Real Estate & Projects
Four things that surprise law clerks and graduates about real estate and property law.
When students consider which area of law to pursue, real estate and commercial property might not always be their first choice. The content discussed in university lectures can often feel quite different from how it plays out in the real world. However, for many Lander & Rogers seasonal clerks and graduates, once they experience the work, they discover a dynamic practice with interesting clients and rewarding work.
Hear what our seasonal law clerks and graduates said:
1. "Real estate law is more than just leases and sales"
While real estate law might sound like it revolves around leases and property sales, that's just the start. Joseph Lau, a 2023 graduate and now a lawyer in Lander & Rogers' Real Estate & Projects group, explains:
"The scope of the practice covers the full lifecycle of real estate, construction, renewable energy, and planning and environment—buying, selling, leasing, demolishing, and developing. The work deals with large commercial offices, retail, sports and entertainment precincts, critical infrastructure, and industrial sites across Australia. You're quickly brought up to speed on current issues facing landowners, tenants, or developers, which allows you to rapidly build confidence and skill as a lawyer."
What does this mean for clerks and graduates in practice?
The Real Estate and Projects team at Lander & Rogers handles a diverse range of projects, including:
- major capital transactions
- asset management and development
- infrastructure and development projects
- construction
- structuring and debt
- real estate disputes, including compulsory acquisition.
2. "We gained more hands-on experience with major brands than expected"
Another surprise? The role goes far beyond research. Here at the firm, we believe that working on live matters helps future lawyers to accelerate their learning. Clerks and graduates assist with real deals involving well-known brands, preparing them for a smooth transition into practice.
As Matt Milenkovic reflects:
"On joining the team, I was struck by the commercial and engaging nature of the work and was excited by the prospect of working on matters involving large national and multinational companies on commercial properties across Australia—especially so early in my career."
What does this mean in practice?
Clients of Lander & Rogers' real estate & projects team include:
- Wesfarmers
- Coles
- Charter Hall
- Bunnings, among others.
3. "The mentoring from senior lawyers was incredibly supportive"
Before starting a clerkship or graduate program, some law students assume they'll play an observer role. Instead, Lander & Rogers clerks and graduates are paired with senior lawyers who actively invest in their learning, offering mentoring and support with real client interaction.
Former clerks share that they greatly value the opportunity to work closely with partners and handle real client work. Many describe being entrusted with meaningful responsibilities—communicating directly with clients, drafting documents, managing files, and taking ownership of matters—all while receiving guidance and support from a senior lawyer.
As a seasonal clerk or graduate, you will benefit from:
- directly working with partners and senior associates
- real client interactions, not just behind-the-scenes work
- early exposure to strategy and decision-making.
4. "We were given an exciting level of involvement in real cases"
Unlike theoretical exercises in university, at Lander & Rogers you are given responsibilities that have a tangible impact. From day one, clerks and graduates play a critical role in supporting legal teams and clients.
Your responsibilities will involve:
- writing and reviewing contracts
- drafting legal correspondence
- conducting legal research to support ongoing matters
- attending client meetings and participating in negotiations
- assisting with due diligence in transactions.
Interested in joining us?
If you're ready to join the most popular clerkship employer and top 10 most popular law employer in Australia, as recognised by the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Graduate Employer Awards 2025, visit our student and graduate recruitment page to find out how you can gain valuable hands-on experience in one of the most dynamic practice areas.