What is Involved?
With only a very brief memorandum outlining the context of the meeting, the competition requires a partnership of competitors who will be required to conduct a successful client interview by adequately establishing rapport, gathering information and providing the client some preliminary advice.
With the facts provided a week before the competition, competitors have 40 minutes to conduct the interview with their client and 10 minutes to privately confer in a post-interview analysis, which should begin with a summary of the interview, state the relevant legal issues to be addressed, and move onto an explanation of the intended course of action. At this point in time the judge will also confer with the client regarding the proposed course of action.
You will not be judged on how much advice you give, but on the quality of your correspondence and teamwork.
Competitions
02. Social Rights
Careers
The NDSLS careers portfolio is designed to ensure that each of our members has the best possible chance of furthering their professional development by providing as many career based initiatives as possible. The NDSLS organises events targeted towards varied stages of an individual's career progression.
The NDSLS Jobs Board is a newly developed initiative geared towards providing necessary information and opportunities to our members, by capitalising on the society's existing relationships. The publication of our Annual Careers Guide also looks to provide information and advice for members looking to begin their careers in the legal profession, geared specifically towards clerkship programs as well as practical legal training opportunities.
Clerkship and Graduate Hub
What is a Clerkship?
Clerkship programs provide a taste of what life is like in a professional law firm. The programs typically operate in summer for a period of 8-12 weeks, for students in their penultimate year of study.
Clerkships offer a unique opportunity to begin life in private practice while you are still studying. During a clerkship you will rotate through multiple practice areas to gain as much exposure to the firm as possible.
Clerkships are a common (and competitive) path to entering into private practice, but they offer one of many options for penultimate law students.
What is a Graduate Program?
Graduate Programs are typically offered to students in their final year, of who have completed their studies within a set period of time. Positions are offered in Private Practice, In-House and Government Organisations and usually last between 12 and 24 months.
These programs allow students to be integrated into the business through a number of rotations as well as specific learning and development training.
Many firms will hire their Graduates directly from their Summer Clerkship participants, but a number of firms take an additional Graduate intake. Graduate positions are far more diverse and require some research to make sure you find the perfect fit for you.
This is an introduction, but the link below can provide you with an abundance of information that can help you in your decision making.
Key Dates
APPLICATIONS OPEN:
MONDAY 18 JUNE
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 11:59PM:
SUNDAY 15 JULY
OFFERS MADE:
WEDNESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
OFFERS MUST BE ACCEPTED OR DECLINED:
FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER
Key Dates
APPLICATIONS OPEN:
MONDAY 5 MARCH
APPLICATIONS CLOSE:
SUNDAY 15 APRIL
INTERVIEWS COMMENCE:
MONDAY 7 MAY
OFFERS MADE
FRIDAY 8 JUNE
OFFERS MUST BE ACCEPTED OR DECLINED:
MONDAY 18 JUNE
Participating Firms
Most Mid and Top Tier firms will offer some form of Summer Clerkship or Graduate Program, but it can vary from year to year. We have listed some firms below (and linked you to their careers websites) who consistently offer these programs, but we definitely recommend you do some research. Find participating firms here.
Careers Guides
Beginning a career in the legal profession can be a lot of hard work. On this page you'll find the Annual NDSLS Careers Guide, as well as a number of other useful guides sourced from industry leaders. Each of these guides includes a wealth of useful hints and tips for preparing job applications, attending interviews and gaining relevant and useful experience.
2021 Careers Guide
View the 2021 Careers Guide below or download the PDF here.
2019 Careers Guide
2018 Careers Guide