Some firms offer pre-penultimate programs to students not quite ready to apply for clerkships to introduce them to their firm and what a career in law may look like after law school. Your pre-penultimate year is your first year of study if you are completing the JD on a full-time basis, or the year before you would apply for clerkships. Participation in pre-penultimate programs is usually application-based, however students should not be discouraged from applying for clerkships at any given firm if they are unsuccessful in applying to a pre-penultimate program.
Allens Dive In Program
The Allens Dive In Program is an introductory program to help equip students with some of the skills required to apply for a clerkship, paralegal position or internship. You’ll get a glimpse into life at a top-tier commercial law firm and gain an idea about the type of work Allens undertakes, details about their areas of practice as well as practical tips for preparing for legal work. After successfully completing the program, you will be a part of the Dive In alumni and invited back to the firm in your penultimate year, ahead of applying for clerkships. You will receive more specific guidance on navigating the recruitment process, which sets students up for success when applying for clerkships. Applications are welcomed from pre-penultimate students. The program runs across three separate afternoons across May to June. For the specific dates, keep an eye out on the Monash Postgraduate LSS Facebook page.
King & Wood Mallesons Insight Program
The Insight Program gives students a high-level overview of how King & Wood Mallesons is structured as well as what areas of law they practice and the type of clients they work with. This program provides students a chance to listen to some of the staff talk about their experiences supporting their community programs, including pro-bono legal services, charitable giving, volunteering initiatives and community partnerships. There is also the opportunity to shadow one of the King & Wood Mallesons lawyers. The Insight Program is aimed at law students who are not yet able to apply for clerkships and desire to gain further knowledge and experience to assist them in the clerkship recruitment process. The program runs across four separate sessions from March to November. For the specific dates, keep an eye out on the Monash Postgraduate LSS Facebook page.
Clayton Utz CU Up Close Program
CU Up Close is a unique development opportunity for students in their pre-penultimate year of study. The program offers an opportunity to develop your practical skills and knowledge, whilst exposing you to commercial law and potential career opportunities within Clayton Utz. CU Up Close features three sessions: Practice Group overview, Legal Research & Day in the Life of a Lawyer and Career Opportunities and behind the scenes with our graduates.The CU Up Close program date occur during May, with applications usually opening in March. For the specific dates, keep an eye out on the Monash Postgraduate LSS Facebook page.
MinterEllison Disccover ME Program
MinterEllison’s Discover ME Afternoon Series is designed to provide pre-penultimate law students opportunity to discover what it is like to work at MinterEllison. During the series you will learn more about MinterEllison’s practice groups, the way they work and their people. You will also be connected with a MinterEllison lawyer, who has recently made the transition from law school to law firm, with the goal to foster your professional development.
The program is open to pre-penultimate law students, who are keen to explore the opportunity of working in a commercial law firm at the end of their studies. The Discover ME Afternoon Series usually runs from April to June. The program consists of three sessions through which you will receive insight into different practice groups and how the firm operates. In addition to meeting our legal staff, you will also have the opportunity to meet the Graduate Resourcing team and develop a strong understanding of the clerkship recruitment processes and graduate program. For the specific dates, keep an eye out on the Monash Postgraduate LSS Facebook page.
Herbert Smith Freehills’ Workshops
Herbert Smith Freehills’ Workshops invite pre-penultimate students in to learn about careers in commercial law. In the one day workshops, you will learn about Herbert Smith Freehills, meet their lawyers and develop practical skills to help you in a career in commercial law. If you’re a pre-penultimate student who is eager to get exposure to the legal profession ahead of clerkships, keep your eyes peeled for applications. Events are scheduled over May & June. For the specific dates, keep an eye out on the Monash Postgraduate LSS Facebook page.