Australian Law School Graduates: International Careers in Law

13 March 2023

Australian Law School Graduates: International Careers in Law

“So, law school.”

It’s how Texas-based lawyer Mark McLennan begins his info-packed webinar with us. And since he’s been there, done that, he wants to give you some advice, especially to Canadians considering studying at an Australian law school.

The reason this webinar is so important is because he addresses the question we get asked (a lot): What can you do after you graduate from law school?

As it turns out, lots.

university of sydney law school graduate mark mclennan
University of Sydney law school graduate Mark McLennan

We recently held a webinar with University of Sydney Juris Doctor graduate Mark McLennan. Originally from Calgary, Mark completed his Juris Doctor at the University of Sydney. After graduation, he attended The London School of Economics to complete his Master of Laws. He then went on to work at firms in England and the United States.

Mark currently works as an Associate with King & Spalding, an American international corporate law firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It boasts more than 1,200 lawyers in 23 offices. So, it’s safe to say that Mark knows what he’s talking about.

But what does it take to get your dream job, you ask? What should you concentrate on when you’re just starting out?

“Begin with the end in mind,” Mark advises. Basically, figure out your end goal in advance. “Look at the people who have the position you want, and structure what you’re doing towards that.”

Mark acknowledges that while the “big” law firm jobs after graduation are available, it’s can be a regimented process to snag one. “If you don’t fit into that box that they’re looking for, it can be difficult,” he explains.

But feeling intimidated is definitely not a good reason to become discouraged. “I’m sure things have changed since I’ve been there—there are a lot more international students going [to study law in Australia].”

In fact, the word international is something Mark brings up repeatedly during his webinar, and there’s something reassuring in that. He goes on to explain why he decided to continue his education at The London School of Economics, and how that helped him better understand the legal profession as a whole, and the variety of career avenues he could pursue.

Another benefit of international study? Networking. It’s a key word in the legal world, and Mark says it’s one of the best things that ever happened to him: “If you go with an open mind, and meet all these people—like-minded people—and doors are just going to open.”

In the end, Mark chose international arbitration (there’s that word again). Having the law career you want is completely doable—as long as you’re dedicated to making your career a reality. Study hard, get good grades, keep an open mind, and don’t forget to network.

Here’s what Mark discusses during the webinar:

  • About OzTREKK and Australian law degrees
  • Begin with the end in mind
  • Get qualified
  • Get involved
  • Work in Australia while studying for NCA
  • Is it tough? What to expect in law school
  • Bias toward Australian law graduate

Are you interested in watching the full webinar? Please email law@oztrekk.com, and we’ll hook you up!

Read more about being an Australian law school alum:

University of Sydney Law School Juris Doctor

The Juris Doctor program has a strong global focus on international, comparative and transnational aspects of law. Students are required to study Public International Law and Private International Law as part of their program. The Sydney Law School equips students with the skills to work in a competitive legal environment of the 21st century, so that they can move with confidence across national boundaries when providing legal advice.

Program: Juris Doctor (JD)
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Duration: 3 years
Semester intake: February/March each year
Application deadline: You’re encouraged to apply a minimum of six months prior to the program start date.

Start your application to Sydney Law School!

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Find out more about studying at Sydney Law School! Contact OzTREKK’s Law Admissions Officer at law@oztrekk.com for more info.

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