QUTLS Careers Guide 2023

Acknowledgement of trAditionAl owners

The Queensland University of Technology Law Society (QUTLS or QUT Law Society) acknowledges the Turrbal and Yugara, as the First Nations owners of the lands where QUT now stands. We pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. We recognise that these lands have always been places of teaching, research and learning.

The QUTLS acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play within the QUT community.

reconciliAtion stAtement

We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the custodians of the land, and have a traditional association with the land in accordance with their laws and customs. We acknowledge that for reconciliation to be sustainable over time, local communities and institutions must support, and be involved in, the process. We are committed to inclusion, reconciliation and consultation to ensure the future of Australia is one where our First Peoples are afforded equal opportunity.

In 2023, the QUTLS welcomes commencing First Nations students wand wishes you every success in your studies and beyond.

Acknowledgements

The QUT Law Society would like to thank all of our sponsors for making this guide possible. We also would like to thank the following people for assisting with the creation of this guide:

HARRY JANS JORDAN PAIVA

QUTLS President Director of Media & Communications

DARCEY LEE ALLISON KRICKER Publications Officer Design Officer

LAURENCE SANTINI CHLOE DICKSON Sponsorship Director Sponsorship Officer

LAILA BOWDEN CHLOE HAMMOND and PRITIKA KARIRA Director of Education Education Officers

...and the QUT Law School!

We would also like to thank everyone who has contributed to this guide and to the wider QUT Law Community. This includes all the QUTLS Directors, Officers, academics and students who have shared their experiences, knowledge and efforts with us so that we could build this publication and help guide first years.

foreword

Hello again! It’s almost like we just talked to you a page ago! Before you begin officially reading the Careers Guide, the Media and Communications portfolio wants to say we are so proud of you for picking up this publication and proactively thinking ‘where do I go from here?’ We love an inquisitive mind.

The fact you have picked up this guide tells us that you want to follow your own judgment and make a decision about your future career by yourself! Speaking from our experiences, we can assure you it is not easy navigating the unknown while completing this degree. There is a lot of pressure when it comes to writing cover letters, preparing resumes, researching prospective workplaces and trying to figure out what career pathway suits you and your goals. We are here to tell you that your dreams are in reach.

Your career pathway may take you on a wild and strange ride, but we ask you to trust the process that is life. Be open to change and new experiences. If you find that an area of law isn’t for you, do not worry; take on board all the experiences and knowledge you have gained and use those transferable skills to pivot into a new area. Life is a journey, and you will learn and discover what is best for you through trial and error. Finally, please do not compare yourself to other people, especially those who may seem like they have everything figured out. You are your own person with your own journey to navigate. It may take you longer than some of your friends to reach your goals, but that’s okay. Life is not a race, so relax and enjoy the ride. Once you arrive at your destination, be grateful that you had a chance to take in the sights.

Yours faithfully,

THE MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS PORTFOLIO

On behalf of the QUT Law Society.

foreword cont’d

As the Management Committee of the QUTLS for 2023, we are honoured to introduce this year’s Careers Guide - a comprehensive publication designed to provide invaluable guidance and information for law students navigating the path to a successful career in the legal profession. On behalf of the dedicated QUTLS Committee, we, the Management team, extend a warm welcome to all the aspiring legal professionals who have embarked on this exciting journey.

We understand that beginning a career in law can be both exhilarating and downright challenging. The legal landscape is dynamic and highly competitive, requiring careful navigation and thoughtful preparation. This Careers Guide addresses the specific needs of QUT law students, and we hope it will empower you with the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions and excel in your chosen field.

Within the pages of this guide, you will find a wealth of information and advice to assist you on your path to success. From resume and cover letter tips to interview strategies and networking recommendations, each section provides practical insights to help you stand out in a competitive job market. We also delve into the nuances of professional etiquette and personal branding, recognizing the importance of these factors in shaping your career trajectory. Furthermore, the guide explores various areas of law, clarifies the clerkship process, and offers guidance on building a strong foundation as an undergraduate. We have also included a comprehensive firm directory, connecting you with potential employers.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed sponsors, whose ongoing support and commitment to engaging with QUT students have made this guide possible. It has been wonderful to work with our sponsors, who share the same passion for investing in the legal profession’s future. We sincerely appreciate their invaluable contributions and the opportunities they provide to our members.

We would also like to thank our dedicated Media & Communications team, whose tireless efforts have resulted in this exceptional guide. Their commitment to delivering high-quality content and attention to detail is commendable. Our Sponsorship team deserves praise for their instrumental role in fostering and nurturing our ongoing relationships with law firms and industry partners.

We are also grateful for the support of the head of the QUT School of Law, Professor Sharon Christensen, and the entire QUT Law Faculty. We appreciate and acknowledge their role in supporting the QUTLS.

May this Careers Guide be a source of inspiration, knowledge, and empowerment as you navigate the exciting and ever-evolving world of law.

Yours faithfully,

THE MANAGEMENT COMMiTTEE OF THE QUTLS FOR 2023

A messAge from sPonsorsHIP

It is with a profound sense of pride that the Sponsorship Portfolio of 2023 extends its greetings to all of you reading this publication. In an era that commands such dynamism and adaptability, our organisation is purposed to foster the growth of astute legal minds enrolled in at least a Bachelor of Laws at the Queensland University of Technology. Moreso, as an incorporated, volunteer student association, we seek to holistically enhance student’s social, academic, and professional experiences to shape all-rounded professionals for the workplace.

Members of the QUTLS know that the legal landscape thrives on synergetic efforts and harmonising diverse perspectives to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Through our relentless commitment to collaboration, we aim to cultivate an environment where students, academics, practitioners and industry influencers unite in pursuit of legal brilliance. It is through the collaborative efforts of our sponsors that we are able to create a vibrant and inclusive community, wherein students can explore, learn and thrive. Sponsor involvement extends beyond financial support, as the active engagement with our members provides insight and industry knowledge not attained through studies.

As the Sponsorship portfolio, we are honoured to witness firsthand the impact that our organisation has on its members and the wider legal community. In collaboration with key industry stakeholders, and not just firms, our organisation connects its members with all facets of the profession. Our organisation works with international, major and boutique firms, PLT providers, the peak body the Queensland Law Society, the Bar Association of Queensland and various community legal centres.

This year, the Sponsorship Portfolio has emphasized the breadth of our engagement with external industry stakeholders. We owe much of our success to the unwavering support and partnership of our sponsors, who generously invest in our vision, values, and aspirations for our members to be a part of the legal profession. For that, we express heartfelt appreciation for their invaluable involvement with our organisation. Our sponsors hold a pivotal role in our journey of transforming our member’s aspirations into reality by providing us with the connection and resources necessary to elevate our ambitions. T heir belief in the potential of our member’s young legal minds fuels our organisation to drive for excellence, enabling us to deliver opportunities and experiences to our members.

Yours faithfully,

A messAge from edUcAtIon

Welcome to the QUTLS Careers Guide!

The Education portfolio within the Queensland University of Technology Law Society (QUTLS) is thrilled to introduce you to this comprehensive resource to support your career journey. Whether you’re a law student exploring your options or about to graduate, this guide provides valuable insights, practical advice, and a roadmap to success.

Navigating the legal profession can be exciting and daunting, and we understand that making informed decisions about your career is crucial. We aim to empower you with the knowledge and tools to make confident choices and achieve your professional aspirations. This guide has compiled a wealth of information gathered from industry experts, successful practitioners, and QUT alumni who have made their mark in various legal fields.

Remember, your career journey is unique, with no one-size-fits-all approach. This Careers Guide is designed to be a flexible resource to tailor to your specific goals and interests. We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities, resources, and support available within the QUTLS community and the wider legal profession. As such, be sure to also check out our upcoming events advertised on our Social Media pages to get the most out of this clerkship season.

On behalf of the QUTLS Education Portfolio, we wish you every success as you embark on this exciting chapter of your career. May this guide be a valuable companion in pursuing professional fulfilment and personal growth. Remember, your potential is limitless!

Best wishes and yours faithfully,

THE EDUCATION PORTFOLIO FOR 2023

PArt 1: toolkit

BUiLD yOUR APPLiCATiON AND iNTERviEw ARSENAL TO LAND THE jOB

cAreer toolkIt

Your career toolkit generally consists of:

• Resume or CV

• Cover letter

• Academic transcript

• Psychometric testing results

• Interview skills

• LinkedIn profile

resUme

CV? What’s that? What does the ‘C’ and ‘V’ stand for? is that a resume?

A CV or Curriculum Vitae is like a resume. It is how you show your best self to prospective employers. As mentioned, it is important to tailour your CV to suit the position you are applying to. The CV you used to get your first job at, say, Coles, will likely not be suitable to the HR team and Partner of a law firm. On your CV, make sure you include all work and/or unpaid experience that is relevant for a prospective job in the legal industry. Even retail experience is relevant, as you can demonstrate transferable skills such as customer service. Customer service is an important skill for the legal industry which is predominatnly client-focused.

Visit GradAustralia, CareerOne, Seek, LinkedIn and university websites (including QUT) to see excellent resume writing resources.

coVer letter

When applying for a job at a law firm, you may be required to also subject a cover letter alongside your application. The most important thing to remember when writing a cover letter is that the recruiter will likely be readin letters from hundreds of students. You want to make sure your application stands out and grabs their attention. This can be done by: highlighting a unique fact about yourself; introducing who you are; discussing why you want to work for them; and explaining why you believe you a great fit for the role.

It may also be helpful to research the law firm and subsequently discuss in your cover letter a point from your research which interests you For instance, you may learn that the law firm you are applying to upholds the values ‘inclusivity’ and ‘excellence’. With that in mind, you could articulate in your cover letter how you demonstrate those two values. Approaching a cover letter in this way helps show that you have a genuine interest in working at the law firm.

You also want to make sure you have thoroughly proofread your letter for any errors or grammatical mistakes. This demonstrates an attention to detail. Recruiters often talk about how they read letters addressed to the wrong and immediately stop reading the application.

Finally, aim for a cover letter that is approximately one page in length. Be unique, keen, thorough and succinct!

goVernment

Job positions in State Government departments may require a written response to selection criteria. The selection criteria will be a series of qualities which are analysed through the lens of the level of skill expected from an applicant. These levels range from low (e.g., individual contributor) to high (e.g., Chief Executive).

When providing a written response, you will need to show how your experiences match the various ‘Leadership Competencies of Queensland’ outlined in the application. Written responses should demonstrate how you are capable of fulfilling the competencies required for the job.

To write high quality responses, you can try using the ‘STAR’ method. The ‘STAR’ method is a methodology approach which requires you to succinctly provide an example of where you demonstrated a particular quality in resolving or undertaking a specific task. The ‘STAR’ method is as follows:

SITUATION

Describe the overall situation you have been in. Think who, what, when and where. Set the scene.

TASK

Briefly dentify the task you were given in the situation you have just outlined.

ACTION

What action did you take to manage the task?

Write or speak from the ‘I’ perspective.

RESULT

State the result and establish a causal link between the action you took and the results or consequences.

You can reflect on results that are positive or negative. Sometimes a recruiter will ask for your opinion on where you can improve. In such a context, identifying a weakness can demonstrate self-awareness, introspectiveness and analysis.

In general, the ‘STAR’ method is a technique used by many people in interviews.

When using the ‘STAR’ Method, remember to be brief; spend a few sentences (written or spoken) discussing each letter in the ‘STAR’ method.

InterVIews

STEP 1 | PRE-INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Research the company or law firm you want to apply to. Look at the company or law firm’s website and LinkedIn pages. Know your CV and cover letter inside and out. The interviewer will often choose questions that are intended to encourage you to speak more about what you have included on your CV or cover letter.

STEP 2 | DAY OF THE INTERVIEW

Be on time or slightly early. Dress appropriately for the role you are applying for. If you are unsure about what to wear, it is always safe to err on the side of caution and wear formal business clothing.

STEP 3 | POST-INTERVIEW

Send a thank-you email to express your gratitude for the employer taking the time to interview you and consider your application. Reflect on your experience. What went well?

What could you have done better? What will you do better for next time?

InterVIew QUestIons?

Nowadays, a common way for interviews to be conducted is through a conversational questionand-answer style scenario. In this situation, how should you answer your interviewer’s questions in a way that demonstrates your attractiveness as a future employee? As mentioned, you should adopt the ‘STAR’ method and be prepared for any questions which draw upon the information contained in your resume and cover letter.

If you are interviewing for a position at a law firm, one good tip is to research about an achievement or issue the law firm is currently posting about on their website or LinkedIn. Your interviewer may ask you about an area of law, or what currently interests you.

goVernment InterVIews

Government roles will often give you a page of questions in written form with 10 to 15 minutes perusal. After the perusal time expires, you will then commence the interview. During your perusal time, it is recommended that you use the ‘STAR’ method to prepare succinct and relevant responses. The questions asked will usually be directing you to provide an example where you exemplified a core quality.

Once you enter the interview, try to approach it as a conversation. Questions do not need to be asked only at the end; they can be asked within the natural flow of conversation.

This will make the interview flow a lot easier and will reduce any awkward gaps or silences. At the same time, gaps or silences are appropriate when you are thinking of a response to a question (just don’t think for too long). When asking a question, make sure it is related to the conversation you are currently having. If the interviewer talked about attending to matters in the District or Supreme Court, ask what they typically attend to on a daily basis. If the interviewer spoke about various work arrangements, then you could ask about the flexibility in the workplace.

The next page provides an example cover letter created by a member from the Media and Communications portfolio. It is recommended that you develop your own style and include experiences unique to yourself. Remember, law firms may read this exemplar and be able to tell whether you have simply copied and pasted.

18 July 2022

[#Name of Firm Contact]

[#Insert Firm Name]

[# Insert Address]

Dear Mr/Ms [#Firm Contact]

Re: 2022/2023 Vacation Clerkship Program

I am writing to apply for [#Insert Firm Name]’s 2022/2023 Vacation Clerkship Program. I am currently in my penultimate year of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the Queensland University of Technology. I also [#insert extra-curricular, volunteer or unpaid experience]. Currently, I work as [#insert current job description].

My first contact with [#Insert Firm Name] was when I attended the [Pre-Pen Firm Program Name or event you engaged with the firm at]. During those sessions, I had a conversation with [Lawyer/Graduate/Partner] from the [# Insert Team] about the unique and rewarding work they do. I was deeply inspired by their passion for the work, and the skills and experience that they had developed with the firm. I also connect strongly with the firm’s values of [#List Values here]. When [#Firm Name] sponsored the [#Recent Event] that I attended on [#Date of Event], I was impressed with the firm’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging. I have [#list an experience] that directly aligns with [#Insert Firm Name]’s values, which is why I am attracted to working at this firm and commencing my legal career.

My employment at [# Insert Commercial Firm] for [# Insert number of months/years] has helped me develop some of the key skills required of a vacation clerk. This work had enhanced my commercial awareness significantly, as I have worked extensively with experienced solicitors, and engage many times with assisting those solicitors in briefing barristers for commercial litigation. My administrative skills and legal research skills are also highly developed, and I can work to tight deadlines and juggle multiple priorities at once. An example of this was when [#State the example]. My GPA [#insert] reflects my strong work ethic and my desire to achieve high results. In particular, my interest in [#Insert area of law] led me to explore the elective subject at QUT in which I achieved [overall mark] in. I perform particularly well on memorandum of advice assessment pieces and research essays, which would be a valuable asset to [#Insert Firm Name].

What attracts me the most about [#Insert Firm Name] is the international focus that the firm has, and the opportunities for lawyers to go overseas. In my second year of my degree, I undertook exchange in [#Insert Country/Exchange Yniversity] for [#Period of time]. While at [#Exchange University], I took a class on [#Relevant subject] that broadened my knowledge about the global implications of [a particular development in an area of law]. While completing my exchange and with the supervision of one of my lecturers, I researched the topic further out of my own personal interest and wrote a 2,000 word research essay which I submitted to [#Name of Publication] which was published in [#Insert Full Date].

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Yours faithfully, [Insert Your Name]

PsycHometric testing

If you haven’t encountered the term ‘psychometric testing’ before, it might sound like a weird science experiment. Psychometric testing is a method employers use to assess their candidate’s personality, motivation, reasoning skills and emotional intelligence. It can also be used to assess a candidate’s aptitude for literacy and numeracy. Law firms often use psychometric testing early in the application process to quickly determing which candidates would be wellsuited for a role. These tests can be conducted in-person or online and typically feature problem solving questions and a variety of mini games.

How do I do well in a psychometric test?

• Practice! Psychometric tests are not something you can study for. You can, however, feel more comfortable by doing free practice tests on the internet. There are several free practice tests out there which may mimic the types of tests conducted by law firms.

• Prepare your body and mind. Before you walk into an exam, you probably make sure that you are well-rested, fed and hydrated in order to feel your best and optimise your performance. The same principle applies to psychometric testing.

• Be authentic! Often, psychometric tests are designed to assess what you think and how you react in certain situations.

• Stay calm! It’s just another step in the process.

groUP InterVIews

You may be asked to attend a group interview when applying for a clerkship or job in the legal industry. A group interview involves one or more interviewers conversing and/or conducting group activities with several candidates at once. This might sound scary, but fear not. Use the following tips to improve your chances of impressing your interviewer:

• Be punctual, dress the part, and do your research on the company or firm.

• Make sure you have organised a short spiel about yourself. You may be asked to introduce yourself to the group.

• Be aware of your body language. Make sure you look attentive and engaged when others are speaking. For example, uncross your arms, maintain eye contract and use gestures while talking.

• Practise active listening. This means you should be thinking deeply about what the other people in the group interview are saying. Do not solely focus on what you’re going to say next. Active listening shows that you are contributing meaningfully to the conversation and value other peoples’ insights and opinions.

• Strike a balance between answering questions and letting other candidates speak. If you dominate the conversation, this may show the interviewer that you are not a team player and think only about yourself.

• Do not be thrown off by viewing the other candidates as competition. The other candidates may become your colleagues if you are both offered positions! Focus on being present in the moment and demonstrating what makes you a great candidate.

‘stAr’ metHod exAmPle QUESTION

Tell me about a time when you had to analyse information and make a recommendation. What kind of thought process did you go through?

ANSWER

When I undertook the unit Ethics and the Legal Profession in Semester 1 2019, my cohort was tasked with writing a memorandum of advice to the Legal Services Commissioner. The issue we had to address was whether the outcome of disciplinary action on a fictitious legal practitioner at first instance should be appealed.

