“...Settling in as a summer clerk at HDY was made easy by the training and encouragement offered by the friendly and supportive staff. As summer clerks, we were quickly incorporated into the firm’s vibrant professional and social life...” Stephanie Francis Henry Davis York Summer Clerk 2012/2013 During the clerkship recruitment process, Henry Davis York quickly emerged as my firm of choice due to its friendly culture and wide range of top quality work. It was a pleasant surprise to find that the experience itself exceeded my already high expectations. The clerkship began with a comprehensive induction program, followed by ongoing training sessions which covered a range of essential skills, such as use of the various legal research platforms, effective time management, legal drafting and career planning. The firm’s dedicated support staff were an invaluable resource in this respect. In each of my three rotations I was given a variety of interesting and challenging tasks, from researching and preparing advices on complex legal issues to attending court and client meetings. Although I was delegated a supervising partner, senior associate and mentor in each rotation, I was able to work broadly across each practice group. This gave me invaluable exposure to both transactional and litigious work for some top public and private sector clients. In each group I was able to observe and participate in some fascinating legal problem solving, from how to protect an idea for a television show format to gaining approval for a major project or redevelopment. I was also able to get involved in some interesting and extremely rewarding pro bono matters. However, it is the people at Henry Davis York that make the clerkship such an exceptional experience. What struck me the most was that no matter how big or small, my contribution to a matter was always acknowledged and appreciated by the lawyers, senior associates and partners involved. There was always someone to go to for advice, feedback or just a friendly chat, which is a testament to the firm’s genuine mentoring culture. Working as a summer clerk at Henry Davis York has been an extremely challenging and rewarding experience. Not only have I gained a new sense of career direction, but there is a particularly special friendship and camaraderie amongst the clerks which I am sure will endure well into the future. Applications Henry Davis York’s summer clerk applications open on 19 June 2013 and close on 19 July 2013 and all applications should be made via CV Mail. For further information about employment at Henry Davis York or our summer clerk program please contact: Lena Ristevski – People & Development Officer – T +61 2 9947 6532 E summerclerks@hdy.com.au Clerkship Guide 2013 43