An overview of the application process 1. Get informed Read the various firm profiles and the descriptions of the different commercial law practice areas contained in Part 4 of this guide. Conduct online research and talk to previous summer clerks and junior lawyers about their experiences. Make sure you are fully informed. 2. Apply The application process for each firm is similar. All firms will require you to submit your resume, and some will also ask you to submit a cover letter, and/or complete a questionnaire online. Part 2 of this guide contains guidelines and tips to assist you in ensuring that your application stands out. Students should send their completed application in the format specified by the firm of their choice. Depending upon the preference of the particular firm, the two main ways to apply for a clerkship position are: • • by submitting an online application via cvmail (see the article contained in this guide); or by submitting a customised online application via the firm’s website. If a firm is impressed with your application, they will invite you to attend a first-round interview. Before attending, have a read of part 2 and 3 of this guide, which contains advice from previous summer clerks on interview preparation and procedures. If your first- round interview is successful, you will be invited back for a second interview. You should know that almost all firms have two rounds of interviews, and many will also invite you to a cocktail evening. 4. Offers On the basis of your application and interview/s, the firm may offer you a summer clerkship position. 5. Decisions, decisions You can either accept or reject an offer. If you receive multiple offers, you may accept only one. Regardless of your decision it’s always polite to thank your interviewing partners / solicitors via email and provide a quick call to the HR personnel at each firm. To find out each firm’s requested method for applying, consult the Firm Directory at the back of this Guide. You must note the Firm Directory provided in this guide is as accurate as possible as at 15 April 2013, but can be subject to change. Therefore you should always double check the firms’ preferred method using the firms’ websites. 3. Question time On the very rare occasion a firm may request you to submit a ‘Student Application Form’ (to be downloaded from the NSW Law Society website). You must ensure that you check the firms’ specific requirements for applying and only use the Student Application Form when explicitly requested by the firm of your choice. 10 Clerkship Guide 2013