My first step was to read the the initial judgment to see why the trial outcome was insufficient. I then compared and contrasted existing cases to identify relevant precedents which could affect the scenario I was given. Whenever I found a case with a similar factual scenario, I recorded the outcomes and used that information to make a recommendation in my memorandum of advice. By conducting this legal research, I learnt that many analogous cases served harsher penalties as compared to the factual situation I had received. I took this into account and drafted the memorandum of advice and made an appropriate recommendation which was [#briefly describe approach taken].

For this assignment I received 85%, which is a grade of 7. I also received positive feedback on my thorough research, clear writing and recommendations. The skills I learned from this experience have been instrumental in developing my legal analytical and communication skills.

NOTE

In this example you will notice that the action paragraph (in green) takes up the majority of space in the answer given. The situation and task sections can be written within a couple sentences.

HelP... tHe emPloyer wAnts to know ABoUt A tIme wHen I wAs resIlIent?

This type of question can be daunting. It requires more vulnerability than most other types of interview questions. Despite this, it is a very important question as it is an opportunity for you to provide an answer which demonstrates how adaptive you are in different or changing environments.

There is no wrong way to answer this question. The best answer will be one that demonstrates how you bounced back from a certain experience, and what you learned along the way. For example, perhaps you received a bad grade on an assignment that you thought you were going to perform well on. If so (and if relevant), perhaps talk about how this was a learning experience as you subsequently made a plan to change your study habits. Then, talk about how after you changed your study habits you noticed an improvement in your results.

How do yoU know wHAt kInd of legAl cAreer yoU wAnt?

1. REFLECT ON YOUR VALUES

What brought you to study law? Knowing the answer to this question will help you narrow down what type of work you want to do and where you want your career to take you.

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Research will likely be the most time consuming part of figuring out your ideal career choice. Once you have done this, you will be in a clearer position to begin identifying the steps you will need to take to achieve your chosen career trajectory.

Google basic search times like ‘day in the life of a [#insert type of law] lawyer’. You should also search general questions about what types of firms certain types of lawyers work for.

Read the Queensland Law Society’s website to identify law firms. This can help you learn about what different law firms do and whether they may be a good fit for you.

Websites such as gradconnection.com, gradaustralia.com, seek.com, forage.com and other associated websites are also very helpful. These websites have Days in the Lfie pages, and detailed directories of hundred of companies and and law firms around Australia.

3. LEVERAGE YOUR RESEARCH BY USING LINKEDIN

Use LinkedIn to visit peoples’ profiles to see what their work history and university achievements look like. It is helpful to investigate peoples’ work history to see how they ended up in their current position. For instance, you may see how some lawyers ended up in a large commercial law firm despite not doing a clerkship there! Alternatively, you may see how a paralegal ended up working at a particular law firm (perhaps their extensive volunteer history helped).

You can also easily curate your feed to show you things you are interested in by following accounts. For example, by following the Australian Law Reform Commission on LinkedIn you can regularly see posts about reforms in law.

4. LISTEN TO WHAT GRABS YOU

Another important thing is to pay attention to what is piquing your interest. Are there certain electives you are keen on exploring? Was there a subject you did not expect to like, but ended up loving? Do you like competing in law school competitions?

5.

REFLECT ON YOUR WORK AND UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCES?

Think about what skills you have developed through your university, work and extra-curricular experiences. Keep a record of these skills and write down examples of you demonstrating these skills and strengths. This will save you time when it comes to preparing for interview questions and applying for graduate jobs.

6. WIDEN YOUR GEOGRAPHICAL CATCHMENT

Do not let your geographic location limit where you apply! If you’re able and wiling to relocate, you should consider the possibility of applying to clerkships or jobs in other cities or rural locations. Applying to a wider range of locations can help increase your chances of getting a job, clerkship or a graduate role somewhere.

tAke A moment to tHInk ABoUt yoUr fUtUre

Use this page to plan out any career goals and aspirations you have.

What are your career goals? What do you want to be?

Short term (present - 2 years):

Mid term (2 - 5 years):

Long term (5 - 10+ years):

What are your personal goals? Who do you want to be?

Short term (present - 2 years):

Mid term (2 - 5 years):

Long term (5 - 10+ years):

What’s your action plan? What’s going to get you there?

Short term (present - 2 years):

Mid term (2 - 5 years): ____________________________________________________________________

Long term (5 - 10+ years):

networking tiPs

1 2 3 4

PlAnning

Create a LinkedIn profile.

Know yourself, understand your professional brand, and outline your personal career ambitions.

PrePAring

Before attending an event, research who will be attending and take note of the industry or job a guest works in. This way, you can ask insightful questions about their career when you meet them.

If unsure of the dress code, make sure you wear a professional outfit!

engAging

If you are holding something, like a phone or drink, make sure you keep it in your non-dominant hand.

Demonstrate active listening - you should show your appreciation to whoever is speaking to you by nodding, asking follow up questions, demonstrating good eye contact and avoiding distractions like checking your phone or gazing around the room.

follow-UP

If you have had a good conversation with a guest, ask if you can connect with them on LinkedIn. If you feel it is appropriate, you could ask the guest to catch up for coffee so you can ask further questions about their job and place of work.

Reflect on what you learned from the event. Are you happy with your networking skills? What new insight did you gain into a certain practice area or law firm?

Zoom etIQUette At ProfessIonAl eVents

BEFORE THE MEETING

• Check if you need to create an account for the videoconferencing (VC) platform that is hosting a professional event. Zoom, Microsoft Teams and WebEx are common VC platforms.

• Do a trial run of the software beforehand to make sure you have no trouble logging in or connecting to the virtual meeting room.

• Make sure that your camera angle is appropriate (e.g., see the image below).

• Test your microphone to make sure you can be heard. Most VC platforms include a microphone testing function that you can use before you join the virtual meeting room.

• Ensure that your background is tidy and professional. It’s okay to have objects in the background as long as they are not distracting.

• Dress the same as you would for an in-person event. This means that you should wear formal clothing such as business attire.

• Check that the lighting in your room is appropriate. You need to make sure that your face is lit clearly and is not overexposed (i.e., bright lights wash you out) or underexposed (i.e., your face is hidden by shadows).

DURING THE MEETING

• Turn off any notifications on your phone or laptop and/or use a ‘do not disturb’ function.

• Mute yourself while other people are speaking.

• Ask questions during a designated question time. Alternatively, if the speaker invites people to ask questions throughout the presentation, you can ask questions by: (1) raising your virtual hand; (2) writing in the chat; or (3) unmuting and speaking when there are natural pauses in the conversation.

• Demonstrate active listening by nodding your head and maintaining eye contract to show that you are engaged and paying attention.

• If you experience technical issues, all you need to do is briefly apologise. Things happen!

AFTER THE MEETING

• Reflect on the session. What went well? What did you learn? What can you do differently next time?

UnIVersIty comPetItIons for BUIldIng yoUr emPloyABle skIlls And connectIons

WHAT ARE COMPETITIONS?

Competitions are extracurricular activities that mimic the ways in which lawyers practice. Competitions take place in a controlled and competitive environment to provide students with an opportunity to develop various legal skills. Competitions feature elimination rounds and typically include a preliminary round, a semi-final and a grand-final. After the grand-final, one team will emerge as a winner of a competition.

WHY SHOULD YOU DO COMPETITIONS?

Getting involved in various competitions increases your written and oral advocacy skills. It also helps you increase the following skills: interpersonal skills; time management; legal research, reasoning and analysis; and the ability to work in teams.

From a career perspective, being involved in competitions demonstrates your willingness and ability to involve yourself in extracurricular activities whilst balancing study and other aspects of your life. It shows employers that you are a proactive individual who is passionate about career progression and professional development.

Competitions are also a great opportunity for you to network. By doing competitions, you will meet other fellow students who are also passionate about upskilling, university academics and industry professionals. University academics and industry professionals judge competitions and provide constructive feedback.

WHAT COMPETITIONS CAN YOU BE INVOLVED IN?

The following are the most common types of competitions run by university clubs and societies:

Moots | A moot competition will simulate an appeal from a judgment or decision that was handed down in court. This simulation gives participants the opportunity to focus on and advocate on one specific point or area of law, and to argue for or against the appeal going ahead based on the specific point or area of law. Teams compete in groups of two or three.

Negotiation | A negotiation competition requires students to take on an alternative dispute resolution aproach to a transactional dispute between two parties. Teams typically compete in pairs.

Client Interview | A client interview simulates a lawyer meeting their client for the first time and identifying the material facts that give rise to the client’s legal problem. There is usually one client and one lawyer.

The QUTLS has a large competition offering each year. The Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) also provides law students around Australia the opportunity to compete against students from other universities.

stUdent testImonIAls

LACHLAN BERLIN

Competition: Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) Witness Examination 2023 [pending]; QUTLS Witness Examination 2023 [First Place]

What did you love about it and what challenged you?

Witness Examination is a thrilling activity and a great opportunity to build advocacy and legal skills. I really enjoyed being able to gather important information from witnesses by using real-world courtroom procedure. It is a very challenging competition, and a rigorous test of memory and quick thinking. For External WitEx, you only have 60-90 minutes to prepare, so it really does require thinking on your feet! It is probably the only competition where you can raise objections during your opponent’s case, but the challenge is knowing when to object and how to do it tactfully.

What tips do you have for potential competitiors?

Just give it a go! It’s so unfortunate how many students don’t want to throw their hat in the ring, especially when WitEx is so glamorously depicted in the media. You don’t need to have done Evidence Law; all you need is a keenness to research, practice and learn from experience. The earlier you strat, the better you will get. Before the trial, it’s important to thoroughly prepare. During the trial, try to remember as much as you can, because the closing address (summation) can be challenging if you don’t take everything in. Also, it pays to do your own research into the rules of evidence and doubledown on the parts that will be relevant to a witness examination. It’s a skill that takes time to learn, but the better you are, the easier WitEx becomes! Also, watch Irving Younge’s 10 Commandments of Cross-Examination. It’s helpful and highly entertaining!

MARLI SIMPSON

Competition: QUTLS Championship Moot [Semi-Finalist]

What did you love about it and what challenged you?

The QUTLS Championship Moot presents a fun opportunity to challenge and refine your mooting skills by competing against seasoned mooters. While the Moot can focus on a wide variety of law, this year it focused on Corporations Law. As a second-year double degree student, taking part in this competition offered a rare chance to delve into legal areas that will not be covered in my regular coursework for quite some time. Held in Semester 1, this Internal Moot serves as an excellent preparation for the External Competitions that occur in the latter part of each year.

What tips do you have for potential competitiors?

Just like I personally experienced, when approaching this moot, you might find yourself unfamiliar with the relevant law. To ensure your readiness, it is essential to commence preparations well in advance and, if necessary, access textbooks from the Law Library for further guidance on the topic.

stUdent testImonIAls

TIA ADERMANN

Competition: Internal QUTLS Client Interview; 2022 QILC Client Interview [winner]

What did you love about it and what challenged you?

What I truly loved about these competitions was the chance to engage in real-world scenarios and apply the skills that legal practitioners use every day. Unlike some other competitions, client interview competitions demand a hands-on approach, which was both rewarding and challenging. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to be personable and empathetic towards the clients’ needs. One of the main challenges I encountered during these competitions was understanding each client’s individuality. Clients have different personalities and levels of legal knowledge, making it extremely demanding to gather all the necessary information effectively. Clients may bring unexpected elements to the conversation, and being able to adapt seamlessly was crucial to providing comprehensive and accurate preliminary advice.

What tips do you have for potential competitors?

For potential competitors, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of preparation. Understanding the basic structure and framework of client interviews is essential for guiding the conversation. However, remember that client interviewing is more of an art than a science. While a structure is useful, it should not become a rigid formula for any competition you do. Be ready to think dynamically and adjust your approach based on the client’s responses and needs. Lastly, practice is key to honing your client interviewing skills. Interview is a team effort so collaborate with a partner and rehearse the questions you’ll ask your client. The more you practice, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel when facing the real challenge.

BUIldIng yoUr

ProfessIonAl BrAnd UsIng lInkedIn

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

As indicated on page 13, LinkedIn allows you to: develop a digital resume by adding your paid and unpaid experiences, awards and skills on your profile; connect with other professionals; keep your networks up to date with any developments in your career; post about your thoughts or recent activities; and share any work you have published or contributed to. You can follow companies, other users, groups and publications. You can also set up job alerts to receive filtered notifications about certain types of job positions you are interested in applying for.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

START NOW

If you haven’t already, start building your profile. Add details about your education, work, volunteer experience and extracurriculars. Make sure you use a professional headshot for your profile picture.

There are many networking events hosted by the QUTLS and other student societies that offer free headshot photography. Even the Legal Careers Expo run by the Queensland Law Society (QLS) early every year offers free headshot photography.

CONNECTING & NETWORKING

Take advantage of any networking and industry events coming your way in Brisbane. The QUTLS’ Meet the Profession is on 8 August 2023 and will have a wide range of law firms in attendance. Other good opportunities include the Selden Societies Lecture Series held regularly in the Supreme Court. Also keep an eye out for introductory programs, networking nights and information sessions which are often held by many large law firms.

Networking tips: (1) canvas the room and introduce yourself to as many people as possible (if comfortable); (2) attend events with a buddy to help break the ice and ease nerves; (3) strike up a conversation with people who are standing by themselves; (4) join a group conversation when there is an obvious gap between people; and (5) exit the conversation when conversation slows down and politely excuse yourself (e.g., “...it was really nice speaking to you! I’m going to go and meet a few more people before the night is over”.

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD CONNECT WITH

• colleagues;

• other students (as they may also one day become your colleagues);

• lecturers or tutors if you have worked closely with them; and

• professionals you have met at networking events if you have developed a good rapport with each other and/or they have invited you to connect with them on LinkedIn.

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST?

Posting on LinkedIn is a great way to demonstrate your areas of interest or industry involvement. The following are great ideas for LinkedIn content:

• work experience, clerkships or internships;

• volunteer work;

• educational experiences such as semester or short-term exchange programmes;

• publications you have worked on;

• awards such as scholarships, recognition on the Dean’s List, subject awards, QUT Guild awards, certificates and accreditations;

• initiatives you have participated in (e.g., the Queensland Legal Walk).

PArt 2: tHe legAl indUstry

LEARN ABOUT PRACTiCE AREAS AND OTHER AREAS OF THE LEGAL iNDUSTRy

PrActIce AreAs

Different practice areas in law often overlap, especially in commercial contexts. Commercial law does not always mean private practice, as some government agencies deal specifically with commercial disputes and transactions. Below are common legal practice areas where you can engage in commercial disputes and transactions.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

If you have had the pleasure of listening to James Duffy teach LLB103 Dispute Resolution, you will already have an appreciation for the important role alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes play. ADR includes processes such as mediations, conciliations, negotiations and arbitrations. There are three areas of ADR:

Facilitative: Mediation, conciliation, facilitation and facilitated negotiation can be run in a facilitative manner. Through a facilitative process, the ADR practitioner assists parties to the dispute with identifying the causes of their disagreement. Facilitative ADR helps parties consider viable alternatives for reconciling some or all of the issues in their dispute.

Advisory: An advisory process can be followed in case appraisal, conciliation (if advise is offered) and neutral evaluation. Through an advisory process, the ADR practitioner appraises the merits of each party’s case in the dispute and can suggest a desirable outcome for reconciliation.

Determinative: Processes such as arbitration, expert determination and private judging are determinative. During a determinative process, the ADR practitioner will evaluate the dispute (which sometimes involves a formal process of obtaining evidence from the parties) and make a decision on behalf of the parties.

Some employers in this area: Clifford Chance; Herbert Smith Freehills; King & Wood Mallesons; K&L Gates; Allen & Overy; Ashurst; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; DLA Piper; Norton Rose Fulbright.

BANKING AND FINANCE LAW

Work in this sector may include the provision of legal advice to banks and financial institutions about transactions, asset management, risk management, cost reduction and other strategic recommendations.

Some employers in the ADR area: Allens; Ashurst; Gilbert + Tobin; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; Norton Rose Fulbright; Dentons; Johnson Winter Slattery; K&L Gates; DLA Piper; Gadens; Thomson Geer; Hall & Wilcox.

COMMERCIAL AND BUSINESS LAW

Commercial law focuses on the governance and regulation of commerce, trade, sales and merchandising. It focuses on businesses that engage in these activities. Most commercial law firms provide legal services over a wide range of areas of law. When applying for a graduate and clerkship position, it is a good idea to think about which area of law you would like to work in within commercial law. If you are not sure, don’t stress! Many firms allow their graduates to rotate through difference practice areas in order to see what they like before deciding to commit to one.

Some employers in this area: Allens; Ashurst; Gilbert + Tobin; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; Norton Rose Fulbright; Hogan Lovells; Dentons; Hall & Wilcox; K&L Gates; Thomson Geer; Piper Alderman; Jones Day; James Keir.

COMPETITION AND CONSUMER LAW

This area of law is about providing advice to businesses to help them assess new products and safeguard their existing assets. It can also be about helping businesses build and maintain consumer confidence in their brand.

Some employers in this area: Allens; Ashurst; Gilbert + Tobin; Herbert Smith Freehills; King & Wood Mallesons; Baker McKenzie; Clayton Utz; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; Minter Ellison; DLA Piper; Johnson Winter Slattery; Jones Day; Norton Rose Fulbright; Clifford Chance; Arnold Bloch Leibler; Mills Oakley Lawyers.

INSURANCE LAW

Lawyers in this area work with insurers, brokers and policer holders to provide advice on statutory and regulatory requirements, outsourcing, minimising risk, major acquisitions, professional indemnity, public liability, insolvency and resolving coverage disputes.

Some employers in this area: Clyde & Co; Herbert Smith Freehills; King & Wood Mallesons; Minter Ellison; Wotton + Kearney; Clayton Utz; Colin Biggers & Paisley; Norton Rose Fulbright; Lander & Rogers; McCabe Curwood; Allens; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; DLA Piper; Hall & Wilcox; Sparkle Helmore Lawyers; Ashurst; Barry Nilsson; McCullough Robertson; Mills Oakley Lawyers; Meridian Lawyers.

CRIMINAL LAW

This area of law is concerned with prosecuting and defending those who are accused of committing criminal offences. There are many different legal professionals who practice in criminal law, including judges, barristers and solicitors. Note that criminal law is not just a state issue but also a federal issue. Some law firms deal with federal level crimes which are prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP).

Another unique benefit of working in criminal law is the opportunity to choose from a variety of workplaces ranging from criminal law firms, community legal centres and other pro bono organisations such as Legal Aid. This avenue is often suitable for people who are inspired to work in law to give back to the community.

