University recruitment is not only about recruiting the brightest, all round
talent that our law schools have to offer, we are also looking for future
partners. At Buddle Findlay your career progression starts with summer and law
clerkships, and can take you through to partnership.
Summer Clerk
Eddie Clark
When I walked in to Buddle Findlay as a Summer Clerk, I had no idea what it was
like to work in a major corporate law firm. For me, that was what the summer
was about: finding out. And find out I did.
Working in the law is totally different from studying it. All through the summer
I was given interesting, challenging work, applied to facts, people, and
companies, rather than dealing with abstract principles.
The people were great, too. Everyone took an interest in what I was doing, and
were willing to help when I looked lost (which was quite often, at first!).
Working at Buddle Findlay was genuinely one of the most valuable experiences of
my life, and I'm looking forward to heading back there in 2005.
Law Clerk
Lucy Hallam-Eames
I really enjoyed my time as a summer clerk at Buddle Findlay. It was great to
finally have an understanding of the practical aspect of the legal profession
after five years of study. Working as a summer clerk opened my eyes to how much
I still have to learn before I will be a good lawyer.
One of the great things about Buddle Findlay is that I will receive heaps of
assistance to improve my skills as a lawyer. There is a real focus on
professional development and training here. The senior lawyers constantly go
out of their way to help junior staff to improve their skills and become better
lawyers.
Another reason I like Buddle Findlay is the pragmatic approach that is taken to
work. The emphasis is always on producing work that is straightforward and
meaningful to the client.
Above all, I chose Buddle Findlay because of the people who work here. Buddle
Findlay people have outstanding legal expertise but they are also interesting
in ways other than just as lawyers. The people here come from a range of
different backgrounds and have lives outside of the office, which makes coming
to work interesting and fun.
Solicitor
Sebastian Bisley
I decided to summer clerk at Buddle Findlay because, when I interviewed for a
position, the interview was so relaxed and friendly. Happily, my initial
impression has been borne out by the rest of my experience with the firm.
During my time here, I've done consistently interesting work with intelligent,
motivated people. Buddle Findlay has allowed me to combine a wide variety of
work with a focus on the areas I'm particularly interested in. Just as
important as the work that you do, is who you work with. At Buddle Findlay the
people are friendly, open and approachable. Being able to relate to the people
you work with is especially important as a junior solicitor, as the support
that you get from other lawyers is a critical part of learning how to practise
law yourself.
The decision as to which law firm you work at is a difficult and important one.
Buddle Findlay has been a fun, interesting and supportive place to start my
career, and looking back I'm confident that given the chance to make that
decision again, my choice would be the same.
Senior Solicitor
Jane Christie
Having summer clerked during the summer of 1998/1999, I joined Buddle Findlay in
2000. After three years in the financial services team, I left to travel and to
live and work in Dublin.
The excellent experience and skills that I'd gained from starting my career with
Buddle Findlay made it relatively easy to adapt to working in another
jurisdiction.
When I returned to New Zealand a short time ago, it wasn't a difficult decision
to come back to Buddle Findlay. The friendly, relaxed, yet totally professional
style of the firm makes it a great place to work.
One of the best things about Buddle Findlay is that it recognises and encourages
initiative and ambition, providing plenty of support and opportunities for
professional development and furthering your career.
Right from the start, I have been exposed to a range of clients and different
types of work, which means that working here is interesting and challenging -
and that no two days are ever the same. It's a firm that understands that
life's not all about work, and provides ample opportunities to get involved in
after-work and social activities.
Senior Associate
Hamish Kynaston
When I first interviewed for a position as a law clerk in the major firms, it
soon became apparent that the top firms all did similar work for similar
clients, but they each had their own personality and way of doing business.
Eight years on, I am convinced that this is the case.
For me Buddle Findlay came across very strongly as a firm with a practical
approach to legal issues, a relaxed mindset and a strong regard for the ethical
and professional values that should guide all legal practice. The New Zealand
legal services market has changed a lot in the last few years, but Buddle
Findlay has remained constant in these three qualities.
Buddle Findlay has a number of other features that make it a great place to
work. The firm is structured into specialist teams, but it is common for people
to be called in from across the firm, particularly for larger projects. This
presents a good opportunity to learn, and to network. Buddle Findlay places a
strong emphasis on career development and business development - the two go
hand in hand - and we try to ensure that lawyers are aligned with the right
people and practice areas to suit their skills and interests. Most importantly,
though, it is accepted as normal to have a life outside work.
Partner
Frances Allan
Since my first day at Buddle Findlay, I have been exposed to challenging work
and interesting clients. The approachability and depth of experience of our
partners and senior lawyers was a great asset to me as a junior lawyer. We
operate in a very open working environment. It's also a comparatively young
partnership. The work hard, play hard line is a bit of a cliché but it's
true of us. Balance is critical.
My career at Buddle Findlay started in February 1993 when I joined the firm as a
law clerk. My first rotation was in the corporate area and I turned down a
chance to rotate to another area after six months having realised that this was
what I wanted to do. Later I spent some time on secondment at a large Sydney
firm but returned to the fold in 1998. The firm facilitated this opportunity
and is very supportive of people wishing to acquire overseas experience.
I have been a partner in the corporate services team of Buddle Findlay's
Auckland office since January 2003. My practice comprises capital raisings,
mergers and acquisitions and general corporate advisory work for clients in a
broad range of sectors including health, education, energy and technology.
It's a tribute to the Buddle Findlay culture and the great work on offer that so
many of our senior staff have been here since the start of their legal careers.