Neeharika Palachanda
What year did you graduate from Melbourne Law School?
Mid 2022
How long have you been at HSF?
I've been at HSF for about 3 months now! It's been flying by but I'm feeling very much settled into being at the firm!
Which team/practice group are you currently working in?
I'm currently rotating in the Core Finance team (Banking & Finance).
What is unique about working at HSF?
I found HSF to be unlike other firms in the market because of their people. HSF lawyers are great at what they do, but they are also great at being supportive, warm and friendly people that you actually want to be around! Every interaction I had with someone at the firm was one which made me feel included, listened to and valued.
How much autonomy and responsibility is given to you as a graduate?
An incredible amount, I'm still amazed by the exposure I've had in just 3 months. I've been to multiple client events, sent emails to the client myself, received instructions from a client, called a client myself. Luckily, these stretch moments have been coupled with support - my team made sure to let me know that I could reach out to them the minute I had a question - big or small!
Do you have any advice for prospective applicants of HSF?
Think about the kind of lawyer you want to be in a few years. This can be a reflection on a range of things such as: what practice area you want to work in, the skills you want to have, the kind of people you want to learn from, and who you want to be outside your work. Look for a firm that will encourage you to foster all those interests and support you with the right structures and people to get you to your goals. Picking the firm that will best support all these goals and dreams is key! Good luck!
Thea Stephenson
What year did you graduate from Melbourne Law School?
June 2022
How long have you been at HSF?
Clerked in Winter 2022 and commenced as a graduate in March 2023
Which team/practice group are you currently working in?
Currently in my first rotation in Disputes
Why did you choose HSF?
I felt very “seen” during the application and clerkship process. Coming from a less conventional background I wasn’t sure a large firm would be the right fit for me but every interaction I had with members of the HSF team made me feel excited about joining the team and helped me to recognise the value of working for a leading firm. HSF truly values people bringing their unique skills and experiences to work which makes it an interesting and welcoming place to work.
How much autonomy and responsibility is given to you as a graduate?
I have had the opportunity to take on large tasks with full autonomy in my matters. While support is always there if I need it the team trusts me to take on the work and come back with a finished product. Often I will also utilise other forms of support such as paralegals, document solutions, and the legal technology team to get the task done.
Do you have any advice for prospective applicants of HSF?
Be clear on what you have to offer and what you want from a role at the firm. This way your application and engagement in the clerkship process will be more well-rounded and genuine, focused not only on what you have to offer but why you think the firm will be the right place for you to succeed. The firm really does what to know ‘who you are’ because having a diverse and dynamic team makes the firm an even better place to work.