Some employers in this area: the CDPP; the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; Fisher Dore; Gilshenan & Luton; Potts Lawyers; Cridland & Hua; Jasper Fogerty; McGinness Lawyers; AW Bale & Sons Solicitors; MacDonald Law; Fuller and White; KLM Lawyers; Gnech & Associates.

EMPLOYMENT LAW

Employment lawyers assist businesses with important obligations such as: managing risks; providing fair compensation to workers; following awards and bargain agreements; complying with regulatory frameworks like the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth); and adhering to policies to reduce discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Some employers in this area: Ashurst; Herbert Smith Freehils; Minter Ellison; Seyfarth Shaw LLP (Melbourne + Sydney); Clayton Utz; Lander & Rogers; McCullough Robertson; Thomson Geer; Maddocks; Baker McKenzie; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; King & Wood Mallesons; Norton Rose Fulbright; DLA Piper; Johnson Winter & Slattery; Maddocks; Mills Oakley; Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors; Hall & Wilcox, Jones Day; K&L Gates; Shine Lawyers; Legal Aid Queensland; Caxton Legal Centre.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING LAW

Lawyers in this area represent clients in disputes about (but not limited to) water, clean technology,

land rights and climate change. Environmental and planning law is a popular area of research for academics. Make sure you have a good understanding of administrative law as much of the legal content in this area comes from legislation and regulations made by government agencies.

Some employers in this area: Ashurst; Norton Rose Fulbright; Minter Ellison; White & Case; King & Wood Mallesons; Baker McKenzie; Colin Biggers & Paisley; McCullough Robertson; Environmental Defenders Office; government departments like the federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

FAMILY LAW

Family lawyers represent their clients in a number of forums, including ADR processes or in court. It is a common practice area for barristers and ADR specialists. Family lawyers should have a good understanding of commercial, property and taxation law. They should be able to communicate with their clients with empathy and respect, especially since client concerns in family law often involve highly emotional issues. Issues often include the custody of children and property and financial entitlements following separation or divorce.

Some employers in this area: Barry Nilsson; HopgoodGanim; Phillips Family Law; Hirst & Co; Mills Oakley; Cooper Grace Ward; Naughton McCarthy; Damien Greer Lawyers; DA Family Lawyers; Feeney Family Law; Page Provan; Daykin Family Law.

HUMAN RIGHTS LAW

Human rights lawyers work for a variety of organisations. This includes Amnesty International, the European Court of Human Rights, private companies, chambers and law firms. They advocate for the rights of vulnerable populations such as women, children, Indigenous populations, the LGBTIQ+ community and those who are living under oppressive regimes or in war-torn countries. To pursue a career as a human rights lawyer you may need to be willing to travel. You need to be be comfortable with adapting to the different laws and procedures used in different jurisdictions. Possessing foreign language skills may also be beneficial.

Some employers in this area: Crown Law Queensland; Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General; (Federal) AttorneyGeneral’s Department; Human Rights Law Centre; Australian Human Rights Commission; United Nations; Amnesty International; Piper Alderman; Maurice Balckburn; Shine Lawyers; Caxton Legal Centre.

IMMIGRATION LAW

Immigration lawyers typically represent in court or tribunals refugees and immigrants who are experiencing issues with visa applications. A thorough understanding of administrative law is helpful for this area of law as many tasks involve reviewing ministerial decisions and appearing before either the Migration Review Tribunal or the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Some employers in this area: Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS); Minter Ellison; Fragomen; Mullins Lawyers; Holding Redlich; Tribeth Group; Hally Payne; Catalyst Migration; Welch Law.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW

Law firms who practice intellectual property law advise their clients on how to protect their ideas and assets, formally develop patents and trademarks, and manage risks and disputes about potential infringements of intellectual property.

While you can specialise in an intellectual property team within a commercial firm, there are also many patent attorneys who practise in smaller firms. Patent attorneys generally help individuals and businesses prepare, file and prosecute disputes about their patent applications.

Some employers in this area: Thomson Greer; Griffith Hack; Macpherson Kelley; McCullough Robertson, Minter Ellison; K&L Gates; Clayton Utz; Bennett & Philp; Eaglegate Lawyers.

INTERNATIONAL LAW

Public International Law

This area focuses on the rules and norms accepted in relations between nations. Lawyers who specialise in international law may work with a broad range of clients such as nation states, NGOs, business and individuals. Common issues include treaty obligations, jurisdictional disputes and international justice concerns.

Some employers in this area: AttorneyGeneral’s Department; United Nations; the International Criminal Court, the World Bank; the OECD; the International Monetary Fund; Amnesty International; the Australian Human Rights Commission; Herbert Smith Freehils; Dentons.

Private International Law

This area of law focuses on the conflicts between different bodies of laws across jurisdictions in international disputes. This can involve delving into international wills and estates, family, civil or commercial law issues, enforcing foreign judgments, serving documents and dealing with evidence issues across borders.

Some employers in this area: Dentons; Allens; Clayton Utz; Baker McKenzie; DLA Piper; K&L Gates LLP; MMLC Group; Phillips Family Law.

LITIGATION

Lawyers who specialise in litigation work across the civil and criminal sectors typically represent and protect their clients’ interests in court. Litigators can be involved in any part of the litigation process and can: (1) prepare their client for self-representation; (2) brief barristers to act on their client’s behalf; or (3) the litigator

themselves can represent their client in court. Some employers in this area: Allens; Clayton Utz; King & Wood Mallesons; K&L Gates; Herbert Smith Freehills; MinterEllison; Tucker & Cowen; Ashurst; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; HopgoodGanim; McCullough Robertson; Cooper Grace Ward; Gadens; DLA Piper; Johnson Winter & Slattery; Fisher Dore; Gilshenan & Luton; Piper Alderman; Robertson O’Gorman; Howden Saggers; Potts Lawyers.

PERSONAL INJURY LAW

Personal injuries lawyers generally deal with claims for compensation where a client has suffered physical or psychological injuries as a result of negligence. Common matters include car accidents, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, wrongful death cases and so on.

Some employers in this area: Maurice Blackburn; Travis Schultz & Partners; Murphy Schmidt; Turner Freeman; Bennett & Philp; Gouldson Legal; Hall Payne; Queensland Compensation Lawyers; Shine Lawyers; Slater & Gordon; Wallace & Wallace.

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE LAW

Lawyers who work in property law help their clients manage issues arising in relation to real property and commercial and personal property. This can involve dealing with any matters arising from commercial transactions to conveyancing. It depends on a lawyer’s specific area of expertise.

Some employers in this area: Corrs Chambers Westgarth; Herbert Smith Freehills; King & Wood Mallesons; MinterEllison; Norton Rose Fulbright; Allens; Clayton Utz; HopgoodGanim; Cooper

Grace Ward; Gadens; McCullough Robertson; Ashurst; Colin Biggers & Paisley; K&L Gates; Connor O’Meara; Dentons; DLA Piper; Holding Redlich; HWL Ebsworth; Piper Alderman; Mills Oakley; Sparke Helmore; Thomson Geer; Thynne & Macartney; Hall & Wilcox.

PUBLIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

Public law broadly refers to the relationship between a government and its constituents. In more concrete terms, you may aspire to become a Member of Parliament, a policy adviser or a public servant. Key skills include proficient drafting ability, strong advocacy skills and an understanding of the concerns of different stakeholders in Australian society.

Working in administrative law includes providing advice to government bodies about a broad range of matters. This includes privacy and data, outsourcing projects and ensuring compliance with relevant statutory and regulatory obligations.

Some employers in this area: Crown Law Queensland, Australian Government Solicitor (AGS); Clayton Utz; Herbert Smith Freehills; Ashurst; Allens; DLA Piper; Sparkle Helmore Lawyers; Holding Redlich Lawyers; Potts Lawyers; Slater and Gordon; Russell Kennedy Lawyers.

SUCCESSION LAW

Succession law involves assisting clients with estate planning, administration and litigation. This may involve drafting wills, organising powers of attorney and advance health care directives, and making sure estate administration tasks are properly carried out. Succession law also involves giving advice to parties who are concerned with or disputing a will.

Some employers in this area: Cornford-Scott Lawyers; Cooper Grace Ward; Murdoch Lawyers; McInnes Wilson; McCullough Robertson; View Legal; de Groots; Parsons Law; Thynne & Macartney.

TECHNOLOGY LAW

This is a quickly growing practice area which involves advising clients on a range of matters such as telecommunications, legislative and regulatory reform, procurement of hardware and software assets, and access agreements.

Some employers in this area: Allens; Ashurt; Clayton Utz; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; Gilbert + Tobin; Herbert Smith Freehills; King & Wood Mallesons; Baker McKenzie; MinterEllison; Norton Rose Fulbright; K&L Gates; Lander & Rogers; McCullough Robertson; DLA Piper; Gadens; Johnson Winter & Slattery; Squire Patton Boggs; Thomson Geer.

TAXATION LAW

Lawyers in this area work with clients from a range of sectors on issues such as tax disputes, wealth planning, corporate tax, private equity, investment fund, pension and superannuation matters.

Some employers in this area: West Garbutt; Cooper Grace Ward; McCullough Roberson; Clayton Utz; Deloitte Legal; King & Wood Mallesons; MinterEllison; McInnes Wilson; Holding Redlich; HopgoodGanim; Merthyr Law.

JoBs oUtsIde

tHe legAl IndUstry ACCOUNTING

What does an accountant do? Accountants assist their clients with the preparation and maintenance of financial records and other tasks such as financial statements, audits, drafting budgets and advising on investments.

How do I use my law degree? The disciplined and creative approach developed through law school is currently highly sought after among accounting firm. However, it is often still necessary to have a Bachelor of Business degree if you want to practice as an accountant.

BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

What do people in this sector do? Banking and finance offer a variety of roles. You can find positions in retail banks, credit unions, investment banks, insurance companies and the financial tech sector. Generally, these roles involve managing and investing money.

How do I use my law degree? The ability to analyse patterns in large amounts of information is a crucial skill. Studying subjects like Taxation Law can help you stand out when applying for jobs in this sector.

CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY SERVICES

What do people in this sector do? A career in construction can involve working for commercial, industrial or residential organisations. You can specialise in property valuation, construction oversight and various other processes.

How do I use my law degree? The management of complex processes, working with multiple stakeholders and effective communication are skills that law graduates should possess. These abilities are highly valued in this sector and can enhance your employability.

CONSULTING

What does a consultant do? Consultants are regarded as “problem solvers” within the business world. They typically assume advisory or implementation roles, which can encompass a wide range of responsibilities. These may include maximising profits for a new product launch or navigating complex mergers.

How do I use my law degree? The diverse nature of consultancy work aligns well with the skillset of law graduates, a they have been trained to consider various solutions when solving problems. Securing a position at a toptier consultancy firm can be highly competitive. Therefore, it is advisable to seek internships or gain work experience to distinguish yourself from other candidates.

ENGINEERING

What is the role of an engineer? The primary responsibility of an engineer revolves around testing and creating various objects. They rely on highly technical skills acquired through their studies to address practical challenges. Engineering positions can be found in diverse settings such as mines, manufacturing plants and the public sector.

How can I use my law degree? If you aspire to work in the engineering sector, you may be involved in risk management, contract negotiation and property transactions. Such matters require legal expertise and understanding.

IT AND COMMUNICATIONS

What does this sector involve? The IT and communications sector encompasses a wide range of activities that are continuously evolving and changing. Careers in this field involve tasks such as planning, research and implementing new IT systems. Professionals in this sector can be found working in government, technology companies and the communications industry.

How do I use my law degree? As a law graduate, the ability to solve complex problems and and analyse various precedents is highly valued in the IT and communications industry. Having a dual degree in IT degree would enhance your job prospects as you would be familiar with various IT systems.

MINING AND RESOURCES

What does this sector involve? Australia is a prominent exporter of resources like coal, tin, aluminium, iron and zinc. These industries make a significant contribution to our GDP. Major mining and resource companies typically offer in-house positions, while top-tier firms provide

external advisory services dedicated to resource companies.

How do I use my law degree? Within this sector, there are various opportunities to utilise your law degree. You may engage in legal roles within mining and resource organisations, addressing matters such as contract negotiation, regulatory compliance and environmental considerations.

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

What does this sector involve? The public sector encompasses sections of the economy that are publicly funded, such as government services. This sector features a wide array of roles across various government departments and levels.

How do I use my law degree? There are many public and government positions specifically designed for legal practitioners. One example is the Attorney-General’s Department. There are also many jobs that draw upon the skills of law graduates, including diplomatic and foreign policy positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

RETAIL AND CONSUMER GOODS

What does this sector involve? While retail is commonly associated with face-to-face customer services roles, there are also significant behind-the-scenes work involved to ensure

competitiveness and compliance in the industry.

How do I use my law degree? The retail sector offers various opportunities for legal practitioners. Roles may involve contract negotiation, brand and intellectual property protection, as well as addressing legal issues related to the marketing and promotion of goods and services to consumers.

TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS

What does this involve? Professionals in this sector work in diverse roles, such as freight management, transportation and logistics. This sector holds great importance in Australia as it contributes to 10% of our GDP.

How can I use my law degree? Employers within the transport and logistics sector value the skills acquired during a law degree. These skills, including stakeholder management, creative thinking and understanding complex processes, can beapplied effectively in this industry.

GOVERNMENT, DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Diplomacy involves establishing and maintaining relationships with other nations, negotiating foreign policies and building enduring bonds despite political challenges. Careers in this field can include working for the United Nations, serving as an Ambassador or High Commissioner, or joining the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

READ MORE ABOUT THESE PATHWAYS

UNITED NATIONS (UN)

Work directly with the UN on various issues such as human rights, sustainable development, environmental protection, disaster relief, counter terrorism and the non-proliferation of weapons. The UN offers an internship program that allows graduates to work closely with their teams, assisting in drafting organisational policies and participating in conferences with the UN and state parties. To be eligible for this internship program you must: (1) be currently enrolled in a Masters or PhD; (2) be in your final year of a Bachelor’s programme; or (3) if you have graduated, you must apply within a year following the completion of your Masters, PhD or Bachelor’s programme.

AMBASSADOR OR HIGH COMMISSIONER

Australia appoints representatives to international locations, including Australian embassies in sovereign states and significant international organisations like the UN or the OECD. Ambassadors and High Commissioners serve as Australia’s official representatives and are responsible for building and maintaining positive international relationships with their host country or organisation. These positions are typically appointed after demonstrating extensive periods of public service within Australia through the government or DFAT.

DFAT: Collaborate with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide advice to the Australian government on international relations issues such as terrorism, climate change, gender equality, cyber affairs, people smuggling and other peacekeeping measures. DFAT has a graduate program which involves four work placements through their Diplomatic Academy. Although DFAT is based in Canberra, there are also opportunities to work overseas at one of DFAT’S 120 posts located in other countries.

PArt 3: clerksHIP BAsIcs

ExPLORE THE CLERkSHiP PROCESS AND HOw TO GET yOUR FOOT iN THE DOOR OF RENOwNED COMMERCiAL FiRMS

wHAt is A clerksHiP?

Unlike an internship, a clerkship is a highly structured program offered by top-tier and many mid-tier law firms. Clerkships are open to law students in their penultimate and (depending on the firm) pre-penultimate year. A penultimate year means the year before your final year. For example, if you started your degree in 2020 and are due to graduate in 2024 (final year), then you will be in your penultimate year in 2023, and your pre-penultimate year in 2022.

Clerkships allow law students to see how a firm operates on a day to day basis. Clerks typically rotate in one or more different practice areas that the law firm specialises in. Clerks usually assist with drafting, proofreading and legal research and may shadow a lawyer in a client meeting, phone call or court attendance. If a clerk performs well during the clerkship, it is common for that clerk to be seriously considered for a graduate position at the law firm they clerked at.

In Brisbane and Melbourne, clerkships will typically run for four weeks. In Sydney, clerkships run for eight weeks. The Queensland Law Society has stipulated guidelines regarding when law firms are to accept applications and make clerkship offers and key dates for when clerkships are to run. Key dates vary between Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

The following are key dates for Queensland in 2023:

TIMELINE

Applications open: 17 July 2023

Applications close: 11 August 2023

Offers made: 11 October 2023

If you would like to obtain a clerkship at a toptier or mid-tier firm, you should make sure that you thoroughly research the law firm you are interested in. Law firms will receive a significant number of applications for their clerkship programs. To maximise your chance of obtaining a clerkship, your cover letter must be well drafted, and addressed to the correct person. A cover letter should highlight your studies, interests, any relevant experiences and why you are interested in the law firm. Please visit page 10 to see an example of a cover letter.

To decide which law firms to apply to, ask yourself:

• How flexible are the working hours?

• What kinds of people work at the law firm?

• Does the law firm run social events for its employees?

• What initiatives does the law firm do?

• What social causes does the law firm align with? Is the law firm involved in pro bono, charity work, community groups or community initiatives?

• What is the law firm’s reputation?

• What values does the law firm uphold, and do these align with my values?

WHAT IS THE LAW FIRM’S REPUTATION AND CULTURE LIKE?

Research a law firm’s reputation and culture by browsing reviews provided by employees on online platforms such as Glassdoor.com and LinkedIn. Another approach is to speak with current and past employees of the business you’re trying to learn more about. Ask about their experiences, why they decided to work at the firm or what made them decide to leave. University staff members may also be a source of knowledge if they have previously worked in private practice or in another area prior to becoming an academic.

tHe clerksHIP APPlIcAtIon Process

PRE-APPLICATION

• Research the law firms you’re interested in.

• Attend networking events such as the QUTLS’ Clerkship Symposium and Meet the Profession.

• Review and clean up your social media platforms, including LinkedIn.

Begin considering the possible areas of law you are interested in or the types of workplaces you can see yourself working in. Attend networking events or information nights hosted by student societies or law firms. At thse events, make sure to ask legal practitioners questions about how their law firm operates, what the work arrangements and culture are like and so on. Follow these steps to find out whether a law firm is a good fit for you.

APPLICATION

• Prepare your application (i.e., resume, cover letter, academic transcript, written responses to questions and psychometric testing).

• Proofread your application documents.

• Reach out to the law firm’s HR department or individuals who can give you insight into the business.

APPLICATION TIPS

1. Avoid submitting a generic resume and cover letter as each law firm will have different core values and cultural ideals. It is vital that you tailor your application to specific selection criteria as this will demonstrate that you have taken the time to consider whether you will be a suitable candidate. It also shows that you are genuinely interested in working at that firm.

2. Thoroughly check your grammar and spelling. If you are re-using a template for multiple applications, check that you have addressed it to the correct law firm. This might seem simple, but it is a common mistake that

recruiters often see and it could cause your application to be rejected. A cover letter example has been provided on page 10.

