Work Experience

Work experience (while unpaid) does allow you to gain an insight into the workings of a law firm and also demonstrates your ability to manage your time between studies and personal activities. Bond Law School has dedicated members of staff who can help you find a work experience position. You should also make your own enquiries to firms that you may have targeted and see if they have opportunities for you to consider. Some of the benefits of doing some form of work experience are that you get an idea of how a law firm operates, you’ll meet new people and expand your network, you will get an idea of law practice and if it is really for you, and most importantly, you’ll learn a lot! Students tend to want some sort of experience before applying for a clerkship or graduate program. The problem is trying to find the time! Semester breaks are sufficient to gain a ‘glimpse’ of life in a law firm. However, you may wish to consider working for a firm one or two days a week for a whole semester. Before you send out your application for work experience, stop and think about:

• Who you are and what you can offer a firm?
• What skills you have?
• Do you have additional languages?
• What time commitment can you offer? What areas of law interest you?

Be truthful with yourself about these questions. Don’t apply to a firm that is an hour away unless you are truly committed to travelling that distance. Don’t tell a firm that you can work three days per week and then consistently ask for time away due to studies. Do examine a firm’s website to gain an insight into their business to make sure you fit what they may be looking for and equally that they fit your expectations. Be able to demonstrate that you know their business. Just remember, don’t stretch yourself too far and neglect your studies!

Your roles may include research, drafting documents, organising files, and sometimes even making the coffee! These types of positions are generally found in small to medium sized firms and can be arranged by calling the firm, introducing yourself and asking if there is an opportunity to be involved. When making the phone call, be prepared for rejection more than acceptance. It is important that you do not say that you have more skills or experience than you do when seeking work experience. Also, law firms are places of business and you must respect that. You will most likely learn a lot and get a much better idea of how the law works ‘in the real world’ and is an invaluable experience.

Clerkships

Most of the medium and large sized law firms offer clerkships once or twice a year. Generally, clerkships last between two to four weeks and are best conducted (for Bond students) during the December/January period. Each firm will have information about their clerkships on their websites. Alternatively visit www.cvmail.com.au for firm information and closing dates. Make sure you check them out and get your application forms in on time! The duties you perform during a clerkship are varied and can depend largely on the firm you are conducting your clerkship with. Some duties will be related to legal work, others may involve general office duties, however if you show you are keen and motivated to assist, then you are likely to be remembered. More often than not, those students who are accepted on a clerkship program are offered a graduate position at the firm once they finish their degree. So, it is very important that you research the firms that you want to work for and try to get a place on the clerkship program.

International experience

The Faculty of Law at Bond University is fortunate enough to have developed close relationships with a number of international Law Schools which enables Bond Law students the opportunity to travel overseas to study through an international exchange program. We also have contacts in a number of international law firms who provide international internship opportunities each year to selected Bond Law students. Requests for applications and further information can be made via Graduate Development staff.

Paralegal / Law Clerk (part time)

Some firms employ law students as Paralegals or Law Clerks 1-2 days per week. You could be involved in tasks such as legal research, putting together briefs to counsel, document scanning, writing basic correspondence, delivering documents and attending court etc.

Part-time or Casual Work placement

Having a paid job at uni doesn’t just help your cashflow, it looks good on your resume as it shows you have other interests outside your studies and experience in a working environment. It doesn’t really matter where you work - you may even want to consider working at the library, or doing research work for Bond staff members.

Volunteering

Consider volunteering through a Community Legal Program where practitioners give their time for free and give advice to members of the community. Examples include Caxton Legal Centre, Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS) and the Innocence Project. The Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House (QPILCH) runs an administrative law clinic as a Bond elective subject. Here you will be researching a case and writing submissions on behalf of QPILCH. Other options to consider are working for charities or other community organisations.