Gilbert + Tobin

The team at G+T makes the experience manageable by fostering a supportive and collaborative culture, ensuring that I have the right level of guidance to rise to the demands of my role.

What's your name and job title? What did you study? When did you graduate?

My name is Piraveen Sribaskaran and I am a Lawyer at Gilbert + Tobin (G+T). I studied a Bachelor of Commerce and Laws at the University of New South Wales, and I graduated in February 2025.

Where did you grow up? Important stages of your life (school, education, experience abroad, jobs etc.)

I am a Western Sydney boy through-and-through, having been born, raised, and lived there my entire life. It was at high school where I first got a taste of the law through studying Legal Studies for my HSC. From there, I chased opportunities to break into the legal industry during my university degree, working as a law clerk at a personal injury firm and as a paralegal at an insurance law firm before joining G+T. I also had the remarkable experience of studying Women and Gender Law at ILS Law College in Pune, India. The subject itself was fascinating, tracing the historical development of feminist legal theory in both India and the West, but it was the field trip to Mumbai that left a lasting impression, where we visited support services for women and toured ashrams dedicated to the care of orphans.

How did you get to your current job position? For how long have you had it?

I joined G+T as a Summer Clerk in November 2023 and have now been with the firm for nearly two and a half years.

How did you choose your specialisation (compared to others)? Were you weighing up any other alternatives before choosing this specialisation?

As I am still rotating through G+T's 18-month graduate program (two rotations of nine months each), I have not yet chosen my specialisation. My first rotation was in Banking and Projects, and I am currently in Technology and Digital, both transactional areas of law, yet vastly different in the types of work undertaken on a day-to-day basis.

What was your interview process like? What kind of questions were you asked?

G+T's recruitment process consisted of two interviews. The first took place at G+T's assessment centre, known as Super Saturday, which comprised a written assessment, a group case study, and an interview with a Partner or Special Counsel alongside a lawyer. This interview focused primarily on behavioural questions, along with personalised questions about what drew me to G+T and why I chose to apply. My second interview was a one-on-one with a Partner and served more as an opportunity for me to get to know the firm better. Overall, the interviews were relaxed in nature, ensuring that the process was as much about me getting to know G+T as it was about G+T getting to know me.

Suppose a student was considering your career. What would you advise them to study? Are there any soft skills that would beneficial for them to develop? Should they pursue any sort of work experience?

Beyond the obvious requirement of studying law, given that majority of universities don’t offer a straight law degree, the choice of secondary degree is entirely personal. No secondary discipline will give you a meaningful head start, so pursue what interests you. In terms of soft skills, I would encourage to focus on communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. These are all skills that I continually build upon playing cricket every weekend, and they can be just as readily developed through similar extracurricular activities. As for work experience, legal experience is not a prerequisite for eligibility as a Summer Clerk at G+T, though it is certainly helpful. That said, do not fear if you do not have legal experience! Any role in which you can demonstrate transferable skills and a willingness to learn will hold you in good stead.

What does your employer do?

G+T is Australia’s leading independent commercial law firm renowned for its work across corporate advisory, regulation and disputes. The firm regularly advises major corporations, governments and financial institutions on complex, high-profile transactions and legal matters, and has built a strong reputation for delivering the highest quality of legal services.

What are your areas of responsibility?

My areas of responsibility currently include:

• Drafting due diligence reports and reviewing relevant materials, including material IT contracts, privacy policies and cyber-security related documents;
• Reviewing supply-arrangement contracts and flagging onerous provisions;
• Preparing presentations for business development purposes;
• Conducting research on online safety law, unfair contract terms and artificial intelligence; and
• Attending to general ad-hoc tasks.

​​​​​​​Can you describe a typical work day? (If this is difficult to answer, tell us about the last thing you worked on?)

The last thing I worked on was a pro bono matter in which I was asked to prepare a research memorandum for an organisation seeking to incorporate and obtain charity registration in Australia. My task involved conducting detailed research into case law and tax guidance to assess whether the organisation would be eligible for "deductible gift recipient" status. Although I had minimal prior exposure to this area of law at G+T, it was a great opportunity to brush up on my Tax Law notes.

What sort of person succeeds in your career?