3. Make an appointment with your university’s Careers and Employment Advisor. They will advise you on how to improve your resume and cover letter so that you can maximise your chances of progressing your application.

POST-APPLICATION

If you are successful in the first stage of your application, congratulations! This in itself is a great achievement. The next stage may require you to participate in one or more of the following:

• an online questionnaire to test your suitability or your knowledge in an area of law;

• a group interview;

• a panel interview; or

• a personality interview.

TESTING

The purpose and format of testing can vary among law firms as different employers may be assessing for different traits. Tests are generally an integral part of the clerkship recruitment process as it enables employers to measure skills and qualities that are difficult to demonstrate in an academic transcript alone. For instance, a test may assess for relationship building, risk management, emotional agility, problem solving and resilience.

Broadly speaking, tests used by law firms will typically assess your personal, analytical and psychometric skills. Analytical skills assess your ability to comprehend written text, psychometric skills evaluate your problem solving abilities in complex situations, and personality tests determine your thinking approach. These tests are not used to exclude applicants but rather to assess strengths and weaknesses and to shape interview questions.

INTERVIEW FOR A CLERKSHIP

The purpose of an interview is to show off your personality, see if you get along well with others in-person, and demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and formulate answers to questions.

An interview is an opportunity to put any achievements or experiences listed on your resume and cover letter into more context. An interview could be conducted individually or in a group setting. You could be interviewed by one person or by multiple panellists. Whatever the case, always keep in mind that this is your chance to sell yourself and leave your interviewers with no doubt that you are the best fit for the role.

NETWORKING NIGHT

After or before your interview takes place, the law firm you have applied to may host a networking night for all applicants to attend. This is another opportunity to meet other applicants and employees of the law firm. It is important to make a good impression as you may meet an individual who ends up being your interviewer or on the interview panel.

Here are some tips for attending an interview:

• Make sure you arrive slightly early or on time.

• Wear corporate clothing.

• Try to talk to as many people as possible.

• If there is alcohol available, only have a glass or two as it is still a formal event and you are trying to make a good impression.

• Remember that the firm has invited you for a reason, so be yourself and have fun!

TAKEAWAY

If you are successful in obtaining a clerkship, then congratulations! This is potentially the start of a career in commercial law.

If you don’t secure a clerkship, don’t stress! Success in the legal industry comes in many different shapes and sizes. There are many other ways to gain experience and find your place within the legal industry. If your goal is to work for a corporate law firm, note that it is not uncommon for lawyers from other areas to transition into commercial law firms once they have accumulated a few years of experience.

PArt 4: grAdUAte roles

ExPLORE DiFFERENT PRACTiCE AREAS AND GRADUATE OPPORTUNiTiES

All ABoUt grAdUAte roles

INTRODUCTION

This section of the guide will explore various types of graduate roles. Many legal professionals strongly advise students against pigeonholing themselves into one specific area of law. You may discover that some topics which seemed dull during university are actually very different and quite interesting in practice. Maintain an open mind when considering which pathway to pursue for your future career.

A graduate role is a form of employment you take on after finishing your degree. After obtaining admission as a lawyer, a graduate lawyer is held to the same standard as any other lawyer in the Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld) (and all other State equivalent legislation). Working as a graduate at a law firm or government department means you will be supported while you are navigating the early stages of your legal career, gaining experience and familiarising yourself with the types of work your employer does.

GRADUATE ROLES WITH TOP-TIER COMMERCIAL LAW FIRMS

Top-tier firms often extend graduate role offers to final year students who have previously completed a clerkship with the same firm.

As foreshadowed in the previous section, although completing a clerkship is a great way to secure a graduate position (subject to good performance), it is not the only way to land a job in the legal industry. Many law firms consider new applicants through the ‘open market’ process which is open from August to September. The ‘open market’ process takes place after the release of offers to seasonal clerks in July.

It is important to note that there are many law firms which do not offer clerkships or internship opportunities. As such, your should research potential employers and learn about their specific application processes.

GRADUATE ROLES TiMELiNE 2023

Graduate offers made to current staff and vacation clerks (internalmust be accepted within a day):

Monday 7th August

Applications for graduate positions close (open market):

Friday 25th August

Applications for graduate positions open (open market): Monday 14th August

Offers made for graduate positions: Thursday 28th September

JUdge’s AssociAtesHiP

WHAT IS A JUDGE’S ASSOCIATESHIP?

A Judge’s Associateship (JA) is a role where you work as a professional aide to a specific judge.

Associates conduct various tasks, including:

• legal research;

• liaising with court staff, legal professionals, government departments, the press and the public;

• ensuring the efficient conduct of the judge’s court by, but not limited to: managing arraignments, jury selection in criminal trials; listing matters; custody of court files; recording orders; and

• accompanying the judge on circuit and other court-related business.

You can apply for a JA position at any level except for the Magistrate’s court. Federal Court registries all accross Australia hire JAs, as do District and Supreme Court judges. The High Court also hires JAs, however it is less common for fresh law graduates to be hired for High Court positions. Typically, being a High Court JA requires several years of legal experience.

It is important to research the jurisdiction of the juducial officer you are applying to. Doing so will give you an understanding of the types of matters you will encounter on a daily basis.

In state courts, particularly the District Court, criminal matters tend to be the most common. While there will be civil trials, appeals and applications, they may not be as frequent as criminal cases.

In the Federal Court of Australia you will be exposed to nine national practice areas (NPA):

1. Administrative and Constitutional Law and Human Rights NPA

2. Admiralty and Maritime NPA

3. Commercial and Corporations NPA;

4. Federal Crime and Related Proceedings NPA

5. Employment and Industrial Relations NPA

6. Native Title NPA

7. Intellectual Property NPA

8. Taxation NPA

9. Other Federal Jurisdiction

Judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia also hire JAs. These positions are typically advertised on an ongoing basis. These these positions can be found on apsjobs.gov.au.

You can also apply to be an associate for a member of a tribunal. Some tribunals are:

• QCAT (Queensland)

• VCAT (Victoria)

• AAT (Federal jurisdiction)

While other jurisdictions may have slightly different structures, the general system remains similar across the board.

APPLYING FOR A JA

Applications for associateships open a year before the appointment year. For example. If you intend to be an associate in 2025, you would apply at the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024. For state courts, there is usually a two month application period in December and January.

STATE JURISDICTION

For state jurisdiction associateships, you can find more information and application details at the following link:

https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/about/jobs-withthe-courts/judges-associates

APPLICATION ESSENTIALS

The application essentials include:

• A completed Judge’s Associate Application form (pictured on the next page);

• a cover letter (1 page maximum);

• a resume or CV outlining your academic and achievements, employment history and the names of two referees (5 pages maximum); and

• a certified copy of your academic transcript.

When applying, you have the option to submit your application to the general pool or apply to individual judges with a personalised cover letter, expressing why you specifically want to be their associate. This is an opportunity to highlight any previous interactions or observations you have had with the judge that sparked your interest.

INTERVIEW

If you receive an email inviting you to interview with a judge, congratulations! This is a significant accomplishment. However, it’s important to note that the interview process for a JA position differs from traditional job interviews. It is a more personalised and informal interaction aimed at getting to know each other. The interview can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and may be conducted in-person or virtually, depending on the circumstances.

Different judges may have varying interview styles and preferences. Some may focus solely on the interview conversation, while others may request a proofreading task before the interview. It is beneficial to have researched the judges you applied to during the application process. If contacted by a judge you are less familiar with, take the opportunity to look them up on the Supreme Court of Queensland Library and explore their papers and speeches. This can provide insight into their interests and help you determine if there is a match with your own.

During the interview, have your application materials in front of you, as the judge may refer to

your resume to guide the discussion and ask questions about your background and experiences. Be prepared to engage in a conversation that allows both you and the judge to learn more about each other.

THE JUDGE PICKED YOU!

Congratulations on being selected for the associateship above all other applicants! For state judges, the associateship usually begins in February and starts with a week of formal training. This training allows you to meet other associates and acquire a foundational understanding of the tasks you will be responsible for throughout the year.

Now, the real adventure begins!

It’s important to note that you can apply to be a judge’s associate at any point in your career. While graduates typically apply in their final year of university, there’s nothing stopping you from applying after a few years of practice if you desire a change of scenery. Moreover, if you aspire to become an associate to a High Court Justice, you will typically need several years of experience as a practicing solicitor.

Embrace this opportunity and enjoy the rewarding journey ahead!

REMEMBER: You can apply to be a JA at any point in throughout your legal career!

common tyPes of legAl ProfessionAls*

JUDGES

Judges are appointed to preside over specific courts and are responsible for adjudicating disputes between parties. Australia has various courts ranging from the state Magistrates Courts to the highest court, the High Court of Australia.

BARRISTERS

Barristers are independent practitioners who often work in shared chambers with other barristers. They can accept instructions directly from clients or receive briefs from solicitors regarding their clients’ cases. Barristers can practice in different areas of law, with many choosing to specialize in one or two areas. To become a barrister, you need to complete the Bar Exam administered by the Barristers Association of Queensland and be admitted to practice as a solicitor in Queensland.

SOLICITORS

Anyone admitted to practice as a lawyer is considered a solicitor. To become a solicitor, you must complete an undergraduate degree in law and Practical Legal Training (PLT). Admission as a solicitor is determined by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board, which assesses whether you are fit to practice law in Queensland. Solicitors work in various areas of law and handle tasks such as preparing briefs for barristers, drafting legal documents, and providing advice to clients.

*Not exhaustive: It’s important to note that legal professionals, especially solicitors, may choose not to practice law in their everyday working lives and instead work in different fields where they can apply their legal skills in various ways. Additionally, some law graduates opt not to be admitted as solicitors and pursue work in different industries, both within and outside the legal field.

POLICY ADVISORS

Policy advisers work on a macro level, focusing on writing policies that may become laws and be applied to the broader population. These professionals often have a background in law or public policy and are employed in government departments. They are involved in legislative reviews and similar issues related to policy development and implementation.

HelP! i didn’t get A grAdUAte offer or A JUdge’s AssociAtesHiP. wHere else cAn i find A grAdUAte JoB?

If you have completed a clerkship but did not receive a graduate offer, or if you have applied for JAs but were not selected, it can be disheartening. However, there are still plenty of opportunities in the legal field, and there is a place for anyone who wants to be a lawyer.

Look at the next page to discover some resources and platforms regarding job opportunities.

SEEK

You can find numerous advertisements for law firms and businesses seeking graduate lawyers on this online platform.

GRADCONNECTION

GradConnection provides you with a job listing board and allows you to research and browse different companies, organisations, student blogs, employer blogs, and university blogs.

GRADAUSTRALIA

Similar to GradConnection, GradAustralia offers various resources to help you apply for jobs and research companies. It also provides a job listing board.

LINKEDIN JOBS

LinkedIn has a valuable job search feature where you can find postings for positions ranging from large commercial firms to government lawyer roles and judges’ associateships. Utilise LinkedIn to create a newsfeed tailored to your interests and desired organisations.

PROSPLE

Another platform similar to GradConnection and GradAustralia is Prosple. This website offers its own set of resources and information on job applications.

QUEENSLAND LAW SOCIETY’S PROCTOR JOB VACANCIES BOARD

This platform provides job advertisements specifically related to legal positions.

APS JOBS

If you are interested in working for a federal government agency or department, APS Jobs is a great resource. The public service offers opportunities to utilise your legal skills in policy creation, implementation, or as a lawyer within a department’s professional services branch.

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT JOBS

If you aim to be a lawyer for the state government, the Queensland Government Jobs website is the place to look at for relevant job opportunities.

FACEBOOK NETWORKING GROUPS

Joining Facebook networking groups like “Fellow Surviving Law Students” and “QUT Law Students” can be beneficial. These groups often post job opportunities for undergraduate law students, paralegal or administrative roles, and solicitor positions for graduates.

UNIVERSITY JOBS PORTAL

Access QUT’s Careers Hub on https://unihub.qut. edu.au/students/jobs/search. This platform hosts job advertisements from various employers. You can filter your searches to “Final Year Recruitment / Graduate Roles”. You can further filter your search terms by clicking “more search options” and selecting “Law” as the occupation.

Note that several law clerk positions are also advertised on QUT’s Career Hub.

Remember to stay proactive in your job search, tailor your applications to each opportunity, and network with professionals in the field. There are various paths to success in the legal industry.

wHy Is it tAking so long?

If you are putting in numerous applications and not getting even so much as an email response informing you that your application has been unsuccessful, it can be frustrating.

Remember, this is part of the process! It doesn’t mean that you are not meant to work in law. Keep applying, update your resume regularly, and reflect on what you could do better in your next application, cover letter or interview.

The right opportunity will come at the right time. It is your career - no one else’s - so try not to compare yourself to peers who seem like they have everything planned out.

PArt 5: UndergrAd cAreer BUilding

UndergrAdUAte cAreers And oPPortUnities

Experience is invaluable as a first real taste of the day-to-day life of a legal professional. It can be crucial in informing the direction of your future career and practice areas. Securing your first legal job is often easier said than done. Here are some things to consider when applying to maximize your chances of nabbing that coveted ‘foot in the door’ job:

1. INVEST IN YOUR RESUME

Take the time to format your CV and cover letters well. There are excellent templates available in both Microsoft Word and Google Docs. If you’re feeling more creative, you could also use Canva. Using a consistent theme for your CV and cover letter shows your potential employer that you’ve put time and effort into your application. Although it may take a little longer, when the firm sees it and recognises your worth, you won’t regret it. And yes - it is totally worth your time to write tailored cover letters and relate your skills and experience to the ‘ideal candidate’ qualities in the job advertisement.

2. VOLUNTEER

There is little point in having a CV if you don’t have anything to put on it, right? Volunteering is a great way to build connections and gain legal experience, especially in the early years of your degree. Keep an eye out for volunteering positions at legal fundraising events and your local community legal centers. Get involved with

QUTLS committee opportunities and events! We hope you’ll forgive us for the self-plug.

3. LEVERAGE TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

Experience doesn’t always have to be lawrelated to be relevant and meaningful! Even if a job advertisement is asking for one to two or more years of experience, apply anyway! Reflect on what you know and relate that to what the employer seeks. Have you worked in retail? Great! You clearly know how to navigate busy and stressful periods of work. Have you worked in telecommunications? Phenomenal! You likely know all about sales deadlines and client confidentiality. Taking this approach is particularly useful when applying to government positions as the prospective employer may ask you to give examples of how you satisfy certain selection criteria despite not having experience in a that particular government role before.

4. NETWORK

Networking events are despised by some students, but are nevertheless a necessary part of the uni life. If the idea of a room full of small-talk and canapés makes your skin crawl, maybe try reaching out to solicitors and barristers in your ideal practice areas for a coffee and a chat. You could even ask if they would mind if you tagged along to their mediations or trials every once in a while. You could also ask if you could intern with them for a week so you can see their work in practice. Not all lawyers will have the time for this, so if you get a rejection, don’t worry. Thank them for their time, and maybe ask if they know anyone who could be available to help.

5. FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME?

This last suggestion isn’t for the faint of heart, but considering how coveted part-time entrylevel legal jobs are, it might be worth looking at full-time work if you are an organised person and are particularly eager to get experience. Just remember to not sacrifice your studies or mental health if you choose to pursue this pathway!

wHere to look

Building a career does not happen overnight. Keep an eye out for any opportunities that come your way and start building up from there.

Luckily for us, professional organisations and associations put on events throughout the year that you can attend to learn more about particular areas of the law.

SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND LIBRARY YOUTUBE

• Check out the following YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxvDfLLxF4B7ENGcnpkjZQ

COLLEGE OF LAW

• The College of Law often holds online information events.

OTHER STUDENT LAW SOCIETIES

• Other student law societies often host events with a legal or legal-adjacent focus. Many of these events will inclulde a Zoom link. Make sure you check the membership requirements.

CAREERS FAIRS

• QLS Careers Expo: This is an annual event which usually takes place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. You can meet a wide range of legal professionals at this event. See page 21 for a QR code.

• Prosple Careers Superfair: This event is usually virtual and facilitated on Zoom.

• Grad Australia Superfair: This event is usually virtual and facilitated on Zoom.

• State Bar Associations: These associations often hosts events related to becoming or

being a barrister. Such events are a great opportunity to meet judges and barristers of all ranks.

• The Legal Forecast: Visit their website here: https://www.thelegalforecast.com/

There are a lot more career fairs out there. This Guide is not exhaustive. These resources are designed for you to springboard off of and discover mroe information.

stArt getting inVolVed in tHe legAl indUstry eArly

As an undergraduate student, you can make the most of your student status to get discounted membership to different legal associations around Brisbane, Queensland and Australia.

There are numerous professional organisations that offer student memberships.

• Asian Australian Law Association (AALA)

• Queensland Law Society (QLS)

• Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA)

• Women’s Law Association of Queensland (WLAQ)

• Pride in Law

• The Legal Forecast

Many of these organistions host networking events and functions. They can be a bit pricey but often offer discounted student tickets. These organisations are all active on Facebook and LinkedIn, so follow them to not miss a thing!

PodcAsts

Listening to podcasts are a great way to learn about practicing law, studying, things going on in the legal world and how to get a job.

THE LAWFLUENT PODCAST

In the Lawfluent podcast, two Australian lawyers discuss various tips and tricks in navigating the legal profession. They have a clerkship series where they interview legal professionals about how they aced their clerkship applications!

LAW TALKS

This is a monthly podcast based in England which is aimed at aspiring lawyers. Each episode contains an interview with a legal professional.

GRADCAST

Gradcast is made by two current Australian Public Service graduates. Gradcast informs listeners about what it’s like being an APS employee and how to get into the APS. They conduct regular interviews with APS employees so listeners can experience the breadth and depth of life in Canberra.

THE ADVOCACY PODCAST

The Advocacy Podcast, made by a London baby barrister, focuses on interviewing barristers in the English legal system for their advice and guidance on how to excel in the courtroom.

SUPREME COURT LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND SELDON SERIES (SCLQ)

The SCLQ podcast series features renowned Seldon Society lectures on various topics that explore Queensland’s unique legal heritage and the common law. It is presented by experts, experienced judicial officers, legal professionals and academics.

THE LAW REPORT

The ABC News podcast discusses updates in the Australian legal world. The hosts analyse recent case decisions handed down and what precedents each case might set.

LAW AND THE FUTURE OF WAR

UQ’s Law School runs a podcast about how the law intersects with the rules of armed conflict, the military and technology.

