring, advisory
and dispute management services. This means each
team member’s day to day work can be quite varied.
One day I could be drafting rollover agreements and
trust distribution resolutions, the next day I could be
establishing a charitable body and applying for tax
exemptions, and the next I could be preparing a response
to an ATO position paper or working on a Federal Court
appeal.
If you’re thinking of trying your hand as a tax lawyer
then don’t worry, you won’t be stuffed in a darkened back
room with a few geeks and a handful of spreadsheets. The
diverse nature of our work gives us a great opportunity
to work with and get to know every team in the firm
and in particular our Property & Projects, Corporate &
Commercial, Banking & Financial Services, Private Clients
and Commercial Dispute Resolution teams. Through this
we get to know people across the firm and get some great
exposure to others areas of law.
75
The high volume of taxation disputes we manage means
that we are constantly engaging with all federal, state and
territory taxation authorities. While our taxation disputes
work is managed internally by our team, if a dispute makes
it to the Federal Court or the AAT we work hand in hand
with our Commercial Dispute Resolution team to manage
this process.
Our team
Our Tax team is relatively large for a legal practice and
is spread across our Melbourne and Sydney offices. We
maintain one of the most well-respected tax practices in
Melbourne and have a long history of working with the
Board of Taxation and the Federal Government to shape
new legislation.
We are a very social team, with regular team events in
addition to the wider firm events and we also encourage
our team members to embrace flexible working practices.
This includes working from home or clients’ offices and
sitting with other teams in the firm when you’re working
on larger multidisciplinary matters.
Our main areas of practice
Our team’s work covers the full spectrum of taxation
regimes including income tax, international tax, thin
capitalisation, tax consolidation, capital gains tax, transfer
pricing, stamp duty, GST and other Federal and State
taxes. We advise on standalone tax issues, as well as part
of a multidisciplinary team working on M&A transactions,
tax disputes and other major projects.
Our clients are predominantly high net worth individuals
and families, investment funds, charities and domestic
and international corporations. We have particular in-
depth knowledge of tax issues impacting banking, funds,
insurance, property, construction, telecommunications,
media and technology and agribusiness.
Prerequisites
There are absolutely no prerequisites to practising
taxation law. Accounting degrees, a good understanding
of, or even a general interest in tax law are all things that
are helpful, but are also things I didn’t have when I started
out. The clerks and grads who do well in our team all have
three things in common - a natural curiosity, the ability
and willingness to question rather than to take at face
value, and the ability to break down and grind through a
problem. If you work on developing and practising these
traits, you’ll do fine.
At Maddocks, we are looking for people who want to make a difference.

Since 1885, we have assisted our clients in matters of importance to them, engaged with the communities in which
we operate by supporting organisations and individuals who need assistance, and to invest in our people as they
pursue their career goals.

Our approach has led to a sustained period of growth and expansion.

Find out how you can join Maddocks and make a difference at graduates.maddocks.com.au
 TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA AND
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
GEOFF MCGRATH
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
ASHURST
For me, being able to work in a technology practice was the
perfect crossover between my legal education and a keen
interest in all sorts of new technologies. What you find is
that TMT (technology, media and telecommunications) is
an area where you are constantly learning new things. You
don’t need to be an engineer or computer programmer to
get involved and advise on some of the most interesting
and cutting-edge technologies out there, and your role as
a lawyer is often to think about how the law evolves to
deal with these new technologies.
The work that you do as a TMT lawyer can be as broad as
the technologies you work with, and it is changing every
day – sometimes in areas where the law is still trying to
play catch up.
One day you might be helping to develop smart contracting
advice for a fintech company or bank, the next working
on delivering internet connectivity over an international
submarine cable. The day after that, you could be helping
negotiate the agreements for the technologies required
for a virtual power plant.
Plenty of work in the TMT area focuses on technology
contracting and more and more technology contracts
underpin major projects with the largest corporates.
Working with these companies on large and complex
outsourcing agreements, software development projects
and all things ‘cloud’. In the telecommunications area, your
work might cover Australia’s national broadband network
or telecommunications licensing issues, and in the media
space you may have the chance to work on defamation
claims for media outlets and technology companies.
Another area is the rapidly changing data and privacy
space. Recent changes to privacy laws in Australia and
abroad, along with the increasing value of large sets of
data. There is the opportunity to work on high profile data
breaches as well as projects touching on interesting data
technologies, such as the use of big data and machine
learning. One of the things I love about this area is the
range of new and interesting matters you have the chance
to be involved in – the work can be a learning experience
every time.
There are plenty of opportunities to work on the disputes
side of the fence, however most of my work in TMT tends
to be non-contentious or “front end” work. A typical day
might include attending negotiations with a technology
provider on an information technology services agreement
with a client, working with colleagues in London on a
large corporate project and advising another client on
various privacy issues related to their use of customer
data. You have the opportunity to attend and participate
77
in contract negotiations from an early stage, and even
if you knew nothing about the project at the start, after
spending three months immersed in all the nuances of the
agreement it is amazing how much you end up learning in
some very technical areas.
The Ashurst TMT team (also called Digital Economy)
has worked for many of the biggest technology and
telecommunications companies in the world on a wide
range of matters, from disputes to global advisory projects
and various other matters. The partners are very well
regarded in their field and the team has top rankings for
Australia and a number of other regions.
The team however is incredibly down to earth. Partners
and senior lawyers are open to support you, bounce
questions off and seek advice from, and you will get to
work closely with other team members at various levels
on deals and large projects. We often work closely with
other areas of the firm such as the Intellectual Property
team, and graduates in the team get to experience both
the Intellectual Property and TMT areas.
The team also works collaboratively across Australia and
our international offices. I work regularly with colleagues
in our Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and London
offices, and have sought advice from the Ashurst network
in Europe and Asia.
One of the great benefits of working for an international
firm is that there are opportunities to travel across the
Ashurst network. I have colleagues that have travelled to
Japan, London, Singapore and Hong Kong for secondments
and shorter trips throughout their time at the firm, and
it is also an opportunity offered early on in your career,
sometimes as a rotation through the graduate programme.
The other opportunity offered to you is the chance to go
on a secondment with clients, something that I have had
the chance to do twice in my time at Ashurst. This is a
great way to experience another side of legal practice,
develop new networks and embed yourself in a new
company to see the range of work that they do.
Whether the TMT practice is for you or not, I think it is a
great area for anyone to experience. With the incredible
amount of innovative new technologies being developed
every year, it is an area that will certainly become more
important in the future, and you get to be involved in some
really cutting-edge projects. Even if you’re not a ‘techie’
there’s definitely a lot about the TMT area that can catch
your interest!
Your journey
continues with
a world-class
Graduate Program

Market-leading work ‒ across borders. And a global

Ready to explore
approach to development. Our Graduates want the best
foundation for their career ‒ just like you. We’ve been our world?
developing our Graduates into exceptional, global lawyers
for more than 50 years.
Natalie Mascarenhas +61 3 9617 4349
natalie.mascarenhas@bakermckenzie.com
Become a world-class lawyer.
Join the firm that was born global.

www.bakermckenzie.com/australia#careers

Find us at Find us on
@BakersAUS Facebook
 BE PART OF
OUR STORY
I remember walking into the first day of my This was bolstered by the aptly designed
clerkship at Gilbert + Tobin and I honestly training program throughout the clerkship.
had no idea what to expect. It was the first The training was not only designed to help
of my clerkships and I chose to clerk at develop your legal skills, but emphasised
G+T based on what my gut told me – it the firm’s focus on innovation. There
appeared to have a great culture and they was a training session in coding skills and
were doing exceptional work. G+T did not a design jam, which tested our comfort
disappoint. levels, and demonstrated the firm’s
awareness that the modern lawyer needs
I heard a lot of people use the word culture
to be more than just technically proficient
during the clerkship application period, but
to meet the demands of the marketplace.
I don’t think I truly understood it until I was
able to work in a firm. I was placed for four I found that having a smaller group of
weeks in the Competition & Regulation clerks was another benefit to the G+T
team and from the first day at my desk clerkship program. We all got to know
I was made to feel not just as a summer each other well, the training sessions were
clerk, but as a valued and genuine member quite personal, which I think made them
of the team. more effective, and I didn’t just feel like
I was another number.
Outside of the team I clerked in, there
were always lawyers from the other I am glad I followed my instincts and
practice groups keen to take you for a chose to clerk at G+T. I had a fantastic
coffee and give you an insight into their four weeks made up of great work, great
work. It wasn’t just the fact that people training and great people.
were friendly that made the culture at G+T
stand out, it was the fact that people were Peter Sergi, 2017/2018 Summer Clerk
genuine. Everyone was so dedicated to
their work, yet always happy to have a chat
or a laugh.
G+T fosters a culture of its junior lawyers
being involved in real work from the
beginning. The various tasks I was assigned
during my clerkship were challenging, but
the support and encouragement from my
team pushed me to want to perform at
my best.

Find out more at

GTLAW.COM.AU
 FIRM
PROFILES
 ALLENS
MANREET SINGH, GRADUATE RESOURCING CONSULTANT
LEVEL 37, 101 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE
student.careers@allens.com.au; 03 9613 4000

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

TOTAL NUMBER OF Approximately 80 in Melbourne.

CLERKS
TOTAL NUMBER OF Approximately 80 - 90 nationally.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH Two 12-month rotations in two different practice groups before specialising.
OF GRADUATE
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP PERIODS Summer 1: November – December 2018;
2018/2019 Summer 2: January – February 2019; and
Winter: June – July 2019.

ELIGIBILITY We welcome applications from penultimate and final year students. International
students can also apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS Online application: applicants are required to submit a copy of their cover letter,
CV, academic transcript and valid visa (if applicable).

Two online survey components, a cocktail/networking event and one face-to-face

interview.
ABLE TO DEFER A Offered on a case by case basis, generally accepted.
GRADUATE OFFER?

Allens Overview view of what needs to be achieved at each level.

Work with us and you’ll discover it’s our approach that
sets us apart as much as our expertise. We’re supportive,
open-minded and passionate. With a deep understanding
of our clients, we tackle problems from every angle and
we’ll do whatever it takes to find a solution. It’s that
unwavering commitment that continually builds our
expertise and ensures we sustain and enhance long-term
client relationships. While our history proves what we’re
capable of, we’re not complacent. We will continue to
shape the future with and for our clients, our people and
our communities.
It takes determination, energy and talent to make it to the
top of the legal profession. We’ll give you access to the
best training and support to help you get there. At Allens,
there will be ongoing opportunities to make an impact and
drive your career. It’s up to you to make the most of them.
Our lawyers are rewarded on expertise, competence and
performance rather than time with the firm. You’ll be
encouraged to develop skills that extend beyond technical
excellence. And you’ll help others to do the same. We’ll
make sure that you are ready for each promotion with
individual career planning, focused training and a clear
For our legal professionals, careers at Allens are a two-way
deal. You’ll be expected to work hard, be driven to succeed
and committed to excellence. We’ll be focused on your
development and support your career aspirations in return.
Clerkship Program
Our clerkships are designed to give students first-hand
exposure to life as a lawyer at Allens. Our clerks get
involved in work as soon as they arrive, working alongside
lawyers and partners and their peers. The day-to-day
tasks our clerks get are similar to those of a junior lawyer,
including attending court hearings and client meetings.
You’ll work with some of the most experienced lawyers in
Australia and experience first-hand the type of work you
could do as a lawyer with us. You’ll get to work as part of a
team on real matters for our clients. If you’re driven, make
the most of the opportunity and get to know our people,
you’ll thrive during a clerkship with us. Your development
supervisor and buddy will be there to support you and
help you grow. Our clerkship program is a stepping stone
to bigger things. Many clerks go on to become graduates
with us.

81
Graduate Program
Join our graduate program and embark on a journey of
lifelong professional development. You’re in control
of your own learning, so you’ll have the flexibility to
drive your career with your development supervisor
and performance coach as ongoing support. During the
graduate program, you’ll learn from some of the sharpest
legal minds in Australia. As a Graduate, you’ll complete
two 12-month rotations in different practice areas. At
Allens, we don’t work in silos, so you won’t be limited
to working with only one Partner or by your practice
areas. There’s no substitute for the depth of insight that
comes from working with different teams. You’ll work on
complex transactions with leading organisations. And
you’ll have the opportunity to apply for an international
secondment via our Linklaters alliance. You’ll benefit from
the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice program, practical
legal seminars during our Cornerstone program, an online
learning portal, a personalised induction program and on-
the-job training to unlock your potential. We’ll work with
you to build a strong foundation of skills and develop the
agility needed to become an excellent lawyer and thrive
in our ever-changing world.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
Broadly, we have seven practice groups operating
across eleven sectors. This gives us depth and breadth
of expertise, and offers our people more scope when it
comes to choosing the area in which they want to work.
Our practice groups include:
• Corporate
• Disputes and Investigations
• Banking and Finance
• Tax
• Competition, Consumer and Regulatory
• Projects and Development
• Intellectual Property and Patents and Trademark
Attorneys
Key Values of Allens
Excellence, Integrity, Respect, Performance and One
Firm.
What distinguishes Allens from others?
Working together and working together well: there’s an
important difference. It’s a given that we work on complex
82
multi-jurisdictional projects across Australia and the world
through our strategic alliance with Linklaters. But it’s how
we do it that makes us different. We work as one team,
collaborating across practice areas and disciplines to solve
complex problems and build great relationships. It’s what
makes Allens a great place to work.
Our people play a huge part in our success. We attract
and develop exceptional talent and we welcome diversity
and individuality. You’ll be given opportunities to grow,
learn and succeed, but it’s up to you to make the most of
them. We’re well aware that your job satisfaction and our
success go hand in hand. You’ll be involved in high-profile,
complex work and we’ll provide the very best training
throughout your career. We’ll reward your commitment
to learning with the flexibility to drive your own career.
What does Allens look for in a seasonal clerk?
We’re proud that there isn’t an ‘Allens’ type’. We know
that diverse perspectives help solve complex problems,
strengthen teams and enrich client relationships. The
more you enjoy working with a diverse range of people,
the greater your success will be.
While we celebrate our differences, it’s important to
understand what unites us. These are attributes that our
people have in common. These help us to succeed as a
team and individually:
• Initiative: a curious mind is vital. The more adaptable
you’re able to be and the more energy you bring with
you, the more you’ll get out of a career at Allens.
• Excellence: it’s a guarantee we give our clients.
Intellectually rigorous, driven and eager to learn.
• Commerciality: law is more than an academic pursuit;
it’s about understanding the client — their objectives
and the challenges they face — as well as the wider
commercial environment in which we operate.
• Flexibility: a key priority for the firm is to ensure
our people feel they are trusted to work in a way
that allows them to balance the needs of the firm
alongside the pursuit of their own career and life
goals irrespective of gender, age or life stage.
• Commitment: positive people thrive in our environment.
We look for people who can build sustainable careers
with us, and successfully juggle work and a personal
life while maintaining their wellbeing.
 ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER
HAYLEY BROWN, HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT
LEVEL 21, 333 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE
hbrown@abl.com.au; 03 9229 9802

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne and Sydney.

TOTAL NUMBER OF 45-50.

