CLERKSHIP OFFER DAY GUIDE
Navigating offers, decisions & alternative pathways
RESOURCES
Offer day can feel exciting, disappointing or overwhelming. Please remember that support is available through these services.
Support Services Deakin Counselling & Psychological Support (CAPS) Deakin Counselling & Psychological Support Beyond Blue Call 1300 22 4636 or use online counselling. Beyond Blue Support Service Lifeline Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or use online chat. Lifeline ReachOut Australia ReachOut Australia
Please Note: This guide has been prepared by the Deakin Law Students’ Society for general educational and informational purposes only. Recruitment processes may vary between firms, and students should rely on current firm communications and applicable Law Institute of Victoria guidelines.
KNOW THE RULES Offers may be made from 10am on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
If an offer is made after 1pm, the offer may remain open until at least 10am the next business day.
An offer generally remains open for at least 4 business hours.
You may not be able to hold more than 4 offers for more than 2 business hours.
OFFER DAY TIPS
A little preparation makes the day much easier. Keep your morning as clear as possible from 10am onwards. Rank the firms you interviewed with. Check your junk/spam folder. Review written offers carefully. Keep your phone charged and email notifications on. Remember: A phone call does not mean you need to say yes immediately. You can thank them, review the written offer and decide within the permitted timeframe.
JUST AFTER 10AM — STILL WAITING TO HEAR? 10:00 am is the earliest offers can be made — not a deadline for firms to contact you.
Monitor communications: Continue checking your email, junk/spam folder, missed calls and voicemail. Review firm instructions: Check any offer-day guidance or previous communications from the firm. Follow up appropriately: If some time has passed, you may contact the firm’s graduate recruitment team to ask whether offers are still being made and whether they can provide an update on your application. Mention any deadlines: If you are holding another offer with a response deadline, you may note this when requesting an update. Keep contact measured: Limit follow-up to one courteous enquiry unless the firm advises otherwise. Avoid comparisons: Firms may contact candidates at different times, so another applicant’s timing may not reflect your own outcome.
RESPONDING TO AN OFFER
Disclaimer: The following responses are provided as general templates only. Adapt the wording to suit your circumstances and the specific firm.
ACCEPT “Thank you very much for the offer. I am delighted to accept the seasonal clerkship with [Firm] and really appreciate the opportunity.”
DECLINE “Thank you very much for the offer and for the time invested throughout the process. After careful consideration, I have decided to move forward with another offer, but I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
NEED TIME “Thank you very much for the offer. I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I’d like to take some time to review the details of the written offer before making my final decision, and I’ll get back to you within the required timeframe.”
CHOOSING BETWEEN OFFERS
Find what fits you best among the offering firms. Dates Can I realistically commit to the proposed intake?
Firm Type Consider whether you are drawn to global/cross-border work, a national Australian practice, or a smaller specialist firm.
Practice Groups Which areas of law genuinely interest you, and does the firm offer strong exposure to them?
Culture What kind of environment and people bring out your best?
EXPLORING OTHER PATHWAYS A clerkship is one pathway into the profession — not the only one.
Paralegal & legal assistant roles
Boutique and smaller firms
In-house legal teams
Legal internships
Policy, compliance & legal operations
Judges’ associateships