ALSA Careers Workshop: Assisting law students and recent graduates in forging a successful career Thomas Eckardt Co-Founder of Young Lawyers Advisory Paul Yacoub Graduate Program Leader –Law Society of NSW

Introduction to the Future Prospects of Law Graduates Report The perception remains that law graduates employment prospects are poor “While there appears to be gaps in the data, it appears that NSW law graduates are not exceeding entrants to the NSW Profession”

The Law Society of NSW Recommendations Update 1 Gather more statistics and data 5 Provide CPD sessions to assist graduates with job-seeking skills 2 Track Law Graduates after they complete their studies 6 Use the Law Society website to provide a clearer information to students Increase participation of firms, government and corporate practices in the Law Society’s Graduate Employment and Summer Clerkship program 3 7 Work more closely with universities to provide more information Work with other Law Societies to develop a coordinated approach 4 Elevate the status and efficacy of the Law Society’s Job Board 8

Young Lawyers Advisory Overview Founded by two previous legal professionals We advise graduates and young lawyers on developing and optimising their career paths Why? We have seen top graduates miss roles and fail to plan their careers

1 2 3 4 5 Market Assessment There are a multitude of options Aging Population 3 Increased globalization of workforce 4 Macroeconomics and Local Economics 5 Cost saving exercises

The most important questions any student can ask themselves What When How Why

Career Mapping Reflect on your knowledge and identify skills, values and beliefs

In-House (FS or Corporate) Starting at a Law Firm Law Firm In-House International PARTNER In-House (FS or Corporate) General Counsel

Starting In-House or Corporate Law Firm International Partner In-house General Counsel

Starting Outside of the Law Outside of law Law Firm International Partner In-house General Counsel

1 Take-Home Messages on Career Planning ITS YOUR CAREER. ITS YOUR FUTURE! PLAN IT!

Interests outside the law What are hiring managers looking for? Academic Results Interpersonal Skills Interests outside the law Experience Communication Skills

Skills Assessment 1 3 2 4 What are your current skills? What areas are you passionate about? 4 What is your personality type and what it suggests about you? 3 Where do you need to up skill? 2 What are your current skills? 1

Application Tests Most common in Law Firms, internationally and in banking Aptitude tests – These assess your numerical, verbal and reasoning skills. Personality questionnaire – There are no right or wrong responses to these questions as you are asked to describe things about yourself, such as whether you are honest, loyal, helpful etc.

Interview Techniques Purpose of an interview Interview Types Interview Process Coaching Role-play and feedback

Assessment Centers Assessment centres are now starting to be used by firms as a major component of their selection process An assessment centre invites candidates to undertake a combination of individual and group exercises

Top Job Application Tips Be clear and concise in your written communication Find out more information about the organization and its recruitment criteria Be confident in your approach Know the market, both legal and commercial Don’t be afraid of the phone Use your network

Young Lawyers Advisory Selection of services: Market Assessment Where to start Career Mapping Recruitment Skills and psychometrics CV Optimisation Interview Prep Testing Job Search Strategies Visit: http://egconsulting.com.au/young-lawyers-advisory Or call: 02 9043 8734 Email: contact@egconsulting.com.au