Student Handbook - Queensland Law Society

Handbook
2014
Gold sponsor
Silver sponsor
Silver sponsor
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#legalcareersexpo
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Exhibitor booth numbers
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
ANU Legal Workshop
Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers
TressCox Lawyers
Queensland University
of Technology – PLT
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
Johnson Winter & Slattery
Bar Association of Queensland
Clayton Utz
Bond University
Australian Government Solicitor
Griffith Law School
Australian Secret Intelligence Service
Amnesty International Australia
Women’s Legal Service /
Women Lawyers Association
of Queensland
15
McCullough Robertson
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
McInnes Wilson Lawyers
King & Wood Mallesons
HopgoodGanim
Minter Ellison
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Ashurst
Allens
Herbert Smith Freehills
DLA Piper
Norton Rose Fulbright Australia
Queensland Law Society
The College of Law
The University of Queensland
Become
a student
member
and WIN!
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Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
1
Expo program
12pm
Registration open
12.30–1.15pm
Applying for jobs? How to stand out from the crowd
A panel of HR executives and managers will give you the inside tips on exactly
what they’re looking for when recruiting vacation clerks and graduates. This is
a not to be missed session for those who want to stand out from the crowd.
• Corrs
Chambers Westgarth
Smith Freehills
• McCullough Robertson
• Norton Rose Fulbright Australia
• Herbert
1.45–2.30pm
Make law work for you! Career pathways,
options and opportunities
Join representatives from government, in-house counsel, the Bar Association of
Queensland and the Australian Defence Force as they share their experience and
shift the perception that firms are the only career path in law. This will be a valuable
session for those interested in exploring alternative legal career paths.
• Australian
Defence Force
Government Solicitor
• Bar Association of Queensland
• Suncorp
• Australian
3–3.45pm
Myth busted! Sorting fact from fiction as a clerk or graduate
What is really expected of you once you secure that vacation clerkship
or graduate position? A panel of early career lawyers will bust some myths
on the type of work you will be undertaking.
• Clayton
Utz
Grace Ward Lawyers
• DLA Piper
• Minter Ellison
• Cooper
4pm
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Expo close
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‘I chose to study the practical legal training course at
QUT rather than through another university institution or
through a supervised traineeship at a law firm because I
knew that I could develop my legal skills in a challenging
and supportive learning environment.’
Joanna Czajkowski,
QUT student
CRICOS No.00213J © QUT 2014 20132
Practically, the only
choice for PLT is QUT
QUT is a leading provider of Practical Legal
Training in Queensland, with an enviable
reputation for its practical approach.
The program offers problem-solving scenarios
and reflects the realities of a daily modern legal
practice. And if you need work placement,
we will provide it.
The only choice for PLT is QUT.
Full time, part time and online.
35 years of excellence in
practical legal training
1978 – 2013
Apply now for our June intake.
Or talk with us at the Queensland Law
Society’s Legal Careers Expo about starting in
June, 2014 or January, 2015.
www.qut.edu.au/practical-legal-training
Contents
5Allens
26 McInnes Wilson Lawyers
6 Amnesty International Australia
27 Minter Ellison
7Ashurst
28 Norton Rose Fulbright Australia
8 ANU Legal Workshop
9 Australian Government Solicitor
29Queensland University
of Technology – PLT
10Australian Secret Intelligence
Service
30 The College of Law
11 Bar Association of Queensland
32 TressCox Lawyers
12 Bond University
13 Clayton Utz
33Women Lawyers Association
of Queensland
14 Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers
34 Women’s Legal Service
15 Corrs Chambers Westgarth
35Graduate Employment and
Vacation Clerkship Guidelines
16 DLA Piper
31 The University of Queensland
17 Griffith Law School
36Looking for work experience
or a graduate role?
18 Herbert Smith Freehills
38 Graduation – what happens next?
19HopgoodGanim
39Legal careers –
what are your options?
20 Johnson Winter & Slattery
21 King & Wood Mallesons
24 Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
25 McCullough Robertson
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45Queensland Law Society
student membership
Allens is a leading international law firm, with partners, lawyers
and corporate services employees across Asia and Australia.
We work with many of the world’s leading organisations –
including 55 of the world’s top 100 companies and more than
75 of Australia’s top 100 companies. Through an integrated
alliance with Linklaters, we provide clients with access to marketleading lawyers through a global network of 40 offices across
29 countries.
Contact
Christa Howat
P&D Client Relationship Consultant
07 3334 3051
[email protected]
allens.com.au
You might think every law firm is the same. Not quite. There are
several important things that set us apart from our competitors.
It’s our people who make us great. It is our priority to ensure
you are constantly challenged, recognised, rewarded and
empowered throughout your career.
Our environment is challenging and we expect high performance.
We support our people at every stage to meet these challenges,
and have created a collegiate, flexible and responsive environment
in which you can succeed.
We know you’ll have interests outside work and that you’ll want
time to enjoy them. When things are busy, we work hard. When
they’re not, we go home.
Graduate positions
The majority of our graduate
positions are filled through
our clerkship candidates,
therefore, availability of further
graduate positions will be
determined later in the year.
We adopt a flexible approach to the way we work together
that builds strong and diverse teams, and is one of the reasons
lawyers tell us a career at Allens is so rewarding. Unlike in other
law firms, you will work with a range of partners and lawyers
across the firm. You won’t learn just one way of doing things,
but will build your skills and knowledge through exposure to
many different ways.
Vacation clerkships
To meet the needs of lawyers of the future, we’ve also evolved
to accommodate the ways that they want to practise, collaborate
and advance through our firm. It’s about offering greater flexibility,
and a two-way career deal that rewards and promotes on
performance, not seniority.
Method of application:
allens.com.au/careers
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Positions available:
approximately 25
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
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Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
5
Amnesty International was founded in 1961 by London barrister
Peter Benenson. Today, Amnesty International is the world’s
largest human rights organisation – a global movement of over
4.6 million supporters in more than 150 countries. There are over
300,000 supporters in Australia.
We believe all people are entitled to the rights in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and we work to achieve and protect
these rights for everyone, everywhere.
There are many ways law students and legal professionals can
get involved with Amnesty International. If you are a current law
student, you can join an Amnesty Group based at your university
campus. We have campus groups at UQ, QUT and Griffith in
Brisbane as well as groups at universities in other regional centres
across Queensland. Campus groups run events during the
semester to promote Amnesty’s campaigns and achieve human
rights impact. Involvement in your campus group provides a
great foundation for your further involvement after graduation in
Amnesty’s Queensland Legal Network.
If you are a recent graduate or legal professional the Queensland
Legal Network needs you. The Qld Legal Network recognises the
particular skills and special responsibilities that lawyers have
in the protection of human rights. The Qld legal network aims to:
1. Promote human rights issues amongst members of the legal
profession, in order to educate and activate members of the
profession to speak out against human rights violations; and
2. Utilise the skills of legal activists to assist Amnesty
International Australia (AIA) human rights campaigning, by
providing legal research, supporting AIA’s vision and mandate
and raising awareness about the legal operation of human
rights through hosting multiple events focused on issue at
law at the heart of the campaign.
If involvement in your campus group or the Qld Legal
Network interests you, please contact Camille Furtado
for further information.
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Contact
Camille Furtado
Community Organiser
(QLD & Northern NSW)
07 3136 6604
[email protected]
amnesty.org.au
Ashurst is a premier global law firm, with premium clients,
premium work and outstanding people. At Ashurst we have
a strong entrepreneurial culture; we are neither so rigid nor
so institutional that individualism cannot flourish. We are a truly
international firm, with 28 offices in 16 countries, including
associated offices in Jakarta and Jeddah, and a best-friends
referral relationship with an Indian law firm.
