King & Wood Mallesons
King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) connects Asia to the world and the world to Asia; it is our key differentiator. With all the benefits of a world-class law firm and unique Asia perspective, we act as a bridge between East and West and help our clients cut through the cultural, regulatory and technical complexities of getting deals done in new markets.
KWM is the only global law firm that can practice Chinese, Hong Kong, UK, European and Australian law, making us a unique employer that offers deep connections in each of these regions and globally. Our Australian practice services local and regional and international clients that we help to prepare and shape for the future. This is something we also take pride in doing for our people. We know that our people are the future of the firm and a key focus at KWM.
With a legacy of excellence spanning more than 200 years we know that our future is in the hands of the next generation of lawyers. At KWM we make your development our priority and encourage our lawyers to be innovative and creative in meeting our clients’ challenges.
Regional presence
The King & Wood Mallesons network extends across the following regions:
Asia Pacific (Australia, Mainland China including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore), Europe, Middle East, North America.
OUR PROGRAMS
Insight
The Insight program will give you a high level overview of how King & Wood Mallesons is structured, what areas of law we practice and the type of clients we work with.
You will also get an in-depth look at particular matters in the firm and a chance to listen to some of our staff talk about their experiences as legal professionals, including undertaking further study, working in one of our off shore offices and going on a client secondment.
The insight program is aimed at law students who are in their pre-penultimate year of their degree i.e. 3rd year or equivalent. However, if you are eligible for a clerkship this year but are unable to participate (e.g. overseas exchange), and would like to participate in Insight, please contact us.
How to apply: Via our online application system on our website.
Clerkships
We offer clerkships so that you get a clear picture of what it’s like to be a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons. You’ll get to know our people, the way we like to work, our culture, practice areas, clients and more. For many, the clerkship is the first stage of continuous development at King & Wood Mallesons.
Details of the Seasonal Clerkship Program
We’ve designed a program to help you make the most of your time with us. During your clerkship, you’ll learn:
The day-to-day skills to get you started – taking instructions, meeting with clients, drafting memos and documents, managing your practice and professional relationships.
The core practice teams at King & Wood Mallesons – who they are, what they do, how they’re structured, the clients they work for, and of course, your role within them.
Our culture – working within your team, you’ll be exposed to (and encouraged) to get actively involved in the many activities and events that help create our unique culture.
Our people – you’ll find that people from every part of the business will help you along, sharing their knowledge, and ensuring you have everything you need to fit in, and do well.
Your role
Clerks usually work in one or two different practice groups, depending on the length of the clerkship.
You’ll be allocated a supervisor in each of your practice groups and you’ll work closely with the partners, senior associates and solicitors in that team. It’s a hands-on role, so you’ll not just be watching from the sidelines. During your time in the team, you’ll be involved in telephone conversations, meetings, client visits and the deals the team is working on.
Every clerk receives feedback. Informal feedback is also provided on the job from partners, senior associates or solicitors talking you through the work you do.
Our people have the opportunity to get involved in the many social and sporting activities that go on in the firm as well as the broader community in which we live.
What do we look for?
KWM distinguishes itself from other top tier law firms in the way that it grows market leaders.
We value a range of skills and experiences in our employees and recognise that a diversity of strengths leads to best results. We are looking for people who have an intellectual curiosity and are intrinsically motivated. Excellent marks are not necessarily a predictor of career success.
Intellectual curiosity – to us, intelligence is not measured by your GPA. We want deep thinkers who seek out information and diverse views to reach a practical and efficient solution to business problems.
Client centricity – we work in our clients’ worlds and partner with them to achieve their business goals. We need people who can stand in the shoes of the client and experience things from their perspective.
Learning agility – the international legal landscape is changing every day. We need people who demonstrate personal flexibility and an openness to dealing with change.
Growth mindset – we are growing the international law firm for the future. We look for people who seek out learning opportunities and embrace challenges.
Teamwork – we operate as one family, one firm working together and supporting each other across cultures. We want people who build relationships and empathise with others.
How to apply: Via our online application system on our website.
Graduate Program
Our graduates participate in a targeted development program, we have a framework that cultivates valuable skills and that sets them up for success now and in the future.
What you’ll learn
The program provides a practical business foundation for junior lawyers. You’ll receive:
Meaningful work covering a wide range of practice areas
Client contact and an in-depth understanding of how they operate in a commercial and regulatory environment
The opportunity to work with a range of partners, senior associates and solicitors in different practice groups
A practical understanding of areas of our legal practice
A comprehensive knowledge of the firm, our technology, our resources, our processes and, of course, the people you’ll work with.
As part of the Graduate Program, we also offer a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course with the College of Law to our Australian Law Graduates, ensuring that you meet the requirements for admission to legal practice.
The program also promotes and supports the mobility of our staff across our offices by giving you the opportunity to apply to go on exchange in one of our interstate or overseas offices. Through this, you are able to access a greater choice and variety of destinations and on-the-job experience.
How to apply: Via our online application system on our website.
AWARDS AND MARKET POSITION
Ranked in Tier 1 for Chambers and Partners for Private Equity-Australia
Most Innovative Law Firm in Asia Pacific 2021 and 2022
Most Popular Overall Law Employer 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2022 - AFR Top 100 Graduate Employers Rankings
Law Firm of the Year for M&A and Private Equity – Best Lawyers 2021
WGEA Employer of Choice Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA)
Regional Law Firm of the Year – IFLR Asia Awards 2021
Ranked in the top 10 leading law firms in Asia Pacific – Acritas Asia Pacific Brand Index 2022
Contact:
Greta Treloar - Graduate & Clerkship Recruitment Manager
Phone: (02) 9296 3355
Email: greta.treloar@au.kwm.com
King & Wood Mallesons
Level 61, Governor Phillip Tower, 1 Farrer Place Sydney NSW