1. What drew you to this firm?

K&L Gates has a solid reputation as a quality commercial law firm with an international presence.  During the recruitment process, it became clear that the firm has a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and collegiate culture and actively promotes the importance of diversity and a healthy work life balance.

The breadth of practice areas was also particularly appealing.

2. What areas have you worked in?

As a summer clerk I worked in Labour, Employment & Workplace Safety and Real Estate.

I am looking forward to completing rotations in three further practice areas as part of the Graduate Program.

3. What type of work have you done in each of these areas?

I was genuinely surprised and impressed by the variety of work and interesting learning opportunities offered during the clerkship rotations.

Tasks assigned to me included completing research, preparing memos, drafting advice and correspondence to clients, drafting employment agreements and policies, compiling briefs to counsel and attending settlements.

4. What clients have you done work for?

I have undertaken work for a broad cross sections of clients, both small and large, and in sectors such as government, mining, construction and manufacturing.

5. Have you had much client contact?

I have had the opportunity to correspond with clients via email and over the phone. I have also had the opportunity to attend settlements and observe at court where clients have been present.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

Even the smallest tasks often involve a high level of responsibility because the people who you work with depend on you to have strong attention to detail and to use your time efficiently. I have also been called upon to assist with larger/more urgent tasks. It is encouraging seeing that my work has actually assisted more senior lawyers in advising and resolving issues quickly to meet client expectations.

I found that as I progressed through my rotation I had the opportunity to take on more responsibility and work independently on issues from start to finish which I found rewarding.

7. What type of training have you undertaken at the firm?

The firm provided comprehensive training on the firm's document management system, knowledge management system and supporting IT platforms.  I attended a wide variety of sessions covering drafting legal advice, research, professional skills and business etiquette.

There were also numerous presentations from the various practice groups to give us a sense of the areas of law the firm practices in, and the type of tasks and experiences we could anticipate as graduates.

As a graduate, there is a structured mentoring program that provides the opportunity to ask questions and receive advice and training from a "mentor" (a senior lawyer who meets with you throughout the year) in a more informal manner.

K&L Gates graduates also complete the College of Law course through online and in house sessions.

8. What hours do you generally work? What is expected?

One of the things I have found most refreshing about working at the firm is the positive commitment to a good work life balance. I had often heard that phrase thrown around during clerkship recruitment presentations; however this has genuinely been my experience working at K&L Gates so far. Although the hours I work vary according to workload, I would generally work 8.45- 5.30/6pm. The partners encourage us to be efficient and productive in our work, but also to leave at a reasonable hour if we have finished.

9. How have you received feedback about your performance?

I received formal feedback from a Supervising Partner at the conclusion of each rotation. During the review process we answered questions about our own performance and provided feedback about our rotation experience.

Both my Supervising Partners took a keen interest in my development throughout the rotation and ensured I had exposure to a range of tasks and experiences.  The wider client context was explained to me when tasks were assigned which greatly assisted my commercial understanding.  Partners and lawyers at all levels are incredibly approachable and helpful in terms of feedback.

I also appreciated the opportunity to see how the work I completed was presented to the client.  In this way I got to build on my learning and build in the feedback for future tasks.

10. How would you describe the culture and working environment within the firm?

K&L Gates is a friendly, respectful and intellectually stimulating work environment to be in. You get to know everyone in your team quickly, and there are plenty of social events at which to meet people from other practice groups.

When it comes to work, people are supportive of one another. If there are pressing deadlines or large amounts of work to be done everyone works together.

11. What do you like most about working for the firm?

Working at K&L Gates has fuelled my passion for a career in law practice.  I love the fact I am learning more and more each day.  Ultimately, I think it is the people who you work with that has the biggest impact on whether you enjoy being at work. I genuinely enjoy spending time with my team, learning from others, getting to know the other clerks and seeing how graduates have developed their careers with the firm.

12. What tips would you give to someone applying to your firm?

Use your CV and cover letter to differentiate yourself. Your academic history is important but the challenge is to make yourself stand out on paper.  Don't be afraid to include interests and activities other than law, and explain why they make you a good candidate for the job.

13. Any other comments?

Good luck! Hold it all in perspective and try not to get too overwhelmed by the application process. It can be a stressful time so make sure you and your friends support each other through it.