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Armed with brochures and goodies, law firms at the fair will be trying to fill your arms with information, and your head with ideas, on what they are really like. To make it easier for you to…
Armed with brochures and goodies, law firms at the fair will be trying to fill your arms with information, and your head with ideas, on what they are really like. To make it easier for you to navigate the bustle, Alex Boxsell finds out who will be there, what they want, and what they will offer you.
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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 Careers Fair this year.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
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 the opportunity to improve their interview skills.
Any items to take away?
We will provide students with a variety of brochures containing information about AAR and our articled clerkship and summer clerkship programs.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
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.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
We recruited 44 articled clerks to commence with the firm in February 2007 and approximately 100 vacation clerks in 2006/2007.
Arnold Bloch Leibler
Who will be attending?
A mix of partners, lawyers, current articled clerks and our HR team.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
There won’t be any formal presentations as we prefer to speak to students one on one and answer their specific questions.
Any items to take away?
Our graduate recruitment publication will be available to take away plus a little “sweetener”.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
We value imagination as well as intelligence, lateral thinking as highly as logic and life experience in addition to academic results. We also like to see that you’ve got a life. Successfully combining study with sporting, musical, community or other personal interests tells us you’re good with people and good with your time.
Positions available for graduates this year, and
compared to previous years?
Ten to twelve, no change from previous years.
Who will be attending?
To ensure students have access to information from a variety of sources, Baker & McKenzie will have staff at all levels attending the Careers Fair, from our managing partner to senior associates, associates, articled clerks and human resources available to answer questions about the firm and our recruitment processes.
Any items to take away?
We will be bringing show bags including our national graduate recruitment brochure, which outlines our practice areas, professional development programs, pro bono programs, and summer and articled clerkship structures, our articled clerk brochure and treats.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
What we are looking for is a balanced person with strong academics and extra curricular interests such as part time work, music, sport and/or hobbies. We believe that the more varied and interesting you are as a person, the more innovative, intuitive and successful we are as lawyers.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
We are looking for approximately eight articled clerks this year which is slightly higher than previous years.
Who will be attending?
A number of partners, lawyers, articled clerks and people development representatives of the firm’s Melbourne office.
Any items to take away?
We will have information about the firm and our articled clerk/seasonal clerk recruitment processes to hand out, as well as extra goodies for the students.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
We seek people who share our values (excellence, commitment, integrity, teamwork, enjoyment and stewardship); will be able to contribute to our future growth in the challenging and competitive markets in which we operate; and will learn and grow to achieve their potential. Academic results are important in our decision-making, so too are personal qualities and characteristics.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
Twenty to twenty-five positions, which is similar to the past two years.
Who will be attending?
Melbourne partner-in-charge, partners and solicitors, articled clerks and seasonal clerks, and HR representatives.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
No. Though our representatives will be more than happy to answer any questions one on one at the Clayton Utz stand.
Any items to take away?
Graduate information brochures and a shoulder bag containing helpful aids for the day and at home.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
An ability to apply academic ability in a commercial environment; solutions based thinking with a client focus; and team orientation for work and play.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
This year Clayton Utz intends to recruit 23 to 25 graduates. This reflects a trend of increased graduate recruitment numbers for the firm over past years.
Cornwall Stodart Lawyers
Who will be attending?
Cornwall Stodart will have a range of partners, junior lawyers, articled clerks and HR representatives attending the Careers Fair.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
We will have no formal presentations or talks as such at the Careers Fair. We will, however, incorporate a silent slide show presentation showcasing the many aspects of Cornwall Stodart. All partners, junior lawyers, articled clerks and HR representatives present will be eager to discuss Cornwall Stodart one-on-one with interested students.
Any items to take away?
We will be giving away a Cornwall Stodart Clerkship Postcard which will include all relevant information needed when applying for articles or a seasonal clerkship at Cornwall Stodart. We will also be giving away fun items that encapsulate the atmosphere at Cornwall Stodart.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
We are looking for people who are friendly, committed and enthusiastic.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
We will be offering four to six articles of clerkship. We have offered a similar amount over the past two years.
