Summer clerks
Allens Arthur Robinson offers a summer clerkship that understands that people who love the law also love other things. We want smart, interesting people to join Allens Arthur Robinson as summer clerks, and we know that smart, interesting people often have many varied commitments in their lives. Whether it be participating in an international mooting competition, enjoying the challenge of study abroad, undertaking charity work or perhaps taking some time out to spend with family and friends, Allens Arthur Robinson wants you to be able to realise your full potential in all areas of your life. The Allens Arthur Robinson clerkship options have been designed to allow you to manage this. Options for summer clerks are as follows:
The Long Clerkship – Experience two departmental rotations
Commences each year in late November and runs through to mid February.
The Short Clerkship – Experience one departmental rotation
Commences each year in late November or early January (total of
approximately five weeks)
A summer clerkship is an excellent way to gain a first-hand understanding of Allens Arthur Robinson, what we do on a day-to-day basis and what makes us such an amazing firm.
We recruit summer clerks from universities across Australia and also consider applicants from international universities where they have appropriate eligibility to work in Australia. The program runs from November to February each year and coincides with most university holidays.
You should have between two and four semesters to complete on 30 June of the year of your application. All dates in relation to the recruitment of summer clerks are in line with the guidelines set out in the Summer Clerkship and Graduate Employment Scheme for NSW.
Summer clerkship recruitment calendar
| 2010 | |
|---|---|
| 30 June | Applications open |
| 30 July | Applications close |
| 30 August | Interviews commence |
| 8 October | Offers made |
| 12 October | Offers must be accepted/declined |
| Late November | Summer clerks commence |
Summer clerks – the people we look for
Imagination. Interests. Intelligence.
We are looking for people who share our commitment to excellence and people who want to give their legal career the best possible start. Strong academic performance is important, but so is your ability to think laterally, be flexible, see the bigger picture, work as part of a team and treat others as you would expect to be treated yourself.
We pride ourselves on providing our clients with superior service and our culture places a high value on professionalism, integrity and individuality. We employ highly competent and creative people who strive to be experts and specialists in their field. Our desire to maintain considerable technical expertise means we encourage a culture that supports the ongoing training and development of our people.
Allens Arthur Robinson is a firm of individuals, a firm that celebrates and respects diversity of interests. Our broad range of clients reflects our attraction to people with different experiences and backgrounds. Your unique attributes could be a vital ingredient of one of our successful teams. We want people who want to excel and fulfil their potential. Most of all, we want people who want to work at Allens Arthur Robinson.
Summer clerks – FAQs
Why is Allens Arthur Robinson offering a more flexible style of summer clerkship?
As you would know, Sydney firms have traditionally offered one long summer clerkship. This has worked well, but has not provided students with much flexibility. We want to change that. We understand that many of you have lots of other opportunities available to you over summer - everything from international mooting competitions and study abroad to volunteer work and spending time with family and friends who often come together at this time. We believe our approach gives you choices.
What can I expect from the summer clerkship?
As a summer clerk, you will work with our lawyers as a valued member of a legal team. You will participate in an orientation program, including library and research courses, skills development seminars, Continuing Legal Education seminars, departmental and practice group meetings and performance reviews. You will have the opportunity to participate in pro bono work and to visit the Sydney Children's Hospital, where we fund a Neurological Fellowship that enables comprehensive training for doctors in paediatric neurology. There is also a more social aspect to the program, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy getting to know the other summer clerks.
Will I be able to join a department of interest to me?
We ask you to nominate five practice group preferences and, in most cases, are able to place you in one of your preferred areas. You should make your interests clear in your application.
Who will I work with during the clerkship?
You will be supervised by partners and lawyers during your clerkship and will be allocated a supervisor and 'buddy' to assist you with settling into Allens Arthur Robinson. Where possible, we also ensure you have client contact by attending meetings or court.
If I choose to take up a short clerkship, will I limit my chances of obtaining a graduate offer?
Absolutely not. The new clerkship options are not about limiting your chances of securing a graduate position with the firm. Rather, we genuinely want to provide you with the option of balancing the clerkship with other opportunities that might be available to you. We recruit all our summer clerks with the view that they will be our future graduates.
How to apply – Summer clerks
Applications for a 2010/11 summer clerkship are now closed.
Who to contact – Summer clerks
For further details on the summer clerk program, contact:
Claire Bourke
Graduate Resourcing & Development Consultant
GPO Box 50
Sydney NSW 2001
Claire.Bourke@aar.com.au
Paralegals
From time to time we have positions that become available for paralegals. The opportunity to work in a large commercial law firm while undertaking your studies is both a challenging and rewarding experience. Assisting our lawyers on transactions, you may be required to research discrete areas of the law, contribute to advice work, draft statements or prepare other documentation.
We generally require you to work a minimum of two days per week, but we understand that your studies come first and we are able to offer flexibility in the days of the week that you work (also keeping in mind our business needs).
Paralegal positions in our Sydney office are open to any students enrolled in law degrees from third through to fifth year.
How to apply – Paralegals
To submit an 'expression of interest' for a paralegal position, please send us your covering letter, CV and academic transcript using our online application system. We will hold your application and will be in touch should a suitable position become available.
Who to contact – Paralegals
For further details concerning paralegal positions, contact:
Claire Bourke
Graduate Resourcing & Development Consultant
GPO Box 50
Sydney NSW 2001
Claire.Bourke@aar.com.au