CLERKS
TOTAL NUMBER OF 15-18.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH Arnold Bloch Leibler does not have a formal rotation program – this is one
OF GRADUATE of our biggest differentiators and one we are extremely proud of. Our single
practice experience will ensure you are exposed to a wide variety of matters
ROTATIONS over time, and be exposed to clients from day one. On the off-chance that you
are unhappy in your practice group you will be given the option at your six-
month review, to remain with your group or move to a different practice area.
Your supervising partner will invest in your development and involve you in
everything they are doing. As a result, you will benefit from real work and direct
client contact over the long term.
CLERKSHIP PERIODS Summer 1: 19 November - 14 December 2018.
2018/2019 Summer 2: 21 January - 15 February 2019.
Winter: 24 June - 19 July 2019.
ELIGIBILITY ABL is a proud signatory to the LIV guidelines. To ensure you’re at a level that
you can really get the most out of your clerkship, we only consider students in
their penultimate year of study.
APPLICATION PROCESS We keep things simple in the application process - you’re asked to upload your
CV, transcript and a covering letter via cvMail, or via our website (www.abl.com.
au/careers). When it comes to the interview, we only hold one round. You’ll
meet with two partners and a member of HR for approximately half an hour.
Our interviews are informal as we feel it’s the best way to get to know you − we
also know that we deal with incredibly impressive candidates, and we know
you’re assessing us too − so we like for you to feel comfortable and to be able
to make a judgement on whether you can see yourself working with us. After
your interview, we provide you the opportunity to have a coffee with one of our
graduates or junior lawyers. They have been through the clerkship process and
can answer any questions you have for them.
ABLE TO DEFER A Yes.
GRADUATE OFFER?

Arnold Bloch Leibler Overview

Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) is a premium Australian
commercial law firm renowned for advising clients on their
most significant legal matters: high-stakes transactions,
litigation and commercial issues. Our standing within
the legal profession has been built for over more than 60
years. Many of the values, characteristics and defining
qualities from the firm’s early beginnings continue to
shape the firm as it stands today.
While our storied history is long, we are a modern firm. We
see the law as an instrument of change, as a way forward.
Our partners and lawyers are often at the centre of law
reform and regularly advise on landmark matters.
We offer legal advice and support to a diverse range
of clients, however we are best known for advising
entrepreneurial businesses (ASX-listed, family owned and
international) and for our work with private clients. We
also work with international corporations with interests
in Australia and enjoy long-standing relationships with
a select group of other professional advisors − including
accountants, private equity firms, insolvency practitioners,
private bankers and overseas-based specialist law firms.

83
Clerkship Program
At ABL, we have three clerkship intakes that coincide
with university holidays (November/ December, January/
February and June/July). We aim for around 15-18 clerks
in each intake, so you won’t get lost in the crowd.
Our clerkship program is a condensed version of our
graduate experience − you’ll be immersed in our culture,
be given real work, real responsibility and real contact
with partners/clients in meetings, calls and court hearings.
Our clerks (and grads) are allocated supervisors and
buddies. The buddy is your go-to support person for
any questions that arise from day-to-day. During your
clerkship, we arrange a number of extra-curricular
activities such as dinners with our current grads and
lunches with different groups across the firm (including
a team lunch, firm-wide legal staff lunch and a special
partner lunch).
A recent addition to our clerkship program includes a
day-out with one of our clients. We find that this unique
experience connects the dots for clerks to see and meet
the people that lie at the heart of the firm’s identity. It
also provides the opportunity to hear from clients about
why they have chosen ABL and what they’re looking for
when they come to us for legal advice.
Graduate Program
When you join Arnold Bloch Leibler as a graduate, you
will immediately experience our firm’s point of difference.
From your very first day, you will work alongside thought
leaders in the profession on important and complex cases
that will provide opportunities to flex your thinking, offer
direct input and gain in-depth knowledge. Your opinions
will be respected and you’ll be given autonomy to progress
matters. Your contribution will be valued and you will be
supported in your personal and professional growth.
At ABL, we are very proud of our in-house graduate
training program. Our grads don’t go off to PLT (Leo
Cussen or College of Law) − instead they learn from our
best and brightest Partners and Senior Associates, who
are leaders in their respective fields. The SLT (supervised
legal training) program is run to be practical, engaging and
designed to upskill our lawyers for practice.
The training program is a real point of difference, and
something our graduates genuinely enjoy about their
overall graduate experience. Training is scheduled
(usually) once a week. This means that you aren’t
away from the office for long periods of time, and can
be involved in matters throughout the duration of your
graduate year.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
We organise our practice groups to allow our lawyers
to be broad generalists, our groups are split between
transactions and disputes.
84
From the client perspective, our services cover:
• banking & finance;
• competition;
• corporate & commercial;
• dispute resolution & litigation;
• native title & public interest law;
• property & development;
• reconstruction & insolvency;
• taxation;
• technology & intellectual property; and
• workplace advisory.
Key Values of Arnold Bloch Leibler
People
At Arnold Bloch Leibler, people are central to the firm’s
success. We recognise that it is only with motivated
people that the firm can provide personal service and
practical, commercial and cost-effective solutions to client
problems.
We hire the best and brightest. We recognise and reward
our people with professional development, mentoring
opportunities, competitive remuneration, community
involvement opportunities and a deep, true interest in
accelerating individuals’ careers. We want every ABL
person to be well-rounded and accomplished, and to bring
their whole selves to work.
Clients & Solutions
From a client perspective, our aim is not to service our
clients for all of their legal needs − rather, we position
ourselves as the lawyers to go to when everything is on the
line, where strategic imperatives are invoked, and when
commercial thinking that’s out of the box is required. We
aim to develop long-term relationships with our clients,
and to gain a solid understanding of their businesses and
needs. This enables us to formulate unique solutions to
their problems with a broader context.
At ABL, we give our clients value by finding simple,
practical, commercially intelligent and cost-effective
solutions to what often seem to be complicated and
confusing problems.
Excellence & Success
Our firm has an unswerving dedication to professionalism
in everything we do and to putting the client first. We
aspire to the highest standard of integrity, honesty and
fair treatment.
ABL is a meritocracy - we reward success and excellence.
This reflects our prime business focus of partnering with
clients in their success by helping them achieve their
business imperatives through innovative and commercially
intelligent solutions.
Community
Giving back to the community has always been one of
our core values. Pro bono work is an inherent part of the
firm’s DNA and we do it because it is the right thing to do.
The firm is deeply committed to indigenous constitutional
recognition and reconciliation.

At ABL, we proudly have a stand-alone pro bono practice
group, led by partner, Peter Seidel. All lawyers at the
firm are given the opportunity to get involved with pro
bono work. The firm engages with many not-for-profit
and charitable organisations that are active in communal,
social, health, research, religious and environmental
sectors. At ABL, we feel that we punch above our weight,
and pro bono work is no exception.
Diversity
Our approach and longstanding deep commitment to
diversity and inclusion has been, and will always be, a
clear and significant aspect of the firm’s culture and a
key contributor to our enduring success. Our ongoing
diversity initiatives are far-reaching, include support for
working parents, gender pay equality, policy information,
education on a wide variety of topics, cross-cultural
awareness training, our internal Reconciliation Action Plan
committee, among many more.
What distinguishes Arnold Bloch Leibler from others?
ABL is well known for being the go-to firm when it matters.
We pride ourselves on providing strategic guidance
and solving complex problems related to our clients’
85
commercial interests, legal position and reputation. This
means that our legal staff are exposed to interesting and
varied work where they can fully utilise their skills and
potential. We do not try to be everything to everyone
− rather, we strive for excellence in our chosen areas of
expertise. We encourage our employees to bring their
whole selves to work each day, recognising that diversity
of thought, background and life experience all contribute
to our distinctive culture and the solutions we deliver for
each of our clients.
What does Arnold Bloch Leibler look for in a seasonal
clerk?
We look for exceptional people who are seeking, and can
provide, something extraordinary. We value good grades,
intelligence, life experience, lateral thinking, imagination
and a passion for the law. Work experience and extra-
curricular activities show your ability to manage your time.
We look for people who know how to use initiative and
accept shared responsibility for their career development.
The other personal qualities we consider are a willingness
to learn, sense of humour and preparedness to assume
responsibility. We also like to know why you’re interested
in us, so please tailor your covering letter to explain why
you’ve chosen to apply to ABL.
 ASHURST
JOANNE DEAN, GRADUATE PROGRAMS MANAGER
LEVEL 26, 181 WILLIAM STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Graduate.Programs@ashurst.com; 03 9679 3000

OFFICE LOCATIONS Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Canberra.

TOTAL NUMBER OF Across Australia we typically take 120 - 130 seasonal clerks. The Melbourne
CLERKS office roughly takes over half of those.

TOTAL NUMBER OF 60–70 nationally.

GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH 3 rotations of 6 months each.
OF GRADUATE
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP PERIODS Intake 1: Nov – Dec, 2018.
2018/2019 Intake 2: Jan – Feb, 2019.
Intake 3: June – July, 2019.
ELIGIBILITY We prefer clerkship candidates to be in the penultimate year but we will con-
sider applications from finalists, if they were not able to complete a clerkship in
their penultimate year.

We require all our graduates to have the legal right to work in Australia on
joining (either permanent residency, citizenship or spousal visa).
APPLICATION PROCESS Application process is online through our website: ashurst.com/careers, and the
selection process predominately involves online testing and competency based
interviews.
ABLE TO DEFER A Our future graduates can request to start at a later time, we consider each re-
GRADUATE OFFER? quest on a case by case basis.

Ashurst Overview
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
25 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, and
for delivering outstanding outcomes for clients.
Clerkship Program
Want to know exactly what our work is like? For many of
our future graduates, that variety of experience begins
with a seasonal clerkship, which will give you an intensive
insight into life at Ashurst. The aim of our clerkships is to
expose you to as much real work as possible, to help you
make an informed decision about whether this is the right
firm (and career) for you.
For that reason, we’ll allocate you a supervisor and a
buddy who can explain their work to you, include you in
meetings and conference calls, and give you tasks to tackle.
Depending on the office you join, you’ll spend time in either
one or two practice areas.
After completing your clerkship, you’ll have the opportunity
to express interest in being considered for a place on our
graduate programme.

86
Graduate Program
Variety is key to developing the kind of expertise that will
set you apart – through both the training you receive and
the experience you gain.
A thorough induction will kick off our programme,
introducing you to all the resources you’ll need to support
your work and training. Over the course of the 18-month
graduate programme, you’ll enjoy a mix of classroom and
on-the-job experience.
In collaboration with you, we plan three rotations of six
months each and review that plan at regular intervals. Each
rotation starts with a handover and training, complete with
technical expertise, so you know exactly what to expect.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
Our presence in the world’s leading financial and resource
centres in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and the USA
gives us the scale to attract global mandates, with cutting-
edge capabilities in three key areas: Corporate, Disputes
and Finance. In Melbourne, our prominent practice areas
include our corporate transactions and corporate projects
teams followed by our disputes and banking & finance
teams.
Key Values of Ashurst
• Collaboration
• Excellence
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Accountability
What distinguishes Ashurst from others?
With our technical expertise, local knowledge and
international network, we deliver an experience for our
clients that other professional service providers find hard
to match. We are committed to being a sustainable global
law firm, having positive impacts for our clients, employees,
profession, the environment and the communities in which
we are based.
What does Ashurst look for in a seasonal clerk?
There’s absolutely no Ashurst “type”. We want to actively
involve a broad range of minds with a broad range of
backgrounds, all united by a common set of strengths.
• A passion to develop a career in an elite interational
law firm
• Outstanding communication skills
• Analytical ability, motivation, determination and drive
• Commercial awareness
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills
87
 BAKER MCKENZIE
NATALIE MASCARENHAS, TALENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
LEVEL 19, CBW, 181 WILLIAM STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000
natalie.mascarenhas@bakermckenzie.com; 03 9617 4200

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Globally, we have 78 offices in 47 countries.

TOTAL NUMBER OF Approximately 20.
CLERKS
TOTAL NUMBER OF 6 – 8.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH Graduates complete three rotations of four months each, over a 12-month period,
OF GRADUATE before they join a particular practice group as an Associate. This gives you mean-
ingful exposure to a broad range of legal practice areas.
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP PERIODS In Melbourne, we will be conducting three Seasonal Clerkship programs — a four
2018/2019 week Clerkship in each of November/December, January/February and June/July.

ELIGIBILITY We generally accept students in their penultimate year. However, we will consider
students who do not fall in this category on a case-by-case basis.

APPLICATION PROCESS
We also accept applications from international students provided that they have
the right to work in Australia during the relevant Clerkship periods.
Applications for Seasonal Clerkships should be submitted via our website
www.bakermckenzie.com/ australia#careers and should include a cover letter, as
well as details of your work experience, extra-curricular activities, interests and
academic results. We do not require you to upload your CV, as the information
from your CV is used to respond to the areas above.

Candidates will attend one interview with two Partners or a Partner and Senior
Associate. Candidates will also be invited to an information and cocktail evening
attended by Partners and Associates so that you can meet as many people from
our Firm as possible.

In our interviews, we want to get to know all about you — your experiences, your
interests, your achievements, your strengths and your abilities. We also want to
know why you want to work with Baker McKenzie. To that end, our interviews are
a mix of ‘getting to know you’ questions and ‘behavioural’ questions, so that we
can get to know you and you can make the best impression.
ABLE TO DEFER A Applications to defer a Graduate offer are considered on a case-by-case basis and
GRADUATE OFFER? have been approved in the past.

