Kristen Le Mesurier – Lawyer – Sydney

I started with Piper Alderman as a clerk in February 2009. At the time, I had one semester of my degree to complete and no experience in law. I was thrown head first into the Trade & Transport group in the Dispute Resolution division in Sydney, and within 3 months I leapt from 2 days a week to 4 days a week, before joining the firm's Graduate program in February 2010.

Having been a journalist with BRW and The Sydney Morning Herald prior to joining Piper Alderman, as well as a researcher and writer for academics in Sydney and Melbourne, my supervising partner appreciated my experience and gave me full reign to run my own matters within the first few months of starting as a clerk. With control of matters as they came in, I was personally advising clients and appearing in court well before I was admitted. As a Graduate Lawyer, I was handed a complex maritime case that was running in the Supreme Court admiralty list. Acting for the plaintiff in proceedings with 4 defendants, I was instructing a barrister and acting as his junior. The preparation was thrilling, and the matter settled a few months out from a 3-week hearing. That was a great result for our client.

I chose to work for a mid-size firm because I knew I would be given challenging work that the big firms do not provide you with for the first few years of your career. I have never been subjected to hours of photocopying or weeks of discovery. Instead, I work one-on-one with a supportive and encouraging supervising partner, and I'm part of a great team. So far, billable hours have been the only challenge I have had to grapple with. The 6-minute unit focuses your attention on the tasks at hand from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, which can make for exhausting days. I would encourage anyone prepared to work hard and have fun to join the Graduate or Clerkship programs. Piper Alderman has offered me a great start to my career in law.

Lachlan Lamont – Lawyer – Brisbane

When I entered the job market my primary goal was to find employment with a law firm that would provide me with the next best step in my professional legal career. After doing a clerkship with a top-tier and some work experience with a mid-tier however I realised that finding a firm with the right corporate culture was just as important a consideration. That is why I chose Piper Alderman.

Here at Piper Alderman I have found the right mix of both. Within this firm there is the wealth of knowledge and experience a graduate seeks to continue learning as well as a comprehensive support group which one expects to find in a top tier firm, but in addition to this there is the individual contact from all partners and a community spirit, built on mutual respect and embedded into the corporate culture that seems to get lost once a firm enters that higher echelon.

My group involves me in all varieties of matters and from the partner right down to our very helpful administrative support everyone is always more than happy to take time out of their day to make sure I am up to speed, coping with the work load and getting control of our operating system.

Piper Alderman has exceeded all of my expectations thus far and with the support and trust they have put in me, my confidence as a professional is manifesting itself in the work I produce. 
 

Chris Paton – Lawyer – Melbourne

I commenced my employment with Piper Alderman through its Law Clerk programme, working 2 days a week throughout my final year of my university studies. I had previously completed a seasonal clerkship elsewhere, and therefore began my role with only limited experience in the 'practical' side of the law.

Piper Alderman were extremely flexible and understanding of my university commitments, and allowed me time to focus on my studies where needed, particularly around exam time.
I was placed in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy team, which forms part of the broader Dispute Resolution arm of the firm. Having had limited exposure to the insolvency and bankruptcy area, I began with an open mind as to the challenges that may lay ahead.
Piper Alderman, and in particular the Insolvency and Bankruptcy team, have been very supportive and have provided me with excellent training and mentoring.

I have been working with two Partners of the firm from day one, and both have been more than happy to make themselves available to assist with any queries and concerns I may have. Working directly with these Partners has accelerated my development, and both provide excellent role models.

Upon the completion of my university degree, I was offered a graduate position by Piper Alderman, and the firm continued to support me with my additional College of Law studies. In particular, recent graduates have been more than happy to provide advice and assist where possible, which speaks volumes for the culture of the firm.

I have been given responsibility from day one, and have was handed my own file within 2 weeks of commencing as a law graduate. I deal with clients personally on a day to day basis, and have attended court numerous times throughout both the law clerk and graduate programmes. I have been treated as a lawyer from early on, and have been given the opportunity and challenges to extend myself and develop.

I could not speak more highly of Piper Alderman or its employees. It is a fantastic place to work, with the culture allowing for determined and skilled young professionals to prosper.
 

Melissa Gerada – Lawyer – DR,  Melbourne

I commenced at Piper Alderman as a Law Clerk during my final year of studying at university, having previous experience as a Leal Secretary in dispute resolution in another Melbourne based law firm.

My area of interest, given my experience, was to join the dispute resolution team, which Piper Alderman were more than happy to accommodate.

Piper Alderman allowed me as a Law Clerk to work around my university timetable whilst providing and preparing me with an in depth insight into what life would be like as a graduate and later as a lawyer.

Since day one, I have been attending client meetings, briefing and instructing Counsel in trials, even seeking leave as a graduate to appear in the County Court.
Upon completing university, Piper Alderman offered me a position in their graduate program whilst supporting me through College of Law. The partners were particularly helpful and interested in my studies at College of Law and more than happy to clarify any areas of concern I might have had.

Piper Alderman has allowed me to develop my legal research, theoretical and practical skills, self confidence, organisation and time management. The support provided by Piper Alderman whilst working full time made my transition from full time student into the professional working environment a smooth and pleasant experience. Piper Alderman continues to provide me with legal education not only through programs and seminars run in-house but also by external providers.
 

Llon Riley – Lawyer – Corporate,  Brisbane

I commenced working with Piper Alderman in 2009 as a graduate lawyer in their corporate division and since that time my expectations, both as a graduate and as an admitted lawyer, have always been exceeded.

Piper Alderman provides its graduates with a unique program which allows us to be mentored by some of the leading legal experts in Australia. Working on a one-on-one basis with your supervising partner is a daily occurrence and you are not only given a unique opportunity to learn first hand from their experience and knowledge but you are also are able to learn first hand from the knowledge and experience of all of the other partners of the firm. The dynamic and value of Piper Alderman's graduate program is only increased by the atmosphere and culture of the firm which is inclusive, supportive and strives for excellence from all of its lawyers.

From the beginning I have been provided with opportunities to work directly with a wide range of clients including government departments and national and international businesses. I have also been provided with opportunities to have experience in a wide array of matters including helping clients prepare for the new personal property securities regime, advising on the implications of the Trade Practices Act and preparing documents for international transactions and financings. Working as part of a team on a multinational financing arrangement with lawyers in Australia and New York is not an experience soon forgotten.

These opportunities have not only challenged and stretched me but they have enhanced and developed my theoretical and practical skills. I am constantly learning and afforded opportunities to use that knowledge in real situations.

Piper Alderman has provided me with a priceless experience which I recommend to anyone who desires to become a successful lawyer. I believe the experiences, skills and exposure gained from Piper Alderman's graduate program exceeds the experiences, skills and exposure available in other law firms.