At MinterEllisonRuddWatts, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our clerks and graduates share honest insights into their time with us, from the work they’ve been involved in to the support, development, and opportunities that have helped them grow.
Summer Clerk Experience
Our previous summer clerks and recruitment partners share their perspectives on the summer clerk experience at MinterEllisonRuddWatts. Together, they reflect on the work, learning and support that make the programme meaningful.
Videos about life at our firm
Click to hear from some of our team about their experiences at MinterEllisonRuddWatts.
Click to hear from Sione Roberts, a previous intern and summer clerk and now solicitor in our Litigation team in our Auckland office.
Click to hear from Aimee Harris, a previous law clerk and now solicitor in our Real Estate – Environment team in our Auckland office.
Click to hear from Isabelle Pou, a previous intern summer clerk and now law clerk in our International Trade team in our Auckland office.
Click to hear from Jess Tonge, a previous summer clerk and now law clerk in our Construction team in our Auckland office.
Click to hear from Vijay Chand, a previous summer clerk and now solicitor in our Banking and Financial Services team in our Wellington Office.
Short Q&As about life at our firm
Read about further experiences from our team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts.
Solicitor | Litigation
(Previous summer clerk)
Why did you choose MinterEllisonRuddWatts for your summer clerkship?
I chose MinterEllisonRuddWatts due to the firm’s expertise in commercial law, in addition to what I had heard about the firm’s culture. With the firm renowned for its work in areas such as dispute resolution, corporate law, and banking and finance law, along with the presence of some of New Zealand’s leading lawyers in these areas at the firm, MinterEllisonRuddWatts stood out for me. Additionally, from talking to younger solicitors and previous summer clerks I had heard of a very positive and supportive work environment at the firm which made me even more eager to choose it.
Tell us about your role as a summer clerk at MinterEllisonRuddWatts
As a summer clerk, I rotated through the Litigation team and the Corporate team in the firm’s Wellington office. My role in both teams involved assisting solicitors, associates, and partners with various matters they were working on. In the Litigation team, I was often involved in work such as legal research and preparing court documents, whilst in the Corporate team I did more work on drafting commercial contracts and other corporate governance documents. Overall, I greatly enjoyed the variety of work that I was involved in as a summer clerk, and it made sure that no two days were the same.
What was the highlight of your summer?
I had a couple of different highlights of my summer! The opportunity to learn directly from some of the best lawyers in the country was my first highlight, and I was able to develop my legal skills in a way that has helped me for the rest of my time at law school, and that will help me greatly in my future career. My second highlight was the firm’s culture and overall environment, which made the summer very enjoyable. Everyone at the firm was extremely supportive of all the summer clerks from Day 1, and that positive environment coupled with the festiveness around the office over the holiday season made for a very exciting and fun couple of months.
What is your advice to someone who might be considering working at MinterEllisonRuddWatts?
My main piece of advice would be to be yourself and to highlight your passions and talents in your application. The firm is looking for people that stand out, so make sure you emphasise the ways in which you do – whether that be your academics, sporting achievements, musical talents, or anything else you’re involved in. Also, make sure you stay organised and prepared during the application process, making use of the resources and information available both online and at your university.
Solicitor | Financial Services
(Previous summer clerk)
What type of work does your team do and for what type of clients?
The Auckland Financial Services team (part of the wider Banking and Financial Services team) does a wide range of work for many different types of clients. Essentially our remit is anything to do with financial services – so our clients include fund managers, insurers, banks, FinTech companies (e.g. payment services or digital asset/crypto companies) or large corporates with certain requirements such as AML/CFT compliance, financial reporting or, more recently, climate reporting.
Our work includes regulatory advice in relation to the provision of financial services, setting up investment funds (such as KiwiSaver schemes or venture capital funds), drafting and reviewing offer documents, engaging with regulators to seek exemptions for specific clients. We also get involved in M&A transactions where the deal has a financial services element to it.
What do you most enjoy about the team / the work?
The Financial Services team environment is really supportive. I am always challenged to push my boundaries which has ultimately lead to a huge growth in my confidence. All of my questions, big or small, are taken seriously and I am made to feel like the work I am doing is important and purposeful.
In terms of the work itself, I love that we are often advising on the ‘new’ – whether that is a new client bringing a unique product or service to the market, or new legislation that is intellectually challenging to get your head around. The financial services industry is highly innovative and it is a lot of fun to help exciting ideas come into fruition.
What has been the highlight of your time here so far?
