1. What drew you to this firm?

K&L Gates, and its predecessor firm Middletons, has always had an exceptional reputation in the legal community as a high quality firm with a great culture. This is what prompted me to apply initially. After my first interview at the firm, I was drawn to the friendly atmosphere and the investment the firm makes in the professional and personal development of its staff.

2. What areas have you worked in?

I am currently completing my first rotation in the corporate and transactional team.

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

So far I have assisted with:

• A sale of a business for a non-profit organisation
• Advising clients on issues relating to corporate governance
• Advising commercial clients with respect to securities over personal property
• Incorporation of a foreign company subsidiary in Australia

4. What clients have you done work for?

Non-profit clients, banks and overseas and local companies.

5. Have you had much client contact?

I have participated in two meetings with clients. The first was an initial meeting relating to an intellectual property issue which I attended with my supervising partner in my first week. The second was a meeting with a long-term client to discuss their position under the PPSA, which I attended with my supervising partner and senior associate.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

The partners and senior associates at K&L Gates are excellent at providing me with challenging work. I have had to complete research and draft memos which are sent out to the client the same day, which can be a bit daunting. But even when I'm thrown in the deep end, it is always with a huge amount of support and guidance. If you approach each task you're given with enthusiasm and you do quality work, it pays off instantly as you'll get more challenging work.

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

I don't know where to begin! K&L Gates take the training of their graduates extremely seriously and invest a lot of time and money into it. We've had training on pretty much every aspect of being a lawyer: research, drafting, HR, finance, quality standards and risk management. In addition to that, I'm also enrolled at the College of Law for Practical Legal Training (PLT). The firm is very supportive and understanding of PLT commitments.

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

I generally arrive at work at around 8am and leave at 6pm. As a graduate there is no pressure to work beyond that. You might have to stay back later on the rare occasion if there is urgent work to complete, but if you've finished all your work earlier and your partner isn't expecting anything else to be completed by you for the day, you can go home. This isn't a firm where people hang around until late just for show.

9. How have you received feedback about your performance?

I receive feedback (either oral or written) from my SA and partner after every task I complete. Either way, it's important to keep every amended draft so you can refer back to it. My partner and SA always ensure that if a letter or document I draft is amended, I get to see the final copy. This kind of feedback is invaluable.

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

Extremely friendly and energetic, but also professional and focussed on quality.

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

The interesting work and the friendly people.

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

Like all law firms, K&L Gates values intelligence and academic ability, but they're much more interested in you as a person. So make sure you include your interests and hobbies on your resume, and anything else that makes you stand out from the crowd, no matter how obscure! I guarantee that the people who interview you will be interested to know more about you as an individual.

13. Any other comments?

As cliché as it sounds, if you do get an interview, be yourself! Don't be afraid to show your personality to the interviewers – they've already read your resume along with hundreds of others, so give them a reason to remember you.