We are a full service commercial law firm advising major
corporations and government clients across key sectors
including financial services, energy and resources, projects
and infrastructure. Our clients include 73% of the top 100 ASX
companies and 93% of Australian companies in the Forbes
Global 2000. We have the privilege to advise on some of
Australia’s and the world’s largest and most complex deals.
With over 400 partners and 1,650 lawyers, we offer the
international insight of a global network combined with local
market knowledge and expertise. Working at Ashurst will allow
you to encounter a wide range of challenges, to get close to
different types of business and to experience different cultures.
Wherever you work with Ashurst across the world, you will
experience first-hand the same commitment: to deliver excellence
for our clients and to provide rewarding, stimulating careers for
our people. No other major law firm is able to blend blue-chip
clients, global reach and headline-making work with such
a friendly culture and innovative career structure.
Our teams are made up of individuals with character, people
who enjoy what they do but who want a better work/life balance.
In every area of our business, you will find progressive and
commercially-minded people thriving in an innovative,
professional and enjoyable place to work.
We expect a great deal from our graduates lawyers. You need
more than a sharp commercial awareness and burning ambition
to practise law here. We look for natural leaders who will quickly
become respected figures in their field.
Contact
Marnie Devitt
HR Business Partner
07 3259 7456
[email protected]
www.ashurst.com
Graduate positions
Positions available:
8-10
Method of application:
Graduates are recruited from
the seasonal clerk program.
Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
20–25
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
www.ashurst.com/graduates
If you are looking for a firm where you will work with the best
people, for the best clients on the best work, Ashurst is the
place for you to start your legal career.
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Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
7
ANU Legal Workshop
Contact
The ANU Legal Workshop in the Australian National University
is Australia’s largest university-based legal practice program.
We provide Practical Legal Training in the Graduate Diploma
in Legal Practice (GDLP).
02 6125 4463
[email protected]
At the start of the program, students undertake our 5 day
“Becoming a Practitioner” (BAP) intensive course to learn
and practice some introductory legal skills before commencing
coursework. These intensive courses are held around Australia
all through the year. The rest of the program including
assessment is online.
We also offer:
• flexible
online delivery
choice of 20, 40, 60 or 80 days legal placement
• direct or reciprocal admission to legal practice nationally
• substantial credit towards an ANU LLM.
• your
We have an efficient and friendly administrative team who
are available to answer any questions students may have about
the program. Many of our academic staff are practising lawyers.
Australian Migration Law and Practice
ANU Legal Workshop is also Australia’s largest provider of the
Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice. This unique online program, comprising four courses each of 10
weeks duration, is the required qualification leading to registration
as an Australian migration agent. For further information visit law.anu.edu.au/migration or email
[email protected]
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law.anu.edu.au/
legalworkshop/gdlp
Australian Government Solicitor is unique among legal service
providers in Australia because we are a government agency set
up to provide legal services to the Australian Government and its
various departments, entities and agencies. With over 100 years
of experience and corporate memory, we believe we have the
resources and the expertise to perform this role in a way that
no one else can.
With over 300 lawyers across Australia, we work in government
and public law and specialise in constitutional and legislative
interpretation across all the portfolios of the Australian
Government. We also have an unmatched High Court practice
and provide extensive commercial law services to government.
Should you start your career with our graduate program, you
will have the opportunity to be involved in matters of national
significance and to work with many of Australia’s best government
lawyers including our three in-house Queens Counsel.
You will be supported by our excellent graduate development
program, which is devoted to laying a strong foundation for your
legal career. The program includes training and workshops to
develop your leadership, legal and business skills – capabilities
to help you become more effective and successful throughout
your career.
During your graduate year, you will be exposed to one or more
of the three AGS practice areas: the Office of General Counsel,
Dispute Resolution and Commercial. Your skill base as a lawyer
will be further broadened with an opportunity to participate in the
AGS pro bono program and to be outposted to one of our clients
to gain in-house government experience.
We offer a supportive environment, with a personal supervisor
and a buddy on each rotation to ensure you get the coaching
and mentoring you need to succeed and a dedicated Lawyer
Development Adviser who offers broader mentoring support on
your training and development. We want to see you become the
best lawyer you possibly can be and, as part of the AGS team
supporting our government clients, dedicated to pursuing the
national interest.
Contact
Debbie Kazolis
Lawyer Development Advisor
02 6253 7510
[email protected]
ags.gov.au
Graduate positions
Positions available:
10 – 12
Closing date:
Friday 18 April 2014
Method of application:
ags.gov.au/employment/
current-vacancies
Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
5 – 15
Closing date:
TBA
Method of application:
ags.gov.au/employment/
current-vacancies
AGS invites you to apply to join our National Graduate Program.
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Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
9
Australian Secret
Intelligence Service
ASIS’s primary goal is to obtain and distribute secret intelligence
about the capabilities, intentions and activities of individuals or
organisations outside Australia, which may impact on Australia’s
interests and the well-being of its citizens.
If you are interested in learning more about ASIS
or applying for a career with us, please visit
asis.gov.au/Careers/Overview.html
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Contact
asis.gov.au
The Association was established in 1903 as the professional
body representing the interests of members of the Bar practising
in Queensland.
Whilst the scope and functions of the Association have
broadened since its establishment, its primary goals of promoting
the rule of law and maintaining the high ethical standards of
the Bar remain in place. Since July 2004, the Association has
assumed important regulatory responsibilities under the Legal
Profession Act 2007 (Qld) and issues practising certificates for
local legal practitioners who wish to practise as a barrister.
Contact
Margaret Voight
Director, Bar Practice Course
07 3238 5100
[email protected]
www.qldbar.asn.au
Membership is available to all barristers practising in Queensland,
to interstate barristers and to others associated with the legal
profession. The Association provides a comprehensive range
of member benefits and services, including regular continuing
professional development (CPD) seminars, conferences,
mentoring through our pupillage system, and on-going
professional advice and assistance.
The Bar Association of Queensland’s Bar Practice Course
prepares admitted legal practitioners for practice at the Bar.
Who should participate
Legal practitioners who wish to practise as barristers
in Queensland.
Where
Bar Association of Queensland
Ground Floor, Inns of Court
107 North Quay
Brisbane Qld 4000
When
Please note that if you wish to undertake the Bar Practice
Course you will have to sit and pass examinations in legal ethics,
evidence, and practice and procedure before being considered
for a place in the Course.
For more information about the examination requirements
and course – www.qldbar.asn.au/index.php/bar-practice-course
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Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
11
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
Contact
Available on campus and online
Practical Legal Training –
Linda Kochanski
Acting PLT Director
07 5595 2287
[email protected]
1 semester (full-time)
bond.edu.au
Duration for on-campus program:
Plus
Practical experience (75 days)
Duration for online program:
Practical Legal Training –
1 semester (full-time) or
2 semesters (part time)
Plus
Practical experience (75 days)
Program description
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, also known as
Professional Legal Training (PLT), is the final link between
your degree and becoming a practising lawyer. The PLT
program is an alternative to undertaking a legal traineeship
for admission. Bond’s PLT Program is a coursework degree
that provides structured and supervised legal training, based
on the Competency Standards for entry level lawyers developed
by the admitting authorities and the Australian Professional
Legal Education Council (APLEC).
Admission to legal practice
Successful completion of PLT will enable you to apply for
admission to legal practice in Australia (except South Australia
and the Northern Territory). Students should contact the relevant
admitting authority to ascertain the requirements for admission
in specific states and territories.