I have really enjoyed working on climate-related matters, as it has given me many opportunities to have direct contact with clients and develop my professional skills. Climate-related disclosures is a new legal regime requiring large companies to produce climate reports about the risks and opportunities of climate change for their business, and how they will adapt to our changing environment. The best part about new regimes is that you do not have to be 20 years into your career to be considered knowledgeable – because everyone is learning along with you! We also help companies ensure they are only making environmental, social or governance (ESG) claims that are legitimate and achievable to avoid ‘greenwashing’, a social issue that is definitely trending at the moment.
What makes MinterEllisonRuddWatts a great place to work?
From day one I could tell that MinterEllisonRuddWatts had a warm and friendly atmosphere, thanks to the wonderful people, fun social events and amazing amount of support we receive. There are many helpful trainings and initiatives, including the MentorME programme where you are paired up with a more senior lawyer in a different team. You meet with this mentor throughout the year to seek their advice on anything or just learn more about other practice areas. MentorME plus the buddy system within your team means that you never feel like you have no one to turn to.
What was the biggest challenge when you first started working here?
As a fresh new law clerk, you want to be doing your absolute best work every day despite learning new things constantly and tackling tasks you have never done before, all while adjusting to full time work. This was initially overwhelming and it is easy to put pressure on yourself. I soon realised that there is a lot of breathing room for this adjustment and everyone is rooting for you, and most of your colleagues have been in your exact position. If you are showing up for the team each day and giving everything your best shot with enthusiasm – you are doing great!
What is your advice to someone who might be considering working at MinterEllisonRuddWatts?
MinterEllisonRuddWatts doesn’t take a cookie cutter approach as to who could be a good fit for a role at the firm. While it is easier said than done, try not to stress about putting yourself in a box as to the typical person you think they would want to hire – of course academic skills are important, but don’t be afraid to highlight your quirks and interests outside of university study that sum up who you are as a person. Chances are, the skills you learn from these activities will come in handy at a law firm one way or another!
Solicitor | Litigation
(Previous intern and summer clerk)
What do you enjoy most about working at MinterEllisonRuddWatts?
The best part about working at MinterEllisonRuddWatts is without a doubt the great people you get to work with and the quality of work we do. Everyone you work with, whether they are in your team or from the wider firm, is supportive and the work is both challenging and rewarding. There are countless opportunities for learning and also to contribute to the firm. I’ve especially enjoyed being able to join and be a part of a meaningful initiative like our firm’s EDI Committee.
Tell us a little about the firm’s Empowerment, Diversity and Inclusion Committee?
Our EDI Committee is made up of partners and staff representatives, consisting of a range of both legal and non-legal staff at varying levels. Its purpose is to create opportunities for diverse people to feel valued and to excel at MinterEllisonRuddWatts. The committee ensures that there is an ongoing focus on diversity at MinterEllisonRuddWatts in every sense of the word. Their remit overlaps with the firm’s wider sustainability goals, which are designed to prepare the firm for the future.
Why did you choose to be a part of the EDI Committee?
Diversity and inclusion are all things that I am passionate about and think are highly important not only at Minters, but especially so in the legal sector. I think it is extremely important to recognise that while progress has been made, there is a lot of work that needs to be done. Improving diversity and inclusion needs to be an ongoing commitment in our industry. I wanted to add value to the Committee and help tackle those issues by bringing the perspective of someone affected by some of the issues that are the target of EDI efforts.
Tell us about your experience so far with the EDI Committee.
I’ve only been on the Committee for a short while, but I’ve been surprised at the amount I’ve learnt – in terms of not only the various initiatives that are tabled but also the issues that staff have raised as points of discussion for our meetings and seeing how the firm responds to these. It’s an area I really care about and I’m looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to these important efforts.
Solicitor | Litigation
(Previous intern and summer clerk)
Why did you choose MinterEllisonRuddWatts for your internship?
I have always held MinterEllisonRuddWatts in extremely high regard because of the incredible work they do both in the commercial law field and in the communities of Aotearoa New Zealand. It was clear to me prior to applying that the firm has a strong culture of achieving excellence and success for their clients, yet also places great emphasis on encouraging and supporting their own people. Together, this makes them a truly phenomenal firm and I think it was the combination of these things that made me pursue MinterEllisonRuddWatts for my internship.
Tell us about your role as an intern at MinterEllisonRuddWatts?
I interned in the Dispute Resolution team and my role as an intern involved assisting solicitors, associates, special counsel and partners with various tasks they were working on. This meant the work I did ranged from legal research to preparing court documents, with a whole lot in between. My role as an intern was one of great variety and, truthfully, I never really knew what task I’d end up doing on any given day. Overall, I believe the intern role is one of learning; learning new ways of thinking, learning new skills, and learning about different areas of the law and how they operate. It is a role I’m incredibly grateful to have had.
