Clerkship Guide 2016

Macquarie University Law Society Clerkship Guide 2016 | 1

CLERKSHIPGUIDE 2016

2 | Clerkship Guide 2016 Macquarie University Law Society

WITH THANKS TO

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors


I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce this guide to the summer clerkship program. Students study law for many reasons, going well beyond the desire to practice as a lawyer as a career path: the intellectual pursuit, the desire to make a difference in the world, and the chance to build a set of skills that can be used in diverse professional contexts. Your education at Macquarie is an important first step in developing the great knowledge and many skills you will use throughout your working life.

The summer clerkship program provides a valuable opportunity to see the operation of the legal profession first hand. It can further enable you to create important networks and provide you with a personally challenging, but rewarding, experience. The summer clerkship is often seen as an important rite of passage for law students, as it provides exposure to the daily operation of the law in key commercial settings. The learning that comes from working with law firm partners, senior associates and other law staff provides a unique insight into the interpretation and application of the law. You will return to your studies with new insights not only about the law and its operation

but also about yourself, your skills and capabilities and your character.

We have found that students who undertake clerkships are also wonderful ambassadors for Macquarie Law School, and you may well have the opportunity to see how our alumni spend their professional lives.

While competition for clerkships can be tough, it is an opportunity that is well worth pursuing. Irrespective of the career path you ultimately follow, the experience from the clerkship should serve you extremely well.

You all have a lot to offer and the advice in this guide will provide you with great tips and advice on how to prepare and work your way through the process.

My congratulations to the Macquarie University Law Society, especially the Editor and Publications team, for their hard work in putting together this excellent guide.

Professor Natalie Klein | Dean

Macquarie Law School

DEANS WELCOME


6PART I INTRODUCTION

7 What is a Clerkship?

8 Clerkship Week at MULS

10PART II THE APPLICATION

11 Where Do I Start?

12 Common Practice Areas

15 Writing an Outstanding Cover Letter

17 Writing a Stellar CV

21 Online Applications and cvMail

23PART III THE INTERVIEW

24 Mastering the Interview

26 What to Wear

27 Cocktail Evening and Networking

28 Offer Etiquette

29PART IV THE EXPERIENCE

30 Q&A with the Clerks

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EDITOR Rhiannon Bell

DESIGNER Nathan Li

CONTRIBUTORS Tania Currie, Sam Dobbie-Smitham, Tim Grellman, Emma Grimley, Manny Kanellis, Caitlin Polo, Tanya Thomas, and Max Turner

SPECIAL THANKS TO Patrick Barkachi, Maddie Begg-Cotter, Manny Kanellis, Sarah Li Yee Lien, Matt OConnor, and David Yao for their time, effort, and counsel in the production of this guide.

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor nor Macquarie University and are in no way associated with Macquarie University. Best efforts have been made to ensure that all information in this guide is correct as of 30 April 2016 but is subject to change without notice. The guide is merely advisory and should not be relied upon as professional advice. This publication is distributed free of charge with the understanding that the authors, Editor and any persons related to this publication are not responsible for the results of their actions or omissions on the basis of any information provided within this publication. The user of this guide, therefore, acknowledges that he or she will take responsibility for his or her actions and will under no circumstances hold the Editor, authors, Macquarie University or Macquarie University Law Society responsible for any damage resulting to the user or anyone else from use of this publication.

MULS encourages all summer clerkship applicants to obtain confirmation of all information from the firms themselves.

37PART V THE FIRMS

Allen & Overy

Allens Linklaters

Ashurst

Baker & McKenzie

Clayton Utz

DLA Piper

Gilbert + Tobin

Gadens

Henry Davis York

Herbert Smith Freehills

Johnson Winter & Slattery

K&L Gates

King & Wood Mallesons

Maddocks

Minter Ellison

Norton Rose Fulbright

PwC

The College of Law

Thomson Geer

ndex: Participating Law Firms

CONTENTS


My first interview at a law firm could have gone substantially better. I recall very little, although I remember nervously taking a seat in the solicitors office, fresh from my first year of law school. Upon being asked the dreaded where do you see yourself in five years question by the solicitor of the firm, I responded a little too enthusiastically with I want to be a lawyer, to which he replied absolutely deadpan yes, I imagine most people studying law share that goal.

Whilst this guide may not necessarily prevent these types of experiences that are best described as character-building, it is designed to help you to navigate the process of applying for a clerkship. Even if you are not eligible or choose not to apply for a clerkship

in 2016, I would encourage you to read through the guide anyway as many of the tips are relevant to other job applications.

I would like to thank all of the clerks, the Careers Department, and all Macquarie University staff and students who have contributed in some way to this guide. To the reader, I wish you the best of luck. A clerkship is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience with some of the largest commercial firms in Australia. Give it your best shot and you will inevitably learn more about the legal profession, the practice areas, and yourself. You may even figure out where you see yourself in five years.

Rhiannon Bell | Executive Officer (Editor)Macquarie University Law Society

PRESIDENTS WELCOME

EDITORS WELCOME

Welcome to the 2016 MULS Clerkship Guide!

Many of you are determined to become commercial lawyers. And for others, a career in commercial law may be one of the countless choices that face you. Whatever your ambitions are, a clerkship offers a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into the legal industry, and above all, strengthen your understanding in the both the theoretical and practical aspects of law.

The 2016 Clerkship Guide is geared towards everything from helping you create that picture-perfect CV, to strengthening your interview skills. This guide not only provides essential information and tips about the clerkship application process, but will also help you tailor your skills and attributes to best meet the demands of firms.

If there is one piece of advice I would say, its to be genuine and present the best version of yourself to the recruiters. So make sure your academic achievements are the centre piece of your CV and show recruiters what makes you tick. You should also research what the key growth markets are and talk to lawyers or friends in the industry. Demonstrating a strong

commercial understanding of the legal industry will say a lot about you and your ability to think laterally in a commercial context.

And above all, be confident when you apply! Firms want to see what you can bring to the role other than your ability to engage in legal problem solving. So never undervalue yourself your background and experiences will help demonstrate to recruiters you are a unique and well-rounded applicant that can meet the demands of a high pressure environment.

On behalf of Macquarie University Law Society, I thank the students and our many sponsors for their contributions and commitment to the professional and personal development of our students.

Finally, we thank the innovative and hard-working MULS Executive (Editor), Rhiannon Bell, for her hard work putting together this fantastic guide.

To all the 2016 applicants, I wish you every success.

Matt OConnor | President Macquarie University Law Society


PART IINTRODUCTION


WHAT IS A CLERKSHIP?

The NSW Law Society coordinates two major employment programs for law students: the graduate employment program (for final year students), and a summer clerkship program (for penultimate students). Typically, clerkships are paid employment programs at large law firms, running for about 10 weeks over the summer holidays. These positions provide an opportunity to experience life in a commercial firm, to develop networks and personal skills, and may potentially lead to graduate employment.

GETTING A CLERKSHIP

For most clerkships, the only major requirement is corresponding to the appropriate year level: LLB students should be commencing their final semester in 2017, and JD students should be in their 2nd year.

There are three main characteristics, however, that firms look for in prospective applicants:

1. Strong academic records your transcript may give some insight into your work ethic and the areas of law in which you have excelled. Whilst you dont need straight HDs to get a clerkship, high marks will enhance the credibility of your application.

Almost all firms will require a current official academic transcript, which you can order from Student Connect. Your GPA is at the bottom of your transcript. Dont leave this until the last minute!

2. Work experience considering the importance of time management whilst working in a commercial environment, your application will benefit from experience working whilst studying.

Remember, the summer clerkship program is designed as work experience within the legal sector; a lack of prior legal work experience is not fatal to your application.

3. Varied extra-curricular activities firms are interested in evidence of communication and organisation skills, commercial awareness, and a commitment to a career in law. This is where you can address any gaps in your academic results or work experience.