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As Australia’s leading independent law firm, we take a fresh,
pragmatic, commercial approach to legal practice that focuses
on getting the best results for our diverse and blue-chip client
base, wherever they do business. By bringing together teams
of lawyers with unique and diverse skills, we advise on some
of the countries largest and most complex details and litigation
and provide expertise to cutting edge international projects.
Our strong relationships at all levels of government mean we
are at the forefront of critical policy development and regulation.
We have a substantial commitment to making the legal system
accessible through our Pro Bono Practice and Community
Connect Program.
In 2012, our Brisbane office was named Employer of Choice
at the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Awards. The award recognises
the market leading initiatives we have recently introduced,
demonstrating leadership in the development of our people,
commitment to employee development, incentives and
work/life balance.
The firm is organised into four core departments, consisting
of various practice groups. The Brisbane practice areas are:
Tax, Energy & Resources, Technology & Intellectual
Property, Mergers & Acquisitions, Government and Workplace
Relations, Employment & Safety
• Banking & Financial Services
• Litigation: Commercial Litigation, Corporate/Taxation Litigation,
Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Litigation & Risk
• Property, Environment & Construction: Real Estate, Environment
& Planning and Construction & Major Projects
Contact
Angela Cave
People & Development Manager
07 3292 7710
[email protected]
claytonutz.com
Graduate positions
Positions available:
limited number may be available
Closing date:
Monday 18 August 2014
Method of application:
claytonutz.com
• Corporate:
We look for future employees who will be a good cultural fit
and are keen on living the firm’s values everyday. Our culture
is based on the behavioural values of trust, respect and
cooperation, values fundamental in all our relationships. Clayton
Utz strives to provide a work environment that is professionally
and personally rewarding, believing success comes from striking
the right balance between work, leisure time and cultivating a
wide range of interests.
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Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
approximately 35
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
claytonutz.com
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Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
13
Cooper Grace Ward is one of Queensland’s largest full service
law firms with an outstanding reputation built over 30 years.
We have been awarded BRW Client Choice Awards and the
EOWA’s Employer of Choice for Women Citation – independent
acknowledgement of our commitment to our clients and our
team. We are not prepared to rest on our past accomplishments
and are building a truly high performance culture where our
people are respected and valued, information is freely shared,
involvement and ideas from everyone is encouraged, learning an
imperative and our clients receive outstanding high quality service.
The firm has 22 partners and comprises around 230 people,
of which 100 are lawyers.
Our support for law students and law graduates to complete their
undergraduate study or their PLT is among the best and includes
resources such as fully paid PLT course, use of WP resources,
study support groups, additional leave, legal mentors and PLT
co-ordinators.
Cooper Grace Ward is a vibrant, energetic, growing and diverse
team, supporting and nurturing our people and meeting the
changing needs of our clients. As individuals and as a team we
take personal responsibility and pride in our work and have fun
while we do it. We are proud of what we achieve for our clients
and of the lifestyle choices available to our team members. If you
want to be a part of a firm where mutual respect, outstanding
service, team spirit and honesty are just how things are done
around here, then we’d like to talk with you.
Contact
Alexandra Morton
Advisor – People and Culture
07 3231 2406
[email protected]
cgw.com.au
Graduate positions
Positions available:
5 – 10
Closing date:
Monday 18 August 2014
Method of application:
cgw.com.au/careers
Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
5 – 10
Closing date:
Late November 2014
Method of application:
cgw.com.au/careers
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Corrs Chambers Westgarth is a premium independent law firm.
We emphasise the independent part because it’s important
to who we are and how we work. Independence isn’t just a
description of our position in the market, it also describes how
we think, our innovative style and bold decision-making.
Our vision as a world class law firm is to drive Australia’s
competitiveness and economic engagement with Asia. We
are based in Australia and operate internationally, wherever
our clients need our services.
With 1000 employees, 550 lawyers and 125 partners, we
have the scale that allows us to take on the largest and most
challenging matters for major organisations internationally.
As well as be the right size for a culture of inclusion.
Choosing your law firm is as important as your choice to be
a lawyer. It will determine the calibre of people around you, the
quality of work you do, what kind of training you’ll get and how
much responsibility you’ll be given. All of which adds up to the
rate at which you learn and the level of satisfaction you feel in
your job.
Choosing to begin your career at Corrs is about exactly that –
a career, not just a job. The reasons are simple: great people,
work, training and above all, great opportunities earlier in your
career than at other firms. And an open, friendly culture that
helps you thrive both professionally and personally.
Contact
Tania Connors
Human Resources Adviser
07 3228 9465
[email protected]
www.corrs.com.au
Graduate positions
Positions available: approximately 10
Closing date:
Monday 18 August 2014
Method of application:
www.corrs.com.au/
careers/graduates
Vacation clerkships
Positions available: approximately 20
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
www.corrs.com.au/
careers/graduates
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Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
15
DLA Piper is a truly local, truly global law firm.
Contact
Joining DLA Piper means not only joining an experienced
local team, but also being part of a global team of 4200 lawyers
based in nearly 80 offices across more than 30 countries around
the world.
Sacha Wright
Human Resources Manager
07 3246 4144
[email protected]
In Asia Pacific we have offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane,
Canberra, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Perth, Seoul, Shanghai,
Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.
dlapiper.com
We’re committed to conducting our business in a way that
is consistent with our values, which are aligned to our clients,
our people and our communities.
Our lawyers provide clients with trusted local knowledge
as well as seamless multi-jurisdictional legal capabilities
across a full range of critical services and sectors.
In Australia, we advise approximately a third of ASX
100 companies or their subsidiaries and all levels of
government as well as international clients looking to
enter the Australian market.
Areas of practice
Commercial contracts, construction, corporate, finance,
intellectual property, international trade, litigation, projects
and infrastructure, real estate, regulatory and government
affairs, restructuring, tax, technology and media, workplace
relations, employment and safety.
What we look for
At DLA Piper Australia we are seeking people from a diverse
range of backgrounds who are as engaged and dedicated as
they are inventive, balanced and friendly. We value intellectual
ability, curiosity, commitment, ambition, commercial and client
awareness, smart thinking, team skills and leadership potential,
communication skills and experiences outside of academic life.
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Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
8 – 10
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
dlapiper.com
Recently ranked 1st in the State and 43rd in the world by
London based QS World University Rankings in Law, Griffith
Law School prides itself on being Queensland’s research
leader in law, principal legal education innovator and social
justice/human rights champion.
Contact
[email protected]
griffith.edu.au/criminology-law/
griffith-law-school
Griffith Law School offers a variety of postgraduate
programs including:
• Graduate
Certificate in Dispute Resolution
Certificate in International Dispute Resolution
• Migration Law & Practice (Australian)
• Professional Legal Studies
Griffith Law School offers excellent opportunities to study
higher degrees by Research in Law. It is one of Australia’s
top 10 research universities with almost 93 percent of
researchers in fields rated world standard or better.
• Graduate
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Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
17
Herbert Smith Freehills is one of the world’s leading global law
firms, with 23 offices located across Asia, Australia, Europe, the
Middle East, the UK and the US. We guide many of the world’s
largest and most respected organisations through their most
important transactions, disputes and projects. We aim to bring a
new perspective to our clients’ businesses, working with them to
identify opportunity and manage risk in an uncertain marketplace.
We understand becoming an exceptional lawyer goes beyond
technical ability and that at its heart, the business of law is
based on human relationships. For us this means a culture built
on creating exceptional working relationships with clients and
colleagues. From the start of your career you will get to know
our clients, understand their perspectives, and develop your
ability to deliver insightful and commercially astute advice.
