ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER

Who from your firm will be attending?

Partners, lawyers and articled clerks from ABL will be there to answer all your questions.

Will they be making any presentations?

We think the best way for you to find out what you need to know is by having an informal one-on-one chat with someone from the firm. All our partners and lawyers are very approachable and they’re keen to talk with you too.

What will you have for grads to take away?

While ABL does have our famous Headstart brochure to help you navigate through the application process, we don’t believe in gimmicks so the only things you’ll find on our stand are our people, our brochure (and some chocolates!).

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What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

We’d like to talk with budding lawyers who are lateral-thinkers, seeing possibilities where others see problems; people who aren’t afraid to be individuals and challenge convention; and those who want to take on responsibility early on in their careers. We don’t have any preconceptions about how talent should be packaged — we just know it when we see it.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

We’re looking for about 14-16 articled clerks to join Arnold Bloch Leibler in 2008. Our continued success depends on recruiting the next generation of great lawyers so our graduate program is very important to us.

ALLENS ARTHUR ROBINSON

Who will be attending?

We will have a range of partners, senior associates, lawyers, articled clerks and members from our people and performance department representing the firm at the VCLSS Careers Fair this year.

Will they be making any presentations?

We will not be making any formal presentations. However, all representatives will be available to answer any questions. We will also be conducting mock interviews to provide attending students with the opportunity to improve their interview skills.

What will you have for grads to take away?

We will provide students with a DVD which contains some information about the firm and interviews with several AAR lawyers. The DVD provides an insight into the type of people with whom students may expect to work and some of the experiences to expect at AAR. We will also provide students with a range of brochures with more information about the firm’s different departments and practice groups, including the firm’s Asian practice.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

Imagination, interests and intelligence. We offer lawyers a stimulating work environment based on intellectual excellence and individual interests. Not only do we look for intelligent people who are committed to becoming excellent lawyers, but we also seek well-rounded individuals who have interests outside of the law.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

AAR recruits approximately 40—45 articled clerks per year in Melbourne. Applications for our 2009 program open on 10 December 2007 and close on 11 January 2008. We also recruit approximately 100 vacation clerks each year over three intakes, which coincide with most university holidays: July 2008, December 2008 and January 2009. Students who complete a vacation clerkship with us are eligible to receive a priority offer when applying for a graduate position. Vacation clerkship applications open on 3 March 2008 and close on 25 March 2008. All applications should be made via our online application system: www.aar.com.au/careers.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SOLICITOR

Who will be attending?

The following people will be attending from the Australian Government Solicitor: Briana Kotzapavlidis, litigation team leader; Sarah Compton, HR administrator, as well as current articled clerks Larson Landes, Roland Dillon, Zoe Potter and Max Middleton.

Will they be making any presentations?

We will be welcoming people to our stand and talking about the opportunities available for graduates at AGS. Our current articled clerks will provide information about their experiences including the type of work they have undertaken in their first year, our litigation team leader can discuss the different areas of law in which we practice and examples of our clients and our HR administrator will be able to discuss working with AGS.

What will you have for grads to take away?

We will be providing graduates with literature about Australian Government Solicitor, including a company overview, an outline of the articled clerkship program, references from first year lawyers and a summary of our employment conditions.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

The three most important qualities we are looking for are a keen interest in government sector law, excellent academic results and good interpersonal skills.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

We will have 3-4 articled clerk roles available in 2009. There has been no change with this for the last few years.

BLAKE DAWSON WALDRON

Who from your firm will be attending?

Melbourne staff partner Vince Rogers; people development consultant (graduate programs, Melbourne), Lisa Sander; people development assistant (graduate programs, Melbourne), Jessica Nesbitt; and partners, senior associates, lawyers and articled clerks from our Melbourne practice teams will all be at the fair.

Will they be making any presentations?

We will be talking to students about the firm and answering questions.

What will you have for grads to take away?

We will be distributing materials on our recent deals, pro bono work (nationally), practice team overviews, how to write effective applications, and our graduate brochure.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

We look for academic ability; the ability to build rapport with a range of people; and the ability to work in a team-based environment. Please see our website www.bdw.com for more information about the firm.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

In 2009 we aim to recruit 24—26 article clerks, and 23 will be joining the Melbourne office next year. This year, 23 article clerks will join Blake Dawson Waldron.