Even abstract extra-curricular activities can emphasise inherent characteristics that firms are searching for.

IMPROVING YOUR CHANCES OF GAINING A CLERKSHIP

1. Work on your academics whilst not the only factor considered, your marks are a significant factor.

2. Get involved at university consider volunteering on a MULS subcommittee, signing up for Macquarie Mentors, competing in a moot, or helping out with a charitable cause.

3. Get legal work experience consider volunteering at a Community Legal Centre, or undertaking a PACE/work placement unit such as LAWS300, LAWS452, LAWS499, LAWS538, LAWS542, or LAWS551.

4. Start honing your CV and cover letter early if you require help in doing this, the Macquarie University Career and Employment Service are able to assist you.

5. Consider purchasing corporate attire even if you dont get an interview, it is always good to have clothing for a professional setting, including our careers events and competitions.

KEY DATES:

Applications open Wednesday 15 June

Applications CLOSE Sunday 17 July

Interviews commence Monday 8 August

Offers made Friday 23 September

Deadline for accepting or declining offers 5pm Tuesday 27 September

CLERKSHIPS

AN OVERVIEW OF THE CLERKSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Applying

2. First round interview

3. Second round interviews and cocktail evenings

4. Offers

5. Accepting or declining offers.


CLERKSHIP WEEK AT MULS

ASHURST INTERVIEW SKILLS SEMINARThursday 28 April

Nervous about interviews? Not sure how to prepare? This workshop will give you all of the basics, so you can be prepared for all types of questions.

GADENS CLERKSHIP SEMINARWednesday 4 May

At this seminar you will get the chance to speak with representatives from one of Australias leading independent law firms about clerkship applications and topical issues related to working in a law firm.

GILBERT + TOBIN BBQWednesday 11 May

In a laidback lunch setting, you will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from Gilbert + Tobin. Here you will get the chance to ask questions regarding their firm and clerkship applications.

NETWORKING SKILLSMonday 16 May

This event will help you discover the rights ways to expand your professional network, covering: how to approach a firms representatives, what a firms representatives want to know about you, and what questions you should be asking to make yourself memorable.

CLERKSHIP Q&ATuesday 17 May

With advice from past Macquarie Law Clerks, get the inside scoop on what happens during a clerkship. Here they will provide personal insights and will be able to answer all of your questions.

MINTER ELLISON APPLICATION SKILLS SEMINARWednesday 18 May

Applying for a clerkship can be daunting. This workshop will provide you with the skills needed to make your application stand out from the crowd.

INTERVIEW ROULETTEThursday 19 May

Practice makes perfect. Firms have given up their time to give you a taste of what an interview at a law firm is like. This is a great opportunity for you to find out how your interview skills shape up, and what areas might need improving.

CLERKSHIP FAIR Thursday 19 May

This is the main event of Clerkship Week. It is a fantastic opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the nature of work within a commercial law firm. You will have the opportunity to gain valuable insight from firm representatives and to speak to previous clerks about their recent experiences.

MADDOCKS CLERKSHIP SEMINARTuesday 31 May

This is the first time Maddocks have presented at Macquarie University. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about one of Australia's fastest growing law firms.

PWC CLERKSHIP SEMINARThursday 2 June

PwC are presenting their first clerkship seminar, where you will get the chance to meet with representatives and discuss all things PwC and their application process.

Although some of these events may have taken place before release of this guide, keep an eye out for something similar next year!

Clerkship Week is the Careers portfolios biggest week of the year. This year, it is back and bigger than ever! There will be many events being held in the lead up to, as well as after the conclusion of, clerkship week. At these events you

will have the opportunity to meet with, and gain invaluable information from, representatives of many of Australias biggest and best law firms. This year, MULS has offered the following events:

Caitlin Polo | Executive Officer (Corporate Careers)


WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU?

Come to as many events as you can! The best insights you can get into the clerkship process will come from those who have experienced one, and from those who run them. These clerkship events will bring together past clerks and firm representatives to give you a greater understanding of what is involved. Clerkships are predominately targeted at penultimate year students, however students of all year groups are encouraged to attend. It is for your benefit to attend as many events as possible!

Dress to impress: Professional attire is essential. You never know who you are going to meet perhaps a future

employer. Wear a suit, polish your shoes, and present yourself as though it is the first day of your legal career. [A detailed style guide is provided in Part III of this Guide for your reference.]

Be prepared. Do your research. It is essential for you to research all the firms attending the events so that you can make a good impression. It is also important to bring an updated version of your CV outlining your achievements and skills to events such as the Interview Roulette.

For more details, be sure to check out the MULS Facebook page closer to the date of each event.

Wishing you all the best for the clerkship season.


PART IITHE APPLICATION


This process is not limited to penultimate students. It may be worth examining what firms look for early on in your degree in order to identify any gaps in your experience.

WHERE DO I START?

1. Research the firms that interest you. Information to research includes:

Firm:

Practice areas, culture, and values,

Organisation structure and partners, and

Recent transactions, business affairs, and clients.

Present market condition of the legal industry.

2. Identify those firms you intend to apply to and consider the reasons why you would want to work there.

3. Research each firms application process, including the HR Representative and addressee for your cover letter.

4. If available, deconstruct any selection criteria to ensure that you are eligible for the role.

5. Create a short list of your experience demonstrating how you fit the criteria and culture of the firm.

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE

Did you know that Macquarie University has its own Career and Employment Service? Their role is to help students to plan and prepare for their career through the following services:

One-on-one career appointments that are tailored to your needs, including providing advice on career planning, gaining experience, and evaluating options;

Monthly skill development workshops on topics including networking, interview technique, and effective use of LinkedIn;

Employer presentations and career events, including bi-annual Careers Fairs;

An online job portal, offering a range of paid and volunteer jobs, online resources, and employer profiles; and

Weekly resume rescue group sessions where you can get specific feedback on your resume and pick up ideas from other people.

All of these services are accessible via the CareerHub website (available at www.careerhub.mq.edu.au ). You can also visit their staff in MUSE Level 2 (near Student Connect) or email them at [email protected].

This information can be ascertained from the firms website; former clerks, graduates, and HR representatives; and news sources such as the Australian Financial Review and Lawyers Weekly.


CORPORATE LAW

Corporate law firms often have a practice group dedicated to pure Corporate Law. This can confuse students, as the firms are corporate law firms, so what are all the other departments doing? This group deals with corporate litigation and transactions that are purely commercial in nature. The group is often divided into smaller sub-sections, such as Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity, Company Law and Governance, and Superannuation Funds Management.

In this area, you may encounter work such as dealing with contractual arrangements between companies, advising clients about the administration and governance of their company, or providing advice about the legality of mergers and acquisitions. Whilst the work may be complex and challenging, you will likely be dealing with some very big-named transactions with large companies, a busy workflow, and large variation in the type of work that you will be dealing with.

EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS LAW

This practice area covers a number of areas of law, including (but not limited to) unfair dismissal, discrimination and equal opportunity, occupational health and safety, trade practices, and contracts. In this group, you may be involved in work such as employment litigation (as corporations may be sued by employees for discrimination, unfair dismissal, and other grievances), client meetings, legal research on client issues, drafting letters of advice, or corresponding with the Industrial Relations Commission and other courts and tribunals.

INSOLVENCY LAW

Insolvency law is an area of law governed primarily by the Corporations Act. This area deals with the deterioration of companies, as well as the relationship between the company, its shareholders, and creditors when the company can no longer pay its debts. Insolvency law covers both litigious and transactional matters, ranging in size from extremely large corporate restructures to relatively small debt recovery matters.

Work in this area of law may include drafting court documents and other transactional documents, court appearances and advocacy, company searches, drafting advice for clients on the verge of insolvency or those that have already become insolvent, negotiating with creditors to resolve a companys debts, negotiations with the appointed manager of a companys assets once it is insolvent, and a wide variety of other tasks.

LITIGATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The Litigation and Dispute Resolution team in a firm can expect to deal with litigious matters referred from other departments of the firm that do not wish to deal with the litigation themselves. This practice group deals largely in managing litigious matters, but also provides advice and assistance with mitigating conflicts and preventative strategies to avoid situations before they occur.

Work may include: drafting or considering pleadings, particulars, evidence and subpoenas, attending settlement discussions or alternative dispute resolution discussions,

COMMON PRACTICE AREAS This list of practice areas is not exhaustive and is only a starting point. Be sure to research each firms practice groups and areas of specialisation.


preparing for trial and court attendances, drafting advice to clients, attending discussions with clients and opposing legal representatives, assisting with evidence and discovery, meeting with witnesses and taking legal statements, or general research to assist in preparation for trial.

PROPERTY LAW

Property law covers a range of practice groups, often including Construction and Infrastructure, and Environment. Within a Construction team, you may face work such as negotiating, drafting, and advising clients on contracts for large-scale infrastructure work and building construction or providing advice in relation to the financing of infrastructure developments.

The Property group is a very extensive and important area of legal practice. Property lawyers deal with a range of legislation and have skills that are high in demand. They deal with everything from large-scale matters to minor transactional negotiations. Typical property work includes advising on commercial, industrial and retail property matters, reviewing property contracts, advising on the due diligence process during the sale and purchase of real estate and businesses, completing complicated tenuring and titling arrangements, or undertaking negotiations for variations of leases. This area often has a high level of contact with clients as each property deal is unique and requires a thorough understanding of the wishes of clients.

TAXATION LAW

Firstly, it is important to note that tax lawyers are rarely involved in detailed analyses of financial accounts. It is not strictly necessary to have a background in accounting or finance to become a tax lawyer, but some firms do encourage you to undertake further accounting-

based study if you settle in the group. The focus is on the legal analysis of tax-based issues and the practical application of the law.

Particularly in tax, you must constantly maintain and update your knowledge of the law. Tax work requires constant reference to both statute and case law, and tax is the subject of a continuous stream of legislation and much litigation. Tax lawyers must also maintain their knowledge of other areas of commercial litigation such as property, contract, trust and company law, as there is usually a link between commercial and tax issues.

BANKING AND FINANCE

The Banking and Finance group deals mainly with the debt component of corporate transactions. Teams are generally broken down into more specialised sub-teams, such as finance (focusing on financing developments or exploiting assets), debt capital markets, consumer financial services (drafting contracts and arrangements for financial service providers and large corporations), securitisation, or property finance (assisting in managing the finance of commercial, residential and retail properties).

Work in this group may include preparing and coordinating conditions precedent, drafting and reviewing various types of securities, drafting various other documents, including board minutes, powers of attorney, short form loan agreements, legal opinions, deeds of release and documentation in relation to financial assistance. You may also be involved in preparing for and coordinating signings and completions, researching and preparing advice on various legal issues, and corresponding with clients and team members.


COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

This is a specialised group within the firm that essentially deals with breaches of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). This Act is divided into two main parts sections dealing with regulating the level of competition between businesses and companies, and sections regulating consumer protection.

Competition work will likely involve advising companies prior to proposed mergers whether the ACCC will accept such a change in their industry, advising clients how to restructure mergers to ensure a healthy level of competition remains within the market, advising with respect to the development of facility infrastructure and access agreements, and liaising with the ACCC on behalf of clients.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Energy and Natural Resources is a relatively new, fast-paced and ever growing group within the industrial sector. More and more top tier firms are expanding their energy and resources area of practice, both on a national and international scale. It is recognised as an extremely important area of law, which is underpinned by both economic and environmental concerns, and captures a wide range of transactions from oil and gas mining to renewable energy and power supply.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP)

This group revolves around IP services, including the registration, commercialisation and enforcement of IP rights. The team develops legal strategies to protect the commercial potential of brands, as well as engaging in litigious work if there is a breach of IP rights.

Work in this group may involve drafting advice on the identification, protection and management of patents and trade marks, drafting agreements relating to licensing, franchising, and transferring rights, advising on copyright, confidential information and unfair competition issues, enforcing all IP rights using dispute resolution or litigious methods, advising on marketing agreements and many other aspects of IP law.


GENERAL TIPS:

1. Use a business letter format.

2. Limit it to one page.

3. Know and double check your recipient ensure that you address the letter to a person; not a generic Dear Sir/Madam. If you dont have their name, try phoning the firms reception and asking who the best person is to address it to.

4. Be enthusiastic and positive make your letter read this way.

5. Use your cover letter to supplement your CV; dont simply reproduce it!

6. Use the wording of the employers advertised criteria to link your skills and experience to the role.

7. Tailor your application for each unique firm.

8. Demonstrate commercial awareness, such as knowledge of firm clients, employees, and recent transactions; but only if they are relevant.

9. Convert the final product to PDF.

10. Proofread! Remember, your cover letter shows off your written communication skills. This first impression is critical.

.

SUGGESTED STRUCTURE AND CONTENTS:

Opening paragraph: state why you are writing to the company and provide a general overview of the content of your letter and application.

A strong cover letter will answer two questions: Why are you the best candidate for the role, and why do you want to work for this organisation?

Why me? Highlight outstanding achievements or experience that you may have and indicate why these make you attractive to the firm.

Why the firm? This is the most difficult paragraph; requiring both commercial awareness and an understanding of the firm, relate to why you want to work for them. Try citing recent matters that the firm has advised on which relate to your interests, or mentioning firm representatives that you have spoken with who have inspired you to apply.

Conclusion: a final paragraph thanking the firm for considering your application and indicating your eagerness to work for them.

WRITING AN OUTSTANDING COVER LETTER


[Name]

[Address]

[Suburb, State, Postcode]

[Email Address]

[Title, Recipient]

[Position]

[Firm]

[Address]

[Suburb, State, Postcode]

[Date]

Dear [Title Recipient],

RE: APPLICATION FOR 2016/2017 SUMMER CLERKSHIP

I am in my penultimate year of [Degree] at Macquarie University and [Firm] is my priority firm for a Summer Clerkship in 2016/2017. I am particularly attracted to [Firm] for its reputation as an industry leader in a number of areas of commercial law in which I am very interested. In [Practice Area] Partner [Partners name] has advised leading clients on headlining transactions, reflective of the strength and expertise of its [practice group]. Being extremely interested in [area of law], the chance to sit within a leading [group] in Australia, with exceptional solicitors who would be great mentors, makes [firm] an ideal place to begin my career.

My experiences to date have further provided me with the skills and knowledge that would make me a strong candidate for a summer clerkship position at [Firm]. My diversity and motivation is best seen through my current work as a [legal assistant/paralegal] at [firm/place of work], which has provided me with an appreciation of some of the commercial considerations underlying [legal sectors]. In my work as a [legal assistant/paralegal] I have engaged in diverse tasks that have provided me with experience in undertaking research, drafting discrete legal advices, and exposure to [specific legal task(s)]. To complement my legal experiences, I am involved in a range of volunteer and co-curricular activities, such as [position]. My ability to solve problems and achieve results is evidenced through my [Organisation of Events/ Initiatives + Explanation]. Finally I have substantially benefited from my involvement in [hobbies/volunteer work] has helped hone my communication skills, whilst at the same time being an immensely rewarding experience.

My average law mark to date is [LAW WAM] and I am looking forward to graduating with [Class] Honours. I am passionate about the law above all else, and have committed to excelling at [Degree] which is indicative of my commercial way of thinking. This is reflected by the fact that I have recently finished writing my Honours thesis on [subject matter], as well as the High Distinctions I received in [Subject] (Grade) and [Subject] (Grade).

