DLA Phillips Fox truly punches above its weight.
We are a full service law firm with practices in Auckland and Wellington….
We are unique on the New Zealand legal landscape. We are the Kiwi representative of the largest law firm in the world – DLA Piper. So when you join us, you’ll be doing work for some of the most significant organisations on the planet. These are our DLA international clients.
The opportunities our international connections offer young lawyers are vast. Our New Zealand offices work for global clients is exacting and exciting. These organisations are on the pulse of the world’s most important legislative, regulatory and commercial developments. You will be exposed to their issues, and your experience will help inform your work for our large portfolio of kiwi clients, as well as define your legal career.
At DLA Phillips Fox you’ll also work for New Zealand entities, companies, government departments and local governments that are amongst the cream of organisations in this country. The legal and commercial issues we attend on their behalf are demanding, and as wide ranging as they are multi-faceted. We have been the major provider of legal services for many of these clients for years – such are the relationships we build.
Because of our size and the work we do, you will be in the engine room of legal advice from the start of your employment. Your experience will be real, the work fast paced and challenging. You’ll be asked to meet with clients, prepare cases for trial, attend at court and get involved in commercial transactions: all with our support.
Practice areas include: Corporate, Employment, Finance and projects, Insurance, IP and Technology, Litigation, Regulatory, Managed Funds, Superannuation, Real Estate and Property.
Some clients represented by us in NZ include: Allianz, Pfizer, Kraft Cadbury, Cathay Pacific, Foodstuffs, Federated Farmers, IAG, NZ Fire Service, TOWER and Wellington City Council. We also sit on five of the seven Government panels for legal service suppliers.
DLA PIPER – LAW ON THE WORLD STAGE
- 4200 lawyers
- 8000 people
- 30 countries
- 77 offices
DLA Piper is the world’s largest law firm. It is truly global, truly local. When you work for DLA Phillips Fox you’re able to access law on a world scale. You’ll be regularly in touch with lawyers from Beijing to Melbourne, New York to London – on client matters of mutual interest. This puts you in the box seat to learn about legislative changes, commerce, sectors and trends. This experience will squeeze more professional development into your first couple of years than you thought possible.
Lydia May, Summer Clerk, Auckland
Auckland University, 2012
A real highlight of my summer clerkship was working directly with the Chairman of the firm. I didn’t expect to have the opportunity to work closely with Martin, so to be able to do research for him on a legislation change was fantastic. Throughout, Martin was really approachable, and our findings were timely and relevant to our client.
Nick Chapman, Graduate, Wellington
Victoria University 2011
I chose to work for DLA Phillips Fox as a summer clerk because they only take on a few each year. That meant the firm focused its attention on us. It was a personalised experience. We found ourselves doing real and interesting work for real and interesting clients. It was great to be known individually and personally to senior members of the firm.”
Rasha Rushdy, Lawyer, Auckland
Canterbury University, 2010
Summer clerking at DLA gives you a taste of how the law plays out in real life, and it is exciting seeing all of the theory you learn at law school culminating in practical application. What's more, you will meet a myriad of interesting and diverse people who are passionate about their work. You have a strong support network at the firm, and there is always someone whose office you can pop your head into for a laugh, a casual chat, or even a bit of a rant!
If you are looking to take the first step up in your career, this is a fantastic opportunity to work in a progressive firm that offers an enjoyable working environment with a commitment to career development.
James Canny, Lawyer, Wellington
Otago University, 2009
Cycling is one of the fastest growing sports in New Zealand and the world, and DLA is heavily involved in it nationally and internationally. I represent New Zealand in an elite, professional cycling team. We race at international level. DLA Phillips Fox gives me 100% support for this, and allows me to both race and be a lawyer. Very few organisations would do that – let alone a law firm.
It’s a great firm. From the first week I was there I was given a degree of responsibility that I didn’t expect. I always feel I have someone I can turn to
Jess Hogan, Lawyer, London
Otago University, 2007
Four years ago, Jess Hogan joined DLA Phillips Fox. A star in the making. On merit, she was chosen by DLA Piper London and offered a great job, 5 year visa and all expenses paid. “My advice to students when going through a recruitment process is: you’re going to look at a number of firms out there, including a few of the large firms. Look around, but consider DLA Phillips Fox. It’s smaller and it’s a fantastic working environment. You’re going to get experience here that you wouldn’t get at a larger firm until you’re well into your second year. There are close client interactions; you have the opportunity to work one on one with partners. It’s also very close to DLA Piper which enables you to create relationships with colleagues in international offices.”
EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE: BECOME A LOCAL
Clients drive the firm’s outlook. Partners, special counsel, senior associates and lawyers set the internal culture.
At DLA Phillips Fox, we have a down to earth manner and practical, commercial outlook. You’ll be treated equally as part of a cohesive team with a focused goal – delivering an outstanding client experience. We are merit driven: hierarchy comes last.
We’re also a social lot. DLA Phillips Fox is known for flexibility and fun, while never abandoning our mutual respect.
How do you know you’ll fit as a “local” in our culture?
In true kiwi style, you could come from any school, any university or any suburb. We see strength in diversity where others may see differences
You’ll be pragmatic, intelligent, an achiever, a communicator, a potential leader and very, very client aware. You’ll be happiest as part of a team, and almost certainly will have a sense of fun and adventure. You’ll be commercial in outlook, and have great university grades.
We look actively for your experience outside academic life.
Your attitude will tell us a lot. You will want to deliver the best - to be known for excellence. You’ll be hungry, enthusiastic and also care about people.
We’ll reward you with benefits such as:
- Great workplace and conditions
- Touch rugby and netball teams (organised by staff) which are funded
- Full salary and paid holidays over Christmas
- A busy social calendar
- $1000 clothing allowance
Summer clerk recruitment
We have positions in our Wellington and Auckland office for summer clerks starting mid November 2012 and finishing mid February 2013.
At DLA you can build your career in a full range of areas of law and contribute to what we consider to be, the most exciting law firm around. Not only are we technically excellent at what we do − we enjoy our work and our clients like working with us. We are known for our down-to-earth, practical and open approach to building relationships with our clients and with each other.
We are seeking students with great university grades, a commercial outlook, who are happiest as part of a team and almost certainly will have a sense of fun and adventure. We look actively for experience outside academic life.
Our applications open Thursday 8 March and close Thursday 22 March 2012.
Email your application to yourfuture@dlapf.com including:
- A covering letter detailing why you want to work for us.
- Your current CV, detailing your work experience, community involvement and outside interests
- Your academic transcript
- Your preference of either Wellington or Auckland office
Become a global Kiwi at DLA Phillips Fox. The firm where everything matters. Especially you.
Please see www.dlapf.com to find out more.
Like us on facebook become a fan - www.facebook.com/DLAPhillipsFox