Who 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.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
Deacons representatives will be assisting with the mock interviews.
Any items to take away?
Deacons will be handing out its award winning “Intelligent Alternative” brochures. These aim to assist students make up their mind when choosing between different firms and career paths.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
Deacons’ focus is to provide commercially switched-on advice to our clients. We seek individuals who are intelligent, innovative and like to work within a team to achieve results.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
We anticipate recruiting approximately 13-15 articled clerks for 2008, which is consistent with 2006 and 2007. We find this number works well so as to ensure each articled clerk receives 12 months of quality client-related work and links in well to the number of first year solicitors we appoint the subsequent year.
Who will be attending?
Partners, senior and junior lawyers, articled clerks and members of our national human resources team will attend to provide potential candidates with a feel for the diversity of people and work at Ebsworth & Ebsworth.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
No — we have our people in attendance so we can devote one on one time to the graduates to ensure we respond to their specific questions about the work, our people and our culture.
Any items to take away?
Our articled clerk information pack includes our firm brochure outlining our culture, values, reputation and our focus for the future. Potential candidates will also take with them a flyer detailing our articles program for 2008 which includes complete information on our application process.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
Technical ability (strong academic record); excellent interpersonal and communication skills (demonstrated customer/client service experience); time management/organisational skills (ability to achieve a well-rounded study/work/ recreational balance).
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
Our Melbourne office will be offering three positions in 2008, the same number of positions offered in 2007.
Who will be attending?
A number of Freehills representatives including partners, senior associates, solicitors, and the graduate recruitment/HR team.
Any items to take away?
Literature and flyers.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
We focus on attracting students who have the ability, ambition and enthusiasm to excel. These attributes are assessed through academic results, extra curricular interests and life experience outside of studies. Successful candidates are those who demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team, think laterally and apply a practical approach to problem solving.
Positions available for graduates this year, and
compared to previous years?
We have already concluded our articled clerk recruit for 2007. We have approximately 30 to 35 articled clerk positions available for 2008.
Who will be attending?
Gadens current articled clerks will be at the Careers Fair to answer any queries graduates have about what it is like to practise law at Gadens.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
The staff resources team will also be available to answer any queries about the firm and the type of articled clerks Gadens is looking for.
Any items to take away?
Literature on Gadens’ Melbourne office will be available for graduates to take away, including information on our practice areas. This is intended to supplement the verbal information graduates receive on the day. And there will be a couple of Gadens’ gifts for graduates to take home as well.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
Personality, enthusiasm and an understanding that a Gadens lawyer is in the business of providing commercial legal solutions.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
In 2006, Gadens has 12 articled clerks; this has increased from the previous two years. Approximately 12 to 14 Articled Clerks may be taken on in 2007.
Who will be attending?
The Hall & Wilcox stand will be attended by past and present articled clerks, partner representative Mark Dunphy and HR manager Katie McKenzie.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
Mark Dunphy and Katie McKenzie will be available to answer queries from prospective articled clerks.
Any items 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.
Important qualities 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.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
The firm will be looking to employ six articled clerks to commence in March 2008. This is consistent with the previous two years.
Who will be attending?
The Holding Redlich stall will be attended by our national human resources manager, the marketing manager and assistant and the current articled clerks.
Any items to take away?
We will be distributing a show bag containing general literature about the firm, our summer clerkship and articled clerkship programs and the recruitment process as well as a gift.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
We seek candidates with a sound academic record, strong communication skills, a genuine interest in our areas of practice and the ability to work in a team environment. In addition, we seek a cultural fit, a demonstrated interest in social justice or community issues and general interests that indicate a well rounded individual.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
We take on average four articled clerks each year.
Who will be attending?