Our success depends on the expertise, knowledge and unique
perspectives of all our people. That’s why we have always placed
such a high value on diversity. It’s also why we encourage you
to explore different areas of law and decide how to shape your
career. We will invest heavily in your development; through formal
training, pro bono opportunities and the chance to work with
inspiring people who are leaders in their fields. We will help you
grow personally and professionally, in an environment where
you can be your best.
Wherever you go in the firm, we’re confident you’ll be working
with people who share the values we have worked together to
define: a commitment to excellence, a collaborative approach,
a desire to lead, and a focus on creating strong connections
with colleagues and clients.
Visit our website to meet some of our people
herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers/meet-our-people and see what
we mean herbertsmithfreehills.com/careers/our-careers-film.
Contact
Tanya Dunbabin
Graduate Recruitment Consultant
07 3258 6571
[email protected]
herbertsmithfreehills.com
Graduate positions
Positions available:
We fill the majority of our
graduate positions through our
vacation clerkship programme.
We may have a limited number
of graduate positions available.
Please check our website
in July for an update.
herbertsmithfreehills.com/
careers/australia/graduates/
applications/dates-anddeadlines
Vacation clerkships
Positions available: 20 – 27
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
cvmail.com.au
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HopgoodGanim offers commercially-focused advice, coupled
with reliable and responsive service, to clients based locally,
throughout Australia and across international borders.
With relationships dating back 40 years and industry-leading
expertise in key sectors driving local and international growth,
we advise a variety of prestigious corporate and multinational
companies, as well as government and regulatory organisations.
Contact
Lisa Stockwell
Human Resources Manager
07 3024 0348
[email protected]
hopgoodganim.com.au
We draw on the resources of more than 125 lawyers and
270 staff across offices in Brisbane and Perth to offer strategic
support across the full range of corporate and commercial
legal services.
HopgoodGanim’s internal culture is centred on the concept
of business mateship. Our people work together to deliver
sophisticated legal solutions for our clients, and are characterised
by their passion and dedication to providing innovative and
responsive legal advice.
By building strong long-term relationships with our clients and
truly understanding their business needs, we can achieve the
best results possible.
HopgoodGanim were named a Gold Employer of Choice in
a national survey of law firms by Australasian Legal Business
magazine in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 and have previously
been named Employer of Choice by Queensland Law Society.
Our vacation clerk program allows undergraduates the
opportunity to put their theoretical training into practice, and
provides them with an excellent primer for the graduate program.
Our graduates participate in a two year program involving two
practice group rotations designed to expose them to different
aspects of the legal profession and help them develop into wellrounded lawyers.
<<
CONTENTS
Graduate positions
Positions available:
6–8
Closing date:
Monday 18 August 2014
Method of application:
hopgoodganim.com.au
Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
15
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
hopgoodganim.com.au
>>
Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
19
Established in 1993, Johnson Winter & Slattery is a relatively
young law firm that now occupies a unique place in the Australian
legal market. We are differentiated by a “tier 1” practice capability
and premium client portfolio normally associated with much larger
firms, along with a genuinely collaborative culture.
Our business model distinguishes us from our rivals. At the heart
of our approach is the recognition that when managing strategic
and complex matters, superior outcomes are achieved through
the hands-on involvement of expert senior lawyers. We therefore
maintain a higher ratio of partners to lawyers than our rivals
and focus on assignments that are well suited to this low
leverage structure.
This ‘low leverage approach’ results in young lawyers being
fully engaged on client assignments alongside more senior
practitioners, providing them with development opportunities
as well as the chance to develop strong client relationships
early in their careers.
Compared with most other law firms we have a relatively
flat organisational structure with no fixed work groups or
departments, enabling our lawyers to diversify their early
experience by working across all practice areas with lawyers from
across each of the firm’s offices, and the absence of individual
and group billing and time recording budgets means that young
lawyers can focus on producing excellent work, developing their
skills and working collaboratively without undue pressure.
Many aspects of our firm make it a great place for developing
lawyers to shine: a consistent flow of high quality work, close
mentoring relationships with partners, a focus on teamwork,
collaboration and communication, as well as the absence
of individual and departmental time recording budgets.
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Contact
Megan D’Cruz
Professional Development Advisor
02 8247 9630
[email protected]
jws.com.au
Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
2–3
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
cvmail.com.au
King & Wood Mallesons is helping clients across the globe
to make smart choices to shape their future success. As a
global law firm, over 2700 lawyers in 30 international offices
are cutting through the challenges facing business and
providing commercial solutions that are transforming the way
legal services are delivered. Our ability to connect emerging
opportunities with market leading capability is pushing the
frontiers of what can be achieved – connecting Asia to the
world, and the world to Asia.
Contact
Olanda Gislason
People and Development Advisor
07 3244 8565
[email protected]
kwm.com
And, we want you to be part of this story.
Here is a snapshot of what we offer:
Graduate positions
Vision:
To create a global law firm, headquartered in Asia.
Positions available:
8 – 10
Colleagues:
Over 550 partners and 2700 lawyers.
Reputation:
Over 100 international and Asia-focused awards and
50 top-tier rankings, the go-to firm for inbound and
outbound China investments.
Locations:
Strategically positioned in the world’s growth markets and
financial capitals with 30 international offices and the only
global law firm network to be headquartered in Asia.
Clients:
From global financial and corporate powerhouses to blue-chips,
pioneers and decision makers across the globe (some for over
180 years).
Method of application:
Graduates are recruited from
the seasonal clerk program.
Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
12 – 16
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
kwm.com
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
21
Preparing for your first clerkship?
back to basics
Your essential guide for
day-to-day legal tasks
First published in 2007, the Back
to Basics book introduces new
lawyers to the essentials of court
practice and procedure, and
provides a handy reference and
refresher for more experienced
practitioners.
The 2013 edition draws together
55 of the Back to Basics columns
written by Kylie Downes QC and
published in Queensland Law
Society’s Proctor magazine, which
has provided practitioners with legal
news and information since 1982.
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Available now
>> qls.com.au/backtobasics
Introducing QLS Back to Basics scheme
QLS is committed to supporting law students, paralegals
and early career lawyers by providing opportunities to those
who need it most.
Queensland legal practitioners with less than five years’
practising experience, law students or paralegals who
meet the eligibility criteria can apply for a Back to Basics
grant of up to $1500.
Application details and eligibility criteria are available online.
>>qls.com.au/backtobasics
<<
CONTENTS
>>
At Maurice Blackburn, we are interested in making a genuine
difference to real people who need help. We do this by
providing long-term solutions that help our clients in the long
run – not just in the short term. We fight hard for an extra bit
more, because our lawyers recognise that a fair outcome
is worth fighting for. At Maurice Blackburn, we fight for fair.
Tanya Lieshout
Human Resources Consultant
07 3016 0378
[email protected]
mauriceblackburn.com.au
What areas of law do we specialise in?
• Workplace
injury (including WorkCover)
negligence
• Class actions
• Road accident injuries
• Asbestos diseases
• Employment & industrial law
• Public liability
• Will disputes
• Financial advice
• Maurice Blackburn commercial
• Superannuation & insurance claims, and
• Social justice practice.
• Medical
Maurice Blackburn offers more than just a job and we
believe in a culture of helping employees maintain positive
work/life balance.