In an era increasingly shaped by AI and rapid technological change, those who are genuinely willing to innovate and adapt their working practices to deliver the best possible service to their clients are the ones who succeed.

What are the career prospects with your job? / Where could you or others in your position go to from here?

The career prospects for a lawyer are wide-ranging and extend well beyond the legal profession. This is evident from G+T's alumni, who include figures such as the Chair of the ACCC, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, and the Attorney-General of Australia, Michelle Rowland. Beyond such high-profile roles, lawyers at G+T may pursue partnership at the firm or transition to an in-house position, where they are employed directly by an organisation to advise on its day-to-day business operations rather than continuing in private practice.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

100%. G+T is home to a diverse range of individuals with varied backgrounds and lived experiences. The firm places real emphasis on "bringing your whole self to work," which was one of the biggest selling points for me in choosing to work here. Rather than fitting a particular mould, G+T seeks well-rounded individuals who adopt a curious mindset and exhibit positive energy and ambition.

What do you love the most about your job? Which kind of task do you enjoy the most?

What I love most about my job is the level of responsibility G+T entrusts to its graduates from the outset. Before starting the program, I assumed my days would be spent printing documents and handling admin that lawyers were too busy to get to. In hindsight, I could not have been more wrong! Over the past year, under the supervision of partners and senior lawyers, I have had the opportunity to draft and review contracts, prepare advices, and correspond directly with clients, opportunities that have been invaluable for developing my legal skills and progressing my career. As for the tasks I enjoy most, I am currently rotating through Technology and Digital, where I particularly enjoy drafting due diligence reports. The scope of that work is engaging, as it involves reviewing material IT contracts, assessing privacy policies, and reporting on cybersecurity risks.

What’s the biggest limitation of your job? Do you bear a lot of responsibility? Do you have to work on weekends? Are the stress levels high?

Working at a top-tier commercial law firm, I inevitably find myself in a fast-paced environment where I need to balance competing, tight deadlines. While this can lead to late nights in the run-up to deal closings, I have rarely worked on weekends. The team at G+T makes the experience manageable by fostering a supportive and collaborative culture, ensuring that I have the right level of guidance to rise to the demands of my role.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. Make the most of your university experience. Make an effort to join clubs or societies that interest you to expand your social circle beyond your school bubble.
2. Don’t let go of your hobbies. Although the volume of reading may ramp up in later years, continue making time for things you enjoy outside of your studies to avoid burnout. 
3. Get your body moving! Exercise is one of the best ways to keep yourself in a good headspace.

My name is Amy and I’m a graduate in the Perth office, currently rotating through the Banking and Projects group. I studied a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Western Australia, majoring in Business Law and Work & Employment Relations, before completing my Juris Doctor there in 2025.

1. Where did you grow up? Important stages of your life (school, education, experience abroad, jobs etc.)

I grew up in Nedlands in Perth and went to Methodist Ladies’ College but finished high school at Iona Presentation College. My family is from overseas, so I was fortunate to spend a lot of time in Scotland growing up and experience life over there. During university, I worked as a swimming coach and supervisor at a swim school, and once I started my JD I began also working as the legal intern at a private equity firm. After completing my summer clerkship at Gilbert + Tobin (G+T) I returned shortly afterwards as a paralegal, working a couple of days a week before coming back as a graduate in 2026.

1. How did you get to your current job position? For how long have you had it?

I applied for G+T’s clerkship program online and worked through the various stages of the application and interview process. I was fortunate enough to be offered a summer clerkship, and after that I returned as a paralegal a couple of days a week for the following 12 months. From there, I accepted an offer for a graduate position starting in 2026 and have been working as a graduate at G+T for a couple of months now.

Applying for our job

1. How did you choose your specialisation (compared to others)? Were you weighing up any other alternatives before choosing this specialisation?

I’m currently rotating through the Banking and Projects practice area, having spent the previous 12 months as a paralegal in the Corporate Advisory (‘CA’) team before starting as a graduate. After that time working in CA, I wanted to try a new area first and banking was one that genuinely interested me – I also thought that it would be a really great learning experience. When it came to making the decision, I was weighing up a rotation in Energy, Resources and Infrastructure against Banking and Projects and ultimately decided I was drawn most to banking and felt the type of work aligned well with what I hoped to do in the future.

