By Anouscha Green, 2021/22 Summer Clerk
I undertook an eight-week clerkship at Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF), rotating through the Litigation & Disputes and Projects & Construction teams. I found it to be the perfect combination of challenging, educational, social and insightful experiences. This comparatively longer clerkship allowed me to develop a solid understanding of NRF as a firm, its culture and the breadth of work it undertakes. I found everyone – from graduates right up to the partners – incredibly down to earth and always willing to check in and have a chat.
During my Dispute Resolution and Litigation rotation, I completed a wide range of tasks that exposed me to the large-scale litigation and arbitration matters undertaken by this practice area. I was included in barrister meetings by taking minutes and encouraged to develop my legal research and writing skills by presenting research articles and case summaries to national litigation and arbitration teams. A highlight during this rotation included my research note on modern slavery being circulated throughout our Australian offices.
Following the Christmas break, my Projects & Construction rotation was invaluable in developing my commercial practice and collaboration skills. I assisted drafting provisions in shareholders agreements, editing commercial documents, taking minutes during client meetings and reviewing clients’ contractual amendments. Feedback was plentiful and helpful, and it was a great feeling knowing that the work I undertook contributed directly to the progression of clients’ matters.
Admittedly, I was mildly terrified heading into this clerkship. University life felt worlds away from a global commercial law firm. Thankfully, NRF ensured we were gently eased into the corporate world. We were encouraged to ask questions, seek and provide feedback and adopt our respective practice areas’ quirky traditions to ensure we felt as though we were truly part of the team (can’t forget 3pm tea-time in the Projects and Corporate teams). All staff members were so welcoming and inclusive, and I was given every learning opportunity that I expressed interest in. Although the firm provides clerks with a ‘graduate buddy’, I found this label did not limit the extent of the support I received from lawyers of all levels across the firm.
Some highlights through the program include organising the ‘Office Olympics’ charity event, with all proceeds donated to the Wungening Aboriginal Corporation. As a clerk-hosted event, it was a fantastic bonding opportunity and engaged my communication and time-management skills outside my practice areas. I also really enjoyed the Pro Bono task, undertaken in conjunction with other clerks nationally. Beyond giving us a chance to mix with our potential future graduate cohort, it allowed me to undertake meaningful client work in the realm of climate change and present my findings to NRF lawyers across the country.
My advice to future NRF clerks includes the following:
Be proactive.
This starts with your application and flows into your clerkship itself. During the application process, peruse NRF’s website and LinkedIn for key matters that the firm and your interviewer have recently been involved with. A proactive approach benefits your clerkship experience, as lawyers will be eager for your assistance on any matter or piece of work that you demonstrate enthusiasm in.
Be yourself.
An eight-week clerkship teaches you a lot about the firm and yourself, and you won’t know if you enjoy the fit of the firm (and vice versa) unless you bring your true self to the office every day. I love meeting people and ensured I greeted everyone with a smile and initiated conversation where appropriate.
Ask questions.
I admit I was nervous to do this in my first week, but it benefits both your learning and the progression of a client’s matter to ensure you are fully across all aspects of your task before delving into work. Everyone understands that you may be brand new to a global commercial law firm and they are always happy to help you out and point you in the right direction.
Ultimately, you get as much out of this clerkship experience as you put in, so give it your best.
Good luck!