1. What drew you to this firm?

It was Ashurst's reputation for excellence and expertise across a range of legal fields, and its friendly and supportive workplace culture that initially drew me to the firm. As a young lawyer, I wanted the opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of practice areas and be guided by lawyers at the top of their field. I felt that Ashurst was able to provide the perfect mix of expertise and global connections that would allow me to broaden my horizons. In all my interactions with lawyers from Ashurst during the recruitment process, I was very impressed by their genuine passion for their work and the firm. I felt welcomed and encouraged every step of the way.

2. What areas have you worked in?

My first rotation was with the Property team, and my second was with the general Commercial team. I also had the opportunity to assist with a large matter in the Dispute Resolution team.

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

In the Property team I drafted leases and contracts for sale; assisted at an auction; attended settlements; worked on a transfer of native title land; drafted an international contract that was later translated into another language; took instructions from clients; and undertook pro bono work assisting a community organisation with property rights and remedies.

In the general Commercial team, I drafted documents on a range of topics from government procurement contracts to internal governance guidelines for corporate clients; provided research on international private law, recent developments in energy and resources law, and on major upcoming legislative changes in intellectual property; helped to prepare tenders for new work with large local clients; prepared advice for pro bono clients about their rights and remedies in contractual disputes.

4. What clients have you done work for?

Department of Defence, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Department of Human Services, Airservices Australia, PPB Advisory, Engineer's Australia, the ACT Legal Assistance Forum, a New Zealand energy company, and others.

5. Have you had much client contact?

There are several opportunities for client contact as a summer clerk. I had the opportunity to go along to two settlements where we exchanged documents with the other side, as well as an auction where I talked with our client and prospective buyers as a representative of the firm . I also drafted correspondence with clients and delivered documents to client's offices.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

My clerkship was the perfect balance of responsibility and careful supervision. I was given an opportunity to contribute and collaborate on challenging matters such as taking instructions from clients, drafting amendments to contracts, and taking carriage of a small matter from start to finish (which was both daunting and exhilarating). I felt confident knowing that my supervising partner and a supportive team were just there to guide me and answer any questions along the way.

My work was always carefully reviewed by my partner, who took the time to give me constructive feedback and offer suggestions on ways to improve my drafting skills. The most rewarding moments were when the tasks I completed went directly to the client almost unchanged. There was even one piece of work where the partner told me she wouldn't have done it any differently herself – it was thrilling!

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

My clerkship began with three days of induction training where we learnt everything from how to use the photocopier, to tips for making a positive first impression, and how to conduct research and draft advices to the standard expected in a top tier firm.

Our training continued throughout the entire clerkship program with weekly seminars ranging from legal expertise to skills-based training. We learnt about the different practice groups within Australia and around the world, our Asia Pacific offices, and the key clients for Canberra office. We were also trained in negotiation techniques, workplace behaviour practices, and managing resilience and wellbeing to help us be healthy balanced young lawyers.

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

As a summer clerk I generally worked from 8:30am-5:30pm. Occasionally, a major project would come up that would require me to come in an hour early or stay a few hours late. We were given enough work to keep us very busy and we were expected to keep up with deadlines like all other lawyers in the office.

9. How have you received feedback about your performance?

Ashurst is a top tier firm and there is an expectation that each and every person will work to the firm's high standard. Informal feedback is frequent and always constructive so that you can learn from each new experience.

At the end of each rotation the lawyers in the team reviewed my performance and provided feedback to my supervising partner. I sat down with each of my supervising partners to receive feedback on my performance, recognition for the work I had done well, advice on areas for improvement, and discuss my career goals.

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

Ashurst is an incredibly friendly and supportive workplace. Everyone from the Managing Partner to the business services staff are open, engaging and genuinely interested in getting to know you as a person. As a junior lawyer, I have been given seemingly endless mentoring from the more senior lawyers in my team and in other teams too.

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

The best things about working for Ashurst are the people, the training and the work. Ashurst has a commitment to ongoing support and education for all of its staff. As a young lawyer finding my feet, I am given lots of formal and informal training to help me learn the new skills I need to achieve the high standards expected of me. Ashurst is also able to offer a really diverse range of interesting work, across a number of fields. Almost every day I get to try something new and I enjoy being exposed to different tasks, and being able to contribute constructively to practical legal problems.

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

I would encourage anyone applying to Ashurst to think about what you want to get out of a clerkship. If you want experience, opportunities, and a supportive environment, you'll get it all at Ashurst. Ashurst is a firm that values diversity of experience – we're interested in who you are, and the unique perspective you have to offer. When preparing your applications, look for the links between your experiences to date and the work of Ashurst. Each firm and each office is different. Before you apply, make sure you understand what distinguishes Ashurst from other top tier firms, and tell us why this interests you.

13. Any other comments?

If you're interested in working with government, Ashurst's Canberra office is for you. A large proportion of our clients are government departments and we do a lot of exciting and challenging work on major government projects. If you're passionate about public law, but want to work in a corporate environment, Ashurst's Canberra office is the perfect mix.