CLAYTON UTZ

Who from your firm will be attending?

Current articled clerks and our HR representatives will be on hand to talk with the students.

Will they be making any presentations or giving talks?

No, as we would like as much opportunity as possible to interact with the students and answer their questions.

What will you have for grads to take away?

We will be giving students a Clayton Utz USB drive and information about our graduate program.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

We are looking for graduates who are personable, practical, commercially savvy and flexible — intelligent and motivated individuals who aren’t afraid of a challenge.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

In our Melbourne office we will be offering 21—23 places — approximately the same number as in previous years.

CORNWALL STODART LAWYERS

Who from your firm will be attending?

There will be a cross section of partners, lawyers, articled clerks and our HR team representing Cornwall Stodart during the afternoon.

Will they be making any presentations?

While we will not have any formal presentations, but those attending from Cornwall Stodart will be eager to discuss the advantages of working with us.

What will you have for grads to take away?

We will be handing out show bags containing information about the firm and our practice areas. This will include details about our graduate programs and how to apply, as well as information regarding Cornwall Stodart initiatives relating to professional and personal development. There will also be some practical goodies for students to take away with them.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

In our graduates we look for people who have common business sense, can communicate at all levels, are friendly and demonstrate that they have the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Cornwall Stodart promotes flexible working practices so it is important for our graduates to understand the importance of a sustainable work-life balance.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

We intend to recruit up to 6 graduates for the 2009 intake and we will also be offering approximately 6 summer seasonal clerkships in 2008.

CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH

Who from your firm will be attending?

We aim to provide students with an overview of life at Corrs at every level in the firm. Partners, senior associates and solicitors from all our practice groups, as well as HR representatives, will be attending the fair.

Will they be making any presentations?

Our preference is to meet students one-on-one and discuss information relevant to them and their personal aspirations. We focus on sharing experiences and answering students’ questions. This often includes discussing the range of opportunities and initiatives available at Corrs, such as our high performance incentive scheme, Corrs scholarships, diversity programs, international internships, a new curriculum for learning and development, pro bono initiatives, and secondments.

What will you have for grads to take away?

Students will receive brochures and information on our graduate and seasonal clerkship programs as well as a small gift. Included in our show bag will be details about our national graduate development program and Corrs Graduate Academy, where graduates travel to a five-day off-site training program to gain a deeper understanding of Corrs and build relationships with graduates from around Australia. To find out more, please go to www.makingcareersense.com

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

We’re looking for team players, who are passionate about the law and committed to legal excellence, who recognise that being a great lawyer requires dedication to providing outstanding client service.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

The Melbourne office usually takes about 20 graduates each year.

DEACONS

Who from your firm will be attending?

There will be a range of representatives from Deacons including current articled clerks, lawyers, senior associates, partners and human resources representatives so we invite you to use the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of the firm at all career stages. Our representatives will be from a variety of different practice groups throughout the firm so that you can learn more about particular areas of the law that are of interest to you as well as other important aspects of the firm such as career progression culture. And for female students, we can tell you why Deacons has received an EOWA Employer of Choice for Women Award for 2007. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your career opportunities.

Will they be making any presentations?

Deacons representatives will be assisting with the mock interviews.

What will you have for grads to take away?

Deacons will be handing out its award winning Intelligent Alternative brochures. These aim to assist students make up their own mind when choosing between different firms and career paths.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

Deacons seeks individuals who are collaborators, achievement-oriented and creatively motivated.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

We anticipate recruiting approximately 14—17 graduates for 2009, which will be an increase on 2007 and 2008. This is driven by workflows within our business units. However we continue our approach of not over-recruiting to ensure that each graduate receives 12 months of quality client-related work and that graduate numbers link in well to the number of first-year solicitors we appoint the subsequent year.

DLA PHILLIPS FOX

Who from your firm will be attending?

DLA Phillips Fox will have representation from across the firm. Partners, solicitors, articled clerks and HR representatives will be in attendance.

Will they be making any presentations?