Baker McKenzie Overview
At Baker McKenzie, we are different in the way we
think, work and behave. Our story is one of imagination,
determination and hard work. Like no other law firm,
we were born global, so thinking and working globally
is embedded in our culture. For more than 60 years, our
people have helped nurture our unique organisation. We
have followed clients into new markets, 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 commitment to excellence underpins
our success.
The Firm is continually expanding and currently employs
over 4,000 lawyers in 78 offices in 47 countries. We have
been in Australia since 1964 and employ approximately
220 lawyers and 81 Partners across Melbourne, Sydney
and Brisbane. In Melbourne, we have approximately 60
lawyers.
We offer 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.
We work with our clients to overcome the challenges of
competing in the global economy. We have an unrivalled
ability to provide training and secondment opportunities

88
across our global network. We have an inclusive culture
of learning, coaching and opportunity, where you work in
small teams on matters that cross borders.
We are The New Lawyers for the New World.
Clerkship Program
At Baker McKenzie, our Seasonal Clerks experience life as
a junior lawyer with our Firm.
Right from the start, you get involved in real work and are
given real responsibility, just like our junior lawyers. You
will be exposed to our Australian and international clients
through client meetings and telephone calls, client events
and shadowing, and you will often have the opportunity
to deal with clients directly.
Working with lawyers of all levels, you will be guided by a
supervising Partner and Associate ‘buddy’. With the Firm’s
strong culture of mentoring, you will receive coaching and
feedback throughout your Clerkship.
You are supported at every stage by Talent Management
who facilitate a comprehensive development program
for you, starting with induction and skills development
(including sessions on library/research, technology,
drafting, business communication, networking and
other skills crucial to ensuring you succeed during your
Clerkship). You will also develop practical and legal skills
through our national learning program for junior lawyers
and various Firm-wide sessions.
There are also many opportunities to network with
colleagues around the Firm – through various programs
and social events.
After your Clerkship, you are invited to apply for a Research
Clerk or Paralegal role and attend various social events
to stay connected with the Firm. And those who accept
a Graduate offer can apply for an International Clerkship
with one of our overseas offices.
Graduate Program
When you join Baker McKenzie as a Graduate, we know
you want to be working with clients on real work right
from the start, so we support you to hone your skills and
develop your experience as quickly as possible. We also
pair each Graduate with a supervising Partner and an
Associate “buddy” in each rotation to maximise your on-
the-job and formal learning.
We work with each Graduate to create a tailored
development plan targeting five areas — legal knowledge
and expertise, planning your career, business development
& client service, people & self-management and the
business of law. To help you reach your goals, we offer
targeted learning opportunities — from seminars on
core legal topics to practical skills development in areas
such as drafting and presenting. We also invest in your
development by covering the costs of your Practical
Legal Training and through our Graduate professional
development program, to ensure you get the best possible
foundation for your career.
Additionally, we bring Graduates across our Australian
offices together for various training programs to help our
people foster networks across the Firm.
Our regional practice group structure means our lawyers
attend regional practice-specific training in our Asia
Pacific offices and, shortly after our Graduates finish
their Graduate Program, they travel overseas to attend
a regional orientation program with other mid-level
Associates from the region.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
Locally and globally, Baker McKenzie works on significant
and high-profile matters, for leading local and global
clients. We have the experience, knowledge and expertise,
both at a local and global level, to meet complex demands
from our clients. Our key areas of practice in the Melbourne
office are:
• Banking & Finance
• Corporate (including Mergers & Acquisitions, Capital
Markets and Private Equity)
• Commercial Real Estate
• Construction
• Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Insolvency
• Employment & Industrial Relations
• Energy, Resources, Infrastructure & Corporate
• Environmental Markets
• Technology, Communications & Commercial.
Key Values of Baker McKenzie
Like all top-tier law firms, quality and excellence along
with team work, integrity and responsiveness are central
in delivering outstanding service to our clients.
The values that make us a unique and great place to work
are deeply embedded and you will notice our difference
in all of your interactions with us, in Australia and across
the globe.
We are passionately global and leverage our global
expertise for our Australian and global clients at every
opportunity, recognising our strength is in our diversity.
We have a strong culture of friendship and inclusion, and
an egalitarian and collaborative working style.
We are commercial pragmatists who make complex issues
simple for our clients and we focus on our clients’ business
needs.
We strive to stay ahead of the curve and encourage
entrepreneurship.
We actively encourage and support contribution to the
community through our pro bono and community service
programs.
We want everyone at Baker McKenzie to reach their
89
potential so we invest in global, regional and local world-
class development and mobility programs for our people,
and our culture is diverse, inclusive and flexible.
Our award-winning diversity strategy, initiatives and
programs are focussed in four areas, in which all of our
people can participate:
• BakerWomen: gender equality and supporting the
progression of women;
• BakerDNA: ethnic, indigenous and cultural diversity;
• BakerBalance: supporting carers and parents, employee
wellbeing and workplace flexibility; and
• BakerLGBTI: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and
intersex diversity.
What distinguishes Baker Mckenzie from others?
In addition to our unique values set out above, Baker
McKenzie’s key difference is that, unlike other firms, we
were ‘born global’. Our practices and culture are well
established and integrated globally, which is why many
clients and lawyers choose to work with us.
We also have a global approach to development. Because
we’ve been global from the beginning, we have well
established regional and global programs and a deeply
embedded culture of knowledge sharing, support and
mentoring both within and across offices.
Our global development roadmap, the Development
Framework, clearly explains what success looks like at
each career stage at Baker McKenzie. It shapes the way we
recruit, select, develop, manage and promote our lawyers.
For you, it means always having a clear career roadmap,
empowering you to plan and drive your development —
formally and on the job — at every stage.
Our lawyers benefit from an Australian professional
development curriculum based on the Development
Framework — from black letter law to practice-specific
skills and knowledge development at the local, regional
and global levels.
90
Our lawyers also attend regional and global training and
events/conferences relating to their practices to help
develop networks and legal skills. Further, they attend
regional transition programs at each career stage which
provide development in the key skills our lawyers need
— like people leadership, business development and
project management — and which enable them to foster
relationships with international peers at the same career
stage. Recently, programs have been held in Bangkok,
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila,
Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo.
We also provide our lawyers with opportunities to attend
USA summer school courses and scholarships for full-time
legal study overseas.
In addition, the Firm offers opportunities for lawyers at
varying stages of their career to work directly for clients
or with our other offices in the Asia Pacific region and
globally. In the last few years, we have placed lawyers
in London, Netherlands, Frankfurt, Paris, Stockholm,
Chicago, Washington DC, New York, San Francisco,
Toronto, Rio de Janeiro, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong
Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Taipei, Singapore, Shanghai,
Bangkok, Tokyo, Jakarta, Myanmar and of course, we have
had lawyers across our network come to work with our
Melbourne office too.
What does Baker McKenzie look for in a seasonal clerk?
Baker McKenzie looks for people who genuinely want to
work with us and who understand our unique offering
and position in the market. We look for well-rounded,
motivated individuals who share our global perspective;
who are intellectually curious and have sound academics;
who display business acumen and are practical in
their approach; who enjoy a challenge and seek new
opportunities; who like taking responsibility and getting
things done; who express themselves confidently while
staying open to new ideas; who strive to provide excellent
service to their clients; who seek a friendly, diverse and
inclusive culture; and who take seriously our role in
making a difference to our local and global communities.
 CLAYTON UTZ
ALISON TASSIOU, PEOPLE & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
LEVEL 18, 333 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000
atassiou@claytonutz.com; 03 9286 6955

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra and Darwin.

TOTAL NUMBER OF Approximately 40-50 in Melbourne.

CLERKS
TOTAL NUMBER OF We generally recruit our graduates from our clerkship pool.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH 3 rotations of 6 months each.
OF GRADUATE
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP PERIODS Summer: 19 November 2018 - 14 December 2018.
2018/2019 Winter: 24 June 2019 - 19 July 2019.

ELIGIBILITY Students in their penultimate year and international students are eligible to ap-
ply.
APPLICATION PROCESS • Application via our online application form at www.claytonutz.com/gradu-
ates (including cover letter, CV and academic transcript)
• You will be asked to complete the Rare Contextual Recruitment survey and
logical testing
• Information Evening
• One round of interviews
ABLE TO DEFER A Determined on a case by case basis
GRADUATE OFFER?

Clayton Utz Overview innovation actively encouraged.

For over 180 years, our confident approach to complex
transactions and litigation has seen us grow into Australia’s
premier independent law firm.
Now, with 186 partners and over 1,200 employees
across six offices, we continue to build our reputation
for innovative and incisive advice. With a genuine
commitment to client service, we are trusted advisers to
a range of government departments and agencies, as well
as leading Australian and international corporations.
If you have an unshakeable sense of what’s possible,
Clayton Utz is the perfect place to build your career.
Clerkship Program
If you’re a law student in your penultimate year, our
Clerkship Programs will expose you to the fast pace of
a full-service commercial law firm and show you the law
in action. You’ll be working under the guidance of some
of the sharpest legal minds in Australia, on challenging,
complex and high-profile transactions and matters. You’ll
be mentored by partners and lawyers who are leaders in
their fields, in a firm where individuality is embraced and
Our Clerkship Programs are our future pipeline for the
Graduate Program. They are designed to give you a feel for
what it’s like to be a Graduate and they are a great place
to start your career.
Graduate Program
• 3 rotations of 6 months in our national practice
groups;
• mentoring from some of the best lawyers in the
country;
• a buddy who’ll give you the inside information;
• meaningful performance feedback so you know you’re
on the right track;
• graduate programme, you’ll enjoy a mix of classroom
and on-the-job experience.
• continuing legal education programs and professional
development support so you can become the lawyer
you want to be;
• the chance to participate in our Community Connect
and Pro Bono programs and really give back; and
• social and sporting activities, because we know it’s
not all work and no play.

91
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
Clayton Utz has 12 National Practice Groups in the
Melbourne office:
• Banking & Financial Services
• Commercial Litigation
• Corporate, M&A and Capital Markets
• Environment and Planning
• Forensic and Technology Services
• Insurance
• IP and Technology
• Major Projects and Construction
• Real Estate
• Restructuring and Insolvency
• Tax
• Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety
Key Values of Clayton Utz
Our culture is founded on the behavioural values of trust,
respect, co-operation and our foundation value of highest
ethical standards. They underpin everything we do. It
affects the way we approach each other, our work, our
service to our clients and our community involvement.
What distinguishes Clayton Utz from others?
It always starts with people. At Clayton Utz, we’ve built
a team of down-to-earth, collaborative lawyers. We offer
sharp legal minds, clear advice and exceptional client
service. This offers our graduates the opportunities to
work on cutting-edge, complex transactions and litigation
with lawyers who are recognised as leaders in their fields.
We also provide first-class training and development
to support our lawyers. As the top pro bono law firm
in Australia, and one of the top in the world, clerks and
graduates will also have the chance to contribute to our
pro bono practice and help make a difference to the
individuals and organisations it supports. Lawyers are
expected to conduct pro bono work and this is part of
their performance review.
What does Clayton Utz look for in a seasonal clerk?
We’re looking for people who are personable, practical,
commercially-savvy, as well as flexible. Our lawyers
undertake complex and innovative legal work, so it’s
important that our clerks and graduates are motivated
individuals who aren’t afraid of a challenge.
We are also interested in learning more about your outside
interests. You need to be able to balance your professional
and personal lives, and have fun!
Most importantly, we are looking for people we’d enjoy
working alongside. We want clerks and graduates who
embody the firm’s behavioural values of trust, respect and
co-operation and our foundation value of highest ethical
standards in all that they do.
92
 CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH
MARIANNE SALIBA, PEOPLE & PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT
567 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE, VIC 3000
marianne.saliba@corrs.com.au; 03 9672 3318

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

TOTAL NUMBER OF Approximately 10-15 per program.

CLERKS
TOTAL NUMBER OF Approximately 10-15 in Melbourne.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH Graduates will complete three rotations over 16 months. One six-month rota-
OF GRADUATE tion and two five-month rotations.
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP PERIODS In the Melbourne office, Corrs runs three Seasonal Clerkship programs typically
2018/2019 taking place in late November/December 2018, late January/February 2019 and
July 2019.
ELIGIBILITY Our preferred year level of applicants is penultimate although we will consider
applications from non-penultimate year students.
APPLICATION PROCESS All applications for Graduate and Seasonal Clerk positions should be made via
the Corrs website: www.corrs.com.au/graduates.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV and academic transcript. You may also
be required to complete assessments as part of the recruitment process.
Corrs has a one phase interview process and a breakfast function. During the
interview you will meet with a partner, a senior associate and a member of the
People & Performance team.
ABLE TO DEFER A Corrs considers deferrals on a case by case basis.
GRADUATE OFFER?

Corrs Chambers Westgarth Overview them adapt to the future.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth is Australia’s leading Clerkship Program

independent law firm. We emphasise the independent part
because it’s important to who we are and how we work.
Independence isn’t just a description of our position in
the market, it also describes how we think, our innovative
style and bold decision-making.
We go beyond the traditional expectations of a law firm
to ensure that we are offering our clients not just first
class legal advice, but a partnership and commitment to
helping them achieve success – both on a national and
global scale.
We are the most globally connected law firm based in
Australia. Our pioneering partnering networks in Asia–
Pacific and globally, ensure we support our clients
everywhere.
We are recognised as a leader in the market for the
quality of our advice and commercial outcomes achieved
for our clients – we are innovative lawyers. Our people
are consistently recognised for outstanding service and
results. We do more than advise our clients – we help
In the Melbourne office, Corrs runs three Seasonal Clerkship
programs each year. Each program is approximately three
weeks duration with the programs typically taking place
in late November/December 2018, late January/February
2019 and late June/July 2019. The Corrs Seasonal Clerkship
Program is a great opportunity for you to experience the
people, clients, work and culture that differentiates Corrs
from other law firms. You’ll have the opportunity to work
with some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high-profile
work for major Australian and international clients across
all industries. You’ll soon discover the standards of quality
and commitment to clients required to succeed at this
level. You’ll be exposed to a broad range of interesting
matters. You may also conduct research, review and
present documents, as well as attend client meetings,
mediations and settlements. The variety is enormous, so
it’s the perfect way to discover the firm and the area of
law that excites you most. At Corrs we encourage staff
to be socially active and participate in social and sporting
events as well as learning & development activities.
Some of our activities to get involved in are our Mind,

93
Body & Soul series, soccer & netball, Friday night drinks,
family days, trivia nights, End of Financial Year Party and
Christmas Party.
Graduate Program
Our commitment to developing world class lawyers starts
at day one. Our new Graduate Development Program,
Launch, lays this foundation by providing rich, on the
job training with a greater opportunity to work directly
with partners and senior lawyers; structured learning;
mentoring; and regular feedback.
Supervised by partners, you will complete one six month
rotation and two-five month rotation through a variety
of practice areas including corporate advisory, banking
& finance; litigation & workplace relations; intellectual
property, tax, property & infrastructure, construction,
environment & planning, and government, as well as pro
bono opportunities.
You are mentored by senior lawyers and your development
is overseen by a dedicated Learning & Development and
People & Performance team who work with partners and
division leaders to provide you with guidance, ensuring
your success. The program begins with Graduate Academy,
a national event designed to bring the cohort together
to get to know each other, while also learning key skills
through matter simulations and writing and drafting
workshops. This three day event delivers professional
relationships and friendships that last your years at Corrs
and beyond. Then you will commence your Practical Legal
Training (PLT) studies and begin your local orientation
before commencing your first rotation.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
Corrs is a corporate law firm, acting for organisations,
rather than individuals. The firm works through three main
operating divisions:
• Corporate, Finance & Tax (Energy & Resources,
Corporate Advisory, Banking & Finance and Taxation)
• Property & Development (Property & Infrastructure,
Environment & Planning and Construction)
• Litigation and Workplace Relations (Litigation,
Workplace Relations, Intellectual Property, Technology
& Competition)
Key Values of Corrs Chambers Westgarth
• Generous of Spirit - We respect and care for each other,
our clients and our communities. We value difference.
Trust and integrity are at our core. We build the firm
today for tomorrow.
• To the point - We communicate openly and honestly
with each other and our clients. We provide
commercial and decisive advise to clients. We offer
practical solutions: no fence-sitting, no spin.
• Connected - We build long lasting relationships with
and for our client. We work across boundaries for the
94
benefit of our clients and our people.
• Team Players - We treat each other with civility and
respect. We work together to solve problems. We
rely on each other to deliver excellent performance
all the time, not just some of the time. We encourage
diversity of thought.
• Pioneering - We encourage insights that provide an
edge for clients. We learn from experience. We will
disrupt to create advantage. Change doesn’t scare
us – we expect it, create it and work with it.
• Agile - We think and act quickly when we need to. We
take ownership and get things done.
• World Class - We aim to be recognised as the
benchmark of excellence within the global legal
sector. We know what we are doing. We are relentless
in the pursuit of success for our clients, our people,
the community and the firm.
What distinguishes Corrs Chambers Westgarth from
others?
Corrs is a firm that thinks strategically, not just in its
legal work, but also for the firm’s future and the success
of its people. Corrs is known for its clear vision and
ability to develop and implement strategy, as well as
its lawyers’ ability to help clients achieve their business
goals. Corrs’ culture of performance excellence drives this
achievement and can be seen in our mentoring, coaching
and comprehensive learning and development programs,
both formal and informal. We draw on the best expertise
in Corrs’ own lawyers as well as external specialists to
make sure our people never stop learning.
The combination of these factors creates a firm that
celebrates its independence, is open to new ideas, has the
courage to think and act differently from the rest of the
market, and thrives on new challenges and opportunities.
Our people thrive on this, too. We call it the inspiring
workplace.
What does Corrs Chambers Westgarth look for in a
seasonal clerk?
Corrs is a place that celebrates individuals. We’re looking
for spirited, determined graduates who think big and like
doing things a little differently. In exchange for your energy
and commitment we’ll provide extraordinary learning and
work opportunities here and on an international stage.
We don’t look for a Corrs ‘type’ when we interview
potential graduates. Corrs people are individuals, but they
do share some traits. Because this is a high performance
organisation, Corrs people are good at what they do. They
are able to work in a team and bring out the best in the
people around them. They want to achieve the best results
for the client as well as the firm and they take pride in
their work and achievements. Corrs people like to find new
ways of doing things and aren’t afraid to be independent
and bold in their actions. This is a firm with a sense of
purpose, so we’ll probably look for that in you, too.
 DLA PIPER
WENDY YAP, GRADUATE RECRUITMENT & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
LEVEL 19, CBW, 181 WILLIAM STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000
graduaterecruitmentAUS@dlapiper.com

OFFICE LOCATIONS Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

TOTAL NUMBER OF Approximately 25 nationally.

