Life at Allens
Using technology to 'Meet and Engage' with you
During these uncertain and challenging times, making virtual connections is more important than ever. Allens is embracing technology such as Yammer, Zoom and Skype to maintain a high level of social connection and engagement. For example, our Managing Partner Richard Spurio holds a weekly firm-wide webinar from his home, and many teams have embraced virtual coffee catch ups and afternoon teas.
We know you have burning questions about starting a career in commercial law at a top tier firm, and we know you want to access our resources from the comfort of your home. So while we're virtually connecting with each other internally at Allens, we're also increasing our social media presence, attending virtual careers fairs and utilising our 'Meet & Engage' platform to connect with you.
So, what is Meet and Engage?
Meet and Engage is an online chat platform that allows us to engage with you (in written form) and answer your questions in real time. It gives you the opportunity to interact with a variety of people from the firm – such as representatives from the graduate resourcing team, current graduates and partners – and also obtain insight to what life at Allens is like, discover what working on a pro bono matter can involve and gather helpful clerkship application tips.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from our recent Meet and Engage sessions. Representatives from our graduate cohort, legal and graduate resourcing teams provided the responses.
For me, it's the people! The culture is great. Likeminded individuals who share a passion for excellence in whatever they do, come together and help each other deliver their best to our clients and the community. Everyone is really approachable and generous with their time and there is an abundance of resources to help you excel.
Pro Bono is a valued part of life at Allens and we encourage those at all levels to get involved (from clerks to partners). We work closely with the Homeless Persons Legal Service, provide assistance for asylum seekers, work on Indigenous justice projects and on matters for the Refugee Advice and Casework service.
Showing a genuine interest in the business world is important. Have a think about what really makes you want to work at a commercial law firm, and then reference a few examples of current business events. Showing that you think in a client-centric way really helps too, and this can be demonstrated through a wide range or experiences or prior roles (you don't need to have worked in a big law firm or have been to client meetings with an ASX 200 company to show this!).
Be yourself throughout the process – from your cover letter and resume all the way through to interviews. You want to be finding the right firm for you, and what will work best for you in the long term. Regarding specific 'tips', I would check to make sure you address your cover letter to the right person at the right firm and make sure to take the time to tailor each application.
As for CVs, don't include too much information, keep it high level – you want to be able to discuss what you've done in your interview. In addition, make sure you are prepared to talk about each of the experiences, roles and achievements listed on your CV.
Throw yourself in. Ask questions. Say 'yes' to as much as you possibly can (within reason – don't wipe yourself out!) and don't be afraid to do things you have never done before. You might have the chance to work in an area of law you never knew existed, you might be tasked with coordinating a charity event, making a film with other clerks, playing sports, getting involved in pro bono work, doing a quiz at lunchtime in the kitchen – it can look like anything.
Continue to participate in our Meet & Engage sessions. Connect with us on LinkedIn – follow the Allens company page and reach out to people at the firm who you want to find out more from.
Finally, here are a few pieces of feedback we have received from students who have attended our recent sessions.
- 'The Meet and Engage sessions are honestly so valuable! Whether you get to ask your own questions or see other people's questions answered, so much knowledge of the firm can be gained. Please keep them going :)'
- 'I found the Open Session Q&A very helpful. It was nice to hear from a range of different Allens employees who were at different stages in their career. The sessions made me more intrigued about life at Allens, and emphasised that there is so much opportunity and different experiences available for those who apply and engage.'
- 'I especially enjoyed the perspective of a current graduate/former clerk to explain some real life examples of why she enjoys working at Allens.'
How do I join the next Meet and Engage chat?
Keep an eye on our Facebook page, where we announce all the new sessions. All registrations are completed via the Meet and Engage platform - https://meetandengage.com/allens.