Harwood Andrews Lawyers’ traineeship program provides outstanding graduates with a formal and extensive development program, which focuses on advancing your business skills and legal knowledge.

Successful candidates are those who aspire to learn from specialists in their respective areas of law, seek to apply themselves in a dynamic environment and want to be challenged. Importantly, you must share a passion for the firm’s core values of excellence, client dedication, talent and community connection.

We look for graduates who can display an interest in the practice areas of our firm and who demonstrate an understanding of the commerciality of business. We value strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, and a collaborative approach to work.

The traineeship program runs for twelve months and focuses on two key areas of the firm with a rotation in each of our Business Law and Litigation departments. Under the program you will also gain broader exposure to other areas of the practice which the firm determines at its discretion.

In addition to in-house training and mentoring our trainees will also participate in the College of Law program to assist in meeting the required competencies for admission to practice.

Our program ensures each trainee has a structured path that provides you with continued support and training during the training year. Formal learning is a key part of the program, entailing both internal and external seminars and courses. You will also undertake practical work experience, including exposure to clients and court visits.

Harwood Andrews Lawyers’ Traineeship Committee is made up of the managing principal, two other principals, the general manager and the human resources manager. The committee is responsible for the program’s supervision, reviewing performance and the provision of feedback to our trainees.

A principal will be appointed at the commencement of your traineeship, who has direct responsibility to ensure your traineeship is successfully completed. Our principals provide trusted advice, support and guidance and create a constructive environment for our articled clerks. Open, transparent communication and mutual respect are paramount to the success of our program and ultimately, your success.

Our yearly intake depends upon the firm’s current requirements.

What some of our 2008 articled clerks say:

Rohan Kux
"An articled clerkship is well established as a tough mentally gruelling year, shouldering the transition from University to a professional working environment. Harwood Andrews acknowledges this as a testing time and has strived to provide me with all the necessary support, resources and training going forward. Practically speaking, I have received first class technical experience. Harwood Andrews encourages and fosters efficient file management commencing at an articled clerk level. I have assumed responsibility for running files from start to finish under the direct supervision of a Principal who provides assistance and guidance in the handling of the matter. I am now set to build on these skills and continue to work with our clients in the future."

Marie De Stefano
“Harwood Andrews has provided me with a well-rounded experience across a broad range of practice areas. The firm encourages personal and professional development, through intensive internal and external training programs, mentoring and regular reviews. As an articled clerk, I have received mentoring and coaching from experienced principals across the firm, who have provided me with direction, guidance and regular feedback, so as to further develop my understanding of the law and effective file management. The firm has also enabled me to further develop my interpersonal and communication skills through direct engagement with clients.

Whilst Harwood Andrews is committed to helping its articled clerks achieve personal and professional goals, the firm acknowledges that the transition from university life to the workforce can be arduous and provides a supportive, positive and friendly environment, whilst encouraging a work-life balance.”


Applications
We abide by the Law Institute of Victoria’s guidelines. Details for the 2009 recruitment program (for trainees commencing in 2010) are as follows:
Applications open on 1 December 2008 and close on 9 January 2009.

Applications will only be accepted via email to the following address:
hr@harwoodandrews.com.au  

Your application should include:

• cover letter
• up-to-date Curriculum Vitae
• transcript of all available academic results
• details of your work experience, community involvement and extra curricular activities.

Priority offers will be made on 11 February 2009.

Interviews will commence on 16 February 2009.

Formal offers will be made on 16 March 2009 and must be accepted or declined within 24 hours of the offer being made.

Important dates
Open date for applications - 1 December 2008
Closing date for applications - 9 January 2009
Priority offers made – 11 February 2009
Interviews commence - 16 February 2009
Offers made - 16 March 2009