Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Casual and conversational interview. Only one interview. No psychometric testing. Straightforward application process with no cover letter.

I came in through the clerkship process, which involves an application, interview, and then 3 and a half week clerkship at the firm. Following the clerkship, I was made an offer to commence as a graduate. This is, in most cases, the only way to become a graduate at a top-tier law firm in Melbourne. The process was very smooth and well-organised, but it is inherently difficult as you have to spend 3 and a half weeks at the firm demonstrating the value you could provide as a graduate.

From my experience, the application stage is where most candidates are filtered based on their academic results, prior experience, and responses to the written questions. Once you progress beyond that stage, the recruitment process is very enjoyable and provides a great insight into the culture at Corrs. The recruitment event, Taste of Corrs, was a highlight. It included a three-course meal and wine tasting, while also giving candidates the opportunity to learn more about the firm and meet people in a relaxed setting. One aspect I particularly enjoyed was that candidates were seated directly with partners throughout the evening. Unlike some other networking events, where you can feel like you are competing for a brief conversation with partners, it allowed for genuine and meaningful discussions in a much more comfortable environment. There is only one interview, and I found it to be much more conversational than technical. Rather than focusing on challenging legal questions, the interview is centred on getting to know you as a person, your experiences, and what you can bring to the firm. I really appreciated that the process was focused on the applicant and allowed candidates to showcase their personality and strengths. Overall, I found the recruitment process welcoming, enjoyable, and a very authentic reflection of the firm's culture.