1. What drew you to this firm?

There were two things that drew me into JWS: firstly it was how overwhelmingly friendly and vivacious everyone in the firm is; and secondly, on a professional development level, the 1:1 leverage structure meant that I was and will continue to be exposed to meaningful work directly from a partner, immediately.

2. What areas have you worked in?

competition, intellectual property, information & technology, media, litigation (taxation, corporate & civil litigation), property

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

research, drafting letters and memorandum of findings, discovery, transaction bibles, attend client meetings, attend court dates, compilation of court documents, contracts review, review of advertisements

4. What clients have you done work for?

JWS acts for domestic and international clients in their most strategic, complex and demanding transactions and disputes. I've worked on matters for major international companies including Qantas and Unilever. It was great to contribute to the firm's involvement in the restructure of Centro, one of the most complex transactions ever attempted in Australia.

5. Have you had much client contact?

A fair bit for someone of my level; I have been involved in client meetings, sent emails to clients on behalf of partners and speak directly with clients. Often I am asked to draft simple 'fact sheets' or 'guidelines' for clients on their legal obligations for certain issues i.e. their obligations under their existing patent/trademark. At the moment, I am on secondment at a client's office therefore having daily interaction with the client.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

Yes - due to the 1:1 leverage structure at JWS, I am given a lot of ownership and responsibility for all my tasks. Especially as almost all of my work goes directly to the partner in charge (and in turn the client).

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

CLE sessions are very frequent at JWS. The sessions help keep us up to date on current legal issues and introduce us to new areas of law that we are not familiar with.

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

9-6pm (Only as I dislike catching the train at 5 in the middle of peak hour). 9-5pm are the expected hours.

9. How have you received feedback about your performance?

I am provided constant feedback on every piece of work I produce - JWS is all about helping you become the best lawyer you can be, so the partners are all concious about the fact that we are constantly learning and are continually providing feedback so that we could grow from our experiences with them.

Formally, there is a performance review once a year.

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

Friendly, supportive and all about nurturing their lawyers. The whole firm is about helping each individual lawyer become the best practioner they can be. At JWS, there is no mould; it is all about making you perform at your individual best and finding out what is best for you.

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

I love the work I get given, everything I do is important and valuable. But most of all, I love the people I work with and how friendly and supportive the whole firm is.

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

I know this sounds trite but just be yourself. At JWS, everyone has their own unique personality and it is all about showing JWS what kind of individual you personally are, as we all know that you are smart and capable for the job.

13. Any other comments?

Good luck !