Rhiannon Ong-Halleron

Solicitor
JD - Monash University

Leveraging Experience in Clerkship Applications

am currently a graduate at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, in my third rotation. During my graduate program, I have completed a front‑end transactional rotation in Projects, a back‑end disputes rotation in Construction and Infrastructure Litigation, and I am currently on client secondment at ANZ. I have thoroughly enjoyed the program and the opportunity to experience three distinct areas of commercial law, each requiring different skill sets, ways of thinking, and approaches to client service.

Before securing a graduate role, I was particularly nervous about clerkship interviews and applications because I had not worked in a commercial law firm in Melbourne. My prior experience included time at a criminal law firm, a personal injury firm, two large real estate companies, and working as an Uber Eats and DoorDash driver. At the time, I underestimated the value of this experience. What I did not realise when applying for clerkships was just how relevant and compelling non‑legal roles can be when framed correctly.

In my applications, I focused on how my experience at two major real estate firms had equipped me with skills that are directly transferable to commercial legal practice. This included working collaboratively within large teams, communicating with clients to understand their objectives, managing competing priorities from multiple senior coworkers, and understanding what it feels like to be a client engaging professional services (such as needing advice from a major law firm). Interviewers were particularly interested in my client‑side perspective and the fact that I regularly dealt with prospective buyers, which helped me develop strong commercial awareness, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.

Interestingly, one of the roles I was asked about most often in interviews was my time working as a DoorDash and Uber Eats driver. I undertook this work in my home country during COVID while juggling other casual roles. Interviewers consistently viewed this experience as evidence of resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic. They were impressed by my willingness to do unglamorous but necessary work to support myself during a challenging period, and impressed by the independence and accountability that came with it.

The key lesson I took from this process is that every role you have held has taught you something valuable. The difference lies in how you articulate those lessons. Rather than discounting non‑legal experience, you should think critically about how your background sets you apart. Ask yourself: what skills did this role develop? How did it shape the way you communicate, solve problems, or work with others? Firms are not only looking for legal knowledge, they are looking for well‑rounded people who can add value to teams and relate to clients. If you can clearly connect your experience to those qualities, your non‑legal background can become one of your greatest strengths in a clerkship application.

Vivian Nguyen

Graduate
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws

CV Writing Tips

A CV is your case on paper. It sets out your education, experience, and strengths, and demonstrates how you can contribute meaningfully to the team at HSF Kramer.

Structure

Presentation is often treated as secondary to substance, but the two are closely linked. A CV is reviewed quickly and under time pressure, so structure directly affects how content is received. Clear separation of education, experience, and activities allows key information to be located without effort. Formatting serves the same purpose: consistent headings, spacing, and parallel bullet points signal attention to detail, while dense text, shifting styles, or excessive formatting create friction that is often decisive across large volumes of applications.

Language

Earlier versions of my CV relied heavily on language that sounded professional but conveyed little information of substance. Phrases such as “assisted with matters” or “supported senior lawyers” felt safe, but they were ultimately uninformative.

The most significant improvement came from learning to be specific without becoming verbose. A strong CV does not merely state what you did; it explains how, in what context, and with what level of responsibility.

For example:
- Less effective: “Assisted senior lawyers on various M&A transactions.”
- More effective: “Prepared the first draft of an asset sale agreement and completion checklist for a mid-market M&A transaction under compressed deadlines.”

Both statements are concise, but only the latter is specific enough to give the reader a clear sense of the work undertaken and provides a meaningful basis for further discussion.

Non-legal experience

I once assumed experience outside legal practice was a waste of space. In reality, HSF Kramer sits at the intersection of law, business, and regulation, where legal issues rarely stand alone. Non-legal roles often provide early exposure to this broader context through commercial judgment, operational responsibility, and working with diverse stakeholders. Experience in areas like hospitality, retail, student leadership, or tutoring can be particularly valuable.

For example:
- Less effective: “Managed front-of-house operations during busy periods.”
- More effective: “Managed front-of-house operations during weekend peak periods, coordinating a team of six to maintain service standards.”

This approach allows the reader to quickly understand both the scope of your responsibility and the transferable skills you bring to the role.

Interests

A brief interests section is often undervalued. I once thought my long-term involvement in athletics and martial arts was irrelevant, but it frequently sparked genuine engagement in interviews. Not because of the activities themselves, but because they signalled discipline, resilience, and long-term commitment. Many candidates have strong academics; interests are often what make someone memorable. If you’ve sustained meaningful commitments outside law - whether in sport, music, or creative work - include them with confidence. They reflect balance, self-awareness, and depth.