Flinders Law Students Association

Most prominent areas of practice

Corrs provides legal advice for clients through a broad range of practice groups covering the full spectrum of corporate law. Each practice group comprises a number of specific legal services. Our practice groups are:

• Corporate Advisory
• Litigation
• Taxation
• Banking & Finance
• Intellectual Property & Technology
• Competition & Trade Practices
• Workplace Relations
• Property & Infrastructure
• Planning, Environment & Local Government
• Construction

To learn more about the areas in which we practise, please visit our website – www.corrs.com.au

What distinguishes the firm from others?

Our goal is always to create an inspiring workplace and ensure people who work at Corrs have the opportunity to build successful careers through undertaking challenging and interesting work in a friendly and supportive environment. We engage staff and give them the recognition, rewards and support to make this happen. An inspiring workplace where people can build rewarding careers means investing in our people and recognising and rewarding excellence. We do this through a range of innovative people initiatives, including:

• A remuneration structure that sees Corrs staff paid very competitively.
• A High Performance Incentive Scheme that gives all employees the opportunity to earn up to a further 5-15% of their salary depending on their level in the firm and the quality of their contribution.
• A Corrs Scholarship for Individual Excellence Program where our high performing employees receive the opportunity to attend short training courses at institutions such as Harvard, Oxford and Yale.
• An International Internship Program that provides an opportunity for young lawyers to travel and work with leading law firms overseas, including Japan, Singapore and the United States.
• Excellent prospects for career progression and the provision of a clearly defined career path.
• Access to a formal mentoring program.
• An industry leading 14 weeks paid parental leave.
• Flexible work practices for staff to work part-time or work at home.
• Online learning, providing further opportunities for flexible learning options.
• Access to leading industry and business training.
• An opportunity to actively contribute to the broader community through Corrs’ Pro Bono Program.

What extra-curricular benefits and activities does the firm offer?

It’s not all about work! At Corrs we encourage all staff to be socially active and participate in sporting events, learning & development activities and social events.

Some of our activities include our Mind, Body & Soul series, Wealth Management series, Yoga, Friday night drinks, Family Day, BRW Triathlon, Christmas Party, End of Financial Year Party, Trivia Night and Annual Ski Trip. Corrs also provides flexible work arrangements, paid study leave, salary sacrificing and opportunities to give back to the community.

Does your firm have a pro bono policy?

Corrs is committed to pro bono and community work and has an active pro bono program. Through its membership with the Public Interest Law Clearing Houses in Victoria, NSW and Queensland and its partnerships with community legal centres and numerous charities, Corrs offers great opportunities for its lawyers to participate in pro bono work or secondments to pro bono organisations.
In association with PILCH and VACRO , Corrs’ lawyers run a legal clinic for homeless persons and for people released from or serving time in gaol, as well as their families. Our pro bono program includes work for The Big Issue, Oxfam, the Salvation Army and numerous other charitable organisations. Corrs’ lawyers are also acting pro bono in the High Court of Australia in a number of migration matters and providing legal advice to the United Nations refugee organisation UNHCR.

In addition, Corrs supports 11 charities through Workplace Giving, a program in which employees choose to donate a portion of their salary each pay period.
Pro bono is a part of the culture at Corrs. Participation in the program is not only welcomed, but encouraged.
We are also mindful of the impact we make on the environment during the course of conducting our business. Corrs’ environmental policy was established to ensure we take into account environmental considerations when implementing new business procedures and to guide our purchasing decisions.

Seasonal Clerkship Applications

Number of seasonal clerk positions:

• Winter: 18 (3 weeks)
• December: 18 (4 weeks)
• January: 15 (3 weeks)

How to apply: www.cvmail.com.au
Contact: Niki Sprekos
Position: Human Resources Coordinator
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Telephone: 03 9672 3339
Facsimile: 03 9672 3011
Send application to: Niki Sprekos
Application due date: Friday, 28 March 2008
Preferred year level of seasonal clerks: Penultimate year
Is the firm a signatory to the LIV seasonal clerkship guidelines? Yes
Will the firm be making ‘priority offers’? Yes

What does the firm offer a seasonal clerk?

We have developed a challenging and rewarding program that will give you a real flavour of life at one of Australia’s most innovative and fastest growing law firms. You’ll gain practical legal experience and valuable insights that will help you decide where you’d like to start your professional career. For us, our Seasonal Clerkship Program provides an exciting opportunity to see the talent of the next generation of Australian lawyers.

What does a seasonal clerkship at the firm involve?

The Corrs Seasonal Clerkship Program starts with a comprehensive induction covering Corrs’ technology, knowledge systems and work strategies. There will also be some structured learning opportunities that include presentations on relevant legal, business and workplace issues. You’ll also take part in tours of the courts and tribunals and participate in the firm’s social activities. While you’re at Corrs, you’ll have plenty of support. You’ll be
assigned a supervisor, a buddy and a mentor to help you settle in. They’ll be on hand to offer support and guidance if you need it. Feedback will be provided during the clerkship to let you know how you’re performing. This culture of support goes beyond our Clerkship Program and is an important aspect of our approach to career development.

What sort of work will be undertaken?

As part of the Program, you’ll have the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high-profile work for major Australian and international clients. You’ll soon discover the standards of quality and commitment to clients required to succeed at this level. You’ll be exposed to a broad range of interesting matters, plus you’ll perform tasks such as drafting advice, conducting research, reviewing documents, presenting documents,
presenting seminars, attending client meetings, mediations and settlements. It’s the perfect way to discover the area of law that excites you most.

What does the firm look for in a seasonal clerk?

Obviously, Corrs is looking for highly intelligent people. But being intelligent and being able to provide intelligent legal solutions are not always the same thing. We need individuals with common sense and an instinctive mind for business, outstanding communicators who can simply define the essence of any issue. We also want clerks who are mature enough to know they don’t yet have all the answers. Like many large firms in Australia, Corrs offers the opportunity to do interesting work for big clients. On top of this, we offer the opportunity to be part of a firm that is enjoying dynamic growth in a truly progressive and innovative environment. Here you’ll learn what it takes to become a great lawyer – and you’ll actually start doing it.

Advice for applicants:

A Corrs Seasonal Clerkship is a great way to kick start your career. It’s an opportunity for you to learn more about us and for us to get to know you. And if you like the way we work and think you have what it takes to match it with the best, you may even decide to apply for our National Graduate Development Program once you’ve completed your studies.
Comprehensive information about preparing for interviews can be found in our Student Toolkit on our website at: www.corrs.com.au