Summer Clerk Experience 2024/2025

Here is what Nicole Cutler had to say about her summer at Harkness Henry:

Internships are a pivotal part of gaining real world experience and insights into the world of law outside of academia. As a law student at the University of Waikato with an interest in employment law, I was fortunate to spend my summer working as an intern at Harkness Henry.

Reflecting on my time with the Harkness Henry team, it has strengthened my knowledge of employment law while also providing me with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the day-to-day realities of working in a busy law firm. I have thrived under the guidance of my supervising partner whose emphasis on achieving high-quality work resulting in successful outcomes for our clients has been invaluable.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was the opportunity to start working on active matters immediately. From the moment I walked in, I was assisting in a meaningful way on various employment law matters, ranging from drafting employment agreements to attending mediations as an observer.

Overall, my summer internship at Harkness Henry has been an unforgettable experience. It has reinforced my passion for employment law and helping people identify what their issues are, and identifying a path to resolution, with confidence. Having experienced a blend of real-world legal practice and invaluable mentorship has provided me with skills and knowledge that I hope to take with me through my future legal career.

I am grateful for the opportunity with Harkness Henry and the opportunity to work with an inspiring team that is genuine and highly skilled in their areas of expertise. The team is passionate and always willing to help, with an underlying emphasis on mentorship. Paired with the high-quality supervision, Harkness Henry fosters an environment of shared learning and strong collaboration between teams. The firm’s positive culture, focus on work-life balance and flexibility has been invaluable in my career change while balancing family commitments.

Over the course of the summer, I have developed key skills in employment law but also grown personally. Mentoring at Harkness Henry has meant that I am given the opportunity to attempt a piece of work and then have this reviewed by my supervising partner who makes changes to my work while explaining why and how the change will impact our clients.

Once you get over the initial disheartenment of knowing how much you have to learn, every day is incredibly satisfying as you get to learn, building on each previous step. The security of having your supervising partner guide your output means I am confident that I am in an environment where I can continually grow in a positive way.

If you are considering an internship in a law firm, my advice would be to seize the opportunity at Harkness Henry. Bringing an open mind and a strong work ethic from the start and will support you on your learning journey. If you are someone who brings key qualities of curiosity, innovation, and passion you will be able to challenge yourself and see how far you can go.