HAPPY LAWYER HAPPY LIFE

Clarissa Rayward, a prominent Brisbane family lawyer, hosts this podcast and invites guests to talk about how to cultivate a healthy work/life balance in law.

PArt 6: directory

OPPORTUNiTiES wiTH LAw FiRMS, GOvERNMENT AGENCiES, COMMUNiTy LEGAL CENTRES & NON-LEGAL CAREER PATHS

lAw firms

HERE ARE “THE BIG 6” AUSTRALIAN LAW FIRMS WITH A GLOBAL FOCUS:

ALLENS

ASHURST

Banking and finance, dispute resolution, employment, tax, real estate

Full service firm (with a focus on commercial law)

CLAYTON UTZ

HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS

Corporate, employment, real estate, finance, construction, energy & resources, intellectual property, projects and infrastructure, restructure, turnaround and insolvency

KING & WOOD MALLESONS

Banking and finance

Competition, corporate and dispute resolution

MINTER ELLISON

intellectual property, energy & resources, real estate, securities and tax

Clerkship (Summer, Winter)

https://www.allens. com.au/careers/

London (Linklaters)

Clerkship (Winter, Summer)

Graduate

Clerkship (Winter, Summer, Autumn)

https://www. ashurst.com/en/ careers/

Firms all over the world

Clerkship (Winter, Summer)

Graduate

Clerkship (Winter, Summer)

https://www. claytonutz.com/ careers

https://careers. herbertsmithfreehills. com/landing_page_au

https://www.kwm. com/us/en/careers. html

Firms all over the world

Clerkship (Winter, Summer)

Graduate

https://www. minterellison.com/ careers

Firms all over the world

Links to China/Hong Kong

Firms all over the world

otHer toP-tIer lAw firms recrUiting Qld stUdents

• Allens

• Ashurst

• Barry Nilsson

• Clayton Utz

• College of Law

• Corrs Chambers Westgarth

• DLA Piper

• Gadens

• Gilbert + Tobin

• Hall & Wilcox

• Herbert Smith Freehills

• HopgoodGanim

• Johnson Winter & Slattery

• K & L Gates

• King & Wood Mallesons

• McCullough Robertson

• Minter Ellison

• Norton Rose Fulbright

• Piper Alderman

• Sparke Helmore

• Talbot Sayer

• Thomson Geer

Each of these firms will have information on their website as to whether they participate in clerkship recruitment, and definitely keep your eye out on their position vacancies pages, because you never know when a role that’s perfect for you might crop up!

goVernment

GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS POPULAR WITH LAW GRADUATES INCLUDE:

orgAnisAtion

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT POLICY FUTURES

PredominAnt PrActice

ProgrAms

STATE GOvERNMENT

Policy creation and implementation

Broad range of topics and department rotations available

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

Criminal law

Graduate program

more InformAtion

https://www.qld.gov.au/ jobs/finding/graduates/ graduate-opportunities/policy-futures

CROWN LAW Administrative law

ATTORNEY GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT

COMCARE

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

Work Experience Placement Program (WEPP) Unpaid, 4 weeks, Winter, Spring and Summer rotations

First Nations Clerkship

FEDERAL GOvERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

Policy and program Legal practice (Australian Government Solicitor) Economics

Industrial relations legal

Health and safety worker’s compensation

Legal stream (among other streams including generalist, finance, human resources, data, digital and STEM)

Technical Intelligence Research and innovation

Policy and corporate (includes legal)

Graduate Program

Email qutlaw.odpp@qut. edu.au with questions

Smartjobs website Applications usually close mid-year

https://www.ag.gov.au/ about-us/careers/entry-level-employment-programs/ our-graduate-program

Graduate Program

https://www.comcare.gov. au/about/careers/graduate-program

Graduate Program

https://www.agriculture. gov.au/about/jobs/graduates/legal-stream

Graduate Program

https://www.defence.gov. au/jobs-careers/graduates

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EMPLOYMENT

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE

Economics Legal Finance

Human Resources

Generalist policy

Human Resources Finance Economics Data ICT Communications

Graduate Program

https://www.dese.gov. au/graduate-and-entry-level-programs

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Generalist Stream Digital Stream Human Resources Stream

Indigenous Graduate Pathway

Graduate Program

https://www.dfat.gov. au/careers/dfat-aps-careers/graduate-program

Graudate Program

https://www.finance. gov.au/publications/ information-sheet/graduate-program

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

AUSTRALIAN TAXATION OFFICE

DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY, SCIENCE, ENERGY AND RESOURCES

Legal Policy Risk and assurance Corporate Accounting and finance

Legal Data Tax Technical Information Technology

Data Stream Digital Stream HR Stream

Indigenous Graduate Pathway Intelligence Stream STEM Stream

STEM Data

Digital Economist Generalist

Human Resources

Indigenous Graduate Pathways

Graduate Program

University Partnership Employment Program (UPEP)

Graduate Program

https://www.health.gov. au/about-us/work-withus/graduate-program

https://www.ato.gov. au/About-ATO/Careers/ Entry-level-programs/ The-ATO-Graduate-program/Ap-

Summer clerkship Graduate Program

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers/graduate-program

Graduate Program

https://www.industry. gov.au/about-us/workwith-us/graduates-program

DEPARTMENT OFPARLIAMENTARY SERVICES

DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

Department of the House of Representatives

Department of the Senate Parliamentary Budget Office

Graduate Program

https://www.aph.gov. au/About_Parliament/ Employment/Graduate

Policy Program Corporate services

Graduate Program

https://www. infrastructure.gov.au/ department/careers/ graduate

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

DEPARTMENT OF PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET

Policy and corporate services in delivering projects relating to Australia’s social welfare system

Generalist (social and domestic policy, national security, women’s issues, economics and governance.)

Corporate (human resource management, communications and media, ICT and financial management)

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Fiscal policy Economics Finance

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Broad range of topics in policy , program, coordination and strategy

AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS

ACCC and the Australian Energy Regulator

Competition and consumer protection law and policy

Graduate Program

https://www. dss.gov.au/careers/2023-graduate-development-program

Graduate Program

https://www.pmc. gov.au/pmc/careers/ graduate-careers

Graduate Program

https://graduates. treasury.gov.au/

https://www.dva.gov. au/about-us/careers/ graduates

https://www.abs.gov. au/about/abs-careers/start-your-career-abs-graduate

https://www.accc. gov.au/about-us/ careers/graduate-opportunities

AUSTRALIAN CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE COMMISSION

AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE

Corporate (policy, human resources, finance and accounting, legal, communications and media, and project management)

Intelligence (criminal justice, criminology, international relations, national security, and social science)

Technical (data science, data analytics, cyber security, engineering and programming)

Transnational and organised crime, intelligence, fraud and corruption, counter-terrorism, cybercrime, child protection

Graduate Program

https://www.acic.gov. au/careers/graduates

Graduate Program

https://jobs.afp.gov. au/job-opportunities/ graduate-program

Financial and performance auditing of the Australian Government Graduate Program

https://www.anao. gov.au/graduateprogram

AUSTRALIAN PRUDENTIAL REGULATION AUTHORITY

AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

Regulation of banks, financial instituions, insurance and superannuation companies

Generalist Data Digital Indigenous Pathways Human Resources

AUSTRALIAN SECRET INTELLIGENCE SERVICE

AUSTRALIAN SECURITIES AND INVESTSMENT COMMISSION

AUSTRALIAN SECURITY INTELLIGENCE ORGANISATION

Intelligence, national security

Graduate Program

https://www.apra. gov.au/apra-graduate-careers

AUSTRALIAN SIGNALS DIRECTORATE

Maths, Statistics, Data and Analytics Legal Finance, Business, Economics and Accounting Information Technology

Graduate Program

https://www.apsc. gov.au/about-us/ working-commission/ apsc-graduate-opportunities

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA

Graduate Lawyer Program Technologist Graduate Program

Graduate Program

https://www.asis. gov.au/Careers/Current-Vacancies/Graduate-Program/

Internships

Graduate Program

https://careers.asic. gov.au/Graduate-program.html?in_organId=undefined

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS AGENCY

Technical Specialist Corporate (including legal services)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement, collection management, communications and marketing, conservation and preservation, cyber security, digital archives research, digital publishing, exhibitions, human resources, information technology, visitor services

Rotations move through working on the agency’s key priorities. For law, this can include working on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and in the Legal Services Branch on Land and Public Law

SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA

Generalist (including legal services) Data STEM Indigenous Graduate Pathway

Graduate Program

https://www.asio. gov.au/careers/ graduates

Graduate Program

https://www.asd. gov.au/careers/ career-opportunities/entry-level-programs

Graduate Program

https://www.naa. gov.au/about-us/ employment/ entry-level

Graduate Program

https://www.niaa. gov.au/graduatecareers/program

Graduate program

https://www. safeworkaustralia. gov.au/careers/ graduate-program

ONI does not currently run a graduate program however recent graduates are encouraged to apply to vacancies when advertised

And more!

https://www.oni.gov. au/

https://www.rba. gov.au/careers/careers-at-the-rba/students-and-graduates/

For state government programs, we have only included the Queensland Government based programs. Please be aware that every Australian state and the Northern Territory also have their own state government graduate program. These are quite easy to find with a quick Google search (e.g., “Victorian Government graduate program”). If you are interested in moving interstate for these programs, they can be a great way to kickstart your career in the public service as well.

Many of these roles will be available mostly in Canberra. Some departments have offices in capital cities around Australia. Some departments also have rotations that can take you all over Australia, even if you are based in Canberra.

Federal Government graduate programs have specific pathways for applicants who have disabilities and for applicants who identify as a First Nations person.

If you are interested in any of these departments or agencies listed above, please research further into the specific details of those organisations and acquaint yourself with their locations and any other eligibility requirements.

This is a curated list of the numerous federal government organisations that offer graduate roles and have entry level positions available. Check out the APS directory here: https://www.directory.gov.au/departments-and-agencies for a more exhaustive list with links to each page.

commUnity legAl centres in soUtH eAst QUeenslAnd

If you see yourself working in the community sector after you graduate, then volunteering at your local community legal centre is a fantastic way to give back to your community while learning about real-life legal issues and practice. We have compiled a brief overview of CLCs in South East Queensland below. Make sure to check out the Community Legal Centre Volunteers website which lists all CLCs in Australia.

commUnity legAl centre contAct InformAtion

Phone: 07 3214 6333

Fax: 07 3214 6363

Email: volunteers@caxton.org.au

CAXTON LEGAL CENTRE

WOMEN’S LEGAL SERVICE

Postal Address: 1 Manning Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101

Phone: (07) 3392 0644

Fax: (07) 3392 0658

Email: smarshall@wlsq.org.au

Street Address: 387 Ipswich Road Cnr Ponsonby St, entrance on Ponsonby St Annerley, QLD, 4103

Postal Address: PO Box 119, Annerley, QLD, 4103

Phone: 0490 062 760

Email: baysidelegal@optusnet.com

How to VolUnteer

For current vacancies, check out: https://caxton. org.au/about-caxton-legalcentre/vacancies-at-caxton/

For current vacancies and to read volunteer position descriptions, check out:

For volunteering at Women’s Legal Service events, join the Facebook group “WLSQ Event and Fundraising Volunteers” to keep up to date with opportunities to help out.

BAYSIDE COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE

Street Address: Ground Floor, Redlands Community Centre, 29 Loraine Street, Capalaba, QLD,

Postal Address: PO Box 271, Capalaba, QLD, 4157

Apply here to become a volunteer: https://bcls.org. au/current-opportunities-2/

BRISBANE

Phone: 07 3260 6820

Fax: 07 3260 7127

Email: admin@northsideconnect.org.au

Street Address: 14 Station Street

NUNDAH QLD 4012

Postal Address: PO Box 386

NUNDAH QLD 4012

LAWRIGHT

Phone: 07 3846 6317

Email: admin@lawright.org.au

Postal Address: PO Box 12217 George Street QLD 4003

Keep up to date with Northside Connect, the community support centre which runs Brisbane

North Community Legal Service, for volunteering opportunities:

Check out this page for more information: https:// www.lawright.org.au/ support-lawright/lawstudents/

Volunteers are recruited as needed before semester starts. Follow LawRight on social media to be notified about opportunities or email admin@lawright. org.au with your CV and with your interest and availability.

Phone: 07 3124 7160

Email: volunteer@lgbtilegalservice.org

Street Address: Level 1, Oxley House 20 Hockings Street West End QLD 4101

Postal Address: Level 2, 725 Ann Street , Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006

More information here: https://lgbtilegalservice.org. au/contact/

Phone: 07 5495 5916

Email: office@mbrcls.org.au

Street Address: Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre, 9 George Street, Caboolture, QLD, 4510

Postal Address: P.O. Box 109, Caboolture, QLD, 4510

Phone: 07 3205 2955

Fax: 07 3881 2877

Email: prcls@encircle.org.au

Street Address: 4A/481 Gympie Road

Strathpine, QLD, 4501

Postal Address: PO Box 489, Lawnton, QLD, 4501

tHe AUstrAliAn

eArtH lAws AlliAnce (AelA)

AELA is a national not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to increase the understanding and practical implementation of Earth centred governance in Australia, with a focus on law, economics, education, ethics and the arts. AELA’s work is inspired by Indigenous knowledge systems and the theory and practice of Earth jurisprudence. Earth jurisprudence proposes that we rethink our legal, political, economic and governance systems so that they support the integrity and health of the Earth.

stUdent VolUnteers

AELA manages a range of multi-disciplinary

More information here: Reach out with your CV to find out about opportunities.

More information available here: If you are interested in volunteering, reach out via email with your CV and interest.

programs, so we welcome student volunteers from fields as diverse as law, economics, environmental science, arts, communications, Indigenous studies, political science and other disciplines. Although we’re based in Brisbane, Queensland, we’re happy to oversee volunteers from anywhere in Australia. If you’d like to volunteer for AELA, please fill out our Volunteer Application form and email it to: aela@earthlaws. org.au.

For further information, please visit the website: https://www.earthlaws.org.au/ or contact them here: aela@earthlaws.org.au.

Find the volunteer application form here: https:// tinyurl.com/292ttcb8

consUlting

Many law graduates choose to pursue a career in consulting after finishing their studies. Consulting firms provide commercial advice and services to other businesses operating in a broad range of industries. This could mean working in legal practice within these firms or applying your skills in a different context.

Consultants work across a range of fields to provide expert opinions and recommendations. You can pursue a career in consulting straight out of university. Many large consulting firms offer internship and graduate opportunities. To be successful as a consultant, you need to have strong interpersonal communication skills, creativity, problem-solving skills and adaptability. You will also need strong technical skills in your chosen field.

Below we HAVe listed A few of tHe lArger consUlting firms And tHe entry leVel ProgrAms tHey offer:

BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP Internship and graduate programs

https://careers.bcg.com/ students

BAIN & CO

Graduate positions (Associate Consultant) offered in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth

https://www.bain.com/careers/ recruiting/bfls/nordicsrecruiting/

MCKINSEY

https://www.mckinsey.com/ careers/students PwC

DELOITTE

Undergraduate and graduate employment opportunities available

Trainee program, vacation program, graduate program, and legal clerkship program.

Summer vacation program and graduate program

Students: https://jobs-au.pwc. com/au/en/students

Graduates: https://jobs-au.pwc.

https://www2.deloitte.com/ au/en/pages/careers/articles/ graduate-program-careers.html

ERNST & YOUNG Cadet program, vacationer program, graduate program

https://www.ey.com/en_au/ careers/students-apply-here KPMG Vacation program, graduate program

https://home.kpmg/au/en/ home/careers/graduates.html

leArn more ABoUt some of tHe firms wHere yoU cAn kickstArt yoUr cAreer in lAw

The remainder of the guide contains, in alphabetical order, advertisements from the following law firms:

• Allens

• Ashurst

• Barry Nilsson

• Clayton Utz

• College of Law

• Corrs Chambers Westgarth

• DLA Piper

• Gadens

• Gilbert + Tobin

• Hall & Wilcox

• Herbert Smith Freehills

• HopgoodGanim

• Johnson Winter & Slattery

• K&L Gates

• King & Wood Mallesons

• McCullough Robertson

• Minter Ellison

• Norton Rose Fulbright

• Piper Alderman

• Sparke Helmore

• Talbot Sayer

• Thomson Geer

Great change is here. Shape the future with Allens

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

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

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

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

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

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

A clerkship at Allens is the first step in a rewarding legal career, and will give you invaluable insights into our work and culture. With support from a buddy and development supervisor, you’ll work on real matters for real clients and be involved in a variety of projects. The programs:

 run from three to 10 weeks;

 are available at our Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney offices;

 feature ongoing support, including a buddy system; and

 include exposure to one or two practice groups.

GRADUATE PROGRAM

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

 two 12-month rotations in different practice areas;

 secondment opportunities in London or Asia, via our alliance with Linklaters, or with clients;

 ongoing supervision, coaching and mentoring;

 completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (via UNSW); and

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

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

Tips for success

Make a great first impression

Consider your personal brand, how you want to be perceived and recognised in terms of your strengths. The best way to create a good impression is by being authentic.

A great attitude, enthusiasm for any task and the ability to quickly build rapport is an asset.

Remember, a 3.5 to 4-week clerkship is an extended interview for a graduate position in locations with multi-clerkship opportunities.

Show initiative and seek opportunities

Have a clear picture of what you want from your clerkship, what you want to learn about the firm, and the type of work you want to get involved in.

Take the initiative to get to know your team as well as other practices across the firm, meet as many people as possible and try to get involved in different types of work, projects and activities.

Communication is vital

Take on various work for different people across the team, but don’t forget the importance of managing your priorities.

Clerkships involve several training sessions and activities. You will also be completing various projects for people across your team; make sure you keep your team and supervisor updated on your workload and training schedules to ensure your success.

Get feedback

A clerkship is an excellent opportunity for you to learn and develop your legal knowledge and skills, remember to request feedback after completing tasks, as acting on this feedback is a great way to demonstrate your ability to learn quickly – an essential skill for junior lawyers.

Take the time to follow up with the team members that have assigned you tasks and get their thoughts on the work you have completed - just be concious of their workload and the timing.

Develop your networks

Speak to as many people as possible. This is your opportunity to find out if Ashurst is the place you want to begin and grow your career.

Take every opportunity to meet people from across the firm to learn about the practice groups, and if they are people you would like to work with in the future.

Lastly, take the time to get to know your fellow clerks - you may be colleagues one day!

At Ashurst our people are our greatest asset. We invite you to explore the stories of our people, history and culture at all levels of the firm, both past and present and hope that in doing so, you will reflect on creating your own story of Ashurst.

