Commins Hendriks Law Clerks

Commins Hendriks contributes to local schools by offering awards for HSC students who top their academic achievement in Legal Studies. This is then followed by advertisements being placed into local newspapers advertising for Student Law Clerks. The firm seeks to employ HSC graduates wishing to undertake study in law through the Legal Practitioners Admission Board or a comparable course for example an Arts/Law Degree at the University of New England or a Business Administration/Law Degree from the University of Canberra. This study is carried out whilst employed full time as a Law Clerk by the firm.

This method allows the students to derive an income, gain invaluable first hand working knowledge of the law, and study and achieve a qualification. Students who complete their law studies this way are highly sought after because of the practical experience they have gained.

The firm covers the cost of the University tuition for studying law along with providing a contribution to study materials and travelling costs. The firm on top of the standard 20 days annual leave per year provides a further two weeks paid study leave per student.

Once our Law Clerks have completed their tertiary studies they are then admitted to the College of Law. Again the firm covers the cost of this six months of extensive law study. Graduation from College of Law sees our Law Clerks admitted to practice as a Solicitor.

It is always the belief of the firm that contributing in this way to the education process of students will be repaid ten fold by having dedicated highly educated and experienced Solicitors staying with the firm and contributing to its growth.

What our Law Clerks have to say about their studies and opportunities with Commins Hendriks:

Julianne Carroll
"I commenced employment at Commins Hendriks in 2000 as a summer clerk. I had just completed the third year of my law degree at the University of Canberra and was eager to obtain some practical experience in the legal profession to assist with my studies. I was fortunate to be exposed to many areas of legal practice whilst working as a summer clerk in 2000 and again in 2001. Having completed my degree in December 2002 I commenced full-time employment at Commins Hendriks as a graduate at law and I am now a Director with the firm. The experience I gained whilst working as a summer clerk at Commins Hendriks was instrumental in my ability to go back to University and complete my studies with an understanding of how the academics of law worked in practice. I would recommend a summer clerkship to any student who intends to pursue a career as a solicitor."

Kristan Harmer
"I took a position with the firm in 2002, when offered the opportunity to work full time, gaining hands on experience, whilst studying law through the Legal Practitioners Admission Board, University of Sydney. I have gained knowledge and experience that one cannot obtain from a text book. It has been a wonderful and educating experience and I am grateful for the opportunity. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to study law."

Deb Frecklington
"Whilst I was in my final year of external study through Queensland University of Technology, I was employed as a Law Clerk. The concept of working in a law firm while undertaking College of Law was invaluable, not only did Commins Hendriks support me financially but provided me with guidance to undertake the coursework. The combination of practical experience and study allowed for a smooth transition into the role of a Solicitor."

Erin Nash
"I began at Commins Hendriks after applying for a position for a Law Clerk in the local paper in 2004. I have studied through the University of New England with their distance education program for Bachelor of Laws. The University offers an excellent online program which allowed for a flexible approach to my studies. Having the opportunity to study and gain the hands on experience by working full time at Commins Hendriks has been invaluable to my overall education."

Courtney Hunter
"In 2004 I was given the opportunity by Commins Hendriks to work full time in Wagga whilst studying through the University of Sydney and the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board. The course catered to distance students and those working full time and provides weekend schools as well as an online webcampus. The lessons and practical skills learnt whilst working in the industry have effectively complemented my studies and the exposure to both theory and practice I believe has been invaluable."

Tonya Longmore
"I commenced part time work as a secretary in the Junee office of Commins Hendriks in 1996. Since that time I have had the opportunity to experience various areas of the practice in both Junee and Wagga offices. Over that time I was encouraged by the Directors to consider further education, and in 2008 I commenced the LPAB Course through Sydney University. I have found that the LPAB course has assisted me at work providing me with the theory and history which can be applied to real life situations experienced by our clients. I also believe that working at Commins Hendriks has benefited me whilst studying as I have been able to apply my past experience to enhance my understanding of each subject. With the support of experienced Solicitors, and others who are also studying, I am thoroughly enjoying my work and study with Commins Hendriks."

Matt Dombrovski
"I started working with Commins Hendriks in early 2008 as part of the Clerkship Program. As a Clerk, I have found that the Diploma of Law course (designed for people going into practice) complements the work I do on a daily basis by providing the theoretical background, and has been invaluable in developing my understanding of the law. I would highly recommend the Diploma of Law and Clerkship Program to anyone considering practising law."