1. What drew you to this firm?

At first I was drawn to Ashurst's genuine commitment to becoming a global law firm and joining a larger network of fully integrated firms. Once I had begun the recruitment process, I was attracted to Ashurst because despite being a large firm, I always felt as though I was being recognised for the individual qualities I could bring to the various teams within the firm.

2. What areas have you worked in?

I completed two rotations as a summer clerk. My first rotation was with the Construction & Infrastructure group, and my second rotation was with the Energy and Resources group. Currently I am working as a paralegal in the Dispute Resolution group before returning to the firm as a Graduate in 2014.

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

In the Construction & Infrastructure group I assisted in reviewing a contract based on detailed instructions agreed between the partner and client. I also assisted in a number of tenders and was able to gain insight into the collaborative effort that goes into competing for work. In my Energy & Resources rotation, I worked on a piece of compulsory acquisition litigation as well as a criminal prosecution against a client for a pollution offence.

4. What clients have you done work for?

Some of the clients I have done work for include Samsung (on the various Apple v Samsung proceedings), the Roads & Maritime Services (RMS) and Eraring Energy.

5. Have you had much client contact?

In the Construction & Infrastructure group I was invited to both face to face meetings and encouraged to sit in on teleconferences with clients to understand how matters are managed from a client relationship perspective.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

The level of responsibility depends on the size and urgency of the matter. Often it is with larger matters, where there is less time for oversight, that a partner will rely on you more to get the job done. It is very rewarding to take on extra responsibility and have a partner be appreciative of your efforts when they receive positive feedback on your work from the client.

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

I have experienced an enormous variety of training – everything from basic operational and technical training, to practice specific skills such as mediation skills and an understanding of construction contracts. Ashurst also encourages its junior lawyers to have an understanding of market forces and major deals. They facilitate this awareness through peer-to-peer learning where the graduates run a commercially based series of presentations to keep you up to date with current events in the market.

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

As a summer clerk I worked between 8:30am and 6:00pm on most days, occasionally staying back until 7:30-8:00pm where I wanted to put in an extra effort on a piece of work. Once in a while it may be expected that you stay back, but this is only where there is a tight deadline and it is a team effort with all hands on deck to deliver the work.

9. How have you received feedback about your performance?

As a summer clerk you receive formal feedback at the end of each rotation and sit down with your partner to discuss how you have been going. There is also informal feedback provided throughout the clerkship over casual coffees or through a discussion following the completion of a piece of work on a matter.

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

Ashurst prides itself on being a global law firm with top national and international clients. For this reason it maintains a culture of professionalism towards work, but also recognises that every matter is a team effort. There is a genuine perception that people who are friendly and interact well socially also make better colleagues and produce a higher standard of work which is why Ashurst remains inclusive in its attitude to all facets of working life.

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

I like that when you are working for Ashurst there is a genuine interest in your future no matter what level you are at in your career. With plenty of people who are recognised as being specialist leaders in their practice areas, there is a feeling that you only need to ask and someone will take you under their wing. This is a great feeling when you are just starting out in your career.

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

Think carefully about the attributes you might bring to individual teams within the firm. No one will expect you to be an expert, so what you bring may not necessarily be a technical skill, but rather an attitude which demonstrates you are enthusiastic and genuinely interested in the area of law and its implications socially or in a business context.

13. Any other comments?

Whilst it is good to know which firms you may be interested in, it is important to still keep an open mind. Sometimes it is the gut feeling you get following an interview or a particular event that can shape your perception and lead you in the right direction.