Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Clerkship?
The Law Society of New South Wales states “a legal clerkship is traditionally a summer program (though some private practice firms do offer a different seasonal placement) that provides you with a taste of working in a multi-disciplinary professional services firm.”
Translation? It’s the equivalent of an internship, typically at a large and mid-size commercial law firm. Depending on the firm, a clerkship can last 4-15 weeks. It’s a great opportunity to get an insight into how a large firm works and the different areas of commercial law, such as banking and finance, intellectual property, real estate, tax and more.
A great way to get started if you’re considering it is heading to a Clerkship Presentation and the Clerkship Fair! Head to the MULS Events Calendar here or to our social media to keep up to date.
What is a Judge’s Associated and Tipstaff?
If you’ve heard these terms before but not quite sure what they mean, you are not alone!
Being a judge’s associate or tipstaff is the opportunity to work with a judge in chambers for a year or two after graduation, giving a great insider perspective of how the courts work.
The only difference between a judge’s associate and tipstaff is the court you are in.
Judge’s Associate: The District Court of NSW, Federal Court of Australia and High Court of Australia.
Tipstaff: The Supreme Court of NSW
These roles can include conducting legal research, drafting memos and more.