CLERKS
TOTAL NUMBER OF Approximately 20 nationally.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH N/A
OF GRADUATE
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP PERIODS Summer intakes only, 4 week clerkships:
2018/2019 Summer 1: Nov- Dec 2018.
Summer 2: Jan- Feb 2019.
ELIGIBILITY Penultimate year only.

APPLICATION PROCESS Application required prior to deadline of Sunday, 12 August 2018. Shortlisted
candidates will be sent an online verbal reasoning test to complete. Applicants
that meet our benchmark after completing the verbal reasoning test will be
sent an online Occupational Personality Questionnaire to complete. Applicants
will then be invited to attend an Assessment Centre where they will take part in
a series of exercises and interviews.
ABLE TO DEFER A No.
GRADUATE OFFER?

DLA Piper Overview
DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in
more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe,
the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, positioning us to
help clients with their legal needs around the world.
We strive to be the leading global business law firm by
delivering quality and value to our clients.
We achieve this through practical and innovative legal
solutions that help our clients succeed. We deliver
consistent services across our platform of practices and
sectors in all matters we undertake.
Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000
and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies
developing industry-leading technologies. They include
more than half of the Fortune 250 and nearly half of the
FTSE 350 or their subsidiaries. We also advise governments
and public-sector bodies.
Clerkship Program
tasks you are involved in will depend on the team you
are assigned to and the work they have on at the time.
Some common examples include accompanying lawyers
to court, attending client meetings and mediations, and
assisting on large corporate transactions.
Graduate Program
We offer graduate programs in all our Australian offices
and have one intake each year in February.
The graduate program starts with an induction, designed
to ease you in and get you acquainted with the firm. Within
the first year, you’ll also attend a week-long Induction in
London, where you’ll meet and network with graduates
from our global offices.
The program itself will see you undertaking rotations in
different practice groups. This will see you work alongside
people at all levels of the business, including partners.
As an integral member of the team, you’ll be ready to hit
the ground running and make a real contribution from
the outset.

During your seasonal clerkship, you can expect to do While much of your learning will be done on the job,
a variety of things both in and outside the office. The you’ll also receive formal business skills training. This

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will develop your abilities in areas such as networking,
business development, commercial awareness and
financial management.

Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne

Litigation & Regulatory, Corporate, Real Estate,

Employment, Finance & Projects, Intellectual Property &
Technology, Tax, Restructuring.

Key Values of DLA Piper

Our Clients, People, Communities and Culture

What distinguishes DLA Piper from others?

We help the world’s top companies with their business-

critical issues. Many of the deals we work on are complex
and challenging — transcending not just practice areas,
but borders, languages and legal systems.

As a firm, we never stand still. We think nimbly and seize

opportunities. We’re ambitious and are never afraid to
innovate. So if you possess these qualities too, there could
be a bright future for you at DLA Piper.

What does DLA Piper look for in a seasonal clerk?

We hire graduates from all kinds of backgrounds. Not only

does this allow us to serve our diverse client base better:
it keeps our thinking fresh by opening up a wider range
of perspectives.

While you could be studying from a range of degree

subjects, you will need a strong academic record. But
it goes further than that. You’ll need to be naturally
inquisitive, have plenty of drive and possess a genuine
commitment to your career path. Among other things,
we’ll be looking at your extracurricular activities for
evidence of these qualities.

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 GILBERT + TOBIN
SARAH CRINNIGAN, HR ADVISOR
101 COLLINS STREET MELBOURNE 3000
scrinnigan@gtlaw.com.au; 03 8563396

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

TOTAL NUMBER OF CLERKS We aim to offer opportunities to 8–10 clerks per intake for Melbourne.
TOTAL NUMBER OF We look to recruit 8–10 graduates in Melbourne.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH OF Our 18-month program consists of three rotations of approximately six months
GRADUATE each. Rotations are available in all our practice areas and you will also be actively
involved in other work activities, including business development,
ROTATIONS knowledge management, training and pro bono work.
CLERKSHIP Intake 1: 19 November – 14 December 2018.
PERIODS 2018/2019 Intake 2: 21 January – 15 February 2019.
Intake 3: 24 June – 19 July 2019.
ELIGIBILITY Our preference is given to students in their penultimate year of study.
APPLICATION Cover letter, CV, questions, cocktail evening.
PROCESS
ABLE TO DEFER A We are flexible with our graduate start dates and we consider and discuss
GRADUATE OFFER? opportunities individually with our graduates.

Gilbert + Tobin (“G+T”) Overview Graduate Program

From our Sydney, Melbourne and Perth offices, we provide
innovative, relevant and commercial legal solutions to
major corporate and government clients across Australia
and internationally, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Our reputation for expert advice extends across a broad
range of areas including: banking and infrastructure;
corporate advisory – funds, mergers and acquisitions,
private equity, capital markets, tax and stamp duty;
technology and digital; competition and regulation; energy
and resources; intellectual property; media; litigation and
dispute resolution; and real estate and projects.
Clerkship Program
During your time with G+T you’ll get a taste of what it’s like
to work in corporate law. It starts off with your induction
which sets you up to succeed for your clerkship at G+T.
We also invest in your development by running training
sessions on coding, presentation skills and developing
your brand in the workplace. Following your induction
you will spend time in one practice group where you
will start to understand the mechanics of legal practice
through researching legislation and case law, preparing
and drafting memos, completing research, observing
negotiations, meeting clients, attending court, or perhaps
working as part of a deal team. Throughout the program,
you’ll partake in our customised in-house training program
and also have the opportunity to contribute to Pro Bono
and our Knowledge Management practice.
Graduates commence with the firm in one formal intake
in February. As a graduate, you will undertake real work,
build relationships with partners, lawyers and clients, and
become an integral part of each practice group.
Our 18-month program consists of three rotations of
approximately six months each. Rotations are available in
all our practice areas and you will also be actively involved
in other work activities, including business development,
knowledge management, training and pro bono work.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
Technology and Digital, Corporate Advisory, Competition
and Regulation, Litigation and Banking and Infrastructure.
Key Values of G+T
G+T’s vision is to build a truly outstanding law firm,
renowned for our commitment to client service and
distinctive in our superior team of talented, creative and
enthusiastic lawyers. We will foster a vibrant and open
culture providing personal and professional growth for
all our people.
We will live out our responsibility to support our
community and contribute to our society.

97
What distinguishes G+T from others? What does G+T look for in a seasonal clerk?
While strong university results and academic achievements
“Our culture is unique, and at its heart it’s a paradox,” says count, we’re also looking for people who align with our
Adam Laura, Partner – Corporate Advisory. “It’s energetic firm’s culture and values. We’re not a prescriptive firm
and proactive, incredibly driven and ambitious – but also when it comes to our people; we invite individuality and
understated, funny and generous. We describe it as being diversity.
‘smart with heart’.”
We also hold ambition, imagination, creative thinking
This is what underlies the positive, productive and and entrepreneurial spirit in high regard. Our people are
personal relationships we build with each other, and with collaborative, passionate and dedicated but most of all
our clients. Interactions that embrace what it means to be they enjoy what they do and never forget to have fun.
an individual. Constantly looking for ways to bring out the We seek clerks and graduates that will complement our
best in ourselves as well as others. practice groups and don’t feel the need to take themselves
too seriously.
Our clerks and graduates are often attracted to the firm
by the egalitarian, open structure. “Our people have the
opportunity to go as far as they want, and we recognise
and reward that,” explains Adam. “The pace is fast and
constant, but you’ll get to work on things that interest
and stimulate you early in your career. G+T challenges
people irrespective of their role – and that pushes you to
do and be better.”

98
 HALL & WILCOX
LAUREN PARRANT, PEOPLE & CULTURE ADVISOR
LEVEL 11, RIALTO SOUTH TOWER,
525 COLLINS STREET MELBOURNE 3000
lauren.parrant@hallandwilcox.com.au; 03 9603 3669

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Perth and Brisbane.

TOTAL NUMBER OF CLERKS We take approximately 20 clerks in the Melbourne Office each year.
TOTAL NUMBER OF Typically we have opportunities for approximately 8-10 law graduates annually
GRADUATE POSITIONS in the Melbourne Office.

NUMBER AND LENGTH OF In Melbourne, our law graduates have the opportunity to gain experience in many
GRADUATE of our practice areas by undertaking 4 rotations, each of 3 months duration.
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP We run two seasonal clerkships annually - winter and summer. Our clerkships are
PERIODS 2018/2019 3 weeks in duration.

ELIGIBILITY Penultimate and Final year students.

APPLICATION The concept of “unconscious bias” or “hidden bias” has come to the forefront of
PROCESS our work in recent times. With this in mind, it is our goal to eliminate any uncon-
scious or hidden bias that may exist so throughout the shortlisting process, all of
our applications remain anonymous. Following on from the shortlisting process,
the candidate will no longer be anonymous to our People & Culture team.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first round interview and will meet
with representatives from the firm, including a Partner, Lawyer and People &
Culture.

We will ask you questions, however our interviews are conversational in style.
This allows you the opportunity to tell us more about yourself and the things
you’ve included in your application. This interview is a great opportunity for you
to test us as well. We will answer any questions you have about the firm and
what it’s really like to work at Hall & Wilcox.

On completion of the first round interview, we invite all students who have taken
the time to meet with us to attend an informative Q&A evening whereby appli-
cants can find out more from Partners and Lawyers, and meet more firm repre-
sentatives. From this stage, successful candidates will be notified of their offer
when clerkship offers can be made in line with the LIV Guidelines.
ABLE TO DEFER A We will consider any requests to defer offers provided they are made prior to the
GRADUATE OFFER? offer being made (allowing us to plan accordingly).

Hall & Wilcox Overview

Hall & Wilcox is a pre-eminent independent business law
firm.
We are a full service business law firm with a reputation
as a leading law firm across a number of core areas of
practice and sectors. We are a firm of more than 600
people, including 73 partners.
At Hall & Wilcox, our purpose is to enable our clients,
our people and our communities to thrive, by practising
Smarter Law.
Smarter Law is how we will help our clients achieve their
business objectives. Smarter Law is how our people will
prosper in times of change. Smarter Law means that
we are imaginative, agile, tech savvy, collaborative and
remarkable.
We have offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Perth,
Canberra and Brisbane, and act nationally for Australian-
based clients and multinational clients with Australian
interests.

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Clerkship Program
Each year in Melbourne, we run two seasonal clerkships
– winter and summer. Our seasonal clerkship program
gives students the opportunity to experience life at Hall
& Wilcox.
Our clerkship program includes:
• Three week placement in one of our practice areas
taking into account the clerk’s preferences.
• An induction program that provides an understanding
of the firm’s structure, the work we do, our clients,
training in IT systems and office procedures.
• Exposure to real work on real files – this may include
drafting correspondence and documents, observing
lawyers in meetings, conferences and mediations or
at court, and undertaking research tasks.
• Extensive support network, including an allocated
mentor and buddy for guidance and support.
• Participation in practice group training sessions,
practical workshops and Law Graduate Development
sessions.
• Opportunity to build your networks through meeting
various partners and lawyers.
After completing your clerkship with the firm, you’ll have
the opportunity to express interest in being considered for
a graduate role within the firm.
Graduate Program
Our graduate program is a priority for us because we
recognise that today’s law graduates are tomorrow’s
leaders of the firm. Over the years, the program has proven
to be highly successful – many of our current partners
completed their graduate year with us.
We run graduate programs in our Melbourne, Sydney
and Perth offices. Our programs offer graduates the
opportunity to work with great people at all levels and
do real work for real clients.
In Melbourne, we offer Supervised Legal Training (SLT).
We strongly believe that offering our Law Graduates
extensive on-the-job training with SLT equips them with
the skills, firm knowledge and practical experience they
need.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
We offer expertise in most key areas of commercial
practice and a number of industry areas. Our growth over
recent years has enabled us to build a practice that meets
the needs of our clients. Our prominent areas of practice
include:
• Banking & Finance
• Capital markets
• Competition and consumer law
• Corporate and commercial
• Debt recovery
• Employment and workplace relations
• Financial services
• Insolvency and reconstruction
• Insurance
• Intellectual property
• Investment funds
• Litigation and dispute resolution
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Migration services
• Privacy
• Private clients
• Property and projects
• Regulatory and compliance
• Superannuation
• Tax
Also, our industry groups include:
• Agribusiness
• Education and training
• Energy, resources and utilities
• Franchising, retail and distribution
• Government and public sector
• Health and aged care
• Public and private philanthropy
• Sports and entertainment
• Technology, media and telecommunications
Key Values of Hall & Wilcox
Our Hallmarks are how we articulate the behaviours
consistent with our culture. Our people refer to and live
our Hallmarks every day. They are far more than the
average set of values. They are an expression of how
we expect our people to go about their work and deliver
Smarter Law. Our Hallmarks are:
Stay true - authentic to the core. Genuine, open and
absolutely honest.
Be remarkable - striving always to excel. Deep knowledge
delivering the highest quality solutions.
Evolve always - embracing disruption. Curious, imaginative
and tech savvy, forever challenging the status quo.
Respect respect - great to be around. Decent people,
inclusive and empathetic.
Better together - unleashing the potency of teamwork.
Co-creating a rewarding future with each other, and with
clients.
What distinguishes Hall & Wilcox from others?
At Hall & Wilcox, culture is something we constantly
nurture across all of our offices and it’s what differentiates
Hall & Wilcox as an employer. Hall & Wilcox is proud
of and cherishes its culture. Our culture is warm and
welcoming, inclusive and supportive. We aim to strike a
healthy balance between working hard with having fun.
We are a progressive ‘firm on the rise’ and this helps us to
provide fantastic opportunities for our people to grow and
progress throughout their careers.
Having been ranked third at the LegalVitae Top100 Awards
for Most Popular Overall Law Employer for graduates,
another point of differentiation for aspiring lawyers is our
Graduate program.
100
Law Graduates at Hall & Wilcox in Melbourne undertake
Supervised Legal Training (SLT) as opposed to PLT. We
strongly believe that offering our Law Graduates extensive
on-the-job training through the completion of SLT will
equip them with the necessary skills, firm knowledge and
practical experience to succeed in their legal career. We
offer Law Graduates the opportunity to rotate through four
practice areas of the firm. This allows our Law Graduates
to make an informed decision about which practice area
they would like to specialise in after the completion of
their Graduate Program.
What does Hall & Wilcox look for in a seasonal clerk?
At Hall & Wilcox, there’s no one “type” of clerk that we look
for, instead, we value people from different backgrounds
and with different experiences.
We highly value previous work experience (legal and/
or non-legal), consistent and strong academic results,
good communication and interpersonal skills, and varied
outside interests.
In addition, we are interested in candidates with any of
the following:
• Business/commercial education and/or experience
• Experience, education or an interest in technology/
innovation
• Project management training or experience
• Language skills
101
 HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
HONG LE, GRADUATE RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT
42/101 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE, VIC 3000
graduates.melbourne@hsf.com.au

OFFICE LOCATIONS Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

TOTAL NUMBER OF CLERKS 60–65.
TOTAL NUMBER OF We encourage students to participate in our vacation clerkship program and we
GRADUATE POSITIONS fill the majority of our graduate positions through this program.

