A day in the life of a city lawyer

During their studies, some undergraduate students secure employment in legal workplaces, including private practice, barristers’ chambers, government departments and legal centres. Other students work in areas such as retail, administration and hospitality. All work, both legal and non-legal, enables students to build on the critical legal skills of communication, collaboration and problem-solving.

At UTS, a number of our students are the first in their family to study law. In addition, some students have not been to a law firm nor spent any, or much, time with lawyers. Yet, practice in a top-tier firm is highly sought after.

A recent survey looking at culturally and linguistically diverse UTS law students, conducted by academics, Professors Beth Goldblatt and Karen O’Connell and Associate Professor Maxine Evers, showed that, of the 170 students who completed the survey, 41% preferenced working as a solicitor in a top-tier firm as their first career choice. 

The purpose of the visit was to introduce students to legal practice in a commercial firm, to show students the work of solicitors in private practice and to inform students about the application and recruitment process.

Eight students were welcomed to Clayton Utz. Students met the firm’s recruitment team led by Sam Turnpenny, Graduate Program Manager, and heard from partner Dean Gerakiteys about his career path. The half day program also included an introduction to the firm’s vision and values, their practice streams and recruitment process. Students also undertook some hands-on activities.

Students described the immersion as engaging and insightful and a wonderful opportunity. One student shared their experience:  

‘At the Clayton Utz Immersion Morning, Sam and Jessica provided invaluable insight into the recruitment process at one of Australia’s leading commercial law firms. I also appreciated the opportunity to speak with partners and lawyers about the firm’s culture, diverse practice areas and the impactful work they do.’

Sam Turnpenny commented that:

‘Students were very engaged, asked lots of questions, and were a credit to the University. I hope they enjoyed the experience as much as we enjoyed having them with us.’

The value of partnering with Clayton Utz is twofold: students experience the work of solicitors and learn about career paths into private practice, including the opportunities within the firm.

Our shared intention is to embed the Clayton Utz immersion program as an annual opportunity.