What kind of work did you complete during your clerkship?
During my clerkship, I had the opportunity to actively participate in many diverse and engaging tasks. On my first day in banking & finance, I was responsible for drafting letters and amending transactional documents. In cross-border M&A, I was fortunate enough to attend a client meeting alongside my partner, conduct thorough due diligence, and draft an advice memorandum regarding corporate structures.
What was the application and interview process like?
The recruitment process at KWM was quite unique compared to other firms. The interviews were conducted in a conversational manner, with the emphasis being on my interests and how they have contributed to my personal growth. Moreover, the networking events were a fantastic opportunity to engage with KWM lawyers and gain insights into the nature of work within different practice areas.
What kind of support did you receive as a clerk?
Every clerk is assigned a buddy and development coach within their respective teams who offer easily accessible assistance with daily tasks. My buddy was more than happy to answer any general development questions I had, which I really appreciated. Furthermore, the informal coffee catch-ups with fellow clerks each morning also provided a great opportunity to share our experiences!
What kind of training did you receive? What opportunities for learning and growth have you been offered at KWM?
During the first few days of the clerkship, we participated in training sessions that covered various aspects of life at the firm, advanced research techniques, time-recording, and effective practice management. This initial training served as a solid foundation for the informal learning and development that occurred from completing practical tasks within each practice group.
What is the culture like at KWM?
KWM encourages a supportive culture, that particularly focuses on the learning and development of young lawyers. I found that both my teams valued my opinion, and actively went out of their way to ensure that my clerkship experience was full of opportunities to learn and develop my legal skills.
What are you most proud of throughout your clerkship?
I was most proud of the improvement in my legal skills in such a short period of time. My development coach provided me with constant constructive feedback that I was able to effectively implement the following day. This reflective learning process undoubtedly contributed to the rapid development of my understanding of complex legal concepts.
Why did you choose King & Wood Mallesons?
I knew that joining the firm would naturally afford me the chance to collaborate with lawyers who excel in every facet of their respective fields. At the networking evenings, it was easy to see that senior KWM lawyers are highly motivated to contribute to the development of young lawyers in their teams.