NUMBER AND LENGTH OF Graduates will have three rotations in different practice groups. During each
GRADUATE rotation, graduates are assigned a supervising partner and buddy.
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP Summer: One program x four weeks in December 2018.
PERIODS 2018/2019 Winter: One program x four weeks in July 2019.

ELIGIBILITY Penultimate and final year students are eligible to apply. International students
are also eligible, provided they have the legal right to work in Australia.
APPLICATION Applications for vacation clerkships should be submitted via our online graduate
PROCESS portal. Your application should include a brief cover letter, a current CV and a
recent copy of your academic transcript. We ask all candidates to answer a few
short questions about their interest in Herbert Smith Freehills and commercial
law generally.

Candidates who are invited to interview will be asked to complete an online

assessment.

We aim to make the interview as relaxed as possible. It’s less about us asking
a list of prepared questions and more about giving you a chance to tell us all
about yourself. Even so, the interview is your opportunity to present yourself in
the best light.
ABLE TO DEFER A Yes. A request to defer a graduate offer should be discussed with your graduate
GRADUATE OFFER? recruitment consultant and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Herbert Smith Freehills Overview
With 27 offices around the world, we can show you
exactly what a world class 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 firm putting our
clients at the heart of our business.
you’ll be given the opportunity to develop the skills you
need to work with our clients to solve their most complex
challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways.
Clerkship Program
There’s nothing more important than finding a role and
an organisation that’s right for you and there’s no better
way to really get to know our profession than gaining
practical, hands-on experience. Our vacation clerkships
will immerse you in our business, networks and the
international world of law. We encourage students to
participate in our vacation clerkship program and we
fill the majority of our graduate positions through this
program.

At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll be part of a culture As a vacation clerk, you will be given extensive training on
of client focused innovation and engagement which is all aspects of the firm, drafting and research skills. Current
continuously evolving for our own and our clients’ benefit. lawyers and partners will speak to you about what they
We’ll encourage you to think and work differently and do and the nature of work in each of the legal sections of

102
the firm. You’ll attend workshops and presentations that
will give you an insight into the depth and breadth of our
practice areas and international reach.
You’ll be invited to a range of events giving you the
opportunity to network with partners, associates and
graduates, as well as with your fellow vacation clerks.
• Collaborate — working together to deliver the best
commercial results for our clients
• Lead — shaping the experience of our clients and the
quality of our clients and the quality of our culture
through our personal actions.
• Excel — striving for excellence in everything we do.

Graduate Program What distinguishes Herbert Smith Freehills from others?

Our structured graduate program is designed to provide
the best foundation for your future success, wherever your
career takes you.
Graduates will have three rotations in different practice
groups. During each rotation, graduates are assigned a
supervising partner and buddy.
A learning and development program also supports the
on-the-job learning to help you to develop your leadership,
business development, negotiation and presentation skills.
Training takes place during working hours and is delivered
by internal experts as well as specialist providers and
leading commentators.
We’re proud of our culture. It’s supportive and it’s non-
hierarchical. When you join us as a graduate, you’ll find
that your growth is supported at all levels across the
firm — whether you’re working on a high-profile takeover,
catching up with an overseas client or taking on some
challenging pro bono work.
It’s an environment that will give you the skills you need
to become a brilliant lawyer. And it’s an environment in
which your perspective, ideas and experiences will make
a real difference.
What does Herbert Smith Freehills look for in a seasonal
clerk?

Herbert Smith Freehills funds and assists graduates at the
firm who need to complete practical legal training to gain
admission to practice.
We encourage students to participate in our vacation
clerkship program and we fill the majority of our graduate
positions through this program. We do not currently have
a separate graduate recruitment program planned.
We also run a number of graduate and clerkship programs
in our overseas offices.
We recruit people with the desire and ability to be
exceptional commercial lawyers. This means that we look
for more than just a great academic record and strong
technical aptitude. We seek people who are curious,
empathetic and understand the importance of building
relationships with clients and colleagues.
We also look for an international mind-set and a desire to
work within our global network, not just one office. We
are also interested in language ability, particularly native/
fluent Mandarin (written and oral) skills.

To find out more visit our graduate careers website:

herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers

Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne

Our clients trust us to deliver and choose us for their most

important transactions, disputes and ventures because we
understand them. Together, we’re producing advanced,
award-winning, insightful work on matters that will shape
the future of our markets.

We’re organised along six global divisions — corporate;

dispute resolution; finance, real estate and projects;
employment, pensions and incentives; competition,
regulation and trade and alternative legal services.

Key Values of Herbert Smith Freehills

Our values speak about who we are and how we behave.

They inspire the way we think and act. They inform the
decisions we make, the relationships we form and how we
work together to deliver a distinctive service to our clients.
• Connect — meeting the needs of our clients through
the quality of our connections and experience across
the globe

103
 JOHNSON WINTER & SLATTERY
CONNIE HERBERT, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR
LEVEL 34/ 55 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000
connie.herbert@jws.com.au; 02 8247 9655

OFFICE LOCATIONS Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

TOTAL NUMBER OF 4–6.

CLERKS
TOTAL NUMBER OF 2–4.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH N/A.
OF GRADUATE
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP PERIODS Summer Clerkship 1 dates: Monday, 19 November ’18 to Friday, 14 December ‘18
2018/2019 Summer Clerkship 2 dates: Monday, 14 January ’19 to Friday, 8 February ‘19.

ELIGIBILITY Penultimate year students.

APPLICATION PROCESS Written applications should include a cover letter, CV, and current official academ-
ic transcript. They should be addressed to Connie Herbert. All applications must
be submitted by cvMail.
ABLE TO DEFER A On a case by case basis.
GRADUATE OFFER?

Johnson Winter & Slattery Overview
Johnson Winter & Slattery is engaged by major Australian
and international corporations as legal counsel on their
business activities, disputes and most challenging
transactions throughout Australia and surrounding
regions.
Our role
Our representation of major corporations in many
landmark and transformational deals and complex
disputes positions us as a leading independent Australian
firm.
Our approach
With an appreciation of our client’s commercial needs,
we blend legal expertise with commercial and market
awareness to deliver high quality legal services. This
means working closely with clients and their in-house
counsel to understand their commercial objectives,
and ensuring our approach is tailored to deliver timely
commercial outcomes.
Our difference
Our higher ratio of senior lawyers means clients engage
directly with the tactical minds and industry expertise
required to succeed in complex and high stakes deals
and disputes. A partnership ethos of service, technical
excellence and collaboration ensures the most relevant
specialist expertise and experience is brought to bear on
every assignment.
Clerkship Program
Our clerkship program is a realistic snapshot of the future
as a lawyer at Johnson Winter & Slattery. The introduction
to our firm and the way we practise law will demonstrate
why our firm is a superior place to work.
The clerkship program at JWS includes:
• Opportunity to work closely with practitioners across
all of our practice areas
• Structured training program for Junior Lawyers
• A strong focus on learning and development.
• Periodic review of performance
• Seeking guidance from a strong support network
comprising Supervising Partner / Senior Associate,
buddy and the professional development team.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
The main practice areas at JWS are:
• Transactional & Advisory
• Dispute Resolution
Practitioners in our Melbourne office work with clients
in each of these areas. Our extensive client list can be

104
accessed through the JWS website.
What distinguishes Johnson Winter & Slattery from
others?
A major reason law students choose our firm is due to
the excellent learning environment at Johnson Winter &
Slattery. It is an exceptional place to begin and develop
your career.
Our clerks and graduates work with senior lawyers across
all of our practice areas, giving them the opportunity to
develop a broad base of experience early in their legal
careers.
Our lawyers thrive in an open environment with few
internal administrative boundaries. The absence of
formalised teams means that junior lawyers get to work
alongside different specialists right across the firm And our
low leverage structure means that this is normally with
partners. This invaluable on the job learning is supported
by structured mentoring and professional development
programs.
105
There are many aspects of our firm which make it a great
place for people to shine and to develop brilliant legal
careers.
What does Johnson Winter & Slattery look for in a
seasonal clerk?
The primary criteria for assessment of junior lawyer
applications are outstanding academic achievement,
excellent communication skills, and a demonstrated
interest in Commercial Law.
We look for candidates that:
• are enthusiastic about succeeding in a service driven
environment
• have excelled academically
• are committed to the continual development of their
technical and commercial skills
• are excellent communicators
• will thrive in a collaborative environment
• demonstrate a genuine interest in the commercial
affairs of our clients and Australian commerce
 KING & WOOD MALLESONS
ALANA ARFI, GRADUATE RESOURCING CONSULTANT
LEVEL 50, 600 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE, VIC 3000
alana.arfi@au.kwm.com; 03 96435466

OFFICE LOCATIONS The King & Wood Mallesons network extends across several regions, including
Asia Pacific (Australia, Mainland China including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore),
Europe, Middle East and North America. In Australia, we have centres in Melbourne,
Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra.
TOTAL NUMBER OF CLERKS Intake numbers vary from year to year. We generally take between 70 to 80 clerks
in our Melbourne centre.
TOTAL NUMBER OF Intake numbers vary from year to year. We generally take between 20 to 25 Law
GRADUATE POSITIONS Graduates in our Melbourne centre.

NUMBER AND LENGTH OF We offer an 18 month Graduate Program, with Graduates undertaking 3 x 6 month
GRADUATE rotations.
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP Summer 1: 22 November to 14 December 2018.
PERIODS 2018/2019 Summer 2: 17 January to 8 February 2019.
Winter: 27 June to 19 July 2019.

ELIGIBILITY We accept applications from penultimate year students and beyond (i.e.
applications from final year students will be considered).

All applicants must hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency. If you are
not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must hold all visas and other
approvals necessary for you to work for the firm on a full-time permanent basis.
APPLICATION PROCESS We have an online application process via our website www.kwm.com/careers.
The application involves submitting a CV, cover letter, academic transcript and
answering a few short answer questions. Once the application review is complete,
we invite successful applicants to attend a cocktail function and interview. We
conduct one round of interviews at our offices which involves a brief testing
component, a CV based interview with a partner and senior associate, a tour of
our offices and a coffee catch-up with one of our junior solicitors. Many clerks
who go through the interview process are pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable
the process actually is!
ABLE TO DEFER A We will consider requests for deferral on a case by case basis.
GRADUATE OFFER?

King & Wood Mallesons (“KWM”) Overview ideas at all levels of the firm.

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.
Exceeding the expectations of our clients is a key priority,
and as such the world’s leading organisations turn to us to
unlock their biggest opportunities and deliver solutions to
their most vexing challenges.
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
Our people are encouraged to think differently and shape
their own career path, supported at every step of the
way with world-class training, coaching and hands-on
experience. There is no ‘one size fits all’ career model,
and we offer multiple opportunities for our lawyers to
gain experience and thrive.
Key Statistics
• Most Popular Overall Law Employer in the 2018 AFR
Top 100 Graduate Employers Rankings;
• One of the Top 100 Graduate Employers in
GradAustralia’s 2018 Student Survey;
• Top 15 global brand*;
• 27 international offices;
• One of the largest international legal networks in

106
 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: 2017 Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index
Clerkship Program
Our clerkships give you a clear picture of what it’s like to
be a lawyer at KWM. 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/
documents, managing your practice and professional
relationships.
• Our core practice teams– who they are, what they do,
how they’re structured, the clients they work for, and
of course, your role within them.
• Our culture –you’ll be exposed to (and encouraged) to
get actively involved in the many activities and events
that define KWM.
• Our people – you’ll find that people from every part
of the business will help you along, sharing their
knowledge, and ensuring you have everything you
need to succeed.
Clerks usually work in one practice group. 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, you won’t
just be watching from the sidelines. Our people have
the opportunity to get involved in the many social and
sporting activities that go on in the firm, as well as pro
bono and volunteer work to give back to the broader
community in which we work and live.
Graduate Program
We offer a unique training experience with multiple
rotations and a comprehensive learning and development
program for our graduates. We invest heavily in
development to support graduates in fulfilling their
potential.
The program provides a practical business foundation for
junior lawyers. You’ll receive:
• Meaningful work covering a wide range of practice
areas;
• Client contact and an in-depth understanding of
how they operate in a commercial and regulatory
environment;
• The opportunity to work with a range of partners,
senior associates and solicitors in different practice
groups;
• A practical understanding of areas of our legal
practice;
• A comprehensive knowledge of the firm, our
technology, our resources, our processes and, of
course, the people you’ll work with.
As part of the Graduate Program, we also offer a Practical
Legal Training (PLT) course with the College of Law to
our Australian law graduates, ensuring that you meet the
requirements for admission to legal practice.
The program also promotes and supports the mobility of
our staff across our offices, by giving you the opportunity
to apply to go on exchange to one of our interstate or
overseas offices. Through this, you are able to access a
greater choice and variety of destinations and on-the-job
experience.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
Our Melbourne centre offers a number of market-leading
practice teams including: Banking & Finance, Dispute
Resolution, Mergers & Acquisitions, Projects & Real Estate
and Taxation.
Key Values of KWM
Our vision and values are the backbone of how we work
and behave. They are part of our brand promise to our
people, and our clients, and they ensure that we make a
difference.
Our values are:
• Client centric – Putting our clients (inside and
outside the firm) at the centre of everything we say
and do.
• Dynamic and entrepreneurial – We are passionate
about challenging the market to create a shared
future, together. We are bold in our aspirations and
confident in our execution.
• One team, one firm – Our belief is that the power
of together delivers the best results for our people,
our clients, and the firm. We operate as one firm,
working collaboratively and supporting each other
across all cultures.
• Excellence and innovation – We combine quality
and creativity, with the ability to get the right
results through innovative solutions.
• Stewardship – We will build a stronger firm for the
future generations by nurturing our clients and
colleagues to excel at everything they do.
• International perspective – Connecting learning
and understanding to open doors and unlock
opportunities in our local and international markets.
What distinguishes KWM from others?
Our ability to connect Asia to the world and the world to
Asia, is our key differentiator. Through local connections
and deep understanding of the region’s culture we are
focused on opening up the world’s fastest growth region
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for clients.