Graduate positions
Positions available:
TBC
Closing date:
Monday 18 August 2014
Method of application:
mauriceblackburn.com.au/
careers
Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
TBC
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
mauriceblackburn.com.au/
careers
<<
CONTENTS
>>
McCullough Robertson was established in 1926 and is a
leading independent Australian law firm located in Brisbane
(head office), Sydney and Newcastle. With over 430 partners
and staff McCullough Robertson remains ranked as Queensland’s
largest law firm and ranked in the top 20 nationally.
Named ‘Brisbane Law Firm of the Year’ in 2007, 2009 and
2010, named Employer of Choice by Australasian Legal
Business Awards in 2009, 2011 and 2012, as well as for three
years in a row awarded the citation of an Employer of Choice
for Women from the Equal Employment Opportunity for Women
in the Workplace agency.
We pride ourselves on being technically excellent and client
responsive. Our lawyers are given the opportunity to work on
quality legal matters at a national level and their contributions
are highly valued and well-rewarded. Our partners are
committed to building cohesive teams and sharing the benefits
of their professional experience.
Industry focus:
Aged care and retirement living; Banking and finance; Food
and agribusiness; Government; Life sciences; Nonprofit; Real
Estate; Resources and energy, and Technology, media and
telecommunications.
Technical expertise:
Banking and finance law; Climate change and carbon trading;
Commercial property; Competition law; Construction; Corporate
advisory; Corporate governance; Employment law and industrial
relations; Environment and planning; Equity capital markets;
Executive compensation and employee benefits; Foreign
investment; Funds management; Insurance and corporate risk;
Intellectual property; International trade; Joint ventures; Litigation
and dispute resolution; Mergers and acquisitions; Native title
and cultural heritage; Outsourcing and procurement; Private
equity; Projects and infrastructure; Property development;
Restructuring and insolvency; Social infrastructure; Stamp duty;
Tax disputes; Taxation advice;
and Workplace health and safety.
<<
CONTENTS
Contact
Leah King
People and Performance
Consultant
07 3233 8640
[email protected]
mccullough.com.au
Graduate positions
Positions available:
approximately 10 – 15
Closing date:
Monday 18 August 2014
Method of application:
mccullough.com.au
Vacation clerkships
Positions available: 20 – 30
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
mccullough.com.au
>>
Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
25
McInnes Wilson Lawyers is one of the largest Queensland
based law firms, ranked among the top 100 privately owned
companies in the state.
Since the firm’s establishment in 1975, we have grown to
include 24 Principals and over 200 staff, with offices in Brisbane,
Southport and Maroochydore.
The firm consistently out performs larger competitors on value,
service and technical excellence across a broad range of
specialised legal services including construction, commercial,
insurance, property and personal services.
Graduate and Clerkship Positions
The Clerkship Program is accessible to penultimate year
law students (2nd last year of their degree) and provides
an opportunity for on-the job training and mentoring whilst
studying a law degree.
Participants of the Clerkship Program are strongly encouraged to
apply for the Graduate Program upon the successful completion
of their degree, provided they have successfully met the minimum
requirements for entry into the Graduate Program as follows:
• A
Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5 +
Overall Position (OP) between 1 to 7
• Completion of a law degree from an Australian university
• A demonstrated record of full and/or part time work experience
(legal and/or non-legal)
• Participation in a team sport and voluntary work (highly desirable)
• A right to work in Australia (ie hold citizenship, permanent
residency or a visa entitling applicants to work in Australia)
• Opportunities are also given to external final year law students
to apply for the Graduate Program.
• An
Application Process
To apply for either our Graduate or Clerkship program, please
download our application form and submit it via email to
[email protected] marked for the attention of Human
Resources, along with a covering letter, curriculum vitae,
academic transcript and OP results.
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Contact
Amy Northey
Human Resources Coordinator
07 3231 0435
[email protected]
www.mcw.com.au
Graduate positions
Positions available: TBC
Closing date:
July Intake 2014–
Friday 18 April 2014
January Intake 2015–
Friday 18 July 2014
Method of application:
www.mcw.com.au
Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
TBC
Closing date:
July Intake 2014–
Friday 18 April 2014
January Intake 2015–
Friday 18 July 2014
Method of application:
www.mcw.com.au
Minter Ellison is a top tier law firm with a strong Asia Pacific
focus. We represent major multi-national, regional and local
companies as well as government organisations and stateowned entities. With 15 offices around the world, we work
on significant cross-border transactions, projects and disputes,
in particular in the energy and resources, financial services and
infrastructure sectors. Our services are structured around core
global practice areas and industry sectors.
Contact
Amy Murr
Graduate Resourcing Consultant
07 3119 6462
[email protected]
minterellison.com
Our people – about 1000 lawyers including partners – are the
best and work with the best, delivering practical solutions that
assist clients to achieve their business objectives.
Clients trust us with their biggest and most complex
transactions, major litigation and problems that span
jurisdictions. Our lawyers are legal heavyweights, innovative
thinkers, strategists, and tacticians. They close deals, resolve
disputes and solve problems.
The combined strength of our international office network,
comprehensive range of services, and highly skilled lawyers,
enables us to assemble the right people to deliver seamless
service to our clients around the world.
We operate within seven major legal divisions, which are:
• Construction,
Engineering & Infrastructure
(Competition & Regulatory, Financial Services,
M&A, Private Equity, Technology, Energy & Resources,
Communications and Infrastructure)
• Commercial Advisory & Dispute Resolution (Insurance,
Insolvency, Intellectual Property & Commercial Litigation)
• Finance
• Human Resources & Industrial Relations
• Real Estate (Property, Environment & Planning, Tourism & Leisure)
• Tax.
• Corporate
Minter Ellison has a strong and energetic culture that is built on
our commitment to four core values: integrity and trust, enduring
relationships, excellence and balance. We look for individuals
who have varied interests, experiences and motivations and
who demonstrate a history of success both academically
and in other fields.
<<
CONTENTS
Graduate positions
Positions available: The majority of our graduate
positions are filled through the
priority offer system, therefore,
availability of further graduate
positions will be determined
later in the year.
Closing date:
Monday 18 August 2014
Method of application:
minterellison.com/careers
Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
approximately 30 – 40
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
minterellison.com/careers
>>
Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
27
Norton Rose Fulbright Australia is a member of the Norton Rose
Fulbright Group, a leading international legal practice offering
a full business law service to many of the world’s pre-eminent
financial institutions and corporations.
We are one of the largest international legal practices in
Australia, with offices in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne,
Perth and Sydney.
Contact
Katie Dunlop
HR Coordinator
07 3414 2702
[email protected]
nortonrosefulbright.com
Knowing how our clients’ businesses work and understanding
what drives their industries is fundamental to us. Our lawyers
share industry knowledge and sector expertise across borders,
enabling us to support our clients anywhere in the world.
We are strong in financial institutions; energy; infrastructure,
mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation;
and life sciences and healthcare.
We take the view that we are only as strong as our people –
which is why quality training and flexible work programmes are
paramount to our business. We deliver an extensive range of
training programmes targeted at specific stages of our lawyers’
professional development. Our graduate lawyers have the
opportunity to be involved in a unique International Rotation
Programme and to spend time in one of our international offices.
We’re also proud to be certified by the EOWA as an Employer
of Choice for Women 2012.
Graduate positions
Positions available: Graduates hired through
Summer Clerkship Programme
Method of application:
nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.
com/australia
Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
6
Closing date:
Monday 24 March 2014
Method of application:
nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.
com/australia
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Queensland University of Technology is a leading provider of
Practical Legal Training (PLT) in Queensland, with an enviable
reputation for its practical approach.
QUT’s Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice provides you with
the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that you need to
fulfill the PLT requirements for admission to the legal profession.