Scan the QR code to find out more.

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

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

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

KICK-START YOUR LEGAL CAREER

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

WE’VE BEEN NAMED AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

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

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

STAY TRUE.

Staying true to your direction is what defines us at Clayton Utz. While academic achievement is important, graduates who thrive with us have a strong sense of self and a natural passion for connecting with others. That’s what staying true is all about.

claytonutz.com/graduates

We’ve built a culture that sets us apart from other law firms – but we know a good lawyer needs evidence. So, meet our people at on-campus careers events, or visit our graduate careers page, to gain insight and experience our supportive and innovative culture first-hand.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

Are you a law student in your penultimate year of study? Our Clerkship Program offers you a chance to see the law in action and experience the fast-paced environment of a full-service commercial law firm. You’ll have the opportunity to work on challenging, complex, and high-profile matters under the guidance of some of the sharpest legal minds in Australia. Our partners and lawyers are experts in their fields and will be there to share their knowledge and offer mentorship and support. Through our Clerkship Program, you’ll be part of a firm where individuality is embraced, and innovation is encouraged.

GRADUATE PROGRAM

It’s not just about wearing a suit. There’s a difference between theory and practice, so we understand why transitioning from law school to legal practice can feel daunting.

That’s where we come in. Our national Graduate Program bridges the gap between law school and practice by giving you the skills and knowledge to build a strong foundation for your legal career. We make sure you hit the ground running with our 2.5 week orientation, including PLT+, local training, and a national orientation week in Sydney. Throughout the program, you’ll experience three different practice groups. These rotations allow you to explore different areas of law to find the right fit for you. You’ll be working on complex and sophisticated legal matters, but with our supportive approach to learning and development, you’ll be armed with the tools and guidance to reach your full potential.

You’ll get…

• Three rotations of six months each in our national practice groups

• Mentoring from some of the best lawyers in Australia

• A buddy who’ll give you all the practical tools to succeed

• Meaningful performance feedback so you know you’re on the right track the right track

We hire most of our Graduates from our Clerkship Programs. Occasionally, additional opportunities may arise.These opportunities will be listed on our website.

• Continuing legal education programs and professional development support

• The chance to give back by participating in our Community Connect and Pro Bono programs

• Social and sporting activities to get to know your peers

Staying true to your direction is what defines Clayton Utz. We’ve built a culture that sets our firm apart - but don’t just take our word for it. A good lawyer needs compelling evidence - so here's what Shelley has to say about their experience with us.

Why Clayton Utz?

While at university, I did not have plans to work in commercial law, and I did not think I would work at a big firm. However, I decided to apply for a clerkship to keep my options open. I chose Clayton Utz because of the straightforward recruitment process and its reputation as a firm that places a strong emphasis on pro bono work.

During my clerkship, I found that I enjoyed working at Clayton Utz, the work was interesting and challenging, and the legal teams were exceptional at what they do. Importantly, they were also friendly and invested in my learning and development.

I decided to accept a graduate offer from Clayton Utz because I felt that it would be a supportive place to start my legal career. As I was still unsure about which practice areas most interested me, I was very drawn to the idea of doing three rotations and gaining more experience before I had to commit to any specific specialisation.

What learning & development opportunities have been provided to you and how have they shaped you to be the lawyer you are today?

I have had a lot of learning opportunities during my time at Clayton Utz. When I started in the Major Projects & Construction team, I undertook a comprehensive Continued Legal Education (CLE) program for graduates which included a one-day intensive in the Melbourne office. With Commercial Litigation, we were given access to a series of CLEs that covered the basics of litigation. I am grateful that I have been able to both learn on the job and have dedicated time for learning and development in specific practice areas.

What is an interesting matter you have worked on?

My first rotation was in Major Projects & Construction, and I have just finished my second rotation in Commercial Litigation. I have enjoyed both rotations and had the opportunity to work on a wide range of litigious matters, and attend court for two appeal hearings and a trial hearing. I have just started my third rotation in Public Sector, and am looking forward to working on some non-litigious matters.

claytonutz.com/graduates

Our significant work

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

Our clients include more than half of the top 50 ASX-listed companies, some of the largest privately owned companies in Australia and a number of global Fortune 500 companies. We work with well-known organisations like AGL, Amazon, Australia Post, BP, Blackstone, CBA, Coles, eBay, Google, Johnson & Johnson, Medibank, NAB, PayPal, Stockland, TPG Telecom, Rio Tinto, BHP, TransGrid, Wesfarmers and Westpac. We also work with Federal and State governments, as well as on high profile and market-leading transactions.

Our Lawyer Development Program

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

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

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

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

Corrs Graduate Academy

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

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

• welcome you to the firm;

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

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

• further develop your connections with peers in person; and

• meet and learn from firm leaders.

Diversity and inclusion

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

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

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

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

Pro bono and community

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

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

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

Wellbeing

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

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

International opportunities

We invest in international experiences that help our lawyers grow their skills, cultural understanding and relationships worldwide. Through our long-term relationships with leading law firms across the world, we advise on the most significant global matters and connect with the best lawyers internationally to provide our clients with the right team for every engagement. Our international program allows you to gain experience, skills and relationships that will provide enduring benefits throughout your career. In addition to our roles advising on significant global matters, connecting with the best law firms and lawyers internationally, we offer:

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

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

Key dates 2023

BAnkIng & fInAnce At corrs

STEPHEN EPPING

Stephen Epping, a law graduate in the banking and finance team at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, shares what sparked his interest in this area of practice and insights into life as a banking and finance lawyer.

EXPLORING MY INTEREST IN BANKING AND FINANCE

I was granted my first taste of banking and finance law in December 2021 while undertaking Corrs’ Seasonal Clerkship Program. I evidently couldn’t stay away, returning to the team first as a paralegal in 2022 and now as a graduate.

Having studied a dual degree in law and business (finance) at QUT, I knew early on that I had a keen interest in the finance law space, though at the time was unsure what that would entail day-today. Having now spent several months in the team at Corrs, I can confidently say that I truly understand what this field of law has to offer and have greatly developed my legal skills in this area through exposure to a wide breadth of complex work.

LIFE AS A BANKING AND FINANCE LAWYER

Though I’m still new to the practice, I’ve already had the opportunity to assist with the structuring of debt-funding arrangements, get involved with billion-dollar infrastructure project proposals and work closely alongside the firm’s corporate practice group to assist with the financing aspects of large-scale acquisitions.

OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE ON MARKET-LEADING DEALS

Part of the excitement of working in the team at Corrs stems from the opportunities I’m given to work with top-of-the-market clients, many of which are seeking to make a positive change in the world. I’m particularly proud to have worked with Tritium, a world-leading manufacturer of DC fast chargers for electric vehicles, on various

capital raisings. This has allowed the company to accelerate product development and continue to expand globally, including opening its first US-based EV fast charger manufacturing plant in the United States, which was announced by US President Joe Biden.

As Tritium has been a client of Corrs for several years, part of the challenge of being brought into this client relationship involved getting up-to-speed with historical arrangements and transactions on which Corrs had previously advised, but I have always felt very well supported by my supervising partner and broader team.

I have also assisted with contract negotiations on the HumeLink project, which is reported to be the world’s most expensive transmission line project. The project involves the construction of a transmission line to connect various renewable energy generation zones and facilities including Snowy Hydro 2.0 Project to the electricity grid.

HumeLink therefore underpins the transition away from coal power to renewable energy generation in Australia. While navigating stringent regulatory frameworks, including electricity law, working on HumeLink has given me exposure to complex infrastructure delivery strategies deployed in the energy sector and in relation to global procurement.

EXPLORING PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

At Corrs, I have opportunities to explore professional and personal growth outside of my practice group. There have been plenty of opportunities for me to get involved in broader facets of life at Corrs, including business development, pro bono and community initiatives and social activities.

WHY CHOOSE BANKING AND FINANCE AT CORRS

Whether you already have a finance background or simply have an interest in this practice area, experience in the banking and finance team at Corrs will arm you with a vast range of commercial knowledge and practical legal skills that will benefit you no matter what area you decide to settle in.

DLA Piper

Your path to a career with us

DLA Piper is a global business law firm based in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. We help clients succeed through innovative and pragmatic legal solutions. Leading businesses across the world trust us with their most complex matters, and rely on our seamless cross-border prowess and sector knowledge. Wherever you are, and whatever your challenge, we speak your language. In everything we do connected with our People, our Clients and our Communities, we live by four values: Be Supportive, Be Bold, Be Collaborative and Be Exceptional.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAMME

During your Clerkship, you’ll experience what life is really like at DLA Piper. What’s more, you’ll be considered for a place on our Graduate Programme. Throughout your programme, you will do more than just shadow our lawyers. You will be given real responsibilities. Whether you’re attending a court hearing, contributing to a client meeting or expanding your professional network at social events, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to discover your potential. Visit our website www.dlapipergraduates.com to find out more about our clerkships across our Australian offices.

NATIONAL GRADUATE PROGRAMME

During your Graduate Programme, you will experience a number of rotations throughout our eight different practice groups, including Pro Bono and Business Advisory, giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills. By the end of the programme, you’ll emerge with a clearer understanding of where your talents and interests lie. The experience you’ll have gained, as well as the networks built will provide a strong foundation for your future career at DLA Piper.

NATIONAL INDUCTION

At DLA Piper, we know that the connections you make as you build your network will stay with you for the rest of your career. At the start of your graduate programme, you will participate in a National Graduate Induction, which brings together our graduates from all 4 offices in Australia to take part in a fun, engaging and experiential learning programme. The Graduate Induction takes place in Sydney where we bring together our National graduate cohort and is an inspirational and memorable week filled with business leaders, engaging team building activities and the networking opportunity of a lifetime. We’re committed to giving our graduates an industry leading start to their careers.

DLA Piper is a global law firm operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. Further details of these entities can be found at www.dlapiper.com. This publication is intended as a general overview and discussion of the subjects dealt with, and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. It is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for taking legal advice in any specific situation. DLA Piper will accept no responsibility for any actions taken or not taken

DLA Piper

DLA Piper is a global business law firm based in the Americas, EMEA and the Asia Pacific. We help clients succeed through innovative and pragmatic legal solutions. Leading businesses across the world trust us with their most complex matters and rely on our seamless cross-border prowess and sector knowledge. Wherever you are, and whatever your challenge, we speak your language.

In everything we do connected with our People, our Clients and our Communities, we live by four values: Be Supportive, Be Bold, Be Collaborative and Be Exceptional.

Our Practice Areas

lItIgAtIon And regUlAtory groUP At dlA PIPer

REID HADAWAY, SOLICITOR, MELBOURNE

DLA Piper’s Litigation and Regulatory practice group is a varied and dynamic litigation practice at the core of DLA Piper’s business, being the largest practice group in the Melbourne office.

The group consists of several distinct teams with practices spanning international arbitration, insurance litigation, financial services litigation, class actions, investigations (both private and regulatory) and competition regulation. A number of DLA Piper’s partners and lawyers are recognised in Chambers and The Legal 500 for their skill and expertise. Notably, DLA Piper’s Australian arbitration practice is recognised as a tier one practice by The Legal 500.

DLA Piper consistently wins high value (often in the billions of dollars) and consequential mandates that shape the commercial and regulatory landscape of Australia. We are frequently able to leverage the global nature of DLA Piper when taking on large and complex matters. For example, a DLA Piper team consisting of lawyers in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore and London (among other places) acted in multiple parallel arbitrations stemming from Australia’s largest LNG dispute with several billion dollars in contention.

We are also often instructed in high profile regulatory and competition related matters, including the recent data breaches that have affected a number of Australian companies. Recently, our Melbourne-based competition team acted for Perth Airport in its successful claim against Qantas regarding the fees paid by Qantas for its use of aeronautical services at Perth Airport. The decision handed down by Justice Le Miere last year has affected the entire airport sector in Australia and the airlines it services.

The DLA Piper competition team continues to be instructed in matters flowing on from this decision.

As a young lawyer, graduate or clerk in the DLA Piper Melbourne Litigation and Regulatory Group you will have access to industry leading lawyers and be given genuine ownership of your work. As a group, we are committed to producing work of the highest quality and every partner and lawyer contributes to a culture of mentorship and constant learning. You may be given complete responsibility over smaller disputes with the capacity to make strategic decisions with the support of a partner or senior lawyer. Or you may be part of a larger team working together on complex litigation where your responsibilities will range from legal research to assisting with discovery or the preparation of submissions and evidence.

Although each team focusses on varying subject matter, you will build a fundamental set of skills common to every litigator. You will be become an expert in the procedures that govern dispute resolution, whether a matter is heard by a tribunal, court or regulator. You will be given the chance to develop your understanding of the preparation of evidence and production of documents. And you will become a sophisticated advocate able to approach any dispute or regulatory matter with confidence. DLA Piper prides itself on having litigation and regulatory lawyers who are experts not only in the law but also in the sectors that our clients operate in. So, you will have the chance to join sectors within the firm (e.g. tech, energy, construction) and build your personal brand as an expert in industries that are relevant to modern economies and that genuinely excite you.

We are also proud of DLA Piper’s global pro bono practice, one of the largest in the world with over 200,000 hours of global pro bono work. The Litigation and Regulatory Group is a key component of this practice. As a junior, you might take the lead on small pro bono matters referred to us through our relationships with community legal centres and Refugee Legal. Litigation lawyers have recently assisted female judges fleeing Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. You may also be involved in larger

pro bono matters. DLA Piper has a longstanding relationship with the government of Timor Leste which has been nurtured through our pro bono practice and resulted in larger litigation mandates.

As we have noted, DLA Piper is committed to nurturing a culture of mentorship and excellence. To that end, we have recently been joined by the Honourable John Middleton AO KC, former Justice of the Federal Court and now Special Advisor at DLA Piper. Lawyers in the Litigation and Regulatory Group have access to Mr Middleton’s wealth of knowledge and experience when seeking his views on legal issues, key matters and from a mentoring perspective. This informal access is open to all lawyers, regardless of seniority, and reflects DLA Piper’s depth of resources and opportunities for professional improvement growth within the global firm.

With a challenger mindset, G+T is always pushing the status quo and taking a stand on things that matter. That’s why we constantly seek new ideas, fresh energy and different perspectives from our clerks and graduates.

Work at the forefront of significant change in our society and economy, and open the door to experiences that will shape your career – wherever you want it to take you. Join

Graduate program

Enjoy a one year structured program with extensive on-the-job training and support in completing Practical Legal Training.

Elevate Program provides regular learning opportunities designed to develop graduates by providing skills and expertise to excel.

A comprehensive national induction program which lays the foundation for the year ahead.

Multiple rotations gives you the opportunity to gain experience in several of the firm’s practice areas.

A strong support network including a buddy, mentor and supervising partner to provide guidance throughout the year.

Opportunities to participate in pro bono and Smarter Law initiatives.

Life at Hall & Wilcox offers a range of benefits and initiatives to support the holistic well-being all of our people.

HW Evolve is a hybrid workplace where our people are encouraged and empowered to work flexibly both remotely and in the office.

Grads on Tour is a Smarter Law event that allows graduates to experience the innovation journey by taking an idea to reality.

ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE

ABOUT US

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

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

WE WELCOME DIFFERENT

Great lawyers are both curious and creative. We encourage you to challenge assumptions and open yourself up to new ideas. So, what exactly are we looking for?

There’s no single path to becoming an exceptional commercial lawyer. We look beyond your academic record and your technical aptitude. We’re focussed on finding people who have the curiosity to explore all the angles and the empathy to place themselves in their client’s shoes.

In line with our 10 Actions for Change we are proud to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS). The CRS allows us to understand each applicant’s achievements in the context that they have been gained. We understand that not every candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, from every background.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

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

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

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

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

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

• Attend workshops and presentations covering all our practice areas

• Contribute to our pro bono practice

• Work with cutting edge technology through our innovation projects

• Networking opportunities to meet people across the firm

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

JOINING US

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

KEY DATES/DEADLINES

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

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Ali, I grew up in rural NSW and previously worked in Communications before starting a Juris Doctor in my mid-twenties.

What was your pathway to Herbert Smith Freehills? How was your pathway different to other clerks?

I started my Juris Doctor after a few years working in journalism and corporate communications. I had always considered law, but it wasn’t until I had a read over a few of my sister’s law assessments (and found myself fascinated) that I decided to take the leap and study it myself. Don’t be scared off applying if this is your second career!

What were your expectations before joining HSF? How did your experience match or differ from your expectations?

My experience at HSF was very different to what I expected – there was a lot of support, and the people are really down to earth and helpful. From the moment I stepped into both my rotations, my buddy and the solicitors who sat in my pod immediately made me feel welcome – inviting me for coffees and constantly checking in to see if I needed any help with anything. This has been consistent for all the clerks in their teams, and really speaks to the warm and supportive culture of HSF.

Can you describe a typical day at Herbert Smith Freehills?

My usual day as a clerk starts at the level 33 café with a barista-made coffee and avocado toast with the other clerks. Once I’m at my

LIFE AT A GLOBAL LAW FIRM

desk, I check in with my team to see if anyone needs help or will continue with tasks from the previous day or pro bono matters I have signed up to assist with. There are often team meetings littered throughout the day, and a couple of times per week there are great Clerk Information Sessions where we learn about different teams in the business (often accompanied by snacks or lunch). There are also many coffee catch-ups – but it’s completely acceptable to order a hot chocolate! Ultimately, being a clerk is really exciting – one day you’re doing legal research and the next day you’re in court.

Can you think of a time when you had a meaningful impact at work?

I had the opportunity to engage in a lot of pro bono work, from spending a day at The Shopfront* to helping with RACS and PIAC. I was amazed how much HSF values this work. With The Shopfront, I had the opportunity to shadow a handful of excellent solicitors as they represented young clients who suffer from homelessness in the local court. Working as part of a RACS team gave me the opportunity to help draft visa applications for people from Afghanistan seeking refuge in Australia. Finally, I was able to engage in some fascinating legal research for PIAC (Public Interest Advocacy Centre), who assist people and communities who are facing disadvantage.

How has your experience, background & skills outside of your legal skills, helped you contribute as a clerk?

While I was concerned that my journalism degree (majoring in Literature and Gender

Studies) wouldn’t be valuable in a commercial law firm, the skills and knowledge I took away from that degree were surprisingly valuable, particularly in certain practice areas. For example, my Gender Studies major enabled me to engage with Employment Law issues (like workplace discrimination or harassment) not just through a legal perspective, but through a cultural lens. Furthermore, my journalism skills came in handy when it came to working on the clerk social media committee!

What was your clerkship application experience and what advice do you have for students applying for a clerkship?

