1. What drew you to this firm?

Norton Rose Fulbright was able to offer everything I was looking for in a firm - top quality work, a supportive environment, excellent training and development and a strong international focus.

2. What areas have you worked in?

During my summer clerkship I was allocated to Litigation and Real Estate as my two areas of practice but I also had the opportunity to work gain exposure to a number of other different areas including Restructuring and Insolvency, Employment, Corporate and Commercial and Banking and Finance

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

My clerkship at Norton Rose Fulbright exposed me to 'real legal work.' I attended client meetings, court and was involved in instructing Counsel for many of our matters. I reviewed contracts, drafted letters of advice and assisted my team with quite a few interesting research tasks.

The structure of the clerkship (allowing only two rotations) gave me an in depth understanding of the matters I was working on. In particular, I found myself to be working progressively on a matter with my team. I found this to be a very rewarding experience as I was able to gauge how my work would impact on the overall case.

4. What clients have you done work for?

Norton Rose Fulbright work with a number of high profile national and international clients. During my time with the firm I had exposure to a diverse mix of these.

5. Have you had much client contact?

As a Summer Clerk I didn't expect to have much client contact but right from the beginning of my clerkship I was involved in meetings, teleconferences and on-site visits where I was able to meet clients from many different companies and industries. This helped in so many ways to build a better understanding of how the corporate world operates and the importance of maintaining strong business relationships.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

I was a little anxious when I arrived for my first formal day of work, but I was immediately made to feel part of the team. Both my mentor and supervising partner were very approachable and always treated me as though I had something valuable to offer. I was never given menial tasks like photocopying or paper filing. Instead I was given 'real' legal tasks and had the opportunity to carry out some very interesting legal work.

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

At Norton Rose Fulbright we were put through a very comprehensive induction program during the first week of the clerkship. After week one there was plenty of on-going training seminars and information sessions that we were able to take part in but the best training was definitely the practical advice that the lawyers and partners provided day to day. Everyone I worked with dedicated a lot of time to helping me learn and apply everyday legal concepts in a practical manner.

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

From my very first interview I felt relaxed and comfortable with the friendly and down to earth people I met and throughout the clerkship the partners and lawyers not only made an effort to explain what was going on, but made me feel like a valued member of the firm. Knowing my contribution counted was what I enjoyed the most!

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

- Be yourself! While it sounds incredibly clichéd it's the only way to approach a summer clerkship with any firm.

- Choose somewhere you can see yourself long term and not just for the summer.

10. Any other comments?

Fit in as much as you possibly can! The clerkship is a busy 10 weeks but to get the most out of it say yes to as much as you can manage!