What was the highlight of your internship?
I have two highlights. Firstly, the learning aspect. The internship provides an incredibly unique experience to learn directly from some of the best legal minds in the country. There are so many opportunities to work with different legal professionals and it has been incredible learning skills that I know I will use for the rest of my legal career. The second highlight is undoubtedly the people. MinterEllisonRuddWatts has such an extraordinary culture of community and the people at the firm are so invested in you. As an intern, we were provided with a ‘solicitor buddy’ and a ‘responsible partner’ who we report to. I have found this to be such a helpful experience, which has made the transition to working in a law firm a whole lot less daunting and a whole lot more fun. I have loved working alongside so many amazing people and learning so much from them.
How has the work experience at MinterEllisonRuddWatts helped you with your studies?
On a specific level, the work experience at MinterEllisonRuddWatts has significantly developed crucial law school skills of legal research, writing case briefs, drafting legal documents – and more. However, on a more general level it has also really helped keep me motivated for university study. Towards the end of a degree, it can be hard to find the motivation to keep giving study 100%, as you start to feel ready to enter the workforce. However, gaining the work experience at MinterEllisonRuddWatts has given me a taste for what the real world will feel like and galvanised me to study even harder! It has really confirmed my love of the law and my desire to pursue a career in commercial law and affirmed to me that I’m doing the right thing.
Law Clerk | Real Estate – Property
(Previous intern and summer clerk)
What teams did you summer clerk in and what type of work did you do?
I was a summer clerk in the Tax team and the Property team, and every day presented something different to work on. I completed tasks such as researching legislation and cases, writing briefs with relevant information for matters my team was working on, and summarising recent decisions or information. It was so valuable to see how the law is applied in practice, and everything I did furthered my skills in research, analysis, and legal writing.
Why did you decide to summer clerk at MinterEllisonRuddWatts?
I decided to summer clerk at MinterEllisonRuddWatts because I was aware of the wide range of practice areas they are involved in, and I knew that I would be exposed to such a huge variety of work. As a wāhine Māori, I was also really interested in working in a space that recognises and celebrates Te Aō Māori. Alongside this, being an industry leader in such a wide range of practice areas, I knew that having the opportunity to summer clerk at MinterEllisonRuddWatts meant that I would be working alongside people who could provide me with excellent mentorship, experiences, and learning.
What makes MinterEllisonRuddWattsa great place to work?
MinterEllisonRuddWatts is such an amazing place to work for so many reasons. It is such an inclusive workplace and, while it is definitely easy to feel nervous entering a large law firm for the first time, I felt so welcome from my first day. Throughout my internship, I had many people checking in on me and making sure I was comfortable. I also found MinterEllisonRuddWatts a great place to work because of the connection they have with the wider community. I was fortunate to be involved in volunteering time for conservation on Tiritiri Matangi, and being involved with Homework Help Club – both of which were massive highlights for me! There are also so many opportunities to get to know everyone, whether that is through social club or firm lunches or events, or people just asking you how you are as they pass you by. By the end of my clerkship, I felt as though I had been at the firm for a long time just because of how many people I knew!
Solicitor | Corporate
(Previous intern and summer clerk)
Tell us about your role as an intern at MinterEllisonRuddWatts?
My role as an intern in the Corporate (M&A) team was to assist the team in any work they had and complete a private equity project I was assigned. This meant throughout the internship I always had something to do, which was great as it showed that the firm showed genuine interest in providing a meaningful experience to its interns.
One of the highlights of being part of the Corporate (M&A) team is the diverse nature of the work. My responsibilities range from reviewing contractual documents such as Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPA), drafting director resolutions, to preparing research memos. There is never a dull moment, everyone is super approachable and always willing to help or have a chat about anything else.
What have you enjoyed most about your internship?
I could name countless of things, but if I were to single out two it would be the people and the quality of work you get given. Everyone in the team and the firm are all super approachable and supportive, making the transition from law school to a big law firm much less intimidating. As for the work, I was lucky to be involved in transactions with some of New Zealand’s leading companies and multinational corporations. This provided a practical, hands-on experience that was both rewarding and insightful.
Why would you recommend an internship at MinterEllisonRuddWatts to others?
While law school lays the groundwork for our foundational understanding of the law it often diverges from the practical realities of the profession. An internship at Minters bridges this gap. It provides a supportive and welcoming environment where you can confidently apply what you learnt in law school knowledge to real-world scenarios, and also learn skills that are not taught in law school. This hands-on experience not only enhances your skills but also prepares you for a successful career in law.