KWM is a unique employer for a number of reasons. As the
only global law firm that can practice Chinese, Hong Kong,
UK, European and Australian law, we offer real depth and
local connections in China.
Our Australian practice spans international, local and
regional clients, focused on creating value in a real and
tangible way. With an ambition to help clients to shape
their business for the future – we can help you to shape
your world too. That’s because our people are our future
and a significant source of pride to us at KWM.
We offer more than 200 years of collective knowledge and
experience, and we know that our future is in the hands of
the next generation of lawyers. As such, at KWM we make
your development our priority, and encourage our lawyers
to be innovative and creative in meeting our clients’
challenges.
• Are you empathetic? Can you stand in the shoes of
our client and experience the problem from their
perspective?
• Is it more important to you to admire the problem
or are you most interested in providing a practical,
efficient and commercially sound solution?
• Are you traditional and risk averse or are you excited
by a changing and fluid work environment?
• When you think about your career are you only focused
on Australia, or do you appreciate that Australia’s
closest neighbours are the new power houses of the
global economy?
We believe in team work and the ‘Power of Together’. We
are not a collection of siloed practices, but work closely
across the network to pursue client opportunities. Through
a high performance culture our results are realised through
collaboration, innovation and engagement.

What does KWM look for in a seasonal clerk?

We recruit high achieving, client centric, learning agile

people with an international perspective. We understand
that technical excellence is only one success factor.

We value a range of skills in our employees and recognise

that a diversity of strengths leads to best results. We are
looking for people who have an intellectual curiosity
and are intrinsically motivated. Excellent marks are not
necessarily a predictor of career success.

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 K&L GATES
CARLA DI VINCENZO, HR BUSINESS PARTNER
LEVEL 25, 525 COLLINS STREET MELBOURNE VIC 3000
carla.divicenzo@klgates; 03 9205 2000

OFFICE LOCATIONS Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

TOTAL NUMBER OF CLERKS 15–20.
TOTAL NUMBER OF 8 –10.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH OF As a graduate you will complete 3 practice area rotations which run for four
GRADUATE months. You will be exposed to a variety of areas of commercial law in all of your
rotations.
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP Summer: January/February 2019.
PERIODS 2018/2019 Winter: June/July 2019.

ELIGIBILITY We will accept applications from penultimate year students, final year students or
graduates. To be eligible for a clerkship you must be able to commence a Graduate
position in March 2020.
APPLICATION We have a two round interview process where applicants will have the opportunity
PROCESS to meet partners, special counsel, senior associates and lawyers as well as human
resources team members.

Throughout the interview process you will be provided with plenty of information
about the firm and our clerkship and graduate programs. You will also have
the opportunity to speak with our graduates and young lawyers about their
experiences at the firm.
ABLE TO DEFER A Each request is considered on a case by case basis. You cannot defer to complete
GRADUATE OFFER? your university studies.

K&L Gates Overview
K&L Gates is a commercial law firm operating at the
intersection of globalisation, innovation and regulation
to deliver legal solutions for clients facing an increasingly
complex global marketplace. K&L Gates has more than
2000 lawyers across five continents. Within Australia,
K&L Gates has lawyers located in four offices: Brisbane,
Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. K&L Gates practices law
on an integrated basis and has the largest integrated
network of offices of any global law firm.
With a presence in Australia’s leading financial and
commercial centres, K&L Gates represents leading global
corporations, growth and middle-market companies,
capital markets participants and entrepreneurs in every
major industry group as well as public sector entities,
educational institutions, philanthropic organisations and
individuals.
We are leading legal advisors relating to industries
critical to the economies of both the developed and
developing worlds — technology, manufacturing, energy,
transportation, telecommunications, financial services,
and life sciences, among others.
With the extraordinary inbound investment into Australia
from Asia, especially from China, and four of Australia’s
five largest trading partners — China, Japan, Korea, and
India — located in the region, the firm has the resources
on the ground to handle the most sophisticated legal
requirements. Over each of the last five years our
revenues exceeded $1 billion.
Clerkship Program
During your clerkship at K&L Gates, you will benefit
from being involved in real legal work. This will include
participation in client meetings and court visits, research
and drafting of advice and general support within one or
more of our practice areas.
At K&L Gates you will participate in a comprehensive
induction program that continues throughout your
clerkship to learn important skills to lay the foundations
for a successful legal career. You will work closely with
partners, senior associates and have the support of a
junior lawyer or trainee lawyer as a buddy. There are
also a number of social and sporting activities that are
organised to help you to network with others across the
firm and, most of all, have fun!

109
Graduate Program
Our graduate program is designed to give you the technical
expertise and commercial context to succeed. Throughout
the year, you are supported with a buddy, supervisor and
mentor. Partners and senior lawyers will support and
guide you through each rotation and support your career
development. Your buddy, a junior lawyer, will help you
transition into your new role.
Your professional development program runs weekly. It
combines Practical Legal Training (delivered in-house by
the College of Law) with sessions presented by partners,
lawyers, external presenters and our professional
development team.
Our program delivers skill development in two key areas
— fundamental legal abilities and professional legal skills
which incorporate:
• legal technical skills (analysis and judgment);
• client service (client and business knowledge,
networking); and
• personal effectiveness (communication, work ethic,
motivation and maturity).
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
• Corporate and Transactional
• Energy, Infrastructure and Resources
• Finance
• Financial Services
• Intellectual Property
• Labour, Employment and Workplace
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Policy and Regulatory
• Real Estate
Key Values of K&L Gates
At K&L Gates, we believe in having great lawyers,
delivering excellent client service and offering global
capabilities to our clients and we often surpass
expectations in those areas.
We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious
environment that embraces our diversity and takes
a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our
professionals, an approach that ultimately enables us to
serve clients more effectively.
110
We are nimble and ambitious with a high level of integrity,
resolve and strength of character. Although we take pride
in our willingness to run through walls for clients, we also
value the importance of laughing with clients, colleagues
or friends. We genuinely enjoy working with each other
and for our clients.
What distinguishes K&L Gates from others?
Choosing a career at K&L Gates is choosing to be a part
of a progressive and innovative law firm that continues
to grow year on year. We work with market leaders across
many industries in a range of exciting areas of commercial
law.
We have a one-company, one-team mentality, constantly
seeking ways to add value to our clients and your career
objectives. We look to recruit talented people, then
provide the opportunities and support for them to achieve
their best.
Your career will benefit from unprecedented exposure
to high profile deals on an international platform. You
will have access to a global knowledge bank to help you
develop and grow. Most importantly you will be part of a
straight-talking culture where you are recognised for what
you do and how you do it.
Join us and you will join a team of passionate professionals
dedicated to providing exceptional client service.
Learn what makes our global law firm different:
• Check out our Facebook page: facebook.com/
klgatesgraduaterecruitingau
• Check out our brand video on YouTube: youtube.com/
klgateslaw
• Or visit our Careers page at www.klgates.com for
application details.
What does K&L Gates look for in a seasonal clerk?
We seek out clerks who have a variety of experiences both
personally and professionally. We want to see that you
have the ability to be able to manage the balance between
your university, work and personal life. Whilst experience
in a legal and or commercial environment is advantageous,
it does not mean that your experience in retail is not!
Showcasing these experiences and how they have enabled
you to understand the commercial issues our clients face
is just as important.
 LANDER & ROGERS
FRANCESCA CONQUEST, RECRUITMENT MANAGER
LEVEL 12 BOURKE PLACE, 600 BOURKE STREET,
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
fconquest@landers.com.au; 03 9269 9711

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

TOTAL NUMBER OF Approximately 25.

CLERKS
TOTAL NUMBER OF Approximately 7 - 10.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH Our graduate program is built on four practice group rotations of three months
OF GRADUATE each, covering commercial and litigious areas of practice.
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP PERIODS Nov/Dec.
2018/2019 Jan/Feb.
June/July.
ELIGIBILITY The firm’s preference is to provide opportunities to penultimate year students
however we do give consideration to final year applications.
Students must be Australian or New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents to
be eligible for seasonal clerkships at Lander & Rogers.
APPLICATION PROCESS Students are required to submit their application through www.cvmail.com.au.

ABLE TO DEFER A Yes, we consider deferrals if raised at or prior to the offer stage of the recruitment
GRADUATE OFFER? process.

Lander & Rogers Overview
Lander & Rogers is a leading independent Australian
law firm operating nationally from Melbourne, Sydney
and Brisbane. We are proud to be the trusted advisor to
many publicly listed and private Australian companies,
Australian subsidiaries of global companies as well as all
levels of government.
We have seven areas of practice, and we cover a range
of industry sectors, with a focus on financial services,
insurance, government, infrastructure, real estate, and
retail and supply chain.
We believe that legal services are much more than just the
law - they are about great people, sustained excellence
and exceptional client service. We have a reputation in the
legal market as a provider of premium legal services and
as a sought after employer. We are renowned in Australia
for our down-to-earth and friendly workplace culture.
Clerkship Program
On joining us you’ll be teamed with two lawyers (one
experienced, and another a little closer in level to you)
who will immerse you in the day to day running of their
practices. What that means on a practical level will vary
depending on the practice group you join (we’ll ask you to
indicate your preferences), and could involve:
• Researching points of law and summarising your
findings
• Drafting correspondence, court documents and
sections of commercial agreements
• Reviewing and analysing legislation and case law
• Observing our lawyers in action at meetings,
conferences, mediations and court
• Attending practice group meetings and discussions
In addition to building practical skills, you’ll also have
plenty of time to get away from your desk to join the other
seasonal clerks in your cohort to learn about your career
possibilities at Landers, developing your understanding of
our areas of expertise and social events - because having
fun is serious business too!

Our seasonal clerkship program is built on learning and
fun. We know you’ve joined us because you’re curious
about what it’s like to be a lawyer, so we’ll do everything
we can to show you the way by giving you a chance to
have a go for yourself.
These experiences will provide you with a much clearer
idea of what it means to be a lawyer. You’ll also develop
a better feel for the human side of Lander & Rogers, such
as why our people work here, where they’ve come from,
and what they do when they’re not being lawyers.

111
Graduate Program
Our graduate program is built on four practice group
rotations (we’ll ask you to indicate your preferences), each
of three months duration, and covering commercial and
litigious areas of practice. Your practical experiences will
be similar to the activities you tackled at the clerkship
level, and will gradually increase in complexity to reflect
the advancement of your skills and confidence with each
rotation. You’ll also participate in a Graduate Diploma
of Legal Practice with the College of Law, as well as
a comprehensive internal learning and development
program to broaden your skills and knowledge.
In each rotation you’re teamed with an experienced lawyer
who makes it their job to ensure you experience:
• The best variety and volume of challenging work
• A high level of client and file responsibility early on
to speed your learning process
• Coaching on skill development
• Regular feedback on performance and progress
• Advice on managing your transition into the legal
profession
At the end of each rotation, you’ll debrief with your
supervisor, buddy and HR to discuss your experiences and
progress, and to set objectives for the next rotation. On
completion of the last rotation, we’ll ask you to indicate
your preferred area of practice for placement in one of the
firm’s seven practice groups as a qualified lawyer.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
The firm’s legal services are multi-disciplinary in nature
and cover Corporate, Commercial Disputes, Compensation
Law, Family & Relationship Law, Insurance Law &
Litigation, Real Estate & Projects and Workplace Relations
& Safety.
Key Values of Lander & Rogers
Put simply, we pride ourselves on being an equal
opportunity employer, providing a happy working
environment for our people and giving back to the
community. Our firm is committed to social, ethical and
environmental principles in conducting business.
112
What distinguishes Lander & Rogers from others?
We care about our people and about building a great
culture. Unlike a lot of law firms, we believe you can
produce great work and still have fun while you’re doing it.
We have a distinctively happy workplace, achieved
through selectively recruiting people who think and act
collaboratively and will strengthen our culture.
We have grown organically, resulting in a highly cohesive
firm sharing a strong work and services ethic, and high
staff and partner retention rates.
As a medium sized firm, we’re big enough to attract
great clients with fantastic work; but small enough to
be focussed on the important things like learning and
development, opportunities for our people to progress,
mentoring our junior lawyers and maintaining a happy
workplace.
What does Lander & Rogers look for in a seasonal clerk?
We’re in the business of dealing with people and therefore
aim to recruit and retain law students who have a friendly
and down to earth style of engaging with others. We see
this as important to your success in working with your
clients and colleagues, and critical to the preservation of
our happy workplace.
You’ll also need intelligence to tackle the most interesting
of legal scenarios, energy to absorb new concepts and
changing laws, and a willingness to work productively
with lots of different people.
We don’t expect that you’ll be a gun at all of these things
straight away, but when we meet you at interview we’ll be
curious to learn more about your potential to handle these
things in the future, based on the skills and experience
you’ve already built through studying law (combined with
other disciplines like arts, commerce and science) and any
legal and non-legal part-time work, volunteer work and
university activities you’ve tackled.
 MADDOCKS
BRIDGET SISSON, PEOPLE AND CULTURE ADVISOR
COLLINS SQUARE, TOWER TWO, LEVEL 25, 727 COLLINS STREET,
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
bridget.sisson@maddocks.com.au; 03 92583740

OFFICE LOCATIONS Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

TOTAL NUMBER OF CLERKS Approximately 24.
TOTAL NUMBER OF Approximately 10.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH OF 3 Rotations, 1 year.
GRADUATE
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP Summer: November 2018.
PERIODS 2018/2019 Winter: June 2019.

ELIGIBILITY Penultimate and final year students are eligible to apply.

APPLICATION PROCESS Apply through cvMail, two round interview process and cocktail function.

ABLE TO DEFER A No.

GRADUATE OFFER?

Maddocks Overview
Maddocks works in partnership with our clients to
support them in reaching their goals. We provide
premium commercial legal services to corporates,
businesses and governments throughout Australia and
internationally. We advise clients across a range of
sectors, including education, government, infrastructure,
healthcare, professional services and technology.
At Maddocks we look for people whose values coincide
with ours – integrity, diversity, collaboration, stewardship
and innovation.
We believe the unique position that Maddocks has in the
market provides seasonal clerks, graduates and junior
lawyers with the opportunity to work on high quality
complex matters, take responsibility and have client
contact at an early stage of their career.
Clerkship Program
The Maddocks clerkship program is a great opportunity
to eyepiece working in a dynamic firm and familiarise
yourself with our culture. It starts with an induction
program, followed by two rotations within our practice
groups.
Each clerk is assigned a senior lawyer as their coordinator
to assist in managing workflow and to act as a mentor for
their rotation. They are also assigned a buddy and invited
to network with current graduates. We offer our clerks
hands-on, practical work. Clerks work closely not only
with lawyers but with senior associates and partners, and
have exposure to complex matters and client contact.
Graduate Program
To help you find your passion in the law, we offer a
structured 12-month program with three rotations.
You’ll work with reasonable autonomy on high quality,
complex matters and have contact with clients. When
you’re not working from the office, you’ll be attending
external meetings and court appearances.
As a graduate, you’ll be assigned a senior lawyer during
each rotation who will act as a mentor and assist with
your workflow. A junior lawyer will also be assigned
as your buddy to give you guidance and support. In
addition to completing Practical Legal Training through
the College of Law, we’ll provide you with specialised
training for all our practice areas, as well as time
management and communication skills to help you excel.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
Maddocks provides premium commercial legal services
to corporations, businesses and governments throughout
Australia and internationally. We advise clients across the
built environment, education, government, healthcare
and technology sectors.
Practice areas:
• Commercial
• Dispute Resolution and Litigation
• Employment Safety & People

113
• Public Law work, commitment, a genuine focus on the needs of our
• Property clients, approachability and integrity.
• Construction
• Development What does Maddocks look for in a seasonal clerk?

