SYDNEY OFFICE

1. What drew you to this firm?

Sparke Helmore appealed to me because the firm has a genuine commitment to the development of legal careers. The focus on organic growth is particularly exciting for a young lawyer wishing to progress their career. The firm provides staff with a stimulating and rewarding legal environment in which to develop essential legal skills as well as the 'soft skills' necessary for further career development.

It also just "felt right" which is difficult to describe but impossible for a firm to manufacture!

2. What areas have you worked in?

As part of the Graduate Rotation Program in Sydney, I have worked for 6 months each in the CTP/Major Claims and Administrative Law practice groups. I am currently working in the firm's Corporate and Commercial Group.

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

Where to begin?! In the past year I have been responsible for drafting Court forms and briefing Counsel, assisting with advices, preparing research papers and other legal documents to assist senior lawyers. I have also appeared in the Federal Magistrates Court and the District Court and have attended Court in appellate matters.

4. What clients have you done work for?

NRMA, Allianz Australia, AAMI, Suncorp, Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, DFAT, St.George Bank and AV Jennings among others.

5. Have you had much client contact?

My experiences in the CTP/Major Claims and Banking and Corporate and Commercial practice groups have provided me with the most client contact. This has occurred formally through correspondence and jointly attending Court as well as informally, such as at social functions and training seminars. I had slightly less client contact in the Administrative Law practice group due to the particular sensitivities of Commonwealth clients.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

The level of responsibility offered to graduates was one of the things that originally drew me to Sparke Helmore. My experience has been that Sparke Helmore is a firm that makes good on its promise to afford young lawyers appropriate responsibility at an early stage in their legal careers while at the same time providing regular and constructive supervision.

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

Apart from Sparke Helmore's national induction training, I have attended various legal education seminars within the firm and have recently completed a junior lawyer development program during my Administrative Law rotation. I have also been provided with regular training in support services such as dictation, precedents and managing documents. Specific training is also available on request.

8. How have you received feedback about your performance?

In addition to formal 6-monthly performance development reviews, I have received regular feedback during the course of daily tasks as part of the supervisory role undertaken by senior lawyers. I meet with my supervisor informally but regularly to track my progress within the practice group.

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

Sparke Helmore is a vibrant and dynamic place to work. My experience has been that it is a true meritocracy, where hard work and productivity are valued above slavishly long hours merely for the sake of it. Employees are approachable, friendly and keen to assist others to achieve the best outcomes for clients and the Firm generally.

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

I most appreciate my good-natured colleagues and being entrusted with tasks that will further my legal career rather than merely being an invisible cog in the wheel of a large corporate legal practice.

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

Do your research - know what it is about Sparke Helmore that appeals to you. All firms pride themselves on subtly different values and objectives. More importantly, know and be able to communicate concisely why you should appeal to Sparke Helmore!

Choose a firm for the right reasons - you will get the most out of a firm in which your skills and ambitions are aligned with those of the firm. Make sure Sparke Helmore is a firm that suits you and not just the other way around.

12. Any other comments?

If the idea of practicing law and working with some of Australia's leading lawyers in a friendly and mutually rewarding environment for some of Australia's largest corporate clients, sounds interesting, Sparke Helmore may well be the firm for you.

NEWCASTLE OFFICE

1. What drew you to this firm?

Initially it was the size and reputation of Sparke Helmore that drew my attention to the firm. Sparke's Summer Clerkship program offered me the best of both worlds - the opportunity to kick-start my career in a national law firm that is continually expanding over a wide range of practice groups, whilst being able to enjoy the great lifestyle that Newcastle offers.

2. What areas have you worked in?

As a Summer Clerk in the Newcastle office I worked for 10 weeks in the Property Development and Infrastructure practice group. I found that being in one group for the duration of my clerkship allowed me to monitor the progress of some matters from start to finish. Also, I felt I learnt more about the practice group and really became part of the team.

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

I prepared numerous research papers which has enhanced my competency to perform legal research. This practical experience has been extremely valuable throughout my final year of studies at University. I was also responsible for attending property settlements, preparing liquor licence applications, drafting advices and other documents, including lease agreements, sale contracts and disclosure statements.

4. Have you had much client contact?

I was really impressed with the hands-on exposure I received as a summer clerk. I attended meetings and scheduled appointments with solicitors and was constantly speaking on the telephone with clients. My experience as a summer clerk enhanced my relationship building skills as I developed a confidence in speaking with many different types of people within the community.

5. Have you been given much responsibility?

I was given responsibilities from the very beginning of my clerkship. I regularly attended property settlements on behalf of my group and managed numerous liquor licence applications. Sparke Helmore assigns an appropriate level of responsibility to staff at all levels while providing regular and constructive supervision.

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

My clerkship began with thorough training in all of the systems and programs that I was required to use. I also received hands-on library training which was extremely useful when tackling research tasks. I was provided with ongoing training in support services including precedents, managing documents, editing and reviewing.

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

Sparkes offers a truly unique culture. The emphasis placed on working as a team was evident within the Newcastle office, as well as through their integrated 'one-firm' approach across all national offices. All employees are approachable and are willing to help, even if they are not supervising your work. The key objective at Sparkes is to produce the best results for the firm, not for the individual.

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

My most memorable experiences at Sparke Helmore are attributable to the people and culture of the firm. I felt like I was part of the team from Day One - when I was given an invitation to Sparkes' annual Christmas party. Everybody at Sparkes is very friendly and goes out of their way make your journey a comfortable one. The true 'open door policy' really makes Sparkes shine.

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

It is your future - You must be happy and comfortable in your working environment so when you are applying to different firms make sure you choose the firm because it is where you really want to work.

Research the firm - What is it that has really attracted you to the firm? Make sure your values and ambitions are aligned with those of the firm. Your application must create a great first impression. Be clear, concise and most importantly - be yourself.