Insights from our Clerks
We asked some of our summer clerks about their experiences of our Program. Here’s what they said:
‘During my summer clerkship at Meridian, I was afforded a degree of autonomy that I hadn’t experienced at other firms. The team really encouraged me to just ‘have a go’ when completing new tasks, an experience which was challenging but ultimately rewarding. Another area where Meridian’s clerkship really set itself apart was the amount of face time and guidance from the Principals. Instead of just a quick coffee to introduce yourself, I was able to attend mediations and case conferences with the Principals and then debrief to ask questions afterwards. The development I experienced through these interactions was invaluable. The friendly culture at Meridian made me feel at home from day one.’
Billy Ellen | Summer Clerk | February 2021
‘During my clerkship experience at Meridian, I had the opportunity to learn by applying myself to real legal work. I also had the opportunity to observe lawyers with significant expertise at court, disciplinary hearings and mediations. I was particularly grateful to have the opportunity to work on a variety of matters, but also the flexibility to explore my particular interests in health law. Above all, I appreciated the opportunity to learn from and be part of a supportive, approachable and collaborative team. My clerkship gave me the knowledge and skills to hit the ground running as a law graduate.’
Amy Hatfield | Summer Clerk | December 2020
‘My clerkship at Meridian Lawyers has been three fantastic weeks of direct exposure to the intricacies of health and insurance law. I have had the opportunity to be exposed to unique and interesting matters that challenge me to think both practically and innovatively… Another thing that is important to me, and unique to my experience at Meridian as a person with a disability is the way in which I was seamlessly accommodated at Meridian. Not only were my accessibility needs met, but I was never made to feel like this was an issue for anyone, and every member of the team was keen to learn how to best support me.’
Abbey Dalton | Summer Clerk | February 2020
‘My three weeks at Meridian during the Summer Clerkship Program have been an exciting and challenging learning experience. The Principals at Meridian are all incredibly approachable and were genuinely interested in my learning and development. Not only have I been given plenty of opportunities to showcase my legal skills through real client work, I have also attended a variety of mediations, disciplinary hearings and informal conferences.’
Lucy Merrett | Summer Clerk | December 2019
‘I am very grateful for the autonomy I was given during my clerkship, and the opportunities provided to problem solve on my own… I knew that assistance was always available from all members of the team if I needed it. I felt that I really got the ‘real’ experience of working in a firm from the work and tasks provided to me, especially actual client contact and legally analysing a situation.’
Bevan Wang | Summer Clerk | 2019
‘My summer clerkship at Meridian Lawyers was four huge weeks of learning by seeing and doing real and interesting work, while I was guided by a lovely team of supportive people. During the clerkship, I was welcomed and treated like any member of the Meridian team – I was given real work, made a part of every conversation relating to files I worked on, and invited to social events.’
Aeeman Ayobi | Summer Clerk | December 2018
‘I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to clerk at Meridian and experience first-hand what a positive, professional and friendly firm it is. The mentoring I received and the diverse range of legal work that I undertook has prepared me to take the leap from law student to graduate lawyer. I would highly recommend a clerkship at Meridian to anyone who is looking to be challenged and engaged while at the same time having a lot of fun as part of a team of welcoming and inspiring lawyers.’
Anna McBean | Summer Clerk | November 2018