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

Yours sincerely

[Name]

Example of a cover letter

You are strongly advised not to copy this sample. Content is only used to demonstrate the formatting.


GENERAL TIPS

1. Be honest dont include anything that you could not discuss in detail during an interview.

2. Use professional language in particular, include action verbs like achieved, delivered, and attained.

3. To calculate your Law WAM (referred to as Course Weighted Average at Macquarie University): a. Write up a list of all of the LAW/

LAWS/LAWZ units that you have completed.

b. Multiply the final mark for each graded of these units by the value of that unit in terms of credit points.

c. Sum the resulting values (weighted marks).

d. Divide the sum of the weighted marks by the total number of credit points that you have attained in LAW/LAWS/LAWZ units.

4. Keep it up to date in general, leave out any content older than 4-5 years.

5. Be as brief as possible this is a summary of the highlights, so keep your sentences short, use bullet points, and do not exceed 3 pages.

6. Tailor the information relate your experience and achievements to the criteria in the job description this shows HR that youve taken the time to consider and research the firm as a serious choice.

7. Be consistent in your formatting. We recommend Times New Roman or Arial in size 12 point.

8. Whilst narrowing the margins may help fit more content, ensure that your page still appears uncluttered.

9. Thoroughly proofread your CV, paying attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

10. Like with your cover letter, convert it to a PDF before you submit the file.

STRUCTURE

Whilst the exact structure of your CV is a personal choice, it should definitely include the following information:

1. Your Details: Name, address, phone numbers, and email address. You may also wish to include your LinkedIn profile address.

2. Education (including any relevant achievements)

a. Tertiary

b. High School

3. Work/Professional Experience

a. Company and Job Title

i. Responsibilities

ii. Key Achievements

4. Extra-Curricular Activities

a. Society/Activity/Sport

i. Position Titles

ii. Achievements

iii. Participation

5. Community

a. Organisation

i. Brief explanation of the organisation if it isnt well-known

ii. Positions held

6. Hobbies or Other Qualifications

a. Hobbies

b. Other Qualifications, such as a First Aid Certificate or Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate.

7. References: most people do not provide these and state that they are available upon request. Firms do, however, like for them to be included. Include the name, job title, company, and a contact phone number.

WRITING A STELLAR CVHaving read your outstanding cover letter, firm representatives should want to know more about you in other words, a brief summary of your work experience, extra-curricular activities and achievements in the form of a CV.


JANET KING 700 Harris St, Ultimo, NSW 2007E: [email protected] L: au.linkedin.com/in/janetking M: 0444 444 444

EDUCATION Macquarie University 2012 2016 (expected)Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Major in Social Justice) 3.6 Law GPA 76 Law Average Completed Exchange Program to the University of Oxford (2015) Macquarie Law School Award for Law, Lawyers, and Society (2013)Hornsby Girls High School 2006 2011 98.70 ATAR and First in Legal Studies School Captain

LEGAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCECrownies Solicitors March 2015 November 2015 Assisted the firms Principal in a wide-ranging practice, involving commercial litigation, property

transactions, corporate and estate management matters. Conducted legal research and reviewed new legal developments in case law and legislation. Proof-reading, editing and office administration.

NON-LEGAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Company February 2013 Present Sales Assistant (10 hours per week)

VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE Macquarie University September 2013 Present Mentor (2 hours per fortnight) Sent weekly emails to new law students for five weeks with information about settling into university. Assisted at Academic Orientation, on Library Information Desk, and on the Orientation-Week stall. Society February 2014 March 2015Secretary (15 hours per fortnight) Liaised with academic and non-academic stakeholders. Reformed Constitution to expand sub-committees. Awarded Best Student Group Faculty of Human Sciences by Macquarie University.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Legal Professional Skills Macquarie Law School First Year Moot Quarter-Finalist (2012) MULS Junior Client Interview Competition Champion (2013) MULS Negotiations Competition Grand-Finalist (2014) Contributor to The Brief (2012 present)Mentoring, Programs & Teams Merit Scholars Aspiring Professionals Program Social Soccer Team

INTERESTS, SKILLS & LANGUAGES French limited working proficiency Saxophone Soccer

REFEREESJack Rizzoli, Partner (Disputes) Owen Mitchell, Professor Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Macquarie Law SchoolPhone: (02) 9999 9999 Phone: (02) 9999 9999

CV Example 1



PERSONAL DETAILS

Name Martha Costello Mob 0444 444 444Email [email protected] https://au.linkedin.com/in/marthacostello

EDUCATION

2012-2016 Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) with Bachelor of Laws Macquarie University

Law Weighted Average Mark: 75.2 (Distinction Average) Global Leadership Program (GLP), Contributor to The Brief (Law Student Publication),

Negotiations Competition

2010-2011 HSC Band 6 in: Advanced English, English Extension 1, Biology Flute Quartet, White Ribbon, Prefect

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

2015 Company (Law internship in [Location]) Legal Intern (One month)

[Company] is a community-based organisation dedicated to supporting indigenous communities in [Location]. Reviewing laws and policies of [Location] Establishing framework/guidelines to lead communities through negotiations Undertaking site visits to remote villages, interviewing stakeholders and collating findings

in a variety of formats (including bilingual versions)

2015 Shoe Lane Chambers Paralegal/Legal Assistant (2 days per week, full-time)

Receptionist responsibilities e.g. taking phone calls, booking client appointments Preparing briefs to counsel Drafting letters and general correspondence Specific work on client files General office administrative tasks

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE

2013 Company Administrative Assistant (Casual position)

Preparing mail-outs Data analysis through use of Microsoft Excel

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

2015 Careers Fair Volunteer Part of the Registration team Directing students to the Fair and assisting exhibitors as required

CV Example 2


2013 Volunteering in Peru (Perus Challenge) (One month)Perus Challenge is a non-governmental organisation that seeks to develop sustainable schools and communities for those living in the rural villages surrounding Cuzco, Peru. Alongside a team of 17 other volunteers from Macquarie University, completed the

construction of a new classroom for students in the village of Quilla Huata Taught English, Geography, Art, Sports and Computers to the students Conducted house visits to assist with social work Ran workshops to teach basic health and hygiene to the students

2013 SPARK Mentor (St Vincent de Paul Society) Helped primary school children from refugee backgrounds with homework and

communication skills on a weekly basis, after school

LANGUAGES

English (fluent), French (fluent)

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

2015 The Brief (MULS Publication) Sub-editor and online contributor

Edit articles before they are published in the magazine, checking for spelling and grammatical errors as well as errors of law

Regular contributor to the online blog 2013/2014 Negotiations Competition

Participated in Negotiations Competition in 2013 and 2014

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Playing the flute, Indian classical dancing, tennis, swimming, academic and non-academic writing and reading.

REFEREES

Name: Clive Reader Position: Queens CounselCompany: Shoe Lane ChambersContact Phone Number: 9999 9999

Name: Billy LambPosition: Senior ClerkCompany: Billy Lamb LawyersContact Phone Number: 0444 444 444



GENERAL TIPS

1. Finish your research about the firm and the position beforehand. Some portals, such as cvMail, have time limits of 90 minutes before it automatically logs you off.

2. Read all of the portal FAQs and instructions before starting your application.

3. Prepare responses to questions that may be asked on the online portal, such as:

a. Discuss your university activities and achievements.

b. Discuss any further interests, activities, or achievements.

c. Indicate your career objectives, which may include:

i. Interest

ii. Job preferences

iii. Reason(s) why you chose your course of study.

d. Talk about any other relevant skills you may possess (foreign language, computer work-related skills, etc.).

e. Provide additional information elaborate on factual material already presented and how it is related to the position that you are applying for.

4. Provide experience from all relevant aspects of your life. As well as any legal experience, consider including your part time job, work experience, volunteer work, and sporting activities.

