International Clerkship Report

Waratchaya Tungsuwan, September 2007

Sponsoring Office:  Bangkok, Thailand
Receiving Office:     Sydney, Australia

My six-week experience as an International Clerk at the Sydney office started from 20 August 2007 to 28 September 2007. 

I was collected from Sydney airport and shown to my very luxurious apartment; the facilities provided were great, and it was located right in the centre of the City, only fifteen minutes' walk to the office.  Obviously, all the arrangements by the Sydney office and, of course, the cooperation by the Bangkok office were well prepared.

On my first day at the Sydney office, although I was quite nervous, I was quickly put at ease by the relaxed and friendly nature of the welcoming staff and the morning coffee break with my Buddy, who later introduced me to the Attorneys in the Corporate South Department, the practice group I have been working with all through the six weeks.

I took part in various training programs, allowing me to learn basics of Australian laws and was given several assignments, such as due diligence, contract reviewing and summarizing.  I was also assigned a range of interesting works.  In general, such work has allowed me to understand the basic Australian legal system.  I was kept occupied in Sydney and this allowed me to better handle the time management and working under pressure; although the work was quite difficult, help and advice were always available.

One thing I did notice is that, in Sydney, Pro Bono and Community Services are given a high level of priority and staff are actively encouraged to participate.  The Pro Bono and Community Services include book reading for schoolchildren and acting as pen-pals to primary school students.  This makes me realize that Pro Bono and Community Services do not have to be in a large scale but that everything counts as long as you put your mind into it.

During my time at the Sydney office, I gained many valuable experiences.  I was involved in many interesting assignments and PD programs; I got a chance to learn "Sydney office's Cultures"; I visited amazing places and, most importantly, I had a chance to meet and make many wonderful new friends.
 
Besides work I spent time enjoying the sights and sounds of Sydney, i.e., Hyde Park, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi beach, Manly Beach, Botanic Garden, and the Rocks.  Sydney is a remarkable place both for work and for living.  Transportation, weather, food, people, and the city as a whole make Sydney a very friendly place.

This program has been a good opportunity for me to work in a different environment involving other working culture and laws.  It also provided excellent opportunities for me to get to know Baker colleagues in other countries and exchange ideas and experiences with them.  I was also able to benefit from the guidance and friendship of colleagues and supervisors, making my stay fruitful and enjoyable.  Indeed, I really enjoyed being there, both for the work at Baker and also for the time that I was able to spend outside the office discovering Sydney.

I am most honoured and grateful to have been given an opportunity to be with the Sydney office during my International Clerkship Program.  I really appreciate the warm welcome, the excellent hospitality and generosity, as well as the friendly atmosphere. Overall, the six-week experience has been an incredible memory for me. 

To conclude, for those of you who are interested in joining other Baker offices as an International Clerk, I am sure that you will draw full benefits from working in the Sydney office.