Helpful information

Tips & Tricks

CV Guidance

Ensure your CV is easy to read. Choose a standard font, use bullet points to break up blocks of information, and proofread it for correct spelling and grammar.
Your CV could include the following: an objective or personal statement; work, community, and volunteer experience; qualifications and education; and relevant technical skills.
Rather than submitting a cover letter, you will answer three questions through our online portal. These questions will help us get to know you a little better and why you're interested in a career in commercial law. We would like to know more about your interests and activities outside of your studies, including your demonstrated leadership or involvement in extracurricular activities. For example, community, cultural, sport, volunteering work or family/whānau commitments.

"When I was a student, I had this idea of what I thought big law firms were looking for, I thought I didn't meet the bar. The best thing I did was to ignore that voice in the back of my head and just apply."
Meghan Grant, Solicitor

Interview Preparation

Be yourself – we want to hear about what drew you to this career path, and how you would see us being able to continue to support you on your career journey.
Do your research about the firm and understand why you would want to work for us.
Ask clarifying questions if you don't understand the initial question, and don't be afraid to think about it before delivering your answer.
Think about what questions you want to ask us – what are you really curious about?
Dress code is business casual.

"My one piece of advice would be the saying called ko tō pae tawhiti kei ō ringa which means your future is in your hands. For students that means you are in charge of what you want going forward into a career and into your life, and knowing you are capable of what you want to achieve."
Beth Murfitt, Solicitor

Video interview

Ensure you are in a quiet place, with no interruptions.
Treat it like an in-person interview – dress the part and check your background for distractions.
Ensure you have good internet coverage, and the sound quality can be understood before starting the interview.
If you need support with video interview setup, please get in touch with the Careers team

What does the recruitment process look like?

1. Application

Apply online for the programme you are interested in.

2. Assessment

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to take part in our assessment process. This involves a short online video interview for us to get to know you better and an online activity to assess your likely strengths and working style.

2. Interview

If you are successful with your online assessments, you will be invited to an interview. This is an opportunity for us to get know each other. You will be interviewed by two of our partners and a member of the HR team.

2. Outcome

We will contact you to talk through the outcome of your application. If you are being offered a role with Russell McVeagh you will receive a call from us followed by our official offer letter.

Frequently asked questions to help you

Does Russell McVeagh recruit law clerks outside of the main recruitment campaign in March?

There may be law clerk vacancies advertised outside of our main recruitment round. When this occurs, vacancies are advertised on our website here and social media channels. If you would like to register your interest for a role or have any queries on this, please contact the HR team at [email protected]
How are outcomes of each step of the recruitment process communicated to candidates?

We communicate outcomes to our candidates at each step. We do that via email at steps 1-3, and via email and a phone call at steps 3-4.
How do I apply? What information do I need at hand for completing my application?

You will need the following to complete your application:

1. A copy of your academic transcript (can be an unofficial copy).
2. Your CV.
3. A copy of your answers to our questions to get to know you better.
Do I need to submit a Cover Letter in my application?
No, a cover letter is not required. Instead we are asking for you to submit your responses to three questions to get to know you better. These questions are listed below:
1. Tell us what a typical week looks like for you? (This could include your study, work, volunteering, family | whānau, community, sport, culture, anything that you typically spend time doing in a usual week).
2. What appeals to you about working in commercial law and Russell McVeagh?
3. Russell McVeagh's values are 'Curiosity', 'Excellence', 'Tenacity' and 'Respect'. Thinking of these values, why do you believe you would make a great addition as a Law Clerk at Russell McVeagh?
Your submission should not exceed one page, and ideally should be submitted in a PDF format.
Do I need an official copy of my academic transcript for my application?

You do not need an official copy of your academic transcript – an unofficial copy will suffice.
What does it take to be a successful candidate?

We are looking for enthusiastic, well-rounded students who have a strong interest in commercial law, have been successful academically and have applied themselves outside of studies where possible – working while studying, community roles, sports, leadership, etc.
What is the assessment process at Russell McVeagh?