5. Avoiding referring to the same example more than once.

6. Dont rush your application; pay attention to detail. The firm may disregard your application on the basis of small careless mistakes.

7. Be honest all the information provided will be subject to academic transcript checks and reference confirmation.

8. Ensure that you have someone else read over your answers. If possible, ask someone who works in the legal industry to proofread it for you.

9. Keep a copy of any answers you submit as they may be referred to in interviews.

10. Ensure that you submit a copy of your official academic transcript. You should also bring a copy to any interviews. Official academic transcripts are purchased from Student Connect. Do not leave getting your transcript until the last minute you may find that some details on the transcript need correcting or may need to pay any overdue fees, which is particularly stressful on the day of an interview.

ONLINE APPLICATIONS Firms may require you to submit your applications using cvMail or a similar application portal through their website.


GETTING STARTED:

For first time log-in, follow these steps:

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

2. Create your personal profile by clicking the Personal Profile button on the left hand side of the screen and filling in your personal details.

3. Complete your academic profile by clicking on the Academic Profile button, also on the left hand side. You will need to enter information about your education background (university degree(s) and their starting and finishing dates) and your academic results according to the instructions provided.

4. You can now apply to the firms via the Application Manager. To do so, click on the Apply Here button next to the firm you wish to apply for.

5. For each firm, choose the State, Territory, or country you wish to apply to, and select the type of application you wish to submit (vacation or graduate) from the tabs.

5 KEY TIPS TO HELP YOU MANAGE PLAIN TEXT FORMATTING:

1. Left align as much text as possible and adhere to a single column layout,

2. Underline major headings using the equal (=) character,

3. Underline minor headings using the hyphen (-) character,

4. Start bullet points using the hyphen character, and

5. Use white space to give the text a spacious feel (i.e. two lines before each heading, etc.).

CVMAILcvMail is a portal that provides information about law firms and the legal industry, and enables law students to apply for jobs and schedule interviews online.

Submitting a cover letter? Cut and paste your customised cover letter into the appropriate field in the online application form. Ensure that your cover letter is in plain text formatting.


PART IIITHE INTERVIEW


PLANNING FOR INTERVIEW SUCCESS

Performing well at interviews is a skill that comes with practice. But much of your interview success and confidence happens before the day the key is in your preparation.

TOP INTERVIEW PREPARATION TIPS

Read more than their website: You've heard it before, but its critical to find out as much as you can about the firm and their clerkship program. If you want to be a stand out on the day (and use this information to your advantage) consider what else you can do to understand their culture, strategy and expectations other than what you read on their website. eg. look for their latest annual report, any news articles or past clerk tips/testimonials. Has a past MULS executive or Macquarie law student clerked there that you can talk to? Go that extra step in your research.

Prepare for gap or probing questions: Re-look at the application you submitted so you can expand on this in your interview. Consider if there are any gaps in your experience, interest, degree, commitment etc that they might perceive from your application how would you handle a question like this on the day?

Know what to expect: Dont be afraid to ask for more information to help you prepare. Email or phone the week beforehand to reduce surprises and know what you can expect on the day. Often youll be able to find out the interview length, format and who youll be meeting. And youll be showing your keen but most importantly, conveying a professional impression already.

Google your interviewers: Theyll most likely google you so use social media to your advantage too (but just dont mention this on the day!). Take a little time to research your interviewers experience, expertise and practice area/role within the firm to help you understand their focus/perspective

MASTERING THE INTERVIEW Tania Currie

Career Development Consultant, Macquarie University Career and Employment Service

and know how to talk their language. Remember law firms are really looking for someone who they like/can see themselves working well with and who fits into their organisation so look for any interests, passions or work attitudes you might have in common that will help you connect with them during the interview.

Dont overlook the basics: Plan what youre going to wear and the logistics of how youre going to get to the interview in advance. Do a practice run if you can. Aim to be there 5-10 minutes before your interview time. And when it comes to your attire, err on the side of caution - dark suits with ties, shirts and skirts in conservative designs are best.

Prepare some questions: Interviews are a two-way process, so use your interview to also assess this clerkship opportunity and if it will be right for you. Plus it shows your interest if youve taken the time to prepare a few probing questions of your own to ask. Steer clear of anything thats been provided in the job ad or clerkship material supplied already and questions focussed on whats in it for you eg, training, promotion opportunities etc. Consider questions that will give you more insight into the clerkship eg. how they would measure a clerks success/performance, what would a typical day on the clerkship look like etc.

Plan some specific skill examples: Expect some behavioural questions on the day based on the key skills required for the clerkship. You can prepare your thinking for these questions beforehand by going back to the skills highlighted in the clerkship ad and looking at where in your past experience youve successfully put these into practice. Typically youll be asked for an example of when youve used a range of transferable skills like problem solving, teamwork, organisational skills and communication. Choose the strongest example possible from your collective experience (extracurricular activities, your casual job or degree). Use the


renowned STAR technique to plan your answer - consider the Situation, Task you were given, Action you took and the end Result. Practice describing your examples out loud. Even if the behavioural questions you encounter on the day are slightly different to what youve planned, youll be in the right mindset for handling these and will have a great technique for pulling together an example on the spot.

Consider your body language: 90% of communication is non-verbal; so on the day the way you communicate your answers will play a big role in how well you connect with your interviewers and how your information is received/believed. Remember to sit up straight, face your interviewers, smile and maintain direct but natural eye contact. Show signs of active listening (eg. nodding, paraphrasing), use natural hand gestures and slow down your speech. Think beforehand how youll hold your hands and place your feet. Is there anything you tend to do when youre nervous (eg. twiddle a pen, sweep your fringe behind your ear etc) - consider how you can keep these behaviours in check on the day. Also try and tune into your interviewers non verbal communication cues too on the day - be guided by their eye contact and facial expressions to judge the length of your answers and gauge their interest or understanding.

Expect the unexpected: Law firms are famous for asking left field or tough interview questions.eg. whats something we dont know about you, when have you made a mistake and what did you learn from this etc. Although these are hard to prepare for, expecting some challenging questions on the day will mean you wont be as thrown by them. Check our

Consider these other tips to help you perform your best on the day and leave a lasting professional impression.

DURING YOUR INTERVIEW

First impressions count: Introduce yourself, offer a firm hand shake, make eye contact and smile. Importantly be on time. Dont just save this for your

interviewers though, youll need to make an impression with everyone you come into contact with on the day, including the receptionist.

Mind your manners: Be sure to turn off your mobile and give your full attention to the interviewers. Be courteous and professional at all times, this extends to avoiding saying anything negative about previous organisations and employers.

Be honest and stay positive: Dont pretend on the day to impress. If you don't know the answer to a question, don't be afraid to admit it, but stay positive. Rather than "I don't have any experience with that", you could say "Although I havent come across that before I adapt quickly and successfully learnt on the job in my past roles" and back this up with an example of when you have learnt a new skill/tackled an unfamiliar situation.

Be yourself (and show some of your personality!): Try and relax as much as you can and be true to yourself. Remember firms are looking for someone who they think will fit in and that they will enjoy working with so without dropping your professionalism, try and show them a little of your personality. Everyone at the interview stage has the skills and grades for the role but it may come down to how well you connect with your interviewers that makes the difference and helps you stand out from other law students.

AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW

Send a follow up thankyou: Email a quick thank you message to the key contact at the firm within a day of your interview. Reinforce your interest in the role and include a comment about something from your discussion/meeting to help jog their memory.

Reflect on what you could do differently next time: Brainstorm some ideas and alternative responses for the questions you found most challenging or the ones you felt you didn't handle well.

Need help preparing for a clerkship interview? Or want to get some more interview practice? Why not book a mock interview or an appointment with the Career and Employment Service to get some feedback on your interview technique.


GENERAL TIPS:

Compendium: A plain black leather compendium containing copies of your CV, cover letter, academic transcript, and passport-sized photos.