Our people will be available to chat to the students and answer any questions they may have about the firm, our clerkships or our culture.

What will you have for grads to take away?

A reusable woven bag holding DLA Phillips Fox merchandise — our new graduate brochure that offers great information to young professionals seeking a career with a dynamic law firm. We will also offer students an international phone card to keep in touch with friends and family, plus a few other goodies.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

At DLA Phillips Fox, our success and individuality as a law firm has been built on our people and culture. Our goal through the recruitment process is to ascertain whether we would enjoy working with you but, most importantly, will you thrive and enjoy working with us and our clients. So, when we’re recruiting we look for intellectual ability; commitment and ambition; international awareness; commercial and client awareness; team skills and leadership potential; communication skills; a sense of fun; experience outside academic life.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

We will offer up to 30 summer clerk positions. The number may vary from year to year to meet the needs of the business but the number has been consistent in recent years. We have increased our intake of articled clerks next year to meet the growing needs of our business.

FREEHILLS

Who from your firm will be attending?

Freehills attendees will include partners, senior associates, solicitors and articled clerks from a wide range of practice groups. Our HR representatives will also be in attendance on the day.

Will they be making any presentations?

Freehills will be involved in the mock interviews, where students will be able to gain valuable interview tips and seek advice in relation to their application.

What will you have for grads to take away?

Need-to-know literature and other information about the firm and our vacation clerk and articled clerk programs will be available at the fair. The information we provide is designed to assist graduates in making the important decision about where they would like to work when they finish their studies.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

Ability, ambition and enthusiasm are key qualities students need in order to have a great career experience at Freehills. We are also particularly interested in students’ demonstrated ability to successfully combine their studies with other competing priorities, challenges and achievements such as work experience, sporting endeavours, music, or other passions. It goes without saying that graduates also need to demonstrate that they can work effectively in a team and apply a practical, problem-solving approach to their work.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

Freehills will invite approximately 70—75 penultimate year law students to participate in our three vacation clerk programs: June 2007, December 2007 and January 2008. The majority of our graduate positions are then filled by former-vacation clerks. However, we do recruit additional graduates outside of this program. Further details are available by checking our website www.freehills.com.

HALL & WILCOX

Who from your firm will be attending?

The Hall & Wilcox stand will be attended by past and present articled clerks. The partner representative will be Matt McDonald and the firm’s HR manager, Katie McKenzie, will be available to answer queries from prospective articled clerks.

What will you have for grads to take away?

Hall & Wilcox will be providing information about the firm, our articles program and details of how to apply. We have packaged this information into a convenient, innovative and user-friendly CD-ROM format with a virtual tour and interviews with staff and partners. We will also have some other surprise giveaways for students who visit our stand!

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

Hall & Wilcox is looking for candidates with solid academic results but who also take part in extra-curricular activities or part-time employment. Articled clerks must be considered to be a good cultural fit with the firm.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

The firm will be looking to employ six to eight articled clerks to commence in March 2009. This will be an increase from the previous two years with the increase due to the significant growth currently being experienced by the firm.

HUNT & HUNT

Who from your firm will be attending?

Solicitors, current articled clerks and representatives from the firm’s human resources department will be in attendance at the fair, while partners are also being encouraged to visit the stand, workload allowing.

Will they be making any presentations?

Hunt & Hunt will not be making any formal presentations or talks at the fair itself, but information will be readily shared with all visitors to the stand.

What will you have for grads to take away?

A specially-produced brochure for prospective articled clerks to Hunt & Hunt has been prepared and will be offered to anyone visiting the stand. The brochure contains information about Hunt & Hunt’s articled clerk recruitment process, as well as other general information on the firm itself - especially about Hunt & Hunt’s culture, professional development programs and other general information about the firm. A show bag containing a number of special items will also be given to visitors, which includes a Hunt & Hunt-branded thermal coffee mug - especially useful for those preparing for their final exams!

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

The four most important attributes the firm is looking for in prospective articled clerks are a focus on professional excellence; superior communication (both written as well as verbal) and interpersonal skills; a strong desire for personal development (ie a drive to learn); being a team player

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

There are three articled clerk positions available in the Melbourne office this year (11 in total in the firm’s offices in NSW, Victoria and SA). This figure is consistent with the previous two years. See www.hunthunt.com.au

LANDER & ROGERS LAWYERS

Who from your firm will be attending?