Solicitor | Banking and Financial Services
(Previous summer clerk)
Tell us about the interview process at MinterEllisonRuddWatts
I found the interview process at MinterEllisonRuddWatts super smooth, accessible and easy to navigate through. I really enjoyed the recruitment process as it felt really personable and I felt like my application was genuinely paid attention to. There was the initial classic CV and Cover Letter application step, followed by the interviews at a later stage. The interviews were really an awesome chance to get to know the firm, your interviewers and find out more about how you could fit into the culture of the firm. I understand interviews are always daunting but I felt really comfortable and listened to during my interview which helped me become more confident during the interview overtime!
Why did you choose MinterEllisonRuddWatts for your summer clerkship?
As wāhine Pasifika, I wanted to choose a law firm that had expertise within a wide range of corporate and commercial mahi. My values fall within the scope of helping others in making a positive difference in our communities and I really like the kaupapa that Minters upholds in building trust with its clients and in providing a motivating work environment for its staff. I really like how the firm is people-centred, and everyone is genuinely passionate about the different areas of work that come through the firm.
What was the highlight of your summer?
Going on secondments! I was lucky to go on two secondments to two different clients from my rotations over summer. This was a great opportunity to learn about Minters’ connections with its clients from different areas, how the clients’ operations are run and understand the client’s point of view regarding particular matters. I took away so much from these experiences, like learning how to interact with clients, drafting emails, letters and memos and I know I have made lifelong connections with the agencies I was seconded to.
What is your advice to someone who might be considering applying for a summer clerkship at MinterEllisonRuddWatts?
The best advice I could give is to give it a proper go and let your personality shine through your applications! Reflecting back to my application, I talked about my passions of serving my communities and giving back to those that helped me become who I am today. Outlining what matters to you the most and where you aspire to be in the future is a way to shine light on your personal experiences with the law and your journey.
Law Clerk | Banking and Financial Services
(Previous summer clerk)
What was the biggest highlight of your summer clerk experience?
The biggest highlight of my summer clerk experience was the cohort. Most of us had never met beforehand, but now I feel like I not only have an inbuilt group of friends at work, but also great colleagues to reach out to for just about anything. As the experience went on and we got several team-building events under our belt, we really became close. I’m extremely grateful to have had a great group of people to share the early part of my career with. I’m sure we all will remain good friends as we grow in our respective careers!
What did you enjoy most about the work in your practice area?
During my summer clerkship, I rotated through the banking team and the financial services team. Rotating through two different teams in the same general practice area gave me the opportunity to dive into all things finance and gain experience on both the transactional and advisory sides. In both teams, there was a big emphasis on problem-solving approaches that incorporated both a legal and commercial perspective. Ensuring our advice was tailor-made to the client’s business and their goals was an interesting part of the work to engage with. The creativity and critical thinking required to deliver this advice was fun to take part in and has been an incredible learning experience.
How would you describe the culture at MinterEllisonRuddWatts?
The firm’s culture is truly unparalleled. Since starting at MinterEllisonRuddWatts’, I’ve felt nothing but welcomed and encouraged to excel. One of the best parts of the culture here is that everyone is keen to help whenever and wherever they can, and there is absolutely no such thing as a stupid question. This has made me feel like a contributing and valued member of my team and has made the work much more enjoyable. Although I was stressed coming into the experience and felt as if I knew nothing about the practical side of law, the team has made learning and understanding as easy as possible by always putting aside time to answer questions or explain concepts. I think the fact that I have never felt stressed at work about not knowing a concept, or needing help, sums up the awesome culture at MERW well.
Why did you decide to summer clerk with MinterEllisonRuddWatts?
I chose to summer clerk with MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ as it was clear throughout the recruitment process that this was a place that truly values their juniors and gives them heaps of opportunities and support to grow into successful lawyers. The emphasis on hands-on experience, the great culture and the opportunities for professional development set MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ apart for me. As the experience has come to a close, I could not be happier with my time as a summer clerk here.
What is your advice for someone considering working at MinterEllisonRuddWatts?
There is no one quality that MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ is looking for in applications. It may sound a bit overdone at this point, but my number one piece of advice is to create a CV and cover letter that emphasises the things you are most proud of and best exemplify you as an individual. I remember thinking initially that no one would want to hear about sports and my other interests on my CV, but all those little things speak to your personality and help you stand out!
How were you supported during your summer clerkship?
In both teams, my buddies and the partners would check in to make sure I always had something to do but wasn’t feeling overwhelmed. This made asking questions and getting feedback an engaging and valuable process. Also, when giving feedback, the team would always be sure to not only point out areas where I needed improvement but would explain how to get there and give examples. Having this process in place meant that I always had constructive feedback to implement going forward and made me feel like I was always contributing valuable work to the team.
