Inside Piper Alderman (NSW)
1. What drew you to this firm?
Its size and the ability to get face to face time with my supervising partner.
2. What areas have you worked in?
I work in the corporate division but I have also done intellectual property work.
3. What type of work have you done in each of these areas?
Managed corporate registers, drafted sale and purchase agreements, drafted general board advice, worked on software licensing agreements and due diligence work for lodgement of prospectuses.
4. What clients have you done work for?
NEHTA, Eastern Star Gas, Ord River Resources, Healthcare Australia, Sydney Swans, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, Pall Corporation and Tiger Airways Australia.
5. Have you had much client contact?
Yes, if it is a matter that I am assisting on then I will typically participate in any meetings with the client. Generally I am responsible for liaising with the client in respect of any matter that I am working on, answering question wherever I can and referring questions to my supervising partner whenever necessary.
6. Have you been given much responsibility?
I recently managed the due diligence for the lodgement of a short form prospectus. I am also responsible for management of the company registers of one of our clients and its 30 odd subsidiaries. The work has involved secondment to the client's offices and liaising with the relevant company secretaries to ensure that registers are complete and up to date.
7. What type of training have you undertaken at the firm?
My training has been in the form of one on one training with my supervising partner, concentrating on the matters that we are working on at that time and the areas of my work that need improvement. What I have found most valuable is that my training has not been limited to legal principles, but has also included client management and drafting advises/agreements to address client needs.
8. What hours do you generally work? What is expected?
I generally work the normal offices hours which are 8 to 6, but if there is work to do, then it is expected that you stay back until it's finished. How often that happens is dependant on the department that you are in.
9. How have you received feedback about your performance?
Yes, I constantly received feedback from my supervising partner on the areas of my work that need improvement or when I have done a good job.
10. How would you describe the culture and working environment within the firm?
It is a work orientated environment and there is a strong emphasis on producing quality work, but there is also a very strong Friday night drinks contingency.
11. What do you like most about working for the firm?
The team that I am in. I get along really well with my partner and my associates, which makes working a lot less like working.
12. What tips would you give to someone applying to your firm?
Be yourself. If you are at the interview stage, then it's just a question of whether you will fit into the firm. Drinking beer and watching football seem to always help.