Recruitment process

Our interviews are an opportunity to confirm whether you can see yourself working with our firm. We're trying to find out as much as possible about you and your interest in the job.  There is nothing that you need to bring and there is no test.

We like you to hear about what it's like to work with us, so our interviews are usually conducted by a senior associate and a junior lawyer.  We'll have read your cv and we'll be looking for examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies required for the role.

Prior to your interview we'll let you know who your interviewers will be and provide information about them.  After the interview the junior lawyer will show you around the firm and answer any questions you have about working at Minter Ellison.
 
Graduate recruitment is a similar process. We have one graduate intake per year and we usually recruit 4 graduates. Many of our graduates were offered their positions after completing work experience or a clerkship with us, but sometimes we have needed to increase the graduates in particular intakes.

We recruit the majority of our graduates through our clerkship or work experience programs. While an offer of full time employment is not guaranteed, we do make a number of offers to those who have performed well, are enthusiastic about a career in private practice, and who are a good fit with our firm culture. Equally it gives you the opportunity to determine whether Minter Ellison is the right fit for you.

Clerkships

We typically engage our clerks as employees on a casual basis determined by the demand from the practice groups and your university timetable. Our Clerks complete a work experience program that will see you working on long term projects, however your clerkship will commence with an induction to the firm, covering our history, policies, and practice groups, as well as clerkship tips and comprehensive IT and Know How training.

Our clerkship program will see you embedded in one of the firm's practice areas to help you gain exposure to a variety of legal work. You will be an integral part of a practice group, working closely with partners and lawyers on live matters, taking part in several practical legal and skills training programs, meeting deadlines and producing quality work.
You will be allocated a supervisor during your clerkship for daily support and to assist in managing your workload. During the clerkship program you will also nave to opportunity to participate in the firm's social and cultural events.

Graduate program

When you begin your Graduate year the focus will be on support and excellence.  Your graduate experience will be informed by a strong learning culture. Upon joining you will attend a comprehensive induction program.  The induction will enable you to form relationships with your fellow graduates, familiarise yourself with office procedures and IT systems and learn about the resources available to you.

As part of your Graduate Development Program you will complete a 32 week Practical Legal Training program. This program is delivered in-house and combines face to face sessions with on-line learning. As part of program you will attend various workshops to gain the practical skills necessary for working as a lawyer such as interviewing skills; legal writing and drafting; negotiation and advocacy skills.

You will be allocated a supervisor for daily support who help you manage your workload, and a 'buddy' (who is a graduate or young lawyer in your practice group), whose role is to provide an informal support network, show you how things work in the group and answer any questions you may have.

Rotations

The Gold Coast office has 4 practice groups: Corporate & Commercial; Real Estate & Property Services; Dispute Resolution; and Environment & Planning.

We do not have a formal rotation program. Clerks are recruited based on their areas of interest and the specific competencies required for each practice group.

What work will I do?

The nature of the work you complete during your clerkship or graduate year will vary depending on which practice group you join. However, broadly speaking the types of tasks you can expect to receive include:

• preparing an initial draft of an advice
• attending client meetings and/or teleconferences
• attending court
• assisting with document management/due diligence
• preparing case chronologies
• researching points of law.

Getting admitted

To become admitted in Queensland you must complete a recognised law degree and an approved program of practical legal training (PLT).

As part of the Graduate Development Program, all our Graduates undertake our in-house Practical Legal Training (PLT) course. This program is run in collaboration with Griffith University and prepares our graduates for admission as a legal practitioner. The program satisfies the requirements for direct admission in Queensland.

Minter Ellison covers the cost of the PLT program and makes all the necessary arrangements for your application and enrolment to the Supreme Court of Queensland. Study leave is also granted during this period.

How to apply

Apply for a vacation clerkship or graduate position using our online application form. We cannot accept paper applications.

Vacation clerkship applications	Dates
applications	3 May - 24 May 2010
interviews	Mid June 2010
offers made	July 2010 and August 2010

Minter Ellison abides by the Brisbane Inter-Firm Graduate Recruitment Guidelines.

For more information please read our FAQs and testimonials.