Application Process & Interviews at MinterEllison

To get my job here, I had to undergo a pre-recorded interview, psychometric assessment, two in-person interviews and a 'coffee catch-up', as well as an information evening/cocktail night.

The clerkship requirement process proves to be effective each year as a high quality of clerks and graduate lawyers are selected each year. The buddy process also provides a wonderful opportunity for students or soon to be lawyers to connect with members from the firm to gain an inside understanding of the firm

Interview process was great, no further interviews for grad roles.

I didn't know that the offer was a combined clerkship/ grad until I attended the first clerkship event (as in after I had submitted my cover letter/ CV). But apart from that it was great. I really liked having two interviews - but obviously I can't compare as I only ever did one clerkship.

Very thorough but well explained process. There was the initial psychometric testing, online interviews and then in-person interviews. Each stage was well-explained, and I felt comfortable throughout.

The interview process and assessments relating to securing a clerkship position were relatively challenging but I always felt supported by HR. The interviewers were very professional and enjoyable to talk to.

Interview process was very good.

2 interviews, information evening, coffees with grads, psych assessment

Really engaging interviewers that made me feel comfortable and at ease and seemed to take a genuine interest in me on a human level, beyond my academic achievements or potential.

Written application, video interview and then in person interview. I liked that we had time to think about our responses in the video interview and the in person interview was more of a chat, and if they had structured questions, I don't think I noticed because it was interwoven so seamlessly. I really enjoyed my clerkship interview (it was the first I had) and instantly hit it off with HR and the Partner. HR mentioned they specifically remembered me and some of the things I said from my video interview and that made me really happy - that I wasn't just one of a million applicants

My interviews were years ago - my recollection of details of the process is not the strongest. There were psychometric tests, an online pre-recorded interview and an in person interview.

First-round interview with Partner and HR (skills and experience interview) Second-round interview with Partner and HR (cultural fit and questions) This has since changed to: Single interview with 2 Partners and HR Less formal cocktail evening

Mainly behavioural-based questions, but also some ones about my interests and experiences unique to me.

Why do you want to work at MinterEllison? How do you feel your previous employment will assist you in this role? Outside of work what do you spend your time doing? What is something in the industry you found interesting recently?

Why commercial law; why MinterEllison; tell us about a case that interests you and why; due to an interest I expressed in privacy law, I was asked about my opinions on the telecommunications privacy breach.

I think the first one I was asked pretty 'interview style' questions as in tell us a situation where you have shown leadership skills/ or achieved a goal you set out to complete/ or overcome a challenge - something like that. There was nothing about substantive law. I also got asked why I wanted to be at Minters. I the second interview was more conversational.

Questions about me, not behavioural

A mix of the standard interview type questions and some more personality-based questions; nothing particularly out of the ordinary.

Tell us about yourself A time you displayed initiative Time you had to change your style of doing things to accommodate other people Tell us about the jobs you've had How do you handle stress / what do you do outside of law Discussed my volunteering at CLCs

Usual questions such as demonstrating times where I worked in a team, or how I balance competing priorities during hectic periods.

Tell us about yourself - Why MinterEllison? - Why Law? - Time you worked with a difficult team member

Really understand why it is that you want to work here, and what unique parts and strengths of yourself you can offer.

MinterEllison values attitude very highly. Both towards work and on a personal level. It is best to be yourself and to have a clear idea of why MinterEllison is the firm for you. There is no need to be specific, but a research response of as to "why MinterEllison?" is often well received as it shows a genuine interest.

Be able to converse about your CV, have knowledge of your academic interests and be confident talking about them, show you are a cultural fit, rather than purely a talent-fit.

Be interested and be honest! I honestly did not know anything about Minters before I started the application process, and I didn't know anyone that worked there. But I tried my best to find out about the firm and the people in the Perth office - not necessarily what they worked on but mostly how they worked, what systems were used, how the teams operated, what the structure was like etc.

Research Minters as a firm and consider why you would want to work here - what makes it different and why would you be a good fit

Nothing really company specific. Go to the job fair-type events, research the firm a little bit before applying, and practise the standard interview questions.

Any work experience is valuable - don't filter yourself and your life experiences because they're not mainstream. It doesn't matter if you don't have legal experience - many grads don't. Find out which Partner is interviewing you, and think of some questions to ask about their experiences (mine was rehired after he went overseas, so we chatted about the support provided by the firm and what he did overseas). Think about what practice areas you may be interested in so you can find out more about them.

I think undergraduates often go into interviews thinking that academic output is everything. What I have learnt from working at Minters (and being hired) is that, while academic capability is important, they genuinely care more about you as a person and what individuality and personal skills you can bring to the team. At the end of the day, legal skills can be taught and improved over time, but being a nice, friendly, easy to work with person is more innate and matters more in the long run when it comes to team atmosphere.

Be yourself and be genuine.

Be yourself and know exactly why you are applying here specifically. Tailor your answers to the firm where possible.