Ensure that your clothes are freshly laundered and neatly pressed.

If you choose to wear a perfume or cologne, only apply it lightly.

Your fingernails should always be cut short, clean, and neat. Avoid dark nail polishes.

Be sure to plan this out in advance you dont want to spend the interview distracted by uncomfortable items of clothing!

WHAT TO WEAR?

WOMENS STYLE

Skirt/Dress: In either case, ensure that the skirt falls just above or below the knee. Dark colours are the safest option, such as black, blue, or grey. Youre unlikely to be comfortable in something that is too tight, so ensure well ahead of the interview that the fit is appropriate.

Pants: If you prefer pants, ensure that they are suit pants.

Shirt: Collared or modest blouses are recommended. Keep in mind that bold prints can be distracting.

Blazer: Ensure that this matches your other clothing.

Shoes: It is best to wear black court shoes with a small heel, however, closed-toe black flats are an acceptable alternative. Both work well with neutral stockings.

Jewellery: If you choose to wear any, ensure that it is understated.

Hair: You may choose to leave your hair down if it is sufficiently neat, but a low ponytail or bun is best if that may be distracting.

Makeup: Keep it natural and professional.

MENS STYLE

Shoes: Black leather and well-polished. Lace ups are more conservative than slip-ons, but both are acceptable.

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

Cufflinks: Should match your belt buckle. You should opt either for a plain silver colour or plain silver with a coloured enamel that matches your tie.

Watch: Any watches should match your cufflinks and belt.

Facial hair: Clean-shaven is usually best.

First impressions matter. Of course, you may still get a clerkship without adhering to every single rule listed here some interviewers may not care what you look like but why take the chance?


NETWORKING AT COCKTAIL NIGHTS

1. RSVP etiquette: If you have two cocktail evenings in one night, it is always courteous to email the HR representative for the second cocktail evening you will attend to let them know that you will be late.

2. Politely entering a conversation:

a. For one on one conversations, begin by introducing yourself, making eye contact, and firmly shaking hands.

b. In group conversations, the best way to break the ice is to chime in or ask if you may join the conversation.

c. If canaps and drinks are circulating, this can be an excellent icebreaker.

3. Hold your drink in your left hand: No one likes to shake a clammy and cold hand.

4. Have some conversation starters prepared: It is always best to talk about something current, whether it be the news, sport, or an occurrence at the firm. The best source for this is the firms Facebook page.

5. Make a unique impression (in a good way): Leave the person you are speaking to with something that makes you memorable.

a. Develop a personal brand have something that makes you stand out.

b. Hone your elevator pitch a 30 second to 2-minute spiel about who you are.

c. Use open body language and smile be friendly and approachable.

d. Be humorous and engaging within the bounds of good taste and professionalism.

6. Working the room: Only conduct a conversation as long as the conversation remains fresh, and do not limit yourself to friends. It is better to leave before the conversation becomes stale.

7. Remember why you are there: Most of these events will have an excellent selection of food and alcohol. Be mindful of your manners and dont over-indulge.

8. Always politely exit a group or conversation: Wait for a dip in conversation and excuse yourself.

a. For one on one conversations, try It was lovely meeting you, Person X. I think I will grab another drink. I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening! (If the person is by themselves it is always polite to integrate someone else in the conversation before you leave so you dont alienate the person).

b. In group conversations: Well, it was fantastic meeting you all; I must use the bathroom. I hope to see you all soon!

9. Exiting the cocktail evening: As you leave, it is always a good idea to thank the HR representative for the evening.

10. Practice! Networking skills can always be improved. Do this by attending the Networking Skills event and other similar nights run by student groups, such as the Economics, Commerce and Finance Society.

COCKTAIL EVENING AND NETWORKING Most law firms hold a cocktail night as part of their interview process to observe their prospective clerks in a more social environment. The ability to network is particularly important in a commercial law practice because relationships with colleagues and clients are a major priority. Cocktail evenings are also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the firm, potential career opportunities, and you may get advice for attaining long term goals.


If you are lucky enough to be made multiple offers, the best way to make your decision is to:

1. Seek the counsel of HR representatives, friends, or partners at the firms.

2. Consider if the firms strengths and practice areas match your interests.

3. Identify any additional benefits of working at a firm, such as any graduate positions or paralegal work offered after the clerkship.

It is always courteous to thank the interviewing partner/solicitor via email and call the HR representative at each offering firm, irrespective of whether or not you accept a position at their firm.

TIP: If you reject an offer, the HR representative will probably ask why. It is always wise to have a well thought out answer; you dont want to burn bridges anywhere!

OFFER ETIQUETTE Firms will make their offers on the same day to ensure that each applicant has a fair chance to decide which firm they would like to work for.


PART IVTHE EXPERIENCES


Why did you choose Ashurst?

Obviously, there are a lot of general things which are essential for a firm to have in order to attract clerks big clients, interesting work, an attractive work space and good graduate opportunities. For the most part, all major commercial firms will be able to offer these things. For me, I would say the thing that set Ashurst apart from other firms was its friendly and accepting people and easy-going culture. I place a great deal of importance on the degree to which I am able to get along and joke around with the people that I work with, and I felt Ashurst provided the best environment for me in this regard.

What were some of the questions that were asked during the interview?

I would split the questions I was asked into four major categories:

Freeform questions: These are extremely broad and general, often taking the form of so tell us a bit about yourself. These can be quite challenging, as its hard to know exactly what to talk about and the degree of detail they want. Try and gauge the interviewers reaction to determine whether you are going on too long. It is also useful to spend a while practicing answering questions like these so you at least have an idea of the areas you want to cover.

Interest questions: These encourage you to talk about your personal and professional interests. Examples would include so what areas of practice would you like to rotate through during a clerkship? and what do you do in your free time. These questions are great, though it is important that you are truthful here as you dont want to be chosen by a firm on the basis of interests which you dont actually hold.

Experience questions: These tend to draw from your resume and cover letter, and will often take the form of so what kind of tasks did you perform when working at ? or tell me about your exchange. Try and stick to the most interesting or relevant points with these questions, and if possible try and guide your answer towards why your experiences would be useful during a clerkship.

Behavioural questions: These questions can be quite challenging, and can take many forms. Examples include tell us about a time you showed initiative in the workplace, what would you do if you were given two tasks which were due urgently and you only had time to finish one, and what are

the features of good legal advice? Luckily, most firms draw from a similar bank of these questions, and it is a good idea to have answers prepared for the most common ones. There are a lot of online resources which can help you in this regard.

What was the most challenging question asked during the interview? How did you respond?

The most challenging question I was asked was apart from our firm, which firm would you most like to get a clerkship at? This question requires the answerer to have a strong knowledge of the culture and values of the interviewing firm, so as to answer with a firm that holds similar ideals (for example, if you are interviewing with a medium sized domestic firm, answering with an international commercial firm may create confusion). As such, when answering this question, I picked a firm that I felt was culturally and strategically aligned with the firm I was interviewing with.

Did you attend a cocktail evening? How did you approach these events?

I attended a number of cocktail evenings. These nights provide a great opportunity to meet with your potential future employers and colleagues, and it is important that you talk to as many people as you can (within reason of course). Many firms will assign you a buddy who can introduce you to people who work in the areas you wish to rotate through, or share similar interests. It is important that you take advantage of this, as most buddies are more than happy to be of assistance. Finally, its important to show control and discipline. You will be surrounded by unlimited food and alcohol; you have to show you can operate in this environment without embarrassing yourself.

What was the highlight of your clerkship?

From a work perspective, the highlight was the opportunity to prepare a letter to the Office of State Revenue arguing against a tax determination at the end of my tax rotation. This was a great learning experience, as it gave me a strong understanding of how to present legal arguments, and how to communicate with the other side in a legal dispute.

