Clerkships

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Vacation Clerkships - A Students' Perspective

While not quite rivalling the excitement levels of an overseas trip or a surfing pilgrimage to the coast, a vacation clerkship is a valuable and rewarding way to spend a couple of weeks during the holidays.

Why Do a Clerkship?

The most important thing I learnt at my first vacation clerkship was that there is a big difference between the study and the practice of law, and I'm not just talking about having to wear a suit. Vacation clerkships are a great opportunity to see how a law firm operates in terms of the type of work done and the firm's culture. The work is challenging and diverse, but most importantly involves real issues. It also gives you the chance to meet and make friends with students from other universities.

What Does a Vacation Clerk Do?

The first day of the clerkship is always the busiest. It often involves a welcome and introduction to the firm, tour of the office, talk from the staff partner, and general administration to learn e.g. telephone procedures and the use of the computer system. Each clerk is assigned to a buddy. He or she is usually an articled clerk who looks after you during the clerkship. Buddies know all the important things about the firm, such as how to pass the front desk undetected with the conference room biscuits. Most firms put on either a morning tea or lunch on the first day where you meet the buddies, other articled clerks and even some partners.

A typical day in the life of a vacation clerk involves working in your section and attending scheduled information sessions, training or tours. The work varies from group to group. Most clerks do a lot of research, but I have also attended client meetings, drafted letters of advice, and sat in on court sessions and video conferences. Some firms allow their vacation clerks to attend lunchtime workgroup meetings.

The Perks

Work experience is not just all about work - the experiences they offer are excellent. Most firms have Friday night drinks, which is a great way to socialise with people outside your section. I have also had meals at lovely restaurants, barbecues and breakfasts. Summer clerks are often invited to the firm Christmas parties. I have boogied to the early hours at a seventies disco party, sipped champagne on a boat trip and even attended the "Oscars"! Most importantly, the social side of the clerkships allows interaction in a non-office environment. The social events of the firms I've been to have taught me that the firms in Brisbane definitely know how to have fun.

Tips for Success

1. Do Some Homework on the Firms
   Find out and target the firms which do the work that interests you the most. A clerkship at a corporate firm will not help to work your way into criminal law. The careers office and law library have resources which can assist. Check out the firms' web sites and attend the careers events organised at uni early in the first semester. Remember that you are giving up valuable holiday time, so it should be beneficial.
2. Respect Your Co-workers
   The best attitude to have when working anywhere is to treat everyone with respect and courtesy. Whether it concerns the content of a research memo or how to use the photocopier's copylog, everyone knows more than you do. A smile and good manners are always well received.
3. Ask Questions
   Talk to people and ask questions about the firm and working life. Articled clerks are your best source of information. They've been through everything before, from train derailments on the way to interviews to learning to survive without daytime TV (though a few will admit to taping it).
4. Relax and Be Yourself
   The more comfortable you are, the better you will work and the more you will enjoy the clerkship. A vacation clerkship is a great way to make new friends, and you'll find them a mutual support group during your stay at the firm.

Vacation clerkships allow students a glimpse of what life will be like after law school. They can be very rewarding if you show initiative and are practical, as many firms offer casual work to their former vacation clerks.

From my experiences, I would recommend a clerkship to anyone.

Jacki Cremer

Reprinted from the QUTLA Careers Handbook 2000