To apply for a clerkship at Allens, you will need to complete an online application. This involves submitting your documents (i.e. your CV, resume, academic transcript and other supporting documents) and completing an online strengths-based assessment. You will also have the option to complete an optional diversity assessment.
Here are our tips for navigating this first step:
Do your research and decide where you want to apply for a clerkship: Start researching and gathering information on different firms as early as possible. You can attend events hosted by your law students' society where you can meet firm reps, attend events hosted by firms (e.g. Explore Allens), browse their website, follow them on LinkedIn or check out additional resources on offer (e.g. Life at Allens, Allens Confidential). This will give you a feel for the culture and the people that work at each firm.
Make a shortlist: Write a list of the firms you'll be applying to and the requirements of each application to help you manage your time. Each firm will have a slightly different process (i.e. online assessments that can take a few hours) as well as different dates for interviews/cocktail nights.
Gathering your documents: Be prepared ahead of time! We suggest gathering all of the documents you need to complete the application before starting your online application.
Your online application: You don't need legal experience to get a clerkship offer. A strong application is one that uses any type of work experience (whether in hospitality, retail or otherwise) to showcase the transferrable skills and attributes that we are looking for in a clerk and young lawyer. Hint: One of those is attention to detail! Proofread…proofread…proofread (and then get others to proofread again!)!
You can also check out our top tips for writing your CV and cover letter here.
If your application progresses to the next stage, you'll be invited to an interview and our flagship event: 'Allens Insider Access'.
Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth have a one-round interview process. Sydney has two interviews, as they offer a longer clerkship program. In Sydney, there is also one final cocktail event after the second interview where you can reconnect with the people you’ve met along the way, including your interview buddy!
Here's our tips for putting your best foot forward during the interview process.
Insider Access Event: Spend time beforehand preparing an "action plan" to help you get the most out of the event – for example, are there certain people you know will be attending that you would like to speak to? Are there certain questions you would like to ask/information you would like to find out before your interview? Having a goal/action plan, particularly when there's a networking component, can help with your confidence going into the event, help ensure you have meaningful conversations, and allow you to leave the event with a clear idea of whether this is the right firm for you. Hint: Don't be late and don't be too early! 5 - 10 mins before the start time is perfect.
The interview: Interviews are not designed to 'trick you'. They are a two-way conversation where we get to know you, and you get to know us. Do your research (i.e. big matters we're working on at the moment, our values) and come prepared with some thoughtful questions (that couldn't otherwise be answered by looking at our website!). Hint: Always accept a drink of water. It will give you time to think about response to a question as you take a sip!
Buddy catch up: Your buddy is there to help you through the application process. They are not secretly assessing you! We encourage you to bring your curiosity to the conversation by asking lots of questions and learn from their experience as a junior lawyer – they've only recently been in your shoes!
After interviews comes clerkship offer day! On this day, you'll learn the outcome of your application and interview. Usually, offers will be made in the morning and you'll have a deadline by when you'll need to formally accept.
Offer day can be a melting pot of nerves, excitement, disappointment and deliberation (from both the candidates and the Early Careers team!). Here are some tips for before and after offer day.
Clerkship offer day: If you have interviewed at multiple firms, you may receive multiple offers. Spend time before offer day preparing a list of where you would most like to work as a clerk (and a grad down the track) and why to help with your decision making on what can often be a very stressful day.
After clerkship offer day: Try not to be disheartened by rejection. It doesn't define you as a law student nor is it indicative of your suitability for a career in commercial law – there are so many other pathways. Be kind to yourself!
After you have completed a clerkship, you are eligible to be considered for a graduate offer. While you'll need to express an interest in our Graduate Program following your clerkship, you do not need to formally apply for a graduate role.
Here are some ways to prepare before graduate offer day:
Mark your calendar: All Allens offices adhere to the relevant Law society/institute and firm agreed dates, so make sure you mark your calendar for offer day!
Make a list: Think about where you have clerked and make a list of reasons for joining each firm as a graduate, if offered. Consider ranking your top firm(s) so that come offer day, you are less overwhelmed with the options and know you are making an informed decision. At Allens, we are always happy to talk through processes and/or answer your questions, so please don't hesitate to get in touch ahead of offer day to have your questions answered before making a decision. We appreciate it is a big decision and want to assist where possible.
We hope the above provides you with an insight into one of the pathways from student to clerk to Allens Graduate. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected]. Keep an eye on our Graduates - Allens page for upcoming opportunities and further information. Good luck!