From a social perspective, the highlight was the clerk cruise, where clerks from all the different firms dressed up and got together for an evening of partying. This was a great opportunity to meet clerks from other firms and socialise outside of a work environment.

SAM DOBBIE-SMITHAMAshurst


Why did you choose Clayton Utz?

I chose Clayton Utz for two reasons. Firstly, I was drawn to Clayton Utzs culture, which you get a sense of at the cocktail evenings. While many of the cocktail evenings I attended seemed tense, the two Clayton Utz cocktail nights were relaxed and enjoyable. Whether I was speaking to the person serving the food, a graduate lawyer, or a senior partner, the conversation was friendly. This was unsurprising; Clayton Utz prides itself on having an egalitarian culture as part of its goal of being an elite firm with people who are not elitist. After meeting many people from the firm on each of the cocktail nights I knew this was the place I wanted to work.

Secondly, Clayton Utzs long term strategy stood out to me during the process. Clayton Utz is one of the big six Australian law firms and the only one of that group to not merge with an overseas firm. As such, Clayton Utz is the largest independent law firm in Australia. This is a result of Clayton Utzs long term strategic commitment to Australia and its people/businesses. I am drawn to this strategic commitment to Australia and its people and businesses.

The application process is notoriously time-consuming and stressful. How did you balance it amongst all of your other commitments?

Try to do all of your applications during the Semester break (July); its crazy to leave this to Week 1 and onwards of Session 2 when work piles up.

If youre fortunate enough to get several interviews, try to do two or more in one day. I made the mistake of not doing more than one interview in a day. This meant some weeks I would have 3 or 4; it is very hard to study on a day that you have an interview!

Believe in your time-management ability: you wouldnt have got this far in law school if you didnt have the ability to time-manage so I have confidence you will be okay.

How do you think your application stood out?

Based on my experience, the most important element of an application that stands out is extra-curriculars. At interviews and cocktail nights you will not be asked much about your studies; people want to know you. So be sure to include your extra-curriculars!

Also, dont worry if you dont have experience at a law firm. I had never worked at a law firm before receiving my clerkship offers; the trick is to show how your extra-curriculars give you traits that are valuable in a firm.

For me, I focussed on my sporting commitments and positions on Executive Councils; these gave me skills such as teamwork and communication that is as important (if not more) to a firm than showing that you know the law back to front.


In my applications I noted that I have captained several sporting teams.

In one interview I was asked There is a lot of sledging these days in cricket, when I used to play we never sledged. How do you handle, and respond to, being sledged intensely when you open the batting for Macquarie Uni Cricket Club?

My reply: Yes, there is a lot of sledging, sometimes it gets quite intense and personal. I handle it by telling myself before facing each delivery that I believe in myself, my batting technique and my club, and that if I do make a mistake, I believe in my teammates and am confident that they can contribute. For me, this means in a law firm, yes, there will be challenging situations but if you believe in yourself and your colleagues and work in a team, you will overcome the challenge and produce a good result for your client (or, in my case, the cricket team).

I said before you dont need legal experience; you need to show how your non-legal experience will help in a law firm. This answer attempts to do that. I hope this is a good example for you to consider. Best of luck!

TIM GRELLMANClayton Utz


Why did you choose MinterEllison?

I chose MinterEllison because I knew I wanted to work in a top-tier firm, as it entails the most challenging, interesting and diverse work for notable clients that are often household names. MinterEllison is a firm that has performed exceedingly well in Chambers rankings across all practice areas and that has an exciting vision for growth and innovation over the coming years, so I was drawn due to these factors.


I was almost always asked a variant of the question tell me about yourself. I would also get asked a lot of questions that would require the STAR method response, typically beginning with give me an example of a time These are the questions where they really get to know you as a person and get a deeper understanding of your background and experience.


I was asked to teach something as if they had never been taught it before. Having played the violin throughout my entire childhood I taught them how to correctly hold and play an invisible violin. Yes, that is way less cool than air guitar. It is clear the question was designed to see how I would think on my feet.

Did you ask any questions at the end of the interview? If so, what?

I liked asking my interviewers about how they came to be at the firm or in their current position. This helped me to get to know more about the people I might potentially be working with and helped me to appreciate the varied career movements of lawyers. It often also gives you an insight into the appeal of the firm to that person and may help you to determine if the firm is the right fit for you. I would also ask an interviewing partner about what work I might do as a summer clerk or graduate in their group. Asking this shows your interest and helps you to project into the role.


I attended several cocktail evenings. For these events you can only do minimal preparation. Think about some questions to ask or some people you might like to meet

on the night, because others are more than happy to introduce you to them if they are attending. Apart from that all you can do is be relaxed (though not too relaxed) and be open and interested to hearing about the experiences of lots of different people. You can also use the opportunity to get some advice about approaching the final round interviews.

Describe a typical day as a clerk.

A typical day would be quite different depending on what practice group you are in. If you are in a litigation practice a day might involve attending court or barristers chambers for meetings and preparing folders of documents for court. In a lot of practice groups you might be asked to do some legal research, attend and take notes for phone conferences, prepare case notes and draft or proofread legal documents. On a typical day you might also have lunch or a coffee break with your fellow clerks and do some social sport.

What was the highlight of your clerkship?

There were several. For one, I was able to be involved in a very high profile Federal Court matter. I gained a real insight into how a court case is run. I also count as a highlight that I got experience in different practice groups and worked with many people, expanding my professional network.

What was the most challenging aspect of your clerkship?

I would say the most challenging aspect was constantly having to perform tasks that were unfamiliar to me. However, I was surprised by my own ability to overcome these challenges and produce results I could be proud of. Your team understands that you are new and are often more than happy to give you guidance if you need it.

Any last advice?

Preparation is everything. This applies to the applications and the interviews. Take your time to prepare the best applications you can, as this is a firms first impression of you, so it counts. As silly as it sounds, practice interview responses out loud to yourself as this will help you remember them and appear more confident and natural on the day.

EMMA GRIMLEY MinterEllison


Why did you choose Mills Oakley Lawyers?

I chose Mills Oakley Lawyers because of the firms friendly culture, diverse practice groups and its reputation as a rapidly growing, leading law firm.


My legal experiences and volunteer work helped my application to stand out. It is important to include non-legal achievements in your application such as your knowledge of a second language or involvement in a society at university. This creates an interesting application overall and also generates topics for discussion in interviews.


The questions I was asked during my interviews ranged from those about my interest in commercial law and my work experiences to questions that determined my cultural fit within the firm.

Some questions were:

Why did you choose to study law?

Why have you chosen commercial law?

What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

Tell me about x on your resume

What drew you to this firm?

If you could have lunch with any person/famous personality, who would it be and why would you choose them?

If you could go anywhere on a holiday where would it be and who would you take with you?

Did you ask any questions at the end of the question? If so, what?

I asked questions about the growth of the firm and how it would be developing in the coming years. I also found this a good opportunity to ask the interviewing partner about his practice group and the kind of work he is involved in. Finally, I also asked both my interviewers why they chose Mills Oakley and what it is they love most about the firm.


Before the evening, I did some research on the different practice groups of the firm and thought of a few questions that I could ask to begin conversations. During the course of the evening, I networked with not only the partners but also grads or lawyers and other prospective clerks.

Describe a typical day as a clerk.

A typical day as a clerk is largely dependent upon the practice group in which you are completing your rotation. I completed my rotations through Mills Oakleys Property and Toxic Torts groups in the Sydney Office.

During my first rotation, I was reviewing property contracts, researching recent amendments to certain legislation, preparing case briefs and drafting letters to clients. During my second rotation I was attending court and sitting in on mediations. Practice groups ensured that the clerks were gaining wide exposure to a range of experiences and it was common for us to be invited to attend presentations or seminars given by partners as well as client meetings. Mills Oakley also organised training and induction sessions for the clerks to familiarise us with the systems and practice groups of the firm.