Students visiting the Lander & Rogers stand will have the opportunity to meet a range of people from across the firm including partners, lawyers, articled clerks and our HR team.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
Representatives of the firm will be on hand to answer any questions students have about a career in law and opportunities with Lander & Rogers. We see the Fair as a perfect opportunity for students to get to know us better and gain a clearer understanding of our culture.
Any items to take away?
We’re offering our latest graduate careers brochure which sets out everything students need to know about working with Lander & Rogers and how to apply. Also to take away will be a key ring bottle opener, fresh mandarins and a Lander & Rogers drawstring shoe bag to carry it all in.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
We invest a great amount of time and energy in finding the right people to join our team. For a successful career with Lander & Rogers you will need to be intelligent, have the ability and confidence to communicate and relate well, and demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and achieving.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
Seven positions are available for articles of clerkship commencing in 2008 and 21 positions for seasonal clerkships in 2007/2008, which is consistent with the last two years.
Who will be attending?
Maddocks will be represented by partners, articled clerks and members of the HR team.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
An HR rep will conduct mock interviews.
Any items to take away?
Our show bag will include information about the articles program and a compact umbrella.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
A passion for the law as a career, a genuine interest in Maddocks and a willingness to learn and be part of a team.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
In 2008, we anticipate recruiting 10 to 12 articled clerks. In 2006, we have 13 graduates and in 2007 we will have 11. There may be slight variations in numbers from year to year, depending on the needs of the business.
Mallesons Stephen Jaques
Who will be attending?
The graduate recruitment manager will attend along with her team. As well, current articled clerks and members of the graduate recruitment committee comprising partners, senior associates and solicitors will be there.
Any items to take away?
Students will receive a firm brochure plus a small gift. This will complement the firm’s face-to-face approach.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
Mallesons looks for people with strong communication skills, team players and those who strive for excellence across all their academic and personal interests.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
Mallesons will be looking to recruit 40 to 45 articled clerks in the Melbourne centre as per the previous two years.
Maurice Blackburn Cashman
Who will be attending?
There will be a mixture of partners, solicitors and graduates from a variety of practice teams as well as our human resources team.
Any items to take away?
Similar to last year, we feel that the money spent on promotional items could be used to greater effect by one of the many charities making a difference in our community. This year when visiting our stand at the Fair, students will be provided with the firm brochure and be given the option of nominating a charity to whom we will make a donation on their behalf.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
We are looking for people who demonstrate: a genuine interest in plaintiff law as practised by the firm and knowledge of the history and philosophy of MBC; sound academic achievements in law; and an ability to interact effectively with people at all levels and from all backgrounds.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
We will be offering six to eight positions which is consistent with the past few years.
Who will be attending?
We will have several solicitors and graduates on hand to talk to you about life at Middletons. Our learning & development consultant along with members of the human resources team will also be available to discuss our graduate training program and the opportunities to rotate through our practice groups.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
We believe in engagement not lectures, therefore our people will be eagerly awaiting your questions and the opportunity to talk to you individually about our graduate program.
Any items to take away?
Take away one of our Middletons show bags containing information about us, plus something extra to keep you occupied between lectures.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
We are looking for candidates who have a desire to practise more than just black letter law. As an articled clerk at Middletons you will be an innovative thinker who wants to help clients achieve a commercial outcome rather than just a legal solution.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
As in the previous two years we are looking for up to 17 articled clerks to join us for the 2007 Melbourne Graduate Program.
Who will be attending?
There will be approximately 25 Minter Ellison representatives at the Fair throughout the afternoon. The representatives will include legal staff from different practice groups and varying levels (articled clerks, lawyers, senior associates, special counsel, partners) and human resources staff.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
All representatives will be available to chat with the students and to provide insight on their experiences at Minter Ellison. There will be no formal presentation or talk, however, a presentation will be running on a plasma screen providing a historical account of the origins of the firm.
Any items to take away?