Students visiting the Lander & Rogers stand will have the opportunity to meet a range of people from across the firm, including articled clerks, lawyers and partners representing our seven practice groups, plus our full HR team. See our website: www.landers.com.au.

Will they be making any presentations?

We’ll be there to meet and get to know students there, to answer questions about a career in the law and working with us, and to give an opportunity for you to get a feel for the human side of the firm.

What will you have for grads to take away?

On offer is the latest edition of our graduate careers brochure, which sets out everything students need to know about working with Lander & Rogers and how to apply. Also up for grabs is a lanyard and luggage tag, which should come in handy for any post-uni and pre-articles trips.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

We’re committed to sustaining the success of the firm through the selective recruitment of seasonal clerks and trainees. Most important to us when making those decisions is finding people who show a friendly and down to earth style of engaging with others, the energy needed to absorb new concepts and changing laws, and intelligence to tackle the most interesting of legal scenarios.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

No less than seven positions are available for traineeships commencing in 2009, consistent with our intakes for the last two years. 28 positions are available for seasonal clerkships in 2008—09, and this is a 25 per cent increase on our intakes for the last 2 years, and reflective of the recent growth of the firm.

MADDOCKS

Who from your firm will be attending?

Partners, senior associates, articled clerks and human resources representatives.

Will they be making any presentations?

Representatives from Maddocks will be participating in the mock interviewing process.

What will you have for grads to take away?

General information about Maddocks and a gift in the show bag.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

Hard-working, down-to-earth and client-focused.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

Maddocks will be employing 12—14 graduates this year, while in the previous two years we’ve employed 10—13 graduates.

MALLESONS STEPHEN JAQUES

Who from your firm will be attending?

You will have the opportunity to speak to a range of partners, senior associates, solicitors, articled clerks and members of our people and development team.

Will they be making any presentations?

We will not be making any formal presentations; however representatives will be more than happy to answer any questions.

What will you have for grads to take away?

We will be giving away our information pack and a gift for all students attending the fair.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

Commitment, passion and an ability to think laterally are the qualities we value in Mallesons staff. Our clients expect not only superior legal knowledge but excellence in the application of that knowledge to their often complex legal needs. Mallesons is a work environment that will stretch your mind and capabilities, but also offers the support of a strong team culture to help you succeed. We believe that it’s not just exam results that make you a good candidate for Mallesons. While we consider academic performance important, we’re also interested in your life experiences, your interests outside work and the issues you’re passionate about.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

We have approximately 40-45 graduates start with the Melbourne office each year. For more information please visit our website www.mallesons.com/careers.

MAURICE BLACKBURN CASHMAN LAWYERS

Who from your firm will be attending?

HR representatives, principals, solicitors and current articled clerks from across the various practice areas of Maurice Blackburn Cashman will be attending the careers fair.

Will they be making any presentations?

All Maurice Blackburn Cashman representatives will be able to provide information to attendees about the various practice areas of our firm and also what is involved in our graduate program.

What will you have for grads to take away?

In lieu of promotional items, Maurice Blackburn Cashman is offering graduates the opportunity to have a donation made on their behalf to one of three charities. We will also have messages from current articled clerks outlining their experiences at the firm that graduates can take with them. We will also provide graduates with information on how to apply for positions at Maurice Blackburn Cashman.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

Maurice Blackburn Cashman is committed to social justice and fighting for the rights of ordinary working people. We are therefore seeking graduates who display a genuine interest in plaintiff law, including knowledge of our areas of practice and empathy for our values; superior communication skills and an ability to interact effectively with people of all levels; and sound academic achievements in law.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

Similar to the previous two years, we will be looking to recruit six to eight graduates.

MIDDLETONS LAWYERS

Who from your firm will be attending?

We will have a team on hand that comprises representatives from across the firm — our graduates, senior lawyers, partners and human resources people. Each is ready to discuss with you their time with us, and the career opportunities we offer you.

What will you have for grads to take away?

