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What is the difference between an articled clerk, graduate, vacation clerk and rotator?
Articled clerk: A term used to describe a law graduate who was training to be admitted as a lawyer in Victoria and Western Australia. Recently, the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2008 came into effect and abolished Articles. Victorian and Western Australian graduates follow similar programs to the other states.
Graduates: A Graduate is someone who has completed their law degree and commenced full time work but is not yet admitted to practice.
Rotator: A rotator is a graduate or a lawyer completing a development program that involves spending time in different practice groups to broaden skills and experience.
Vacation clerks: A vacation clerk is a full time law student, usually near completion of their degree, who completes a work placement over a university break.
Does Minter Ellison offer vacation clerkships in all offices?
Minter Ellison offers vacation clerkships in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Enquires regarding international placements (London and Hong Kong) should be directed to Alice Ting at alice.ting@minterellison.com.
For information on vacation clerkships in New Zealand click here.
Will applications be accepted outside the application deadline?
No. In order be fair and consistent with all applicants we cannot accept applications outside the application deadline.
What social activities are available during a vacation clerkship program?
The clerkship program incorporates an active social calendar so you can have fun while mixing with the firm's graduates, lawyers and partners. Typical activities include sporting competitions, cocktail functions, trivia nights and the opportunity to attend practice group and client social functions. Occasionally functions are held with clerks from other firms.
Will I be paid as a vacation clerk?
Yes, you will be paid a competitive market rate. Salaries are reviewed closer to each clerkship intake.
Do you offer work experience, or internships outside the vacation clerkship program?
No. Work experience or internships are not offered to university students outside the vacation clerkship program.
Is paralegal work available?
Yes, although the number of positions depends on demand. In most cases, paralegal positions are filled by our high performing vacation clerks during their final year of university. Most paralegals work 1-2 days a week, although some work up to 4 days a week. From time to time additional paralegal positions become available so it is a good idea to keep checking the website.
If I get a vacation clerkship, will I get a graduate offer?
Clerkship programs are our most important recruitment activity and generally, we only consider graduate applications from people who have completed a vacation clerkship with the firm. While an offer of full time employment is not guaranteed, we often offer graduate positions to those who have performed well during their clerkship, are enthusiastic about a career in private practice, and are a good fit with our firm culture.
If I complete a vacation clerkship, do I need to submit a further application for a graduate position?
In general vacation clerks do not need to submit a separate online application for graduate positions, although an updated academic transcript or resume may be required. Your HR consultant will discuss your options and how to apply for graduate positions during the course of your clerkship.
Can I defer my vacation clerkship?
Only in exceptional circumstances will you be able to defer your vacation clerkship.
Can I defer my start date as a graduate?
Requests to defer a graduate position will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Many graduates are interested in pursuing a judge's associateship, travel or a personal interest before starting with us full time and we try to support those interests. If an offer of employment is made, we are always happy to discuss your future plans and provide you with tips and advice where possible. Please advise your HR consultant as soon as possible if you are considering deferring.
Can I go on secondment at Minter Ellison?
Yes. A secondment is a great way to develop your personal and professional experience. Secondments are available for all levels of experience from vacation clerks to partners.
Does the firm do any pro bono work?
Minter Ellison's Community Investment Program includes pro bono work and a range of other initiatives which seek to utilise the talents and resources of the firm for the benefit of the community. Read more about the Community Investment Program at Minter Ellison.
Vacation clerks in Melbourne and Sydney can complete a pro bono secondment as part of their clerkships. Brisbane vacation clerks can participate in the Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic and work associated with attending the clinic, including research. In Perth, the Volunteer Day program allows employees to take one day's paid leave to undertake voluntary work for not-for-profit organisations and in Adelaide, vacation clerks have the opportunity to volunteer for the Housing Legal Clinic (a legal advice clinic for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness).
Do you have a buddy system?
Minter Ellison has a buddy system in place for vacation clerks and graduates. The buddy will be a young lawyer in your practice area, of similar experience, and whose role is to provide an informal support network, to show the vacation clerk or graduate how things work in the group and to answer questions they may not feel comfortable talking to their supervising partner or a senior associate about.
What is your approach to work/life balance?
Excellence is one of our core values so all staff are expected to make the appropriate effort to deliver excellent service to our clients. To achieve that we encourage a healthy balance between work and outside interests. In an effort to ensure that all staff members have access to a range of options to assist their individual circumstances, the firm has in place a number of support mechanisms ranging from flexible work arrangements to keeping in touch and mentoring programs.
What is your approach to gender balance?
Minter Ellison is a committed equal opportunity employer. The firm has implemented an EEO policy for all staff and incorporated equal opportunity principles into its human resources procedures and operating policies. We have adopted adopted several initiatives over the past three years to support gender balance in our workforce. As of May 2008, women represented 66% of our total workforce, 54% of senior associates, 65% of lawyers and 15% of partners. 22% of Minter Ellison staff (male and female) are on a flexible working arrangement.
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