1. What drew you to this firm?

Ashurst has the reputation of a top-tier law firm. Coming to Ashurst I knew that I would be involved in leading work for some of Australia's biggest and best clients. I also knew that I would be provided with the training and expertise needed to launch myself into a promising career.

However, what made me choose Ashurst over other top-tier law firms was the culture. Ashurst has a long standing reputation for being the "friendly firm". This rung true for me during my time as a vacation clerk and paralegal. Ashurst doesn't take itself too seriously and maintains a great balance between excellence on the one hand and enjoyment on the other. In my experience, not all law firms are as successful in achieving this balance, which is why I was drawn to Ashurst.

2. What areas have you worked in?

I did my vacation clerkship in Energy and Resources 4 (Land Access) and continued to work in that team as a paralegal for just over two years. I am currently in my first graduate rotation, and am rotating through Employment and Infrastructure (Employment 1).

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

In Land Access I was responsible for monitoring the native title claims that our clients were involved with, or had interests in. This required me to liaise with the Federal Court and generate quarterly claim reports to notify our clients of the progress of each of the claims. I was also involved in a large native title trial, preparing for, attending and assisting counsel in relation to the hearing of expert evidence. This was an exciting experience and a great learning curve.

Working in the Employment team has exposed me to a great mix of front-end and back-end work. I have been involved in the drafting of workplace policies and in preparing for litigious matters. I have been exposed to many different areas of employment law including safety, surveillance and industrial relations. Currently I am involved in a very interesting pro-bono matter which may proceed to litigation.

4. Have you had much client contact?

With the support of partners and senior lawyers I have had a lot of client contact for someone at my level. I have participated in teleconferences and client meetings, and have interacted with clients socially at networking functions and dinners.

In late 2012 I was fortunate enough to be placed on secondment with an Energy & Resources client. I was seconded for just over two months and worked in their Communities team to develop a compliance register for their native title agreements. This opportunity gave me great exposure to the client and an understanding of their operations and expectations.

5. Have you been given much responsibility?

As both a paralegal and a graduate I have been given enough responsibility to challenge myself without feeling overwhelmed. I have been allocated small files of my own, but have always had the support and guidance of a partner or senior associate to help me through. Sometimes you are thrown in the deep end, but it is never sink or swim.

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

As a graduate, I am involved in an extensive training program.

In addition to the practical legal training that the graduates undertake as part of the College of Law program, the firm provides graduates with extensive IT and research skills training. This training is supplemented with ongoing legal and corporate skills seminars, which cover a range of topics including risk management, corporate communication and commerciality.

The knowledge imparted and the skills acquired through this training are invaluable, and will no doubt assist me in both my graduate year and beyond.

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

The hours that I work, or am expected to work, will vary depending on the quantity and urgency of the work that I have on. This will differ day to day and rotation to rotation. One of the good things about Ashurst is that there is no concept of "face-time". What's more, if you go the extra mile where required this is generally recognised by the partners and senior lawyers.

8. How have you received feedback about your performance?

Most of the feedback I have received has been informal. For example, upon completing a task I might be told that I have covered the issues well, or that I need to consider a particular issue in more detail. Formal performance appraisals are scheduled at the end of each rotation. These involve a self-evaluation, a partner-evaluation and a graduate-partner discussion.

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

I would describe the firm culture as a balance between excellence and enjoyment. The firm is known for being the friendly firm of the terrace, and it lives up to this reputation. The firm is professional without taking itself too seriously. The people that work here are not only excellent at what they do, they are also a lot of fun to have a drink with on a Friday night.

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

The aspects which initially drew me to Ashurst continue to be what I like most about working for the firm. That is, the culture, the people, the work, the clients and the opportunities.

Working at Ashurst I know that I am developing the legal and commercial skills of a top-tier lawyer. I have access to excellent training and support, I get to work for some of Australia's biggest corporate clients, and I am provided with opportunities to challenge myself. What's more, I like actually like coming to work. I work with great people in a corporate environment that is professional, collegial and enjoyable.

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

I would give three main tips:

1. Showcase yourself. Think about what skills you have to offer and what makes you stand out from others, then convey this to the firm.
   
2. Do your research. Ashurst has some great clients and exciting opportunities for young lawyers. Take your time to study the firm and consider why you want to work for Ashurst.
   
3. Above all, be yourself. It is important to find the right firm for you.