Key Values of Maddocks
At Maddocks we look for people whose values coincide
with ours – integrity, diversity, collaboration, stewardship
and innovation.
What distinguishes Maddocks from others?
We don’t have a specific type of seasonal clerk we look for.
We look for students who have a well-rounded experience
and approach to life, who not only have the right academic
ability but who also fit the firm’s culture and values. Our
comprehensive application form and recruitment process
enables us to get to know our candidates quite well so that
we can effectively assess their suitability.

We believe the unique position that Maddocks has is that

clerks, graduates and junior lawyers have the opportunity
to work on high quality complex matters, take real
responsibility and have genuine contact with clients at
an early stage of their career.

Our firm culture is very important to us and we work hard

to sustain it. The traits we look for at Maddocks are hard

114
 MAURICE BLACKBURN
LAURA FREEMAN, NATIONAL GRADUATE AND L & D PROGRAMS CONSULTANT
LEVEL 21, 380 LA TROBE STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000
lfreeman@mauriceblackburn.com.au; 03 96052700

OFFICE LOCATIONS 31 Offices across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Darwin, Canberra,
Adelaide and Western Australia.
TOTAL NUMBER OF CLERKS Approximately 30.
TOTAL NUMBER OF 10 Trainee Lawyers in 2018.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH OF 2 x 6 month rotations which involves a Melbourne and suburban/regional
GRADUATE placement.
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP November/December 2018.
PERIODS 2018/2019 June/July 2019.

ELIGIBILITY Only law students in their penultimate year of study are eligible to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS Apply for a Seasonal Clerkship via the Maurice Blackburn careers page on our
website. You will be required to complete our application form and your cover
letter, resume and copy of your academic transcript. There will be one round of
interviews which will take place in September 2018. Offers will be made on 12th
October 2018 in line with the LIV Guidelines.

ABLE TO DEFER A No, we do not defer graduate offers.

GRADUATE OFFER?
Maurice Blackburn Overview
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers was founded in 1919 on a set
of unwavering beliefs that the law should serve everyone,
not just those who can afford it. We are Australia’s
leading social justice law firm and practise in the areas of
personal injuries and general legal services, class actions
and social justice. With over 1100 employees nationally,
we employ some of Australia’s strongest, most respected
and knowledgeable legal professionals.
Over the last 100 years, we have worked on cases of
social significance. These include the 40 hour working
week, equal pay for women, Black Saturday bushfires
class action, Muckaty station case against the Federal
Government and the breast cancer gene patent case.
Clerkship Program
Our Seasonal Clerkship program is designed to give
you a broad overview of all aspects of plaintiff law at
Maurice Blackburn and to provide you with real, hands-
on practical experience working alongside our senior
lawyers. Our 3.5 weeks program involves one rotation
in a particular practice group/office within the firm,
enabling you to become significantly involved in and
develop an in-depth knowledge of the practice, be
supported through dedicated coaching and mentoring
from a supervisor and buddy, and build your technical
and business skills. We also provide students the
opportunity to experience working in one of our regional
Victorian offices.
Graduate Program
Our Trainee Lawyer Program provides a broad range of
training to employees which are designed to give insight
into all areas of plaintiff law. This program encourages
our graduates to be active participants and contributors
to our business and enables them to be rewarded
with excellent training opportunities, professional
development and an insight into life at Maurice
Blackburn. There is also the opportunity to complete a
rotation in one of our regional Victorian offices.
Previous Maurice Blackburn Trainee Lawyers tell us
their experiences reflect the values of our firm. Trainee
Lawyers have the opportunity to put their learning into
practice and get involved right from the beginning. They
are introduced to new and different ways of working in
plaintiff law and learn from talented solicitors. Trainee
Lawyers also have the opportunity to become involved in
firm events and initiatives designed to assist community
groups supporting disadvantaged people.
Most promising practice areas in Melbourne
Our most prominent areas in Victoria are Road Accident
Injuries, Work Related Injuries, Medical Negligence,
Public Liability, Asbestos and Dust Diseases, Class
Actions and Comcare.

115
Key Values of Maurice Blackburn

• Justice
• Tenacity
• Fairness
• Compassion

What distinguishes Maurice Blackburn from others?

At Maurice Blackburn, we are in the business of helping

people and fighting to make a genuine difference to
people’s lives. We exist to help everyday Australians
use the law to fight back against unfair treatment. Our
employees are committed to building lasting relationships
with the community through joining our committees
such as the Cultural Diversity Working Group, Women’s
Law Section and the Sustainability Group. These groups
actively partner with community groups in order to create
lasting change in society. We have a strong focus on
learning and development and ensuring our employees
are continually learning and performing at their best.

What does Maurice Blackburn look for in a seasonal clerk ?

We seek candidates who have a genuine interest in

plaintiff law and knowledge of our practice areas; an
understanding of the history of Maurice Blackburn and our
core values; commercial awareness; excellent academic
achievements in law, strong ability to empathise with our
clients; and a passion for diversity and social justice.

116
 MINTERELLISON
KATHERINE WOOD
LEVEL 23, RIALTO TOWERS, 525 COLLINS STREET MELBOURNE 3000
katherine.wood@minterellison

OFFICE LOCATIONS Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
TOTAL NUMBER OF CLERKS 65
TOTAL NUMBER OF 35
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH OF 3 Rotations x 6 months.
GRADUATE
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP Summer: November/December 2018.
PERIODS 2018/2019 Winter: June 2019.

ELIGIBILITY Penultimate and/or final year students.

APPLICATION PROCESS Online application form questions, cover letter, CV and transcript (both degrees if
applicable) and some testing.

ABLE TO DEFER A Individually determined.

GRADUATE OFFER?

MinterEllison Overview has changed. Companies don’t recognise borders the

MinterEllison is one of the Asia Pacific’s leading law firms.
Established in Sydney in 1827, our firm today operates
in Australia, Hong Kong, mainland China, Mongolia, New
Zealand and the United Kingdom through a network of
integrated offices and associated offices.
Our success has been driven by the vision of our partners,
the in-depth industry expertise of our lawyers, and our
commitment to work closely with clients to deliver
seamless service wherever they need us. MinterEllison
has a large, diverse client base which includes public and
private companies, leading multinationals operating in
the region, global financial institutions and government
and state-owned entities.
same way they used to and neither should your career.
Secondly we know that graduates entering the job
market today have unique career expectations — and
we have listened. Lastly the future of legal practice is
moving very quickly and we need to be agile to ensure
we continue to grow as a firm and that our talented
people are able to future proof their career.
Prior to the launch program we will work closely with
you to identify areas of the law that you are passionate
about. Throughout the launch program we will ensure
you gain experience in practice areas, within our Lines
of Business, that match your interests and that fit with
your career goals.

We understand the challenges that businesses operating
in a globalised marketplace face, and offer clients
services that are multi-disciplinary and industry facing.
Our deep understanding of how business is conducted in
our region, local language skills and proven track record
for delivering outstanding work mean that clients access
local experience and expertise that is informed by an
international perspective.
Our strong technical skills, underpinned by the ability
to deliver commercially practical solutions, have led to
our firm’s involvement in some of the Asia Pacific’s most
innovative and high-profile transactions.
Clerkship Program
The MinterEllison graduate and clerkship launch program
is critical to our firm for three reasons. First, the market
117
Successful candidates get the opportunity for real
life work experience, a supervising partner, career
mentor and a buddy. Our launch program is filled with
challenging and exciting work, support and mentorship,
as well as professional and personal growth — all the
while having the opportunity to develop new networks
and friendships.Candidates who complete a launch
program often take on the opportunity to continue with
MinterEllison in a flexible role throughout their final year
of study.
Following the launch program, MinterEllison graduates
are able to fast-track their full time career in a Line
of Business that aligns with their career objectives.
MinterEllison’s agile program also provides the flexibility
for graduates to move between practice areas and Lines
of Business while they are looking for the area of law
that they wish to pursue.
Graduate Program
At MinterEllison we think beyond the law and apply
a commercial approach and creative thinking to high-
profile transactions, projects and disputes. Our Graduate
Program offers you the opportunities and tools to become
not just a technically excellent lawyer, but your clients’
best partner so that you can create innovative solutions
for them. You will work hand in glove with clients both
locally and internationally to become technical thinkers
and commercial advisors. This broad exposure will
provide you with the opportunity to not only achieve
early success, but fast tracked career opportunities.
When you start your career with us, you receive
tailored learning— in both technical and commercial
skills such as client interaction, business development
and interpersonal dynamics. Our program provides
everything you’ll need to build a successful, long-term
legal career.
We know and understand what it takes for you to be
successful as a lawyer, and that as a junior lawyer you
will need targeted development to help you succeed
in the transition from law school to law firm. Part of
our formal learning includes MinterEllison’s integrated
Practical Legal Training (PLT) program. Through your PLT
you will attend various workshops to gain the practical
skills that every lawyer needs.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
1. Capital Markets & Corporate
2. Risk, Regulatory, Insurance & Controversy
3. Infrastructure, Construction & Property
4. Consulting Solutions
Key Values of MinterEllinson
Four core values underpin everything we do at
MinterEllison — they are the basis of our firm’s culture,
they shape our behaviour towards each other and our
clients, and they drive our business:
• Integrity and trust: being honest, constructive, fair
and ethical
• Excellence: striving to be the best in everything
that we do.
• Collaborate
• Innovate
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What distinguishes MinterEllison from others?
At MinterEllison our aspiration is to be our clients’ best
partner. Last year, MinterEllison introduced a new
internal structure whereby the firm operates under
four Lines of Business. This unique and market facing
structure provides opportunity for greater collaboration
across the firm and ensures that we are able to seamlessly
service clients with our solutions-based approach.
This operating model also encourages a broad career
path for our people, with increased opportunities to
work across multiple practice areas, our lawyers have
the opportunity to develop a breadth of skills that will
future proof their career.
MinterEllison lives and breathes the mantra of Innovate,
Collaborate and Inspire — we think beyond the law and
apply a commercial approach and creative thinking to
some of the region’s most high-profile transactions,
projects and disputes.
What does MinterEllison look for in a seasonal clerk?
At MinterEllison we are not looking for people to fit a
mould. Academics are just one piece of the puzzle, and
we recognise the strength that diversity can bring to
a team. Work experience, extra-curricular activities,
sporting participation, music and travel are all important
qualities to us. At MinterEllison we want you to bring your
whole self to work— individual strengths and diversity is
what builds our teams up to be the successes they are.
For MinterEllison, an outstanding applicant will know
their application inside and out and be confident in
their responses. They need to have considered what
business acumen means for them and be able to provide
real life examples to the questions with which they are
presented. A strong applicant has a desire to get to know,
not just the business, but also the people at the firm, why
they are there and what they enjoy about MinterEllison.
 RUSSELL KENNEDY
HEIDI CONNELL, ADVISOR - PEOPLE & CULTURE
LEVEL 12, 469 LA TROBE STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000
hconnell@rk.com.au; 03 96091555

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne.

TOTAL NUMBER OF CLERKS
TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADU-
ATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH OF
GRADUATE ROTATIONS
25 - 30.
6 - 7.
The Law Graduate Program involves four rotations for three months each. Law
Graduates rotate through each of the firms practice group areas.

CLERKSHIP PERIODS Intake 1: November – December 2018 (4 weeks).

2018/2019 Intake 2: January – February 2019 (4 weeks).
Intake 3: June – July 2019 (3 weeks).
ELIGIBILITY Penultimate and Final Year students.
APPLICATION PROCESS All applications must be submitted online, via our website. We will contact
shortlisted applicants to participate in a short 5 – 10 minute telephone interview.
Successful candidates will then be invited to participate in a 30 to 40 minute
face-to-face interview with a Principal, a Senior Associate and a People & Culture
representative.
ABLE TO DEFER A No, Russell Kennedy doesn’t offer deferment of a graduate offer.
GRADUATE OFFER?
Russell Kennedy Overview Buddy in their allocated Practice Group who will ensure
that they receive the necessary support to get the most
Russell Kennedy works for a broad range of clients – out of their time with us.
including all tiers of government, private and public
companies and not-for-profit organisations. Our clerks will be doing real work such as drafting
correspondence, assisting with research, attending court
We have particular strength in some key industry sectors; and participating in client meetings. Clerks will also be
notably the Health, Aged Care and Retirement Living, able to attend our in-house seminars for professional
Property, Community Services, Property & Development, development and spend time with our current Law
and Government sectors. Graduates to learn about their experiences, challenges
and triumphs. We also encourage our clerks to get
The success of Russell Kennedy is based on our strong involved in the pro bono work available at Russell
client relationships fostered over many years, this Kennedy.
success is underpinned by a strong and committed team.
At Russell Kennedy we are very proud of our collegial Graduate Program
culture and we work hard to recruit people that we
believe will flourish in our environment. We encourage a The Law Graduate Program involves four rotations for
professional and committed work ethic, while recognising three months each. Law Graduates rotate through each
the importance of a positive working environment that of the firms practice group areas, which ensures that they
facilitates collaboration and empowers our people to are given the opportunity to gain maximum exposure
reach their potential. and experience in each of the areas by the end of their
Graduate year.
We have a diverse workforce, we encourage diversity of
thought and respectful participation of people across all Ideally by the end of the program, Law Graduates can
roles and levels of the firm. make an informed decision on which practice area they
might like to settle in.
Clerkship Program
Upon commencement, Law Graduates are allocated a
Our Seasonal Clerkship Program is designed to give you Principal Supervisor for their graduate year. They meet
a real taste of life at Russell Kennedy. We have designed with their Principal Supervisor on a regular basis to
the program to be informative and interesting to help ensure they are up-to-date with their SLT workbook
you decide whether you would like to apply for a Law and that they have reached the appropriate level of
Graduate position. competence.
From the outset, clerks are paired with a Mentor and a
119
In addition to this, we also allocate the Law Graduates a
Buddy and Assistant Supervisor for each rotation. They
will both assist with the transition from university to full-
time employment.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
Russell Kennedy is a full service commercial law firm, our
areas of practice include:
• Agribusiness & Plant Science
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Commercial
• Corporate Advisory
• Dispute Resolution
• Finance Litigation
• Government & Administrative Law
• Information Technology
• Intellectual Property
• International
• Leasing & Licensing
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Personal Injury & Compensation
• Planning & Environment
• Private Client
• Prosecutions & Statutory Interpretation
• Property & Development
• Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety
At Russell Kennedy we are committed to providing
exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients,
guided by market leading expertise across our sectors of
focus which include:
• Aged Care & Retirement Living
• Financial Services
• Business Services
• Health Law
• Insurance
• Local Government & Water
• Not For Profit
• Property Development
• State & Commonwealth Government
Key Values of Russell Kennedy
We are committed to making a difference for our clients
by providing exceptional legal advice in our sectors of
focus. We build strong, long-lasting relationships with our
people and our clients to achieve positive change within
our community.
Our three fundamental key values are:
• Integrity - We are honest, accountable and ethical
without compromise.
• Commitment - We are committed to meeting the
needs of our clients, our people and our community.
• Expertise - We apply and develop our unique
experience and expert knowledge to understand our
clients’ needs to deliver effective solutions.
120
What distinguishes Russell Kennedy from others?
Russell Kennedy has a proud heritage dating back to 1857.
Today, we are one of the largest Melbourne-based firms
and aims to make a positive contribution to the community
and we take our responsibilities as a corporate citizen
seriously. In addition to the pro bono work we do (detailed
below),
Corporate social responsibility at Russell Kennedy consists
of three distinct yet equally important focuses:
• The environment;
• Leadership and participation; and
• Workplace giving.
Russell Kennedy is committed to reducing its
environmental impact and promoting environmental
awareness among its staff, clients and suppliers, as well as
the broader community. With these dual aims in mind, the
firm has implemented numerous environmental initiatives,
such as regularly calculating its carbon footprint and
encouraging sustainable work practices as part of the firm’s
obligations as a member of the Australian Legal Sector
Alliance (“AusLSA”). AusLSA is an industry-led association
working collaboratively to promote sustainable practices
across the legal sector, which Russell Kennedy joined in
2009.
Russell Kennedy encourages its staff to contribute to their
communities. Many of the firm’s staff serve on Boards
and advisory committees for charities and other not-for-
profit organisations, such as Mercy Health, Mental Health
Community Legal Centre and Connections UnitingCare.
Others engage in mentoring and volunteering, through
organisations such as Victorian Women Lawyers and the
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
Russell Kennedy has a longstanding commitment to
workplace giving. The firm nominates a monthly charity to
which it invites staff to donate, with past charities including
Autism Awareness Australia, Alzheimer’s Australia and the
Cancer Council. Russell Kennedy sponsors a child through
World Vision, and donates to World Vision’s projects on
an ad hoc basis. The firm participates in annual Christmas
gift appeals on behalf of charities such as Berry Street and
Melbourne City Mission.
What does Russell Kennedy look for in a seasonal clerk?
Naturally a sound academic record is an important starting
point, however we also look for other attributes such as
extra-curricular interests and life experiences outside of
your studies. These may include things such as previous
work experience, volunteer work, travel, sporting or
cultural interests.
We like to see that you have done some prior research
about Russell Kennedy, the type of work we are actively
involved in and can clearly explain why you would like
to work here. We also want to see that you are able to
balance your work and study with other interests.
 THOMSON GEER
AMY GOODROPE, PEOPLE & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
LEVEL 39, 525 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000
agoodrope@tglaw.com.au; 03 80803706