The process consists of two parts – a short online video interview for us to get to know you better and online testing to assess your likely strengths, potential areas for development and working style.
What does the video interview involve?

You will be asked to answer two questions, with the focus on your interest in commercial law and Russell McVeagh, your values, your achievements, and any challenges to date.
What does the online exercise involve?

You will complete two parts. The first measures your ability to reach logical conclusions based on your analysis of abstract information. The second is an interactive game that assesses attributes and competencies that are critical to success at Russell McVeagh.
How do I complete the assessment?

When your application is shortlisted for assessment, you will receive an email from us confirming it, followed by two emails from our assessment providers with detailed instructions. Video interviews are hosted on Vieple, a video interview platform, and online testing is facilitated by Criteria.
How do I prepare for the assessment?

You might like to prepare answers to a few questions you think you could encounter and practise in front of a family member or friend. For the online testing, we will share practice tests with you.
What if I have technical issues submitting my application or completing my assessment?

If you have any technical issues, please contact the HR team at [email protected]
How do I prepare for my interview?

Your interview is a chance for us to get to know you, but also for you to get to know us. We recommend you look through our website and familiarise yourself with the firm, read through your CV and be prepared to talk about your background, experience, achievements and challenges, and to ask us a few questions.

You might like to prepare answers to a few questions you think you could encounter and practise in front of a family member or friend. On the day of your interview, try to relax and enjoy the process. Be honest and your authentic self, we are really looking forward to meeting you!
What do I wear to my interview?

For many of you, this may be your first interview. We recommend you dress comfortably but professionally. Our dress code at Russell McVeagh is business casual. Remember you are interviewing for a role in a corporate environment, so ensure that whatever you do decide to wear aligns with that.
What can I expect from the interview?

Our preference is to meet you in person, however, this will depend on health measures in place at the time and any travel restrictions. You will be interviewed by one of our senior lawyers and a member of the HR team. We will include names of your interviewers and information on their backgrounds into the email confirming the details of your interview. Your interview will take up to 45 minutes. It will include standard and behavioural questions. You will have an opportunity to ask us your own questions too.
What if I am invited to an interview but the date doesn't work for me?

We will confirm your availability for an interview with you prior to booking it in. We understand that you might have multiple commitments and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What if my application is not successful this time and I would like to receive feedback on it?

We would like to support you as much as we can and are open to providing feedback on your application. Get in touch with the HR team at [email protected].
What if my application is not successful this time and I would like to apply again?

We would welcome your application for a role at Russell McVeagh in the future if you choose to apply again.
Do Russell McVeagh law clerks start as a cohort at the same time or is it more flexible?

Our law clerks start as a cohort in January every year. If you are unable to commence your employment with us at that time due to study commitments or other circumstances, we may be able to accommodate an alternative start date for you.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Please send your questions to us at [email protected] and a member of the HR team will be in touch with you.

Helpful information

Tips & Tricks

CV Guidance

Interview Preparation

Video interview

1. Application

2. Assessment

2. Interview

2. Outcome

Frequently asked questions to help you

Does Russell McVeagh recruit law clerks outside of the main recruitment campaign in March?

How are outcomes of each step of the recruitment process communicated to candidates?

How do I apply? What information do I need at hand for completing my application?

Do I need to submit a Cover Letter in my application?

Do I need an official copy of my academic transcript for my application?

What does it take to be a successful candidate?

What is the assessment process at Russell McVeagh?

What does the video interview involve?

What does the online exercise involve?

How do I complete the assessment?

How do I prepare for the assessment?

What if I have technical issues submitting my application or completing my assessment?

How do I prepare for my interview?

What do I wear to my interview?

What can I expect from the interview?

What if I am invited to an interview but the date doesn't work for me?

What if my application is not successful this time and I would like to receive feedback on it?

What if my application is not successful this time and I would like to apply again?

Do Russell McVeagh law clerks start as a cohort at the same time or is it more flexible?

Who do I contact if I have any questions?