Hear our stories

At Clayton Utz, we're constantly challenging the way things are done. Find out what it's like to work with us and how you can build your career.

Rebecca BadinskiNational Defence Administrator, Canberra

Prior to joining Clayton Utz, I had zero experience with law firms. My expectations were very low and were founded upon typical law firm stereotypes: cut throat, zero work life balance, with a focus only on the bottom line. But after a few months in the role, I realised Clayton Utz certainly didn't fit that mould. Unlike many other top firms, CU has created a platform for their employees to grow, and not only from a professional perspective

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The option to work flexibly has meant that I can continue my university studies. It also means that the skills I'm learning through my degree benefit my performance in my role because they have allowed me to grow academically, professionally and as a person. I didn't think it would be possible to balance my degree and my career at the same time, but CU surprised me.

Lauren EvansReal Estate Lawyer, Perth

Before joining Clayton Utz, my experience as a lawyer included supporting senior associates and partners in relation to business development. It was my "normal" to write articles or presentations for someone else to present, without any acknowledgement of my contribution. On the client front, I was rarely invited to attend client meetings, and instead did the work behind the scenes.

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Not long after I arrived at CU Darwin, the opportunity to present a paper at the AMPLA conference in Brisbane arose. I was surprised when my partner, Margie Michaels, offered this opportunity to all lawyers in the office, not just senior associates and above. I put my hand up to do it, and a few months later I found myself standing on stage, presenting my paper on Onshore Unconventional Gas Exploration to hundreds of AMPLA conference attendees.

Throughout my time at CU I have been continuously encouraged to attend as many client and industry events as possible, I've written articles and client updates - for which I've been acknowledged.

On the client front, I could never have imagined the level of trust and responsibility that would be given to me. I was encouraged to form personal bonds with key clients and was given responsibility over big matters. This strengthened my confidence in my own ability as well as my belief in the firm.

The support I've had from CU in building my profile in the industry as well has been amazing and I am so appreciative of the opportunities I've been given.

Ashley Tsacalos Partner, Sydney

"I leave the office at 4pm twice a week to work from home and this gives me the opportunity to spend the evening with my children which I thoroughly look forward to. I consider myself to be very fortunate to work for a firm such as Clayton Utz that strongly supports and encourages flexible working arrangements."

Phillip Morgan Infrastructure Development Manager, Sydney

I started in the Office Services team at Clayton Utz in 1993 with a degree in Mathematics and a willingness to learn. Grateful for the opportunity to do something other than hospitality work, my expectations from CU were simply for a short stint in a corporate environment, before moving on to the Finance sector.

Almost 25 years later I continue to enjoy a varied and fulfilling career at Clayton Utz.

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My insight into the "secret" world of law began when I delivered mail around Sydney and I would get a kick out of making urgent drops to chambers. But after six months, and with a young family to support it was time to look elsewhere... but opportunity came knocking in the form of one of Australia's largest Product Liability cases of its time. The Product Liability team needed an extra paralegal and most importantly, they were brave enough to take me on. The partners were both very generous with their time and provided plenty of opportunity for my professional growth. I learnt a lot about responsibility and patience during that period and I still apply these learnings to my role today.

After three years in the paralegal role it was time to look elsewhere again... but opportunity came knocking once more. This time it was a role in the IT department and it's where I've stayed for the past 20 years.

It's the opportunities at CU that keep me here - opportunities to work with a supportive Business Advisory Services management team, the opportunities and challenges of working with new technology, as well as the pleasure of working with a team of keen technology enthusiasts as we deliver innovative web solution solutions for the firm.

Majella Pollard Partner, Brisbane

"I have been at CU for over 10 years now, and put simply, I would not be here without the ability to work flexibly. I love work, but I also want to be very involved with my children, as well as assisting at the school and local community. So for me, I want to work part-time.

But flexible work arrangements should not just be for people who have children. I know a part-time lawyer who focuses on art on their day off."

Brett Cohen Partner, Perth

"I joined Clayton Utz straight from university as a wide-eyed graduate. There are many reasons why I joined the firm (the primary one being I somehow convinced my interviewers to offer me a job), and numerous reasons why I have remained. From graduate to partner I've had the benefit of counsel and support from generous colleagues, and been offered opportunities that could only arise from a firm of Clayton Utz's calibre."

Hai-Van NguyenPro Bono, Senior Associate, Sydney

In 2015 I trained as a yoga teacher and I had this general sense that I would one day like to teach classes at Clayton Utz. I wasn't about to abandon my legal career, in the hopes of becoming the next Shiva Rea or Rodney Yee. My goals were much more modest. If I could get a handful of lawyers to attend my class, maybe they would see the benefits of carving out a little time for themselves and they would realise that yoga wasn't just for free-spirited hippies.

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I taught my first class at Clayton Utz in February 2016 with five students - a few members of office services and a former Clayton Utz partner. Learning to see a partner as a student (and therefore an equal) in my yoga class, was incredibly daunting. Much to my relief and surprise, the partner was incredibly receptive to being instructed, and was, dare I say, an enthusiastic student.

Teaching yoga has created opportunities for me to connect with colleagues across the firm who I may not have otherwise gotten to know.