You’ll benefit from real world problem-solving scenarios
and a program that reflects the daily realities of a modern
legal practice.
You can receive credit for workplace learning if you are already
working in an approved law office.
QUT’s course is flexible and offered throughout the year in full
time, part time and online modes and it includes a four-week
placement in a law office, which we find for you. If you are
working in a law office while you are doing the course, you
can apply for credit for this placement.
Apply now for our June 2014 intake.
qut.edu.au/practical-legal-training
Contact
Liz Clark
Senior Administration Officer
07 3138 2211
[email protected]
qut.edu.au/law
2014 courses
June 23
Available full-time on campus,
full-time online and part-time
online.
2015 courses
January 12
Available full-time on campus,
full-time online and part-time
online.
February 23
Available part-time online.
June 22
Available full-time on campus,
full-time online and part-time
online.
(Dates are subject to change)
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
29
Australia’s largest provider of practical legal training
Contact
The College of Law sets the standard for practical legal training
in Australia. The College is Australia’s largest provider of
practical legal training, with campuses in Brisbane, Sydney,
Melbourne and Perth. We also conduct programs in Cairns,
Townsville and Toowoomba.
Student Services
1300 856 111
[email protected]
While we have a national approach which reflects an
increasingly national profession, our lecturers are state-based
to ensure that local variations in practice are incorporated into
our programs. You get the best of both worlds.
The College of Law difference
Our practical legal training programs are primarily delivered
online via our Learning Portal. We’ve developed the coursework
specifically for online delivery and work hard to ensure it is
practical and relevant to your needs as a graduate lawyer. In our
online environment you have access to a wide range of learning
resources and the support of your lecturers. The online program
is closely integrated with two weeks of face-to-face workshops
to give you the best learning opportunities.
Flexible study options
Only the College can provide you with a large choice of start
dates for your practical legal training program, not just twice
a year. You can also choose to study full-time or part-time
depending on your preference or circumstances. Our
Queensland campus also offers an evening program.
Work experience options
At the College we offer two work experience options
which you can choose to suit your situation:
Option 1 –
75 days of work experience
Option 2 –
25 days of work experience plus the Clinical Experience Module
– now with FEE-HELP!
<<
CONTENTS
>>
collaw.edu.au
A postgraduate law degree from The University of Queensland
is an internationally recognised qualification from one of
Australia’s most prestigious and respected law schools.
Since welcoming its first students in 1936, the TC Beirne School
of Law has earned a distinguished reputation as Queensland’s
premier provider of legal education and research. UQ
qualifications are highly regarded by employers everywhere and
over the decades graduates of the Law School have attained
the most influential positions within the legal profession, politics
and international business.
Contact
Jennifer Gibbons
Administrative Officer,
Postgraduate Programs
07 3365 8824
[email protected]
law.uq.edu.au
We work closely with the legal profession to design and deliver
postgraduate programs which provide the skills and knowledge
practising lawyers and other professionals need to stay ahead,
while offering networking opportunities that can open doors for
them in the future.
As a UQ law student you will benefit from a highly collaborative
learning environment that challenges and stimulates you to
develop your practical understanding of the law and nurtures
excellence in critical reasoning and lateral thinking.
With a postgraduate degree from UQ you can strive to achieve
more in your profession by gaining the skills and knowledge
to enable you to capitalise on today’s commercial opportunities
and to anticipate and create solutions to meet the challenges
of the future.
We look forward to welcoming you to UQ Law for your
postgraduate study.
Applications for Postgraduate Law Programs:
Entry to:
Applications close:
Semester 1
31 January
Semester 2
30 June
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
31
TressCox is a well established Australian commercial law firm
that has been operating since 1897. We are based in Sydney,
Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra and have an enviable
reputation in all areas of law.
We are a team of talented, committed individuals who believe
in the value of personal relationships and who are connected
to each other in the market place to provide our clients with
insightful valuable business insights and solutions. To enable
us to achieve our vision and to live our values, we look for
people who are highly committed, enthusiastic and successful
team players.
Our seasonal clerkship program will give you an insight into
what life as a lawyer is really all about. As a clerk with us, you
will have the opportunity to be a part of a busy and dynamic
legal team doing legal work. What’s more, the rotational nature
of our program enables you to move through various practice
groups. This gives you the opportunity to gain exposure in
different areas of law, within different teams and practices so
you get a good grounding across many aspects of a law firm
to help you make a more informed decision on your future
career path.
We aim to give you practical legal experience, and when we
can, the opportunity to attend hearings, undertake research
tasks, observe client meetings and conferences and get
involved at one of our in-house seminars.
This is the first step for a career in law and our seasonal
clerks will get a chance to stand out at TressCox Lawyers.
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Contact
Lisa Filetti
Senior HR Manager
02 9228 9242
[email protected]
www.tresscox.com.au
Vacation clerkships
Positions available:
2
Closing date:
Friday 19 September
Method of application:
cvmail.com.au
Women Lawyers Association of Queensland (WLAQ) is an
organisation dedicated to women who are jurists, practising
professionals, legal academics, legal graduates and students
of law. As an association of professionals we seek to help
members directly and indirectly by:
• Providing
networking opportunities with other professionals
with other peak bodies
• Supporting mentoring and guiding of more junior members
• Lobbying for the rights and interests of women in the profession.
• Liaising
<<
CONTENTS
Contact
Natalia Wuth
President
07 3836 1334
[email protected]
wlaq.com.au
>>
Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
33
Women’s Legal Service is a specialist community legal centre
providing free legal and social work services to Queensland
women. We assist women in the areas of family law, child
support, domestic violence and child protection, as well
as providing community legal education and the production
of specialist publications.
Women’s Legal Centre is reliant on the invaluable contribution
volunteers make in order to provide our vital services. Without
volunteers, we would be unable to draw on the extensive base
of skills and experience with which we provide quality legal
assistance to women.
As a volunteer with Women’s Legal Service, your skills will
make a positive difference to the many women who access
our service. We will endeavour to make volunteering a positive
and rewarding experience for you.
A variety of volunteer positions are available. To find out
more about volunteering at Women’s Legal Service,
contact our volunteer coordinator at [email protected].
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Contact
[email protected]
wlsq.org.au
Graduate Employment
and Vacation Clerkship Guidelines
We know the process for obtaining graduate positions or vacation
clerkships can be overwhelming. To make it easier for you to find
placements, Queensland Law Society has established the Graduate
Employment and Vacation Clerkship Guidelines.
The Guidelines are published each year in October and confirm key dates for the
recruitment process to participating law firms. You’re able to submit applications
to multiple firms at one time and consider all placement offers simultaneously –
having set dates allows you to make informed and appropriate decisions.
For a copy of the Guidelines and full list of participating law firms visit qls.com.au.
Key dates for 2014
Vacation Clerkships
Monday 3 March 2014
Applications for clerkships open
Monday 24 March 2014
Applications for clerkships close at 9am AEST
Monday 12 May 2014
Offers for vacation clerkships can be made
Tuesday 13 May 2014
Offers for vacation clerkships must be accepted
or declined by 5pm AEST
Graduate Employment
Monday 3 March 2014
Offers made to current staff/vacation clerks
for graduate positions
Tuesday 4 March 2014
Offers for graduate positions to current staff/vacation
clerks must be accepted or declined by 5pm AEST
Monday 4 August 2014
Applications for graduate positions open
Monday 18 August 2014
Applications for graduate positions close at 9am AEST
Monday 15 September 2014
Offers for graduate positions can be made
Tuesday 16 September 2014
Offers for graduate positions must be accepted
or declined by 5pm AEST
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
35
Looking for work experience
or a graduate role?