1. What was your interview process like? What kind of questions were you asked?

After submitting my application, the first step was a video interview in which I was asked three questions and given a short window to record each response. Those questions focused on my use of technology as well as my personal interests and hobbies outside of work. The next step was an in-person interview with a partner and a senior lawyer at G+T, which was held alongside an information session with graduates, lawyers, and partners and a networking evening with the wider office. Having all of these interview events on one evening really streamlined the process and made the whole experience feel much more comfortable and relaxed. The interview itself was genuinely conversational - the lawyers asked about my interests and the work I’d previously done and given G+T’s focus on advancing its use of AI, there were also some questions about how I had used AI both personally and professionally.

1. Suppose a student was considering your career. What would you advise them to study? Are there any soft skills that would beneficial for them to develop? Should they pursue any sort of work experience?

Studying an undergraduate degree in Business Law was really helpful, both for my law degree and for transitioning into a commercial law firm with a solid foundation in some of the key practice areas. Beyond formal study, I would say getting as much experience as you can is invaluable – whether that’s general office admin or legal work. Understanding how an office operates day-to-day made a real difference, and having even a basic grasp of the legal work assisted me going into my clerkship. Ultimately, pursue as much work experience as you can; not only is it valued by potential employers, but it will serve you very well as you step into the early stages of your legal career.

My clerkship experience at Gilbert + Tobin (‘G+T’) was nothing short of transformative. From the moment I stepped into the firm, I was welcomed into a culture driven by respect and inclusion, entrepreneurism, integrity and active citizenship. The people at G+T are not only highly skilled professionals but also approachable and supportive mentors.

One of the standout aspects of my clerkship was the opportunity to work across multiple practice areas. I clerked in Banking + Projects (Real Estate) and Competition, Consumer + Market Regulation teams, each offering a unique perspective on the legal landscape. This rotation system allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of different legal fields and helped me identify my areas of interest. The inductions and training allowed me to feel prepared and hit the ground running.

The selection process at G+T was rigorous but fair. It involved several stages, including an initial application, psychometric testing, and Super Saturday. Throughout this process I felt supported and encouraged to showcase my true self. I was assigned a buddy to help me through the process. The interviews were engaging and provided a platform to discuss my experiences, skills, and aspirations.

During my clerkship, I had the privilege of working closely with partners and lawyers. One memorable experience was assisting on an ACCC enforcement proceeding against Mastercard. My tasks included conducting various research assignments, drafting a board paper update, attending a meeting with counsel for the other side, and drafting speaking notes. This experience allowed me to engage deeply with the case and contribute to the team's efforts in a meaningful way.

The culture at G+T is one of its greatest strengths. The firm fosters an environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute and innovate. The flat structure and hierarchy mean that help and guidance are always available, and there is a strong emphasis on teamwork. I felt as if I had a lot of support and could get involved in real-life matters. The social side of the clerkship was equally enriching, with regular events that allowed us to bond with colleagues and build lasting relationships. We had endless coffee dates, lunch dates, and clerk sports. Fridays were especially fun with after-work drinks. We also enjoyed a clerk cruise and a weekend getaway to the Hunter Valley.

One of the most unexpected aspects of my clerkship was the level of responsibility and trust placed in clerks. We were given substantial work and treated as valuable team members from day one. This trust motivated me to perform at my best and take ownership of my tasks. Additionally, the firm’s commitment to pro bono work provided a fulfilling opportunity to give back to the community and work on meaningful projects. I got involved in various pro bono tasks, including assisting with an AI guideline for community legal centres.

I was given the opportunity to attend a client training at their on-site office. I was involved in a large telco merger, an enforcement proceeding, various property acquisitions and dispositions, research tasks, and attended meetings with counsel and various training sessions. These experiences provided a comprehensive understanding of different legal processes and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to significant projects.

For future applicants and clerks, my advice is to stay curious, be proactive, and embrace every learning opportunity. The clerkship is a time to explore, ask questions, and develop your professional identity. Start preparing early, focus on understanding the firm’s values and culture, and be genuine in your interactions. Networking events are a great opportunity to build meaningful connections, so approach them with an open mind and a genuine interest in others.

Reflecting on my time at G+T, I am grateful for the professional relationships I have built, the practical skills I have developed, and the confidence I have gained in my legal abilities.