It is definitely a cliché but I was just myself in my application – the Jane Austen reference obviously paid off! The HSF HR team are really transparent and supportive throughout the process, so you are never left in the dark about when you will hear about outcomes along the way. The process is also extremely personal – I met up with my buddy for multiple coffees throughout the process, as well as people from areas I was interested in, which I really enjoyed. More to this, the interviews were really focused on getting to know you as a person, rather than interrogating you, which made the process a lot less intimidating.

What graduate/clerk rotation have you most enjoyed and why?

I loved working in the Employment, Industrial Relations & Safety practice as I had the opportunity to engage in really interesting work, such as helping to research for urgent advices, as well as work on pro bono initiatives.

HopgoodGanim. When exceptional outcomes matter.

Choose your next move wisely

A better place to work

Our business model is different to other firms. We offer our graduates the opportunity to get hands-on experience, working on market leading legal work in a down-to-earth environment where people thrive.

Our lawyers take on the work that reflects their ability, not their job title. You’ll also benefit from your own structured and bespoke professional development program.

There are no barriers to your success with us.

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

ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER

Our lawyers take on the work that reflects their ability, not their job title. You’ll benefit from a bespoke professional development program. There are no barriers to your success with us.

GO YOUR OWN WAY

Our lawyers work collaboratively across practice groups, always with a focus on quality legal work, exceptional client service and delivering on our client’s commercial objectives.

IT’S A VIBE THING

Our ethos is: “we’re in it together” and it’s what we live by. We pride ourselves on being down to earth, approachable, but always high performing.

Your

To apply for a graduate position, submit your CV, covering letter and current official academic transcript via our website.

Any questions email Wilma.Lewis@jws.com.au or phone 02 8247 9630.

jws.com.au

JoHnson wInter & slAttery

PERSONAL BRAND AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

MEI GONG, ASSOCIATE, MELBOURNE

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I studied Chemistry/Law at uni and initially aspired to be an intellectual property lawyer. However, I stumbled, and subsequently fell in love with competition and consumer law, which is what I now practice in. I am passionate about supporting law students and junior lawyers to transition and excel in the legal profession. I have been involved in billion dollar acquisitions, first of a kind regulatory approvals and a vast array of advisory, transactional and litigious work in my field. I am also a published co-author of legal journal articles and international conference papers.

Outside of work I love to run (having recently run my first half-marathon and currently training for another one), read, and spend quality time with my chihuahua, Pomchi.

What does personal brand mean to you and why is it important?

To me, personal brand is about having a strong self-awareness of what makes you stand out and telling that story loud and proud to the world. It is however, a dynamic narrative so can evolve over time as your goals and interests change. It is important because it can shape how people perceive you and the opportunities that you have access to and help guide you to craft your own unique, and hopefully fulfilling, career path.

How have you gone about building your own personal brand?

To be honest, a lot of trial and error, and evaluating what works and doing more of that. I took the time to figure out what I was passionate about, which is supporting law students and

junior lawyers to be at their best, and all things competition and consumer law related. I then dedicated myself to extracurricular that reflected my passions, including writing legal journal articles, presenting internally, proactively reading up on cases, appearing on podcasts and writing regularly on LinkedIn (and creating my own website) on all things junior lawyering related. So consistent effort over a long period of time and reflecting and revising periodically to try new things or keep doing things that I enjoy and am good at.

What advice do you have for students in their final years of university wanting to build their personal brand?

Don’t overthink it and just try things out –whether it is a law competition you want to enter, a society position you thought of trying out for, a volunteering role you are interested in (regardless of whether it is law related), or a hobby that you always find yourself coming back to, or maybe even a start-up idea niggling at the back of your head. There’s no right or wrong, and the more experiences you try out, the quicker you will get to know what you do and don’t like and have clarity about what the key elements of your personal brand are and how to go about building and consolidating it. If you see someone that has a strong personal brand, reach out and ask them for a coffee or chat – they may have valuable advice for you to consider.

What’s your top tip when it comes to personal brand?

It is a marathon and you don’t need to run it alone – keep an open mind, seek out advice if you need it, get support, and keep at it - it is not easy, but it will pay off dividends in the long run.

DISCOVER. DEVELOP. THRIVE. THE

K&L

FULLY INTEGRATED

We are a fully integrated network of lawyers and legal professionals who believe that clients need more than technical legal skills; they need insightful and practical advice on the diverse issues that affect their businesses, delivered with unparalleled client service. Our combination of practice strength, global platform, and unsurpassed client service is a true differentiator in the legal services marketplace.

A BROAD RANGE OF PRACTICE AREAS

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

OUR PRESENCE

With a strong presence in key capital cities and world commercial and financial centres, we represent a broad array of ASX, Global 500, Fortune 100, and FTSE 100 corporations in nearly every major industry, including energy, financial services, health care, infrastructure, life sciences, manufacturing, sustainable development, technology, telecommunications and transportation amongst others.

FORMAL TRAINING PROGRAM

In conjunction with on-the-job experience, we provide formal training. On day one, you will receive an in-depth induction to the firm as well as training on relevant IT systems, followed by sessions over the course of the clerkship and graduate programs. These sessions have been designed to develop your legal knowledge and business skills, as well as to give you a broader insight into the various areas of law in which we practise.

INNOVATION

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

No matter the innovation, a humancentred approach focuses our efforts on our clients and our people. We produce tailored solutions that consider the outcomes that meet human needs.

Our Australian Innovation Committee cultivates our innovative culture.

COLLABORATIVE CULTURE

We truly believe that working together is better. Your supervisor and buddy will help you settle into the office and you will work closely with the partners, special counsel, senior associates and lawyers in your team. You will be provided with opportunities to build strong relationships, both within your team and the wider firm network. We provide and encourage a collaborative environment in which you can grow and develop.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

You will be embedded into the practice areas and be involved in real legal work right from the start, giving you an in-depth experience and providing a real insight into life as a corporate lawyer at K&L Gates.

We are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.

Learn what makes our global law firm different:

Check out our Facebook page: /klgatesgraduaterecruitingau

Check out our videos on YouTube: /klgateslaw

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

APPLICATIONS

We accept graduate and clerkship applications in line with law society guidelines in the relevant state. Please check our website for application dates by office location.

Contact details

Tania Brierley

P +61 3 9640 4214 W www.klgates.com

K&L Gates is about more than practising law or making a living. It’s about building something amazing - creating a legacy for you, the firm, our clients and the communities we serve.

Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents. In Australia we have four offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

K&L GATES EXPERIENCE.

T A K E C H A R G E O F Y O U R C A R E E R P A T H

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

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

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

Planning for a sustainable future

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

Our commitments:

Global reach

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

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

Europe

Middle East North America

Our programs

SEASONAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

Applications open: 17 July 2023

Applications close: 11 August 2023

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

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

What you’ll learn:

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

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

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

GRADUATE PROGRAM

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you will receive:

Meaningful work covering a wide range of practice areas

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

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

Our impact:

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

Experience Program (VEP) The platform features learning modules curated by KWM based on real life firm matters and activities Through this program you can build real skills and the confidence to excel in a commercial law career before you even step into one of our offices

We work with

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

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

We offer:

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

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

Key contact

PEOPLE & DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR - EARLY CAREERS BRISBANE

TEL +61 7 3244 8722

EMAIL FELICITY MCLEAN@AU KWM COM

Over 231 organisations received legal assistance in FY22

careers kwm com/en/graduates-australia

kwm.com

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

A practical understanding of areas of our legal practice

Training in the latest legal technology

VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

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

A big firm without the attitude

McCullough Robertson is a leading independent Australian law firm For over 96 years major Australian and foreign owned corporations, financial institutions, governments and high net worth individuals have trusted our advice on their most critical legal challenges.

mccullough.com.au

info@mccullough.com.au

Graduate and clerkship programs

Each year, we offer clerkships to law students who want to be involved in the real work of a legal firm – not just to observe. We will provide you with the fundamentals to truly understand our business and clients, across all industry sectors and services.

Our 18-month graduate program is an opportunity for recent law graduates to complete a structured training program in a highly supportive environment. Participants will gain exposure to different practice groups within our firm while completing the fully funded Practical Legal Training (PLT) program.

Our DNA

At McCullough Robertson, you can expect more. It’s what sets us apart and sees us work alongside clients that understand it’s what you do outside the boardroom that makes a difference. We know it too.

As a fiercely independent Australian-grown law firm, we deliver more than just outcomes. After 95 years in commercial law, we continue to grow and evolve. We strive towards a diverse and inclusive environment that supports our values, and creates a collaborative and innovative experience for our people, our clients and our community partners.

Our goal is for each and every one of our employees to build a rewarding career rich with opportunities, satisfying relationships and a sense of achievement.

Real responsibility. Real relationships. Sooner.

Start your legal career with us

McCullough Robertson has been the perfect place to start my legal career. The firm provides juniors countless opportunities to meaningfully engage in matters from the get-go. If you are looking to join a diverse, hard-working and down to earth workplace that will foster your development, McCullough Robertson is the right fit!

Clerkship program

Even as a clerk and later a research clerk, I always felt I was a valued member of the firm. I was never just ‘another clerk’, but was really made to feel like a valued member of the team, who did real legal work, for real clients, with real outcomes. That’s what made it such an easy decision to apply for a graduate role at the firm.

Our clerkship program is not only a great opportunity for law students to gain valuable practical experience, but it’s also a chance to understand our mission and the culture at McCullough Robertson. Many of our clerks will go on to join our firm through our graduate program.

We offer clerkships to pre-penultimate and penultimate law students in our Brisbane office and clerkships to penultimate law students only in our Sydney office.

Selection process

Apply

Submit your interest in a clerkship with us

Learn more about us

Meet the team and learn more about the firm

Interview(s)

Meet the Partners and Senior Lawyers

See mccullough.com.au for further details and specific dates for clerkships at our various offices.

Graduate program

Offers made Congratulations, welcome to the team!

Our graduate program consists of 2 x 9-month practice group rotations to complete a qualification to practice while undertaking invaluable on-the-job training. Participants develop their skills with exposure to a variety of legal work with the possibility of joining the firm permanently on completion of the program.

Program structure

Placement 1: Becoming a qualified lawyer

February Formal training:

• Practice Legal Training (funded)

• Includes 9 study days

• Learning and development framework

Support network:

• Supervisor #1 (Partner)

• Supervisor #2 (Senior Associate)

• Graduate Buddy (Lawyer)

• Senior Buddy (Senior Associate)

June Complete Practical Legal training (PLT)

Apply to be admitted as a lawyer

August Discuss options for placement 2

Write your career story with us

Placement 2: Developing your legal skills

November

Work-based learning:

• Move to a new team for additional experience

• Focus on practical application

• Become more involved in client work

Support network:

• Supervisor #1 (Partner)

• Buddy (Lawyer)

August Congratulations!

Now you’ve successfully completed the graduate program, we’ll discuss opportunities to join the team permanently.

If you see yourself taking on real responsibility and forming genuine professional relationships sooner, then connect with us today to start the first chapter in your legal career.

Each year, we offer clerkships to law students who want to be involved in the real work of a legal firm – not just to observe We will provide you with the fundamentals to truly understand our business and clients, across all industry sectors and services

Our goal is for each and every one of our employees to build a rewarding career rich with opportunities, satisfying relationships and a sense of achievement

What do you value most about working at McCullough Robertson and what attracted you to join?

What sold me was hearing about how much client contact you have from day one, and that has been the case from my first day at McCullough Robertson, always with a safety net, I was given the opportunity to be involved in decision making with the client, pitches to them and growing the relationship.

The other thing that appealed to me about McCullough Robertson was the non-silo work structure. Within my team I was given, and to this day am still given, the opportunity to work with multiple partners allowing me to learn from a pool of leaders in their respective fields. This collaborative approach has allowed me to learn from multiple sources and build my own practice in areas I am passionate about.

What opportunities has McCullough Robertson provided to support your career development?

In my third year at McCullough Robertson I was given the opportunity to go on secondment with a client to Tokyo. In Japan I had an opportunity to work inhouse for a major Japanese company learning invaluable skills and developing as a lawyer, while also maintaining my connection to McCullough Robertson. The partners I worked for, and firm as a whole, were incredibly supportive of me in taking this opportunity, allowing me to work abroad and develop a long-term client relationship.

Since joining McCullough Robertson, what type of work have you been involved in?

I have worked on some of the largest resources and renewables transactions in Australia, one of which, a matter I started working on while in Japan and for which I was lead lawyer on upon returning to Australia, was an Australian first.

Another great thing about McCullough Robertson in the current climate is as a leader in the resources and renewables space I have the opportunity to work on some of the state’s first hydrogen projects. Being a part of this new type of technology is exciting and represents the future of energy development in Australia.

Early careers at MinterEllison

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

1. Experiencing high profile matters in a top tier firm

2. Our culture

3. Our learning and development programs

Learn by working on real challenges

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

An award winning start to your career

Winner, Most Popular Clerkship Employer

Top100 Graduate Employer Awards 2023

Top Graduate Employers 2023

Australian Association of Graduate Employers

graduates.minterellison.com

Finalist, Most Popular Law Employer

Top100 Graduate Employer Awards 2023

Top Intern Programs 2022

Australian Association of Graduate Employers

Five reasons we’re different Great roles

in great matters

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

Feed your curiosity

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

A focus on you

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

An inclusive culture

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

A passion for social justice

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

For information and to apply visit graduates.minterellison.com

Early careers at MinterEllison

MinterEllison is one of Australia’s largest law firms, with nearly 200 years of business history. We’re known for our legal and consulting expertise — and for our inclusive culture and authentic character.

We’ve changed to keep up with our client’s expectations. Today we offer legal and consulting services under one roof. Clients rely on our expertise and insights to solve their most complex business challenges. They value our responsive, commercial approach.

We are curious by nature, diverse in our disciplines and authentic in our relationships.

MinterEllison has given me great exposure to different teams and access to a diverse range of experiences – from transactional, to advisory, to litigious work. That has allowed me to find out what type of law I want to do and where I want to settle.”

Early careers at MinterEllison

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I joined the MinterEllison graduate program in February 2021. I clerked in Workplace during my penultimate year then returned to the team as a Clerk. My first legal job was an Office Junior at a family law firm. I then worked in-house as a Law Clerk for over five years for a mining services provider. I gained amazing mentors in this role, a drive to pursue a career in commercial law and an understanding of business drivers and commercial acumen.

What rotations have you done?

I have now settled in Workplace after rotating through Transaction Solutions, Dispute Resolution and Workplace. The graduate program was a great time to learn how a large law firm operates, make as many connections as possible and learn from experienced lawyers and professionals. During each rotation I was exposed to a variety of clients, legal problems and tasks. This provided the opportunity to develop my communication style and build the confidence in my approach to work. In Transactions Solutions, I developed my front-end skills having worked on M&A transactional work, corporate governance advisory, contract drafting and corporate pro bono work. In Dispute Resolution, I spent most of my time on a regulatory investigation and a significant Royal Commission for an international client. A typical day involved attending project meetings, conferences with Counsel or witnesses, preparation of court documents or attending a hearing. Workplace appealed to me because the law is people-focused, relevant to every business and the area is constantly evolving. As a graduate, I attended witness interviews, conferences or hearings, prepared documents for disciplinary processes or for litigation, and conducted legal research on discrete issues.

What do you love most about your job?

Working in employment law, I love having the opportunity to help employers manage and take proactive steps to deal with workplace issues which have real implications for an employer and its employees. This creates the opportunity to really understand your client (whether public or private sector), and deliver advice

to a client which is pragmatic and useful. There are also endless opportunities to volunteer for various employment law pro bono services and assist with ongoing employment litigation on a pro bono basis. To date, I have particularly enjoyed learning the nuances of public sector employment matters and my involvement in industrial strategy given its intersection with the political space. Currently, I am seconded to one of Australia’s largest mining companies as an Investigator in the Ethics & Investigations team to conduct workplace investigations. The Workplace team both conducts and advises clients on disciplinary action following external investigations, so I am looking forward to developing my skills in this area.

How has the team at MinterEllison helped to support you?

My Supervising Partners, colleagues and Talent have reiterated on multiple occasions that the Graduate Program is an opportunity for learning. As a result, I have felt comfortable asking for help during both my rotations and having a go at tasks even if I am out of my comfort zone. The firm has also always supported my contribution to pro bono work and attending as many firm-wide or team training sessions as possible, both of which were important to me when I was learning about firms during the clerkship process.

If you could tell your Uni student-self one thing, what would it be?

Take advantage of learning opportunities including electives and extra-curriculars. You will never regret doing so! I used these experiences to learn about myself and gradually piece together the type of work and areas of law I was interested in when it came time to think about applying for clerkships.

Be enthusiastic and curious about the matters you are involved

in.

Be genuine so you put yourself in the best position to understand whether the firm is the right fit for you, and vice versa. During my clerkship, I felt comfortable being myself and this is what makes the firm unique.

Our Clerkship program

Change Navigators Our firm

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

Practice areas

Antitrust and competition

Banking and finance

Commonwealth Government

Corporate, M&A and securities

Employment and labour

Environment and planning

Intellectual property

Litigation and disputes

Projects and construction

Real estate

Restructuring

Risk advisory

Tax

Our values

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

Quality

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

Diversity, equity and inclusion

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

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

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

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

Gender diversity

Cultural diversity

LGBTIQ+ inclusion

Disability confidence

Family & those with caring responsibilities

Flexible work

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

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

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

Our Clerkship program

Change Navigators

Our clerkship program

Scan to learn more about our Graduate opportunities

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

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

Brisbane Monday, 17 July 2023

Friday, 11 August 2023

Wednesday, 11 October 2023

November 2023 - December 2023 (Summer)

1 x 4 week program, 1 rotation

June 2024 - July 2024 (Winter)

1 x 4 week program, 1 rotation

Sydney Monday, 5 June 2023

Perth Monday, 26 June 2023

Melbourne Monday, 3 July 2023

Graduate academy

Sunday, 9 July 2023

Sunday, 30 July 2023

Sunday, 13 August 2023

Wednesday, 13 September 2023

Friday, 15 September 2023

Wednesday, 18 October 2023

November 2023 - February 2024 (Summer)

1 x 10 week program, 2 rotations

November 2023 – February 2024 (Summer)

1 x 10 week program, 2 rotations

November 2023 – December 2024 (Summer)

1 x 4 week program, 1 rotation

June 2024 – July 2024 (Winter)

1 x 4 week program, 1 rotation

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

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

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

International opportunities

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

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

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

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

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

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

An inside look: What is it like to work as a graduate at a truly global law firm?