The social aspect of the clerkship involved events like the Christmas party and the awards night. There were also social activities organised by individual practice groups like a lawn bowls afternoon and client lunches.

Any last advice?

When writing applications, think about what it is that sets you apart from the rest. It could be your fluency in another language, international volunteering experiences or your enthusiasm. Find what is unique about yourself and highlight it in your applications and interviews.

It is also important to remember that firms are looking for well-rounded individuals who have a diverse range of skills, so do not hesitate to discuss non-legal experiences in your interview. Finally, try to link your skills back to what you can bring to the firm and how it fits with the firms culture and values.

Good luck!

TANYA THOMAS Mills Oakley Lawyers


Why did you choose Ashurst?

I thought about the type of work I would be doing, the training I would be provided with, and the people I met throughout the process. Of all the firms I had the opportunity to interact with throughout the process, Ashurst stood out the most. Ashurst offered the chance to work on high profile cross-jurisdictional transactions and disputes. The training available was designed to produce world class lawyers, allowing Ashurst lawyers to develop a range of skills. Most importantly, the people I met at Ashurst were the most genuine and welcoming that I had the chance to meet. Ashurst also offer international secondments, pro bono opportunities and great social activities. Things only got better when I arrived, as I realised how much free lunch was up for grabs.


I think that a successful application shows why you want to work for a particular firm, as well as why you think you would be a good fit for that firm. With the first part, the key thing is researching the firms. Among other things, you should know the firms key practice areas, its most significant matters and the opportunities that arise from working there. This allows you to develop a genuine desire to work at the firm, which needs to be reflected in your application and later, during your interview. Aside from ensuring that your application is successful, this will also allow you to think carefully about whether a firm is right for you. When

putting pen to paper, you will need to highlight the practice areas you have a particular interest in, as well as the litigious and transactional matters you have found particularly interesting.

In relation to the second part, think about what makes you desirable as an employee. Are you a hard worker, team player or creative thinker? All of these are great attributes to have and are valued by firms immensely. But dont just say you have these attributes. Refer to examples from your life and state how these reflect the type of person you are. The end goal is to show how you will add value to the firm and assist in achieving its goals.

Finally, throw in a few extra interesting facts about yourself to personalise your application and give the reader an idea of what makes you unique. The fact that you are a black belt in karate, can play an instrument or are a passionate film enthusiast will make your application memorable.


Most interviews take a conversational format, with the questions essentially structuring the conversation. In many interviews, the bulk of the questions will be based around what you have included on your CV. This is fairly simple provided that you can discuss everything on your CV in a comprehensive manner. Do not lie about having experience if you do not actually have it. The interviewer will figure it out and you will be very embarrassed.

MANNY KANELLIS Ashurst


Additionally, expect to be asked fundamental questions such as why you are interested in commercial law.

The other types of questions I was asked were behavioural questions. These are questions aimed at discerning your character and can include questions such as:

Do you work well in a team?

Give me an example of a time you have dealt with conflict.

What interests you in law/commercial law?

How do you balance your studies with your other commitments?

How do you react to negative feedback?

Another stand of questions are situational questions. These put you in a particular situation relevant to working in a commercial law firm and are intended to gauge how you would react. I only had to answer one situational question throughout the process. It went as follows:

You are working on a matter with a senior lawyer. The lawyer has left the office and you have stayed behind to finish a few things off. You receive a phone call. Its from the client whose matter you have been working on. The client asks you for advice and you feel like you might have the answer to the question. What do you do?

You will also probably come across questions aimed at determining your

commercial awareness. This is a term that often scares applicants, but really it only requires you to show that you understand the factors lawyers need to take into account when providing legal services to commercial clients.


I was most intimidated by questions that tried to test my commercial knowledge. This was because I thought I would need to have a comprehensive understanding of structured derivatives and collateralised debt obligations. Fortunately, it did not.

I was asked what I thought a commercial client would expect from their lawyer. I said that the most important thing to a client is that they receive accurate advice, given that inaccuracies could lead to poor decisions and immense losses. They would also want advice which is timely, given that decisions in the corporate world need to be made within a limited timeframe. Finally, they would want advice which is pragmatic and suited to the overall goals of the business. Commercial lawyers need to be aware of the clients circumstances and provide solutions to suit a clients needs.

Any last advice?

Be confident. Treat your application like an assignment and the interview like a normal conversation and you can do no wrong!


Why did you choose Herbert Smith Freehills?

Herbert Smith Freehills always stood out as the firm with which I wanted to start my legal career for two main reasons:

the quality of the people I met from the firm throughout the application process; and

the firms reputation as Australias leading law firm.

I believed that if I wanted to become the best lawyer possible, I would need to work across market-leading practice groups, deals and disputes, and surround myself with brilliant and supportive practitioners. Herbert Smith Freehills offered all of the above and more international secondment and pro bono opportunities, first class training, social events, free-lunch Wednesday, a seriously nice office and a swipe card on a retractable wheel that clips to your belt (hands down the greatest thing ever).

How did you go about tailoring your application (both the resume and cover letter) for the firm(s) that gave you a clerkship offer?

I had a skeleton cover letter. I would say I changed 1/3 of my cover letter to suit the firm to which I was applying. I tailored my cover letter in the following ways:

writing an entirely unique paragraph on why I wanted to work for X firm. My reasons were similar for each firm (reputation, excellence in certain practice areas, international opportunities, etc), however each reason was supported by unique elements offered by the firm;

addressing my cover letter to the firms address and the relevant recruitment contact (youd be surprised how many people accidentally address their cover letter to someone from another firm); and

incorporated the marketing lingo of the firm to which I was applying. You will note in the firms advertising material that they look for certain skills or values. Weave them into your cover letter.

I didnt tailor my CV at all. I submitted the same CV to each firm.


In one interview I was asked for my opinion on the billable hour (a traditional and widely used way of billing clients for legal services). The firm was trying to gauge my awareness of trends and phenomena in the legal market. I gave a fairly crap answer.

To prepare for these curve balls, do two things:

dont panic when youre asked the question; and

keep one eye on publications like the Financial Review and Lawyers Weekly to keep abreast of whats going on in the profession

Did you ask any questions at the end of the interview? If so, what?

I always had a few questions up my sleeve. Some were answered in the course of the interview, so I didnt raise the question at the end (that wouldve been weird /demonstrated that I am unattentive). I would often ask about:

the firms culture;

my interviewers legal background (particularly relevant if they are a lawyer, not an HR-rep);

what work I would do in their practice group; and

what other activities I can look forward to as a clerk.

Its important to ask questions at the end of your interview. Youd be lying if you said you knew everything about the firm. By asking questions, youre demonstrating your willingness to learn and your interest in finding more out about the firm.

Any last advice?

Use your clerkship for LAWS551 in Session 3. Easiest way to knock over 3 credit points while working full-time.

Unless you are specifically told otherwise, your graduate job is not guaranteed. Whilst youre encouraged to have fun on the clerkship, make sure you work as hard as necessary.

Get amongst all of the inter-firm social events. Whilst youll inevitably become best mates with the other clerks from your firm, its a great opportunity to meet the people that you may one day be on the other side of a deal or dispute.

MAX TURNER Herbert Smith Freehills


PART VTHE FIRMS


Careers at Allen & Overy

Visit us at www.allenovery.com/careers

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

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


Careers at Allen & Overy

Visit us at www.allenovery.com/careers

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

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

allenovery.com

Allen & Overy Summer Clerks 2015/2016

Allen & Overy is one of the only truly integrated, global law firms in Australia with a world-class reputation with an extensive global network that the majority of work the office does, is multi-jurisdictional and involves cross-border collaboration with their other international offices.

We were given an insight into the operation of this global network when we each spent a week in an Allen & Overy office in either the Bangk

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Clerkship Guide 2016

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