Gareth Oxley

Trainee Solicitor
Clayton Utz

“Try to get involved in as many firm activities as you can.”

What degree did you study and when did you graduate? Did you have a favourite subject/lecturer?

I studied a double degree in Law and IT and finished mid 2008. My favourite subject would probably have been Contracts or Intellectual Property and favourite lecturer, Ben McGlade.

As a current Trainee Lawyer at Clayton Utz, what does a typical day look and feel like?

I usually try to get into the office around 8.00 am and start the day by checking my emails and reading over the main stories in the paper. For my first rotation, I am in the Technology and Intellectual Property group. This means my day is usually made up of tasks like preparing research memos, drafting letters, filing applications or helping to draft agreements or advices. We also get to attend plenty of training sessions, client meetings and other firm wide events like morning teas. I usually leave the office between 5.30 and 6.00 pm.

How are you finding your Practical Legal Training (PLT)?

Before I started PLT, I’d heard from a lot of people that it really isn’t difficult, just time consuming, and I would have to agree. Its very practical and hands on and each week we have some form of assessment to do, like writing a client letter or completing a property transfer application. We are fortunate to have one day a week to complete our PLT work.

Do you have any regrets? Would you do anything differently while you were at Uni to get into the position you are in at the moment?

While at Uni, I was never aware of the QUT mentoring scheme - where students are partnered up with lawyers who advise them on their career options. I have heard that this is a really good way to meet people within the industry and increase your chances of getting a paralegal job while still at Uni or a graduate position when you finish.

If a student secures a placement for a Vacation Clerkship, what is ONE thing that you would advise they remember?

Relax and enjoy yourself. Try to get involved in as many firm activities as you can, and if you are invited to the firm Christmas party - take up the offer, they are always a heap of fun!

Did you always want to be a lawyer? What are your long term career goals?

I think I knew I wanted to be a lawyer around the time I was finishing primary school. There was something about all the suits, skyscrapers and big court cases that caught my attention. As far as long term goals go, I want to work really hard over the next few years to try and make it to Senior Associate level. After that who knows!

Anna Le

2009 Trainee Lawyer
Clayton Utz

“Everyone appreciates that you are new… so don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

What degree did you study and when did you graduate? Did you have a favourite subject/lecturer?

I studied a straight law degree, finished my final exams in November 2008 and graduated in March 2009. My favourite subjects were Intellectual Property, Taxation and Contracts. My favourite lecturers were Des Butler and Peter Black.

As a current Trainee Lawyer at Clayton Utz, what does a typical day look and feel like?

I usually arrive at the office just before 8:30 am and begin the day by checking my emails. My day usually consists of researching cases, legislation and commentary, preparing memos and drafting letters, contracts and forms. I work closely with my “Buddy” (2008 Trainee Lawyer), senior associate and partner and they provide a lot of advice and assistance in everything I do. We attend fortnightly continuing learning education meetings and I sometimes prepare and present case notes. As part of the trainee program we have regular trainee meetings and learning sessions which give us an opportunity to catch up with each other. I usually finish work around 6:00 pm.

How are you finding your Practical Legal Training (PLT)?

It isn’t difficult or challenging, but it is very time consuming. Clayton Utz gives us one day a week to complete our PLT work, but we need to be flexible when work gets busy.

Do you have any regrets? Would you do anything differently while you were at Uni to get into the position you are in at the moment?

I don’t really have any regrets, except that I probably should have made the most of the programs and events at QUT, including participating in the torts peer mentoring program and mooting competitions.

If a student secures a placement for a Vacation Clerkship, what is ONE thing that you would advise they remember?

I didn’t do a clerkship so my advice would be that it isn’t the end of the world if you don’t get one! Although, it probably would have been a lot less stressful around the time job applications are due if I secured a job through a clerkship beforehand. From what I have heard, the best advice for clerks would be to relax and don’t try too hard. Everyone appreciates that you are new and that you don’t know everything like the back of your hand, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Did you always want to be a lawyer? What are your long term career goals?

I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was little and was always encouraged by my family and friends saying that I would make a great lawyer because I talk a lot! After graduating from law school and working in law, I know that I wouldn’t be able to do anything else. My long term career goals are to find the area of law I am passionate about and then work my way up the ladder.