A graduate pack in a re-useable plastic pocket which includes: a graduate brochure; a contact list of current articled clerks; community investment program information sheet; and firm promotional material — pens and post-it notes.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
Minter Ellison looks for people who fit with our firm values. We also look for individuals who strive for excellence and demonstrate a commitment and passion for pursuing a legal career. Other important qualities include: leadership roles at university, school or work; teamwork through sporting teams, committees and moots; and solid academic results.
Positions available for graduates this year, and
compared to previous years?
Approximately 25 positions will be available. This is consistent with the number of positions available over the last two years.
Monahan & Rowell
Who will be attending?
Our human resources manager, Cheryl Asquith, together with our current articled clerks and a mix of junior and senior lawyers.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
No, much less formal — all M&R staff will be available to chat with students and answer any questions that they may have.
Any items to take away?
We will be distributing information regarding our practice areas, our articled clerk program and most importantly, our people.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
We are seeking students who have a genuine passion for the law and students who are interested in the areas in which we practise. We are interested in the individual students, why they have chosen to pursue a career in law, why they are applying to M&R and what they are passionate about doing in the future. We have a unique firm culture which offers exciting opportunities for those who join our firm.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
Each year we take between two and four students. You may ask why such a small number? The simple answer is each student is mentored from day one, spends a great deal of time with continual training, both in-house and with external providers, and most importantly, with a view to on-going employment upon the completion of articles.
Who will be attending?
A range of partners and legal staff from the firm including human resources will be in attendance.
Will they be presenting or giving talks?
We will be available to chat to the students and answer any questions.
Any items to take away?
A re-usable woven bag with Phillips Fox merchandise including our new graduate brochure, which offers great information to young professionals seeking a career with a dynamic law firm like Phillips Fox. Plus a few other goodies.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
At 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.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
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 this number has been consistent.
Who will be attending?
Russell Kennedy will have a cross section of partners, senior associates and newly qualified solicitors at the Careers Fair. Toula Padoa, our human resources manager and Amanda Poole, our business development manager will also be in attendance along with other human resources and marketing representatives.
Any items to take away?
Graduates attending the Russell Kennedy stand will receive a show bag containing firm information and clerkship program details that includes relevant application dates and tips.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
At Russell Kennedy, we are very proud of our culture and we work hard to recruit graduates that will suit our relaxed, friendly and sociable atmosphere. In order to achieve this, the qualities the firm looks for in graduates are: a sound academic record; involvement in extra curricular activities, previous work experience, volunteer work, travel, sporting and cultural interests; and personable, insightful, intelligent people with energy and enthusiasm.
Positions available for graduates this year, and
compared to previous years?
Russell Kennedy aims, subject to both the firm’s and articled clerk’s satisfaction at the end of articles, to retain our articled clerks as long term employees. We have achieved a 100 per cent retention rate over the last three years. We have appointed five articled clerks for 2007 and intend to make five articled clerk positions available for 2008.
Who will be attending?
The Sparkes Careers Fair team will include partners, lawyers, recent graduates and the HR consultants who will facilitate the graduate recruitment for our 2007 intake.
Any items to take away?
Our literature includes information about the rotation program, our culture, clients, expertise and also includes career stories from a cross-section of our people to help potential applicants get a real feel for what it’s like to work with us.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
When recruiting our graduates, we aim to recruit our future partners. Our recruitment process is focused on identifying students who are intelligent, commercially astute, enthusiastic, and proven leaders — people who will be successful in our culture and who we can develop into our future leaders.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
In Melbourne we will have 4 Articled Clerks starting in February 2007 and expect to recruit the same number for our Melbourne 2008 intake.
Who will be attending?
Partners, solicitors, HR & marketing representatives.
Any items to take away?
A show bag containing literature and merchandise.
Important qualities in a graduate employee?
Passion for what they do and pride in the outcome, cultural fit, extra-curricular activities and high achievers.
Positions available for graduates this year, and compared to previous years?
One to two as in previous years.