Work experience
Graduate jobs
Clerkships are holiday work experience
programs that many firms offer to law students.
Clerkships can run anywhere from 2 – 12 weeks
and are usually open to students in the second
last year of their law degree. Queensland Law
Society has developed vacation clerkship
guidelines, which provide uniform application
and closing dates. This year, Queensland
clerkship applications are open from 3 –24
March 2014, but in many cases Queensland law
students are also eligible to apply for interstate
clerkship opportunities later in the year.
Some larger law firms have separate graduate
intakes, but many firms fill their graduate intakes
through their clerkship program. In Queensland,
applications for graduate intakes will run from
4 –18 August 2014. Graduate roles in smaller
firms also arise on a regular basis and are
often found via jobs websites, faculty and LSS
announcements.
But clerkships aren’t the only way to experience
life in a law firm. If you’re looking for an ongoing
role while studying, consider working as a law
clerk or paralegal. Legal secretary, receptionist
and office junior roles are also a great way to
get your foot in the door at a law firm.
Community legal centres regularly take on law
student volunteers to assist with tasks such
as legal research and interviewing clients.
CLCs offer a hands-on experience, and student
volunteers get to see the law in action and
assist those in need.
If you’re a pro at legal research, ask around
about research assistant roles with a barrister,
or with an academic at your uni – it’s a great
way to gain an in-depth understanding of a
particular legal area.
A huge range of other organisations also offer
internships to law students. Depending on your
interests, you could intern with the Australian
Law Reform Commission, the Australian Institute
of Criminology, the Office of the Director of
Public Prosecutions, a government department,
a large accounting firm, a major corporation,
and more! Once you start searching you’ll be
amazed at how many awesome internship
opportunities there are for uni students.
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Law grads can also apply for graduate programs
with other organisations, so branch out and
consider opportunities with major accounting
firms, government departments and large
corporations.
The legal industry is made up of more than just
lawyers and law firms. If you’re not sure that
you want to practice but want to use your legal
knowledge, think laterally and be on the lookout
for roles in legal recruitment, legal publishing, etc.
A law degree can also lead to opportunities
working in the courts. Whether you’re working
in the court registry or as a judge’s associate,
it’s incredible to experience the law from the
other side of the bench.
Where to look
An ad for your dream job can pop up in the
strangest of places, but here are a few ways to
begin your job hunt…
1.Jobs websites and your university’s jobs board
are a great place to begin your search. If
you’re looking for roles in the community legal
sector, check out sjopps.net.au.
2.Law firms will regularly come on campus to
promote clerkship and graduate opportunities
– check with your law students’ society or
association to find out when firms will be
visiting.
3.You’re only one law student and there’s every
chance that you won’t hear about every
promising job opportunity. Ask your family,
friends and other contacts to let you know
if they hear of any interesting roles. Even if they
don’t work in the law, you may be surprised
at what they spot for you.
4.If there’s a particular organisation that you’re
interested in working with, check their website
on a regular basis for vacancies, or give the
HR team a call to find out what opportunities
may be coming up.
5.Don’t be afraid to cold call a lawyer or barrister
you’d be interested in working with. Even
if they can’t offer you work experience or a
graduate role, most are more than happy to
share their advice and experiences with a
lawyer in the making.
6.Oh, and don’t forget to take a peek at the
opportunities on Survive Law’s clerkship
guide and jobs sections.
Good luck!
Survive Law is a website for Australian law
students. Check out survivelaw.com for
more careers tips, study advice and nerdy
law school shenanigans.
<<
CONTENTS
>>
Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
37
Graduation – what happens next?
To practice law in Queensland you’re
legally required to be admitted onto
the Roll of Lawyers by the Supreme
Court of Queensland. Graduates
wishing to be admitted must
undertake additional legal training
through either successful completion
of a Practical Legal Training (PLT)
course, or by serving as a supervised
trainee. Once admitted you will be
required to apply for a practising
certificate from Queensland Law
Society to practice as a solicitor,
or the Bar Association of Queensland
to practice as a barrister.
______
Supervised traineeship
Supervised traineeships cover competencies
set by the Supreme Court (Legal Practitioner
Admission) Amendment Rule (No 2) 2005
for admission.
Traineeships are conducted in the workplace
and are structured to ensure that you receive
adequate supervision and assessment. It takes
approximately 12 months to complete and is
a popular method of admission for those
seeking future employment in the State’s top
tier law firms.
Practical legal training
The most popular method of satisfying the
admission criteria is undertaking a Graduate
Diploma of Legal Practice known as practical
legal training (PLT). PLT is designed to equip
you with practical skills like ethics, legal writing
and drafting and interview skill among others,
for entry into legal practice.
Admission
The Supreme Court of Queensland is
responsible for admitting you to the Roll
of Lawyers and is assisted by the Legal
Practitioners Admissions Board, which issues
an applicant’s certificate of compliance.
To be eligible for admission, you must have
completed an approved law degree, an
approved practical legal training course or
supervised traineeship at a firm, and be able
to satisfy the Admission Board and the Court
of your fitness to practise.
Practising certificates
A practising certificate is required to practise
as a solicitor in Queensland. Certificates are
issued by Queensland Law Society according
to Section 52 of the Legal Profession Act
2007 and must be renewed annually. You can
apply for full membership and your practicing
certificate at any time, providing you’re
admitted to the Roll of Lawyers by the
Supreme Court of Queensland.
Barristers are also required to hold a practising
certificate, which is issued by the Bar
Association of Queensland.
Visit qls.com.au for more information on how to become a practising lawyer.
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Legal careers – what are your options?
What are your career options when
you graduate? You can work as a
solicitor in a law firm, as in-house
counsel or as a barrister. Opportunities
also exist to work with the community,
in government or in fields that focus on
justice. Some may require a combined
degree or further training.
______
Solicitor – working in a legal firm
You will provide advice, work closely with
individuals and organisations and liaise with
other legal professionals. Much time is spent
meeting with clients, researching cases and
writing legal documents. Solicitors therefore
need a wide range of skills. As well as being able
to communicate with clients and develop good
working relationships with them, solicitors need
to be able to work closely with colleagues, pay
close attention to detail and be willing to work
long hours. Other key traits include initiative
and good judgement, which will assist in
working with complex legal information.
Career path
You will start practice as an ‘employee
solicitor’ and move onto ‘associate’ and
‘senior associate’ roles by acquiring extensive
experience in your relevant area of law.
Partnership may follow after a number of years.
This involves greater responsibility and status,
increased income, a greater influence in how
the firm is run and the responsibility of training
and mentoring of younger solicitors.
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Where you can work
It is not uncommon for graduates to set up their
own firms; however most graduates will work in
large or medium firms with the aim to specialise.
Working in a smaller boutique firm will provide
you with a cross-section of practice. Larger
firms are mostly located in Brisbane and South
East Queensland while regional areas provide
the opportunity to work in more personal and
intimate firms.
Solicitor – working as in-house counsel
As an in-house counsel solicitor you’re often
an integral part of the management team and
are directly involved in the decision making
processes of the organisation. Usually, the
in-house legal team takes responsibility of all
commercial matters on behalf of the organisation.
Career path
Increasingly, in-house counsels are solicitors
with vast experience in the legal profession.
Solicitors generally move into corporate counsel
after having practised at a private law firm.
Corporate positions are considered attractive
because they do not have the personal budget
pressures that private law firms have. In many
instances, these jobs lead to management
positions.