We don’t have gimmicks (except chocolate), but we do offer career development straight away.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

Middletons people are a diverse range of passionate professionals who are committed to practising commercial law for some of the nation’s leading organisations. We look to recruit well-rounded, talented people, then provide the opportunities and support for them to achieve their best. Informality, friendliness and approachability are key aspects of our culture, yet our commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct and dedication to providing the best imaginable client service experience is absolute and non-negotiable.

Obviously, solid academic results are important but to be a successful lawyer at Middletons you need to demonstrate talent and skill in a variety of areas. Enthusiasm, adaptability and a passion for delivering exceptional service are essential attributes. We know that good legal advice goes hand-in-hand with sound communication skills and the courage to act decisively.

We look for a commitment to getting the small things right as well as the big picture. Logic and attention to detail are critical skills that enable a young lawyer to take a complex business problem, break it down for a client and deliver a sound commercial solution.

While we look for brilliant legal minds, we also need you to think commercially, as we know it takes more than technical expertise to be an exceptional lawyer.

MINTER ELLISON LAWYERS

Who from your firm will be attending?

There will be approximately 25 Minter Ellison representatives at the fair throughout the afternoon. The representatives will include legal staff (including articled clerks, lawyers, senior associates, special counsel and partners) from a range of practice groups, together with our human resources team.

Will they be making any presentations?

All representatives will be available to speak with the students and to provide valuable insights on their experiences at Minter Ellison. A presentation will also be running on a plasma screen.

What will you have for grads to take away?

A graduate pack in a re-useable plastic pocket which includes: a graduate brochure; contact list of current articled clerks; Community Investment Program information sheet on some of the great ways that Minter Ellison gives back to our community and how you can get involved; a few goodies.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

Our graduates come from diverse backgrounds and have differing levels of skills and experience, but they all share a commitment to excellence and passion for putting the law to work. The qualities we look for include: cultural fit — our ideal graduate is someone who shares our values; a solid academic record is important, but we also like our graduates to have a range of extra-curricular and social interests; a capacity to develop strong commercial acumen and understand the value of building productive, enduring relationships with colleagues and clients; they want to be part of a successful and dynamic team and have a genuine desire to build a career at Minter Ellison.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

Approximately 25 positions will be available. This is consistent with the number of positions available over the last two years.

MONAHAN + ROWELL LAWYERS

Who will be attending?

Attending this year’s fair, will be our human resources manager, our current articled clerks as well as some more experienced lawyers and partners.

Will they be making any presentations?

All M+R staff attending the fair will be available to talk to students about their entry into the legal world!

What will you have for grads to take away?

M+R will be handing out some firm marketing literature together with some fun items for students to take away (hopefully to remember M+R).

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

The three most important qualities that we look for are honesty, a genuine interest in working at our firm, and a passion for the law.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

In 2009, we will be offering between three and four clerkship positions. At M+R, we take only a limited number of students with the full intention of keeping the clerks at the end of their clerkship. It is our hope that our clerks will one day become our future partners.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY COUNSEL

Who will be attending?

The Victorian office will be represented at the careers fair by legislative drafting staff with varying experience from recent employees (assistant parliamentary counsel), to senior parliamentary counsel with more than 10 years’ experience in the field.

Will they be making any presentations?

No formal presentations will be conducted — staff will be available for discussion/questions as required.

What will you have for grads to take away?

The office will have a range of brochures and information sheets about our office, legislative drafting and Parliament. There will also be a focus on the valuable online legislative information which the office makes available.

What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a graduate employee?

A love of the English language, a good general knowledge of the law, and attention to detail.

How many vacancies do you have for grads?

The office does not have a graduate program, but may participate in graduate programs run by government departments. From time to time it offers ongoing positions and offers summer clerkships each year, which give law students the chance to gain a broad understanding of the legislative process and the interaction between government departments and other bodies.

PIPER ALDERMAN LAWYERS

Who from your firm will be attending?

Piper Alderman will be represented by a cross-section of our team including some partners, senior associates, previous and current article clerks. They will be there to answer questions and give an insight into the firm and their experiences coming through the ranks. Our HR team will also be in attendance to provide informa