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.

TOTAL NUMBER OF CLERKS 6 - 10 clerks per intake, per office.
TOTAL NUMBER OF This is dependent on business needs, but as a guide we would make offers to 10
GRADUATE POSITIONS – 15 graduates.

NUMBER AND LENGTH OF The Supervised Workplace Traineeship (SWT) consist of up to three rotations.
GRADUATE Graduates are able to express preferences for their placement areas in line with
the on the job training requirements.
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP PERIODS In Melbourne, we have two clerk intakes;
2018/2019 November – December 2018
January – February 2019
ELIGIBILITY Thomson Geer is a signatory to the LIV Guidelines and only accepts applications
from penultimate year students. International students are eligible to apply,
provided they hold appropriate working rights in Australia both during their
clerkship and after completion of their studies.

Applications open from 9.00am Monday 9 July 2018 and close no later than
11.59pm on Sunday, 12 August 2018.

APPLICATION PROCESS The first stage of our process involves your application being submitted through
our website using cvMail. You will be required to respond to a number of questions
regarding your experience, interests and academic achievements. You will also
need to submit a copy of your current CV and most recent academic transcript.

For those who move through to the first round of our interview process, you will
be assigned a research and presentation task to be completed through an online
video submission. This stage of the process provides you with an opportunity to
perform at your best, by providing you with time to research, analyse and present
responses to the questions assigned to you.

Applications that are selected to progress beyond this stage will be invited to
a Firm Information and Networking Evening with our Melbourne Partners. You
will have an opportunity to engage directly with our Partners on their current
and recent work, learn more about the firm and gain an understanding of the
contribution you may be able to make through your relevant studies, experience
and interests.

In line with signatory guidelines, offers for seasonal clerkships will be made to our
preferred candidates from 10.00am Thursday, 18 October 2018.
ABLE TO DEFER A Business needs and reasons for requesting deferment are considered with any
GRADUATE OFFER? request. We try to accommodate deferment whenever possible.

Thomson Geer Overview
We are a large Australian corporate law firm. We
have around 500 people, including approximately 100
Partners operating out of our offices in Melbourne,
Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. By size we are one of the
10 largest law firms in Australia. Our industry coverage
and client work is diverse.
Our clients are principally spread across four
classifications:
• ASX Top 200, mid and small caps
• Major global foreign corporations
• Government
• Large and medium private companies

121
Clerkship Program
We know you’re not just a student on work experience.
We want to provide you with a realistic introduction
to the legal profession. 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.
During your clerkship with Thomson Geer you will:
• Undertake meaningful work for 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 and a junior lawyer who remembers what it
was like to be a new clerk and can act as a buddy/
mentor
• Have weekly catch ups with your buddy and with
People & Development
• Have secretarial support and access to fantastic
technology and research resources
• Participate in a formal performance review process
with your supervising partner and buddy to reflect
on your development and capture feedback from your
colleagues
• We also want you to enjoy your time with us – there
are lots of social events you can get involved in –
and what better way for you to get to know your
colleagues?
Graduate Program
Students who complete a clerkship with the firm will be
eligible to be considered for a position in the firm’s next
graduate program, commencing in 2020. In Melbourne,
we offer our graduates the opportunity to compete a
Supervised Workplace Traineeship (SWT). This program
runs for 12 months and includes three rotations in
different practice areas to help determine the area of law
which best suits you.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne?
Our key areas of practice in Melbourne are:
• Corporate & Commercial
• Taxation
• Banking & Finance
• Litigation
• Property, Projects & Environment
• Construction
• IP, Technology & Communications
• Employment & Workplace Relations
• General & Workplace Insurance
122
Key Values of Thomson Geer
Thomson Geer strives to deliver best practice legal skills
to our clients, doing so efficiently, reliable and with an
authentic and transparent approach.
We are focused on enhancing the competitive position of
our clients in whatever circumstances they find themselves
in.
This philosophy extends to the way we interact with each
other; honestly and transparently as well as supporting
each other to be the best lawyers and people we can be.
What distinguishes Thomson Geer from others?
We have access to high quality work in sectors such as
banking, construction, energy, health, telecommunications,
property development and family & leisure giving our
lawyers exposure to excellent work while maintaining
small teams where each lawyer gets to develop and learn
from senior lawyers, including Partners.
Our clients are at the centre of everything we do; so it is
not only the openness we demonstrate in our dealings
with each other, but also the well-established and trusting
relationships we have with our clients, which make
Thomson Geer a great place to work.
The Law is an incredibly rewarding profession, however we
also recognise that it can be demanding. For this reason
Thomson Geer aims to create an environment that is
flexible, friendly, personable, collegiate and professionally
stimulating.
Our wellbeing@work program supports employees to
maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Our employees
love to get involved in triathlons, mixed sporting teams
and yoga, and they enjoy massages and healthy breakfasts.
What does Thomson Geer look for in a seasonal clerk?
We are looking for hard-working and motivated law
students who have excelled academically, are client
focused, commercially minded, work well in a team
environment and are enthusiastic about commencing their
career with a dynamic law firm.
We are especially keen to talk to students who have an
additional technical degree!
All of our clerks are viewed as potential graduates, and all
of our graduates as potential leaders. We therefore look
for the same qualities in our clerks and graduates that our
lawyers need to possess.
Our lawyers are genuinely interested in our clients and
their businesses. They need a critical and curious mind
and are passionate about developing solutions in their
commercial context. Our lawyers work constructively in
diverse teams with both senior and junior practitioners
across legal disciplines and jurisdictions.
 WHITE & CASE
NICOLE POPPLEWELL, HR ADVISOR
LEVEL 32, 525 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000
nicole.popplewell@whitecase.com; 03 84868070

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne and Sydney.

TOTAL NUMBER OF CLERKS 25 - 30.
TOTAL NUMBER OF 8 - 10.
GRADUATE POSITIONS
NUMBER AND LENGTH OF 3 x 6 month rotations.
GRADUATE
ROTATIONS
CLERKSHIP PERIODS November - December 2018.
2018/2019 January - February 2019.
June - July 2019
ELIGIBILITY Penultimate students are preferred; however, we will consider applications from
final year students.

International students are welcome to apply to White & Case.

APPLICATION PROCESS Please submit a cover letter, CV and answers to specific questions via the online
application process available on our website.
ABLE TO DEFER A We will consider deferral requests on a case-by-case basis.
GRADUATE OFFER?

White & Case Overview
At White & Case ‘global’ is considerably more than a
market description. Over the past 100 years we’ve built
an unrivalled network of 43 offices in 30 countries. It’s
the reason many of our global clients choose to work
with us and why they trust us with their most challenging
and complex, cross-border matters. As an associate, this
means you will be an integral member of the teams that
span the entirety of a matter—not just the work in one
jurisdiction—and experience the international nature of
the work.
Many of our clients are multinational organizations
including some of the worlds most respected and well-
established banks and businesses, as well as start-up
visionaries, governments and state-owned entities.
Our firm has established a reputation built on going
above and beyond for the client, and providing clarity
of judgement in especially complex or uncertain areas
of law. This has earned the firm consistent recognition
as a global industry leader, particularly in International
Arbitration, Project Finance, and Corporate Mergers &
Acquisitions.
Opening our doors to the Melbourne and Sydney offices
in 2017, the White & Case presence in Australia is very
new and exciting. Rather than growing to become a full
service firm like some of our competitors, we maintain a
deliberate focus on the booming Energy, Infrastructure
and Project Finance opportunities in the Asia-Pacific
123
region. As such, we are uniquely placed to draw upon
our global network of expertise, whilst simultaneously
maintaining a nimble team structure to provide proficient
training of our junior Associates.
Clerkship Program
Our three week Vacation Clerkship program offers law
students a highly practical insight into life as a White &
Case junior Associate. You’ll be welcomed into a Practice
Group (taking into account your preferences), where you’ll
undertake meaningful tasks (including drafting contracts
and memoranda, researching and interpreting legislation
and case law, preparing client alerts, and engaging in
document review and due diligence work). You’ll also
have the opportunity to attend client meetings, work on
pro bono matters, and broaden your understanding of
the life-cycle of the deals that your team is working on.
You will also have plenty of opportunity to build your
professional network. Throughout the clerkship you
will work closely with your Support Team, consisting
of a Supervisor (a Partner), a Mentor (an Associate),
and a Buddy (a junior Associate), who will provide you
with assistance, advice, and both formal and informal
feedback. Additionally, in-house practice group seminars
will allow you to better understand the kind of work we
do and the service we offer to our clients.
Above all, the clerkship is as much a process about
White & Case finding out who you are, as it is about you
finding out who we are. As such, clerks are encouraged to
ask questions and to get involved in the range of extra-
curricular activities on offer (including intra-firm sporting
competitions and after-hours functions).
Graduate Program
As a White & Case Graduate you will undertake an
intensive 18-month program (3 x 6 month rotations,
taking into account your preferences) designed to fully
equip you with the necessary skills to become a skilful,
global commercial lawyer. From day one, you will work on
fast-paced, cutting-edge and complex multijurisdictional
projects, experiencing the operational realities of cross-
border law. You will gain client exposure early on, as you
handle substantive matters with first-rate guidance and
supervision from leaders in their field.
You will be assigned a Supervisor, Mentor and a Buddy who
will provide you with assistance throughout the process,
and will adequately challenge you to find your passion
in the law and reach your full potential. Our training
and mentoring opportunities, with leading practitioners
across our practice groups, will help you to become a great
lawyer. As a truly global firm, we provide our graduates
with unique opportunities to work on international matters
– both commercial and pro bono – with our large global
network of offices. We develop Associates with a global
mentality and international skillset. As part of this, we
also offer international opportunities (including rotations)
to our junior Associates.
Most prominent practice areas in Melbourne
The Melbourne office works in the following major areas:
• Project Delivery
• Project Finance
• Corporate M&A
• Environmental and Planning
Key Values of White & Case
• Client Focused
• High Performing
• Entrepreneurial and Collaborative
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Global Citizenship
What distinguishes White & Case from others?
White & Case is a unique offering in the Australian market.
We are a boutique office specialising in the Infrastructure,
Mergers & Acquisitions, Project Finance and Environment
& Planning areas.
Cutting-edge work
Our lawyers work on high-profile, cutting-edge matters
for leading global companies. Our long-established list of
global clients includes some of the biggest names in the
financial, corporate, institutional and government sectors.
Much of our work is international and cross-border, making
it both interesting and challenging.
124
Global experience and exposure
Our global footprint of 43 offices in 30 countries provides
unrivalled experience in the operational realities of cross-
border law. Many White & Case clients are multinational
organizations with complex needs that require the
involvement of multiple offices.
Global networking opportunities
Working with White & Case opens doors to relationships
and experiences around the world that will help our
lawyers build their careers, wherever it takes them.
A high stretch, high support culture
White & Case is a high-stretch, high-support workplace
that celebrates individual excellence and team success.
We will help you become a great lawyer with globally
available training and mentoring programs at every stage
of your career. We offer an outstanding training program
focused on developing the international lawyers of the
future.
The opportunity to join a dynamic and growing business
We’re strategically committed to substantial growth
between now and 2020—in numbers of clients, revenues
and profitability and lawyer headcount.
International pro bono
We live our Firm’s global commitment to social
responsibility through a robust, international pro bono
program in which all lawyers are invited to participate.
Last year, White & Case lawyers billed more than 108,000
pro bono hours.
What does White & Case look for in a seasonal clerk?
There is no one archetype for a White & Case lawyer.
We’re proud that our people are from a wide variety of
backgrounds. We attract ambitious and committed people
with a global mindset, who prioritise learning about
different cultures, experience, languages and viewpoints.
It goes without saying that we expect intelligence and
academic excellence. But the way you think is crucial. You
need to be able to analyse how the law works and be
creative, yet pragmatic, in your interpretation of it.
We value collaboration and a team-oriented mindset.
Clients and colleagues will depend on you to perform
tasks accurately, efficiently and on time, and to work in
teams to get the legal work done.
Additionally, we look for people with other attributes
that reflect an interest outside of your work and studies
(including volunteering, travel, and cultural and sporting
interests).
 BE MORE
a m e BE PART
Th e g g e d . OF LAW’S
s c h a n
h a t o f i t. FUTURE
pa r
anger
B e sgamec
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#minter

Graduates who join

MinterEllison have the
opportunity to change
the game when it comes
to their future and career.

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WITH THANKS TO OUR

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