On 4 September 2022, I departed for Perth where I spent the week preparing for, and attending, a hearing before the Court of Appeal of Western Australia. As it turns out, that trip was significant in itself. This was confirmed for us on 17 January 2023, when we learned that we had secured a significant Court of Appeal victory for the firm’s key client, Chevron, which made new law and resulted in a A$100m+ benefit to Chevron. However, this trip also marked the beginning of a much bigger adventure: later that week I left Perth and headed over to Dubai where I would join the Disputes practice for a six-month international rotation.

What a truly unique experience! This was my first time living and working abroad and, like many others, it was my first overseas trip post the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s safe to say it did not disappoint. Soon after my arrival, I was brought on to a wide range of matters. This included proceedings before the onshore Dubai courts and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts, international arbitrations, regulatory investigations, and a whole raft of discrete engagements in between.

One matter in particular involved the trial of a claim for declaratory relief relating to the beneficial ownership of assets located in Dubai, in proceedings before the DIFC Courts. This matter represented the latest effort to enforce a judgment of the English High Court against a restauranteur and related parties, with parallel proceedings before the courts of Belgium. The proceedings before the DIFC Courts alone involved over 20 applications meaning there was plenty of work to get involved in.

The Dubai Disputes team was also a fantastic opportunity for me to broaden my network. At the time, the team was led by five Partners with specialist backgrounds in litigation and international arbitration, regulations and investigations, and insurance. I was able to work broadly across the team, and developed strong professional connections as a result. Alongside this, I was fortunate enough to draw on support from a network of other trainee solicitors from right across the globe who were undertaking similar secondments from their respective offices. This included four trainee solicitors from our London office, and a Middle East trainee, but also over 100 others who were working in law firms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

It would be hard to pretend that I didn’t also seize the opportunity to do a little bit of travel – visiting Oman, Jordan, and Egypt whilst abroad. On the weekends, I usually made the most of the good weather by visiting the beaches and some of the best outdoor cafes and restaurants that Dubai has to offer.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Dubai and had strong hopes I would be able to stay in touch with the team once I’d returned to Australia (noting the 6 hour time difference and all). As it turns out, I’m now working alongside my former supervising partner from Dubai in an international arbitration seated in London involving a team of lawyers across our Singapore, London, Sydney, and Brisbane offices, as well as local counsel in Thailand, and experts in Norway. This really brought home for me the benefit of working for Norton Rose Fulbright – the opportunity to work on cross-border matters, with colleagues and clients from across its global network!

In all, I would implore any lawyers-in-the-making to consider what life could be like for them at a truly global law firm. The opportunity to spend six months abroad as part of the graduate program is one of the many reasons I’m pleased to work at Norton Rose Fulbright.

For more information please contact Jasmine Torrisi, HR Advisor (australian.graduates@nortonrosefulbright.com).

Together we are change nav igators

We are a truly global law firm who offer the opportunity to experience what life as a Graduate would truly entail through our clerkship program. To find out more about our global credentials, please scan the QR code.

The only constant is change.

We’re embraci ng t he new cha l lenges faci ng you r orga n i sat ion – f rom globa l i sat ion to emerg i ng i ndu str ies, f rom cha nges i n societ y to adv a nces i n te ch nolog y a nd in nov at ion

We a nt icipate shi f t i ng dy na m ic s a nd se e t he p ossibi l it ies

It ’s how we’re able to solve you r most comple x problem s.

We don’t si mply ad apt to cha nge We t h r ive on it

L aw a rou nd t he world nor ton rosef u lbr ight.com

Five offices. One purpose.

Grow your career with us.

A premier commercial law firm, Piper Alderman has offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. We work with clients across Australia and internationally to achieve optimum legal and commercial solutions.

We have been a leading advisor to commercial Australian interests for more than 175 years. We listen to our clients, respond to their needs and guide them through increasingly complex regulatory and business landscapes.

We work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our clients as experts in the areas of: Dispute Resolution & Litigation, Class Actions, Real Estate, Corporate and Commercial, Construction, Insolvency, Employment Relations and Financial Services.

The Best Lawyers ® in Australia, 2024 edition

54 of our partners and senior lawyers have been named a ‘Best Lawyer’ and 18 of our senior associates and special counsel have been named in the inaugural ‘ Ones to Watch ’ list.

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia, 2023 edition

Piper Alderman is recognised across 12 areas of law including Construction, Corporate and M&A, Data Protection, Dispute resolution: Class actions, Dispute resolution: Litigation, Energy (transactions and regulatory), Financial services regulatory, Intellectual property, Labour and employment, Natural resources (transactions and regulatory), Real estate and Restructuring and insolvency.

Five offices. One purpose.

Our clerk and graduate experiences.

I started my career at Piper Alderman in 2019 as a clerk. I was hired in a ‘general’ capacity, whereby I was able to help out a number of teams across the firm and get a feel for the various practice areas. I accepted a graduate role in the real estate team in 2020, and have since been mentored by a highly experienced and assiduous team of senior lawyers. From the beginning of my time at the firm, I have had the opportunity to work on a wide breadth of matters, engage directly with clients, and contribute to completing every task and solving any problem in a meaningful way. The support and collegiality that I have experienced at Piper Alderman is second to none, which has made my graduate program a particularly rewarding one.

Since joining the firm in May 2022, I have had the opportunity to undertake a broad range of tasks which has allowed me to really immerse myself in all aspects of the legal profession. From the beginning, I have enjoyed the friendly and welcoming culture of the firm. I find that senior practitioners engage with the juniors in a meaningful and supportive way and are very approachable. Also, the firm has plenty of social activities that help build relationships across practice groups. In the month or so that I have been a clerk, I have already undertaken a wide range of tasks such as undertaking research, developing claims, drafting and filing court documents. Having this kind of exposure so in early in my career has certainly been invaluable.

My law clerk and graduate experience has provided me with an invaluable opportunity to develop professionally by working with highly skilled lawyers, through direct client engagement and by receiving regular feedback and guidance. The supportive, approachable nature of the senior lawyers at Piper Alderman ensures that as a junior, I am always learning, being challenged and engaged. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a clerk or graduate at Piper Alderman is the complexity and diversity of work that you are exposed to, which provides continuing opportunities for professional development and growth. As a bonus, working in the Brisbane real estate team means that you will often drive past buildings you have provided advice on, which provides a tangible sense of achievement.

Interested or want to know more?

T +61 7 3220 7735

E

Rather than a short-lived summer clerkship, our 12-18 month clerk program means you will be able to immerse yourself in real legal work as a member of the team. You will get the opportunity to learn from and build lasting professional relationships with lawyers and partners that are recognised as leading experts in their field. We invite applications for our clerk program at various times throughout the year, so please keep an eye on our careers page. Alternatively, you can submit an expression of interest at any time using the EOI link on our careers page.

What do our clerks say?

I never really have a typical day. I could be doing anything from a brief, discovery tasks, research, book building or responding to emails for our Queensland energy class action.

I joined Piper Alderman because of their extensive and rewarding clerkship program. Not many law firms provide longer-term clerkships that allow you a multitude of opportunities to continually grow into law graduates and eventually lawyers.

T +61 7 3220 7735

E

I would describe our office culture as friendly, focused and impactful.

A clerk program that sets you up for the future.

Our clerk program provides a pathway to your legal career

What do our clients say?

Commercial and pragmatic. More like advisers with a legal lens than pure lawyers.

“

Intelligent, personable and reliable. They go above and beyond to service their client’s needs.

What do our clerks and gradudate lawyers say?

The support and guidance from senior practitioners at Piper Alderman is, in my view, a unique strength of the firm. Every step of the way through my graduate experience and beyond I have felt supported to grow and develop professionally.

My experience has provided me with an invaluable opportunity to develop professionally by working with highly skilled lawyers, through direct client engagement and by receiving regular feedback and guidance.

A law firm that we can rely on and trust to act in our best interest no matter what the issue is.

My experience at Piper Alderman has been particularly rewarding because the senior practitioners ensure to involve juniors in matters in a meaningful way.

The support and collegiality that I have experienced at Piper Alderman is second to none.

From the beginning of my time at the firm, I have had the opportunity to work on a wide breadth of matters, engage directly with clients, and contribute to completing every task and solving any problem in a meaningful way.

Sparke your career with us…

Deciding on the firm that’s right for you is a big decision. Is the culture right for me? Will I receive quality work? Will there be people genuinely interested in my growth who can point me in the right direction? Does the firm embrace technology and take innovation seriously?

Why choose Sparke Helmore?

Sparke Helmore offers its lawyers a challenging and rewarding environment.

Working at Sparke Helmore provides all employees with a unique range of opportunities to expand their knowledge, with access to:

• Market-leading expertise—we are a full service national law firm. This means you will have the opportunity to gain experience in each of our Insurance, Government, Workplace and Corporate & Commercial practice groups.

• Real legal work—from your first day, you will have the opportunity to get involved in legal work that contributes to the firm and its clients.

• Training and development—a combination of formal and on-the-job training that covers technical and soft skills.

• Mentoring and networking—we have a proud reputation for mentoring and facilitating relationship building across the firm in a way that fosters personal and career development, networking and the sharing of knowledge, experience and learning.

• Opportunities to give back—through our Pro Bono and Community Programs.

What do we look for in our lawyers?

Our people are key to our success. We are always on the look-out for lawyers with potential to progress, who fit with our culture and align with our values, and who demonstrate, among other things, intelligence, interpersonal skills, commitment, energy and commerciality.

Sparke Helmore lawyers are:

• all-rounders, who are engaged in extra-curricular pursuits as well as their studies

• team players

• clear and concise writers, and

• confident and articulate communicators.

www.sparke.com.au/join-us/graduate-program/

TAKE THE JOURNEY WITH US.

WHO ARE WE?

Talbot Sayer is a leading commercial firm dedicated to providing premium quality, timely and cost effective advice to our clients with a particular focus on solving their most complex and significant problems. Our principals have extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, property, agribusiness, intellectual property, employment disputes, having worked exclusively for leading international and national firms prior to establishing Talbot Sayer in 2014.

None of our principals or lawyers have a billable hours budget.

We pay top of market rates to ensure we can hire and retain the best and brightest.

OUR MARKET CREDENTIALS

We have a unique monthly bonus program of up to 50% of base salary that rewards finding solutions for clients.

We have a flat organisational structure, with advancement based on merit.

Our consistently high level of deal activity is demonstrated by our ongoing recognition as one of the leading M&A firms in Australia. In what was a massive year for M&A across the globe, Talbot Sayer again ranked 1st in Australia/New Zealand for both small-cap (deals up to US$50m) and mid-market (deals up to US$500m), as shown in the Refinitiv rankings set out below. We are also recognised among Queensland’s leading corporate and agribusiness practices in Doyle’s guide to the legal profession and in Chambers and Partners for Corporate/M&A.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND M&A RANKINGS

2022 Refinitiv Mid-Market Rankings (up to US$500m)

OUR CULTURE

Talbot Sayer has a collaborative culture that emphasises delivering the best possible outcomes for clients. We promote a close-knit and inclusive team environment with regular social and extra-curricular events. We work hard, but take the time to celebrate our successes.

WHY WORK WITH US

We offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic, merit-based environment. Our clerks and graduates are not lost in the crowd and work closely with our principals and senior lawyers. You can expect mentoring from market leading lawyers and exposure to challenging and interesting work. We also have a unique approach to billing and remuneration (including a monthly bonus program) that rewards positive client outcomes, not hours spent in the office.

Our principals are personally committed to the development of our team. Along with our regular training programs we undertake monthly reviews with all of our lawyers. This regular feedback loop has helped our ‘star’ young lawyers develop more quickly than those who work for our national and international peers.

APPLICATIONS

To apply, please forward your CV, academic transcript and covering letter to recruitment@talbotsayer.com.au

Clerkships: By Friday, 11 August 2023

Graduates: We accept applications throughout the year with flexible start dates

In addition to our extensive internal training, we financially support participation in relevant external courses and training in areas such as negotiation skills and project management.

OUR CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

Rather than lengthy PowerPoint presentations on IT or time recording, we will give our clerks a true taste of working as a lawyer at Talbot Sayer – assisting with real work and meeting real clients from day one. There will also be plenty of opportunities to get to know the Talbot Sayer team through social and networking events. We will be running clerkship programs in November/December 2023, February 2024 and July 2024. We are also willing to provide some flexibility on dates for the right candidates.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN GRADUATES & CLERKS

Talbot Sayer seeks penultimate or final year students with outstanding academic results who are motivated to succeed.

Culture is very important to us, so we look for team members who are easy going and confident with a ready sense of humour.

GET IN TOUCH

Level 27, Riverside Centre

123 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

P (07) 3160 2900

W talbotsayer.com.au/careers

E recruitment@talbotsayer.com.au

Reach your potential

Join a major Australian law firm.

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

We’re ready for you

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

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

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

Are you ready for us?

We’re looking for hard-working and motivated law students who have excelled academically, are customer focused, commercially minded, work well in a team environment and are ready to commence their career with a major law firm.

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

How to apply

Applications for our 2023/2024 Brisbane Summer Clerkships open on 17 July 2023 through our website.

Reach your potential

Hard skills, soft skills, and the law

When I was a law student, my almost singular focus was on getting the best marks I could achieve, because (to my mind) good marks would open doors. Undoubtably, my academic achievements at university significantly contributed to my success in being offered some clerkship and graduate role interviews.

However, it is important to remember that fundamentally, lawyers practising in law firms are people dealing with people. Clients expect that their lawyers have the requisite knowledge and skills to provide top quality legal services. (The knowledge you gain at university will provide the foundation on which you will build your expertise, as you progress your legal career). However, this is only one component of the provision of legal services.

Clients are more likely to want to engage a particular set of lawyers and continue to work with them, if they get along with those lawyers and if the lawyers demonstrate that they understand and are responsive to their clients’ particular needs, requirements and objectives. Further, once you enter the workforce, acting with integrity and in a professional manner at all times including when interacting with colleagues and opposing counsel, will become critical.

So, when assessing clerkship applications, prospective employers will consider whether your CV suggests that you have had opportunities to develop both hard skills and soft skills. Then, your ability to demonstrate your hard and soft skills will be assessed during interviews and indeed, during your clerkship.

What are hard skills and soft skills?

Hard skills are easily quantifiable, for example your ATAR and your marks at university. Those can be written down in black and white, and annexed to your job application. Other hard skills include (as relevant to a legal career) research skills, comprehension, writing skills, an ability to speak multiple languages, and tech skills.

Soft skills are more subjective. You develop them through your experiences in day-to-day life. Soft skills that are critical for a successful legal career include:

• communication;

• teamwork and collaboration;

• time management;

• resilience;

• flexibility;

• critical thinking;

• commerciality;

• active listening;

• negotiation;

• conflict resolution;

• leadership; and

• enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Soft skills have become all the more critical since the pandemic, due to the increased prevalence of hybrid work environments and remote working.

Tips on demonstrating hard skills and soft skills

I encourage you to consider how you can demonstrate that you have relevant hard skills and soft skill when preparing your clerkship applications and for clerkship interviews. When I interviewed for clerkships, I was surprised by how much I was able to draw on my eight or so years of working in a retail customer service role, and my 12 months volunteering at a Community Legal Centre, to respond to interview questions! Unbeknownst to me at the time, those humble experiences helped shape me into a more confident, capable and well-rounded person. You should not be afraid to draw on these types of experiences yourself when applying for clerkships, particularly if you are at the start of your professional career.

For example, think about:

• A time when you needed to work in a team to achieve a particular result (university group assignment, anyone?) What challenges did you face, and which soft skills did you use to work through those challenges and achieve the required outcome within the applicable timeframe?

• A time when you were in a situation of conflict with someone else, for example a customer or client. Which soft skills did you use to diffuse the issue and achieve a mutually acceptable outcome?

Finally, if you are successful in your quest for a clerkship position, remember to enjoy it, engage with your team, and look for opportunities to demonstrate your amazing hard and soft skill offerings.

Reach your potential

Join a major Australian law firm.

1. What are the key areas of law that the firm practices in?

• Banking & Finance

• Construction & Projects

• Corporate & M&A

• Employment & Safety

• Environment & Planning

• Intellectual Property

• Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Property

• Restructuring & Insolvency

• Superannuation & Wealth Management

• Tax

• Technology & Telecommunications

2. How many lawyers and partners does the firm have?

130 Partners nationally and 18 Partners in Brisbane, and more than 300 lawyers nationally.

3. What is unique about the firm?

Thomson Geer provides an excellent opportunity for junior lawyers, being large enough to attract high quality work while maintaining small teams that enable junior lawyers to get exposed to all aspects of the matters they work on.

4. Does the firm have any pre-penultimate engagement schemes, if so how do students get involved?

We do not have formal pre-penultimate schemes but often have paralegal opportunities available which are advertised through our website.

5. Does the firm offer a clerkship program, if so how do students apply?

We offer two 4-week summer clerkship starting in late November and early January each year and applications can be made through our website.

6. Does the firm offer clerkships to students outside their penultimate year?

We offer clerkships to penultimate and final year students.

7. What is the anticipated clerkship intake this year?

Approximately 12 clerks

8. What are the qualities the firm looks for in clerks?

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 collaboratively in diverse teams with both senior and junior practitioners across legal disciplines and jurisdictions.

9. What responsibilities and tasks can a clerk expect to take on?

Clerks at Thomson Geer are provided with meaningful work for real client’s right from the start of their clerkship. Specific tasks depend on the practice area they work with. Common tasks include:

• attending client meetings;

• observing court proceedings;

• conducting research;

• drafting correspondence and documents;

• due diligence and disclosure.

10. Do you have any advice for students applying for a clerk position at the firm?

Some things which will make you stand out from the crowd are:

• A genuine interest in the areas of law in which we practice

• Demonstrating an understanding of, and interest in, the commercial environment and our clients

• Demonstrating a dedication to pursuits outside your university studies, whether it be in work or community interests. We hold in high regard a commitment to continuous self-improvement in both personal and professional pursuits.

• A strong work ethic, paired with a critical and curious mind.

Most importantly, be yourself. A diverse range of people is important to our success and we love to see personality in your application.

11. Does the firm offer graduate positions to clerks?

First priority offers for our graduate program are made to those who completed a clerkship with us.

12. Does the firm offer a graduate program, if so how do students apply?

When further roles are available, applications are made through our website.

13. What is the progression path of a graduate lawyer at the firm?

Following the 12 month graduate program, our graduates settle in their preferred practice area where they develop their skills in their chosen area of law. Lawyers are eligible to be promoted to Associate after 2 years provided they are meeting the relevant performance standards.