A Day in the Life of a Vacation Clerk

Peter de Jonge

QUT Law Student
Clayton Utz Summer Vacation Clerk 2008/2009 and 
2010 Clayton Utz Trainee

“All of the staff were very approachable and encouraged us to ask questions.”

As a 2008 Summer 2 Vacation Clerk at Clayton Utz, what does a typical day look and feel like?

It can throw anything at you whether it’s research, preparing case notes or briefs to Counsel. I have had the opportunity to prepare presentations for the group and to attend court to help in the proceedings. There is also plenty of opportunities to take part in training seminars and workshops with the other Clerks.

How did you find your Orientation during your first week?

It was really good. The first few days we met the other Clerks and went through some training. After that we were introduced to our groups. Both groups that I worked with were really friendly and the other Clerks gave similar feedback. They were really interested in getting us involved in the team and made an effort to involve us in the full spectrum of work that they undertake. We were also assigned a Buddy and a Mentor who provided us with work and who we could approach with any questions.

What has been your favourite Clerkship experience so far?

It would have to be my first few days in court. Getting the chance to brief Counsel at their chambers and then take part in the court proceedings. It provided great hands on experience and also gave me the opportunity to meet with different Barristers. I also really enjoyed the exercises that we did with the Partners. These included a negotiations exercise and an interactive workshop where we attempted to resolve different client scenarios.

Have you come across anything that has surprised you?

I was surprised by the open door policy of the firm. All of the staff were very approachable and encouraged us to ask questions. It made it easier to approach them when I had questions and it helped me to provide a higher quality of work.

Do you have any advice for other students who are doing a Clerkship at Clayton Utz?

Clayton Utz are looking for individuals rather than somebody who fits the mould. Be yourself and work hard to improve your skills through experience and extra curricular activities. Also enjoy the process and work well with others rather than being competitive. Although it may seem that it is a competitive process they are looking for people who enjoy working with others and who will fit well within the team.

Have you always wanted to be a lawyer? What are your long term career goals?

I have always wanted a career that provided me with challenges and opportunities to improve and progress. I would like to get good experience across different areas of the law and find the area that I am best suited for. I would also like to gain experience in different jurisdictions and within different industries and Clayton Utz can provides these opportunities.

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