1. Competition
Firms say they get up to 1000 applicants.
Freehills take the most: 50-60 clerks
Mallesons 30-40
Allens 40
Other big firms (BD, Clayton Utz): in the 30s
Mid tier firms (HDY, G+T): 10-15
That's around 300-400 spots for the commercial firms and however many more for the government...