Our Summer Clerkship Program provides you with a genuine insight into life at Baker & McKenzie - our work, our people, our development opportunities and our culture.
In Melbourne, we offer two Summer Clerkship Programs. The first runs from late November to December (for four weeks) and the second runs from late January to February (for four weeks). In 2016, we are looking for approximately 20 Clerks in total (with approximately 10 Clerks in each intake).
We consult with our Summer Clerks before they commence to understand if there are any practice groups which they would like to experience. We structure their placements according to these preferences where possible. Summer Clerks will complete a placement in one of our specialist areas but are encouraged to seek out work from other practice groups.
In Melbourne, our key practice groups are:
- Banking & Finance
- Corporate (including Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity and Capital Markets)
- Commercial Real Estate
- Construction
- Dispute Resolution & Litigation
- Employment & Industrial Relations
- Energy Resources Infrastructure & Corporate
- Technology Communications & Commercial
We understand that the transition from university to law firm can be challenging so we provide you with a comprehensive induction program - with solid training on our systems and programs as well as professional development sessions designed specifically to help you get the most out of your experience and succeed as a Summer Clerk.
Throughout the Clerkship there are also a number of sessions run by our Partners and Associates, so that you can build your network, learn about our practices, clients and structure, and hear about our global training and work opportunities. There are also numerous social and professional development events to help you meet as many people as possible across the Firm - and experience our world-renowned culture of friendship. You will also have the exciting opportunity to have lunch with our National Managing Partner to learn more about our Firm and strategy.
Most importantly, you will experience the type of work our Graduates and junior lawyers experience - local, global and cross-border work - for market-leading local and global clients - where you will play a key role and work directly with, and be mentored by, our Partners and Associates. And throughout the process, you will be guided by your supervising Partner and Associate 'buddy'.
The majority of our Graduate positions are given to former Summer Clerks. We also offer our Summer Clerks the opportunity to undertake Research Clerk roles with our Firm. And if you accept a Graduate position us, you will be eligible to apply for our unique International Clerkship program - with the opportunity to work for four weeks in one of our overseas offices.
Find out more about life as a Summer Clerk
Find our more about life as a International Clerk
What do we look for in our Clerks?
At Baker & McKenzie, we look for well-rounded, motivated individuals - who share our global perspective; who are intellectually curious and have sound academics; who display business acumen and are practical in their approach; who enjoy a challenge and seek new opportunities; who like taking responsibility and getting things done; who express themselves confidently while staying open to new ideas; who strive to provide excellent service to their clients; and who seek a friendly and inclusive culture that encourages making a difference to our local and global communities.
We also pride ourselves on having a diverse range of people - each of whom has something unique to offer - so there is no specific "type" of person we look for.
Finally, and most importantly, we look for people who genuinely want to work with us and who understand Baker & McKenzie's unique offering and unique position in the market.
Application process
To be eligible for a 2016/2017 Summer Clerkship position with Baker & McKenzie, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or have the right to work in a full-time role in Australia from November to December 2016 or January to February 2017. You must also be enrolled in a law degree or equivalent which will qualify you for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.
At Baker & McKenzie, our Clerkship Program is primarily aimed at students in the penultimate year of their law degree, however, students in their final year may also be considered. Graduate offers will be made after the Clerkship to those who meet our performance criteria, for commencement in 2018.
Applications will open at 9.00am on Monday, 11 July 2016 and close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 14 August 2016. Offers for the Summer Clerkship Program will be made from 10.00am on Tuesday, 11 October 2016. Baker & McKenzie Melbourne is a signatory to the LIV Seasonal Clerkship Guidelines 2016.
All applications should be addressed to Natalie Mascarenhas, Talent Management Consultant, and should include a cover letter, as well as details of your work experience, extra-curricular activities, interests, and academic results. We do not require you to upload your CV, as the information from your CV is used to respond to the areas above.
Candidates will attend one interview and will also be invited to an Information Evening and Cocktail Event on Tuesday, 6 September 2016, which will be attended by Partners and Associates so that you can meet as many people from our firm as possible.
For more information on our Melbourne Summer Clerkship Program, please contact Natalie Mascarenhas, Talent Management Consultant, on +61 3 9617 4349
or Email: Natalie Mascarenhas.
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