Where you can work
Most large corporations with international bases
have in-house counsel; many medium sized
firms also require the support and advice of
a legal team. Organisations in industries like
mining, energy, media, telecommunication,
transport, construction and engineering are
a good place to start looking for in-house
counsel positions.
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Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
39
Careers continued...
Solicitor – working in government
Countless government departments at federal,
state and local level have in-house legal
departments. Working in government you’ll
be tasked with the responsibility of researching,
writing and assisting in the implementation
of procedural activities carried out by the
departments. The government policy team may
be responsible for constitutional, administrative
and regulatory law issues.
As a community legal or pro bono professional
you will offer free legal advice, referral and
support to people who are experiencing trouble
with the law and are unable to afford the full cost
of engaging a solicitor. Legal advice may be
sought on issues involving the police, landlords,
employers, family and human rights. In addition
to free legal advice and support you will also
work to increase community understanding of
legal rights by providing community groups and
individuals with legal education and information.
Career path
Career path
In some instances it can be said that policy
officers for government are not as well-paid
as their private practice counterparts.
However, government policy officers are
not bound by personal budget pressures
and therefore they enjoy more flexibility
working in their field of interest.
Working in this capacity offers you the
opportunity to develop strong relationships
within the community by providing access to
the courts and legal system, legal education
and advice and representation for little or no fee.
You may devote a portion of time to pro bono
work while retaining a fee-paying client base in
private practice or you could become a full-time
community legal practitioner.
Where you can work
Federal and state government departments
like the Department of Justice and AttorneyGeneral, or at local council level in Brisbane
or regionally. There are also government
regulatory and statutory authorities that
have in-house legal departments.
Solicitor – working to improve
access to justice
Community legal and pro bono professionals
provide less fortunate members of the public
with access to the legal justice system. Work
in this capacity can offer a rewarding dimension
to your career.
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Where you can work
The number of private law firms offering pro
bono programs to their solicitors has increased.
There are also the options of working with
community legal centres or for the statutory
authority Legal Aid Queensland.
Barrister – working as an
independent legal counsel
Where you can work
As a barrister you will play a vital role in the
administration of justice and in the functioning
of the legal profession. You will be an advocate
before courts and tribunals and a consultant
legal advisor. Barristers generally receive work
through referral from solicitors and represent
clients in court. You will be an expert on the rules
of evidence and court procedure, in determining
the appropriate method and argument for
presentation in court, in questioning and
cross-examining witnesses and negotiating
settlements to discontinue legal proceedings.
Most barristers’ chambers are located in
Brisbane, but there are regional opportunities
in Townsville, Rockhampton, Cairns, Southport,
Toowoomba, Ipswich, Mackay, Maroochydore
and other country centres.
Other opportunities
in the legal profession
There are many more career opportunities in
the legal profession. You may want to research
the roles and responsibilities of the following:
• court
and legal clerks
• paralegal
Career path
• law
In Queensland, barristers have always practised
as independent legal counsel. By not forming any
business partnerships or associations this
ensures independence as legal counsel is not
compromised. Every barrister is solely responsible
for his or her own work. Becoming a barrister will
assist if you aspire to become a judge.
librarian
• mediator
• criminologist.
Practically, the only choice
for PLT is QUT
‘I chose to study the practical legal training
course at QUT rather than through
another university institution or through
a supervised traineeship at a law firm
because I knew that I could develop my
legal skills in a challenging and supportive
learning environment.’
QUT is a leading provider of Practical
Legal Training in Queensland, with
an enviable reputation for its practical
approach. The program offers
problem-solving scenarios and reflects
the realities of a daily modern legal
practice. And if you need work
placement, we will provide it.
Apply now, or for further information,
phone Liz Clark on (07) 3138 2211 or
email [email protected]
www.qut.edu.au/practicallegal-training
The only choice for PLT is QUT.
Full time, part time and online.
Joanna Czajkowski, QUT student
CRICOS No.00213J © QUT 2014 20132
Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
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Early Career Lawyers
Queensland Law Society (QLS)
understands that the first few years
of practice can be among the most
challenging in a lawyer’s career. It’s
base camp one…and the path to
the summit can seem daunting!
That’s why QLS host a special
program for Early Career Lawyers
(ECLs) – members that have been
in practice for less than 5 years.
Whether it’s through social networking
to connect you with your peers, or
bespoke professional development
courses, QLS are here to support you.
______
ECL Committee
We give you a voice – by working together to
produce submissions in response to issues that
affect us directly and indirectly. Our views are
heard at a state and national level.
We make a difference – by developing pro bono
and community service programs as well as
providing updates on upcoming not-for-profit
and individual client pro bono work.
We advocate for you – by representing your best
interests through articles published in Proctor,
a magazine circulated by QLS on a monthly
basis. These contributions are written by ECLs
for ECLs and are designed to help fill in the gaps
in your practical knowledge of being a lawyer.
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We equip you – by designing professional
development programs to suit our needs
and facilitating social and networking events.
We support you – by advocating for better
regional support services.
We help you connect – don’t know many other
ECLs in the industry? No problem. QLS and
the ECL Committee host regular networking
and social events to assist ECLs to get to know
their colleagues in the industry and across
similar and different areas of practice.
Got a question about your path to becoming
an ECL? Perhaps you’re confused about which
PLT program to undertake? Or perhaps you’d
like more information about the differences
between a large and small firm?
Ask an ECL – we’re here to help:
Greer Oliver
ECL Committee Chair and Solicitor,
CBP Lawyers
[email protected]
Bri Bell
ECL Committee member and Solicitor,
Ashurst
[email protected]
Become a student
member and WIN!
Visit the QLS booth to become a
student member today and win a
Merlo Coffee hamper valued at $50!
Terms and conditions available at >>qls.com.au/legalcareersexpo
Queensland Law Society Legal Careers Expo 2014
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Queensland Law Society
provides a dynamic hub for
Queensland’s legal community,
engaging actively with our
members and the public to
provide leadership, practical
solutions and reliable support.
We assist more than 10,000 legal
professionals at varying career stages
by supporting their daily working
needs through access to education
and training, advice and support
services, information and resources
and through commercial and social
benefits. We also represent our
members by taking a position on
issues affecting the legal profession
and acting as a leading voice
for improvement and change.
Further information
1300 367 757 >> qls.com.au
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Student membership privileges are geared to transition you smoothly
from law student to lawyer. The Society offers valuable resources
for study, career and regulatory advice, professional networks and
employment contacts and discounted lifestyle products and services.
Best of all student membership is complimentary!
Student membership gives you access to…
Information and publications
Advice
Proctor (online version) –
Careers in law –
the Society’s flagship publication is a
useful study resource, keeping you informed
on all aspects of law. A subscription to print
editions of Proctor is available to purchase
at member pricing.
launch your legal career with free alerts and
information about our annual Legal Careers
Expo and the Graduate Employment and
Vacation Clerkship Guidelines.
QLS website –
our staff provide you with support and
assistance on regulatory requirements
for admission and practice.
a knowledge hub giving you access to
member-only information to support your
studies and transition from student to lawyer.
QLS Update –
a weekly email news service keeping you
up-to-date with the latest news affecting the
profession (including legislation updates).
Queensland Law Society
Legal Directory and Diary –
a guide to the legal profession listing key
industry representatives. It is a valuable
resource for graduating students.
Available for purchase at member pricing.
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Regulatory advice –
Networking and social events
Access to your professional community –
profile yourself and network at Queensland
Law Society networking and social events.
Registration available at member pricing.
Education and Training
Conferences and seminars –
advance your knowledge and give yourself
a professional edge with access to education
and training available at member pricing.
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Further information
1300 367 757
>> qls.com.au