What information should I include in my covering letter?

Your covering letter is an important part of your application and is often the first part of your application to be reviewed. Your covering letter should be accurate, clear and concise and reflect your passion for why you want to work at Minter Ellison. It should highlight your key achievements and relevant skills that you could bring to a law firm. A well drafted covering letter is one way of demonstrating your skills and distinguishing yourself from other candidates. Finally, ensure that you address it to the correct person, visit Graduate and Clerks careers team.

How should I prepare for an interview?

First, be proud of the fact that you have been successful in securing an interview. Secondly, try as best as you can to relax. Our interview format is relatively informal, we really just want to have a discussion to get to know you better. The best applicants have always done their homework, both on themselves and the firm. For example, think about the skills you have, how you have applied them at work or university, your achievements that make you proud, why you want to join Minter Ellison, your careers plans, what you enjoy about law etc.

The most critical part of preparing for an interview is to reflect on your own skills and achievements and also research and learn as much as you can about our firm. You should also spend time thinking about questions to ask at the end of the interview – well structured and interesting questions can help distinguish you from others.

We recommend that you arrive at the interview location at least five minutes early to allow yourself an opportunity to collect your thoughts and relax. You should also bring a spare copy of your resume, your academic transcript and any other appropriate documentation with you that may assist with your application.

Do I get to choose my rotations?

We will ask you to nominate three to four groups that you would like to experience. While there are no guarantees regarding placements, we do our best to ensure your program is tailored to incorporate your choices and interests.

How many offers will you make for graduate/articled clerk positions?

This will vary between offices and is reviewed on an annual basis.

Will I be able to get paralegal/research clerk work before I commence a graduate/articled clerk position with the firm?

We give preference to our high performing future graduates and articled clerks when offering paralegal or research clerk work, however it depends on how much work is available.

Can I defer a graduate/articled clerk offer before commencing at Minter Ellison?

We are accommodating of graduates/articled clerks deferring their commencement with the firm. We understand that you may wish to experience opportunities such as Judge's Associateships or overseas travels before commencing full-time employment. We recommend that you discuss this with your local People and Development Consultant.

Does the firm do any pro bono work?

Minter Ellison has a strong Community Investment Program, which covers not only pro bono work but other initiatives which seek to utilise the talents and resources of the firm for the better good of the community.

For example, the firm commits to providing lawyers to PILCH (Public Interest Law Clearing House) on a regular basis and now has a formal secondment arrangement in place to accommodate this interest. Lawyers can also perform pro bono work within their practice groups and this is usually done on an interest basis.